Re:[cayugabirds-l] ( Red-headed Woodpecker) RHWO at Long Point

[Nari Mistry]

Long ago, in the early 1990's when our daughter studied at Wells 
College, on one of my many trips there, I wandered back into the woods 
behind the Wells dorms.   There I saw my first RHWO. There was no eBird 
then, and I may have noted it down with my informal tick-off in my field 
guide.
It was many years before I saw my next RHWO along Coddington Rd and most 
recently my greatest surprise(2019) when I looked out our dining room 
window & saw a RHWO perched on our feeder not 5 feet away! Only a few 
seconds before he flew off across the backyard. Here's my entry from eBird:


Mistry backyard, Tompkins, New York, USMay 21, 2019 6:45 PM
Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) 1 RED-HEADED 
WOODPECKER appeared briefly at our feeders next to dining room window; 
stayed for about 15 seconds before flying off eastwards over next yard. 
Not long enough to get a photo. Observed by Nari & Gin Mistry. 
(Definitely NOT a Red-Bellied Wdpkr. which we have every day.)

 -- Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd.

--

Subject: Re: RHWO at Long Point
From: Alicia Plotkin
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2020 16:14:07 -0400
X-Message-Number: 3

In 2011 many birders, including my husband & me, went over to the Aurora
to see the nesting RH Woodpeckers at Paines Creek, easily visible and
audible from Rte 90.  This is abt 1/2 mile north of Long Point.  A
gentleman who said he lived in Aurora stopped to chat with my husband &
me.  He seemed surprised by all the birders and said he had seen RH
Woodpeckers in Aurora since he had moved there from Mississippi, where
he said they were pretty common, abt 10 years before.  He also directed
me to a second nest further north on Rte 90 - he said he met his kids
there when the bus dropped them off from school so had noticed the nest
tree while waiting, and he suspected these weren't the only two nests in
and around the village but they were the only two he knew of that
spring.  I went and easily found the second nest with his directions.

There is only a scattering of eBird reports for Aurora: 1972, 1990,
1996, 2008, and 2011 (many). Yet in 2011 the gentleman from Mississippi,
who seemed quite reliable (and definitely knew the difference between a
Red-Bellied & Red_Headed Woodpecker) said they were there every year.
Does anyone in Aurora enter RH Woodpeckers in eBird when they see them,
or otherwise keep track of them?  Does anyone else regularly check out
the Aurora area for them?

Just curious about whether they are usually absent or only usually
absent from birding records.

Alicia



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[cayugabirds-l] Two Robins yesterday (2/21/20) & a "Dawn Chorus" at 1pm today.

[Nari Mistry]

Two Robins showed up outside our window yesterday (2/21/20), near the 
feeders. Hope they are finding something to eat.

Today, when the temperature reached 35F in the shade I went outside to 
sit in the sun. There were birds at the feeders but mostly quiet. At 
12:50 the quiet was broken by the loud piercing calls of a Cardinal. 
This was immediately followed by a deafening "dawn chorus" all around, 
which lasted for about 20 minutes.The Cardinal's cries were followed by 
the repeated loud cheerful song of a Titmouse; then a very insistent 
WBNuthatch went on and on; Goldfinches started singing, a Blue Jay 
started up with loud rasping screeches intermixed with long Kr, 
kr imitations of hawks on the wing; other birds piped up all around 
with the Cardinals and Blue Jays dominating. Finally when it all died 
down, a Mourning Dove which had been sitting in front of me the whole 
time ended the chorus with its mournful song. Glad I didn't miss it! 
Yesterday's Robins were not seen or heard.

On a sad note, the Chipping Sparrow which had been visiting our feeders 
every day stopped showing up after the big snow two weeks ago. We kept 
hoping it would show, but it must have perished. At the feeders daily I 
could see it was shivering gently the whole time. We think it spent its 
nights just outside our back door under the roof. No A.Tree Sparrows 
have appeared this winter.

Waiting for Spring!

Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd.

-- 
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*Nari B. Mistry*,
Ithaca, NY
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[cayugabirds-l] Pileated Wdpkr returns

[Nari Mistry]

This afternoon I was happy to see a Pileated Woodpecker female at our feeder 
tree just outside the window. These regular visitors had not appeared since all 
the disruption started along Dodge Rd for the Solar Farm. (I think they used to 
nest somewhere in the woods to the East of Dodge Rd.)

I'm hoping my CBC count along Dodge Rd will not be meager because of the 
disturbance and loss of habitat!

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd
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[cayugabirds-l] Chipping Sparrow still hanging around.

[Nari Mistry]

A Chipping Sparrow is still hanging around our feeders. I had noticed it in 
passing all this week, but simply ignored it as a  Tree Sparrow. Yesterday I 
looked closely and realized it had a black eye-line all the way to the lores 
and no spot on the breast.

Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd.

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[cayugabirds-l] An encounter with a raven family

[Nari Mistry]

I had a nice encounter with a family of ravens this morning. For many 
weeks this family has been around in the spruce tops across the road, 
driving our neighbor’s dog crazy. Today I saw one raven sitting on an 
extreme spruce tip, looking around so I started calling, croaking loudly 
like a young raven (slightly higher pitch)— first one and then two more 
ravens flew down to look at me and flew low round & around me , circling 
low again & again, just looking down at me.  Then they sat in our 
spruces & watched me while I spoke to them to come down.

Finally they flew off shaking their heads, not quite understanding what 
I was saying .

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd
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Ithaca, NY
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[cayugabirds-l] RED-HEADED WOODPECKER at our feeders -- once in 50+ years!

[Nari Mistry]

A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER appeared briefly at our feeders next to our 
dining room windows at about 6:45pm; it stayed for about 15 seconds 
before flying off eastwards over the next yard, flashing brilliant black 
and white. Not long enough to get a photo, but both Gin and I saw it 
perched on and eating out of the feeder containing "Ithaca Blend" mix. 
No need for binoculars, it was within 10 ft of where I was sitting. (No 
it was definitely NOT a Red-Bellied Wdpkr.) This is the first time it 
was close enough to see clearly the black line at the base of the red 
throat.

I went outside to see if there was any sign of it anywhere but no luck. 
I will report it if seen again.

Our ~1.7acre yard is not typical RHwoodpecker habitat. This was a once 
in 50+ years sighting! We regularly have all the other local woodpeckers 
at our feeders, including Pileated, and YBSapsuckers and Flickers come 
around but not to the feeders.

Hope it is seen again somewhere in Ellis Hollow.

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.
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Ithaca, NY
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[cayugabirds-l] Fox Sparrow ; Pine Siskins still hanging around

[Nari Mistry]

We have two Pine Siskins still hanging around our feeders and battling 
it out with the male Goldfinches now courting  and feeding their 
females. One busy Red Breasted Nuthatch has been here all winter.

Yesterday Gin had a friendly Fox Sparrow scratching behind our shed 
while she worked nearby.

Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd

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*Nari B. Mistry*,
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[cayugabirds-l] 30-40 Pine Siskins at feeders today

[Nari Mistry]

A large flock of 30-40 Pine Siskins are at and below our feeders today. 
In the past few weeks we have had between a couple and 12 Siskins, but 
today they descended /en masse/. Alas, no Evening Grosbeaks 
("Rose-peaks", according to today's Ith. Journal!) No Redpolls. But we 
have one to two Red-breasted Nuthatches as always.

