Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Peter Saracino 
Last year while doing our weekly survey at the refuge, Jackie Bakker and I
watched as a great blue heron patiently worked at swallowing a muskrat
whole!!
All that was left to go down were the feet- at which point the bird coughed
the entire rat up and out.only to start over. At another time, Reuben
Stofus and I watched as a great blue was having a pi-billed grebe for lunch.
I guess it's literally "dog-eat-dig out there
Pete Sar

On Sun, May 31, 2020, 7:34 PM Glenn Wilson  wrote:

> We watched a turtle grab a Pied-billed Grebe and pull it under. It got
> free and the turtle did it again. The second time, the Grebe flew away
>
> Glenn Wilson
> Endicott, NY
> www.WilsonsWarbler.com
>
> On May 31, 2020, at 2:40 PM, Linda Post Van Buskirk 
> wrote:
>
> 
> Consider the snapping turtle as a possibility.  They have been known to
> attack mature ducks as well as to take ducklings, which is more common.
> --
> *From:* bounce-124666854-3493...@list.cornell.edu <
> bounce-124666854-3493...@list.cornell.edu> on behalf of Gary Kohlenberg <
> jg...@cornell.edu>
> *Sent:* Sunday, May 31, 2020 2:29 PM
> *To:* Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes 
> *Cc:* Sandy Podulka ; CAYUGABIRDS-L <
> cayugabird...@list.cornell.edu>
> *Subject:* Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30
>
> I hadn’t thought of Mustelid or Possum as Wes suggested as a culprit.
>
> As only one bird lost his head that could be predation after death. One
> other bird dead with head attached and another dying with possible neck
> issues makes the suggestion of botulism by Kevin Cummings and Morgan
> Hapeman interesting. I know Montezuma has had problems with this in the
> past. The water in Shindagin is pretty stagnant which could be a problem.
> It also better answers the unlikely idea of multiple birds shot in such a
> manner.
>
> Gary
>
> On May 31, 2020, at 11:53 AM, Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <
> c...@cornell.edu> wrote:
>
>  Just throwing this out there as another possibility: weasel or ferret.
>
> This is, as I understand it, classic kill method used by these Mustelids.
> They’ve been know to kill off an entire flock of chickens in a night,
> severing heads with minimal disruption to the rest of the body.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Sincerely,
> Chris T-H
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
>
> On May 31, 2020, at 11:07, Sandy Podulka  wrote:
>
> That is also one of my favorite places!
>
> I have seen 4 male Mallards in that small pond consistently this spring
> (but not today, and I guess I now know why).
> I have no idea what could kill so many birds in such an odd way except a
> hunter, or maybe a group of hunters--I would think an owl wouldn't have a
> chance at all of them at once, as the others would fly off.
>
> So sorry to hear this. As we are learning in so many ways these days,
> people can be truly cruel.
>
> Sandy Podulka
>
> At 10:08 AM 5/31/2020, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:
>
> Saturday I walked with my daughter down Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State
> Forest, to the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for exercise, fun and to
> show her the area. It was very birdy and beautiful as usual especially the
> beaver pond at the bottom of the hill. This place always reminds me of the
> Adirondacks and is a favorite of mine.
>
> There was a surprising amount of traffic on Shindagin Rd. both cars and
> mountain bikers savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates on cars of
> dozens parked at the intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded how
> popular this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic.
>
> We were amazed at how many Red Newts were crossing the road. Some didn’t
> make it unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about their life cycle,
> that they are toxic, but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to help
> a couple on the journey, but they are very independent minded and don’t
> need any intervention.
>
> We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the outflow pipe under the road; a
> dead male Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and checked to find
> it had no head. I thought that was weird, but I have seen it before, and
> guessed maybe an owl had decapitated it. I’m not actually positive owls
> would or could do this, but seem to remember some discussion about this. If
> anyone knows if it can be a thing please enlighten me.
>
> I scanned the pond and saw movement which was another male Mallard
> struggling in the water. His body floated with the head hanging underwater
> unable to lift it up. He may have had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to
> reach the poor guy to end his misery which made me sad. More scanning found
> a third male Mallard floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any more,
> but there could have been one in the grass. Three seems like a typical
> total for this small water to hold on any particular day.
>
> My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the water with a shotgun. To
> cleanly decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at very close

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Glenn Wilson 
We watched a turtle grab a Pied-billed Grebe and pull it under. It got free and 
the turtle did it again. The second time, the Grebe flew away

Glenn Wilson
Endicott, NY
www.WilsonsWarbler.com

On May 31, 2020, at 2:40 PM, Linda Post Van Buskirk  wrote:


Consider the snapping turtle as a possibility.  They have been known to attack 
mature ducks as well as to take ducklings, which is more common.  
From: bounce-124666854-3493...@list.cornell.edu 
 on behalf of Gary Kohlenberg 

Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2020 2:29 PM
To: Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes 
Cc: Sandy Podulka ; CAYUGABIRDS-L 

Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30
 
I hadn’t thought of Mustelid or Possum as Wes suggested as a culprit. 

As only one bird lost his head that could be predation after death. One other 
bird dead with head attached and another dying with possible neck issues makes 
the suggestion of botulism by Kevin Cummings and Morgan Hapeman interesting. I 
know Montezuma has had problems with this in the past. The water in Shindagin 
is pretty stagnant which could be a problem. It also better answers the 
unlikely idea of multiple birds shot in such a manner. 
 
Gary 

On May 31, 2020, at 11:53 AM, Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes  
wrote:

 Just throwing this out there as another possibility: weasel or ferret.

