[cayugabirds-l] Roving cat question. No meanness, please.

I am wondering if anyone has a humane (I love cats, and these buggers are someone's beloved pets. Though if they *really* loved them they would keep them indoors.), method of discouraging loose cats from hunting on our land? I currently am dealing with two roving neighborhood cats. They are

[cayugabirds-l] Life Bird Bullock'sXBaltimore Oriole

I just had a rather exciting visitor! He took me several minutes to identify. At first glance (with his back to me, showing wing bars), I confusedly thought, "Giant goldfinch??" But then I got to observe the bird for several minutes as it moved around to different perches, seeming to be

[cayugabirds-l] Peregrine on Seneca Street?

Hi! I'm sorry for the late posting, but I was downtown for appointments yesterday and heard an unusual (to me), call and wondered if it's possible I hear a Peregrine? I found sound files on line and it seemed to match. I could not get a visual on the source of the sound. was midway between the

[cayugabirds-l] Black-billed Cuckoo!!

Holy cow! I just heard a Black-billed Cuckoo calling from somewhere out in back of the house!! Gonna try to see it! Wood Road, Freeville Melanie -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Brown Thrasher trapped in garage

cott > Lansing > Sent from my iPhone > > On Jun 19, 2018, at 9:22 PM, Melanie Uhlir <mailto:mela...@mwmu.com>> wrote: > >> Welp. Yeah. That's the only thing we could think of. I just want the >> bird to be okay and not get dehydrated in there. >> >> On

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Brown Thrasher trapped in garage

  Mother Jones/ > > > On Jun 19, 2018, at 8:32 PM, Melanie Uhlir <mailto:mela...@mwmu.com>> wrote: > >> I was thrilled to see a Brown Thrasher in our yard, until one went >> into the garage and didn't come out! Fledgling, maybe? There is a >> se

[cayugabirds-l] Brown Thrasher trapped in garage

I was thrilled to see a Brown Thrasher in our yard, until one went into the garage and didn't come out! Fledgling, maybe? There is a second, very concerned, Brown Thrasher calling anxiously. This second bird has some kind of larva in its mouth. Anyone know the best way to coax a bird out of

Re: [cayugabirds-l] oriole

Yesterday in the crabapple collection I got to see another gorgeous oriole and also got an all-too-brief but conclusive glimpse of a Magnolia Warbler. Heard but not seen were a Common Yellowthroat and a Yellow Warbler. Many robins were about. I saw one swallowing a food item. He didn't even

[cayugabirds-l] orioles and appleblossoms?

I have very much been enjoying the glorious and fragrant blossoms of crabapple trees, especially at the collection of said trees in the F.R. Newman Arboretum. I have further been delighted by the frequenting of these trees by orioles (I've only seen males so far). I am curious if anyone knows

Re: [cayugabirds-l] female redwing back

We've been getting mobs of redwing males for several days now. A dozen or so at a time. Plus some Common Grackles. On 3/19/2018 9:20 AM, Carol Schmitt wrote: > We had a female Redwing at our feeders yesterday. Isn't this a bit > early, or are they around already? > Carol S. > -- >

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Where are all my feeder birds

Interesting to see that this is happening on a widespread basis. I had been going through mealworms, suet, and thistle seed in my feeders like crazy and then all of a sudden -- no birds. I figured it probably had to do with the abundance of wild food available. I'm glad that seems to be the

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Hungry youngsters! and song question

We have had a hilariously raucous Blue Jay family around the yard the past couple of weeks or so (I failed to note the exact date that they started their residence). We also have a Chickadee family! I know we have several other species breeding here but it's easiest to notice the ones who come

[cayugabirds-l] Frivolity: celebrity (Broadway, film, and television), birder

Just a bit of fun: today on "Ask Me Another," an NPR pop-culture quiz show, I found out that the fine and fascinating actor Lily Taylor is an avid birder! During the course of her interview, she was asked if there were any unpopular birds. After defending some birds and categories of birds

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Hummingbird!!!

