Re: [cayugabirds-l] Broad-winged Hawk

2016-04-29 Thread Susan Fast
Could be.  I just spent 2 hours on Mt. Pleasant and had only 2 hawk migrants--a 
SHARP-SHINNED and a BROAD-WING.     Steve Fast 

On Sunday, April 17, 2016 12:55 PM, Geo Kloppel  
wrote:
 

 I believe my local Broad-winged Hawk has returned today. For several hours it 
has been circling high and low over the traditional nest area on my property 
and vocalizing.

-Geo
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[cayugabirds-l] waterthrush

2016-04-08 Thread Susan Fast
I flushed a LA. WATERTHRUSH from the creekbed along Leonard Rd. this morning. 
Town of Caroline.  Steve Fast,  Brooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Mt. Pleasant; T. of Dryden; Tomp. Co.

2015-10-07 Thread Susan Fast
 I was looking for migrants on Mt. Pleasant from 1145 till  1345 today.  A 
little slow, but a flock of 60 AMER. PIPITS flew over low.  About 1300, I spied 
2 large, dark birds way to the east.  Both in the same field of view briefly.  
I picked one to follow with the scope and determined, mostly by its slight 
dihedral, that it was a GOLDEN EAGLE (somewhat early).  I did not refind the 
other, but I'm sure it was an EAGLE also, species undetermined.  Seemed like a 
good day for TURKEY VULTURES, but I saw only 8.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Bats

2015-05-08 Thread Susan Fast
 I was out front of the house just now, looking for BATS.  At 2047, 2 appeared 
flying in tandem.  In the next fifteen minutes, they flew over 8 times, always 
in tandem, from 1' to 4' apart.  They moved very quickly;  this was not typical 
foraging behavior.  It looked to me like a synchronized courtship display.  I 
have never really thought about courtship in bats, but they must do something.  
Maybe I'll have baby bats soon.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] hummers

2015-05-05 Thread Susan Fast
 Yesterday evening, at 1815, I saw a female RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD at one of 
our feeders.  She drank her fill, then flew off.  Less than a minute later, a 
male RTH flew in, same feeder, same port.  I'm wondering if some hummingbirds 
migrate as mated pairs?   Have not seen them today.
S. FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Shindagin Hollow

2015-05-04 Thread Susan Fast
 Best news is this is a great year for TROUT LILLIES.  All along the road.  I 
prefer them to the masses of white trilliums which should be out in force by 
this weekend.  Bird news: other than about 10 OVENBIRDS, I found no other 
warblers there.  And most activity took place before 0830; very quiet after.  
The only bird I haven't seen mentioned  yet was a singing YELLOW-THROATED 
VIREO.  BROAD-WING back on territory.  First VEERY(quiet) seen.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] OB--Sayre

2015-05-01 Thread Susan Fast
 I was driving down the street in Sayre, Pa. this afternoon, windows down, 
enjoying the sun, when the song of a N. PARULA intruded.  Must have been pretty 
close, but I didn't stop; it'll be here tomorrow.
Steve Fast
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[cayugabirds-l] Baldwin Preserve, Irish Settlement Rd.

2015-04-29 Thread Susan Fast
 I walked all around the Baldwin Preserve (aka Park Preserve, South Unit) this 
morning.  An observation:  following the path from the parking area along the 
small creek, ALL the bird songs emanated from the scrubby unmanaged area across 
this creek, to the north. I heard nothing from the spruces, etc. to the south.  
 Even the PRAIRIE WARBLER  was singing to the north.  A LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH 
sang very briefly from the 6-Mile Creek gorge; I heard it there a week ago, 
again just briefly.  Maybe it's shy.  Pair of COMMON MERGANSERS in the Creek.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Dawn chorus?

2015-04-29 Thread Susan Fast
 Last night, around 1:00 a.m., I stepped outside to check the moon, and was 
greeted with a lot of different birds singing.  Somewhat taken aback, I thought 
this was a bit too early for the dawn chorus, and further reflection indicated 
that MOCKINGBIRDS often sing at night.  I haven't heard our local one for 
several months, and am wondering if, because of the harsh winter, it went to 
visit friends in Pa. for a while, and has just returned.Even more reflection 
(great time for it) showed that certain canids also sing to Luna, so I think 
this is a good example of convergent evolution.
On a kind of related note, on my morning walk yesterday, I heard a BROWN 
THRASHER doing a credible imitation of a whip-poor-will.  First time I've heard 
one doing that.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Goetchius Preserve - woodcock, snipe

2015-04-27 Thread Susan Fast
 Curious about WOODCOCKS and weather conditions, I went to the Goetchius 
Preserve this evening from about 8:00 until 8:30.  Preserve is on Flatiron Rd., 
Town of Caroline, just off Rt. 79 E.  Heavy overcast, a spitting rain, breeze 
from the NW, temp. around 40 F.  I parked at the small lot next the sign, and 
walked out a ways past the 2 ponds.  This reduces the volume from the SPRING 
PEEPERS, but does not help with the continuous din from the CANADA GEESE just 
to the west.  The woodcocks didn't seem to mind the weather; I watched and 
listened to at least 4.  A couple were dancing right overhead.  A SNIPE 
winnowed continuously for several minutes, and a KILLDEER flew over once. It's 
not really too wet, unless you fall in the creek or ponds in the dark.

Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] loons at Sayre: a happy adventure

2015-04-07 Thread Susan Fast
 One of my daughters lives in a house fronting one of 2 ponds next to the 
Guthrie Medical Complex in downtown Sayre, Pa.  She called last evening to 
report 4 large black and white birds on "her" pond.  I immediately thought 
common merganser, but she then described what were obviously COMMON LOONS.  
Excitement!!  She wanted to know how long they would remain, and I said they 
would most likely be gone today.She called this morning to say 3 had departed, 
but one remained.  It would swim to one end of the pond, and try to get 
airborne, just clearing the water before it realized there were houses  in the 
way, whereupon it splooshed back into the water.  It repeated this a number of 
times.  My daughter wanted to know what was going on, and I, as the bird 
expert, started a spiel about how it was somehow damaged, lead poisoning, 
contacting the DNR, wildlife rehabilitator, and was just blathering into the 
difficulties of capturing it, when the phone almost leaped out of my hand and 
all I could hear was loud, incoherent shouting and screaming.  When some 
measure of calm returned, I heard "HE MADE IT, HE MADE IT", as indeed it did, 
like the little engine that could, it gave its all and just cleared the houses, 
took a loop over the pond, and headed north.
S. FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] tree swallows

2015-04-06 Thread Susan Fast
 Late this morning atop Mt. Pleasant, I watched a pair of TREE SWALLOWS, at one 
of the nest boxes along the road to the towers, starting territory and 
courtship behaviors.  The female (presumably) hung on the front, looking in the 
hole, while the male (presumably) did "flutter flight" over her and sang the 
tree swallow song.  Then both would fly rapidly about the box, describing 
mostly eccentric circles.  Sometimes one or the other would fly very high in 
the air doing smaller circles.  Initially there was only the pair, but when I 
left 1.5 hrs. later there were 3 pairs each interested in a different box.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Leonard Rd.

2015-04-04 Thread Susan Fast
 This afternoon I walked almost to the top of Leonard Rd. ( Town of Caroline) 
and saw only 1 bird, a WINTER WREN.  Fortunately for me, this was the species I 
had trudged up there to seek.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] swans

2015-03-27 Thread Susan Fast
 I'm not aware of any migrating swan reports, so will add that a fine-looking 
Vee of 38 TUNDRA SWANS flew over my house about 1100 this morning.  I don't 
usually see groups this large.
Steve FastBrooktondale


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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Killdeer Courtship at Myers

2015-03-27 Thread Susan Fast
One recent good description of poses, etc. is the Stokes Nature Guides, "Guide 
to Bird Behavior", vol. 2.The original Saunders source is Saunders, Aretas 
Andrews, "The Summer Birds of Central New York Marshes"  Roosevelt Wild Life 
Bulletin. vol. 3 , pp. 335-475.  1926Also A. C. Bent's "Life Histories of North 
American Shorebirds" part two.  Originally from the Smithsonian in 1927, Dover 
Publications did a reprint in 1962.
Steve 


 On Thursday, March 26, 2015 9:47 PM, Marie P. Read  
wrote:
   

 I've seen Killdeer doing this and similar behaviors a number of times early in 
the breeding season. Sometimes in pairs, sometimes several birds together. My 
impression is that it has both territorial and  courtship components. 
Pairs do something similar during a "nest scrape display"...the male bows, 
spreading his tail and trills constantly when the pair is at one of the nest 
scrapes the male makes when the two are deciding on a nest site.
Here are a couple of photos of this behavior:

http://marieread.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Killdeer/Gu7AkHC8sfg8/IALsXWhF3uvM/CzQU3lDkq6SE

http://marieread.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Killdeer/Gu7AkHC8sfg8/I6rJaalHoVTk/CzQU3lDkq6SE

Cool observation!
Marie


Marie Read Wildlife Photography
452 Ringwood Road
Freeville NY  13068 USA

Phone  607-539-6608
e-mail  m...@cornell.edu

http://www.marieread.com

Author of Sierra Wings: Birds of the Mono Lake Basin    Available here:

http://marieread.photoshelter.com/gallery/Sierra-Wings-Birds-of-the-Mono-Lake-Basin/GNlCxX37uTzE/CBPFGij6nLfE

From: bounce-118984747-5851...@list.cornell.edu 
[bounce-118984747-5851...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Lauren Flesher 
[superduperw...@aim.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2015 11:38 AM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Killdeer Courtship at Myers

This morning at Myers Point, the group I was with observed two Killdeer 
engaging in what we assumed was a courtship ritual.  They stood on the log at 
the end of the gravel parking lot, back to back, with tails raised high, and 
backed into each other until tails were close to touching.  They then began 
imitating each other, with flicks and dips.  The whole time they were calling 
constantly, so that it sounds like one continuous trill.  No one in our group 
had ever seen the likes of it before, or heard of it.  Unfortunately we had to 
leave before seeing the end of this display, but my curiosity was piqued.

I came home and checked on Birds of North America for more information, and 
found nothing except a small reference to the 1967 paper "Prenuptial courtship 
in wintering shorebirds" by J.B. Funderburg.  Google searching this paper lead 
me to a website describing the ground courtship displays of Killdeer.  I find 
it quite interesting, so I thought I'd share it with you all!