This is, as I understand it, classic kill method used by these Mustelids. 
They’ve been know to kill off an entire flock of chickens in a night, severing 
heads with minimal disruption to the rest of the body.

Thoughts?

Sincerely,
Chris T-H

Sent from my iPhone



> On May 31, 2020, at 11:07, Sandy Podulka  wrote:
> 
> That is also one of my favorite places!
> 
> I have seen 4 male Mallards in that small pond consistently this spring (but 
> not today, and I guess I now know why).
> I have no idea what could kill so many birds in such an odd way except a 
> hunter, or maybe a group of hunters--I would think an owl wouldn't have a 
> chance at all of them at once, as the others would fly off. 
> 
> So sorry to hear this. As we are learning in so many ways these days, people 
> can be truly cruel.
> 
> Sandy Podulka
> 
> At 10:08 AM 5/31/2020, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:
>> Saturday I walked with my daughter down Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State 
>> Forest, to the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for exercise, fun and to 
>> show her the area. It was very birdy and beautiful as usual especially the 
>> beaver pond at the bottom of the hill. This place always reminds me of the 
>> Adirondacks and is a favorite of mine. 
>> 
>> There was a surprising amount of traffic on Shindagin Rd. both cars and 
>> mountain bikers savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates on cars of 
>> dozens parked at the intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded how 
>> popular this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic. 
>> 
>> We were amazed at how many Red Newts were crossing the road. Some didn’t 
>> make it unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about their life cycle, 
>> that they are toxic, but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to help a 
>> couple on the journey, but they are very independent minded and don’t need 
>> any intervention.
>> 
>> We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the outflow pipe under the road; a 
>> dead male Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and checked to find it 
>> had no head. I thought that was weird, but I have seen it before, and 
>> guessed maybe an owl had decapitated it. I’m not actually positive owls 
>> would or could do this, but seem to remember some discussion about this. If 
>> anyone knows if it can be a thing please enlighten me. 
>>  
>> I scanned the pond and saw movement which was another male Mallard 
>> struggling in the water. His body floated with the head hanging underwater 
>> unable to lift it up. He may have had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to 
>> reach the poor guy to end his misery which made me sad. More scanning found 
>> a third male Mallard floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any more, but 
>> there could have been one in the grass. Three seems like a typical total for 
>> this small water to hold on any particular day. 
>> 
>> My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the water with a shotgun. To 
>> cleanly decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at very close range. The 
>> other birds could have all been hit with the same shot if they had been 
>> swimming very together. This water is very small and birds not hit would 
>> have flown and probably circled around. It’s not likely they would have 
>> been shot in the air and fallen back into this small area.
>>  
>> This poaching event is very disturbing and we had another event like this in 
>> the same general area. I’m thinking of the eagle shooting over bait. No 
>> hunter would shoot birds in a barrel or sitting on the water even in season. 
>> In my opinion this is just criminal at any time. 
>> 
>> We all have bigger social troubles

[cayugabirds-l] Grasshopper Sparrows are around

2020-05-31 Thread Alicia Plotkin 
Hi,

I think there are a lot more of these guys than people realize.  If you 
don't happen to know what a grasshopper sparrow sounds like, take a 
listen here 
 - it's 
pretty distinctive.  At least in Lodi, Ovid & Romulus, many of the 
fields that harbor bobolinks also have a grasshopper sparrow or two or 
three if you stop and listen.  They don't sing as continually as the 
bobolinks do, but they pipe up periodically and their song carries 
surprisingly well. Even the introductory very high tick notes often can 
be heard - higher and shorter than a Savannah Sparrow's - and the buzzy 
main part of the song is distinctive and clearly audible over a distance.

Grasshopper Sparrows have been annual residents on the western section 
of Combs Rd in Ovid and are back again this year, although later than 
usual.  They also are back on McCarriger Road and on Rte 131 just south 
of Willard Wildlife Management Area (also in Ovid), and may well be in 
WWMA as well, I haven't had time to check.  In years past they have been 
in the fields leading down to Lodi Point in Lodi, in fields on Hayt 
Corners Rd near Iron Bridge Road in Romulus, and other spots between 
Seneca and Cayuga Lakes including many of the grasslands in the National 
Forest, and likely on the east side of Cayuga Lake, too.

As you note birds the Breeding Bird Atlas, you miight want to keep an 
ear out. Grasshopper Sparrows are singing right now and since they are a 
good grassland indicator, it might be particularly useful later to have 
accurate entries for them now.

Plus it's fun to find them.

Alicia

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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread John and Fritzie Blizzard 
Are any of you considering a night-time attack when the ducks would have 
been asleep & not aware of danger from owl or weasel? I agree with Chris.

Fritzie Bllizzard

>> On May 31, 2020, at 11:53 AM, Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes 
>>  wrote:
>>
>>  Just throwing this out there as another possibility: weasel or 
>> ferret.
>>
>> This is, as I understand it, classic kill method used by these 
>> Mustelids. They’ve been know to kill off an entire flock of 
>> chickens in a night, severing heads with minimal disruption to the 
>> rest of the body.
>>
>> Thoughts?
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Chris T-H
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>

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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Sandy Podulka 
I can understand how a predator can get a bunch 
of chickens in a cage, but in the wild, after it 
got one, I think the others would fly away. So a 
predator getting them all seems unlikely to me. 
Am I missing something? Gary's suggestion here makes sense.