? Thanks Marc -Original Message- From: bounce-121683513-62610...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-121683513-62610...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Melanie Uhlir Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2017 4:46 PM To: W. Larry Hymes; cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Hummingbird

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Hummingbird!!!

For a while the only evidence I had that hummingbirds were around was that the nectar level would drop in the feeders. However, woodpeckers like to drink the nectar too. But since my monarda started blooming I've been seeing them on a more regular basis and the past few days I've seen two at a

Re: [cayugabirds-l] best bet for bird bonanza?

not call ANY bird a 'trash' bird! Not even our common, >> numerous Starlings & House Sparrows, who are here in the western >> hemisphere only due to misguided importation by humans in the past. >> >> Good birding- >> Donna Scott >> Sent from my iPhone &g

[cayugabirds-l] best bet for bird bonanza?

Hello birders! As a musician who is often out late and also struggles with a sleep disorder I am not able to be an early riser very often. If I can manage to get out of the house of a morning, can you recommend some places where I might get the most birding bang for my precious morning buck?

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Bobolinks and a Yellow Warbler

I heard the Bobolinks for the first time this year this morning. Don't know if I've previously been sleeping through their boingy songs or if they've just arrived. I've yet to see or hear a warbler. Melanie in Freeville On 5/1/2017 10:30 AM, Tom Hoebbel wrote: > > I had my FOY Yellow Warbler

[cayugabirds-l] the colors of spring

I just had a delightful sight at the feeder: Brilliant male Northern Cardinal, Bright breeding-plumage male American Goldfinch, and a nice raspberry male Purple Finch all at once!! Melanie Freeville -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Phoebe!

Ours haven't arrived yet, that I know of. I'll have to keep ears and eyes open!! On 4/2/2017 7:38 PM, AB Clark wrote: > Phoebes apparently arrived en masse. The first one I had was right > across from the Frog Barn on Sapsucker Woods Rd, on Thursday 30 March, > 12 noon. Sounded a bit out of

[cayugabirds-l] odd goose

Upon spotting a flock of Snow Geese at the tail end of a rather lovely and productive though brief birding trip with friends up the east side of Cayuga Lake as far as Union Springs, I saw an odd-looking bird in the Snow Goose flock. There were a couple of grey morphs, but one bird was mostly

Re: [cayugabirds-l] URGENT ALERT: Dodge Rd Spruce Woods may be cut down for massive Solar Farm on Dodge rd, STARTING in APRIL !!

I wish all parking lots had solar panels over them. It would be win-win since it would shade the parking lots and they are giant heat-generators and wasted space anyway. Put solar panels on top of malls too. On top of hospitals, industrial buildings, schools. There are lots of non-habitat

[cayugabirds-l] Now FOUR Fox Sparrows!!

FOUR!! On 3/16/2017 11:46 AM, Melanie Uhlir wrote: The Fox Sparrow count is now up to THREE here on Wood Road in Freeville! -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com

[cayugabirds-l] Fox Sparrows

The Fox Sparrow count is now up to THREE here on Wood Road in Freeville! -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1)

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Deep snow

Keeping a slovenly musician's schedule, I revere the Fox Sparrows for showing up at our feeder area in the afternoon. Our two gorgeous Fox Sparrow visitors continued into the evening, putting me at odds between not wanting to frighten them away and wanting to give them more food to scratch at.

