Re: [nysbirds-l] American Golden-Plover declines - wind farms?

[David Nicosia]

https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/global-warming/mid-holocene-warm-period

https://phys.org/news/2008-10-ice-arctic-ocean-years.amp?__twitter_impression=true

The Arctic was warmer due to orbital parameters back then, not an enhanced
greenhouse effect, or slightly warmer sun like today. I believe the Earth's
obliquity was larger, meaning more sunlight in summer. Anyway, our species
are still around that nest in the Arctic so they somehow survived this
warmer period up there. Now we will never know if it caused a decline in
species and what species in particular.

Are other shorebird species declining as migrants in NY?  I don't have a
firm grasp on this at all. It is just based on qualitative impressions.
(maybe someone else does?)  I remember easily seeing 50-100+ pectoral
sandpipers at Knox-Marcellus marsh back 5 years or so in the fall. Now it
is hard to get more than 30. Many times it is just a dozen or so of late.
These are just my observations and could be off. I know the pectoral
sandpiper also is a spring migrant through the plains and midwest. Baird's
Sandpiper, another spring migrant through the Plains, always seems like we
get just a few here and there each fall in NY and I don't see much change
there. Buff-breasted sandpipers, another similar migrant, always seems to
be reported here and there and is even more rare.

I also just read a scientific study that suggests American Golden-Plovers
do not avoid wind farms. "Homoya, W., J. W. Moore, P. J. Ruhl, and J. B.
Dunning (2017). Do American Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis dominica) avoid
wind-energy turbines in agricultural fields in Indiana during spring
migration? Wilson Journal of Ornithology 129:863–871."  But there is no
evidence that the turbines are killing birds.  The sighting of the wind
farms is probably the most important aspect for bird conservation. That is
why it is important for local birders and bird organizations to be aware of
placement of said wind farms. I guess my main point is we can't get
complacent about green energy. We can't make the assumption that it will be
"good" for our birds. It has to be sited properly and away from important
habitats for our migrants.

But you still see this stuff
https://www.pressconnects.com/story/news/local/2020/04/09/ny-strikes-down-wind-farm-objections/2970483001/

I know there was much outcry from the birding community since this is a
major golden eagle migratory pathway and now there will be wind farms all
around. The state also blew off the local residents in Windsor that don't
want this. Anyway, this could get ugly in the future if we increase our
wind farms by 4 times.

Dave Nicosia








On Sat, Oct 24, 2020 at 6:01 AM Joseph O'Sullivan 
wrote:

> What paleoclimate study or studies come to the conclusion that the Arctic
> was 2-4c warmer 8000 years ago? I would like to read those reports. Could
> you provide a link?
>
> On Fri, Oct 23, 2020 at 7:59 PM David Nicosia 
> wrote:
>
>> All,
>>
>> In Broome Co we have been fortunate to have had a great year for the
>> AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER. That is most definitely related to the drawdown of
>> Whitney Point Reservoir which empasses ebird hotspots of Upper Lisle Co.
>> Park, Dorchester Park and Keibel Rd.   But, based on looking at Bull's
>> comment from his 1974 publication and many of you chiming in on how much
>> less common this bird is, what could be causing this decline?   The only
>> thing that has changed significantly for this species , especially in the
>> last 10-15 years, is the proliferation of wind farms in the central Plains
>> and midwest. This is a major migratory pathway for this species especially
>> in the spring and still even in the fall. The rapid and continued rapid
>> deployment of wind farms in fields where these birds forage and rest on
>> their way to the Arctic likely has something to do with the population
>> declines.  The Arctic has not warmed much since 2010 and the fact that the
>> Arctic was 2-4C warmer 8000 years ago vs today based on paleoclimate
>> studies suggests that this is not a major factor at least yet. Winter
>> grounds look similar and I could not find anything published related to a
>> use of a new pesticide or herbicide down there. They also like the wetter
>> areas on their winter grounds that are grazed by cattle which hasn't
>> changed much. So unless the declines are cyclic related to availability of
>> other prey for predators (lemmings etc) the only other thing to consider is
>> the rapid increase in wind farms in a major migratory pathway for this
>> species. I think as birders we have to be careful supporting wind farms.
>> Wind farms and solar farms Which can destroy a lot of field and forest
>> habitat DO have an impact on birds. And energy companies don't care about
>> this stuff, they want to make money. My contention is that wind farms are
>> what is causing the declines in the golden plovers and other shorebirds
>> passing through the middle of the country. With projections of a 4 times

Re: [nysbirds-l] American Golden-Plover declines - wind farms?

[Joseph O'Sullivan]

What paleoclimate study or studies come to the conclusion that the Arctic
was 2-4c warmer 8000 years ago? I would like to read those reports. Could
you provide a link?