Nari & Gin Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd., Ithaca

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*Nari B. Mistry*,
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[cayugabirds-l] FOY Northern Orioles

[Nari Mistry]

Yesterday at about 8:30 am I heard our first of the year Baltimore 
Oriole song in our backyard. Although it seemed to be flying around 
singing & establishing it's territory, I could not see it. Can't tell if 
this is particularly early, as every year I see the first male orioles 
exactly as the Japanese Quince flowers open. This year the flowers are 
obviously behind schedule.

This morning I saw another(?) Oriole fly off from the tree near the 
Dodge Rd. bridge, as I approached around the curve.

A Pileated Woodpecker went around the backyard this morning.  This is 
also the time when two males show up and compete showing off on adjacent 
trees. One has been occasionally coming to our suet feeder this winter.

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.

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[cayugabirds-l] Super-black feathers in Birds of Paradise

[Nari Mistry]

Curious readers may be interested in this evolutionary feature in Birds 
of Paradise . I have extracted below some paragraphs from a report in 
PhysicsWorld (UK). I don't have the reference to the original papers.

Nari Mistry

= Extracted from PhysicsWorld (UK)=

Male birds of paradise have exceptionally black feathers and now 
researchers in the US have explained how the feathers manage to reflect 
tiny amounts of light. The team found that some feathers have 
complicated structures that create a scattering effect that results in 
almost zero reflectance of light under certain conditions – giving them 
a “super-black” appearance. The researchers think that this black 
plumage evolved to enhance the perceived brilliance of adjacent colour 
patches during courtship displays.

Birds of paradise are found in New Guinea and parts of eastern 
Australia. They are famous for the elaborate courting displays, plumage 
ornaments and dramatic colouration of the males. In many species, males 
have brightly coloured patches of feathers next to matte black plumage 
that appears much darker than the black colouration of other birds.When 
researchers from Harvard University, the Smithsonian Institution, and 
Yale University shone light on museum specimens of five species of the 
bird of paradise they discovered that these black feathers have an 
extremely low directional reflectance – at normal incidence they only 
reflect back 0.05–0.31% of light. In contrast, black feathers from two 
other species of bird, used for comparison, had a directional 
reflectance of 3.2–4.7%. . . . .

(Experiments). . . done by the team revealed that this is a result of 
the feathers' microscopic structure. A typical feather has a central 
shaft with rows of barbs branching off. Rows of smaller barbules then 
spread out from the barbs. In most feathers this structure is flat, with 
everything laying in the same horizontal plane. But the super-black 
feathers have barbules that are covered in microscale (tiny) spikes and 
they curve away (up) from the horizontal plane.The researchers explain 
that these vertically-tilted barbule arrays create deep, curved cavities 
that cause multiple scattering of light, resulting in more structural 
absorption of light than normal black feathers.". . . . These 
super-black feathers even retained their black appearance when coated 
with gold dust, whereas the normal black feathers appeared gold”.

The modified barbules are only present on the exposed overlapping tips 
of the feathers, while those towards the base of the feathers have a 
typical feather structure. Also, the black feathers from the back of one 
bird of paradise species, the superb bird-of-paradise,/Lophorina 
superba/, which are not used during display, had a typical barbule 
morphology and were more reflective than the super-black feathers. This 
supports the idea that the modified feathers have evolved for display 
purposes, the researchers say.

===
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*Nari B. Mistry*,
Ithaca, NY
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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Black vultures

[Nari Mistry]

This beautiful sunny afternoon at around 3:45pm Gin and I stopped at the 
Stevenson/Dodge Rd. junction to see if any Black Vultures would show up. 
Within a few minutes in the distance we saw four vulture types in close 
formation flying north towards us over Snyder Hill, flying straight and 
flapping continuously. They passed right over us and we could clearly 
see they were black vultures. They continued north towards Fall Creek 
and disappeared over the horizon. They were flapping non-stop in a 
steady rhythm from horizon to horizon. There were several TVs lazily 
soaring around too.
The appearance of Black Vultures here in winter seems to be clear 
evidence of the climate changing. Can't attribute it to new highways and 
prevalence of roadkill which was given as the reason when TVs first 
started appearing here years ago.

Nari & Gin Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.

> --
>
> Subject: Black vultures
> From: Brad Walker 
> Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2018 13:29:57 +
> X-Message-Number: 1
>
>   The four black vultures are currently perched in a dead tree next to the
> small bridge between Dodge Road and the game farm.
>
>

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[cayugabirds-l] Pine Siskins and Purple Finches at feeders

[Nari Mistry]

This morning we have two Pine Siskins and two male Purple Finches at our 
feeders, among a hungry horde of birds in this challenging weather.

One P.Finch was at the feeders yesterday. And when I was outside 
yesterday I heard a Pine Siskin clearly but was unable to find it.

Nari & Gin Mistry
Ellis Hollow Rd.
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[cayugabirds-l] A little drama at our feeders

[Nari Mistry]

Early this morning  I was standing at our second floor window looking 
down at all the birds just below at our feeders when a hawk streaked low 
across our side yard, continued behind the box-elder and then swirled 
back around & up chasing a small bird (junco?). The bird escaped and the 
Coopers Hawk perched disgruntled at my eye-level for quite a while, 
shaking its tail repeatedly and shaking out all its rumpled feathers. 
All the other birds had fled, but one small bird(?) had enough courage 
to streak for shelter in the  adjacent cedar even while the hawk was 
distracted above. The hawk finally flew off and away.

Nari Mistry,
  Ellis Hollow Rd.


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[cayugabirds-l] Red-headed Woodpecker -- Continuing at Palmer Woods

[Nari Mistry]

Gin & I got to see the RH Woodpecker at Palmer Woods around noon today, 
courtesy of Wes Blauvelt  who kindly showed us where he had just seen it 
. We had been walking in the woods looking in all the wrong places 
around the top of the rise, but enjoying the balmy weather anyway when 
Wes came along and helped us out.

It was where it has been reported all along, on the large oak close to 
the Red marked trail, ~300 yds southwards from the head of the trail at 
Triphammer Rd. just opposite Iroquois Rd.

Our only earlier sighting in Ithaca had been on Coddington Road ages 
ago. Hope everyone gets to go see this friendly Ithaca rarity.

Nari & Gin Mistry

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[cayugabirds-l] Feeder seed preferences

[Nari Mistry]

Yesterday we decided to tally the feeder seed preferences of our bird 
visitors. Since we fill five feeders during the winter, all equally 
accessible in a row hanging from a wire within a span of ten feet, we 
thought it would be a fair test. At one end we have cedar and spruce for 
shelter, at the other our venerable box-elder tree.
In order left to right we have: a tube feeder with safflower seed; a 
tube with nyger(thistle); a "squirrel-proof" hopper with spring-loaded 
perch, filled with sunflower hearts;  a hanging tray with red millet; 
and a raw beef suet feeder in a cage.

Over a period of 30 minutes (10:15 to 10:45am) we had approx. 3 BC 
Chickadees, 2 Titmouse, 2 WB Nuthatches, 1 Hairy and 2 Downy 
woodpeckers, 2 Cardinals, 2 Blue Jays, 2 Goldfinches and 1 Housefinch. 
(We did not try to distinguish individuals in the flurry of feeding 
visits.) One RB Woodpecker did not come down from the tree.

Here is a summary of the results:

Safflower       20 visits total   (7 Chickadee, 10 Titmouse, 3 Housefinch)

Nyger          2            ( one each Chickadee and Goldfinch)

Sun.hearts    54  total    (27 Chickadee, 22 WBNuthatch, 4 Titmouse, 1 
Goldfinch)

Millet         9              (2 Cardinal, 7 Blue Jay)

Suet           8               (1 Chickadee, 2 Hairy, 5 Downy)

We hope you find this tally entertaining. We find Safflower to be very 
popular with the small birds and ignored by squirrels. Luckily the red 
squirrel was not there to dominate the suet feeder or the millet tray. 
There is a whole saga to relate about making the hopper feeder really 
red-squirrel proof!

