[cayugabirds-l] Crows on South Hill
I observed the murder of crows on Sunday evening. It was stunning. I would like to know more about why they gather in such large groups. Are they on the move or are they local? Can anyone help me understand? Thanks. Sue Rakow -- 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] Crows on South Hill
These groups are winter roosts, and they are nothing new in crow life. Despite what urban residents sometimes think, crows didn't start gathering when we set out cities for them to use. Roosting in groups at any time of year may offer safety in numbers from night predators, such as Great Horned Owls. In winter, birds living in northern areas that usually have constant snow cover for months do migrate south--Canada, areas of New England. Crows don't necessarily have a particular area they migrate TO. They may go as far as an area that is usually ok for foraging, perhaps one that they are familiar with from previous migrations. There they form flocks that are made up of migrants as well as wide-foraging locals. If it gets unusually snowy and cold, they may move further south. (We really don't know much of the repeat migratory routes of individual crows. We do know that birds tagged in Ithaca in winter are then seen on territories in Canada, VT, New Hampshire in summer, and that some birds RAISED in Ithaca have been observed or shot in winter, in such places as Maryland, West VA, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Cortland, Auburn, Geneva) In the winter flocks, birds are foraging in open fields and off familiar areas. During foraging, flocks offer some safety in numbers to detect predators in day (hawks, hunters, whatever). At night the flocks flock up still more in places that offer good roosting sites, which probably includes wind breaks, places from which owls can be detected at night. So they are probably gathering both for safety in numbers and also because they all agree on what makes a good site. Cities may offer fewer predators, but also the lights may allow them to see the predators. Finally roosting in flocks that include birds that have sampled food sources widely may allow birds to find new food sources, perhaps by following the most assured and directed birds leaving the roost. So--Upstate NY has its own crows and is ideally positioned for northern crows--so flocks become big. They like the agricultural fields interspersed with trees and lots of running water sources (which may be important in cold winters)...and we also offer lots of smaller cities, with large groups of lit trees in their downtowns or college campuses. These seem to be attractive. Mid-late March is the start of the breeding season and flocking crows will be returning to their breeding latitudes. Our Ithaca pairs are already calling on territory during daytimes. As I say, some of this story is surmised from the patterns, not pinned down with hard data on individuals! We know what our tagged birds do, when we can follow them. But we would love to have gps data coming in from our birds, such as the snowy owls and golden eagles give their researchers. Bring on the Tiny Tags! Anne On Mar 4, 2014, at 7:19 AM, Sue Rakow wrote: I observed the murder of crows on Sunday evening. It was stunning. I would like to know more about why they gather in such large groups. Are they on the move or are they local? Can anyone help me understand? Thanks. Sue Rakow -- 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/ --
[cayugabirds-l] Amherst Island needs help
Please sign the attached petition. We all know the importance of this island to migrating raptors and passerines as well as wintering owls. Wolf Island next door is the home of a wind farm and had been documented as one of the most devastating to birds with so many raptors killed there. We can't allow Amherst to go down as well. Our friends to the north thank you. John http://www.protectamherstisland.ca/save-amherst-island-letter/ -- John and Sue Gregoire Field Ornithologists Kestrel Haven Avian Migration Observatory 5373 Fitzgerald Road Burdett,NY 14818-9626 Website: http://www.empacc.net/~kestrelhaven/ Conserve and Create Habitat -- 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] Large flock Snow Buntings
There is a large flock of Snow Buntings in the field at the corner of Rt. 13 and Simms Hill Rd in Dryden, just past Mullen's Body shop. Carl Steckler -- 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] Rough-legged Hawk Dark Phase
Dark Rough-legs are one of my favorite birds and I've noticed there seem to be more around this year. I took a quick look at my eBird sightings for these and in addition to the one on Burdick Hill, I've seen dark birds multiple times at Freese Rd, Mt Pleasant, Midline Rd. and along Buffalo Rd in Caroline. Most recently, there were two on my drive to the lab this morning, one along Freese and one on Mt Pleasant. Great winter to be out looking for hawks, Jeff On Mon, Mar 3, 2014 at 7:49 PM, Candace Cornell cec...@gmail.com wrote: I've been looking for ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS on Burdick Hill Road ever since Mark Chao saw them there in mid-February and I occasionally see a light phase one flying over the field sitting in a tree on the south side of the road as he described. Today as I drove by at 2: 35 PM, I did a double take. The Rough-legged sitting in the tree today was definitely a dark-phase. Candace -- *Cayugabirds-L List Info:* Welcome and Basics http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Information http://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 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/!* -- -- Jeff Gerbracht Lead Application Developer Neotropical Birds, Breeding Bird Atlas, eBird Cornell Lab of Ornithology 607-254-2117 -- 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] Horned Larks