Sandy

At 02:29 PM 5/31/2020, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:
>I hadn’t thought of Mustelid or Possum as Wes suggested as a culprit.
>
>As only one bird lost his head that could be 
>predation after death. One other bird dead with 
>head attached and another dying with possible 
>neck issues makes the suggestion of botulism by 
>Kevin Cummings and Morgan Hapeman interesting. I 
>know Montezuma has had problems with this in the 
>past. The water in Shindagin is pretty stagnant 
>which could be a problem. It also better answers 
>the unlikely idea of multiple birds shot in such a manner.
>
>Gary
>
>On May 31, 2020, at 11:53 AM, Christopher T. 
>Tessaglia-Hymes  wrote:
>
> Just throwing this out there as another possibility: weasel or ferret.
>
>This is, as I understand it, classic kill method 
>used by these Mustelids. They’ve been know to 
>kill off an entire flock of chickens in a night, 
>severing heads with minimal disruption to the rest of the body.
>
>Thoughts?
>
>Sincerely,
>Chris T-H
>
>Sent from my iPhone
>
>
>
>On May 31, 2020, at 11:07, Sandy Podulka 
><s...@cornell.edu> wrote:
>
>>That is also one of my favorite places!
>>
>>I have seen 4 male Mallards in that small pond 
>>consistently this spring (but not today, and I guess I now know why).
>>I have no idea what could kill so many birds in 
>>such an odd way except a hunter, or maybe a 
>>group of hunters--I would think an owl wouldn't 
>>have a chance at all of them at once, as the others would fly off.
>>
>>So sorry to hear this. As we are learning in so 
>>many ways these days, people can be truly cruel.
>>
>>Sandy Podulka
>>
>>At 10:08 AM 5/31/2020, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:
>>>Saturday I walked with my daughter down 
>>>Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State Forest, to 
>>>the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for 
>>>exercise, fun and to show her the area. It was 
>>>very birdy and beautiful as usual especially 
>>>the beaver pond at the bottom of the hill. 
>>>This place always reminds me of the Adirondacks and is a favorite of mine.
>>>
>>>There was a surprising amount of traffic on 
>>>Shindagin Rd. both cars and mountain bikers 
>>>savoring the nice day. Some out of state 
>>>plates on cars of dozens parked at the 
>>>intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded 
>>>how popular this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic.
>>>
>>>We were amazed at how many Red Newts were 
>>>crossing the road. Some didn’t make it it 
>>>unharmed, but most of them did. I learned 
>>>about their life cycle, that they are toxic, 
>>>but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried 
>>>to help a couple on the journey, but they are 
>>>very independent minded and don’t need ed any intervention.
>>>
>>>We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the 
>>>outflow pipe under the road; a dead male 
>>>Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting 
>>>and checked to find it had no head. I thought 
>>>that was weird, but I have seen it before, and 
>>>guessed maybe an owl had decapitated it. 
>>>I’m not actually positive owls would or 
>>>coucould do this, but seem to remember some 
>>>discussion about this. If anyone knows if it 
>>>can be a thing please enlighten me.
>>>
>>>I scanned the pond and saw movement which was 
>>>another male Mallard struggling in the water. 
>>>His body floated with the head hanging 
>>>underwater unable to lift it up. He may have 
>>>had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to reach 
>>>the poor guy to end his misery whichh made me 
>>>sad. More scanning found a third male Mallard 
>>>floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any 
>>>more, e, but there could have been one in the 
>>>grass. Three seems like a typical total for 
>>>this small water to hold on any particular day.
>>>
>>>My hypothesis is that they were all shot on 
>>>the water with a shotgun. To cleanly 
>>>decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at 
>>>very close range. The other birds could have 
>>>all been hit with the same shot if they had 
>>>been swimming very together. This water is 
>>>very small and birds not hit would have flown 
>>>and probably circled around. It’s not 
>>>likely they would ld have been shot in the air 
>>>and fallen back into this small area.
>>>
>>>This poaching event is very disturbing and we 
>>>had another event like this in the same 
>>>general area. I’m thinking of the eagle 
>>>shooting over er bait. No hunter would shoot 
>>>birds in a barrel or sitting on the water even 
>>>in season. In my opinion this is just criminal at any time.
>>>
>>>We all have bigger social troubles overall, 
>>>but felt compelled to document this as a 
>>>complete view of birding in the finger lakes. The little things still go on.
>>>
>>>Happier birding today,

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Linda Post Van Buskirk 
Consider the snapping turtle as a possibility.  They have been known to attack 
mature ducks as well as to take ducklings, which is more common.

From: bounce-124666854-3493...@list.cornell.edu 
 on behalf of Gary Kohlenberg 

Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2020 2:29 PM
To: Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes 
Cc: Sandy Podulka ; CAYUGABIRDS-L 

Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

I hadn’t thought of Mustelid or Possum as Wes suggested as a culprit.

As only one bird lost his head that could be predation after death. One other 
bird dead with head attached and another dying with possible neck issues makes 
the suggestion of botulism by Kevin Cummings and Morgan Hapeman interesting. I 
know Montezuma has had problems with this in the past. The water in Shindagin 
is pretty stagnant which could be a problem. It also better answers the 
unlikely idea of multiple birds shot in such a manner.

Gary

On May 31, 2020, at 11:53 AM, Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes  
wrote:

 Just throwing this out there as another possibility: weasel or ferret.

This is, as I understand it, classic kill method used by these Mustelids. 
They’ve been know to kill off an entire flock of chickens in a night, severing 
heads with minimal disruption to the rest of the body.

Thoughts?

Sincerely,
Chris T-H

Sent from my iPhone



On May 31, 2020, at 11:07, Sandy Podulka 
mailto:s...@cornell.edu>> wrote:

That is also one of my favorite places!

