RE: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
Is there actually a nest, or just a platform that he is simply using as a perch? Marie Marie Read Wildlife Photography 452 Ringwood Road Freeville NY 13068 USA Phone 607-539-6608 e-mail m...@cornell.edu http://www.marieread.com Author of Sierra Wings: Birds of the Mono Lake BasinAvailable here: http://marieread.photoshelter.com/gallery/Sierra-Wings-Birds-of-the-Mono-Lake-Basin/GNlCxX37uTzE/CBPFGij6nLfE From: bounce-119030403-5851...@list.cornell.edu [bounce-119030403-5851...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Linda Orkin [wingmagi...@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2015 8:48 AM To: Karel V. Sedlacek Cc: CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back Thanks Karel. I only just noticed this nest platform a few weeks ago. Have since been casually keeping an eye out. Good to know. Linda Sent from my iPhone On Apr 9, 2015, at 7:23 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edumailto:k...@cornell.edu wrote: First definite sigthing of Olin the Game Farm Osprey Nest male was 7:50 AM on the NW tower at GF. He was happily eating a Koi fish. 8:20 AM he flew to the new nest riser and flapped, poked around and sat for a few minutes. Then off down the tree line west and then south to the reservoir or Common Lands. Later, 12:45-1:10 Olin ate another fish and worked on the nest. Landed briefly on one of the double sided poles then went to the Nest. Mr Lefty, the RTHA was near by both times and appeared at ease. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basicshttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Informationhttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leavehttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm Archives: The Mail Archivehttp://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Surfbirdshttp://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Nethttp://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBirdhttp://ebird.org/content/ebird/! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basicshttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Informationhttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leavehttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm Archives: The Mail Archivehttp://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Surfbirdshttp://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Nethttp://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBirdhttp://ebird.org/content/ebird/! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[cayugabirds-l] Great Egrets at Sapsucker Woods
There are two Great Egrets at the back of the pond at Sapsucker Woods this morning. Anne Marie Johnson -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
RE: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
David, Thank you for your thoughts. See my comments below. Karel From: Dave Nutter [mailto:nutter.d...@me.com] Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2015 10:31 AM To: Karel V. Sedlacek Cc: CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back This nest platform is installed atop one of several poles for lights for McGovern Fields, replacing (literally) a nest which Ospreys built atop the same pole, right? McGovern Fields occupy the NE corner of the fields between East Hill Plaza, Ellis Hollow Road, Game Farm Road and Cascadilla Creek with the east end of the East Ithaca Recreationway. KVS-The 2014 nest was atop the south center, double-side light pole at the McGovern Fields. This caused the lights to be turned off for the duration of the nesting season. Plans were made for a replacement location and through the efforts of a lot of folks a riser, built by the Musco Lighting Co was installed on the SW tower. In case other Ospreys start nesting near Game Farm Road, maybe refering to McGovern Fields would be better, at least until another of those light poles gets built upon! KVS-It is unlikely (that is the hope anyway) that another Osprey family will build on another of the poles at the fields-the outside poles are single-side, and the center double-sided poles now have bird-deterrents on them. In addition, Olin and Olive spent considerable energy last season dissuading other Ospreys from the area. Having said that, names are flexible and can be adjusted as needed. The Ithaca reservoir and Commonland are along Six-mile Creek south of NYS-79, which is in the next drainage behind Snyder Hill and perhaps difficult to see from McGovern Fields, so was that really where you meant the Osprey flew? KVS1-Yes. This was Olin's pattern of behavior last year when going to Common Lands: circle over the tree line to make a threat assessment near the nest, fly west down Cascadilla, to East Hill and linger to assess the area, then turn south and head towards Six-Mile Creek. Having chased him several times this is his typical pattern. When Olive is in the nest he can make the roundtrip with a fish in 12 mins. He sometimes does make the turn up Snyder Hill Rd. How do you ID the birds as individuals? Is it an assumption based on gender (general plumage and relative size) and presence or behavior at the site, or are there specific characteristics of individual birds that you use? KVS-Gender, based on plumage, Olin has no necklace, Olive has the lightest Necklace in the southern basin to-date. Olin has a distinctive set of markings on the top and back of the head. Absolutely behavior: Koi fish raided from Snyder Hill, NW tower, bite the fish, look both ways, drop part of fish, flying routes as described above. I recently saw an Osprey perched beside the platform at the NW corner of Newman Golf Course and wondered if that indicated it was being used. Moments later I saw an Osprey flying from that direction toward Union Fields, so now I wonder if it was one of the Union Fields pair just checking it out. I don't know how you keep track of individuals. Ospreys love to do things after a fashion-you do your best to learn them and id based on that. --Dave Nutter On Apr 09, 2015, at 07:24 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edumailto:k...