Found on the website birdsbybent.com.  A 1929 bulletin - 146 (part 2: 202-217) 
- written by Arthur Cleveland Bent for the Smithsonian National Museum.

"The most noticeable courtship performances of the killdeer are those that take 
place in the air--the nuptial flight--but those that occur on the ground, 
although less often seen, are also spectacular. Aretas Saunders (1926) thus 
describes the display: Two birds would crouch side by side but facing in 
opposite directions. Then they would droop the tips of the wings so that they 
exposed the ochraceous patch of the lower back, spread the tail, and tip the 
breast forward, slowly lifting the wing tips till the came way above the back, 
but never covered it from view. All the while they kept up a continual call, 
the long-trilled note 't-r-r-r-r-r.' The displaying birds would often begin 
the performance or end it with a little fighting."

Try as I might, I couldn't find the original Saunders source.  Have any of you 
witnessed this behavior before?

Happy birding!

Lauren
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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Fwd: feathers from a crime (dinner) scene

2015-03-24 Thread Susan Fast
I thought they looked like Arctic Kite.
Nonny  Mouse 


 On Tuesday, March 24, 2015 5:29 PM, Kevin J. McGowan  
wrote:
   

 #yiv0249705726 #yiv0249705726 -- _filtered #yiv0249705726 
{font-family:Helvetica;panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;} _filtered #yiv0249705726 
{font-family:Helvetica;panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;} _filtered #yiv0249705726 
{font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;} _filtered #yiv0249705726 
{font-family:Tahoma;panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;} _filtered #yiv0249705726 
{font-family:Verdana;panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}#yiv0249705726 
#yiv0249705726 p.yiv0249705726MsoNormal, #yiv0249705726 
li.yiv0249705726MsoNormal, #yiv0249705726 div.yiv0249705726MsoNormal 
{margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:12.0pt;}#yiv0249705726 a:link, 
#yiv0249705726 span.yiv0249705726MsoHyperlink 
{color:blue;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv0249705726 a:visited, #yiv0249705726 
span.yiv0249705726MsoHyperlinkFollowed 
{color:purple;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv0249705726 
p.yiv0249705726MsoAcetate, #yiv0249705726 li.yiv0249705726MsoAcetate, 
#yiv0249705726 div.yiv0249705726MsoAcetate 
{margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:8.0pt;}#yiv0249705726 
span.yiv0249705726EmailStyle17 {color:#1F497D;}#yiv0249705726 
span.yiv0249705726BalloonTextChar {}#yiv0249705726 .yiv0249705726MsoChpDefault 
{} _filtered #yiv0249705726 {margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}#yiv0249705726 
div.yiv0249705726WordSection1 {}#yiv0249705726 Female Ring-necked Pheasant, or 
some patterned breed of domestic chicken.    Kevin          From: 
bounce-118975882-3493...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-118975882-3493...@list.cornell.edu]On Behalf Of Betsy Darlington
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 3:03 PM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Fwd: feathers from a crime (dinner) scene    Anyone 
know what these feathers are from? Ruffed Grouse, perhaps, or maybe pheasant? 
Thanks! Betsy -- Forwarded message --
From: Ruth Mahr 
Date: Tue, Mar 24, 2015 at 11:31 AM
Subject: Fwd: feathers from a crime (dinner) scene
To: Betsy Darlington 

 Does this work?    Begin forwarded message: 

 From:Allison Wilson  Date:March 23, 2015 
10:45:01 PM EDT To:Ruth Mahr , Judy Burrill 
, Mike Pitzrick , Mary Graham 
 Subject: feathers from a crime (dinner) scene    these 
feathers were found in a pile under a tree in the plantations area near the 
water treatment ponds a foot or two away was another pile of (rabbit) fur 
further on a different pile of feathers    ruth and I kept encountering circles 
of melted snow with fur closer to her house on Judd falls Rd (her house is 
across from the herb garden pedestrian entrance near off judd falls rd)    
Anyone able to identify the victim (dinner?)       A        -- Cayugabirds-L 
List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration 
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[cayugabirds-l] Signs of Spring

2015-03-22 Thread Susan Fast
 I heard my FOY RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH in Summerhill SF this morning.  This is 
the first of this species that I have found there all winter.  Still very much 
winter up there.And 1 TURKEY VULTURE has returned to the leaning barn in 
Slaterville.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] cranes

2015-03-19 Thread Susan Fast
 I went up to the N. Montezuma WMA today looking for SANDHILL CRANES, which I 
found.  Saw 2 in looking north from Morgan Rd.; probably the usual pair.Then 
drove to the east end of VanDyne Spoor Rd.  Had to park at the pavement end and 
walk in; looked too formidable for my 4WD truck.  As I reached the marsh 
(appropriately named the Sandhill Crane Unit), I heard a long series of warning 
calls from a crane.  I think it was distressed by a pair of ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS 
circling overhead; maybe thought they were eagles, which abound in the area.  I 
did not see the crane(s).Also saw my FOY CHIPMUNK tracks, and an E. 
MEADOWLARK.For the day, I saw 6 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, and 4 GREAT BLUE HERONS.Did 
NOT see a single snow goose, although CANADA GEESE are many.Almost no open 
water yet.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Mt. Pleasant

2015-03-16 Thread Susan Fast
 Just came down from the hill.  Had to leave at Noon.  Not much happening, 
although the wind was in my face when I was looking south.   Hundreds of 
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, several very small flocks of CANADA GEESE,  no raptors, 
5 RAVENS gamboling, partnering up, then switching off.  2 BALD EAGLES, with a 
troubling observation.  The first was spied far to the east, ID first as eagle 
then noticed a significant dihedral to the wings as it soared.  I marked it 
down as a golden eagle, and continued to watch for some minutes until it got 
close enough (at 60x) that the all-white head and tail were unmistakable.  At 
no time did I see the characteristic flatness of the wings that a bald eagle is 
supposed to show.  The second bald eagle conformed nicely to expectations, 
however.  Maybe this afternoon?
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Dryden Lake area

2015-03-15 Thread Susan Fast
 I checked the Dryden Lake area later yesterday afternoon.  The lake is still 
frozen; the walking trail looks rough with slushy snow.  As an alternative to 
looking over an expanse of water (Cayuga Lake), one could stop along Purvis Rd. 
and gaze over an almost unlimited expanse of cow poop.  Both sides of the road. 
 Many of the usual birds = C. GEESE, MALLARDS(lots), RING-BILLED GULLS(with 
some interesting vocalizations), KILLDEER, HORNED LARKS.   I could find only 3 
AMER PIPITS, but I scoped only a fraction of the available viewing area.  At 
one point, all swirled into the sky, milled about, then resettled.  No reason 
obvious to me, but impressive.  Do not stand downwind.Also check out the new 
Cornell Dairy Research Barn on Cornell Lane.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Shrike & food

2015-03-14 Thread Susan Fast
 There is a 40 acre hay field across from my house with an ash tree in the 
center surrounded by thick bushes.  I noticed a bird flying out of the tree and 
down to the deep snow surface, picking up something, and returning to the tree. 
 This was an adult N. SHRIKE.  I saw it drop down several times, then it flew 
quickly to the bushes as an AMER. KESTREL came in and perched in the treetop.  
Kestrel stayed for about 15 minutes, the shrike lurking in the bushes.  I 
decided to go out to see what the shrike was interested in, so donned high 
boots and postholed the 100 yds. out to the tree. (This naturalist stuff can be 
a burden sometimes.)  Around the bushes, on the snow surface were some slim 
larvae, about 1/2" long, almost black, with a somewhat bulbous, smooth rear 
end.  No idea what they are.Continuing across the field, I then came across 
scattered winter stonefly larvae--3/8" long, striped gray and white, with the 
characteristic two "horns" off the butt.  Now I see what the bluebirds are 
getting off the snow.
Steve FastBrooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] Mt. Pleasant

2015-03-10 Thread Susan Fast
 I went up to Mt. Pleasant after my morning chores, assuming Ken would be 
there.  Hopefully he found something else useful to do.  I also expected balmy 
zephyrs, but that didn't happen either.  From 1030 till 1145 I saw 1 ROBIN.  
But then things picked up and in the next 45 minutes I had 3 flocks of SNOW 
GEESE totaling around 250, plus 3 KILLDEER.I was entertained by the local DEER 
flock, which numbers 17; all but 1 look in good shape after the winter.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] robins

2015-03-10 Thread Susan Fast
 Just had a flock of 7 ROBINS fly over the house, headed N.  
S. FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] new Yard bird

2015-03-08 Thread Susan Fast
 I have been out 5 times since the end of February, scanning the southern skies 
for migrants of some kind.  So far nothing.  But today I got a new Yard bird 
when I watched a REDHEAD (as in the duck) circling the Firehall 4 times low.  
Not sure it was migrating, but it probably thought the extensive black asphalt 
around the building was water.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] West Side

2015-02-26 Thread Susan Fast
 I checked the west side of Cayuga Lake today.  Taughannock was mostly 
ice-bound, as was Sheldrake south of the point.  Open water north of the point, 
but scoping found only lots of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS.  Poplar Beach was 
good--open water and scoping from one point only, I counted 22 RED-NECKED 
GREBES and 3 COMMON LOONS.  Dean's Cove mostly ice with 3 BALD EAGLES--one with 
what appeared to be a muskrat.    I hope it was not my friend there.   The East 
side of the Lake was mostly open south of the ice edge, but I did not check 
beyond Long Point SP.  I found no grebes at all along the East side--no horned 
grebes at the Wells College Boathouse even.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Grebe fallout?