On Groton City Road, where farmers have been spreading manure, there are loads of Horned Larks. Also, a nice, large, roundish hawk up in a tree with it's back to me. Did not have a red tail. I was too late for work (again) to wait for it too move for identification. Also saw a Northern Harrier which required pulling over to observe (even later to work). If you head over to Groton City Road, which is a left off of 222 coming from Groton, be sure to continue on to Hinman Rd. Hinman is the right turn at the end of Groton City Road. A Short Eared Owl was spotted in the pastures on the left 100yrds before the junction with rt 90. As you scan those fields, you'll be treated to the Cardinal's loud clear tunes. Makes it worth freezing your knuckles off. Good birding, Maryfaith -- 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] Crows on South Hill
This is very helpful information! Thank you so much for the complete picture. I am learning so much from being on this list serve. I am very grateful! Sue Rakow On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 8:26 AM, Anne Clark anneb.cl...@gmail.com wrote: These groups are winter roosts, and they are nothing new in crow life. Despite what urban residents sometimes think, crows didn't start gathering when we set out cities for them to use. Roosting in groups at any time of year may offer safety in numbers from night predators, such as Great Horned Owls. In winter, birds living in northern areas that usually have constant snow cover for months do migrate south--Canada, areas of New England. Crows don't necessarily have a particular area they migrate TO. They may go as far as an area that is usually ok for foraging, perhaps one that they are familiar with from previous migrations. There they form flocks that are made up of migrants as well as wide-foraging locals. If it gets unusually snowy and cold, they may move further south. (We really don't know much of the repeat migratory routes of individual crows. We do know that birds tagged in Ithaca in winter are then seen on territories in Canada, VT, New Hampshire in summer, and that some birds RAISED in Ithaca have been observed or shot in winter, in such places as Maryland, West VA, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Cortland, Auburn, Geneva) In the winter flocks, birds are foraging in open fields and off familiar areas. During foraging, flocks offer some safety in numbers to detect predators in day (hawks, hunters, whatever). At night the flocks flock up still more in places that offer good roosting sites, which probably includes wind breaks, places from which owls can be detected at night. So they are probably gathering both for safety in numbers and also because they all agree on what makes a good site. Cities may offer fewer predators, but also the lights may allow them to see the predators. Finally roosting in flocks that include birds that have sampled food sources widely may allow birds to find new food sources, perhaps by following the most assured and directed birds leaving the roost. So--Upstate NY has its own crows and is ideally positioned for northern crows--so flocks become big. They like the agricultural fields interspersed with trees and lots of running water sources (which may be important in cold winters)...and we also offer lots of smaller cities, with large groups of lit trees in their downtowns or college campuses. These seem to be attractive. Mid-late March is the start of the breeding season and flocking crows will be returning to their breeding latitudes. Our Ithaca pairs are already calling on territory during daytimes. As I say, some of this story is surmised from the patterns, not pinned down with hard data on individuals! We know what our tagged birds do, when we can follow them. But we would love to have gps data coming in from our birds, such as the snowy owls and golden eagles give their researchers. Bring on the Tiny Tags! Anne On Mar 4, 2014, at 7:19 AM, Sue Rakow wrote: I observed the murder of crows on Sunday evening. It was stunning. I would like to know more about why they gather in such large groups. Are they on the move or are they local? Can anyone help me understand? Thanks. Sue Rakow -- *Cayugabirds-L List Info:* Welcome and Basics http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Information http://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 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/ --
RE: [cayugabirds-l] Crows on South Hill
For those who don't know, I have had a set of web pages about crows up for 15 years now, including http://www.birds.cornell.edu/crows/crowfaq.htm, which answers a lot of questions like these. Best, Kevin Kevin J. McGowan, Ph.D. Instructor Home Study Course in Bird Biology Investigating Behavior: Courtship and Rivalry in Birds Cornell Lab of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, NY 14850 k...@cornell.edu 607-254-2452 Do you know about our other distance-learning opportunities? Visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/courses and learn about our comprehensive Home Study Course in Bird Biology, our online course Investigating Behavior: Courtship and Rivalry in Birdshttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/courses/courtship/, our Be A Better Birder tutorialshttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/courses/home/tutorial/, and our series of webinarshttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/courses/home/webinars/. Purchase the webinars herehttp://store.birds.cornell.edu/category_s/55.htm. From: bounce-112890972-3493...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-112890972-3493...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Sue Rakow Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 10:52 AM To: Anne Clark Cc: CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Crows on South Hill This is very helpful information! Thank you so much for the complete picture. I am learning so much from being on this list serve. I am very grateful! Sue Rakow On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 8:26 AM, Anne Clark anneb.cl...@gmail.commailto:anneb.cl...