I have seen 4 male Mallards in that small pond consistently this spring (but 
not today, and I guess I now know why).
I have no idea what could kill so many birds in such an odd way except a 
hunter, or maybe a group of hunters--I would think an owl wouldn't have a 
chance at all of them at once, as the others would fly off.

So sorry to hear this. As we are learning in so many ways these days, people 
can be truly cruel.

Sandy Podulka

At 10:08 AM 5/31/2020, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:
Saturday I walked with my daughter down Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State 
Forest, to the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for exercise, fun and to show 
her the area. It was very birdy and beautiful as usual especially the beaver 
pond at the bottom of the hill. This place always reminds me of the Adirondacks 
and is a favorite of mine.

There was a surprising amount of traffic on Shindagin Rd. both cars and 
mountain bikers savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates on cars of 
dozens parked at the intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded how popular 
this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic.

We were amazed at how many Red Newts were crossing the road. Some didn’t make 
it unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about their life cycle, that they 
are toxic, but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to help a couple on 
the journey, but they are very independent minded and don’t need any 
intervention.

We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the outflow pipe under the road; a dead 
male Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and checked to find it had no 
head. I thought that was weird, but I have seen it before, and guessed maybe an 
owl had decapitated it. I’m not actually positive owls would or could do 
this, but seem to remember some discussion about this. If anyone knows if it 
can be a thing please enlighten me.

I scanned the pond and saw movement which was another male Mallard struggling 
in the water. His body floated with the head hanging underwater unable to lift 
it up. He may have had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to reach the poor guy to 
end his misery which made me sad. More scanning found a third male Mallard 
floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any more, but there could have been 
one in the grass. Three seems like a typical total for this small water to hold 
on any particular day.

My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the water with a shotgun. To 
cleanly decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at very close range. The 
other birds could have all been hit with the same shot if they had been 
swimming very together. This water is very small and birds not hit would have 
flown and probably circled around. It’s not likely they would have been shot 
in the air and fallen back into this small area.

This poaching event is very disturbing and we had another event like this in 
the same general area. I’m thinking of the eagle shooting over bait. No 
hunter would shoot birds in a barrel or sitting on the water even in season. In 
my opinion this is just criminal at any time.

We all have bigger social troubles overall, but felt compelled to document this 
as a complete view of birding in the finger lakes. The little things still go 
on.

Happier birding today,

Gary








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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Gary Kohlenberg 
I hadn’t thought of Mustelid or Possum as Wes suggested as a culprit.

As only one bird lost his head that could be predation after death. One other 
bird dead with head attached and another dying with possible neck issues makes 
the suggestion of botulism by Kevin Cummings and Morgan Hapeman interesting. I 
know Montezuma has had problems with this in the past. The water in Shindagin 
is pretty stagnant which could be a problem. It also better answers the 
unlikely idea of multiple birds shot in such a manner.

Gary

On May 31, 2020, at 11:53 AM, Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes  
wrote:

 Just throwing this out there as another possibility: weasel or ferret.

This is, as I understand it, classic kill method used by these Mustelids. 
They’ve been know to kill off an entire flock of chickens in a night, severing 
heads with minimal disruption to the rest of the body.

Thoughts?

Sincerely,
Chris T-H

Sent from my iPhone



On May 31, 2020, at 11:07, Sandy Podulka 
mailto:s...@cornell.edu>> wrote:

That is also one of my favorite places!

I have seen 4 male Mallards in that small pond consistently this spring (but 
not today, and I guess I now know why).
I have no idea what could kill so many birds in such an odd way except a 
hunter, or maybe a group of hunters--I would think an owl wouldn't have a 
chance at all of them at once, as the others would fly off.

So sorry to hear this. As we are learning in so many ways these days, people 
can be truly cruel.

Sandy Podulka

At 10:08 AM 5/31/2020, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:
Saturday I walked with my daughter down Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State 
Forest, to the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for exercise, fun and to show 
her the area. It was very birdy and beautiful as usual especially the beaver 
pond at the bottom of the hill. This place always reminds me of the Adirondacks 
and is a favorite of mine.

There was a surprising amount of traffic on Shindagin Rd. both cars and 
mountain bikers savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates on cars of 
dozens parked at the intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded how popular 
this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic.

We were amazed at how many Red Newts were crossing the road. Some didn’t make 
it unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about their life cycle, that they 
are toxic, but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to help a couple on 
the journey, but they are very independent minded and don’t need any 
intervention.

We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the outflow pipe under the road; a dead 
male Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and checked to find it had no 
head. I thought that was weird, but I have seen it before, and guessed maybe an 
owl had decapitated it. I’m not actually positive owls would or could do 
this, but seem to remember some discussion about this. If anyone knows if it 
can be a thing please enlighten me.

I scanned the pond and saw movement which was another male Mallard struggling 
in the water. His body floated with the head hanging underwater unable to lift 
it up. He may have had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to reach the poor guy to 
end his misery which made me sad. More scanning found a third male Mallard 
floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any more, but there could have been 
one in the grass. Three seems like a typical total for this small water to hold 
on any particular day.

My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the water with a shotgun. To 
cleanly decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at very close range. The 
other birds could have all been hit with the same shot if they had been 
swimming very together. This water is very small and birds not hit would have 
flown and probably circled around. It’s not likely they would have been shot 
in the air and fallen back into this small area.

This poaching event is very disturbing and we had another event like this in 
the same general area. I’m thinking of the eagle shooting over bait. No 
hunter would shoot birds in a barrel or sitting on the water even in season. In 
my opinion this is just criminal at any time.