2015-02-17 Thread Susan Fast
Thanks to Bill for stimulating me to get out of the shop and check the west 
side of Cayuga Lake.  Beautiful day!  No wind; crisp air; I could see all the 
way across the lake.  No heat shimmer till noon.  Sporadic ice until just south 
of Taughannock; then open.  No ice along the shore on the west side.  Lots of 
CANADA GEESE and  TUNDRA SWANS.  I checked as far as Dean's Cove (plowed out!) 
and found 2 RED-NECKED GREBES near Sheldrake.  Not much of a fallout yet.After 
lunch at Connie's Diner in Waterloo, I tried the east side, but found too much 
heat shimmer and sun glare.  Aurora Bay full of ice (blown in).  Big Aythya 
flock there.  About 12 HORNED GREBES and at least 1 EARED GREBE (ID by 
silhouette).I may retry the east side tomorrow early before the snow hits.
Steve FastBrooktondale 

 On Monday, February 16, 2015 10:31 AM, Bill Evans 
 wrote:
   

 Ice cover on Lake Erie was at 93% yesterday. With a cold week and lower wind 
speeds in the forecast, perhaps some waterfowl be forced aloft in search of 
open water.   
http://www.cleveland.com/weather/blog/index.ssf/2015/02/ice_cover_on_lake_erie_expands.html
 Bill E-- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information 
Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds 
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[cayugabirds-l] another goshawk

2015-02-02 Thread Susan Fast
 Out in front shoveling this morning when my 3 yard crows suddenly went nuts; 
vocalizing mucho.  Whatever it was, they weren't going near it, but stayed in 
the top of our tallest tree.  It took me a bit to locate the source of their 
displeasure.  At first, with binos, I thought a very large juvenile Coopers; 
but then decided to drag the scope out in the snow where I discerned a clear, 
wide whitish stripe over the eye.  The stripe is paler than the supercilium of 
an adult.  The breast streaking is very similar to that of the juvenile Coopers 
however.  This is my first Yard juv. GOSHAWK.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Shrike, eared grebe, 5 SE owls, etc.

2015-01-22 Thread Susan Fast
 Late this morning, while I was out, my daughter saw an unknown light-gray bird 
perched in our backyard.  She is familiar with mockingbirds and that's what I 
suspected it was.  I grilled her for a detailed description and every point 
resonated with N. SHRIKE. I then showed her pictures of both species; she, with 
no hesitation, picked the shrike.  I waited around for a couple hours, hoping 
it would reappear, but it eluded me.In mid-afternoon, I arrived at the Wells 
College boathouse, looking for the eared grebe.  Spent 75 minutes facing the 
wind; found 6 HORNED GREBES way out.  But I had a fine talk with Fritzie.  So I 
decided to try Long Point SP, where I have located the EARED GREBE in previous 
years.  And there it was!, all alone, north of the point.  Should have gone 
there first.I drove up Rt. 90, north of McKenzie-Childs, looking for the 
reported snowy owl, but this also eluded me.Finally, since I was there, I 
parked along Lake Rd., 1/4 mile west of the Long Point Winery, to await 
possible SHORT-EARED OWLS.  At 1703, a male N. HARRIER appeared from the south, 
flying very low and straight north, disappearing beyond the tree hedgerow in 
that direction.  Shortly thereafter, a male GREAT HORNED OWL called several 
times from the woods to the NW.  I remember years ago when I used to wait for 
short-ears to come out on Rafferty Rd., I sometimes heard a GHO from the woods 
near there.  Same owl?  Maybe a connection here?Finally, while I looked up the 
hill east, the first short-ear appeared behind me and perched 50' away on a 
util. pole.  I didn't see it until I checked the time on the dashboard.  It 
flew immediately to a fence post and by the time I had hauled the scope around, 
it had flown towards the lake.  Second SE appeared near Rt. 90, flew towards 
the lake down the huge open field to the north, and passed thru the hedgerow.  
I was packing up at 1735, when I heard a couple "squarks" (nasal barks 
according to Sibley, an alleged alarm call).I then saw 3 more short-ears right 
next to the Winery--one perched on a util. pole; the other 2 flying big loops 
over its head.  Not sure which bird(s) was/were calling or why the alarm calls 
or harassment (if it was that).  The light was pretty dim by this time.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Blue jay behavior, et.al.

2015-01-11 Thread Susan Fast
 About 1230 today, I was deep in the heart of the McIlroy Preserve 
(Summerhill), when I heard a BLUE JAY calling loudly a couple times just to the 
south.  Immediately a second BLUE JAY arrived from the north and began calling 
loudly.  Although I couldn't see them, they were above me in the hemlocks.  
What struck me as odd was that one would call once, then the other would 
immediately answer, back and forth like that for 7-8 calls.  Then a pause, and 
they began again, clearly back and forth.  And a third set.  Finally, the south 
bird headed south, the north bird gave 5 unanswered calls, then flew south 
after the south bird.  This had the feel to me of a winter territorial 
dispute.Except for the 2 jays, the only other sign of bird life at McIlroy was 
a mosaic of RUFFED GROUSE tracks.Earlier, a couple hours of walking in the 
Summerhill SF (mostly Salt Rd.) yielded no chickadees or red-breasted 
nuthatches, although a BARRED OWL did fly across the road in front of me, and a 
RAVEN gave 4 different vocalizations.Lunch was at the Colonial Lodge in 
Sempronius;  I could find no buntings or larks in that huge area.Finally, a 
dark-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen along Midline Rd., my first R.-L. of this 
calendar year.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Gos

2015-01-09 Thread Susan Fast
 I just came home after a fruitless search for the Iceland gull, glanced out 
the kitchen window, and perched in the middle of the backyard near the feeders, 
bigger than a whing-ding, was an adult N. GOSHAWK.  Probably a female, judging 
by size, grayish breast with many horizontal stripes, and a bright white 
supercilium.   Red eye.  It flew off.Alas, not a new Yard bird, as I saw one 
here several years ago.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Short-eared owl

2015-01-05 Thread Susan Fast
 One SHORT-EARED OWL seen this afternoon next to the Long Point Winery.  It 
appeared at 1703, light dim and owl did not appear to be troubled by the wind.  
Disappeared in 5 minutes.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Waterfowl counting method

2014-12-28 Thread Susan Fast
 I was waiting at the marsh at the east end of Van Dyne Spoor Rd. (Montezuma 
area) for possible short-eared owls late this afternoon.  Sporadically, there 
were MALLARDS flying hither and yon in small groups.  If I had had to estimate 
their numbers in the whole marsh,  I would have guessed a couple hundred.  At 
1615, a helicopter flew by to the north of the road and I watched it.  Turning 
around, I was amazed to find the sky south of the road literally full of ducks. 
 Several thousand had been disturbed and were milling around.  Within a minute 
of the chopper's exit, all had resettled.  My idea is to run a helicopter by a 
given marsh, then take a picture using a wide-angle lens, print it out, enlarge 
it, and then count the dots.  Maybe dynamite would also get them all up.Don't 
thank me, just send me money.    P.S.  no owls seen, although 2 HARRIERS and 2 
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were actively hunting the marsh.
Steve FastBrooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] Mt. Pleasant

2014-12-21 Thread Susan Fast
 On a 2 hour walk along the E. end of Mt. Pleasant Rd (Town of Dryden) this 
morning, I encountered approx. 100 SNOW BUNTINGS, 22 HORNED LARKS, 11 CEDAR 
WAXWINGS, and 2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS.  No longspurs seen, by me anyway.    Lots 
of CROWS.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] siskins

2014-12-19 Thread Susan Fast
 Just got 12+ PINE SISKINS at the feeders; first of the year.
Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] meadowlark

2014-12-15 Thread Susan Fast
 Just flushed a MEADOWLARK, presumably EASTERN, from grassy ditch along Central 
Chapel Rd. in Brooktondale.
S. Fast
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[cayugabirds-l] Southern Highlands

2014-12-01 Thread Susan Fast
 I spent yesterday touring the so-called Southern Highlands, starting at the 
Tioughnioga WMA outside Woodstock (S. of Cazenovia) and moving south through a 
number of hilltop State Forest conifer plantations, ending in the Pharsalia 
area.  Looked for birds and cones in Norway and white spruce, white and red 
pines, and larch.  I found a few cones at the top of 1 (one) Norway spruce and 
no cones anywhere else.  I heard 1 red squirrel.  No finches of any kind.  
Birds seen/heard include 6 CHICKADEES, 5 BLUE JAYS, 1 each RED & WHITE 
NUTHATCHES, a few CROWS.But it was a fine day as I discovered several areas I 
had not been before and that will require further study.  Mostly, the only 
sounds were the winds in the various species of trees, which I found 
interesting. 
Steve FastBrooktondale 
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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Fairhaven SP Glaucous Gull

2014-11-17 Thread Susan Fast
I'm not sure what thunder Bob is taking about--my thunderous voice; the thunder 
when I walk across the floor; the thunderous applause when I get a bird ID 
right; or the intestinal thunder which ensues after one of my favorite diner 
meals?  Anyway, a total of 5 of us zipped up to Fair Haven Beach SP Sunday 
morning.  Driving time was 90 minutes, including a gpc stop.  Weather was fine, 
just a slight breeze from the SW; lake calm; no snow anywhere.The  GLAUCOUS 
GULL first spied by Ken was unexpected, but after it passed over, we got out a 
field book and discussed which field marks were relevant and which not.  Next, 
a RED-THROATED LOON sat in the water close to the jetty, affording a 
significant study of the plumage coloration, head and bill shape.  Farther out 
were several more red-throated in with several COMMON LOONS, and although 
distant, offered good comparisons.  We did not see any purple sandpipers, but 
did spend time studying their favorite feeding habitat.  Three female 
LONG-TAILED DUCKS were in the channel, but were not feeding.  Birds were very 
scarce from the end of the jetty; only 1 CORMORANT was seen, and NO 
SCOTERS--not even flocks of tiny black specks on the distant horizon.  We did 
find one GULL PELLET however.  I think Susan took it for analysis.Returning 
toward shore, we saw a large mass of boiling water in the bay.  Closer 
inspection revealed a tremendous number of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS in a feeding 
frenzy.  They were too thick to count , but covered an area about 50 yards in 
diameter.  The feeding action suddenly stopped, and wave after wave of the 
mergansers headed back out into the lake.  We didn't attempt any counting; just 
stood in awe watching.  There were easily several thousand birds participating; 
98% appeared female.  It reminded me of the huge flocks of single-sex 
red-winged blackbirds.  Finally, a group of BONAPARTE'S GULLS put on an 
acrobatic show, some coming almost close enough to touch.Next stop was the Pond 
where we saw a large variety of ducks, geese, and swans.  We found no snow 
buntings on a driving tour of the rest of the Park.We then checked the county 
Park at the end of West Bay Rd.  No birds, but the extensive carpet of "Stones 
of Relaxation" was pointed out and discussed. Final stop was Broadway Rd. where 
many distant small groups of COMMON GOLDENEYE rested on the water.  Oddly, no 
gulls were seen patrolling the shore.  We agreed it was a great spot for lunch; 
which unfortunately we had already eaten in the car in a parking lot.  Drumlins 
were also discussed.Diane put all seen on e-bird, if a complete list of 
observed birds is desired. 
Steve FastBrooktondale

 

 On Sunday, November 16, 2014 7:14 PM, bob mcguire 
 wrote:
   

 Not to steal any of the thunder of Steve Fast's upcoming report from today's 
bird club trip to Fairhaven SP, but we had great looks at a low-flying Glaucous 
Gull. It came in from the lake along the jetty, flew directly at us, and passed 
some 50 feet overhead. First of the season for around here, I believe.