@cornell.edu wrote: First definite sigthing of Olin the Game Farm Osprey Nest male was 7:50 AM on the NW tower at GF. He was happily eating a Koi fish. 8:20 AM he flew to the new nest riser and flapped, poked around and sat for a few minutes. Then off down the tree line west and then south to the reservoir or Common Lands. Later, 12:45-1:10 Olin ate another fish and worked on the nest. Landed briefly on one of the double sided poles then went to the Nest. Mr Lefty, the RTHA was near by both times and appeared at ease. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basicshttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Informationhttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leavehttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm Archives: The Mail Archivehttp://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Surfbirdshttp://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Nethttp://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBirdhttp://ebird.org/content/ebird/! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
This nest platform is installed atop one of several poles for lights for McGovern Fields, replacing (literally) a nest which Ospreys built atop the same pole, right? McGovern Fields occupy the NE corner of the fields between East Hill Plaza, Ellis Hollow Road, Game Farm Road and Cascadilla Creek with the east end of the East Ithaca Recreationway. In case other Ospreys start nesting near Game Farm Road, maybe refering to McGovern Fields would be better, at least until another of those light poles gets built upon! The Ithaca reservoir and Commonland are along Six-mile Creek south of NYS-79, which is in the next drainage behind Snyder Hill and perhaps difficult to see from McGovern Fields, so was that really where you meant the Osprey flew? How do you ID the birds as individuals? Is it an assumption based on gender (general plumage and relative size) and presence or behavior at the site, or are there specific characteristics of individual birds that you use? I recently saw an Osprey perched beside the platform at the NW corner of Newman Golf Course and wondered if that indicated it was being used. Moments later I saw an Osprey flying from that direction toward Union Fields, so now I wonder if it was one of the Union Fields pair just checking it out. I don't know how you keep track of individuals. --Dave Nutter On Apr 09, 2015, at 07:24 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edu wrote: First definite sigthing of Olin the Game Farm Osprey Nest male was 7:50 AM on the NW tower at GF. He was happily eating a Koi fish. 8:20 AM he flew to the new nest riser and flapped, poked around and sat for a few minutes. Then off down the tree line west and then south to the reservoir or Common Lands. Later, 12:45-1:10 Olin ate another fish and worked on the nest. Landed briefly on one of the double sided poles then went to the Nest. Mr Lefty, the RTHA was near by both times and appeared at ease. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds BirdingOnThe.Net Please submit your observations to eBird! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
Thanks Karel, very interesting and a great jumping off place to increase enjoyment of osprey observation. Linda On Thu, Apr 9, 2015 at 10:57 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edu wrote: David, Thank you for your thoughts. See my comments below. Karel *From:* Dave Nutter [mailto:nutter.d...@me.com] *Sent:* Thursday, April 09, 2015 10:31 AM *To:* Karel V. Sedlacek *Cc:* CAYUGABIRDS-L *Subject:* Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back This nest platform is installed atop one of several poles for lights for McGovern Fields, replacing (literally) a nest which Ospreys built atop the same pole, right? McGovern Fields occupy the NE corner of the fields between East Hill Plaza, Ellis Hollow Road, Game Farm Road and Cascadilla Creek with the east end of the East Ithaca Recreationway. KVS—The 2014 nest was atop the south center, double-side light pole at the McGovern Fields. This caused the lights to be turned off for the duration of the nesting season. Plans were made for a replacement location and through the efforts of a lot of folks a riser, built by the Musco Lighting Co was installed on the SW tower. In case other Ospreys start nesting near Game Farm Road, maybe refering to McGovern Fields would be better, at least until another of those light poles gets built upon! KVS—It is unlikely (that is the hope anyway) that another Osprey family will build on another