Nari & Gin Mistry


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*Nari B. Mistry*,
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[cayugabirds-l] Yard Merlin

[Nari Mistry]

Yesterday at about 5:30 pm I was sitting outside enjoying the last of 
the warm weather, when a Merlin zoomed from the south straight as an 
arrow to the top of a 75ft spruce next to our porch. As it sat surveying 
our yard I ran in and got my binoculars to make sure it was not a 
Kestrel, although the high-speed direct flight was typical of a Merlin. 
It was a male Merlin, fresh clean plumage.

Within seconds a foolish or unaware BlueJay landed just 10ft below the 
Merlin, which looked down curiously at the BlueJay but to my surprise 
decided not to launch an attack. The BJay soon flew off but the Merlin 
sat around some more and finally flew off North. Its behavior made me 
suspect it was a young bird.

Nari Mistry

Ellis Hollow Rd


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*Nari B. Mistry*,
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[cayugabirds-l] Pileated Woodpecker a daily visitor

[Nari Mistry]

A gorgeous male Pileated Woodpecker has been feeding at our suet feeder 
several times a day for the last week or more. The feeder is only 15 
feet from our kitchen window so we can watch him for several minutes at 
a time. Last evening he was last here at 7pm after several visits during 
the day and this morning he was back again at 7:30am. When we are 
outside gardening he zooms by, flying low on sweeping wings, quite a thrill.


Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.



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[cayugabirds-l] URGENT ALERT: Dodge Rd Spruce Woods may be cut down for massive Solar Farm on Dodge rd, STARTING in APRIL !!

[Nari Mistry]

There is urgent need for lovers of birds and wildlife along Dodge Rd. to 
be aware of imminent developments along Dodge Rd.


The massive industrial scale solar farm proposed in all the Cornell 
owned fields along Dodge Rd and Stevenson Rd (as well as Turkey Hill 
Rd.) is planning to start construction in a few weeks.  There was a 
hearing in Dryden last Thursday at which many residents spoke out 
against the massive scale of the project which will devastate wildlife 
habitat.


We have just learned this morning from a member of the Dryden 
Conservation Board that they are proposing to cut down the Spruce Woods 
bordering the WEST side of Dodge Rd. because they will shadow the panels 
slated to go right along the very edge of Dodge R. next to a 
(barbed-wire topped) fence!


If you are concerned about this assault and the effect of replacing all 
the grassland in the fields with sod under the panels (and 
herbicides???), please write immediately to the Dryden Town Board and 
ATTEND THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING  scheduled on THIS Thursday March 23, 
at 7pm at the Dryden Town Hall on Main Street.


Please express your opinion that may help reduce the scale of this 
commercial operation that will devastate wildlife in this favorite 
location for viewing wildlife!


 Nari & Gin Mistry

 Ellis Hollow rd.




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[cayugabirds-l] Early 2017 feeder birds: RB nuthatch pair, Hairy Woodpecker; Gray fox tracks.

[Nari Mistry]

Our regular RB Nuthatch pair were early birds today at our feeders. But 
a Hairy Woodpecker at the suet was surprisingly the first, at about 7am. 
Juncos next , then Goldfinches and then the RB Nuthatches and 
Chickadees. Hoping to see a Carolina Wren which has been coming to the 
suet occasionally.

Yesterday I was surprised to see clear tracks of a Gray Fox in the snow. 
Starting from under our driveway deer-fence gate, they led absolutely 
straight right through the front and side yards to the back yard and 
unwavering straight across the backyard towards a low hole in the 
deer-fence where squirrels and woodchucks (and the fox!) have dug a 
small hole for their entry. The very direct route of over a 100 yards 
indicates this must be a well-established regular route. We have seen a 
gray fox family eating raspberries in our fenced garden in the summer 
but we have not noticed tracks in the winter.

Time to go off for the Bird Count down Dodge Rd. Happy New Year!

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.



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[cayugabirds-l] Red Breasted Nuthatch pair, Purple Finches

[Nari Mistry]

We were happy to see a second RB Nuthatch arrived at our feeders on 
Nov.3. This past Feb, only one returned to our feeders -- we suspect the 
mate had died.  Eventually a second RB Nuthatch showed up, clearly a 
young one that was quite unfamiliar with feeders.

Then in September only one returned, until two days ago when the second 
showed up. Both have been feeding since then.

Also, since Oct.30 we have had two male Purple Finches and one female. A 
female P Finch always shows up before any males every year. Is this a 
normal pattern seen by others?


Nari Mistry,  Ellis Hollow Rd.


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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Red Breasted Nuthatches

[Nari Mistry]

We usually have had a pair of RB Nuthatches around for most of the year, 
but not for the last few months. Two days ago, one showed up as part of 
the "irruption."  Looking back at my collection of emails (to the list 
and to ebird,) I see that I actually recorded one banded bird in 2004 
that stayed from Dec to June and possibly was breeding in our yard  (see 
emails copied below.)

Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd.

===copied From email dated 3/3/2004==

For several years we have had a pair of RedBreasted Nuthatches at our feeders 
throughout the year and sometimes a brood of young in the summer. We always 
wondered whether "our" winter nuthatches moved up north and the breeding pair 
were moving up from further south. Never found their nest, although they always 
fly with food directly into spruces in the backyard.

Last December we found that one of the pair was banded with an alum (USFWS) 
band  on the right leg. Now we had a chance to check whether the same pair 
stayed around to breed.
This week the two have started exploring a wren nestbox hanging in our 
backyard, and we can see that the banded nuthatch is planning to stay around 
for the summer. They are trying to enlarge the small entrance hole sporadically 
while going in and out. Hope they decide to use the nestbox!

Nari & Ginny Mistry
Ellis Hollow Rd., Ithaca

===copied From email dated 6/25/2004=
Other breeding birds in our yard (Ellis Hollow Rd, Atlas Block #3769B) are :
Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Cardinal, chipping sparrows, 
catbirds, chickadee, housewren,  (nesting or fledglings observed)
and suspected breeders *Red-breasted Nuthatch,* White-Breasted Nuthatch, 
red-bellied woodpecker. Rose-br grosbeaks are around but no fledglings 
observed yet. The *banded red-breasted nuthatch resident all winter is 
the one that appears to be nesting in the spruce trees--have heard 
babies but not seen them yet. *

Nari Mistry
Ellis Hollow Rd.

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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Nashville warbler; also Yellow Warbler

[Nari Mistry]

Yesterday afternoon I was lucky to catch sight of a Nashville Warbler 
that flew in to our box elder for one very brief second and then flew 
off. I was surprised that it was quite high up in the tree and was  not 
foraging in bushes, probably just arrived. Also a brief look at a Yellow 
Warbler. Luckily I had my binoculars with me as I sat swinging in a 
hammock -- pretty hard to grab and focus on these birds at all while 
swinging!

Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd.


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*Nari B. Mistry*,
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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Red-shouldered @ Sapsucker Woods

[Nari Mistry]

Gin & I were walking around the Wilson trail at SSW yesterday around 1 
pm, when from the boardwalk we too heard loud cries of the 
Red-shouldered hawk. We did not see it anywhere near us.