Bob McGuire
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Re:[cayugabirds-l] Dryden Lake

2014-11-15 Thread Susan Fast
Computer got anxious and sent this out before I finished the list
Amer. wigeon    1Gadwall 6Horned grebe   1Ring-billed gull    
2Bonaparte's gull   1Ring-necked duck 4Canada geese    XBufflehead    1
S. FastBrooktondale 

 On Saturday, November 15, 2014 12:48 PM, Susan Fast  
wrote:
   

  Stop at Dryden Lake this morning about 1000 found
Common merganser    38Hooded merganser    12Mallard  X

   
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[cayugabirds-l] Dryden Lake

2014-11-15 Thread Susan Fast
 Stop at Dryden Lake this morning about 1000 found
Common merganser    38Hooded merganser    12Mallard  X
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[cayugabirds-l] migrating stuff

2014-10-23 Thread Susan Fast
 0900.  Lots of stuff going over.  18 TV; 100 RWBB; some Rusties; 1 RT hawk;   
and 8 LOONS in a flock heading NORTH.(?)   Steve FastBrooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] humbird

2014-10-11 Thread Susan Fast
While working in the yard yesterday, and wearing a bright red baseball cap, a 
HUMMINGBIRD buzzed by.  That's all I can tell you, but be alert as the coming 
week will be warm.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Owls, falcon, etc.

2014-09-28 Thread Susan Fast
This morning, at 0330, I was awakened by the singing of a BARRED OWL from the 
woods way south of the house.  In my 13 years here, this is only the second 
time I've heard this species from the premises.  I got up, of course, and once 
outside picked up the begging calls of my resident juvenile GREAT HORNED OWL, 
coming from the valley to the north.  It's been begging for almost 2 months 
now.  (Two nights ago, a yard SCREECH OWL got me up with its whinnies and 1 
trill.)
At 0415 the local pack of COYOTES began yelping across the road; they followed 
with an encore at 0445.  I must have uncharacteristically dozed for a few 
minutes, and upon arising at 0530, the juv. GHO was still clamoring to be fed.
Yesterday afternoon, from the Yard, I saw a large, darkish raptor with a bright 
white throat and upper breast and a characteristic wing shape glide in low from 
the north.  It reached the large hayfield south of the house and found a 
powerful thermal and began circling and soaring.  Up and up.  I finally lost it 
to the unaided eye, but continued following its spirals with binocs until it 
appeared no larger than a sparrow.  I saw no wingbeats (from such a powerful 
bird) for many minutes, which was awe-inspiring.  The PEREGRINE FALCON then 
straightlined south.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] summer tanager

2014-08-24 Thread Susan Fast
At 1145, I heard a different bird song from the large maple over the house.  
Robin-like series of phrases, each phrase of three parts.  I listened to it 
sing for about 10 minutes before it flew out into view--about robin sized; 
large, thick bill; splotched yellow-orange.  Most probably a female SUMMER 
TANAGER.  It flew off, but I'll report if I hear it again.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Playbacks

2014-05-13 Thread Susan Fast
I can agree with most of what Ken has clearly stated.  As I indicated in my 
original post, I see no problem with valid scientific studies, censuses, or 
instructional matters involving bird identification, appreciation, or even 
photography methods. 
 I also agree that "breathtaking photographs" can turn many on to the wonders 
of the natural world.  A caveat here is that these photos bring personal 
financial gain to this particular photographer, which is expected and deserved, 
but which can unfortunately serve as an excuse for large numbers of people to 
invade certain habitats and inundate them with recordings in an attempt to make 
money.
I agree further that, at the present time, there are no demonstrable effects of 
the relatively few playbacks being used for non-professional purposes.  
However, as Geo has quibblingly pointed out, the use of electronic gadgetry is 
growing exponentially,  and I am concerned that a culture of "anything goes, 
anytime" may have deleterious effects in the future.  As an acknowledged leader 
in the field of conservation, Cornell sets many standards, and I am asking if 
any consideration is being given to this potential problem.  It is my opinion 
that the potential for abuse is great and that an open call for restraint in 
the general use of playback "tapes" is warranted.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] playback tapes

2014-05-11 Thread Susan Fast
There have been several reports recently of local birdwatchers using playback 
tapes.  Call me an old Fudd, but I remember not too long ago a lively 
discussion on the ethicality of using these tapes during the breeding season 
for personal gratification.  But maybe there has been some recent research of 
which I am unaware.  I still find the practice unethical, and am surprised to 
find it active in Ithaca, a supposed bastion of bird conservation.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Bobolinks

2014-05-05 Thread Susan Fast
This morning at 0700, Susan heard BOBOLINKS in the big field opposite the 
house.  I walked the field immediately and found 12.  Along Burns Rd, at 
another large hay field, I could hear many more singing.  Yay!

S. Fast
Brooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Baldwin (Park) Preserve

2014-05-04 Thread Susan Fast
I walked about the old Baldwin Preserve early this morning.  I found 2 enigmas. 
 I left the preserve to the east, walking down the trail to 6-Mile Creek.  
Towards the bottom was a small bunch of feathers; small ones gray, but several 
longer ones of a deep metallic green color.  One feather I picked up is 12 cm. 
long.  Off hand, I can't think of any local bird having a feather like that. 
Green heron, maybe, but odd place for one to get eaten.
Second, at the swimming hole, I heard the song of a LA. WATERTHRUSH upstream a 
bit.  Then spied a tail-bobbing, bright white-breasted bird on the far bank 
going into a hole under roots.  It came out and was immediately joined by 
another waterthrush who also went into the hole briefly, came out, and the two 
of them walked around close together in the woods.  The second bird had a 
bright yellow chest and belly (N. Waterthrush?) (nest)? While I watched this 
pair, I then heard a LA. WATERTHRUSH singing downstream about 100'.
Sounds like a who-done-it day.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Shindagin Hollow walk

2014-04-12 Thread Susan Fast
There's still some ice on the road at the bottom of Shindagin Hollow, but it's 
navigable.
Unlooked for highlight was listening to a singing HERMIT THRUSH in the cool 
early morning fog.
Also 2 singing BLUE-HEADED VIREOS.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] Dryden Lake, etc.

2014-04-11 Thread Susan Fast
Late afternoon, I stopped by Dryden Lake.  The only new bird was a male 
LONG-TAILED DUCK, still mostly in winter plumage.  There are more HORNED and 
PIED-BILLED GREBES scattered over the lake than I'm used to seeing.
Then stopped at the "Pond with no birds" (next to Rt. 38, just south of Dryden 
village) and located a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON on the beaver lodge in the SW 
corner.  Bunch of ducks too.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale
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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Mars with Woodcock

2014-04-10 Thread Susan Fast
Mars is still a little orange disk, dropping toward the Thatcher Pinnacles, to 
the accompaniment of MY front yard Woodcock.  Cold out there.

S. Fast
On Wednesday, April 9, 2014 8:22 PM, Geo Kloppel  wrote:
  
Mars is a little orange disk in my scope, rising over Thatcher's Pinnacles to 
the accompaniment of a Woodcock that's displaying in my backyard. I bet there's 
quite a Woodcock show going on right now down below us at the Lindsay-Parsons 
Preserve!

-Geo Kloppel
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[cayugabirds-l] woodcocks

2014-04-05 Thread Susan Fast
This morning, at 0600, while getting the morning paper, I heard a WOODCOCK 
peenting and chirping from the field close-by.  I could make out another one 
singing farther to the west.  They quit at 0615.  

Steve Fast
Brooktondale
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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Sandhill Cranes

2014-03-29 Thread Susan Fast
This is, I believe, near East Venice Rd. where it intersects Rt. 90.  There has 
been a pair of cranes nesting there for quite a few years.  The nest used to be 
in a small wetland behind a farmhouse  just to the SW of the south end of E. 
Venice Rd (across Rt. 90).  A group from the Crane Foundation in Wisconsin 
banded a chick there a couple years ago.  This sighting is good news, as I saw 
no activity at this wetland last year (or so far this year either).  The field 
to the east of the wetland used to be alfalfa from which the cranes got lots of 
bugs.  The field was sold 2 years ago, the alfalfa plowed up, and corn planted. 
 I had assumed the cranes had moved on, but apparently not.  Thanks for the 
news, and keep watching.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale (a ways away)
On Saturday, March 29, 2014 4:03 PM, Charles Randolph 
 wrote:
  
About 2:45 today, two SANDHILL CRANES walking through the
large corn field to the south of Rte. 90 between Genoa and Locke, more
specifically shortly west of the farm with mailbox marked no. 10630, between
Rte. 34 and the curve on Rte. 90.  The
two birds walked along the edge of the field and down out of sight behind a
rise with brush on it.  (Credit here goes
to my visiting brother Don, who first spotted them and is familiar with these
birds, which I am not.) 
 Randy Ross, Cortland  
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[cayugabirds-l] Dryden Lake & Trail

2014-03-29 Thread Susan Fast
I got my first-of-the-year usual walk along the Dryden Lake Trail this morning. 
 Found 40 species, which is pretty good for this time of year, and included 15 
types of waterfowl (listed below).
The Trail is mostly soft with some icy spots which can be avoided.  Lake is 
still ice-covered with open areas at both ends and the long pond and 
beaver-flooded area to the west.  Streams are open.