of the poles at the fields—the outside poles are single-side, and the center double-sided poles now have bird-deterrents on them. In addition, Olin and Olive spent considerable energy last season dissuading other Ospreys from the area. Having said that, names are flexible and can be adjusted as needed. The Ithaca reservoir and Commonland are along Six-mile Creek south of NYS-79, which is in the next drainage behind Snyder Hill and perhaps difficult to see from McGovern Fields, so was that really where you meant the Osprey flew? KVS1—Yes. This was Olin’s pattern of behavior last year when going to Common Lands: circle over the tree line to make a threat assessment near the nest, fly west down Cascadilla, to East Hill and linger to assess the area, then turn south and head towards Six-Mile Creek. Having chased him several times this is his typical pattern. When Olive is in the nest he can make the roundtrip with a fish in 12 mins. He sometimes does make the turn up Snyder Hill Rd. How do you ID the birds as individuals? Is it an assumption based on gender (general plumage and relative size) and presence or behavior at the site, or are there specific characteristics of individual birds that you use? KVS—Gender, based on plumage, Olin has no necklace, Olive has the lightest Necklace in the southern basin to-date. Olin has a distinctive set of markings on the top and back of the head. Absolutely behavior: Koi fish raided from Snyder Hill, NW tower, bite the fish, look both ways, drop part of fish, flying routes as described above. I recently saw an Osprey perched beside the platform at the NW corner of Newman Golf Course and wondered if that indicated it was being used. Moments later I saw an Osprey flying from that direction toward Union Fields, so now I wonder if it was one of the Union Fields pair just checking it out. I don't know how you keep track of individuals. Ospreys love to do things after a fashion—you do your best to learn them and id based on that. --Dave Nutter On Apr 09, 2015, at 07:24 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edu wrote: First definite sigthing of Olin the Game Farm Osprey Nest male was 7:50 AM on the NW tower at GF. He was happily eating a Koi fish. 8:20 AM he flew to the new nest riser and flapped, poked around and sat for a few minutes. Then off down the tree line west and then south to the reservoir or Common Lands. Later, 12:45-1:10 Olin ate another fish and worked on the nest. Landed briefly on one of the double sided poles then went to the Nest. Mr Lefty, the RTHA was near by both times and appeared at ease. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone -- *Cayugabirds-L List Info:* Welcome and Basics http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Information http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leave http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm *Archives:* The Mail Archive http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Surfbirds http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Net http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html *Please submit your observations to eBird http://ebird.org/content/ebird/!* -- -- *Cayugabirds-L List Info:* Welcome and Basics http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Information http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
[cayugabirds-l] Barn Swallows are Back
This morning there were some 200 Tree Swallows hawking insects at the mouth of Salmon Creek (Myers town park) accompanied by a dozen Barn Swallows and a single Northern Rough-winged Swallow (spotted by Jay McGowan) flying up the lake. No Cliff Swallows that either of us could pick out. In addition there was a cooperative Glaucous Gull on the spit with a small number of Ring-billed, Herring, and Greater Black-backed Gulls. Bob McGuire -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
RE:[cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
The date was 4/8/2015. Hollie sighted an Osprey flying over Game Farm and Rt 366 afternoon of 4/7/2015. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone Original message From: Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edu Date: 04/09/2015 7:23 AM (GMT-05:00) To: CAYUGABIRDS-L cayugabird...@list.cornell.edu Subject: Olin the Osprey is back First definite sigthing of Olin the Game Farm Osprey Nest male was 7:50 AM on the NW tower at GF. He was happily eating a Koi fish. 8:20 AM he flew to the new nest riser and flapped, poked around and sat for a few minutes. Then off down the tree line west and then south to the reservoir or Common Lands. Later, 12:45-1:10 Olin ate another fish and worked on the nest. Landed briefly on one of the double sided poles then went to the Nest. Mr Lefty, the RTHA was near by both times and appeared at ease. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