[cayugabirds-l] Great-horned Owl chorus

I was very lucky last evening to catch a Great Horned Owl call from a westerly direction while about to enter my house on Wood Road at about 10:30 pm (12/10/2016). I put my musical equipment away and noticed that the moon was very bright on the freshly fallen snow. I went out to enjoy this

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Interesting downy woodpecker behavior

Yes! I've had woodpeckers drinking from my hummingbird feeders for years. It's rather amusing to watch. On 7/9/2016 10:14 AM, Nancy Cusumano wrote: > It seem our little downy has learned how to sip from the humming bird > feeder. > I find this to be such an interesting learned behavior. > Has

[cayugabirds-l] House Wren question

Once House Wrens have fledged, and the parents want to start a second brood, will they re-use their nest? Or should I clean out the nest box for them to start fresh? Thank you for any advice. Melanie -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME

[cayugabirds-l] article that may be of interest

Ivory Gulls have reportedly made a colony on an iceberg: http://earthsky.org/earth/seagulls-on-an-iceberg -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES

[cayugabirds-l] Song Sparrow

Hearing my first Song Sparrow of 2016 here in Freeville. Also hearing Mourning Doves, goldfinches, redwinged blackbirds, and chickadees. Once in a while a cardinal. Spring!! -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe,

[cayugabirds-l] Mall birds

Two Killdeer are pulling worms out of one of the planted barriers at The Shops at Ithaca Mall. They have 3 Starlings for company.    It is the planted barrier btwn road lot opposite the unnamed entrance south of Bonton entrance. It has a lone crabapple tree. -- Cayugabirds-L List

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Mall birds

Correction: I think the lone tree is actually a cherry tree. I know starlings are "bad birds" but their breeding plumage is actually quite striking in the sun. Melanie On 3/17/2016 4:47 PM, Melanie Uhlir wrote: > > Two Killdeer are pulling worms out of one of the

free trees for bird shelter... Re: [cayugabirds-l] Union Springs 12/28/15

Related to the note about C'mas trees being good cover for birds: Home Depot is giving away leftover trees FREE in case anyone wants them for mulch or cover for birds. Melanie On 12/28/2015 4:42 PM, John and Fritzie Blizzard wrote: > _Mill pond_ finally has feathers on it! > > Redheads &

[cayugabirds-l] Extremely O.T.

Hello! This is an amphibian and botany related question: Does anyone happen to know a local paludarium hobbyist with whom I could speak? I'm trying to re-create a miniature version of a Fall Creek habitat in my dining room and I'm a rank beginner. I wound up with a small population of

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Deer ticks

- From: bounce-119809930-15001...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-119809930-15001...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Melanie Uhlir Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2015 2:17 PM To: Carolyn McMaster <c...@briarpatchvet.com>; 'Ann Mitchell' <annmitchel...@gmail.com>; CAYUGABIRDS-L

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Deer ticks

Good grief! Thank you for the heads-up!! Melanie On 10/22/2015 1:39 PM, Carolyn McMaster wrote: Dr. Carolyn McMaster here, Just a note of caution for all you fellow birders. This is the season when ticks are most active. Even after it freezes, if it goes above freezing during the day, the

Re: [cayugabirds-l] hummers

Hmm. I had just been wondering whether I should still be bothering with hummingbird feeders. I guess I will keep bothering a little while longer and try to get good looks at any bird who visits them! Melanie On 10/1/2015 1:11 PM, Jay McGowan wrote: > Hi all, > As Marty suggested,any "hummer"

Re: [cayugabirds-l] GHO calling from game farm road

In Freeville the clouds didn't cover the moon until it was coming out of the eclipse. I did happen to see to meteor whilst admiring the "Super Blood Moon." The only soundtrack accompanying my moon-gazing was a very loud cricket chorus and what seemed to be all of two Katydids. I used to hear

Re: [cayugabirds-l] GHO calling from game farm road

Meant to say "TWO meteors" On 9/28/2015 4:07 PM, Melanie Uhlir wrote: > I did happen to see to meteor whilst admiring the "Super Blood Moon." > Melanie > > On 9/27/2015 9:07 PM, Kenneth V. Rosenberg wrote: >> I hope everyone knows about the Super Bloo