Nari & Gin Mistry


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[cayugabirds-l] Western tanager present at 10:30am, Cornell Campus

[Nari Mistry]

The Western Tanager was flitting around eating fruits from all the trees 
around the small Glen near Day Hall and the Campus store. We were there 
from ~10am to 10:30am. During that time many more birders came around 
and the friendly bird seemed to want to visit every group in turn right 
up close, to  within a few feet. A flock of Cedar Waxwings came in for 
the fruit too , but the Tanager seemed happy to share with them.


After we took a walk around Campus & Johnson Museum we walked back 
through the glen at about 12:30pm and did not see the bird or any 
birders. We did not look too carefully everywhere, so we hope it's still 
around.


Nari & Gin Mistry


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[cayugabirds-l] At last missing Red-br Nuthatch shows up

[Nari Mistry]

For at least 20 years we have had a pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches at 
our feeders in winter and (another pair) in summer.
This winter we had no sign of our favorites. Until today, when a single 
one showed up and made us glad. Soon we expect the mate to appear (we hope.)


I would like to know if any others have missed their regular RB 
Nuthatches this winter.
I know there were several RB Nuthatches counted during the CBC on Jan.1, 
but not in our yard or in my Dodge Rd. count area.

Thanks,
 Nari Mistry , Ellis Hollow Rd.


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[cayugabirds-l] Field Sparrows, Park Preserve (Baldwin Tract)

[Nari Mistry]

Last Sunday morning (April 19), Gin and I took a walk around the FLLT 
Park Preserve S.(Baldwin Tract) on a beautiful morning. On the Blue 
trail in the first field we heard two Field Sparrows singing, one from 
each side. Other notable birds: both Kinglets, a  male YB Sapsucker in 
really bright plumage drumming loudly, a possible Pine Warbler (not 
seen.) No /Louisiana Waterthrush/ seen or heard down by the Creek -- 
both steep banks of the ravine still had lots of blue ice, making for a 
wondrous scene in filtered sunlight.

Nari  Gin Mistry


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[cayugabirds-l] early Lincoln's Sparrow

[Nari Mistry]

This afternoon I noticed a possible Lincoln's Sparrow on our tray 
feeder. I got a good look before it was spooked by Gin walking in the 
yard. In a little while it appeared again with an Am Tree Sparrow, on 
the tray feeder. I was able to get another good look but it was quite 
skittish and flew off again when juncos landed on the feeder.


I realize this is early for the average arrival date (I looked it up, 
it's May 3), but I am reasonably sure of the identification. I will 
report if it comes again.


Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd., Ithaca
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[cayugabirds-l] Savannah Sparrow, Dodge Rd.

[Nari Mistry]

This noon, Gin  I found a Savannah Sparrow flitting into the bushes in 
the field near the corner of Dodge Rd and Stevenson Rd.
Also found a Phoebe near the silos on Stevenson when we went looking for 
Snipes in the puddle -- no luck on Snipes, although there is always a 
Killdeer there.
Another Phoebe singing in our yard.

Nari Mistry
Ellis Hollow Rd.


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Re:[cayugabirds-l] - CL Basin or Not?

[Nari Mistry]

After the flying flurry of emails about counting within the Cayuga Lake Basin 
(or CBC circle) had landed, I though I would offer a small suggestion.
Considering that we can count birds flying overhead while standing within the 
circle or CL Basin boundaries, it seems odd to quibble about which precise side 
of the actual boundary the bird was when observed. Flying birds may never land 
or stay even within the same county, but we count them.

So here's my suggestion: count birds visible **by unaided eye** from within the 
counting boundaries.
This seems reasonable, as any bird on the North side of a road may hop over to 
the South in the next few minutes. I don't think it would lead to any 
inconsistencies in the count numbers.

(My apologies if this starts a whole new round of discussion.)
Nari Mistry

--
Subject: Re: Belle School Rd - CL Basin or Not?
From: Carl Stecklerc...@cornell.edu
Date: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 12:54:33 -0500
X-Message-Number: 9

Considering that we accept MNWR as being in the basin isn't it just
academic to be asking which side of a road the birds were? Just saying:?)
Carl Steckler

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[cayugabirds-l] Cooper's Hawk at feeders for CBC

[Nari Mistry]

As we were rounding off our CBCount at our feeders after counting at E 
Hill Rec Way and Dodge Rd., an adult Cooper's Hawk swooped up to a perch 
in the box-elder, directly above our line of feeders and fiercely eyed 
the feeders below, sweeping her head rapidly back and forth many times. 
We were quite awed by the fierce red eyes so close above us -- 
fortunately all the birds had fled a few moments earlier.

The bird count today was quite sparse in the 20F weather. None of the 
usual  Carolina wrens, Red-br nuthatches, A. Tree Sparrows. At our 
feeders yesterday we did have 3 Am Tree Sparrows  and a pair of Red-br 
Nuthatches.

Nari  Gin Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.



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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Winter birds, Ithaca area

[Nari Mistry]

A pair of Fox Sparrows stayed around here until the day after 
Thanksgiving (Nov.27). One of them had a droopy left wing and I was 
assuming could not fly long distances. Now they seem to have gone.
White-throated Sparrows have been around for several weeks.
A flock of A.Tree Sparrows were in the bushes around the bridge on Dodge 
Rd. a couple of weekends ago.
Yesterday we had a C.Grackle and a female Cowbird at our feeders. That 
was unusual.
Today with the warmer weather most birds are foraging elsewhere, except 
for a wise old Crow (no tags) walking around picking up bits of suet 
under the feeder.

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.

___


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*Nari B. Mistry*,
Ithaca, NY
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[cayugabirds-l] Fox Sparrow

[Nari Mistry]

This morning a Fox Sparrow showed up under our feeders -- an unusual but 
very welcome visitor during Fall migration. (We get several in the 
Spring.) It seems to be staying around all day.

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.
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[cayugabirds-l] Purple Finch; 4 Fox Sparrows; Snow Buntings H.Larks

[Nari Mistry]

Just before noon today, a lone female Purple Finch showed up at our 
feeders among the many House Finch  pairs. No male as yet.
At Monkey Run South Gin  I met Chris Wood who told us about a Fox 
Sparrow on the railroad bed above his house, so we walked there and 
found four bright Fox Sparrows foraging in the open on the railroad bed 
about a half-mile from Monkey Run Rd.
Then up on Mt. Pleasant Rd at the East end, I came upon a nice flock of 
about 40 Snow Buntings feeding on the road, a few males in sharp-looking 
breeding plumage; also among them were several Horned Larks. More 
H.Larks were creeping about among the corn-stalks. No Longspurs visible.
Back home, with the snow flurries swirling around the feeders, there are 
four Red-wing Blackbirds and two Common Grackles, along with Song 
Sparrows, 3 Tree Sparrows and all the other regulars.

Nari  Gin Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.
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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Carolina wrens

[Nari Mistry]

Early this morning we finally got two Carolina Wrens together at the suet 
feeder. All February only one would visit and we wondered what had happened, or 
whether they were just taking turns.
We have had a pair of Carolina Wrens visit our feeders for many years in 
winter; in spring  summer we hear the trilling and singing and see them 
skulking around our brush piles. We assumed they were a pair -- glad to know 
that is confirmed on the Lab of O page.

Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd.
 Subject: Re: Carolina wrens
 From: John Greenlyj...@cornell.edu
 Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2014 14:23:21 -0500
 X-Message-Number: 3

 Ah, I should have looked at the Lab's page on Carolina Wrens first:  says 
 there they don't migrate at all and stay paired all year.  Funny I haven't 
 noticed in the winter the countersinging they do all the time in the spring.  
 Alicia Plotkin tells me that hers do that in the winter too.  Anyway, my two 
 must be a pair.