@gmail.com wrote: These groups are winter roosts, and they are nothing new in crow life. Despite what urban residents sometimes think, crows didn't start gathering when we set out cities for them to use. Roosting in groups at any time of year may offer safety in numbers from night predators, such as Great Horned Owls. In winter, birds living in northern areas that usually have constant snow cover for months do migrate south--Canada, areas of New England. Crows don't necessarily have a particular area they migrate TO. They may go as far as an area that is usually ok for foraging, perhaps one that they are familiar with from previous migrations. There they form flocks that are made up of migrants as well as wide-foraging locals. If it gets unusually snowy and cold, they may move further south. (We really don't know much of the repeat migratory routes of individual crows. We do know that birds tagged in Ithaca in winter are then seen on territories in Canada, VT, New Hampshire in summer, and that some birds RAISED in Ithaca have been observed or shot in winter, in such places as Maryland, West VA, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Cortland, Auburn, Geneva) In the winter flocks, birds are foraging in open fields and off familiar areas. During foraging, flocks offer some safety in numbers to detect predators in day (hawks, hunters, whatever). At night the flocks flock up still more in places that offer good roosting sites, which probably includes wind breaks, places from which owls can be detected at night. So they are probably gathering both for safety in numbers and also because they all agree on what makes a good site. Cities may offer fewer predators, but also the lights may allow them to see the predators. Finally roosting in flocks that include birds that have sampled food sources widely may allow birds to find new food sources, perhaps by following the most assured and directed birds leaving the roost. So--Upstate NY has its own crows and is ideally positioned for northern crows--so flocks become big. They like the agricultural fields interspersed with trees and lots of running water sources (which may be important in cold winters)...and we also offer lots of smaller cities, with large groups of lit trees in their downtowns or college campuses. These seem to be attractive. Mid-late March is the start of the breeding season and flocking crows will be returning to their breeding latitudes. Our Ithaca pairs are already calling on territory during daytimes. As I say, some of this story is surmised from the patterns, not pinned down with hard data on individuals! We know what our tagged birds do, when we can follow them. But we would love to have gps data coming in from our birds, such as the snowy owls and golden eagles give their researchers. Bring on the Tiny Tags! Anne On Mar 4, 2014, at 7:19 AM, Sue Rakow wrote: I observed the murder of crows on Sunday evening. It was stunning. I would like to know more about why they gather in such large groups. Are they on the move or are they local? Can anyone help me understand? Thanks. Sue Rakow -- 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
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Crows on South Hill
Sue, thanks for enjoying the list and for being so eager to learn. All of us who admire, respect and enjoy crows are trying to retire the collective noun of murder as it can either imply that crows are evil or that they should be murdered. Another term could be Congress of crows (which in this day and age can also be pejorative) or can also be a Muster. Which would seem appropriate especially at this time of year as they gather or when they all raucously mob a Great-horned Owl. I like Muster, the definition is apropos. Keep watching!!! Linda Orkin Ithaca, NY On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 10:52 AM, Sue Rakow sue.ra...@gmail.com wrote: This is very helpful information! Thank you so much for the complete picture. I am learning so much from being on this list serve. I am very grateful! Sue Rakow On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 8:26 AM, Anne Clark anneb.cl...@gmail.com wrote: These groups are winter roosts, and they are nothing new in crow life. Despite what urban residents sometimes think, crows didn't start gathering when we set out cities for them to use. Roosting in groups at any time of year may offer safety in numbers from night predators, such as Great Horned Owls. In winter, birds living in northern areas that usually have constant snow cover for months do migrate south--Canada, areas of New England. Crows don't necessarily have a particular area they migrate TO. They may go as far as an area that is usually ok for foraging, perhaps one that they are familiar with from previous migrations. There they form flocks that are made up of migrants as well as wide-foraging locals. If it gets unusually snowy and cold, they may move further south. (We really don't know much of the repeat migratory routes of individual crows. We do know that birds tagged in Ithaca in winter are then seen on territories in Canada, VT, New Hampshire in summer, and that some birds RAISED in Ithaca have been observed or shot in winter, in such places as Maryland, West VA, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Cortland, Auburn, Geneva) In the winter flocks, birds are foraging in open fields and off familiar areas. During foraging, flocks offer some safety in numbers to detect predators in day (hawks, hunters, whatever). At night the flocks flock up still more in places that offer good roosting sites, which probably includes wind breaks, places from which owls can be detected at night. So they are probably gathering both for safety in numbers and also because they all agree on what makes a good site. Cities may offer fewer predators, but also the lights may allow them to see the predators. Finally roosting in flocks that include birds that have sampled food sources widely may allow birds to find new food sources, perhaps by following the most assured and