[cayugabirds-l] lone cormorant

Kayaking around on Dryden Lake yesterday I saw a lovely Green Heron, a circling Osprey (I was hoping it would dive near me and get a fish but it moved on), a Great Blue Heron and, most surprising to me, a Double Crested Cormorant, preening, sunning, diving, and resting on a piece of driftwood

Re: [cayugabirds-l] a mystery---goldfinchs

>>> <mailto:rwb...@comcast.net>> wrote: >>> >>> Chipmunks and squirrels do what they do without conscience or shame >>> as do all predators. Nature is messy. Good work for keeping your >>> cats inside. >>> >>> >>> *

Re: [cayugabirds-l] a mystery---goldfinchs

I guess I hate chipmunks now. Why didn't the vicious vermin eat the murder victims?? My cats are indoor-only. If I could train them to eat only chipmunks and House Sparrows I would let them out. Melanie On 9/9/2015 4:11 PM, Robyn Bailey wrote: > > Re: Part 2…I have heard that this is a

[cayugabirds-l] horrific imagery

That last message about Goldfinch murder victims could have used a trigger warning. Most of you are a lot more hardened to the violence of birdwatching than I am. I know Nature is horrible, cruel, and violent but... -- Cayugabirds-L List Info:

[cayugabirds-l] Common Yellowthroat singing

I am new to Fall birding. I usually find the approach of Autumn crushingly depressing, so I don't know how common it is for migrating species to sing. A Common Yellowthroat was just "Witchity"-ing in my yard in South Freeville. Typical behavior? The species nests on our property each year.

[cayugabirds-l] send me your Merlins, your owls, your ruthless House Sparrow haters

Is there any way to entice Merlin to our property? I read in this list that the Merlin in downtown Ithaca were preying heavily on accursed House Sparrows. Someone in the area of Freeville has seemingly been raising House Sparrows like a bloody crop (except with no harvest in sight). Never had

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Garbled Posts

I'm sure this only muddies the waters further, but, receiving Dave Nutter's postings directly through the cayugabirdslist, I have on occasion, but only on occasion, had them come through in a mess of computer language. The fact that is only very occasional makes the phenomenon seem even more

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Nightfall

Great Horned Owls are just one of a myriad reasons I am proud to keep my cats INdoors! Birds are safe from them, and they are safe from birds (and coyotes!). I did not realize any bats were around all year long in this area! Floating on a pond to count them sounds rather idyllic! Maybe the

[cayugabirds-l] sunbathing Chickadee

There is a little crop of fledgling Chickadees livening up the yard lately. Very active and vocal. One little cutie stopped to sunbathe on a porch step. They are such great little birds! If I had a good camera I would have taken a picture. Next year I'll have to investigate the property more

[cayugabirds-l] Black-headed Grosbeak

I just had what looked for all the world like a female Black-headed Grosbeak at my feeder. At first I thought it was a Rose-breasted, but the markings on its head were much brighter than those of a female Rose-breasted and, more to the point, there was a very noticeable orange-y wash on its

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Black-headed Grosbeak

: Why not immature male Rose-breasted Grosbeak? --Dave Nutter On Jul 17, 2015, at 03:18 PM, Melanie Uhlir mela...@mwmu.com wrote: I just had what looked for all the world like a female Black-headed Grosbeak at my feeder. At first I thought it was a Rose-breasted, but the markings on its head

Re: [cayugabirds-l] heron near miss

WOW!! That sounds like quite a thrill! That would indeed be a spectacular way for a birder to go, albeit pretty unpleasant for both bird and birder! Melanie On 7/13/2015 12:47 PM, John Greenly wrote: I was out rowing on the lake last evening enjoying the quiet time after sunset, when the

Re: [cayugabirds-l] OOB: Black Stork nest-cam in Latvia

This Black Stork nest cam is wonderful! The nestlings are stretching their wings and one of them just redecorated the nest. Picked up a stick from the left side and carefully brought it over and tucked it into the right side. Off-topic: I got to have a really close look at a Yellow-shafted

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Mrs Robin reuses her nest!