 --John

 Subject: Carolina wrens
 From: John Greenlyj...@cornell.edu
 Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2014 12:58:20 -0500
 X-Message-Number: 1

 I always have a Carolina Wren singing all winter, and he makes part of his 
 living by cleaning up the bits of suet on the ground under the feeder that 
 the woodpeckers waste.  But for the last week I have had two Carolina Wrens 
 coming together on suet cleanup duty.  My impression was that the males 
 defend territories in the winter- hence all the singing-  but these two are 
 not at all aggressive, often foraging within a foot of each other.  There are 
 other males singing elsewhere in Ludlowville- is this just a truce at the 
 feeding spot?  Or is it possible that the second bird is a female?   Do they 
 stay around in the winter too?  I've never seen two together in the winter 
 before.

 --John Greenly
 Ludlowville

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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Carolina wren 2.17.2014

[Nari Mistry]

A year or two ago, I put chicken wire around our double-caged 
suet-feeder (suet cage inside a bigger feeder cage) to stop the 
red-squirrel from sitting inside all day and excluding birds from the 
suet. This frustrated the squirrel all right, and small birds could get 
in and out. But I noticed that sometimes when trying to get out fast, 
they could scrape  perhaps damage their flight feathers. So I took the 
chicken wire off. Especially since a Carolina Wren pair  loves to come 
to the suet. (This Feb we have had only one of the pair coming.) 
Two-inch mesh chicken wire is too large to keep the squirrel out.

An interesting observation: the Red-br Nuthatch pair were the first to 
figure out how to get in through  the ch-wire, then chickadees and 
carolina wrens. But the goldfinches just could never figure out that 
they had to perch and get in before they could get to the suet. They 
kept going round and round, never got in.

Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd.
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RE:[cayugabirds-l] bird hydration

[Nari Mistry]

The chickadees around our yard love to hover  sip the maple-sap icicles that 
form on a red maple when the sap has started running. It's quite sweet, I have 
tasted it! Hydration and energy all in one.

Nari Mistry
Ellis Hollow Rd.

 Subject: RE: bird hydration
 From: Marie P. Readm...@cornell.edu
 Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 00:47:26 +
 X-Message-Number: 7

 Regarding winter bird hydration:

 I've seen several species of bird eat snow (e.g. Northern Cardinal, Common 
 Redpoll).
 I've also seen chickadees hovering to sip from melting icicles.

 Marie

 Marie Read Wildlife Photography
 452 Ringwood Road
 Freeville NY  13068 USA

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[cayugabirds-l] RT Hawks mating already?

[Nari Mistry]

Just returned from a walk down Dodge Rd and Stevenson Rd.
I observed two RT Hawks mating on the top of a pole in the Game Farm 
pens. Both were adults, so this was not just juveniles acting up. I did 
not notice any prior courtship flight. Does this seem a little early for 
courtship and mating, which is supposed to start in mid-February?

Nari Mistry
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[cayugabirds-l] Redpolls Purple Finches

[Nari Mistry]

We still have Common Redpolls coming to our feeders today.
There are also two male Purple Finches sitting next to a male House Finch in a 
seed tray, allowing a good comparison of the differences. Nice look at the 
curved vs. straight culmen of the beak.

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd



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[cayugabirds-l] Fox Sparrow at last.

[Nari Mistry]

Finally, my favorite spring arrival, a Fox Sparrow appeared this morning, 
hop-scratching under our feeders. To hear it sing in our yard would add to the 
pleasure.
A pair of Purple Finches (m,ƒ) has been around for a few days. We also had a 
few Pine Siskins appear briefly on their way northward.
Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd.


Nari B. Mistry,
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[cayugabirds-l] Three Osprey at Stewart Park; two Yellow-Rumped warblers; Eared Grebe

[Nari Mistry]

Ann Mitchell's post reminded me to write that we saw three adult Osprey at 
Stewart Park over the Swan Pen pond, at around 1pm. One (female?) perched on a 
tree and kept calling while the other two circled overhead. Then they all flew 
off toward Hog Hole.
There were also two Yellow-Rumped warblers by the swan pond.
One Eared Grebe (basic plumage?) swam within binocular distance of the dock. 
Lots of Redheads, Scaup, Red-Necked Ducks etc, out further   not too clear 
with just binoculars. Hooded mergansers (2 male with 7 females), Buffleheads, 
grebes (horned?)  in the inlet.

Nari   Gin Mistry

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[cayugabirds-l] Dryden Lake -- Swamp sparrow (heard) waterfowl

[Nari Mistry]

This morning on a walk along the Schug trail by Dryden Lake, we heard but did 
not see a Swamp Sparrow in the swamp near the east end.
Waterfowl seen: Pied-billed Grebes, Hooded Merganser, Common Mergansers (seven 
females flew in with a lone male), Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, 3 pairs of 
N. Shovelers, one female Ruddy Duck.
Beautiful sunny morning.

Nari, Gin  Premila Mistry

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[cayugabirds-l] Purple Finch at feeders; and maple-sap popsicles for birds

[Nari Mistry]

This morning we were visited by a lone male Purple Finch at our feeders. No 
females.

In early spring, with freezing nights and warm days, we get some large 
maple-sap icicles on one red maple. From our kitchen we get to see the amusing 
spectacle of chickadees  titmouse(s) fluttering, hovering and sipping the 
drips from these popsicles. I should have been smart enough to photograph this 
a few days ago, now the nights are too warm.

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.

Nari B. Mistry,
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[cayugabirds-l] YB Sapsucker; Raven, other yard birds

[Nari Mistry]

This morning the first YB Sapsucker flew in and explored all his favorite trees 
in our yard. A Raven flew low circling overhead -- looking for something?
I found a Song Sparrow sitting on a stump, singing very very quietly to 
himself, practicing his song. As I waited, he grew more confident and louder, 
but not full throated yet. There have been lots of his family around to learn 
from.
The one 'tame' female Redpoll I mentioned earlier is still around. She looks 
very fat and bloated -- even in warm sunshine on warmer days this week. Could 
this be some sickness (-- or is she ready to lay eggs!) ?
I searched all around for a Fox Sparrow, but no luck.

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.


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[cayugabirds-l] Hooded Mergansers on Fall Creek near Flat Rock

[Nari Mistry]

There was a trio of beautiful Hooded Mergansers on Fall Creek near the 
suspension bridge at Flat Rock, when we crossed at about 12:45pm after a long 
walk. Two males were escorting an elegant female, flashing their hoods in the 
sunlight and displaying non-competitively.
Beavers have been cutting down a lot of beech and other small trees all along 
the north bank of the creek.

Nari  Gin Mistry




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[cayugabirds-l] Pileated WPs and Redpolls

[Nari Mistry]

A few minutes ago, as we were having lunch, two gorgeous male Pileated 
Woodpeckers flew down just outside our window, one low on the box-elder 
the other low on a black locust nearby. I think they were sizing up each 
other, in an annual Spring ritual in our yard. In my bird archives I see 
that last year they appeared on Feb. 12, and in 2011 on March 20, when 
they chased each other repeatedly all around our yard.
Earlier this morning we had a crowd of 20 Common Redpolls at the nyger 
seed spilled on the ground.
Chickadees seem to be looking at the nest-boxes. Our two Red-breasted 
Nuthatches are zipping in and out to the feeders all day. I have never 
been able to decide whether the pair we have throughout every winter 
stay and nest here or whether it is another pair that moves in later in 
the spring and spends the summer here.