On Fri, Oct 23, 2020 at 7:59 PM David Nicosia  wrote:

> All,
>
> In Broome Co we have been fortunate to have had a great year for the
> AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER. That is most definitely related to the drawdown of
> Whitney Point Reservoir which empasses ebird hotspots of Upper Lisle Co.
> Park, Dorchester Park and Keibel Rd.   But, based on looking at Bull's
> comment from his 1974 publication and many of you chiming in on how much
> less common this bird is, what could be causing this decline?   The only
> thing that has changed significantly for this species , especially in the
> last 10-15 years, is the proliferation of wind farms in the central Plains
> and midwest. This is a major migratory pathway for this species especially
> in the spring and still even in the fall. The rapid and continued rapid
> deployment of wind farms in fields where these birds forage and rest on
> their way to the Arctic likely has something to do with the population
> declines.  The Arctic has not warmed much since 2010 and the fact that the
> Arctic was 2-4C warmer 8000 years ago vs today based on paleoclimate
> studies suggests that this is not a major factor at least yet. Winter
> grounds look similar and I could not find anything published related to a
> use of a new pesticide or herbicide down there. They also like the wetter
> areas on their winter grounds that are grazed by cattle which hasn't
> changed much. So unless the declines are cyclic related to availability of
> other prey for predators (lemmings etc) the only other thing to consider is
> the rapid increase in wind farms in a major migratory pathway for this
> species. I think as birders we have to be careful supporting wind farms.
> Wind farms and solar farms Which can destroy a lot of field and forest
> habitat DO have an impact on birds. And energy companies don't care about
> this stuff, they want to make money. My contention is that wind farms are
> what is causing the declines in the golden plovers and other shorebirds
> passing through the middle of the country. With projections of a 4 times
> increase in wind farms by 2050, this could be a major issue. If our country
> goes through with this without a commitment from China, Russia or India to
> reduce CO2 emissions it will all be a waste.  So in summary I don't agree
> with Audubon's  position on renewable energy. I think it could have major
> negative impacts for our birds. A climate that is gradually warming likely
> will help birds, not hurt them. Summers without cold rainy periods are good
> for nesting. A warmer less stormy arctic is good for arctic
> nesting shorebirds. When we had a  very chilly summer with leftover snow in
> the Arctic a few years back I remember the nesting season was proclaimed
> really bad by researchers up there. So let's be very careful about
> supporting renewable energy when it leads to destruction of habitat and
> literally death of our birds. I am concerned about the future related to
> this.
>
> Dave
> --
> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
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> Rules and Information 
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> 
> *Archives:*
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> 
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> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
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Re: [nysbirds-l] American Golden-Plover declines - wind farms?

[Gus Keri]

And this email was brought to you by the oil and gas industries. LOL
Just kidding

Sent using Zoho Mail


  On Fri, 23 Oct 2020 19:58:45 -0400 David Nicosia  
wrote 
 > All, 
 > In Broome Co we have been fortunate to have had a great year for the 
 > AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER. That is most definitely related to the drawdown of 
 > Whitney Point Reservoir which empasses ebird hotspots of Upper Lisle Co. 
 > Park, Dorchester Park and Keibel Rd.   But, based on looking at Bull's 
 > comment from his 1974 publication and many of you chiming in on how much 
 > less common this bird is, what could be causing this decline?   The only 
 > thing that has changed significantly for this species , especially in the 
 > last 10-15 years, is the proliferation of wind farms in the central Plains 
 > and midwest. This is a major migratory pathway for this species especially 
 > in the spring and still even in the fall. The rapid and continued rapid 
 > deployment of wind farms in fields where these birds forage and rest on 
 > their way to the Arctic likely has something to do with the population 
 > declines.  The Arctic has not warmed much since 2010 and the fact that the 
 > Arctic was 2-4C warmer 8000 years ago vs today based on paleoclimate studies 
 > suggests that this is not a major factor at least yet. Winter grounds 
 > look similar and I could not find anything published related to a use of a 
 > new pesticide or herbicide down there. They also like the wetter areas on 
 > their winter grounds that are grazed by cattle which hasn't changed much. So 
 > unless the declines are cyclic related to availability of other prey for 
 > predators (lemmings etc) the only other thing to consider is the rapid 
 > increase in wind farms in a major migratory pathway for this species. I 
 > think as birders we have to be careful supporting wind farms.  Wind farms 
 > and solar farms Which can destroy a lot of field and forest habitat DO have 
 > an impact on birds. And energy companies don't care about this stuff, they 
 > want to make money. My contention is that wind farms are what is causing the 
 > declines in the golden plovers and other shorebirds passing through the 
 > middle of the country. With projections of a 4 times increase in wind farms 
 > by 2050, this could be a major issue. If our country goes through with this 
 > without a commitment from China, Russia or India to reduce CO2 emissions it 
 > will all be a waste.  So in summary I don't agree with Audubon's  position 
 > on renewable energy. I think it could have major negative impacts for our 
 > birds. A climate that is gradually warming likely will help birds, not hurt 
 > them. Summers without cold rainy periods are good for nesting. A warmer less 
 > stormy arctic is good for arctic nesting shorebirds. When we had a  very 
 > chilly summer with leftover snow in the Arctic a few years back I remember 
 > the nesting season was proclaimed really bad by researchers up there. So 
 > let's be very careful about supporting renewable energy when it leads to 
 > destruction of habitat and literally death of our birds. I am concerned 
 > about the future related to this. 
 > Dave --  
 > NYSbirds-L List Info:   Welcome and Basics   
 >Rules and Information 
 >   Subscribe, Configuration and Leave 
 >  Archives:   The Mail Archive
 > Surfbirds
 >ABA Please submit your 
 > observations to eBird!   --

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Re: [nysbirds-l] American Golden-Plover declines - wind farms?