directed birds leaving the roost. So--Upstate NY has its own crows and is ideally positioned for northern crows--so flocks become big. They like the agricultural fields interspersed with trees and lots of running water sources (which may be important in cold winters)...and we also offer lots of smaller cities, with large groups of lit trees in their downtowns or college campuses. These seem to be attractive. Mid-late March is the start of the breeding season and flocking crows will be returning to their breeding latitudes. Our Ithaca pairs are already calling on territory during daytimes. As I say, some of this story is surmised from the patterns, not pinned down with hard data on individuals! We know what our tagged birds do, when we can follow them. But we would love to have gps data coming in from our birds, such as the snowy owls and golden eagles give their researchers. Bring on the Tiny Tags! Anne On Mar 4, 2014, at 7:19 AM, Sue Rakow wrote: I observed the murder of crows on Sunday evening. It was stunning. I would like to know more about why they gather in such large groups. Are they on the move or are they local? Can anyone help me understand? Thanks. Sue Rakow -- *Cayugabirds-L List Info:* Welcome and Basics http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Information http://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 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 Leavehttp://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm *Archives:* The Mail
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Amherst Island needs help
I put my two cents in as well! Deirdre Anderson On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 8:50 AM, John and Sue Gregoire k...@empacc.netwrote: Please sign the attached petition. We all know the importance of this island to migrating raptors and passerines as well as wintering owls. Wolf Island next door is the home of a wind farm and had been documented as one of the most devastating to birds with so many raptors killed there. We can't allow Amherst to go down as well. Our friends to the north thank you. John http://www.protectamherstisland.ca/save-amherst-island-letter/ -- John and Sue Gregoire Field Ornithologists Kestrel Haven Avian Migration Observatory 5373 Fitzgerald Road Burdett,NY 14818-9626 Website: http://www.empacc.net/~kestrelhaven/ Conserve and Create Habitat -- 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] Crows on South Hill
MUSTER . Would that be only used among us locals? Jae On Mar 4, 2014, at 11:02 AM, Linda Orkin wingmagi...@gmail.com wrote: Sue, thanks for enjoying the list and for being so eager to learn. All of us who admire, respect and enjoy crows are trying to retire the collective noun of murder as it can either imply that crows are evil or that they should be murdered. Another term could be Congress of crows (which in this day and age can also be pejorative) or can also be a Muster. Which would seem appropriate especially at this time of year as they gather or when they all raucously mob a Great-horned Owl. I like Muster, the definition is apropos. Keep watching!!! Linda Orkin Ithaca, NY On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 10:52 AM, Sue Rakow sue.ra...@gmail.com wrote: This is very helpful information! Thank you so much for the complete picture. I am learning so much from being on this list serve. I am very grateful! Sue Rakow On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 8:26 AM, Anne Clark anneb.cl...@gmail.com wrote: These groups are winter roosts, and they are nothing new in crow life. Despite what urban residents sometimes think, crows didn't start gathering when we set out cities for them to use. Roosting in groups at any time of year may offer safety in numbers from night predators, such as Great Horned Owls. In winter, birds living in northern areas that usually have constant snow cover for months do migrate south--Canada, areas of New England. Crows don't necessarily have a particular area they migrate TO. They may go as far as an area that is usually ok for foraging, perhaps one that they are familiar with from previous migrations. There they form flocks that are made up of migrants as well as wide-foraging locals. If it gets unusually snowy and cold, they may move further south. (We really don't know much of the repeat migratory routes of individual crows. We do know that birds tagged in Ithaca in winter are then seen on territories in Canada, VT, New Hampshire in summer, and that some birds RAISED in Ithaca have been observed or shot in winter, in such places as Maryland, West VA, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Cortland, Auburn, Geneva) In the winter flocks, birds are foraging in open fields and off familiar areas. During foraging, flocks offer some safety in numbers to detect predators in day (hawks, hunters, whatever). At night the flocks flock up still more in places that offer good roosting sites, which probably includes wind breaks, places from which owls can be detected at night. So they are probably gathering both for safety in numbers and also because they all agree on what makes a good site. Cities may offer fewer predators, but also the lights may allow them to see the predators. Finally roosting in flocks that include birds that have sampled food sources widely may allow birds to find new food sources, perhaps by following the most assured and directed birds leaving the roost. So--Upstate NY has its own crows and is ideally positioned for northern crows--so flocks become big. They like the agricultural fields interspersed with trees and lots of running water sources (which may be important in cold winters)...and we also offer lots of smaller cities, with large groups of lit trees in their downtowns or college campuses. These seem to be attractive. Mid-late March is the start of the breeding season and flocking crows will be returning to their breeding latitudes. Our Ithaca pairs are already calling on territory during daytimes. As I say, some of this