When I looked with binoculars last week I could see sticks. But I assumed even then that the sticks had been placed as a lure. I probably shouldn't be answering because I'm sure Karel knows much more than I do. Linda Sent from my iPhone On Apr 9, 2015, at 8:52 AM, Marie P. Read m...@cornell.edu wrote: Is there actually a nest, or just a platform that he is simply using as a perch? Marie Marie Read Wildlife Photography 452 Ringwood Road Freeville NY 13068 USA Phone 607-539-6608 e-mail m...@cornell.edu http://www.marieread.com Author of Sierra Wings: Birds of the Mono Lake BasinAvailable here: http://marieread.photoshelter.com/gallery/Sierra-Wings-Birds-of-the-Mono-Lake-Basin/GNlCxX37uTzE/CBPFGij6nLfE From: bounce-119030403-5851...@list.cornell.edu [bounce-119030403-5851...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Linda Orkin [wingmagi...@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2015 8:48 AM To: Karel V. Sedlacek Cc: CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back Thanks Karel. I only just noticed this nest platform a few weeks ago. Have since been casually keeping an eye out. Good to know. Linda Sent from my iPhone On Apr 9, 2015, at 7:23 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edumailto:k...@cornell.edu wrote: First definite sigthing of Olin the Game Farm Osprey Nest male was 7:50 AM on the NW tower at GF. He was happily eating a Koi fish. 8:20 AM he flew to the new nest riser and flapped, poked around and sat for a few minutes. Then off down the tree line west and then south to the reservoir or Common Lands. Later, 12:45-1:10 Olin ate another fish and worked on the nest. Landed briefly on one of the double sided poles then went to the Nest. Mr Lefty, the RTHA was near by both times and appeared at ease. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basicshttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Informationhttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leavehttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm Archives: The Mail Archivehttp://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Surfbirdshttp://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Nethttp://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBirdhttp://ebird.org/content/ebird/! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basicshttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Informationhttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leavehttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm Archives: The Mail Archivehttp://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Surfbirdshttp://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Nethttp://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBirdhttp://ebird.org/content/ebird/! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
Thanks Karel. I only just noticed this nest platform a few weeks ago. Have since been casually keeping an eye out. Good to know. Linda Sent from my iPhone On Apr 9, 2015, at 7:23 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edu wrote: First definite sigthing of Olin the Game Farm Osprey Nest male was 7:50 AM on the NW tower at GF. He was happily eating a Koi fish. 8:20 AM he flew to the new nest riser and flapped, poked around and sat for a few minutes. Then off down the tree line west and then south to the reservoir or Common Lands. Later, 12:45-1:10 Olin ate another fish and worked on the nest. Landed briefly on one of the double sided poles then went to the Nest. Mr Lefty, the RTHA was near by both times and appeared at ease. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds BirdingOnThe.Net Please submit your observations to eBird! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
RE: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Lake Ospreys
Wonderful Candace. From: bounce-119032375-64835...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-119032375-64835...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of John Confer Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2015 2:27 PM To: Candace Cornell; CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Lake Ospreys This is just awesome. I can hardly wait to see the map by you and Karen. Is there some way we general public could contribute to some guesstimate of the number fledged from all these nests? And to think, in the middle of the DDT usage, there were no active Osprey nests in upstate New York. Sometimes we win an environmental issue! John On 4/9/2015 12:11 PM, Candace Cornell wrote: This is a great time to get out and watch the ospreys performing their tandem courtship flight swooping, looping, and circling together in the wind. It's also the time when the males perform their spectacular sky dances above the nests. These behaviors only last for a few weeks so enjoy them while you can. All the established local osprey nests in the Ithaca (Union Fields, Treman Marina, and Game Farm Rd) and Lansing (Portland Point and Salt Point) areas have been reclaimed by their owners. The new platforms at Stewart Park, the Newman golf Course, and the two at Portland Point are still not occupied, but the season is just starting. However the platform on Myers Hill and the new one at Salt Point (now there are two) have both had ospreys bringing sticks to them. Whether they'll successfully establish nests and attract mates is still up in the air, but the prospects look good. Many of the nests from Union Springs to the Montezuma area were reclaimed by last weekend and I expect the rest to be occupied any day now. If anyone sees any osprey nests on the west side of the lake, please send me an email with the location. On the west side there are nests at Dean's Cove, on Footes Corners Rd in Interlaken, and at the Seneca Golf Club, but other than that, I haven't found any more. The shallow shelf where the ospreys can fish is narrower on the west side than on the east side and at the ends of the lake, but it still should support some ospreys. So far I have documented 53 nests around the lake, although I don't know yet how many of them will be used this year. Karen Edelstein and I are developing an interactive Cayuga Lake Osprey Trail map showing the locations of the nests visible from public roads for every one's viewing pleasure. We should have it ready within the month so stayed tuned. Thank you all for your help! Candace cec...