I always had that impression about Robins too. On 6/28/2015 3:23 PM, Robin Cisne wrote: I thought robins usually did that, as long as the subsequent clutches are in the same year. A pair that nested under our covered patio one year raised two batches in the same nest. On Sun, Jun 28, 2015

Re: [cayugabirds-l] equine hummingbird - is this legit?

Very funny! I sent it along to a couple of horse-people I know. Melanie On 6/25/2015 10:59 AM, Donna Lee Scott wrote: Very cute! Thanks all. Donna Donna L. Scott 535 Lansing Station Road Lansing, NY 14882 *From:*Pete M. Marchetto *Sent:* Thursday, June 25, 2015 10:50 AM *To:*

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Mourning Dove Behavior

I like that defense very much! Melanie On 6/21/2015 8:06 PM, Pete M. Marchetto wrote: Sandy, The defense for anthropomorphizing, in my opinion, is that humans are animals, and who would know better than an animal how another animal feels? We're a species with a talent for empathy (when we

[cayugabirds-l] Downy Woodpeckers

I just saw a charming sight in one of our Scotch pines: a male Downy Woodpecker feeding a bit of suet to what appeared to be a fledgling. And our House Wrens are doing fine so far in their preferred nest box, which is the only one I left up, since they were set on it. I see the adults coming

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Dispatching house sparrows ... 5/18/15

I took down all my nestboxes except for the one that House Wrens have favored for years and already had a pair defending it from the damn House Sparrow (and the one covering a woodpecker hole in our front wall, the entry of which is plugged.) As I watched the tiny wrens ferociously defending

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Black-billed Cuckoo

Correction: Apparently the road I'm on is Mohawk. The cuckoo seems to be calling from somewhere within the woods btween Mohawk and Neimi. Quite vocally birdy here at the moment.Melanie-- Original message-- From:Ann MitchellDate:Mon, 5/18/2015 8:48

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Black-billed Cuckoo

Right now hearing a Black-billedCuckoo calling from north of Etna rd near airport. Pulled over just past the turn to check out a Pine Warbler. Going to head over to Mohawk/Neimi to try to see the bird!-- Original message-- From:Ann MitchellDate:Mon, 5/18/2015 8:48

[cayugabirds-l] Eastern Wood Peewee

On Friday while walking the trails near Flatrock, I heard my first of year Eastern Wood Peewee. Also hear Wood Thrush, Veery, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, and others. A few days ago, on the same trail, I heard an owl calling from up the hill somewhere. It sounded

Re: [cayugabirds-l] New bird

We never got any White-throated Sparrows this year. Did get a couple of White-Crowned. We have a loyal population of Pine Siskins due to the thistle feeder I put up. They started hear when there was just sunflower seed but they really seem to love thistle seed. A moment ago I thought I heard

[cayugabirds-l] Wood Road Oriole

OMG!! Gorgeous male (are the called Baltimore or Northern these days?) Oriole just stunned me by flying in and landing on a dogwood shrub right outside my window and investigated the grapevine for a minute or two. So orange!!! We don't get orioles in the yard very often. And now there are two

[cayugabirds-l] House Sparrow advice

I can't remember who it was that posted about dealing with House Sparrows. I have a question/concern: A pair of these murderous little creeps seem to be trying to move in to a nestbox nailed to our house to cover one of the numerous carpenter bee/woodpecker/squirrel holes. My husband plugged

Re: [cayugabirds-l] House Sparrow advice - hire Merlin

...@list.cornell.edu bounce-119150749-25065...@list.cornell.edu on behalf of Melanie Uhlir mela...@mwmu.com Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2015 5:07 PM To: CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: [cayugabirds-l] House Sparrow advice I can't remember who it was that posted about dealing with House Sparrows. I have