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.


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[cayugabirds-l] Skittishness of large bird flocks -- Re: 200 Redpolls again

[Nari Mistry]

It seems to me that large bird flocks are  moreprone to take flight 
suddenly as a group simply because the large number makes it more 
probable that one or more birds moves suddenly, causing the whole group 
to take fright/flight. Smaller flocks have a smaller probability at any 
given moment.
Birds in a flock are constantly aware of what others are doing, 
presumably as warning and group safety. Meanwhile, an individual is 
always twitching to get at the food -- a sudden jump may be all that it 
takes to set off the whole flock. This looks like what one always sees 
with Snow Bunting flocks that take off and return to the same spot every 
few moments.
Does someone have a video of such behaviour to demonstrate whether this 
interpretation is correct?
(However, this does not explain why flocks disappear from feeders for 
hours or days before returning.)

Nari Mistry

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[cayugabirds-l] American Pipit, at Dodge Stevenson Rds

[Nari Mistry]

An American Pipit was seen yesterday and again today at the intersection 
of Dodge Rd  Stevenson Rd by my wife Gin. Unfortunately when I got to 
the spot today just ten minutes after Gin, a  truck passed by possibly 
driving it off.  A Pipit has been seen sometimes in prior years in 
winter at this spot.
I found very few birds during my frigid wind-blown CBC count walk this 
morning along E Ithaca Rec Way and Dodge Rd. I tried for quite a while 
for the Screech Owl to show in its hole on the Rec Way but it was absent 
or stayed hidden --- there were several yapping barking dogs holding a 
session right there. (More dogs than birds were seen!)
Happy New Year,
  Nari Mistry



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[cayugabirds-l] Back-door Carolina Wren

[Nari Mistry]

This morning, as I was looking out the kitchen window, our neighborhood 
Carolina Wren flew directly to the back door under the small porch and 
started exploring every nook  cranny gleaning for insects. As I watched 
through the storm door, it climbed up a raincoat and busily examined 
gardening baskets, tools, everything, softly trilling all the while.
By the way, I have not seen this trill described in any of the several 
bird books I have. The trill is similar to that of the T.Titmouse, but 
longer and more musical. It does appear briefly in the /first/ example 
for CAWR in the Macaulay Library audio list, but not in any other 
examples that I checked some years ago. Our wren trills very often, 
signaling its presence long before any loud song.
Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd

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Re:[cayugabirds-l] A gentle reminder from a digest reader

[Nari Mistry]

I heartily endorse John Gregoire's repeat plea on behalf of all 
Cayugabirds-L Daily Digest readers: please, please  try to delete the 
endless thread added to each successive reply to a Cayugabirds message 
-- Unless you feel it is extremely relevant to add the whole thread. 
(Perhaps those who don't see the Digest don't realize how many times 
it is repeated in the same message.)
Thanks,
Nari Mistry


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[cayugabirds-l] YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER @ 3rd Tee (9:15am) Renwick birds

[Nari Mistry]

This morning I arrived (8:30am) at Stewart Park to try  find the 
Yellow-throated warbler on Pier Rd. next to the golf-course.
I looked at all the sycamores along the edge but there was no warbler.
Luckily I persisted because at 9:15am I heard the song faint but 
distinct. After a while I found the bird high up and singing all the 
while. Got good looks as it came out on the edge of the first (south) 
sycamore at the 3rd. tee. Best seen from Pier Rd. The song was not quite 
like the five examples found on the Warbler Songs Collection, and very 
much like what Dave Nutter described. The first two soft notes were 
easily heard, even over the racket of traffic and the very loud Orioles 
singing constantly. I transcribed it as: tu  tu  whee-tu whee-tu 
whee-tu  --tyu.

I could not find the BlueGray Gnatcatcher nest that Chris T-H described, 
instead I found a Redstart nest right by the curved boardwalk, in a 
scrubby tree about 10ft off the ground.

Species at Pier Rd.  vicinity:

Yellow-throated warbler
Warbling vireo
A. Redstart
E. Wood Pewee
Yellow warbler
E. Bluebird
N. Oriole
Belted Kingfisher

Some of the species at Renwick Sanctuary, seen or heard over a 
tremendous racket of railroad cleaning equipment:

Wood Thrush
N. Oriole
E. Phoebe
Carolina Wren
Red-eyed Vireo
Red-bellied wdpkr
Hairy Wdpkr
A. Redstart

--- Nari Mistry


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[cayugabirds-l] Sapsucker woods this afternoon (Wed.)

[Nari Mistry]

This afternoon at around 4pm I walked around SSW along the Wilson trail.
The best sighting was a Black-throated Blue warbler silently foraging, 
around the bend from the Sherwood Platform.
Some birds seen or heard:

Blk-thr Blue w   1
Blk-thr Green w2
Magnolia  w  2
Yellow w1
Ovenbird   2
Com. Yellowthr  3
Rose-br. Grosbeak 2
Wood Thrush  1
Y-B Sapsuckers  3
Least flycatcher   1
Belted Kingfisher 1

I really wanted to see the Barred Owl, so I walked up and down near the 
gate and the junction of the Wilson/Severinghaus trails for a while when 
I started. After 5pm I went back there and just after I entered the 
gate, I heard a very small commotion, like a person complaining 
harrumph! and I saw a large silent raptor being chased by a black-bird 
through the woods  across the road, very low about 10-15 feet off the 
ground. I never found it again, but I am sure it was the B.Owl.

Nari Mistry

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[cayugabirds-l] Two Pine Siskins

[Nari Mistry]

Two Pine Siskins showed up at our feeders this afternoon, with the usual 
flock of Goldfinches. Could they be the same two laggards that have been 
reported earlier? (I don't remember where those two were seen.)

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow rd.


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RE:[cayugabirds-l] Has birding ethics changed?

[Nari Mistry]

I have read yesterday's comments about electronic calls (I get only the 
digest, so have not read today's responses.)

I saw nothing said about using calls during nesting season.
I don't own a portable electronic call.
My own behavior has been to avoid even PISHING during nesting season. 
Breeding birds are predictably agitated by calls and spishing -- that's 
why they respond. So it seems to me that during nesting season we should 
avoid disturbances wherever a  nest is suspected. I suppose when you see 
an elusive bird flitting about in the canopy, especially a migratory 
bird, then it's OK to call it in closer.

Some may think this restriction is extreme. Comments would be helpful.

- Nari Mistry

Subject: Has birding ethics changed?
From: John and Sue Gregoirek...@empacc.net
Date: Sun, 8 Apr 2012 09:36:19 -0400
X-Message-Number: 1

Perhaps I misunderstand the CayugaBirds posts of late but in the last couple of
years I have seen many references to birders using electronic calls to enhance 
their
personal or group birding experience.

It used to be a condemned practice and very strictly limited to research, and 
then
light usage only, as well as a part of the ABA Birding Code of Ethics. I thought
that perhaps these posts were new birders who hadn't been taught the ethical 
code
but now I see the use of calls somewhat codified by its use in SFO trips.

While the proliferation of electronic devices may make this easier, I don't see 
the
need or the justification.

Comments appreciated.
John




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[cayugabirds-l] Pileated Wdpkr and Carolina Wren make backyard rounds for GBBC

[Nari Mistry]

A Pileated Woodpecker flew in and made the rounds of our backyard as we 
were observing for the GBBC today.
A Carolina Wren also showed up again after weeks, singing all around the 
backyard, celebrating the count weekend. A Bluebird has been singing for 
several days.
The lone Redpoll has not been seen since last Sunday-- we're hoping it 
is still around.