@gmail.commailto:cec...@gmail.com -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basicshttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Informationhttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leavehttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm Archives: The Mail Archivehttp://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Surfbirdshttp://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Nethttp://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBirdhttp://ebird.org/content/ebird/! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basicshttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Informationhttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leavehttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm Archives: The Mail Archivehttp://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Surfbirdshttp://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Nethttp://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBirdhttp://ebird.org/content/ebird/! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
First definite sigthing of Olin the Game Farm Osprey Nest male was 7:50 AM on the NW tower at GF. He was happily eating a Koi fish. 8:20 AM he flew to the new nest riser and flapped, poked around and sat for a few minutes. Then off down the tree line west and then south to the reservoir or Common Lands. Later, 12:45-1:10 Olin ate another fish and worked on the nest. Landed briefly on one of the double sided poles then went to the Nest. Mr Lefty, the RTHA was near by both times and appeared at ease. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
RE: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
Linda, Marie, When the new nest pole riser was installed on 3/4/2015 the old nest was re-installed. Best, Karel -Original Message- From: Linda Orkin [mailto:wingmagi...@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2015 8:59 AM To: Marie P. Read Cc: Karel V. Sedlacek; CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back When I looked with binoculars last week I could see sticks. But I assumed even then that the sticks had been placed as a lure. I probably shouldn't be answering because I'm sure Karel knows much more than I do. Linda Sent from my iPhone On Apr 9, 2015, at 8:52 AM, Marie P. Read m...@cornell.edumailto:m...@cornell.edu wrote: Is there actually a nest, or just a platform that he is simply using as a perch? Marie Marie Read Wildlife Photography 452 Ringwood Road Freeville NY 13068 USA Phone 607-539-6608 e-mail m...@cornell.edumailto:m...@cornell.edu http://www.marieread.com Author of Sierra Wings: Birds of the Mono Lake BasinAvailable here: http://marieread.photoshelter.com/gallery/Sierra-Wings-Birds-of-the-Mo no-Lake-Basin/GNlCxX37uTzE/CBPFGij6nLfE From: bounce-119030403-5851...@list.cornell.edumailto:bounce-119030403-5851...@list.cornell.edu [bounce-119030403-5851...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Linda Orkin [wingmagi...@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2015 8:48 AM To: Karel V. Sedlacek Cc: CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back Thanks Karel. I only just noticed this nest platform a few weeks ago. Have since been casually keeping an eye out. Good to know. Linda Sent from my iPhone On Apr 9, 2015, at 7:23 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edumailto:k...@cornell.edumailto:k...@cornell.edu%3cmailto:k...@cornell.edu wrote: First definite sigthing of Olin the Game Farm Osprey Nest male was 7:50 AM on the NW tower at GF. He was happily eating a Koi fish. 8:20 AM he flew to the new nest riser and flapped, poked around and sat for a few minutes. Then off down the tree line west and then south to the reservoir or Common Lands. Later, 12:45-1:10 Olin ate another fish and worked on the nest. Landed briefly on one of the double sided poles then went to the Nest. Mr Lefty, the RTHA was near by both times and appeared at ease. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basicshttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Informationhttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leavehttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfiguratio nLeave.htm Archives: The Mail Archivehttp://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist .html Surfbirdshttp://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Nethttp://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBirdhttp://ebird.org/content/ebird/! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basicshttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Informationhttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leavehttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfiguratio nLeave.htm Archives: The Mail Archivehttp://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist .html Surfbirdshttp://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Nethttp://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBirdhttp://ebird.org/content/ebird/! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave .htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