[Joshua Malbin]

Throwing in a fairly uninformed 2c: This line of discussion seems like it
takes in only half of the bird’s life cycle. ABC lists habitat loss in
South America as the main conservation threat for the species.

On Sat, Oct 24, 2020 at 6:37 AM David Nicosia  wrote:

> https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/global-warming/mid-holocene-warm-period
>
>
> https://phys.org/news/2008-10-ice-arctic-ocean-years.amp?__twitter_impression=true
>
> The Arctic was warmer due to orbital parameters back then, not an enhanced
> greenhouse effect, or slightly warmer sun like today. I believe the Earth's
> obliquity was larger, meaning more sunlight in summer. Anyway, our species
> are still around that nest in the Arctic so they somehow survived this
> warmer period up there. Now we will never know if it caused a decline in
> species and what species in particular.
>
> Are other shorebird species declining as migrants in NY?  I don't have a
> firm grasp on this at all. It is just based on qualitative impressions.
> (maybe someone else does?)  I remember easily seeing 50-100+ pectoral
> sandpipers at Knox-Marcellus marsh back 5 years or so in the fall. Now it
> is hard to get more than 30. Many times it is just a dozen or so of late.
> These are just my observations and could be off. I know the pectoral
> sandpiper also is a spring migrant through the plains and midwest. Baird's
> Sandpiper, another spring migrant through the Plains, always seems like we
> get just a few here and there each fall in NY and I don't see much change
> there. Buff-breasted sandpipers, another similar migrant, always seems to
> be reported here and there and is even more rare.
>
> I also just read a scientific study that suggests American Golden-Plovers
> do not avoid wind farms. "Homoya, W., J. W. Moore, P. J. Ruhl, and J. B.
> Dunning (2017). Do American Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis dominica) avoid
> wind-energy turbines in agricultural fields in Indiana during spring
> migration? Wilson Journal of Ornithology 129:863–871."  But there is no
> evidence that the turbines are killing birds.  The sighting of the wind
> farms is probably the most important aspect for bird conservation. That is
> why it is important for local birders and bird organizations to be aware of
> placement of said wind farms. I guess my main point is we can't get
> complacent about green energy. We can't make the assumption that it will be
> "good" for our birds. It has to be sited properly and away from important
> habitats for our migrants.
>
> But you still see this stuff
> https://www.pressconnects.com/story/news/local/2020/04/09/ny-strikes-down-wind-farm-objections/2970483001/
>
> I know there was much outcry from the birding community since this is a
> major golden eagle migratory pathway and now there will be wind farms all
> around. The state also blew off the local residents in Windsor that don't
> want this. Anyway, this could get ugly in the future if we increase our
> wind farms by 4 times.
>
> Dave Nicosia
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Oct 24, 2020 at 6:01 AM Joseph O'Sullivan 
> wrote:
>
>> What paleoclimate study or studies come to the conclusion that the Arctic
>> was 2-4c warmer 8000 years ago? I would like to read those reports. Could
>> you provide a link?
>>
>> On Fri, Oct 23, 2020 at 7:59 PM David Nicosia 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> All,
>>>
>>> In Broome Co we have been fortunate to have had a great year for the
>>> AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER. That is most definitely related to the drawdown of
>>> Whitney Point Reservoir which empasses ebird hotspots of Upper Lisle Co.
>>> Park, Dorchester Park and Keibel Rd.   But, based on looking at Bull's
>>> comment from his 1974 publication and many of you chiming in on how much
>>> less common this bird is, what could be causing this decline?   The only
>>> thing that has changed significantly for this species , especially in the
>>> last 10-15 years, is the proliferation of wind farms in the central Plains
>>> and midwest. This is a major migratory pathway for this species especially
>>> in the spring and still even in the fall. The rapid and continued rapid
>>> deployment of wind farms in fields where these birds forage and rest on
>>> their way to the Arctic likely has something to do with the population
>>> declines.  The Arctic has not warmed much since 2010 and the fact that the
>>> Arctic was 2-4C warmer 8000 years ago vs today based on paleoclimate
>>> studies suggests that this is not a major factor at least yet. Winter
>>> grounds look similar and I could not find anything published related to a
>>> use of a new pesticide or herbicide down there. They also like the wetter
>>> areas on their winter grounds that are grazed by cattle which hasn't
>>> changed much. So unless the declines are cyclic related to availability of
>>> other prey for predators (lemmings etc) the only other thing to consider is
>>> the rapid increase in wind farms in a major migratory pathway for this
>>> species. I think as birders we have to be careful 

[nysbirds-l] Central Park NYC: Sat. Oct. 24, 2020: 6 species of Wood Warblers, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Pine Siskin, Rose-breasted Grosbeak

[Deborah Allen]

Central Park NYC
Saturday October 24, 2020
OBS: Robert DeCandido, PhD, m.ob.

Highlights: Six species of Wood Warblers including Black-and-white and 
Black-throated Blue Warblers, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Pine Siskin, Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak.