Nari  Gin Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd


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[cayugabirds-l] Common Redpoll

[Nari Mistry]

This morning a single female Common Redpoll was perched briefly above 
our feeders while I got a good look through binoculars. But it was 
scared off by a squirrel just as it swooped down to the feeders among 
all the house finches, goldfinches  juncos.
But now it's back at a feeder and I decided I could report it.
We're hoping for a cloud of Redpolls as we have had occasionally in 
years past, for the GBBC.

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.


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[cayugabirds-l] Sunshine brings out Brown Creeper and Carolina Wren

[Nari Mistry]

A little bit of sunshine seems to bring a Brown Creeper to our box-elder 
every time. It seems to appear with the sunlight. Can't wait for Spring 
to hear its tinkling song again.
Today the sun also brought back a Carolina Wren to our feeders -- first 
return since CBC count week, although I heard a little snatch of trill 
yesterday. Now waiting for the pair to come regularly to the suet.
Other birds at our feeders: T.Titmouse, A.Tree Sparrow, White-thr 
Sparrow, Mourning Doves, House Finches, Goldfinches, RBWoodpecker, 
Downy, and many Juncos (I will go crazy looking for Chris Wood's Cassiar 
Junco). No Pine Siskins or Purple Finches have shown up here.


Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.

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[cayugabirds-l] Backyard Raven and TV

[Nari Mistry]

A few minutes ago,  I was watching our resident Turkey Vulture 
circling  swooping low (30ft) all around our backyard and then 
settling on a back corner tree to spread its wings in the sun. A Raven 
swooped down and was immediately mobbed by three crows, until it circled 
back over the TV and was chased away. The large size and the wedge tail 
was immediately recognizable, even w/o the mobbing crows.
For several weeks there has been a deer carcass just outside the SE 
corner of our deer-fenced yard, which is why the TV and the Raven are 
interested.

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow rd.

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[cayugabirds-l] Interesting bird interaction

[Nari Mistry]

Yesterday afternoon I watched an interesting little interaction between 
a male Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Blue Jay in our yard.
The RBWO flew into our box-elder with loud chirrups, waited just a few 
seconds, then flew to a silver birch in the corner. In  a few seconds he 
chirruped back and started pecking at a stump on the box-elder. This was 
repeated several times, I was not able to check whether he was caching 
something he got from the birch. Meanwhile a blue jay sat watching this 
action. After a few back-and-forth flights the RBWO hopped off to 
another branch.
The watching blue jay immediately flew up, not directly to the stump, 
but a few feet away and hopped around a little, picking at random spots 
nonchalantly, as if uninterested. But he quickly made his way to the 
stump and looked in. At this, the RBWO zoomed up again and scared off 
the blue jay.


Nari Mistry
Ellis Hollow Rd.
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[cayugabirds-l] Backyard Hawk watch

[Nari Mistry]

I decided to take advantage of the warm updrafts today and watch for a 
while this afternoon for raptors passing over our backyard (Ellis Hollow 
Rd, Opp. Dodge Rd)
The highlights were: a magnificent Bald Eagle sailing from (limited) 
horizon to horizon without a wing-beat; two Sharpshinned hawks spiraling 
up locally and then zooming southwards; a Cooper's Hawk doing the same; 
and some high Turkey Vultures smoothly sailing south. The most moving 
sight is to see lone Monarch butterflies battling their way south, high up.
Yesterday evening at about 6pm while I was watching Monarchs fluttering 
south, one little dot resolved into an awesome Merlin flying south 
straight as an arrow with powerful fast wing beats.


Nari Mistry

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[cayugabirds-l] Carolina Wren serenade

[Nari Mistry]

A Carolina Wren is singing loudly just outside my window right  now as I 
sit at my desk. I can see his throat action as he sings. He has been 
flitting up  down the spruce branches within 15 ft. of my window. Now 
he is trying out a whole variety of songs in his repertoire! Possibly he 
is a young bird trying all his songs and trills.
Some mornings his song seems loud enough as if he sitting at our bedroom 
window.

Nari Mistry
Ellis Hollow Rd.
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[cayugabirds-l] Myers: BlackBellied Plover

[Nari Mistry]

After a morning painting at Ludlowville Falls, I decided to swing by 
Myers to take a quick look, around noon.
A Black-Bellied Plover was walking around at the spit, with a gaggle of 
RB Gulls sleeping nearby,
Three female Common Mergansers were swimming around -- they might be the 
same three that were at L.Falls earlier and took off downstream around 10am.

Nari Mistry


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[cayugabirds-l] Hawthorn this morning

[Nari Mistry]

Gin  I birded in the hawthorn orchard this morning, starting at 7:30am.
Some of the notables:
--Tenessee warblers singing everywhere, finally got our sights on some 
in the dense foliage. The best views I had was in the open at the south 
edge of the woods, looking in from the field. (This is where there are 
some reliably every year).

-- Blackpoll warblers, everywhere, lots singing. !0 in one big tree.
-- Canada warblers, heard several, saw one finally, in the company of 
Bob McGuire, Dave Nutter, Susan Danskin, and others, near the middle.

-- Bay-breasted male  female, again near the south edge.
-- Magnolia male, near the south edge.
-- Blue-winged warbler
-- Willow flycatcher (heard)
-- Two Least flycatchers (heard)
-- etc.
Pleasant morning -- squish, squish...

Nari Mistry

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[cayugabirds-l] Yard birds: Swainson's Thrush, S.Tanager, Magnolia Warbler

[Nari Mistry]

This evening, a Swainson's Thrush made a surprise appearance foraging on 
the ground outside our dining room window during dinner.


On Friday a Scarlet Tanager showed up and added its song to that of our 
resident B.Orioles (two males) RBGrosbeaks (2 males +2 females) 
C.Yellowthroat, H.Wrens, Finches, etc. Have not seen YRumped warblers 
for a few days.
Late afternoon yesterday a Magnolia Warbler was foraging behind the 
shed, giving us good looks.


Nari
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[cayugabirds-l] Dodge Rd: Bobolinks, E.KINGBIRDS, Kestrel, Palm Warbler, etc.

[Nari Mistry]

I walked down Dodge Rd at 5:30pm in a slight drizzle under cold overcast 
skies.
A female Kestrel was keeping vigil in the lone tree standing in the 
middle of the uppermost (South) field. Her colors looked beautiful in 
this light.
Four E.Kingbirds flew in from the east across the lower fields and sat 
for a conference in a young maple before dispersing one by one. They may 
have just arrived.
As I stood pishing beside the spruce grove, a troop of 20 Yellow-rumped 
Warblers tumbled out and did an entertaining aerial trapeze act, popping 
out in the open one by one to look at me. It was hard to scan through 
them, but I caught one (Eastern, yellow) Palm Warbler.


On the way back, I heard the wit-wit-wit call of a Wood-thrush from the 
scrubby woods.


Finally, back at the south field, a male Bobolink flew up into the tree 
where the Kestrel had been. When he flew back down, he led me to another 
male Bobolink. The two sat on adjacent bullrushes, displaying their 
puffed-up yellow napes, hoping for mates.
I was glad to see bobolinks again here -- they used to be regular 
breeders in these fields until the early mowing started up years ago. 
Bobolinks  Meadowlarks are rare here now.