The necklace is not really a reliable method for sexing Ospreys in the field. Males can and do show the necklace, and there's lots of overlap. As Alan Poole states in the BNA account, sexes often difficult to distinguish in the field. Furthermore, it's quite a stretch to take a bunch of generalized, common behaviors that almost all Ospreys would display, and assign them to a particular individual because one feels it's their fashion. It's nice that folks are so interested in the local nesting pairs, but perhaps it's wise not to go overboard with assumptions about how much we know about individuals unless we're reading band numbers off of them like with the campus Red-tails. -Scott On Thu, Apr 9, 2015 at 10:57 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edu wrote: David, Thank you for your thoughts. See my comments below. Karel *From:* Dave Nutter [mailto:nutter.d...@me.com] *Sent:* Thursday, April 09, 2015 10:31 AM *To:* Karel V. Sedlacek *Cc:* CAYUGABIRDS-L *Subject:* Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back This nest platform is installed atop one of several poles for lights for McGovern Fields, replacing (literally) a nest which Ospreys built atop the same pole, right? McGovern Fields occupy the NE corner of the fields between East Hill Plaza, Ellis Hollow Road, Game Farm Road and Cascadilla Creek with the east end of the East Ithaca Recreationway. KVS—The 2014 nest was atop the south center, double-side light pole at the McGovern Fields. This caused the lights to be turned off for the duration of the nesting season. Plans were made for a replacement location and through the efforts of a lot of folks a riser, built by the Musco Lighting Co was installed on the SW tower. In case other Ospreys start nesting near Game Farm Road, maybe refering to McGovern Fields would be better, at least until another of those light poles gets built upon! KVS—It is unlikely (that is the hope anyway) that another Osprey family will build on another of the poles at the fields—the outside poles are single-side, and the center double-sided poles now have bird-deterrents on them. In addition, Olin and Olive spent considerable energy last season dissuading other Ospreys from the area. Having said that, names are flexible and can be adjusted as needed. The Ithaca reservoir and Commonland are along Six-mile Creek south of NYS-79, which is in the next drainage behind Snyder Hill and perhaps difficult to see from McGovern Fields, so was that really where you meant the Osprey flew? KVS1—Yes. This was Olin’s pattern of behavior last year when going to Common Lands: circle over the tree line to make a threat assessment near the nest, fly west down Cascadilla, to East Hill and linger to assess the area, then turn south and head towards Six-Mile Creek. Having chased him several times this is his typical pattern. When Olive is in the nest he can make the roundtrip with a fish in 12 mins. He sometimes does make the turn up Snyder Hill Rd. How do you ID the birds as individuals? Is it an assumption based on gender (general plumage and relative size) and presence or behavior at the site, or are there specific characteristics of individual birds that you use? KVS—Gender, based on plumage, Olin has no necklace, Olive has the lightest Necklace in the southern basin to-date. Olin has a distinctive set of markings on the top and back of the head. Absolutely behavior: Koi fish raided from Snyder Hill, NW tower, bite the fish, look both ways, drop part of fish, flying routes as described above. I recently saw an Osprey perched beside the platform at the NW corner of Newman Golf Course and wondered if that indicated it was being used. Moments later I saw an Osprey flying from that direction toward Union Fields, so now I wonder if it was one of the Union Fields pair just checking it out. I don't know how you keep track of individuals. Ospreys love to do things after a fashion—you do your best to learn them and id based on that. --Dave Nutter On Apr 09, 2015, at 07:24 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edu wrote: First definite sigthing of Olin the Game Farm Osprey Nest male was 7:50 AM on the NW tower at GF. He was happily eating a Koi fish. 8:20 AM he flew to the new nest riser and flapped, poked around and sat for a few minutes. Then off down the tree line west and then south to the reservoir or Common Lands. Later, 12:45-1:10 Olin ate another fish and worked on the nest. Landed briefly on one of the double sided poles then went to the Nest. Mr Lefty, the RTHA was near by both times and appeared at ease. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone -- *Cayugabirds-L List Info:* Welcome and Basics http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Information http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
[cayugabirds-l] Flicker
Yesterday had our foy FLICKER, a male. Today we had a female. Beautiful birds! Larry -- W. Larry Hymes 120 Vine Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 (H) 607-277-0759, w...@cornell.edu -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Lake Ospreys