story is surmised from the patterns, not pinned down with hard data on individuals! We know what our tagged birds do, when we can follow them. But we would love to have gps data coming in from our birds, such as the snowy owls and golden eagles give their researchers. Bring on the Tiny Tags! Anne On Mar 4, 2014, at 7:19 AM, Sue Rakow wrote: I observed the murder of crows on Sunday evening. It was stunning. I would like to know more about why they gather in such large groups. Are they on the move or are they local? Can anyone help me understand? Thanks. Sue Rakow -- 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: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds BirdingOnThe.Net Please submit your observations to eBird! -- -- Don't ask what your bird club can do for you, ask what you can do for your bird club!! ')_,/ -- 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! -- --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Crows on South Hill
No according to ask.com it's an actual alternative. Spread it far and wide. Linda On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 12:03 PM, J. Sullivan blueheron...@yahoo.com wrote: MUSTER . Would that be only used among us locals? Jae On Mar 4, 2014, at 11:02 AM, Linda Orkin wingmagi...@gmail.com wrote: Sue, thanks for enjoying the list and for being so eager to learn. All of us who admire, respect and enjoy crows are trying to retire the collective noun of murder as it can either imply that crows are evil or that they should be murdered. Another term could be Congress of crows (which in this day and age can also be pejorative) or can also be a Muster. Which would seem appropriate especially at this time of year as they gather or when they all raucously mob a Great-horned Owl. I like Muster, the definition is apropos. Keep watching!!! Linda Orkin Ithaca, NY On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 10:52 AM, Sue Rakow sue.ra...@gmail.com wrote: This is very helpful information! Thank you so much for the complete picture. I am learning so much from being on this list serve. I am very grateful! Sue Rakow On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 8:26 AM, Anne Clark anneb.cl...@gmail.com wrote: These groups are winter roosts, and they are nothing new in crow life. Despite what urban residents sometimes think, crows didn't start gathering when we set out cities for them to use. Roosting in groups at any time of year may offer safety in numbers from night predators, such as Great Horned Owls. In winter, birds living in northern areas that usually have constant snow cover for months do migrate south--Canada, areas of New England. Crows don't necessarily have a particular area they migrate TO. They may go as far as an area that is usually ok for foraging, perhaps one that they are familiar with from previous migrations. There they form flocks that are made up of migrants as well as wide-foraging locals. If it gets unusually snowy and cold, they may move further south. (We really don't know much of the repeat migratory routes of individual crows. We do know that birds tagged in Ithaca in winter are then seen on territories in Canada, VT, New Hampshire in summer, and that some birds RAISED in Ithaca have been observed or shot in winter, in such places as Maryland, West VA, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Cortland, Auburn, Geneva) In the winter flocks, birds are foraging in open fields and off familiar areas. During foraging, flocks offer some safety in numbers to detect predators in day (hawks, hunters, whatever). At night the flocks flock up still more in places that offer good roosting sites, which probably includes wind breaks, places from which owls can be detected at night. So they are probably gathering both for safety in numbers and also because they all agree on what makes a good site. Cities may offer fewer predators, but also the lights may allow them to see the predators. Finally roosting in flocks that include birds that have sampled food sources widely may allow birds to find new food sources, perhaps by following the most assured and directed birds leaving the roost. So--Upstate NY has its own crows and is ideally positioned for northern crows--so flocks become big. They like the agricultural fields interspersed with trees and lots of running water sources (which may be important in cold winters)...and we also offer lots of smaller cities, with large groups of lit trees in their downtowns or college campuses. These seem to be attractive. Mid-late March is the start of the breeding season and flocking crows will be returning to their breeding latitudes. Our Ithaca pairs are already calling on territory during daytimes. As I say, some of this story is surmised from the patterns, not pinned down with hard data on individuals! We know what our tagged birds do, when we can follow them. But we would love to have gps data coming in from our birds, such as the snowy owls and golden eagles give their researchers. Bring on the Tiny Tags! Anne On Mar 4, 2014, at 7:19 AM, Sue Rakow wrote: I observed the murder of crows on Sunday evening. It was stunning. I would like to know more about why they gather in such large groups. Are they on the move or are they local? Can anyone help me understand? Thanks. Sue Rakow -- *Cayugabirds-L List Info:* Welcome and Basics http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME Rules and Information http://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 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
[cayugabirds-l] SEOWs Leach and City Hill Rds Penn Yan