Nari Mistry
Ellis Hollow Rd


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[cayugabirds-l] Rose-breasted Grosbeak

[Nari Mistry]

This morning the first male Rose-breasted Grosbeak appeared at our feeders.
Looking at some past records, I noted that last year on 5/2/10, there 
was a crowd of SEVEN male RBGrosbeaks feeding peacefully at our feeders!
We have usually had two pairs breeding in our yard or somewhere close, 
although at the feeders they never quarrel.


Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow rd


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[cayugabirds-l] Pine Siskins, Purple finches

[Nari Mistry]

A handful of Pine Siskins  Purple Finches continue at our feeders. 
Aggressive House Finches drive away the Purple Finches when they flock in.
Early this morning when I went to get the newspaper, a Pileated 
Woodpecker took off with a huge sound of flapping wings, from the base 
of a spruce across the road. This seems a favorite spot which it 
explores every year.

Nari Mistry
Ellis Hollow Rd.


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[cayugabirds-l] Towhee

[Nari Mistry]

This morning, while the sun shone briefly, we were greeted by the loud 
song of an E.Towhee, amongst the songs of Wh Thr Sparrow, Goldfinch, 
HouseFinch and the rest of the chorus.

Now the sun's hidden and so is the Towhee!

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.


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[cayugabirds-l] Incredible-- backyard River Otter!

[Nari Mistry]

Just before 7am, I had just put down my binoculars after scanning the 
backyard from our kitchen. I was still looking hopefully for any Fox 
Sparrows, when I saw a dark low shape running along the bank of a small 
creek bordering our side yard. As it came out in the open, I saw clearly 
that it was a RIVER OTTER, typical loping run, shiny dark coat and 
beautiful thin tail. A few seconds later I saw it again, (or another 
one?) as it went by again towards the road! I think it may have been the 
same one that ran back briefly from the road  passing cars.
I have seen River Otters before in the Inlet by Stewart Park, but this 
was at home -- wow!

What an incredible experience. There's hope for wildlife yet!

Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.


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[cayugabirds-l] (Red)Squirrel-proofing feeders

[Nari Mistry]

Title: (Red)Squirrel-proofing feeders


We have two of our six feeders enclosed in wire cages (from
Agway) --- one has a seed tube inside, the other has a suet cage.
i have written before how a persistent red squirrel sits INSIDE the
cage all day, eating everything and keeping birds away. I don't mind
the eating, but the birds can't even try for the food !
Last weekend I wrapped both cylindrical outer cages with
chickenwire fence, hexagonal 1.5x1.0 openings, smaller
than the 1.5x1.5 openings in the cage. The red-squirrel have been
frustrated and in a frenzy to get in, so far. (The big grays too,
can't reach in as they used to.)
I was worried about the birds, since not all hexagonal openings
line up with the cage openings. The smartest birds were the
chickadees. After a few perplexed tries yesterday, the chickadees now
jump around until they find a fully open hexagon and flit in and out.
The nuthatches were next. The two WBrNH held back at the strange new
appearance of the cages-- but soon they could learn to get in and out.
The two RBr nuthatches learned quickly to find the openings and go in
and out -- one holds back a little, still getting used to it.
The goldfinches simply have not figured it out yet. They give up
easily and go to the nyger or safflower feeders. The bigger birds
(woodpeckers  Bluejays) can get at the suet at the edges of the
suet cage, as they did before. I am hoping the Carolina Wrens who come
for the suet will not give up too easily, and find a way in.

On the same topic, the squirrels simply leave the safflower
seed alone -- they don't like it. The birds will eat it happily,
unless sunflower is easy to get. Cardinals love the safflower,
particularly.

Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd.

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Nari B. Mistry,
Ithaca, New York
For my paintings, see http://www.artbynari.com

[cayugabirds-l] Tree sparrows

[Nari Mistry]

Since yesterday the lone Tree Sparrow, alone at our feeders since 
January,  has found a companion or mate. The new sparrow is smaller 
and leaner-- female?


Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.


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[cayugabirds-l] Carolina Wren pair come to be counted today.

[Nari Mistry]

Both of the Carolina Wren pair appeared together today at our suet, 
just so they could be counted for the GBBC. They were missing since 
last Thursday and only one at a time has appeared sporadically last 
week. A red squirrel happily sits all day inside the outer suet cage, 
discouraging small birds -- in spite of my efforts to persuade him 
away to seed elsewhere, cajole him, threaten him.


In  past years a CAWren pair has stayed around all year and even once 
nested in a brush pile. Hope they do again.

Nari Mistry, Ellis Hollow Rd.


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Nari B. Mistry,
Ithaca, New York
For my paintings, see http://www.artbynari.com


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[cayugabirds-l] Caroliina Wren, Brown Creeper regulars in our yard this week

[Nari Mistry]

This week a Carolina Wren has been coming to our suet feeder 
sporadically every day.
A Brown Creeper seems to spend most of mid-day every day on the 
box-elder outside our dining room window,  making a stop  on the snow 
below the feeders before each round up the tree-trunk. ( I want to 
hear him start to sing his tinkly song as the days lengthen, but with 
the windows closed, that's unlikely)


Other regulars: Red-br Nuthatch pair, White-br Nuthatch pair, 
Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Downy woodpecker, one Tree sparrow, BC 
Chickadees, T.Titmouse, House Finches, DEJuncos, N.Cardinals, 
Mourning Doves, Bluejays, four gray squirrels and one red squirrel. 
Earlier in the month we had one male Redpoll  for just one 
appearance, five Pine Siskins that did not return.


Looking at the sexual dimorphism of the woodpecker pairs versus the 
identical plumage of the nuthatches, chickadees, etc., I wondered 
whether there is any substantial discussion of how birds recognise 
their  mates, or even gender in general? Is it known what birds look 
for ?


Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow Rd.

--
Nari B. Mistry,
Ithaca, New York
For my paintings, see http://www.artbynari.com


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RE: [cayugabirds-l] Black Kite nest decorations

[Nari Mistry]

In Mumbai, right next to my family's apartment, Black kites were 
using mostly-white Tee shirts as well as blue plastic and other found 
clothing-scraps. I particularly noticed the Tee shirts when we 
visited in 2008, but I couldn't read the T-shirt logos to see what 
brand they preferred(!).


-Nari Mistry


At 8:37 AM -0500 1/21/11, Meena Haribal wrote:

Chris et al,
In India, at least those Black Kites (Milvus  migrans govinda) that 
nested near my house or my office in Mumbai, preferred golden 
materials, especially those of fire cracker wrappers. And crows 
(Corvus splendens) preferred metal coat (ok clothes) hangers to 
sticks.


I guess where these guys studied the Black Kites did not have exotic 
colors available.


I wonder what would happen if they were given different choice of 
colors would they show a gradient in their fitness.


Meena



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Nari B. Mistry,
Ithaca, New York
For my paintings, see http://www.artbynari.com


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[cayugabirds-l] Dodge Rd: Mockingbird, Bluebirds

[Nari Mistry]

On my walk down Dodge Rd this afternoon (2pm) I found a juvenile 
N.MOCKINGBIRD in the roadside shrubs. It was quite tame and allowed 
me to approach quite close.


A small group of 4 male E.BLUEBIRDs leapfrogged along the wires as I walked.

Some other birds: Redbellied  Hairy Woodpeckers, House Finches and 
lots of RTHawks. At one point as I was watching a low-flying RTHawk, 
in the field of view but far away a cloud of white-winged small birds 
arose  settled. I walked all around for quite a while but could not 
find the presumed Buntings again.


Nari Mistry,
Ellis Hollow rd.


--
Nari B. Mistry,
Ithaca, New York
For my paintings, see http://www.artbynari.com


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