[cayugabirds-l] Ithaca CBC personal highlights
Going out on a beautiful day and having every bird count equally. Having my first species after the AMERICAN CROW commute overhead not be my neighbor's bushes full of House Sparrows, but instead my neighbor's tree with an immature COOPER'S HAWK. Hearing lots of CAROLINA WRENS spontaneously singing on Ithaca's West Hill. Finding a NORTHERN FLICKER, first in a tree, then on somebody's lawn. Finding that spishing not only brought in BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, but elicited "towhee" calls from a thicket. Managing to get inside that thicket even though it turned out to be largely composed of multiflora rose. Having great close looks at the male EASTERN TOWHEE. Being greeted not simply as a strange person prowling the neighborhood, but as someone who would share an interest in why there were 2 dead crows on the ground nearby. Assuring that it would be investigated. Seeing one of those gorgeous birds. Having Laurie agree to collect them while I continued birding. Hearing Kevin's news that they were very underweight and that despite low funding, there is someone who has taken an interest and will investigate what happened to those crows. Regardless, they will make great specimens for new students of bird-skinning at the Lab.Joining with my friends Stefhan Franziska, who also birded the day entirely on foot. Scoping a distant clump of birches above West Haven Road and confirming that they were extra thick because of a flock of COMMON REDPOLLS. Scoping distant groups of BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. Being joined by Laurie for awhile; getting texts from her of the birds she found as she hiked up to meet me and on her return home, including CEDAR WAXWING and RED-TAILED HAWK which I personally missed (if you don't count those 2 specks I scoped over East Hill from West Haven Rd). Having her confirm the ID of a second COOPER'S HAWK for the day, and add a second NORTHERN FLICKER. Seeing a great feeding station with 3 suet feeders, which fed DOWNY HAIRY WOODPECKERS and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH simultaneously. Hearing an intriguing month-and-a-half-old report of a possible American Three-toed Woodpecker at a feeding station next to a grove of old spruces, as I listened to call notes from a woodpecker I never saw. Hmmm... Finding some waterfowl in and along the Flood Control Channel. After Stefhan split up with us, hearing his description over the phone and tentative ID of a MERLIN, then hearing that it was headed my way. Refinding the MERLIN atop a power pole in the direction he said it went, getting great scope views while it finished a meal, then seeing it take off continuing southeast over Ithaca. Making my way to the lake before dark even though it wasn't my assigned territory, and finding that there were a few waterfowl there, although most have been scared off or killed. Accumulating a respectable and 100% Luddite List.Meeting friends at the Lab, having a great pot-luck supper, hearing their stories, and getting the first summary of what we all found. Making plans to go out birding again today. Gotta go.--Dave Nutter
[cayugabirds-l] Common Redpolls!
Not a Snow Bunting to be seen on Mt Pleasant for yesterday's count, nor did I see them today (yet), but I was consoled by having several gorgeous male Common Redpolls at the feeder just now. Cool! I'll reiterate Dave Nutter's plea that anyone seeing Snow Bunting (even just one!) yesterday, should post because it was a species missed on the count despite the huge number seen in recent days. (I last saw them 31 December in late afternoon on Mt Pleasant) 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 -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[cayugabirds-l] Kudos to/for Dave Nutter
OUR FEELINGS EXACTLY! (DAVE TRIED, TO NO AVAIL, TO SPOT THE EIDER FOR ME ON FRI. WHEN WE FOLLOWED HIM INTO STEWART PARK.) Fritzie John Blizzard Union Springs (BYW ... the pond along Rte.90 in Union Springs is MILL Pond not North Pond.) - Original Message - Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2011 10:27 AM Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Dave Nutter We are a truly favored birding community to have as our birding conscience and constant recorder the incomparable Dave Nutter. Dave would probably be the only one to deny that, but the rest of us are richer because of his daily reports of the birds in the Basin. So to his complete embarrassment, I would like to say Thankyou to you Dave on behalf of all the Basin birders. We are all better birders because of you. Bill and Shirley McAneny, T'Burg -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3354 - Release Date: 01/02/11 02:34:00 -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[cayugabirds-l] Redpolls etc.
For the first time ever we had two Common Redpolls at our feeder on Perry Lane on west hill this morning. Also, several House Finches enjoyed splashing around in our birdbath in water from melted snow. Marsha Kardon -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Dave Nutter and redpolls, in that order
My hat's off to Dave also. Those of us that bird regularly with Dave know that he's always up for the challenge and excitement of birding, ready and willing to share what he learns with everyone. Gary On Jan 2, 2011, at 10:27 AM, B Mcaneny wrote: We are a truly favored birding community to have as our birding conscience and constant recorder the incomparable Dave Nutter. Dave would probably be the only one to deny that, but the rest of us are richer because of his daily reports of the birds in the Basin. So to his complete embarrassment, I would like to say Thankyou to you Dave on behalf of all the Basin birders. We are all better birders because of you. Of much less importance, the Redpolls finally showed up between the lakes. We had 18 of them at the feeders this a.m. about an hour ago. Had a Flicker also. Bill and Shirley McAneny, T'Burg -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[cayugabirds-l] Ithaca Christmas count catbird follow-up
Yesterday, I discovered the Catbird when I was walking by myself up Wilkins Rd, having parked in the Racker Center parking lot, after having dropped off Mary Jean and Phil at the rt. 96 end. The spot was just west of the Racker Center mowed field, where brambles and scrubby growth begin. I saw the Catbird briefly, perhaps 10-15 seconds. It was low in a thicket of multiflora rose and I found it by scanning with my binos. I hadn't heard a vocalization nor had I seen movement, just came across it while scanning. And I only saw the back half of it. It was moving a bit, bobbing its tail, which I interpreted as attempts to pick off rosehips. So, what I saw was the all gray color, and the occasional glimpse of the rusty color under the tail. When Mary Jean and Phil met me, we all tried to get another look, but weren't that fortunate, even with a lot of spishing and squeaking. At one point we thought we heard a catbird call, following a redbelly churring. But we didn't hear it again and we had to move on, since this was our first stop of the day. About mid-day today, we went back to see if we could all get to see the Catbird. We spent about a half hour, again spishing and squeaking, and this time with a very weak iPod recording of a catbird singing. At one point we again thought we heard a catbird call, this time repeated. But, it wouldn't show itself. Finally, Phil started toward the car, as I kept looking. A bird popped up about 30-40 yards in from the road. I put my binos on it, and hollered I got it. It was up and fully in view for probably 30 or 40 seconds. Phil and I both got good looks and Mary Jean caught a glimpse. Definitely a Gray Catbird. Best, Marty Schlabach Mary Jean Welser Phil Welser == Marty Schlabach m...@cornell.edu 8407 Powell Rd. home 607-532-3467 Interlaken, NY 14847 cell315-521-4315 == -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[cayugabirds-l] bird guide recommendations for iPod??