Mallard - 8
Mourning Dove - 5
Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 Belvedere Castle
Herring Gull - 5 flyovers
Cooper's Hawk - 1 over Turtle Pond
Red-tailed Hawk - 2 Pinetum
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 5
Downy Woodpecker - 1 Evodia Field Feeders
Northern Flicker - 1 Sparrow Rock
Blue-headed Vireo - 3
Blue Jay - small southbound flocks totaling 25 birds
Crow species - 2 over Pinetum
Black-capped Chickadee - 22
Tufted Titmouse - 25
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Pinetum
White-breasted Nuthatch - 5
Brown Creeper - 1 NW Great Lawn
Winter Wren - 1 Pinetum
Carolina Wren - 2 Belvedere Castle
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - around 30
Swainson's Thrush - 1 Ramble
Hermit Thrush - 7
American Robin - 20, plus flocks of southbound migrants overhead
Gray Catbird - 5
Northern Mockingbird - 1 Shakespeare Garden
Cedar Waxwing - flock of 7 Shakespeare Garden
House Finch - 2 south side of Turtle Pond
Purple Finch - 7 including one adult male Belvedere Castle
Pine Siskin - 50 in two flocks (30 Shakespeare Garden, 20 Pinetum)
Eastern Towhee - 9
Chipping Sparrow - around 40 
Savannah Sparrow - 1 Maintenance Field (RDC 7:05am)
Song Sparrow - 1 Tupelo Field
White-throated Sparrow - 71
Dark-eyed Junco - 3 
Common Grackle - around 125 (flocks of southbound migrants)
Black-and-white Warbler - 1 uphill from Boathouse
Common Yellowthroat - 1 first-fall female south side of Turtle Pond
Black-throated Blue Warbler - male Evodia Field (location of feeders)
Palm Warbler - 2 "Yellow" (Evodia Field feeders, Pinetum)
Pine Warbler - 2 (NW Great Lawn, Pinetum)
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 8
Northern Cardinal - 5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 2 Shakespeare Garden
--

Deb Allen
Follow us on twitter @BirdingBobNYC & @DAllenNYC

For additional Manhattan birds today see the twitter Manhattan Bird Alert 
@BirdCentralPark maintained by David Barrett.




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[nysbirds-l] CBC season is just around the corner!

[Carena Pooth]

Hello CBCers! 

 

Even in these COVID-19 days, many birders still want to do
the CBC!  The season runs from December 14, 2020 through
January 5, 2021.

 

National Audubon has established some strict rules this time
around, in order to keep everyone safe. 

 

1 - Coordinators must wait until at least November 15th to
make a decision on holding vs canceling their counts.  There
is no pressure on anyone to hold or participate in a count
if they are not comfortable doing so. 

2 - For counts that are held, social distancing & masking
are required at all times in the field, and there will be no
compilation gatherings and no carpooling (except within
familiar or social "pod" groups traveling together). The
official Audubon notice containing the new rules is pasted
below my signature in this email.

 

If you are a CBC compiler/coordinator, please help me build
an accurate 2019/2020 Christmas Bird Count schedule for
count participants, to help get as many volunteers involved
as possible. I'll post your information as soon as I get it
(unless I'm out birding). Until November 15th, the counts
will be marked TENTATIVE, but the reason is posted at the
top of the calendar page. After 11/15, I'll send another
email asking you to send me a quick CONFIRM or CANCEL reply.

 

Although the Audubon website will eventually have all the
information on individual counts, a lot of people still
refer to the CBC calendar on the NYSOA website at
http://www.nybirds.org/ProjCBC.htm.

 

All I need is the following information, which you can send
by simply replying to this email. Alternatively, you can
fill out the form on the NYSOA website at any time - go to
http://www.nybirds.org/ProjCBC.htm and click on the link in
the turquoise-colored box at the top of the page.

 

Name of CBC circle 

4-letter ID of CBC circle

CBC date  

Contact Name  

Contact email  

Contact phone number 

 

Thanks!

 

Carena Pooth

New York State Ornithological Association (NYSOA)

www.nybirds.org  

www.nysyoungbirders.org  

 



---

 

COVID-19 NOTE:
National Audbon has directed CBC compilers to wait until
November 15, 2020 to make a decision as to whether they will
hold or cancel their count(s). Therefore, any CBC listed
below is TENTATIVE until November 15th, at which time
participants should check back to see whether it will be
held or not.
 

>From National Audubon to CBC compilers, September 21, 2020:

Due to the COVID19 outbreak, this year's Christmas Bird
Count will require a few changes if your count is to take
place at all. The two options for Christmas Bird Count
compilers are as follows:


Option 1: Run a COVID-19 safe and socially distanced CBC, if
local rules allow. [Must wait until November 15 at the
earliest to choose this option in order to better understand
status of COVID outbreak in your region during the CBC.]


Option 2: If option 1 is not possible, cancel this season's
CBC for your location. [Can choose this option now if you
wish.]

 

If you choose option 1, below are the guidelines that we
urge you to follow:  


1.

Wait until November 15 at the earliest to confirm CBC will
take place, if local regulations allow.


2.

Cancel all in-person compilation gatherings.


3.

Social distancing and/or masking are required at all times
in the field.


4.

Carpooling may only occur within existing familiar or social
"pod" groups.


5.

Activities must comply with all current state and municipal
COVID-19 guidelines.

 

If you feel it is not safe to move forward with your CBC and
choose option 2, please know that Audubon fully supports
your decision to cancel. The safety of our compilers and
community scientists will always be our top priority. 

 


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Re: [nysbirds-l] American Golden-Plover declines - wind farms?