We all have bigger social troubles overall, but felt compelled to document this 
as a complete view of birding in the finger lakes. The little things still go 
on.

Happier birding today,

Gary








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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Red headed woodpecker

2020-05-31 Thread Anne R. Kenney 
Lucky you!

Sent from my iPhone

On May 31, 2020, at 1:50 PM, Donna Lee Scott  wrote:

 Mature, just seen in my back yard!
So elegant.

While an occasional one may have been here in the past, I have never been here 
to see it, so this is a pretty cool yard bird.
Now I have seen all the local woodpeckers in my backyard!

Donna Scott
Lansing
Sent from my iPhone

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[cayugabirds-l] Red headed woodpecker

2020-05-31 Thread Donna Lee Scott 
Mature, just seen in my back yard!
So elegant.

While an occasional one may have been here in the past, I have never been here 
to see it, so this is a pretty cool yard bird.
Now I have seen all the local woodpeckers in my backyard!

Donna Scott
Lansing
Sent from my iPhone

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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Red headed woodpecker

2020-05-31 Thread Sarah Blodgett 
WWWOO!

Sarah S. Blodgett
518-755-4933
Sarah Blodgett Photography  
Facebook 
Instagram 


> On May 31, 2020, at 1:50 PM, Donna Lee Scott  wrote:
> 
> Mature, just seen in my back yard!
> So elegant. 
> 
> While an occasional one may have been here in the past, I have never been 
> here to see it, so this is a pretty cool yard bird.
> Now I have seen all the local woodpeckers in my backyard!
> 
> Donna Scott
> Lansing
> Sent from my iPhone


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[cayugabirds-l] Dawn Chorus: Have You Seen a Salmonberry Bird?

2020-05-31 Thread Chris R. Pelkie 
https://www.dailykos.com/story/2020/5/31/1947630/-Dawn-Chorus-Have-You-Seen-a-Salmonberry-Bird

This was interesting to me as I enjoy etymology as well as how different 
cultures derive different names for the same thing.

Chris Pelkie


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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Wes Blauvelt 
I would add opossum to the lineup of possible perpetrators..they too
favor heads and will make quick work of your chickens.

On Sun, May 31, 2020 at 12:28 PM Jody Enck  wrote:

> Hi Gary and all,
>
> So sorry you came upon this scene.  However, it definitely does not sound
> like a shooting incident.  As a duck hunter myself, I will say that you
> would need to be within 5 or 6 feet (maybe less) in order to take the head
> off a duck via a shot.  At even 10-12 feet, the shotgun pellets start
> spreading out enough that it would be virtually impossible for the duck to
> lose its head.  Great Horned Owls can and do take heads off of birds
> (notoriously off of pheasants), but multiple birds having similar fates
> does suggest a mustelid, as others have mentioned.
>
> Jody
> Jody W. Enck, PhD
> Conservation Social Scientist, and
> Founder of the Sister Bird Club Network
> 607-379-5940
>
>
> On Sun, May 31, 2020 at 10:08 AM Gary Kohlenberg 
> wrote:
>
>> Saturday I walked with my daughter down Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the
>> State Forest, to the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for exercise, fun and
>> to show her the area. It was very birdy and beautiful as usual especially
>> the beaver pond at the bottom of the hill. This place always reminds me of
>> the Adirondacks and is a favorite of mine.
>>
>> There was a surprising amount of traffic on Shindagin Rd. both cars and
>> mountain bikers savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates on cars of
>> dozens parked at the intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded how
>> popular this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic.
>>
>> We were amazed at how many Red Newts were crossing the road. Some didn’t
>> make it unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about their life cycle,
>> that they are toxic, but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to help
>> a couple on the journey, but they are very independent minded and don’t
>> need any intervention.
>>
>> We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the outflow pipe under the road; a
>> dead male Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and checked to find
>> it had no head. I thought that was weird, but I have seen it before, and
>> guessed maybe an owl had decapitated it. I’m not actually positive owls
>> would or could do this, but seem to remember some discussion about this. If
>> anyone knows if it can be a thing please enlighten me.
>>
>> I scanned the pond and saw movement which was another male Mallard
>> struggling in the water. His body floated with the head hanging underwater
>> unable to lift it up. He may have had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to reach
>> the poor guy to end his misery which made me sad. More scanning found a
>> third male Mallard floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any more, but
>> there could have been one in the grass. Three seems like a typical total
>> for this small water to hold on any particular day.
>>
>> My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the water with a shotgun. To
>> cleanly decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at very close range.
>> The other birds could have all been hit with the same shot if they had been
>> swimming very together. This water is very small and birds not hit would
>> have flown and probably circled around. It’s not likely they would have
>> been shot in the air and fallen back into this small area.
>>
>> This poaching event is very disturbing and we had another event like this
>> in the same general area. I’m thinking of the eagle shooting over bait. No
>> hunter would shoot birds in a barrel or sitting on the water even in
>> season. In my opinion this is just criminal at any time.
>>
>> We all have bigger social troubles overall, but felt compelled to
>> document this as a complete view of birding in the finger lakes. The little
>> things still go on.
>>
>> Happier birding today,
>>
>> Gary
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Jody Enck 
Hi Gary and all,

So sorry you came upon this scene.  However, it definitely does not sound
like a shooting incident.  As a duck hunter myself, I will say that you
would need to be within 5 or 6 feet (maybe less) in order to take the head
off a duck via a shot.  At even 10-12 feet, the shotgun pellets start
spreading out enough that it would be virtually impossible for the duck to
lose its head.  Great Horned Owls can and do take heads off of birds
(notoriously off of pheasants), but multiple birds having similar fates
does suggest a mustelid, as others have mentioned.