Last night while conducting a SEOW survey on Leach Rd in Penn Yan, I was approached by a fellow birder who informed me that he had spotted TWO SHORT-EARED OWLS on Leach Rd by the railroad tracks and EIGHT SHORT-EARED OWLS on City Hill Rd, near where Henderson Rd ends (the eastern end). I did not see the two owls by the railroad tracks, but spotted one SEOW further down Leach Rd, on the northside just past Flynn Rd. When I headed over to City Hill Rd, I was able to located THREE SEOWs, one of which was in a small field close to the road, just west of Henderson Rd. Kaytee Kaytee Hojnacki Wildlife Technician Region 8 Bureau of Wildlife New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 6274 East Avon-Lima Road Avon, NY 14414-9519 585/226-5464 585/226-6323 fax kahoj...@gw.dec.state.ny.us -- 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] Crows on South Hill
Recently, I found 2 dead crows near each other. I was surprised to find this. Is this unusual? -Original Message- From: Linda Orkin wingmagi...@gmail.com To: Sue Rakow sue.ra...@gmail.com Cc: Anne Clark anneb.cl...@gmail.com; cayugabirds Cayugabirds-L@cornell.edu Sent: Tue, Mar 4, 2014 11:02 am Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Crows on South Hill Sue, thanks for enjoying the list and for being so eager to learn. All of us who admire, respect and enjoy crows are trying to retire the collective noun of murder as it can either imply that crows are evil or that they should be murdered. Another term could be Congress of crows (which in this day and age can also be pejorative) or can also be a Muster. Which would seem appropriate especially at this time of year as they gather or when they all raucously mob a Great-horned Owl. I like Muster, the definition is apropos. Keep watching!!! Linda Orkin Ithaca, NY On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 10:52 AM, Sue Rakow sue.ra...@gmail.com wrote: This is very helpful information! Thank you so much for the complete picture. I am learning so much from being on this list serve. I am very grateful! Sue Rakow On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 8:26 AM, Anne Clark anneb.cl...@gmail.com wrote: These groups are winter roosts, and they are nothing new in crow life. Despite what urban residents sometimes think, crows didn't start gathering when we set out cities for them to use. Roosting in groups at any time of year may offer safety in numbers from night predators, such as Great Horned Owls. In winter, birds living in northern areas that usually have constant snow cover for months do migrate south--Canada, areas of New England. Crows don't necessarily have a particular area they migrate TO. They may go as far as an area that is usually ok for foraging, perhaps one that they are familiar with from previous migrations. There they form flocks that are made up of migrants as well as wide-foraging locals. If it gets unusually snowy and cold, they may move further south. (We really don't know much of the repeat migratory routes of individual crows. We do know that birds tagged in Ithaca in winter are then seen on territories in Canada, VT, New Hampshire in summer, and that some birds RAISED in Ithaca have been observed or shot in winter, in such places as Maryland, West VA, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Cortland, Auburn, Geneva) In the winter flocks, birds are foraging in open fields and off familiar areas. During foraging, flocks offer some safety in numbers to detect predators in day (hawks, hunters, whatever). At night the flocks flock up still more in places that offer good roosting sites, which probably includes wind breaks, places from which owls can be detected at night. So they are probably gathering both for safety in numbers and also because they all agree on what makes a good site. Cities may offer fewer predators, but also the lights may allow them to see the predators. Finally roosting in flocks that include birds that have sampled food sources widely may allow birds to find new food sources, perhaps by following the most assured and directed birds leaving the roost. So--Upstate NY has its own crows and is ideally positioned for northern crows--so flocks become big. They like the agricultural fields interspersed with trees and lots of running water sources (which may be important in cold winters)...and we also offer lots of smaller cities, with large groups of lit trees in their downtowns or college campuses. These seem to be attractive. Mid-late March is the start of the breeding season and flocking crows will be returning to their breeding latitudes. Our Ithaca pairs are already calling on territory during daytimes. As I say, some of this story is surmised from the patterns, not pinned down with hard data on individuals! We know what our tagged birds do, when we can follow them. But we would love to have gps data coming in from our birds, such as the snowy owls and golden eagles give their researchers. Bring on the Tiny Tags! Anne On Mar 4, 2014, at 7:19 AM, Sue Rakow wrote: I observed the murder of crows on Sunday evening. It was stunning. I would like to know more about why they gather in such large groups. Are they on the move or are they local? Can anyone help me understand? Thanks. Sue Rakow -- 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: 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] Cedar waxwings
This morning a flock of around 50 CEDAR WAXWINGS were flying about our neighborhood, most feeding on the dried fruit of our neighbor's Korean Ash. All the birds had beautiful coloration. I could not find any Bohemians among them. What I found particularly fascinating was that many were feeding on snow in our silver maple tree (and probably elsewhere). My question for the expert birders: were the birds consuming snow as a way to dilute the juice (fermented?) that had become concentrated in the shriveled fruit? 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] Cedar waxwings
-Original Message- From: bounce-112894308-3493...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-112894308-3493...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of W. Larry Hymes Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 1:52 PM To: CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cedar waxwings were the birds consuming snow as a way to dilute the juice (fermented?) that had become concentrated in the shriveled fruit? No. They were thirsty. There is no juice, fermented or otherwise, in dried fruit. Have you ever gotten drunk from eating raisins? ;^) Best, Kevin -- 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] Crows on South Hill