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Crows like toad liver

Very interesting. But I'm sad about the toad slaughter. I'm glad I've never noticed this in person! I guess the toad populations are able to survive this seasonal devastation. Great White Sharks take advantage of seal breeding season in the same way. I think the sharks eat the whole seal

[cayugabirds-l] Raven in West Freeville

A crow was chasing a loudly objecting Raven over what used to be a field to the west of my house on Wood Road. There are still (so far) enough open areas that Meadowlarks still occur but I never get to watch Northern Harriers hunting there anymore. This is the second time in less than two

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Old Birds/New Birds

What do Indigo Buntings eat at a feeder? I will buy LOTS of it! On 5/6/2015 2:35 PM, Alicia Plotkin wrote: Nothing borrowed but something definitely blue: brilliant male Indigo Bunting is sharing our feeders with four Pine Siskins. Weird year. Alicia --- This email has been checked for

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Ruby-throated Hummingbird!

A male Ruby-throated Hummingbird came and hovered near my face yesterday afternoon (Wood Road, Freeville), zipped over to where I had a feeder last year and left in disappointment. I quickly hung a second feeder in that spot but have seen or heard no sign of the bird since. It's possible the

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Rose-breasted Grosbeak, etc

*Finally!* A resplendent male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK visited my Wood Road in Freeville feeder today! I put out the grey-striped sunflower seeds in the nick of time! Still having PINE SISKINS visit and today also a lovely WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. After Marie posted about having a hummingbird

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Ruby-throated Hummingbird!

Hooray! This makes me feel perfectly vindicated for buying a fuchsia last week! Filled with hope and anticipation, I put out a feeder this morning. I really enjoyed the seminar last night, Marie! Melanie On 5/4/2015 12:34 PM, Marie P. Read wrote: ...a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird at my

Re: [cayugabirds-l] FW: Photography Awards Winners

Title: Audubon That photogragh is absolutely stunning! Congratulations Melissa Groo! On both winning and for capturing such a beautiful image!-- Original message-- From:Kevin J. McGowanDate:Mon, 4/27/2015 10:19 AMTo:CAYUGABIRDS-L;Subject:[cayugabirds-l] FW:

[cayugabirds-l] Purple Finches!

I have been so jealous of people's yard Purple Finches! But I just had a gorgeous male and a very spiffy looking female along with a freshly painted male Goldfinch! What a delightful little group! Wood Road in Freeville between Etna Road and Sheldon Road. Both Park Preserves were pretty quiet

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Purple Finches

Wilson Endicott, NY www.WilsonsWarbler.com On Apr 26, 2015, at 12:22 PM, Melanie Uhlir mela...@mwmu.com wrote: I have been so jealous of people's yard Purple Finches! But I just had a gorgeous male and a very spiffy looking female along with a freshly painted male Goldfinch! What a delightful

Re: [cayugabirds-l] TVs

I hate to see people expressing violence toward cats but I understand. I keep my cats indoors. It keeps area wildlife safe from them and them safe from area wildlife (including speeding cars and roving dogs, by some of which [dogs], I have been attacked while biking.) But my neighbors let both

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Hermit thrushes and insects

I was also astounded to see Odonates of various kinds when I visited Sapsucker Woods on Monday to see the Great Egrets. In fact, I was so surprised that I thought I was imagining them until several flew by at very close range. I am going to purchase Meena's book!! I didn't even realize

Re: [cayugabirds-l] Woodcocks

After reading the description of Woodcock lek habitat (am I using the term correctly??), it occurred to me that they might be present in the field next to and behind my house so I stomped out through my marshy backyard and through the little woodlot to the edge. Sure enough, I heard peenting!

[cayugabirds-l] Red-throated Loon still there

I was able to get very nice looks at the Red-throated Loon after the crew boats chased it back into the marina. I had never known about this spot before! While there I also got stellar looks at a lone male Gadwall who seemed intent on making sure I got a good view of each of his field marks.