Jody
Jody W. Enck, PhD
Conservation Social Scientist, and
Founder of the Sister Bird Club Network
607-379-5940


On Sun, May 31, 2020 at 10:08 AM Gary Kohlenberg  wrote:

> Saturday I walked with my daughter down Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State
> Forest, to the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for exercise, fun and to
> show her the area. It was very birdy and beautiful as usual especially the
> beaver pond at the bottom of the hill. This place always reminds me of the
> Adirondacks and is a favorite of mine.
>
> There was a surprising amount of traffic on Shindagin Rd. both cars and
> mountain bikers savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates on cars of
> dozens parked at the intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded how
> popular this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic.
>
> We were amazed at how many Red Newts were crossing the road. Some didn’t
> make it unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about their life cycle,
> that they are toxic, but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to help
> a couple on the journey, but they are very independent minded and don’t
> need any intervention.
>
> We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the outflow pipe under the road; a
> dead male Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and checked to find
> it had no head. I thought that was weird, but I have seen it before, and
> guessed maybe an owl had decapitated it. I’m not actually positive owls
> would or could do this, but seem to remember some discussion about this. If
> anyone knows if it can be a thing please enlighten me.
>
> I scanned the pond and saw movement which was another male Mallard
> struggling in the water. His body floated with the head hanging underwater
> unable to lift it up. He may have had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to reach
> the poor guy to end his misery which made me sad. More scanning found a
> third male Mallard floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any more, but
> there could have been one in the grass. Three seems like a typical total
> for this small water to hold on any particular day.
>
> My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the water with a shotgun. To
> cleanly decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at very close range.
> The other birds could have all been hit with the same shot if they had been
> swimming very together. This water is very small and birds not hit would
> have flown and probably circled around. It’s not likely they would have
> been shot in the air and fallen back into this small area.
>
> This poaching event is very disturbing and we had another event like this
> in the same general area. I’m thinking of the eagle shooting over bait. No
> hunter would shoot birds in a barrel or sitting on the water even in
> season. In my opinion this is just criminal at any time.
>
> We all have bigger social troubles overall, but felt compelled to document
> this as a complete view of birding in the finger lakes. The little things
> still go on.
>
> Happier birding today,
>
> Gary
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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RE: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Kevin J. Cummings 
Hi all,

Gary’s description of one of the Mallards sounded reminiscent of botulism.  
Paralysis of the neck muscles leads to an inability to hold the head above 
water, resulting in drowning.  Perhaps the head removal from one of the others 
reflected scavenging behavior or predation on a struggling bird.  I’m not sure 
if we see avian botulism locally though.

Kevin Cummings


From: bounce-124666711-3494...@list.cornell.edu 
 On Behalf Of Christopher T. 
Tessaglia-Hymes
Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2020 11:54 AM
To: Sandy Podulka 
Cc: CAYUGABIRDS-L 
Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

Just throwing this out there as another possibility: weasel or ferret.

This is, as I understand it, classic kill method used by these Mustelids. 
They’ve been know to kill off an entire flock of chickens in a night, severing 
heads with minimal disruption to the rest of the body.

Thoughts?

Sincerely,
Chris T-H
Sent from my iPhone



On May 31, 2020, at 11:07, Sandy Podulka 
mailto:s...@cornell.edu>> wrote:
That is also one of my favorite places!

I have seen 4 male Mallards in that small pond consistently this spring (but 
not today, and I guess I now know why).
I have no idea what could kill so many birds in such an odd way except a 
hunter, or maybe a group of hunters--I would think an owl wouldn't have a 
chance at all of them at once, as the others would fly off.

So sorry to hear this. As we are learning in so many ways these days, people 
can be truly cruel.

Sandy Podulka

At 10:08 AM 5/31/2020, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:

Saturday I walked with my daughter down Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State 
Forest, to the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for exercise, fun and to show 
her the area. It was very birdy and beautiful as usual especially the beaver 
pond at the bottom of the hill. This place always reminds me of the Adirondacks 
and is a favorite of mine.

There was a surprising amount of traffic on Shindagin Rd. both cars and 
mountain bikers savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates on cars of 
dozens parked at the intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded how popular 
this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic.

We were amazed at how many Red Newts were crossing the road. Some didn’t make 
it unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about their life cycle, that they 
are toxic, but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to help a couple on 
the journey, but they are very independent minded and don’t need any 
intervention.

We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the outflow pipe under the road; a dead 
male Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and checked to find it had no 
head. I thought that was weird, but I have seen it before, and guessed maybe an 
owl had decapitated it. I’m not actually positive owls would or could do 
this, but seem to remember some discussion about this. If anyone knows if it 
can be a thing please enlighten me.

I scanned the pond and saw movement which was another male Mallard struggling 
in the water. His body floated with the head hanging underwater unable to lift 
it up. He may have had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to reach the poor guy to 
end his misery which made me sad. More scanning found a third male Mallard 
floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any more, but there could have been 
one in the grass. Three seems like a typical total for this small water to hold 
on any particular day.

My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the water with a shotgun. To 
cleanly decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at very close range. The 
other birds could have all been hit with the same shot if they had been 
swimming very together. This water is very small and birds not hit would have 
flown and probably circled around. It’s not likely they would have been shot 
in the air and fallen back into this small area.

This poaching event is very disturbing and we had another event like this in 
the same general area. I’m thinking of the eagle shooting over bait. No 
hunter would shoot birds in a barrel or sitting on the water even in season. In 
my opinion this is just criminal at any time.