[Joseph O'Sullivan]

What paleoclimate study or studies come to the conclusion that the Arctic
was 2-4c warmer 8000 years ago? I would like to read those reports. Could
you provide a link?

On Fri, Oct 23, 2020 at 7:59 PM David Nicosia  wrote:

> All,
>
> In Broome Co we have been fortunate to have had a great year for the
> AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER. That is most definitely related to the drawdown of
> Whitney Point Reservoir which empasses ebird hotspots of Upper Lisle Co.
> Park, Dorchester Park and Keibel Rd.   But, based on looking at Bull's
> comment from his 1974 publication and many of you chiming in on how much
> less common this bird is, what could be causing this decline?   The only
> thing that has changed significantly for this species , especially in the
> last 10-15 years, is the proliferation of wind farms in the central Plains
> and midwest. This is a major migratory pathway for this species especially
> in the spring and still even in the fall. The rapid and continued rapid
> deployment of wind farms in fields where these birds forage and rest on
> their way to the Arctic likely has something to do with the population
> declines.  The Arctic has not warmed much since 2010 and the fact that the
> Arctic was 2-4C warmer 8000 years ago vs today based on paleoclimate
> studies suggests that this is not a major factor at least yet. Winter
> grounds look similar and I could not find anything published related to a
> use of a new pesticide or herbicide down there. They also like the wetter
> areas on their winter grounds that are grazed by cattle which hasn't
> changed much. So unless the declines are cyclic related to availability of
> other prey for predators (lemmings etc) the only other thing to consider is
> the rapid increase in wind farms in a major migratory pathway for this
> species. I think as birders we have to be careful supporting wind farms.
> Wind farms and solar farms Which can destroy a lot of field and forest
> habitat DO have an impact on birds. And energy companies don't care about
> this stuff, they want to make money. My contention is that wind farms are
> what is causing the declines in the golden plovers and other shorebirds
> passing through the middle of the country. With projections of a 4 times
> increase in wind farms by 2050, this could be a major issue. If our country
> goes through with this without a commitment from China, Russia or India to
> reduce CO2 emissions it will all be a waste.  So in summary I don't agree
> with Audubon's  position on renewable energy. I think it could have major
> negative impacts for our birds. A climate that is gradually warming likely
> will help birds, not hurt them. Summers without cold rainy periods are good
> for nesting. A warmer less stormy arctic is good for arctic
> nesting shorebirds. When we had a  very chilly summer with leftover snow in
> the Arctic a few years back I remember the nesting season was proclaimed
> really bad by researchers up there. So let's be very careful about
> supporting renewable energy when it leads to destruction of habitat and
> literally death of our birds. I am concerned about the future related to
> this.
>
> Dave
> --
> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
> Welcome and Basics 
> Rules and Information 
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> 
> *Archives:*
> The Mail Archive
> 
> Surfbirds 
> ABA 
> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
> *!*
> --
>
-- 
Sent from Gmail Mobile

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Re: [nysbirds-l] American Golden-Plover declines - wind farms?

[Gus Keri]

And this email was brought to you by the oil and gas industries. LOL
Just kidding

Sent using Zoho Mail


  On Fri, 23 Oct 2020 19:58:45 -0400 David Nicosia  
wrote 
 > All, 
 > In Broome Co we have been fortunate to have had a great year for the 
 > AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER. That is most definitely related to the drawdown of 
 > Whitney Point Reservoir which empasses ebird hotspots of Upper Lisle Co. 
 > Park, Dorchester Park and Keibel Rd.   But, based on looking at Bull's 
 > comment from his 1974 publication and many of you chiming in on how much 
 > less common this bird is, what could be causing this decline?   The only 
 > thing that has changed significantly for this species , especially in the 
 > last 10-15 years, is the proliferation of wind farms in the central Plains 
 > and midwest. This is a major migratory pathway for this species especially 
 > in the spring and still even in the fall. The rapid and continued rapid 
 > deployment of wind farms in fields where these birds forage and rest on 
 > their way to the Arctic likely has something to do with the population 
 > declines.  The Arctic has not warmed much since 2010 and the fact that the 
 > Arctic was 2-4C warmer 8000 years ago vs today based on paleoclimate studies 
 > suggests that this is not a major factor at least yet. Winter grounds 
 > look similar and I could not find anything published related to a use of a 
 > new pesticide or herbicide down there. They also like the wetter areas on 
 > their winter grounds that are grazed by cattle which hasn't changed much. So 
 > unless the declines are cyclic related to availability of other prey for 
 > predators (lemmings etc) the only other thing to consider is the rapid 
 > increase in wind farms in a major migratory pathway for this species. I 
 > think as birders we have to be careful supporting wind farms.  Wind farms 
 > and solar farms Which can destroy a lot of field and forest habitat DO have 
 > an impact on birds. And energy companies don't care about this stuff, they 
 > want to make money. My contention is that wind farms are what is causing the 
 > declines in the golden plovers and other shorebirds passing through the 
 > middle of the country. With projections of a 4 times increase in wind farms 
 > by 2050, this could be a major issue. If our country goes through with this 
 > without a commitment from China, Russia or India to reduce CO2 emissions it 
 > will all be a waste.  So in summary I don't agree with Audubon's  position 
 > on renewable energy. I think it could have major negative impacts for our 
 > birds. A climate that is gradually warming likely will help birds, not hurt 
 > them. Summers without cold rainy periods are good for nesting. A warmer less 
 > stormy arctic is good for arctic nesting shorebirds. When we had a  very 
 > chilly summer with leftover snow in the Arctic a few years back I remember 
 > the nesting season was proclaimed really bad by researchers up there. So 
 > let's be very careful about supporting renewable energy when it leads to 
 > destruction of habitat and literally death of our birds. I am concerned 
 > about the future related to this. 
 > Dave --  
 > NYSbirds-L List Info:   Welcome and Basics   
 >Rules and Information 
 >   Subscribe, Configuration and Leave 
 >  Archives:   The Mail Archive
 > Surfbirds
 >ABA Please submit your 
 > observations to eBird!   --