This is just awesome. I can hardly wait to see the map by you and Karen. Is there some way we general public could contribute to some guesstimate of the number fledged from all these nests? And to think, in the middle of the DDT usage, there were no active Osprey nests in upstate New York. Sometimes we win an environmental issue! John On 4/9/2015 12:11 PM, Candace Cornell wrote: This is a great time to get out and watch the ospreys performing their tandem courtship flight swooping, looping, and circling together in the wind. It's also the time when the males perform their spectacular sky dances above the nests. These behaviors only last for a few weeks so enjoy them while you can. All the established local osprey nests in the Ithaca (Union Fields, Treman Marina, and Game Farm Rd) and Lansing (Portland Point and Salt Point) areas have been reclaimed by their owners. The new platforms at Stewart Park, the Newman golf Course, and the two at Portland Point are still not occupied, but the season is just starting. However the platform on Myers Hill and the new one at Salt Point (now there are two) have both had ospreys bringing sticks to them. Whether they'll successfully establish nests and attract mates is still up in the air, but the prospects look good. Many of the nests from Union Springs to the Montezuma area were reclaimed by last weekend and I expect the rest to be occupied any day now. *If anyone sees any osprey nests on the west side of the lake, please send me an email with the location.* On the west side there are nests at Dean's Cove, on Footes Corners Rd in Interlaken, and at the Seneca Golf Club, but other than that, I haven't found any more. The shallow shelf where the ospreys can fish is narrower on the west side than on the east side and at the ends of the lake, but it still should support some ospreys. So far I have documented 53 nests around the lake, although I don't know yet how many of them will be used this year. Karen Edelstein and I are developing an interactive Cayuga Lake Osprey Trail map showing the locations of the nests visible from public roads for every one's viewing pleasure. We should have it ready within the month so stayed tuned. Thank you all for your help! Candace cec...@gmail.com mailto:cec...@gmail.com -- *Cayugabirds-L List Info:* Welcome and Basics http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Information http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES Subscribe, Configuration and Leave http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm *Archives:* The Mail Archive http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Surfbirds http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds BirdingOnThe.Net http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html *Please submit your observations to eBird http://ebird.org/content/ebird/!* -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --attachment: confer.vcf
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back
Scott is correct about the difficulty of sexing and identifying individual ospreys. Their markings can increase in size with age and there are ample males that develop necklaces over time. The most reliable way to sex adults is by their behavior. However, it is possible to use the marking patterns on the dorsal aspect of their heads (top and back of neck) on mature ospreys to distinguish individuals in the field, but it takes repeated observations, lots of practice, and photographic evidence. There are slight variations in the size, shape, and number of dark markings on most individuals that are visible at rest or when seen from above. However, in flight, these markings are not visible. I've used this method to identify the Salt Point osprey pair with certainty since 2013. I can also track their local movements around the Salt Point/Myers Park area by car, but once they leave the immediate area and my line of sight, I cannot follow them. Since there are many ospreys in the area, especially at the beginning of the season and when their are intruders about, accurately tracking individuals as they fly over distances can only be reliably done if distinctly banded or by using GPS/GMS tracking. Candace *See* Field Identification of Individual Ospreys Using Head Marking Patterns, J. Wildlife Mgt., Bretagnolle, Thibault, and Dominici, vol. 58 no. 1, 1994, pp. 175-178. On Thu, Apr 9, 2015 at 11:11 AM, Scott Haber scotthab...@gmail.com wrote: The necklace is not really a reliable method for sexing Ospreys in the field. Males can and do show the necklace, and there's lots of overlap. As Alan Poole states in the BNA account, sexes often difficult to distinguish in the field. Furthermore, it's quite a stretch to take a bunch of generalized, common behaviors that almost all Ospreys would display, and assign them to a particular individual because one feels it's their fashion. It's nice that folks are so interested in the local nesting pairs, but perhaps it's wise not to go overboard with assumptions about how much we know about individuals unless we're reading band numbers off of them like with the campus Red-tails. -Scott On Thu, Apr 9, 2015 at 10:57 AM, Karel V. Sedlacek k...@cornell.edu wrote: David, Thank you for your thoughts. See my comments below. Karel *From:* Dave Nutter [mailto:nutter.d...