Does anyone have a recommendation for a bird guide for the iPod? Has the Lab, Living Bird or any other organization or publication done a product comparison? I came across this iPhone Bird Guide Comparison http://www.birderslibrary.com/features/iphone-bird-guide-comparison.htm but don't know anything about The Birder's Library site. Is it reputable? Personal preferences/experience would be welcome too. Marty == Marty Schlabach m...@cornell.edu 8407 Powell Rd. home 607-532-3467 Interlaken, NY 14847 cell315-521-4315 == -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Dave Nutter and redpolls, in that order
Here, here to Dave. Ann Mitchell On Sun, Jan 2, 2011 at 10:27 AM, B Mcaneny bmcane...@fltg.net wrote: We are a truly favored birding community to have as our birding conscience and constant recorder the incomparable Dave Nutter. Dave would probably be the only one to deny that, but the rest of us are richer because of his daily reports of the birds in the Basin. So to his complete embarrassment, I would like to say Thankyou to you Dave on behalf of all the Basin birders. We are all better birders because of you. Of much less importance, the Redpolls finally showed up between the lakes. We had 18 of them at the feeders this a.m. about an hour ago. Had a Flicker also. Bill and Shirley McAneny, T'Burg -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[cayugabirds-l] Ithaca CBC: more results info, sort of
About that unofficial count info, I've gotten a bit more information. The White-winged Crossbill report has been reluctantly withdrawn. Although Linda thinks they sounded more like White-winged Crossbills than like the numerous Common Redpolls in the area, she wasn't able to get any visual confirmation, and isn't 100% sure. Too bad. The Iceland Gull find should be credited to Dave Nicosia, who pointed it out to Gary Kohlenberg and Susan Danskin, who told Ken Rosenberg, who still can't understand how he missed it. The single Ruby-crowned Kinglet which I heard reported at the tally (I have zeros marked for all sectors except #2) has now been attributed to Bob McGuire, who said he heard but did not see one on Sheldon Road in his Sector 2, AND also attributed by Annette Nadeau to Asher Hockett at an unknown location but presumably in his sector which I think was #4, AND also attributed by Elaina McCartney to Scott Sutcliffe at the Hog Hole in Sector 7. I think we have a communication problem here, or a memory problem, or perhaps several. That's why those results were unofficial... Would Asher or Scott or Bill Baker (Sector 7 leader) mind double-checking and getting back to me? If there were 2 or 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, that's wonderful, and Kevin McGowan should be told, if he doesn't know already. If more than one party found a species on the CBC I don't need to know who found it or where, I just credit the Ithaca CBC generally for finder and location in my list of first finds of the year in the Cayuga Lake Basin, but I would like to know whether the number was zero, or one, or more. I'd also like to know if I screwed up. Thanks for your patience. --Dave Nutter
[cayugabirds-l] Ithaca CBC Snow Bunting report for January 1st!
We're saved! I just heard from my neighbor's friend, Mary beth Norton, that she saw a flock of 20 - 30 Snow Buntings flying on Mt Pleasant on January 1st 2011, so we can include that record in our Christmas Bird Count. She and I have been talking about the buntings ever since they've been up there this season, and she's seen my photos, so I feel absolutely confident that she knows what she saw. She was driving up there and saw the flock near the road to the radio tower at around 12:40 pm (I had already returned home after my morning route at that point). Great news. 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 -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] bird guide recommendations for iPod??
Hi Marty, The Sibley Guide is available as an app and is probably the most complete guide available (though the paintings are harder to read because of their size). The Sibley Guide also features the largest collection of recordings available - over 2,500 separate songs and calls of the North American birds. For vocalizations only, BirdTunes is an app that focuses on the same 2,500+ collection (plus Brian Small photos of each N.A. bird). That app is written by Harold Mills. Recordings by Lang Elliott, Kevin Colver (both of the Stokes Guide of Bird Songs of N.A.) with other recordings by Martyn Stewart (BBC) and someone by the name of Bob McGuire. Price here: $10. Bob On Jan 2, 2011, at 8:48 PM, Marty Schlabach wrote: Does anyone have a recommendation for a bird guide for the iPod? Has the Lab, Living Bird or any other organization or publication done a product comparison? I came across this iPhone Bird Guide Comparison http://www.birderslibrary.com/features/iphone-bird-guide-comparison.htm but don’t know anything about The Birder’s Library site. Is it reputable? Personal preferences/experience would be welcome too. Marty == Marty Schlabach m...@cornell.edu 8407 Powell Rd. home 607-532-3467 Interlaken, NY 14847 cell315-521-4315 == -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