Snow gooselarge V flyover
Canada goose
Wood ducklots
Amer. wigeon 4
Black duck 11+
Mallard
Blue-winged teal 1 pair
Green-winged teal    some
Canvasback 1 pair
Redhead   some
Ring-necked duck  lots
Greater scaup   1
Hooded merganser lots
Common merganser 4
Red-breasted merganser    2 males

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] N. Montezuma--Sandhill, others

2014-03-27 Thread Susan Fast
I went up to Northern Montezuma area to see if the sandhill pair has returned.  
No sign of them, but I did find a single SANDHILL CRANE hunkered down in the 
tall grasses off the end of Morgan Rd.  It appears to be an immature, as the 
light-colored area under the eye is dirtyish and not bright white as seen in 
breeding plumage.  It later moved to corn stubble south of Carncross Rd. where 
it wandered about, appearing disconsolate and staring off to the south, hoping 
for compatriots.
Other sightings for the day included 5 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 6 N. HARRIERS, a pair 
of BLUE-WINGED TEAL, 7 MEADOWLARKS, hundreds of PINTAILS, and a singing HORNED 
LARK.  The scads of SNOW GEESE continue at the north end of the lake.
The illustrative behavior moment occurred at the end of VanDyne Spoor Rd. The 
wandering tribe of immature BALD EAGLES moved in and settled on the ice.   
There were 9.  I then noticed a mink humping over the ice and headed toward the 
destructive force of 9 rapacious beaks, and 18 crushing talons.  Nothing 
happened; it went on by.  Maybe the eagles were drawing straws.  Finally one of 
them flapped twice and glided silently after the mink.  I thought, poor mink.  
But just as the eagle reached its prey, the mink whirled and leaped at the 
bird.  The eagle veered off and landed on the ice a short distance away.  I 
thought, that couldn't happen again--but it did!  Exactly the same sequence 
with a second eagle.  The unscathed mink finally reached the shore.  Tough 
little bugger.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] meadowlark

2014-03-25 Thread Susan Fast
Just located an E. MEADOWLARK singing from a treetop in a nearby field.  That 
is, I can see it singing, but it's too away for me to hear.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] crows nesting

2014-03-20 Thread Susan Fast
What I assume are two of our Yard crows have been working on a nest for about a 
week.  It's approx. 60-70 feet up in a white pine and I can see parts of the 
nest from our kitchen.  Earlier today, one carried a mouthful of twigs to the 
site, then repeated this.  They took a break for a couple hours and just now I 
watched one gathering coarse dead grass from the Yard.  After taking a wad of 
this to the nest, it dropped down and got another mouthful; but spit this out.  
It walked to another spot, pulled up another mouthful, and spit that out too.  
It finally got a small wad of what appeared to be the center stem from hickory 
leaves(which it was under), and delivered that to the nest.  This seems a 
little early, but what do I know?

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] Dryden Lake

2014-03-15 Thread Susan Fast
I headed for the Dryden Lake area this afternoon in hopes of finding my first 
grackle of the year.  The Lake has open water at both ends, plus the long pond. 
 Waterfowl found:
Canada goose    34
Mallard  5
Redhead   3 males
Canvasback  1 female
Common merganser  2 pair
Hooded merganser    2 pair

The Trail is walkable, but with many icy spots.  I did 3 miles on it, but no 
grackle.
I stopped along Purvis Rd. on the way home and hit the jackpot.  Along with 
many ROBINS, and hundreds of STARLINGS, there were 75+ GRACKLES, and an equal 
number of male RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS.  To top the day off, there was a 
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK at the top of Grove School Rd., perched 10' from the 
roadedge.  May be one of the residents.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] Singin' in the Rain

2014-03-12 Thread Susan Fast
Just now, male RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD arrived with young friend.  Feeder area 
under water, so they will probably move on.

S. Fast
Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] Non-context Yard bird

2014-03-07 Thread Susan Fast
I went into the large field across the road from my house at 1030 this morning 
to see what might go over.  I saw 2 local RED-TAILED HAWKS being harassed by 
some of the local CROWS, BLUEBIRDS singing, and 2 RAVENS soaring about.  Then a 
largish bird flew in from the south, red-tail size, dark brown above and light 
below, but with long wings and deep, deliberate wingbeats that also showed a 
slight hesitation.  Did not recognize it.  I tried to classify it as doing some 
kind of courtship flying, but that didn't work.  I watched it till it 
disappeared to the NW, arguing and cursing my inability to assign a name to it, 
because I knew I had seen that flight pattern before.  Something FINALLY 
clicked and I shouted SHORT-EARED OWL.  This is a milestone as I have been 
watching this field, dawn and dusk, for years for this species and now I had it 
flying right by me couldn't put it together for a while.  It's all in what you 
expect to appear.
About 15 minutes later, another brown bird popped over the trees, same line as 
the owl, but this was my FOY RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.
And finally, I collected a few stoneflies on my scope lens--Spring is coming!

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] Mt. Pleasant = eagles, etc.

2014-03-06 Thread Susan Fast
As the day looked good for eagle watching, I went up on Mt. Pleasant, arriving 
at 1100 and vowing to stay until 1400.  There was an active flock of 25  SNOW 
BUNTINGS foraging about, and at one point, most perched on the utility wires 
near the towers.  The wind picked up, gusting from the SE, which was not 
pleasant, but typical.
I was contemplating a hot lunch at 1350 when the dark phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK 
appeared, flapping and gliding, over the conifers to the south.  While watching 
it, a very large, dark bird loomed up beyond, which proved to be an adult 
GOLDEN EAGLE.  It spiraled up, eventually getting lost in the sun.  Juiced up, 
I decided to stay a bit longer, and at 1410 an immature BALD EAGLE appeared to 
the east.  Eagle quota filled, hands numb, outta there.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] Ravens - group courtship behavior

2014-03-02 Thread Susan Fast
After the snow stopped this afternoon, I set up my scope to do a little 
driveway birding.  I noticed some dark specks over Buffalo Hill;  these showed 
to be 3 pairs of RAVENS, each pair flying wingtip-to-wingtip as mated pairs 
often do during courtship.  All 3 pairs were in a kettle, circling about each 
other, no more than 30-40 feet apart.  One of the pairs seemed less closely 
attached than the other two, and would separate for some distance before coming 
back together.  I was wondering to myself if they ever got mixed up, when, 
twice, I observed two pairs come very close and actually exchange partners for 
around 5 seconds or so (each new "couple" flying wingtip-to-wingtip) before 
breaking apart and returning to their original situation.
All this lasted for 10 minutes before 2 of the pairs floated elsewhere.  I then 
watched the remaining pair doing short dives, barrel rolls, etc.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Song Sparrow

2014-02-25 Thread Susan Fast
There was a flock of 50 almost certainly red-winged blackbirds humming north 
over Mays Point on Sat..  They were not starlings or grackles, but I was not 
close enough for a positive ID.   S. Fast



On Tuesday, February 25, 2014 10:40 AM, W. Larry Hymes  wrote:
  
Just had our first SONG SPARROW of the year pop into our yard.  The 
early migrants must be moving in.  As I recall, red-winged blackbirds 
have been known to show up near the end of February, so before you know 
it, they will appear!

Larry

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(H) 607-277-0759, w...@cornell.edu



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[cayugabirds-l] Red-necked grebes

2014-02-22 Thread Susan Fast
Today, around 0900, there were 9 RED-NECKED GREBES in the bay just to the north 
of Taughannock Falls SP.  I continued north, checking various spots, but could 
find no more.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] N. Mockingbird at feeder

2014-02-10 Thread Susan Fast
I've had a N. MOCKINGBIRD at my feeders for 3 days now. First ever.  I arrived 
Sat. morn., where I first saw it at the suet-cake cages. It was having trouble, 
as it still does, hanging low on the side, but it can manage.  I'm not sure 
what attracted it to the compostpile at the back of the yard, but once there it 
immediately found several old grapes I had thrown out earlier in the morning.  
It ate them all.  So I put out some more; good ones this time--round, red, 
seedless---which it found acceptable.  The next day, to vary the menu, I also 
put out some frozen blueberries, and these are a hit too.  It has also spent 
some time picking up and eating Wheaties crumbs.
I spent all weekend, and much of today, watching its behavior and its 
interactions with the "regulars" in the yard.  These have been the most 
interesting behavioral observations I have been fortunate to witness in a long 
time.
It is unconventional to put out fruit in the winter, but others might try it to 
see what is attracted.  You have to put the fruit out daily in the morning, 
otherwise the deer and possums eat it up at night.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] Additional freezing info

2014-02-09 Thread Susan Fast
A. R. Cahn in "The freezing of Cayuga Lake in its relation to bird life".  Auk 
29:437-444 reports that the lake was completely frozen over in 1796, 1816, 
1826, 1856, 1875, 1884, 1904, and 1912.  A couple of these were thought due to 
volcanic eruptions in other parts of the world.

Steve Fast

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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Field Trip Sunday

2014-02-08 Thread Susan Fast
I think the following is apropos:  From a column by Rick Marsi in the Ithaca 
Journal---
"One stares at manure with mixed feelings.
On the positive side, a swath of freshly spread manure can turn a farmer's 
field into a songbird harvest table.
As for negatives, manure is manure, and driving through the countryside seeking 
it out for the sole purpose of staring at buntings walking through it makes a 
birder wonder, at times, if other avocations require such forays toward the 
peculiar.
'I watched cow pies all February', is not the response folks expect when they 
ask how you've passed the winter.  Being a birder demands you give that 
response sometimes.  You must stay strong in your convictions.
But who cares what people think.
Have you followed a manure spreader yet this winter?  Don't keep putting it 
off."


The above, from Rick, touches at the heart (or is it the butt?) of Bob's 
proposed fieldtrip.  I can personally attest to Bob's strong convictions.  He 
is also peculiar.

Note:  some years ago, I spent 2 years on a research project using cow manure 
to generate methane.  It was a hands-on job, if you get my drift.  But I found 
cowpoop to be wonderful stuff, with it's own distinct "bouquet".  It can get 
under your skin.

S. Fast
Farmcountry.






On Friday, February 7, 2014 3:45 PM, bob mcguire  
wrote:
  
I will lead another impromptu Cayuga Bird Club trip this coming Sunday. Meet at 
the Lab of O at 8 am. We will be back at around 2 pm. I plan to look for all 
the good winter birds. Beginning with gulls & grebes on the lake, a snowy owl 
(if anyone has not yet seen one), larks/longspurs/buntings in the fields, and 
then some ducks. I AM open to suggestions. 