I agree, Linda. Muster seems quite appropriate. Thanks. On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 1:11 PM, jensdre...@aol.com wrote: Recently, I found 2 dead crows near each other. I was surprised to find this. Is this unusual? -Original Message- From: Linda Orkin wingmagi...@gmail.com To: Sue Rakow sue.ra...@gmail.com Cc: Anne Clark anneb.cl...@gmail.com; cayugabirds Cayugabirds-L@cornell.edu Sent: Tue, Mar 4, 2014 11:02 am Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Crows on South Hill Sue, thanks for enjoying the list and for being so eager to learn. All of us who admire, respect and enjoy crows are trying to retire the collective noun of murder as it can either imply that crows are evil or that they should be murdered. Another term could be Congress of crows (which in this day and age can also be pejorative) or can also be a Muster. Which would seem appropriate especially at this time of year as they gather or when they all raucously mob a Great-horned Owl. I like Muster, the definition is apropos. Keep watching!!! Linda Orkin Ithaca, NY On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 10:52 AM, Sue Rakow sue.ra...@gmail.com wrote: This is very helpful information! Thank you so much for the complete picture. I am learning so much from being on this list serve. I am very grateful! Sue Rakow On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 8:26 AM, Anne Clark anneb.cl...@gmail.com wrote: These groups are winter roosts, and they are nothing new in crow life. Despite what urban residents sometimes think, crows didn't start gathering when we set out cities for them to use. Roosting in groups at any time of year may offer safety in numbers from night predators, such as Great Horned Owls. In winter, birds living in northern areas that usually have constant snow cover for months do migrate south--Canada, areas of New England. Crows don't necessarily have a particular area they migrate TO. They may go as far as an area that is usually ok for foraging, perhaps one that they are familiar with from previous migrations. There they form flocks that are made up of migrants as well as wide-foraging locals. If it gets unusually snowy and cold, they may move further south. (We really don't know much of the repeat migratory routes of individual crows. We do know that birds tagged in Ithaca in winter are then seen on territories in Canada, VT, New Hampshire in summer, and that some birds RAISED in Ithaca have been observed or shot in winter, in such places as Maryland, West VA, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Cortland, Auburn, Geneva) In the winter flocks, birds are foraging in open fields and off familiar areas. During foraging, flocks offer some safety in numbers to detect predators in day (hawks, hunters, whatever). At night the flocks flock up still more in places that offer good roosting sites, which probably includes wind breaks, places from which owls can be detected at night. So they are probably gathering both for safety in numbers and also because they all agree on what makes a good site. Cities may offer fewer predators, but also the lights may allow them to see the predators. Finally roosting in flocks that include birds that have sampled food sources widely may allow birds to find new food sources, perhaps by following the most assured and directed birds leaving the roost. So--Upstate NY has its own crows and is ideally positioned for northern crows--so flocks become big. They like the agricultural fields interspersed with trees and lots of running water sources (which may be important in cold winters)...and we also offer lots of smaller cities, with large groups of lit trees in their downtowns or college campuses. These seem to be attractive. Mid-late March is the start of the breeding season and flocking crows will be returning to their breeding latitudes. Our Ithaca pairs are already calling on territory during daytimes. As I say, some of this story is surmised from the patterns, not pinned down with hard data on individuals! We know what our tagged birds do, when we can follow them. But we would love to have gps data coming in from our birds, such as the snowy owls and golden eagles give their researchers. Bring on the Tiny Tags! Anne On Mar 4, 2014, at 7:19 AM, Sue Rakow wrote: I observed the murder of crows on Sunday evening. It was stunning. I would like to know more about why they gather in such large groups. Are they on the move or are they local? Can anyone help me understand? Thanks. Sue Rakow -- *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:* 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] Cayuga Lake, east side
This afternoon Ann Mitchell I birded the east side of Cayuga Lake. Before we left Ithaca, we toured the Northside neighborhood in quest of FISH CROWS, and we eventually heard and saw at least 2 among AMERICAN CROWS near the sadly twice-defunct grocery store at First Hancock Streets.We skipped East Shore Park because the ice edge was by the houses to the north. Our first stop along the lake was Ladoga Park Rd, where we expected open water, but were surprised to see the entire bight from Portland Point to Myers Point iced over, except for a distant lead and 3 small and crowded polynyas, which still made for good birding. One of these openings was south of Ladoga along the shore where perhaps a stream comes in. Two others were near the south side of the Finger Lakes Marine Service marina next to Myers Point Park, and there was a small area of open water within that marina as well. A birder we met there said a huge ice floe floated north to help create the shelf. Birds at those openings included at least 14 NORTHERN PINTAILS, several AMERICAN WIGEON, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, COMMON GOLDENEYE, all 5 usual Aythya, AMERICAN