We all have bigger social troubles overall, but felt compelled to document this 
as a complete view of birding in the finger lakes. The little things still go 
on.

Happier birding today,

Gary








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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes 
Just throwing this out there as another possibility: weasel or ferret.

This is, as I understand it, classic kill method used by these Mustelids. 
They’ve been know to kill off an entire flock of chickens in a night, severing 
heads with minimal disruption to the rest of the body.

Thoughts?

Sincerely,
Chris T-H

Sent from my iPhone



On May 31, 2020, at 11:07, Sandy Podulka 
mailto:s...@cornell.edu>> wrote:

That is also one of my favorite places!

I have seen 4 male Mallards in that small pond consistently this spring (but 
not today, and I guess I now know why).
I have no idea what could kill so many birds in such an odd way except a 
hunter, or maybe a group of hunters--I would think an owl wouldn't have a 
chance at all of them at once, as the others would fly off.

So sorry to hear this. As we are learning in so many ways these days, people 
can be truly cruel.

Sandy Podulka

At 10:08 AM 5/31/2020, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:
Saturday I walked with my daughter down Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State 
Forest, to the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for exercise, fun and to show 
her the area. It was very birdy and beautiful as usual especially the beaver 
pond at the bottom of the hill. This place always reminds me of the Adirondacks 
and is a favorite of mine.

There was a surprising amount of traffic on Shindagin Rd. both cars and 
mountain bikers savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates on cars of 
dozens parked at the intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded how popular 
this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic.

We were amazed at how many Red Newts were crossing the road. Some didn’t make 
it unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about their life cycle, that they 
are toxic, but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to help a couple on 
the journey, but they are very independent minded and don’t need any 
intervention.

We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the outflow pipe under the road; a dead 
male Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and checked to find it had no 
head. I thought that was weird, but I have seen it before, and guessed maybe an 
owl had decapitated it. I’m not actually positive owls would or could do 
this, but seem to remember some discussion about this. If anyone knows if it 
can be a thing please enlighten me.

I scanned the pond and saw movement which was another male Mallard struggling 
in the water. His body floated with the head hanging underwater unable to lift 
it up. He may have had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to reach the poor guy to 
end his misery which made me sad. More scanning found a third male Mallard 
floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any more, but there could have been 
one in the grass. Three seems like a typical total for this small water to hold 
on any particular day.

My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the water with a shotgun. To 
cleanly decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at very close range. The 
other birds could have all been hit with the same shot if they had been 
swimming very together. This water is very small and birds not hit would have 
flown and probably circled around. It’s not likely they would have been shot 
in the air and fallen back into this small area.

This poaching event is very disturbing and we had another event like this in 
the same general area. I’m thinking of the eagle shooting over bait. No 
hunter would shoot birds in a barrel or sitting on the water even in season. In 
my opinion this is just criminal at any time.

We all have bigger social troubles overall, but felt compelled to document this 
as a complete view of birding in the finger lakes. The little things still go 
on.

Happier birding today,

Gary








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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Melissa Groo 
Devastating news. Each time I have gone down there I have enjoyed seeing
that group of bachelor mallards. What a sick act.
Gary, will you be contacting the DEC?  I want so much to do something but
what can we do? I am gutted.

Melissa

On Sun, May 31, 2020 at 11:07 AM Sandy Podulka  wrote:

> That is also one of my favorite places!
>
> I have seen 4 male Mallards in that small pond consistently this spring
> (but not today, and I guess I now know why).
> I have no idea what could kill so many birds in such an odd way except a
> hunter, or maybe a group of hunters--I would think an owl wouldn't have a
> chance at all of them at once, as the others would fly off.
>
> So sorry to hear this. As we are learning in so many ways these days,
> people can be truly cruel.
>
> Sandy Podulka
>
> At 10:08 AM 5/31/2020, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:
>
> Saturday I walked with my daughter down Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State
> Forest, to the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for exercise, fun and to
> show her the area. It was very birdy and beautiful as usual especially the
> beaver pond at the bottom of the hill. This place always reminds me of the
> Adirondacks and is a favorite of mine.
>
> There was a surprising amount of traffic on Shindagin Rd. both cars and
> mountain bikers savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates on cars of
> dozens parked at the intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded how
> popular this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic.
>
> We were amazed at how many Red Newts were crossing the road. Some didn’t
> make it unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about their life cycle,
> that they are toxic, but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to help
> a couple on the journey, but they are very independent minded and don’t
> need any intervention.
>
> We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the outflow pipe under the road; a
> dead male Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and checked to find
> it had no head. I thought that was weird, but I have seen it before, and
> guessed maybe an owl had decapitated it. I’m not actually positive owls
> would or could do this, but seem to remember some discussion about this. If
> anyone knows if it can be a thing please enlighten me.
>
> I scanned the pond and saw movement which was another male Mallard
> struggling in the water. His body floated with the head hanging underwater
> unable to lift it up. He may have had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to
> reach the poor guy to end his misery which made me sad. More scanning found
> a third male Mallard floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any more,
> but there could have been one in the grass. Three seems like a typical
> total for this small water to hold on any particular day.
>
> My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the water with a shotgun. To
> cleanly decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at very close range.
> The other birds could have all been hit with the same shot if they had been
> swimming very together. This water is very small and birds not hit would
> have flown and probably circled around. It’s not likely they would have
> been shot in the air and fallen back into this small area.
>
> This poaching event is very disturbing and we had another event like this
> in the same general area. I’m thinking of the eagle shooting over bait.
> No hunter would shoot birds in a barrel or sitting on the water even in
> season. In my opinion this is just criminal at any time.
>
> We all have bigger social troubles overall, but felt compelled to document
> this as a complete view of birding in the finger lakes. The little things
> still go on.
>
> Happier birding today,
>
> Gary
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Sandy Podulka 
That is also one of my favorite places!