Bob McGuire

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Re: [cayugabirds-l] Eared Grebe, Myers Point

2014-01-30 Thread Susan Fast
I was there and saw the eared.  Also found 2 RED-NECKED GREBES after Bob left.  
To me, the eared didn't look like the one at Aurora, so we met there later and 
found only HORNED GREBES off the Boathouse.  After a fine lunch at Dories, I 
headed down to Long Point SP and found the Aurora EARED GREBE there, all by 
itself.  The facial markings are somewhat different in the 2 eared grebes.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale



On Thursday, January 30, 2014 12:01 PM, Jay McGowan  wrote:
  
Bob McGuire just called to say he has an EARED GREBE off Ladoga at Myers Point. 
I was there earlier this morning and didn't see this bird, but I did have a 
basic adult RED-NECKED GREBE, reported yesterday by David Weber and others, off 
the Myers marina this morning, as well as good waterfowl diversity here and 
north of Salt Point.

-- 
Jay McGowan
Macaulay Library
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
jw...@cornell.edu
 
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[cayugabirds-l] West side of Cayuga

2014-01-19 Thread Susan Fast
A recent report indicated few birds along the West side of Cayuga Lake.  Hoping 
then for an easy day of wave watching,  little taxing of my ID powers, etc., 
this is where I went.  Boy was I disappointed--birds up the wazoo.
Starting at the Ithaca Yacht Club, the CORMORANT was there, along with 6 
PIED-BILLED GREBES.
North of the point at Taughannock SP were about 150 resting MALLARDS
Sheldrake area showed 1000 CANADA GEESE, BLACK DUCKS, MALLARDS, 1 HORNED GREBE, 
1 COMMON LOON, BUFFLEHEADS, C. GOLDENEYES, a few C. MERGANSERS, about 12 
RED-BREASTED MERGS, 7 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 1 CACKLING GOOSE, and a CAROLINA WREN.
Saw a PILEATED WOODPECKER eating wild grapes along the road.
There was a flock of around 100 COOTS out in the lake near Co. Rd. 124.  This 
was a bit strange as I usually find them in protected areas (marinas, etc.) in 
the winter.
Parker Rd. was the highlight.  I stood on the shore and within a stone's throw 
were 2000 REDHEADS (the duck).  I don't recall seeing that many ducks that 
close.  There was a large gob next to me, then a long string, a couple of ducks 
wide, that stretched sinuously for 200', then a smaller gob.  The big gob was 
99% redheads; but I saw 6 male GREATER SCAUP, 3 male LESSER SCAUP, and 1 
RING-NECKED DUCK. I didn't tally the female scaup, but there appeared a few 
more of them than the males.  As I watched, a N. HARRIER slowly flapped over 
the redhead flock.  Why was not determined, but the ducks seemed unfazed.  The 
ice edge was a ways north of Parker Rd.-North, and I made out 3 BALD EAGLES--1 
adult, 2 immatures.
On Bonnie Banks Rd., a PEREGRINE FALCON emerged like a rocket out of some 
conifers and made a birdline for the shore, presumably after a duck dinner.
And finally, there was a MUSKRAT at Dean's Cove (all by itself).

Steve Fast
Brooktondale
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[cayugabirds-l] bat

2014-01-11 Thread Susan Fast
On my morning walk, I saw a largish BAT fluttering about, then flying
straight into a disused barn thru the open doors, like it knew where it was
going.  It appeared larger than little browns.  I am aware that honeybees
will exit their hive on warm winter days to clean the hive of dead bodies
and other waste; maybe this bat was doing likewise.  Other wise, it's not a
good sign.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] Mud Lock eagles

2014-01-09 Thread Susan Fast
After a great lunch at Dories in Aurora (one meets the greatest people
there), I stopped at Mud Lock where I saw 2 adult BALD EAGLES perched
side-by side in a dead tree next to the "old" nest (the northernmost one).
After a bit, they flew to the "new" nest, perching in the tops of 2 dead
trees there. One of them emitted a high "re" scream.  Although eagles
are big, their vocalizations are few and rather puny.  I then noted another
BALD EAGLE, an immature, perched close to the trunk of one of the dead
trees.  The immature gave a series of 'squeals" and hopped on various
branches towards one of  the adults that was in the same tree.  It got
fairly close, when the adult in the other tree opened its mouth wide and
gave forth with 3-4 series of "squeaks" which noticeably descended.  Stokes
describes this as a "chitter call".  Then the non-squeaking adult and the
immature (the ones in the same tree) flew north; the adult perching in the
dead tree next to the "old" nest, the immature continued flying north until
not seen anymore.

I have watched eagles a lot and have rarely heard any vocalizations, so this
was quite a treat. I'm guessing this was nest territory defense by the
adults.

 

Also seen up the Lake:  EARED GREBE from the Aurora boathouse.  6
RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS from the Aurora Bluffs-North; and a GREAT BLUE HERON
flying over the village of Cayuga. Bob M. pulled up alongside me on Lake Rd.
as I was looking for SHORT-EARED OWLS and asked did I see the one-eared
grebe at Aurora.  This caught me off guard;  I thought he was talking about
a grebe with one ear (fantastic eyesight there), which would make it a
short-eared grebe.  Anyway, I figured it out eventually.  Hell to get old.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale 


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[cayugabirds-l] Another shrike, etc

2014-01-05 Thread Susan Fast
Late afternoon, I went trolling for owls.  I, too, found a dark phase
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK in a tree top along Creamery Rd., outside of Slaterville.
Then at the crest of Hart Rd., Town of Dryden, an adult NORTHERN SHRIKE was
hunting in the hedgerow there, at 1630h.   No owls.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] longspurs, shrike

2014-01-05 Thread Susan Fast
I stopped at a traditional field bird spot (intersection of Salt, W.
Malloryville, and Peruville Rds.) and found 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS in among
approx. 75 each HORNED LARKS and SNOW BUNTINGS.  Viewing was not easy.

Also saw a N. SHRIKE at a traditional spot for them of Ellis Hollow Creek
and Turkey  Hill Rds.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] birds so far today

2014-01-03 Thread Susan Fast
While shoveling, I was alerted by a commotion behind the house.  2 RAVENS
had found the recently put out grease bread and were gobbling it down, much
to the consternation of our yard crows.  Also saw a gorgeous light-phase
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK  spinning south, on favorable winds.

 

I was thinking this would be a great day to pick up a count week golden
eagle on Mt. Pleasant.  I won't make it, too much snow to move, but Bob?,
Ann?, Marie?, Dave?  Cornell people?

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] Swans = Brooktondale

2013-12-30 Thread Susan Fast
I was out shoveling this morning, heard a few swans call, and looked up to
see a flock of 20 TUNDRA SWANS right over the house.  New Yard Bird.  They
were headed NW toward the Big Lake.  But I kept hearing them off and on for
the next 15 minutes.  Apparently their leader got confused by heading out
this way.  Anyway, they figured it out and passed over the house again low,
going SE.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] Mt. Pleasant

2013-12-28 Thread Susan Fast
On a walk along Mt. Pleasant Rd. this morning, I located 15 species, about
average for this time of year.  By a very rough count, there were 110 SNOW
BUNTINGS.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] N. shrike

2013-12-27 Thread Susan Fast
1130.  Just noted an adult NORTHERN SHRIKE perched in a treetop in a
hedgerow along the field across from my house.  How's that for a sentence?
It's December; right on time.  Beautiful in the softly falling snow.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] cedar waxwings-- flake-catching

2013-12-24 Thread Susan Fast
I walked around the Cornell Plantations early this morning and discovered
around 200 CEDAR WAXWINGS perched in the top of an unknown species of oak.
Small groups would fly down to an adjacent crabapple to get a fruit or two,
then return to the oak.  I spent some time watching, looking for Bohemians.
Finally noticed that small groups were also flying up over the oak and
exhibiting what appeared to me behavior identical to flycatching, i.e.
flicking here and there with abrupt turns.  I posited there were no insects
about because of the temperature (mid-20's), then saw snow flurries were
slowly falling-some single flakes, some aggregates of many flakes.  I can't
prove it, but strongly suspect these birds were actively pursuing
snowflakes.

Also watched a female PILEATED WOODPECKER in a flowering crabapple tree
(Malus hupahensis) eating fruit.  Fruit was soft, dull red, wrinkly, and
5/8" diameter.  It swallowed 8 while I was there.  If a stem came with the
apple when plucked, the bird would violently shake its head to dislodge them
stem.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] Up the lake + Montezuma

2013-12-22 Thread Susan Fast
I went birding up the east side of Cayuga Lake and around the Montezuma area 
today.  Starting at Long Point SP, the wind howled from the south and the waves 
crashed, but birds were scarce.  By the time I got to the Aurora Boathouse, the 
wind had shifted to the NW and the temperature had dropped 20 deg.  I managed 
to locate 19 HORNED GREBES in the swirling waters brfore my hands froze.
By Union Springs, the wind had died and the lake calm.  8 more HORNED GREBES 
showed up.  REDHEADS are beginning to amass, with several hundred there.
The lake at Cayuga was open water, and a scan from north to south found 10 
GULLS and fog.
>From the Potato Bldg. in the Mucklands, hundreds of TUNDRA SWANS, CANADA 
>GEESE, MALLARDS and BLACK DUCKS and RING-BILLED GULLS covered the mostly 
>watery expanse.  I spied 2 SNOWY OWLS, one on a pole, the other on a roof, and 
>both close to the road, for eye-popping visuals.
On to the east end of Van Dyne Spoor Rd., where I hoped to find more owls on 
the massive MUSKRAT house development.  This area used to be a great spot for 
short-eared owls, but is flooded now.  I scanned anyway and found 9 BALD EAGLES 
(3 adult) on the ice apparently waiting for a muskrat to venture a little too 
far from protection.  I hear muskrat is good eating, better than dead carp 
anyway.
Finally, I stopped in an area south of Aurora and saw 1 male N. HARRIER, and 2 
SHORT-EARED OWLS. There may have been more, but I remained fascinated watching 
these two.  I wish I could move like that.