COOT, CANADA GEESE, MALLARDS and AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS. Out on the open water, better seen from the lighthouse, were 2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 31 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and lots of COMMON GOLDENEYE. North of Myers Point was a distant raft of mixed Aythya and in the cove north of Salt Point were more ducks in good variety. The 3 usual gull species rested on the icy shoals north of the mouth of Salmon Creek. We skipped north to Union Springs, which was iced in, and then headed back south. Highlights at the Mill Pond in Union Springs included one each continuing RED-NECKED GREBE, HORNED GREBE, and male WOOD DUCK ( the latter flew, perhaps to the outlet stream, shortly after I found him). A female GREEN-WINGED TEAL tried to hide in the Factory Street Pond. There were great looks at GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, REDHEAD, TUNDRA SWAN, and BUFFLEHEAD in these ponds. From the cliffs by Mackenzie-Childs we saw 7 each HORNED and RED-NECKED GREBES, 2 pairs of MUTE SWANS and 9 or more TUNDRA SWANS. There were plenty of ducks at the Wells College Boathouse, but a dearth of grebes. Long Point State Park had 13 HORNED and 2 RED-NECKED GREBES, 20 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, a distant pair of NORTHERN PINTAIL, lots of CANVASBACKS, and a nice variety of other ducks. In the cedar-strewn woods north of Long Point State Park we saw a single YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER as well as a CAROLINA WREN, and several EASTERN BLUEBIRDS with the more usual winter woods birds. From here south through Lansing, we saw occasional groups of AMERICAN ROBINS in trees and in spread-out flying flocks. At 5:30pm as we drove past the fields between Long Point State Park and the Long Point Winery, and we saw 1 SHORT-EARED OWL atop a power pole.Despite today's cold temperatures it was great birding because the low winds made the lake calm and the wind chill tolerable just long enough to give the lake a decent scan. But we couldn't find Carl Steckler's Surf Scoters, so we'll have to be content with his fine photos for now. --Dave Nutter -- 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! --
Re: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Lake, east side
Forgot to mention: Thanks to a hot tip from another birder at Myers Point, we saw the lovely EASTERN SCREECH-OWL framed by a large oval knot-hole in a dead tree below the orchards on Sweazey Rd in Lansing.--Dave NutterOn Mar 04, 2014, at 09:37 PM, Dave Nutter nutter.d...@me.com wrote:This afternoon Ann Mitchell I birded the east side of Cayuga Lake. Before we left Ithaca, we toured the Northside neighborhood in quest of FISH CROWS, and we eventually heard and saw at least 2 among AMERICAN CROWS near the sadly twice-defunct grocery store at First Hancock Streets.We skipped East Shore Park because the ice edge was by the houses to the north. Our first stop along the lake was Ladoga Park Rd, where we expected open water, but were surprised to see the entire bight from Portland Point to Myers Point iced over, except for a distant lead and 3 small and crowded polynyas, which still made for good birding. One of these openings was south of Ladoga along the shore where perhaps a stream comes in. Two others were near the south side of the Finger Lakes Marine Service marina next to Myers Point Park, and there was a small area of open water within that marina as well. A birder we met there said a huge ice floe floated north to help create the shelf. Birds at those openings included at least 14 NORTHERN PINTAILS, several AMERICAN WIGEON, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, COMMON GOLDENEYE, all 5 usual Aythya, AMERICAN COOT, CANADA GEESE, MALLARDS and AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS. Out on the open water, better seen from the lighthouse, were 2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 31 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and lots of COMMON GOLDENEYE. North of Myers Point was a distant raft of mixed Aythya and in the cove north of Salt Point were more ducks in good variety. The 3 usual gull species rested on the icy shoals north of the mouth of Salmon Creek. We skipped north to Union Springs, which was iced in, and then headed back south. Highlights at the Mill Pond in Union Springs included one each continuing RED-NECKED GREBE, HORNED GREBE, and male WOOD DUCK ( the latter flew, perhaps to the outlet stream, shortly after I found him). A female GREEN-WINGED TEAL tried to hide in the Factory Street Pond. There were great looks at GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, REDHEAD, TUNDRA SWAN, and BUFFLEHEAD in these ponds. From the cliffs by Mackenzie-Childs we saw 7 each HORNED and RED-NECKED GREBES, 2 pairs of MUTE SWANS and 9 or more TUNDRA SWANS. There were plenty of ducks at the Wells College Boathouse, but a dearth of grebes. Long Point State Park had 13 HORNED and 2 RED-NECKED GREBES, 20 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, a distant pair of NORTHERN PINTAIL, lots of CANVASBACKS, and a nice variety of other ducks. In the cedar-strewn woods north of Long Point State Park we saw a single YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER as well as a CAROLINA WREN, and several EASTERN BLUEBIRDS with the more usual winter woods birds. From here south through Lansing, we saw occasional groups of AMERICAN ROBINS in trees and in spread-out flying flocks. At 5:30pm as we drove past the fields between Long Point State Park and the Long Point Winery, and we saw 1 SHORT-EARED OWL atop a power pole.Despite today's cold temperatures it was great birding because the low winds made the lake calm and the wind chill tolerable just long enough to give the lake a decent scan. But we couldn't find Carl Steckler's Surf Scoters, so we'll have to be content with his fine photos for now. --Dave Nutter-- -- 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! --