I have seen 4 male Mallards in that small pond 
consistently this spring (but not today, and I guess I now know why).
I have no idea what could kill so many birds in 
such an odd way except a hunter, or maybe a group 
of hunters--I would think an owl wouldn't have a 
chance at all of them at once, as the others would fly off.

So sorry to hear this. As we are learning in so 
many ways these days, people can be truly cruel.

Sandy Podulka

At 10:08 AM 5/31/2020, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:
>Saturday I walked with my daughter down 
>Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State Forest, to 
>the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for 
>exercise, fun and to show her the area. It was 
>very birdy and beautiful as usual especially the 
>beaver pond at the bottom of the hill. This 
>place always reminds me of the Adirondacks and is a favorite of mine.
>
>There was a surprising amount of traffic on 
>Shindagin Rd. both cars and mountain bikers 
>savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates 
>on cars of dozens parked at the intersection and 
>FLT crossing. I was reminded how popular this 
>area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic.
>
>We were amazed at how many Red Newts were 
>crossing the road. Some didn’t make it 
>unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about 
>their life cycle, that they are toxic, but 
>contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to 
>help a couple on the journey, but they are very 
>independent minded and don’t need any intervention.
>
>We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the 
>outflow pipe under the road; a dead male 
>Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and 
>checked to find it had no head. I thought that 
>was weird, but I have seen it before, and 
>guessed maybe an owl had decapitated it. I’m 
>not actually positive owls would or could do 
>this, but seem to remember some discussion about 
>this. If anyone knows if it can be a thing please enlighten me.
>
>I scanned the pond and saw movement which was 
>another male Mallard struggling in the water. 
>His body floated with the head hanging 
>underwater unable to lift it up. He may have had 
>a broken neck. I wasn’t able to reach the poor 
>guy to end his misery which made me sad. More 
>scanning found a third male Mallard floating in 
>the pond dead. I didn’t see any more, but 
>there could have been one in the grass. Three 
>seems like a typical total for this small water to hold on any particular day.
>
>My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the 
>water with a shotgun. To cleanly decapitate a 
>bird the shot would have to be at very close 
>range. The other birds could have all been hit 
>with the same shot if they had been swimming 
>very together. This water is very small and 
>birds not hit would have flown and probably 
>circled around. It’s not likely they would 
>have been shot in the air and fallen back into this small area.
>
>This poaching event is very disturbing and we 
>had another event like this in the same general 
>area. I’m thinking of the eagle shooting over 
>bait. No hunter would shoot birds in a barrel or 
>sitting on the water even in season. In my 
>opinion this is just criminal at any time.
>
>We all have bigger social troubles overall, but 
>felt compelled to document this as a complete 
>view of birding in the finger lakes. The little things still go on.
>
>Happier birding today,
>
>Gary
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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[cayugabirds-l] Murder most Fowl - Saturday 5/30

2020-05-31 Thread Gary Kohlenberg 
Saturday I walked with my daughter down Shindagin Hollow Rd., in the State 
Forest, to the intersection with Gulf Creek Rd. for exercise, fun and to show 
her the area. It was very birdy and beautiful as usual especially the beaver 
pond at the bottom of the hill. This place always reminds me of the Adirondacks 
and is a favorite of mine. 

There was a surprising amount of traffic on Shindagin Rd. both cars and 
mountain bikers savoring the nice day. Some out of state plates on cars of 
dozens parked at the intersection and FLT crossing. I was reminded how popular 
this area is and how much we need wild areas during a pandemic. 

We were amazed at how many Red Newts were crossing the road. Some didn’t make 
it unharmed, but most of them did. I learned about their life cycle, that they 
are toxic, but contain off the charts cuteness. We tried to help a couple on 
the journey, but they are very independent minded and don’t need any 
intervention.

We noticed a dead bird in the pond by the outflow pipe under the road; a dead 
male Mallard. Kayla thought it quite interesting and checked to find it had no 
head. I thought that was weird, but I have seen it before, and guessed maybe an 
owl had decapitated it. I’m not actually positive owls would or could do this, 
but seem to remember some discussion about this. If anyone knows if it can be a 
thing please enlighten me. 
 
I scanned the pond and saw movement which was another male Mallard struggling 
in the water. His body floated with the head hanging underwater unable to lift 
it up. He may have had a broken neck. I wasn’t able to reach the poor guy to 
end his misery which made me sad. More scanning found a third male Mallard 
floating in the pond dead. I didn’t see any more, but there could have been one 
in the grass. Three seems like a typical total for this small water to hold on 
any particular day. 

My hypothesis is that they were all shot on the water with a shotgun. To 
cleanly decapitate a bird the shot would have to be at very close range. The 
other birds could have all been hit with the same shot if they had been 
swimming very together. This water is very small and birds not hit would have 
flown and probably circled around. It’s not likely they would have been shot in 
the air and fallen back into this small area.
 
This poaching event is very disturbing and we had another event like this in 
the same general area. I’m thinking of the eagle shooting over bait. No hunter 
would shoot birds in a barrel or sitting on the water even in season. In my 
opinion this is just criminal at any time. 

We all have bigger social troubles overall, but felt compelled to document this 
as a complete view of birding in the finger lakes. The little things still go 
on.  

Happier birding today, 

Gary 








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