@me.com] *Sent:* Thursday, April 09, 2015 10:31 AM *To:* Karel V. Sedlacek *Cc:* CAYUGABIRDS-L *Subject:* Re: [cayugabirds-l] Olin the Osprey is back This nest platform is installed atop one of several poles for lights for McGovern Fields, replacing (literally) a nest which Ospreys built atop the same pole, right? McGovern Fields occupy the NE corner of the fields between East Hill Plaza, Ellis Hollow Road, Game Farm Road and Cascadilla Creek with the east end of the East Ithaca Recreationway. KVS—The 2014 nest was atop the south center, double-side light pole at the McGovern Fields. This caused the lights to be turned off for the duration of the nesting season. Plans were made for a replacement location and through the efforts of a lot of folks a riser, built by the Musco Lighting Co was installed on the SW tower. In case other Ospreys start nesting near Game Farm Road, maybe refering to McGovern Fields would be better, at least until another of those light poles gets built upon! KVS—It is unlikely (that is the hope anyway) that another Osprey family will build on another of the poles at the fields—the outside poles are single-side, and the center double-sided poles now have bird-deterrents on them. In addition, Olin and Olive spent considerable energy last season dissuading other Ospreys from the area. Having said that, names are flexible and can be adjusted as needed. The Ithaca reservoir and Commonland are along Six-mile Creek south of NYS-79, which is in the next drainage behind Snyder Hill and perhaps difficult to see from McGovern Fields, so was that really where you meant the Osprey flew? KVS1—Yes. This was Olin’s pattern of behavior last year when going to Common Lands: circle over the tree line to make a threat assessment near the nest, fly west down Cascadilla, to East Hill and linger to assess the area, then turn south and head towards Six-Mile Creek. Having chased him several times this is his typical pattern. When Olive is in the nest he can make the roundtrip with a fish in 12 mins. He sometimes does make the turn up Snyder Hill Rd. How do you ID the birds as individuals? Is it an assumption based on gender (general plumage and relative size) and presence or behavior at the site, or are there specific characteristics of individual birds that you use? KVS—Gender, based on plumage, Olin has no necklace, Olive has the lightest Necklace in the southern basin to-date. Olin has a distinctive set of markings on the top and back of the head. Absolutely behavior: Koi fish raided from Snyder Hill, NW tower, bite the
[cayugabirds-l] Kinglets, waterfowl
2 GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLETS flew back forth btw spruce trees either side Lansing Station Rd. at #s 652-692. Also on lake, continued flocks of BUFFLEHEADS, C., RB H MERGANSERS, as well as pair HORNED GREBES 1 in breeding plumage. Sent from my iPhone Donna Scott -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[cayugabirds-l] Hermit Thrush, Winter Wren
Over the roar of Beech Hill Brook (just west of the eponymous road, Lindsay-Parsons Preserve, West Danby) I heard one or more Hermit Thrushes early this morning, and also a Winter Wren. Fox Sparrows are singing here and there, Ruffed Grouse are drumming. Wood Ducks have circled my pond, but it's still ice-covered. Open any day now! -Geo -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Lake Ospreys
This is a great time to get out and watch the ospreys performing their tandem courtship flight swooping, looping, and circling together in the wind. It's also the time when the males perform their spectacular sky dances above the nests. These behaviors only last for a few weeks so enjoy them while you can. All the established local osprey nests in the Ithaca (Union Fields, Treman Marina, and Game Farm Rd) and Lansing (Portland Point and Salt Point) areas have been reclaimed by their owners. The new platforms at Stewart Park, the Newman golf Course, and the two at Portland Point are still not occupied, but the season is just starting. However the platform on Myers Hill and the new one at Salt Point (now there are two) have both had ospreys bringing sticks to them. Whether they'll successfully establish nests and attract mates is still up in the air, but the prospects look good. Many of the nests from Union Springs to the Montezuma area were reclaimed by last weekend and I expect the rest to be occupied any day now. *If anyone sees any osprey nests on the west side of the lake, please send me an email with the location.* On the west side there are nests at Dean's Cove, on Footes Corners Rd in Interlaken, and at the Seneca Golf Club, but other than that, I haven't found any more. The shallow shelf where the ospreys can fish is narrower on the west side than on the east side and at the ends of the lake, but it still should support some ospreys. So far I have documented 53 nests around the lake, although I don't know yet how many of them will be used this year. Karen Edelstein and I are developing an interactive Cayuga Lake Osprey Trail map showing the locations of the nests visible from public roads for every one's viewing pleasure. We should have it ready within the month so stayed tuned. Thank you all for your help! Candace cec...@gmail.com -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