Culinary treat:  Dave's in Savannah has EXCELLENT Texas Hots.  I got one with 
mustard and onions to go, with coffee; only $3.43.  Ate it at Morgan Rd. while 
I watched about 100 CROWS gad about.  Why would a crow just stand on the ice 
for long periods of time? Aren't they intelligent? 

Steve Fast
Brooktondale



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RE: [cayugabirds-l] Stevenson Road Compost-Horned Larks

2013-12-19 Thread Susan Fast
I have 3 yard crows this winter.  For the past week two of them have been
perching side-by-side quite often, one solicits preening by exposing the
nape or the throat, and the other preens it.  I have assumed this is the
mated pair.  The third crow mostly hangs off to the side in another tree. I
have assumed this to be a juvenile of most likely the past breeding season.
I have a question.  This third crow once cawed outside the window, facing
me, and I observed that the bases of the throat feathers were light-colored;
looked white.  Sibley shows the bases of the neck feathers of juvenile
ravens to be either white or gray, but implies that this coloring occurs
only during June thru August.  Are crows different in this respect, or am I
missing something obvious (as usual)?   Steve Fast

-Original Message-
From: bounce-55208-9286...@list.cornell.edu
[mailto:bounce-55208-9286...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Anne Clark
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 2:03 PM
To: Cayuga Bird Club listserv
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Stevenson Road Compost-Horned Larks

1300h  There were about 10 horned larks (all adults except one immature)
foraging in newly manured field, W of the driveway into the Compost Facility
and N of the Pheasant pens.  

Just to be complete--also present in the Compost Facility area (mounds,
manured field, Dodge x Stevenson Rd) were 2-300 American crows, 2 Turkey
Vultures (last seen monitoring an immature Redtailed Hawk that had just
killed a pheasant in the pens), Ring billed Gulls, Herring Gulls, a few
Great Black-backed Gulls, many more Red-tailed hawks (12-15?), 1 Cooper's
hawk, starlings and a very dependable large flock of House Sparrows in the
hedges along the drive.   No unusual gulls noted. 

One interesting American crow interaction:  an adult was preening a second
crow  (ragged tailed--unsure of age) when a third came in directly to the
preener.  This one marched back and forth, pausing and bowing its head
(invite preen) at various angles to the preener, who was now just standing
quietly.  Then a fourth came in, paused, looked at the others and made its
way to the head end of the preener;  it too held a slightly head-down
position and looked like it was in the act of solicitation when something
brought a bunch of crows up including the much-sought preener.  

All unbanded...I can only make up stories. But the event resembled some we
have seen in spring, when young birds try to insert themselves into parental
allo-preening. 

Anne
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[cayugabirds-l] Driveway birding

2013-12-15 Thread Susan Fast
Sun. morning.  Like Ken, I have come to appreciate the joys and advantages
of bird-watching from one's own driveway.  While shoveling snow, I had 2
interesting encounters.

Directly across the road from my house is a large multiflora rose bush
wrapped around a telephone pole.  This is the winter hang-out for a dozen
ENGLISH SPARROWS who then fly across to my feeders.  They spend the summer
at a horse farm down the road, also hiding in a multiflora rose bush there.
I noted 2 sparrows flying rather rapidly from the yard to the bush, followed
by a COOPER'S HAWK.  What happened next obliterated one of my basic
assumptions of the natural world.  Having many encounters with this shrub, I
would NEVER take a flying leap into the middle of one.  So I assumed the
sparrows were home free inside.  But the hawk flew full speed right in after
them.  I could hear its wings beating against the stems.  Then the bush
exploded with sparrows, like shrapnel.  The hawk emerged, but did a tight
loop and dove right back in, where it stayed for about 30 seconds before
coming out empty-taloned.

 

About 15 minutes later, I heard the calls of many SNOW GEESE, and looked up
to see hundreds flying east to west down the valley of Boiceville Creek.  I
imagine they were headed eventually to Cayuga Lake.  Quite a thrill to see
hordes flying low directly over the house.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] SE owl--Dryden

2013-12-07 Thread Susan Fast
Several years of stakeouts finally paid off  when I got a good look at a
SHORT-EARED OWL (very light underside, buffy patches prominent on distal
parts of upper wing) cruising over a field along Hart Rd. (Town of Dryden).
Field was just across the road from the gravel pit and near the George Jr.
pond.  Showed up at 1655.  This general area should be a good place for
them; just wish the viewing window was longer.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] Mt. Pleasant-midday-5 eagles

2013-11-29 Thread Susan Fast
Beautiful day atop Mt. Pleasant-cool NW breeze, some sun, puffy clouds.  Had
1 Noonloon.  From 1230 til 1300, 4 BALD EAGLES and 1 GOLDEN EAGLE showed up.
All adults.  The bald were together, soaring, diving, feet out sometimes.
One of them, for a while, soared with wings at a distinct dihedral, like a
tv.  I've seen this before and think it has some aggressive intention.  The
head of the golden showed that color in the sun, like an Aztec god.

After 1300, a lot of large flocks of CANADA GEESE began going over; some
silent, some very noisy.  Heard a few SNOW BUNTINGS, saw none.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale

 


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RE: [cayugabirds-l] Crow-chipmunk

2013-11-28 Thread Susan Fast
We're still watching the crow-chipmunk interaction.  Today, 2 of the yard
crows went after the chippie.  They were clearly working together.  As the
chipmunk moved around under the feeders gathering seeds, the 2 crows, by
walking and hopping, kept the chippie between them.  Finally, one crow
appeared to station itself between the chippie and its escape hole in a
grass tuft, the other sidled closer and closer until both crows were only
inches from the chippie.  Then one crow reached quickly down and grabbed the
chippie by the scruff of the neck.  The chippie twisted free, ran right
under the crow, and made its escape.  But this was too much for the wife, a
rodent-lover, and she began yelling.  So I had to open the window to scare
the crows off.  Ruined my day.  The chippie soon returned and looks OK.

 

S. Fast

Brooktondale

 

  _  

From: bounce-111074994-9286...@list.cornell.edu
[mailto:bounce-111074994-9286...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Susan Fast
Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 2:04 PM
To: 'CAYUGABIRDS-L'
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Crow-chipmunk

 

I've spent much of this morning watching red squirrel interactions in our
yard; stuff I haven't seen before. Anyway, on to birds.  We also have still
one CHIPMUNK which has daily been filling its cheeks with seeds (yesterday
it had a tail; today no tail, but that is a rodent-rodent interaction most
likely).  It was busy foraging when our 3 yard CROWS arrived and also
started feeding on seeds.  2 of the crows soon flew off to the compost; the
third remained and began sidling closer to the chipmunk.  It got within 6",
the chipmunk turned its back, and the crow reached down and grabbed it by
the skin in the center of the back.  Chipmunk twisted away and shot under a
bush, the crow jumped back, then flew off.  5 minutes later, they were both
back to the same spot under the feeders, about a foot apart, but this time
the chipmunk watched the crow like a hawk and no interaction occurred.
Several years ago, I watched a crow this close to a meadow vole (same size
as chipmunk) and the crow hammered the vole twice with its beak and killed
it.  Why the difference?

 

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale

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[cayugabirds-l] Crow-chipmunk

2013-11-27 Thread Susan Fast
I've spent much of this morning watching red squirrel interactions in our
yard; stuff I haven't seen before. Anyway, on to birds.  We also have still
one CHIPMUNK which has daily been filling its cheeks with seeds (yesterday
it had a tail; today no tail, but that is a rodent-rodent interaction most
likely).  It was busy foraging when our 3 yard CROWS arrived and also
started feeding on seeds.  2 of the crows soon flew off to the compost; the
third remained and began sidling closer to the chipmunk.  It got within 6",
the chipmunk turned its back, and the crow reached down and grabbed it by
the skin in the center of the back.  Chipmunk twisted away and shot under a
bush, the crow jumped back, then flew off.  5 minutes later, they were both
back to the same spot under the feeders, about a foot apart, but this time
the chipmunk watched the crow like a hawk and no interaction occurred.
Several years ago, I watched a crow this close to a meadow vole (same size
as chipmunk) and the crow hammered the vole twice with its beak and killed
it.  Why the difference?

 

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] Mt. Pleasant

2013-11-23 Thread Susan Fast
I was doing yard work this morning, when the sky suddenly cleared off.  So I
thought maybe some large birds would go over Mt. Pleasant ahead of the
approaching   front.  I spent about 2 hours up there mid-day and saw
3 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS.  No eagles.  It was a bit windy at times, but neat to
watch a long mass of snow showers appearing near Interlaken and slowly
moving SE towards me. 

 

Steve Fast 


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[cayugabirds-l] Rusty blackbirds---Brooktondale

2013-11-12 Thread Susan Fast
We just had 6 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS checking our feeder area.  I think the damned
MOURNING DOVES intimidated them, and also probably had eaten all the seed on
the ground.  The blackbirds left after a minute.  2 obvious females, 2
obvious males;  the other 2 a cross plumage between the male and female.
Gorgeous birds.

Also still have 1 CHIPMUNK.

 

S. Fast


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RE: [cayugabirds-l] Golden eagle---Brooktondale

2013-11-03 Thread Susan Fast
I returned to the field after lunch.  I hadn't walked 30' in when the grass
exploded with little birds.  I recognized the call note of the AMER. PIPIT,
and probably looked pretty klutzy as I tried to put the scope up, then down,
meanwhile trying to extricate the binoculars from inside the heavy coat.
They stayed in the field, however, where I flushed them twice more, mostly
just to watch them flying.  There were about 75.

In the next 45 minutes, 7 RED-TAILED HAWKS went over.

Finally, as I scanned northish, the view field was filled with black spots.
A flock of around 300 AMER. CROWS passed silently to the south.  Stragglers
emerged from the same direction and followed the main mass for the next ten
minutes. Migrants?  That's my opinion.  I haven't seen a crow flock of that
magnitude out here in several years.