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Re: [nysbirds-l] American Golden-Plover declines - wind farms?

[David Nicosia]

https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/global-warming/mid-holocene-warm-period

https://phys.org/news/2008-10-ice-arctic-ocean-years.amp?__twitter_impression=true

The Arctic was warmer due to orbital parameters back then, not an enhanced
greenhouse effect, or slightly warmer sun like today. I believe the Earth's
obliquity was larger, meaning more sunlight in summer. Anyway, our species
are still around that nest in the Arctic so they somehow survived this
warmer period up there. Now we will never know if it caused a decline in
species and what species in particular.

Are other shorebird species declining as migrants in NY?  I don't have a
firm grasp on this at all. It is just based on qualitative impressions.
(maybe someone else does?)  I remember easily seeing 50-100+ pectoral
sandpipers at Knox-Marcellus marsh back 5 years or so in the fall. Now it
is hard to get more than 30. Many times it is just a dozen or so of late.
These are just my observations and could be off. I know the pectoral
sandpiper also is a spring migrant through the plains and midwest. Baird's
Sandpiper, another spring migrant through the Plains, always seems like we
get just a few here and there each fall in NY and I don't see much change
there. Buff-breasted sandpipers, another similar migrant, always seems to
be reported here and there and is even more rare.

I also just read a scientific study that suggests American Golden-Plovers
do not avoid wind farms. "Homoya, W., J. W. Moore, P. J. Ruhl, and J. B.
Dunning (2017). Do American Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis dominica) avoid
wind-energy turbines in agricultural fields in Indiana during spring
migration? Wilson Journal of Ornithology 129:863–871."  But there is no
evidence that the turbines are killing birds.  The sighting of the wind
farms is probably the most important aspect for bird conservation. That is
why it is important for local birders and bird organizations to be aware of
placement of said wind farms. I guess my main point is we can't get
complacent about green energy. We can't make the assumption that it will be
"good" for our birds. It has to be sited properly and away from important
habitats for our migrants.

But you still see this stuff
https://www.pressconnects.com/story/news/local/2020/04/09/ny-strikes-down-wind-farm-objections/2970483001/

I know there was much outcry from the birding community since this is a
major golden eagle migratory pathway and now there will be wind farms all
around. The state also blew off the local residents in Windsor that don't
want this. Anyway, this could get ugly in the future if we increase our
wind farms by 4 times.

Dave Nicosia








On Sat, Oct 24, 2020 at 6:01 AM Joseph O'Sullivan 
wrote:

> What paleoclimate study or studies come to the conclusion that the Arctic
> was 2-4c warmer 8000 years ago? I would like to read those reports. Could
> you provide a link?
>
> On Fri, Oct 23, 2020 at 7:59 PM David Nicosia 
> wrote:
>
>> All,
>>
>> In Broome Co we have been fortunate to have had a great year for the
>> AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER. That is most definitely related to the drawdown of
>> Whitney Point Reservoir which empasses ebird hotspots of Upper Lisle Co.
>> Park, Dorchester Park and Keibel Rd.   But, based on looking at Bull's
>> comment from his 1974 publication and many of you chiming in on how much
>> less common this bird is, what could be causing this decline?   The only
>> thing that has changed significantly for this species , especially in the
>> last 10-15 years, is the proliferation of wind farms in the central Plains
>> and midwest. This is a major migratory pathway for this species especially
>> in the spring and still even in the fall. The rapid and continued rapid
>> deployment of wind farms in fields where these birds forage and rest on
>> their way to the Arctic likely has something to do with the population
>> declines.  The Arctic has not warmed much since 2010 and the fact that the
>> Arctic was 2-4C warmer 8000 years ago vs today based on paleoclimate
>> studies suggests that this is not a major factor at least yet. Winter
>> grounds look similar and I could not find anything published related to a
>> use of a new pesticide or herbicide down there. They also like the wetter
>> areas on their winter grounds that are grazed by cattle which hasn't
>> changed much. So unless the declines are cyclic related to availability of
>> other prey for predators (lemmings etc) the only other thing to consider is
>> the rapid increase in wind farms in a major migratory pathway for this
>> species. I think as birders we have to be careful supporting wind farms.
>> Wind farms and solar farms Which can destroy a lot of field and forest
>> habitat DO have an impact on birds. And energy companies don't care about
>> this stuff, they want to make money. My contention is that wind farms are
>> what is causing the declines in the golden plovers and other shorebirds
>> passing through the middle of the country. With projections of a 4 times

Re: [nysbirds-l] American Golden-Plover declines - wind farms?

[Joshua Malbin]

Throwing in a fairly uninformed 2c: This line of discussion seems like it
takes in only half of the bird’s life cycle. ABC lists habitat loss in
South America as the main conservation threat for the species.

On Sat, Oct 24, 2020 at 6:37 AM David Nicosia  wrote:

> https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/global-warming/mid-holocene-warm-period
>
>
> https://phys.org/news/2008-10-ice-arctic-ocean-years.amp?__twitter_impression=true
>
> The Arctic was warmer due to orbital parameters back then, not an enhanced
> greenhouse effect, or slightly warmer sun like today. I believe the Earth's
> obliquity was larger, meaning more sunlight in summer. Anyway, our species
> are still around that nest in the Arctic so they somehow survived this
> warmer period up there. Now we will never know if it caused a decline in
> species and what species in particular.
>
> Are other shorebird species declining as migrants in NY?  I don't have a
> firm grasp on this at all. It is just based on qualitative impressions.
> (maybe someone else does?)  I remember easily seeing 50-100+ pectoral
> sandpipers at Knox-Marcellus marsh back 5 years or so in the fall. Now it
> is hard to get more than 30. Many times it is just a dozen or so of late.
> These are just my observations and could be off. I know the pectoral
> sandpiper also is a spring migrant through the plains and midwest. Baird's
> Sandpiper, another spring migrant through the Plains, always seems like we
> get just a few here and there each fall in NY and I don't see much change
> there. Buff-breasted sandpipers, another similar migrant, always seems to
> be reported here and there and is even more rare.
>
> I also just read a scientific study that suggests American Golden-Plovers
> do not avoid wind farms. "Homoya, W., J. W. Moore, P. J. Ruhl, and J. B.
> Dunning (2017). Do American Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis dominica) avoid
> wind-energy turbines in agricultural fields in Indiana during spring
> migration? Wilson Journal of Ornithology 129:863–871."  But there is no
> evidence that the turbines are killing birds.  The sighting of the wind
> farms is probably the most important aspect for bird conservation. That is
> why it is important for local birders and bird organizations to be aware of
> placement of said wind farms. I guess my main point is we can't get
> complacent about green energy. We can't make the assumption that it will be
> "good" for our birds. It has to be sited properly and away from important
> habitats for our migrants.
>
> But you still see this stuff
> https://www.pressconnects.com/story/news/local/2020/04/09/ny-strikes-down-wind-farm-objections/2970483001/
>
> I know there was much outcry from the birding community since this is a
> major golden eagle migratory pathway and now there will be wind farms all
> around. The state also blew off the local residents in Windsor that don't
> want this. Anyway, this could get ugly in the future if we increase our
> wind farms by 4 times.
>
> Dave Nicosia
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Oct 24, 2020 at 6:01 AM Joseph O'Sullivan 
> wrote:
>
>> What paleoclimate study or studies come to the conclusion that the Arctic
>> was 2-4c warmer 8000 years ago? I would like to read those reports. Could
>> you provide a link?
>>
>> On Fri, Oct 23, 2020 at 7:59 PM David Nicosia 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> All,
>>>
>>> In Broome Co we have been fortunate to have had a great year for the
>>> AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER. That is most definitely related to the drawdown of
>>> Whitney Point Reservoir which empasses ebird hotspots of Upper Lisle Co.
>>> Park, Dorchester Park and Keibel Rd.   But, based on looking at Bull's
>>> comment from his 1974 publication and many of you chiming in on how much
>>> less common this bird is, what could be causing this decline?   The only
>>> thing that has changed significantly for this species , especially in the
>>> last 10-15 years, is the proliferation of wind farms in the central Plains
>>> and midwest. This is a major migratory pathway for this species especially
>>> in the spring and still even in the fall. The rapid and continued rapid
>>> deployment of wind farms in fields where these birds forage and rest on
>>> their way to the Arctic likely has something to do with the population
>>> declines.  The Arctic has not warmed much since 2010 and the fact that the
>>> Arctic was 2-4C warmer 8000 years ago vs today based on paleoclimate
>>> studies suggests that this is not a major factor at least yet. Winter
>>> grounds look similar and I could not find anything published related to a
>>> use of a new pesticide or herbicide down there. They also like the wetter
>>> areas on their winter grounds that are grazed by cattle which hasn't
>>> changed much. So unless the declines are cyclic related to availability of
>>> other prey for predators (lemmings etc) the only other thing to consider is
>>> the rapid increase in wind farms in a major migratory pathway for this
>>> species. I think as birders we have to be careful 

[nysbirds-l] Central Park NYC: Sat. Oct. 24, 2020: 6 species of Wood Warblers, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Pine Siskin, Rose-breasted Grosbeak

[Deborah Allen]

Central Park NYC
Saturday October 24, 2020
OBS: Robert DeCandido, PhD, m.ob.

Highlights: Six species of Wood Warblers including Black-and-white and 
Black-throated Blue Warblers, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Pine Siskin, Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak.