 

Steve Fast

 

  _  

From: bounce-110122873-9286...@list.cornell.edu
[mailto:bounce-110122873-9286...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Susan Fast
Sent: Sunday, November 03, 2013 12:39 PM
To: 'CAYUGABIRDS-L'
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Golden eagle---Brooktondale

 

I felt lazy today; it's also cold, so I went to the center of the large
field across from my house to see what might go over.  It's also south of
Mt. Pleasant, so anything over there has got to come my way, just higher.  I
had put in enough time so that my thoughts were dwelling on a big, hot bowl
of soup, when I noted a dark speck to the north.  I watched this for some
time, until it came close enough to become a RAVEN.  Normally I don't bother
looking to the south, why would I, but since I had spent a lot of viewing
time on the raven, I glanced back and up and there, just passing directly
overhead was another dark form.  I needed only binocs to see this was an
adult GOLDEN EAGLE.  I did get it in the scope, but that's a hard angle.  So
I just watched it circling slowly until it vanished in the direction of
Pennsylvania.  I hung out for another half hour, seeing 1 RED-TAILED HAWK,
and a few more CANADA GOOSE flocks, then headed for the soup.

 

Steve Fast 

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[cayugabirds-l] Golden eagle---Brooktondale

2013-11-03 Thread Susan Fast
I felt lazy today; it's also cold, so I went to the center of the large
field across from my house to see what might go over.  It's also south of
Mt. Pleasant, so anything over there has got to come my way, just higher.  I
had put in enough time so that my thoughts were dwelling on a big, hot bowl
of soup, when I noted a dark speck to the north.  I watched this for some
time, until it came close enough to become a RAVEN.  Normally I don't bother
looking to the south, why would I, but since I had spent a lot of viewing
time on the raven, I glanced back and up and there, just passing directly
overhead was another dark form.  I needed only binocs to see this was an
adult GOLDEN EAGLE.  I did get it in the scope, but that's a hard angle.  So
I just watched it circling slowly until it vanished in the direction of
Pennsylvania.  I hung out for another half hour, seeing 1 RED-TAILED HAWK,
and a few more CANADA GOOSE flocks, then headed for the soup.

 

Steve Fast 


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[cayugabirds-l] Carncross Rd. Sandhills

2013-11-02 Thread Susan Fast
Some may be interested to know that the SANDHILL CRANE family (2 adults, 2
juveniles) continues in the Carncross Rd. vicinity; i.e.Nothern Montezuma.
There were a lot of hunters in the area today, so the adults were very
vigilant, while the young foraged in the corn stubble almost constantly.
The juveniles appear the same size as the adults, can fly just as well, and
are developing a lot of red over the eyes.  This red has a rusty hue, unlike
the bright shade on the adults.  Under the eye in the adult is bright white,
while that area in the juvenile is grayish.  The juveniles are also easily
distinguished by having some of their earlier fawn color still showing on
the back of the head and down the back of the neck.  Otherwise they are
battleship gray on the body, like the adults.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] Mourning doves & rain

2013-10-31 Thread Susan Fast
I was looking out the kitchen window when I noticed large white blobs
appearing and disappearing in a couple of small trees in the yard.  Turned
out to be 6 MOURNING DOVES.  It's raining, temp. = 54 deg.  Each would
extend the wing on one side almost fully, turn slightly on a branch so that
the rain would hit the side of the body that was under the wing, and maybe
even the wing underside, and hold that pose for up to 10 seconds.  They
would alternate wings and body sides.  Once returned to a normal position,
they would sometimes preen under the wing just raised and lowered.  I wash
my armpits like that in the shower, but have never seen birds do so.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] Mt. Pleasant; Interesting behavior

2013-10-28 Thread Susan Fast
This was not a good raptor-migration day up there, even with a NW breeze and
low clouds.  I was on the Tower side.  There were 2 large groups of birds
that did the same thing.  First was a flock of 28 D.-C. CORMORANTS;  the
next was a flock of 75 BRANT.  Both appeared, coming from the north, just to
my right as I faced that direction; i.e. NNE.  As they approached the
summit, the flocks slowed, broke ranks, and milled about somewhat. (Yes,
obvious even with the brant).  Each flock moved about 30' toward The Lake.
Then they quickly regrouped and headed south in a direct line.  What I
surmise is that, in rising to clear the Mount, they suddenly got a glimpse
of the water, and some slackers wanted to go there.  The leaders, however,
after some momentary confusion, reasserted control (somehow; I heard no
sounds) and led the flock toward the prearranged destination south.

 

I have seen flocks of Canada geese behave similarly, but they are always
very vocal when they do so. (Discussion in committee).

 

I'm always impressed by individuality, even in a flock.  

 

The above surmise is not the only option of explanation, but I think it fits
in this case.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale

 


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[cayugabirds-l] Summerhill

2013-10-26 Thread Susan Fast
I spent 2 hours this morning walking Salt, Hoag, and Dresser Rds. in
Summerill SF.  Bleak.  Almost no cones on any of the conifers and a little
fruit on winterberry holly bushes led me to expect to find little of avian
life, and so it turned out. Species with numbers follow:

 

blue jay   8

chickadee   10

r.-b. nuthatch   2

w.-b. nuthatch   2

junco   2

crow   7

downy woodpecker   1

fox sparrow   1

 

red squirrel   2

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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RE: [cayugabirds-l] Field birds

2013-10-17 Thread Susan Fast
This sparrow continues to intrigue me.  I recall that most birds fly from
point A to point B in a straight line, sparrows included.  So I did some
research.  I am far from an expert on flight paths of sparrows, but
Peterson, in his usual succinct way, describes the flight of a HENSLOW’S
SPARROW as “low and jerky with a twisting motion of the tail”.  I failed to
mention this in the initial report, but as the sparrow landed, a significant
tail twist was observed; but this may be a simple aerodynamic feature of its
landing.  This is his only description of flight characteristics in his
sparrow section, so I assume it to mean that this sparrow’s flight is
diagnostic, and not shared by others.  ( I may be wrong here).  The lack of
observable pattern on the back also correlates here, although weakly.

 

Lastly, since the spot of sighting is observable from my house, I am
including this species as a new Yard Bird.

 

Steve

 

  _  

From: bounce-108896264-9286...@list.cornell.edu
[mailto:bounce-108896264-9286...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Susan Fast
Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 3:29 PM
To: 'CAYUGABIRDS-L'
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Field birds

 

I spent some time early this afternoon wandering about 2 local mown hay
fields.  The grass is quite short (ave. 4-6 inches) in both.  In the first,
I flushed a bird that, as Sibley says, was only a glimpse of a small brown
bird flying away.  It was up for less than 2 seconds, travelled about 30’,
and showed no pattern to my naked eye.  The flight path, however, was
distinctive.  It reminded me much of the flight of a flushed snipe (i.e.
zigzaggy).  I searched the area for ½ hour, but could not refind it.

 

In the second field, I flushed a dense flock of  E. MEADOWLARKS.  They
resettled quickly, and I was sure I could refind them, which I did, and
counted 35 birds.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale

 

 

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[cayugabirds-l] Field birds

2013-10-16 Thread Susan Fast
I spent some time early this afternoon wandering about 2 local mown hay
fields.  The grass is quite short (ave. 4-6 inches) in both.  In the first,
I flushed a bird that, as Sibley says, was only a glimpse of a small brown
bird flying away.  It was up for less than 2 seconds, travelled about 30’,
and showed no pattern to my naked eye.  The flight path, however, was
distinctive.  It reminded me much of the flight of a flushed snipe (i.e.
zigzaggy).  I searched the area for ½ hour, but could not refind it.

 

In the second field, I flushed a dense flock of  E. MEADOWLARKS.  They
resettled quickly, and I was sure I could refind them, which I did, and
counted 35 birds.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale

 

 


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RE: [cayugabirds-l] Big thrush flight

2013-10-15 Thread Susan Fast
Acting on this, I went outside at 2100.  Even with stiff competition from
several SPRING PEEPERS, I heard 4 SWAINSON'S THRUSHES. Alas, this was not
enough to keep me awake, and I retired at 2130.  Worth it though.

Steve Fast
Brooktondale

-Original Message-
From: bounce-108784877-9286...@list.cornell.edu
[mailto:bounce-108784877-9286...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Kenneth V.
Rosenberg
Sent: Monday, October 14, 2013 8:50 PM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Big thrush flight

Surprisingly big. (for the late date) thrush flight going on right now -
mostly Swainsons. Heard Greater Yellowlegs and Green Heron.  Big glow from
the Cornell stadium - must be awesome there now. 

Sent from my iPhone

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[cayugabirds-l] Mt. Pleasant birds

2013-10-12 Thread Susan Fast
Intrigued by Marie's measurements from yesterday, I walked Mt. Pleasant Rd.
this morning.  Not much in the fields, but the woods and brushy areas had
more birds than I have seen up there in a long time.  Going from Mineah to
Baker Hill Rds. I encountered

 

 

ROBINS  --About a hundred or so foraging in field and wood, chasing, flying
crazy

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS - saw 15-20 right along the road, scattered, surely
many more

GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS - 1 small flock  

HERMIT THRUSH - 6 at least, in a group

GRACKLES - 2

E. BLUEBIRDS --  several

BROWN CREEPER - 1

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS --  many scattered along

WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS - 2 good-sized flocks

FIELD SPARROW - only 1

SONG SPARROWS - several

 

Also multiples of CARDINALS, JUNCOS, CHICKADEES, BLUE JAYS, PILEATED, HAIRY
and DOWNY WOODPECKERS, CEDAR WAXWINGS.

 

2 GRAY SQUIRRELS

 

1 MONARCH BUTTERFLY (which brings my total for the year to 4).

 

Also surprisingly, still a lot of fruit (berries) on vines and bushes.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale

 


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[cayugabirds-l] GHOs

2013-10-06 Thread Susan Fast
I've just been listening to our local pair of GREAT HORNED OWLS
counterhooting.  The female would start and the male would chime in just
before she finished with her hoot.  It was a real hoot to try to disentangle
what was going on, as they really were having at it.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] pipits

2013-09-29 Thread Susan Fast
On my morning walk along Mt. Pleasant Rd., I was fortunate to run into a
flock of 30-40 AMER. PIPITS.  Also 2 HORNED LARKS.  No rare warblers.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] pine warbler

2013-09-27 Thread Susan Fast
I decided to take a break from watching house paint dry and check the yard.
I found 2 NASHVILLE WARBLERS and a new YARD bird, a PINE WARBLER.

 

Steve Fast

Brooktondale


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[cayugabirds-l] geese

2013-09-23 Thread Susan Fast
I saw my first high, migrating flock of CANADA GEESE this afternoon over
Shindagin Hollow.

 

S. Fast

Brooktondale


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3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

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