Mallard - 8
Mourning Dove - 5
Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 Belvedere Castle
Herring Gull - 5 flyovers
Cooper's Hawk - 1 over Turtle Pond
Red-tailed Hawk - 2 Pinetum
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 5
Downy Woodpecker - 1 Evodia Field Feeders
Northern Flicker - 1 Sparrow Rock
Blue-headed Vireo - 3
Blue Jay - small southbound flocks totaling 25 birds
Crow species - 2 over Pinetum
Black-capped Chickadee - 22
Tufted Titmouse - 25
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Pinetum
White-breasted Nuthatch - 5
Brown Creeper - 1 NW Great Lawn
Winter Wren - 1 Pinetum
Carolina Wren - 2 Belvedere Castle
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - around 30
Swainson's Thrush - 1 Ramble
Hermit Thrush - 7
American Robin - 20, plus flocks of southbound migrants overhead
Gray Catbird - 5
Northern Mockingbird - 1 Shakespeare Garden
Cedar Waxwing - flock of 7 Shakespeare Garden
House Finch - 2 south side of Turtle Pond
Purple Finch - 7 including one adult male Belvedere Castle
Pine Siskin - 50 in two flocks (30 Shakespeare Garden, 20 Pinetum)
Eastern Towhee - 9
Chipping Sparrow - around 40 
Savannah Sparrow - 1 Maintenance Field (RDC 7:05am)
Song Sparrow - 1 Tupelo Field
White-throated Sparrow - 71
Dark-eyed Junco - 3 
Common Grackle - around 125 (flocks of southbound migrants)
Black-and-white Warbler - 1 uphill from Boathouse
Common Yellowthroat - 1 first-fall female south side of Turtle Pond
Black-throated Blue Warbler - male Evodia Field (location of feeders)
Palm Warbler - 2 "Yellow" (Evodia Field feeders, Pinetum)
Pine Warbler - 2 (NW Great Lawn, Pinetum)
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 8
Northern Cardinal - 5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 2 Shakespeare Garden
--

Deb Allen
Follow us on twitter @BirdingBobNYC & @DAllenNYC

For additional Manhattan birds today see the twitter Manhattan Bird Alert 
@BirdCentralPark maintained by David Barrett.




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[nysbirds-l] CBC season is just around the corner!

[Carena Pooth]

Hello CBCers! 

 

Even in these COVID-19 days, many birders still want to do
the CBC!  The season runs from December 14, 2020 through
January 5, 2021.

 

National Audubon has established some strict rules this time
around, in order to keep everyone safe. 

 

1 - Coordinators must wait until at least November 15th to
make a decision on holding vs canceling their counts.  There
is no pressure on anyone to hold or participate in a count
if they are not comfortable doing so. 

2 - For counts that are held, social distancing & masking
are required at all times in the field, and there will be no
compilation gatherings and no carpooling (except within
familiar or social "pod" groups traveling together). The
official Audubon notice containing the new rules is pasted
below my signature in this email.

 

If you are a CBC compiler/coordinator, please help me build
an accurate 2019/2020 Christmas Bird Count schedule for
count participants, to help get as many volunteers involved
as possible. I'll post your information as soon as I get it
(unless I'm out birding). Until November 15th, the counts
will be marked TENTATIVE, but the reason is posted at the
top of the calendar page. After 11/15, I'll send another
email asking you to send me a quick CONFIRM or CANCEL reply.

 

Although the Audubon website will eventually have all the
information on individual counts, a lot of people still
refer to the CBC calendar on the NYSOA website at
http://www.nybirds.org/ProjCBC.htm.

 

All I need is the following information, which you can send
by simply replying to this email. Alternatively, you can
fill out the form on the NYSOA website at any time - go to
http://www.nybirds.org/ProjCBC.htm and click on the link in
the turquoise-colored box at the top of the page.

 

Name of CBC circle 

4-letter ID of CBC circle

CBC date  

Contact Name  

Contact email  

Contact phone number 

 

Thanks!

 

Carena Pooth

New York State Ornithological Association (NYSOA)

www.nybirds.org  

www.nysyoungbirders.org  

 



---

 

COVID-19 NOTE:
National Audbon has directed CBC compilers to wait until
November 15, 2020 to make a decision as to whether they will
hold or cancel their count(s). Therefore, any CBC listed
below is TENTATIVE until November 15th, at which time
participants should check back to see whether it will be
held or not.
 

>From National Audubon to CBC compilers, September 21, 2020:

Due to the COVID19 outbreak, this year's Christmas Bird
Count will require a few changes if your count is to take
place at all. The two options for Christmas Bird Count
compilers are as follows:


Option 1: Run a COVID-19 safe and socially distanced CBC, if
local rules allow. [Must wait until November 15 at the
earliest to choose this option in order to better understand
status of COVID outbreak in your region during the CBC.]


Option 2: If option 1 is not possible, cancel this season's
CBC for your location. [Can choose this option now if you
wish.]

 

If you choose option 1, below are the guidelines that we
urge you to follow:  


1.

Wait until November 15 at the earliest to confirm CBC will
take place, if local regulations allow.


2.

Cancel all in-person compilation gatherings.


3.

Social distancing and/or masking are required at all times
in the field.


4.

Carpooling may only occur within existing familiar or social
"pod" groups.


5.

Activities must comply with all current state and municipal
COVID-19 guidelines.

 

If you feel it is not safe to move forward with your CBC and
choose option 2, please know that Audubon fully supports
your decision to cancel. The safety of our compilers and
community scientists will always be our top priority. 

 


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