In the wee hours I got up to check the front feeder. My deterrent did not work as the Raccoon was on it. I see it is a small animal, and it clings to the pole, using its’ forearms to keep the tilt mechanism open while it sticks its tongue into the opening to get the seed. So much for the red pepper.
The Raccoon does not notice me. I have not turned on any lights. It has a sense something is not right because it turns around and looks occasionally. Either it cannot see me or does not care. I am less than 2 feet away and this animal is practically oblivious. Quietly I open the window. I get a few more glances. I think it smells me, but is still basically ignoring me as I make small stealthy moves. From less than a foot away I yell a sharp GET! in the Raccoons ear. OK, so now I’ve scared the bejesus out of it, and it drops, runs in a couple of circles and takes off about as fast as a Raccoon can go.
In the morning I take the habanero and bacon grease concoction from the bottom of the pole, where it was untouched, and slather it onto the upper pole where the Raccoon clings. We will see if that works.
It is another beauty spring day. Clear and in the high 60s Several new arrivals during my walk at the Arboretum. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Blue-headed Vireo,Yellow Warbler. No Phoebe in any of the usual places. We had 2 shorebirds other than Killdeer, Solitary Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs. The Arboretum does not offer particularly good shorebird habitat, so both were a surprise although not all that unusual at the Arboretum. 3 Sharp-shinned Hawks went over almost in formation. Behaving like migrants not locals. While Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are now obvious in my yard, just 2.8 miles away we did not see and only heard one during the entire walk.
Everyone got very nice looks at a Piliated Woodpecker. For some people a Piliated is not a bird they get to study very often. Inevitably the question of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, came up. I know a bit about science. It is a wonderful tool. In science it is difficult to conclusively prove anything based upon observation alone. Unless one can create a repeatable experiment, conclusions about negatives are difficult indeed.
From my perspective, the question and problem of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is less one of evidence than ego and reputation. Plus the debasement of scientific principals in the service of those vices. A number of ornithologists have their names on books and papers that declare the Ivory-billed Woodpecker to be extinct. From their shallow perspective the worst thing that could happen would to be wrong rather than for anyone to gather conclusive evidence to the contrary.
On the other hand there is a evidence the Ivory-billed Woodpecker has survived. numerous sight records by competent observers, even a photograph, and now the audio and video recordings.
Those with the vested interest in the Ivory-bill not having survived say the sight records are mistaken identity, the photo is a fake, the audio is really gunshots, and the video is a Piliated Woodpecker.
If one of the basic tenants of non experimental science is you cannot prove an negative, why are these people so intent on refuting every bit of evidence?
I would speculate that if you handed one of the skeptics a fresh specimen, still warm and bloody, they would declare you had just handed them the last Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
To me it seems like they are stretching way too far. In the case of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker there is no conclusive test that can be devised to prove the negative. So instead these people resort to attacking every bit if evidence for the positive. Again: Why?
I do not know if there still are Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. To me there is evidence to suggest there are, but it is not absolutely conclusive. I do know this: Birds that do not want to be found are tough if not impossible to find. The Piliated Woodpecker, though fairly common and very large is somewhat shy and reclusive in the northern woods. Casual and unobservant bird watchers do not see them often, and for a skilled observer the chance to study this species in detail without a hide is rare. They are very good at staying on the opposite side of the tree from the watcher. I have had far better luck photographing small fast moving warblers than the Piliated. A rare and wary bird would be difficult or almost impossible to find indeed, especially if it has adapted to changes in the environment and no longer obeys the previous rules.
Science is not infallible. Technique and observation sometimes change theory. Clovis first, our lack of a theory of smell, the change in attitudes toward animal behavior and intelligence, are all examples of our human fallibility in spite of using our best tool.
April 28, 2007
I did not go to the lake. It is cool and wet. 44° here, probably warmer along the lake, but raining on and off. In the cloudy early light, I see a lot of movement on the ground. White-throated Sparrows. My first of the season. 18 by a quick count Some the very bright morph and others the more subdued.
I went out to walk around and listen. Cardinals, Song Sparrows, Juncos, Chickadees, Bluebirds, Robins, the Piliated, Downy and Red Bellied. The Nuthatch going “digit digit” and the White-throated Sparrows “toooo we we wee”
I never really got the attachment of English language phrases to bird songs. The White-throated Sparrow supposedly goes: “poor Sam Peabody Peabody”. That is a real stretch for me, as are most of these attempts at Anglicizing bird songs.
Still notable by its’ absence, the Phoebe. Since seeing the single individual a week ago, no further sign. I really fear the cold snap may have devastated their population here on the higher elevations.
As I write, I spy a black, white, and rose red. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, another first for the season. Soon Mrs. Rose-breasted Grosbeak is on the feeder. Studying me as she eats. Mr., joins her. She is physically bigger than he by about 10%. He is not eating, just hanging out with her. Now that they are here, the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks will be common visitors to the feeders until they leave in September
Back a ways, a Gray Squirrel is higher in a tree than they usually venture. A Blue Jay dives straight down on the Squirrel. The Blue Jay must have a nest up there.
From the same direction a Chickadee making a sortie to a feeder. It comes in from a good 100 yards out, in a fast, shallow, dive. Not stopping, through the branches, right onto the feeder.
Who needs television when you have a show like this?
I was cleaning up by the back door and found two more feathers from the Sharp-shinned Hawk. P1 and P2 so the Sharpie lost the first 3 primaries of the right wing in its’ run on the feeder.
The feeder in front is empty. No seed. My earlier effort to deter the Raccoon was unsuccessful. A Chickadee sees me as I walk by. It lets me know the feeder is empty in the usual way. Banging the window then flying to the feeder. OK, I will try plan B. Before I refill the feeder I spread habanero chili sauce inside the feeder where the Raccoon will get it on its’ little hand. I mix red pepper into the sunflower seed. The birds don’t seem to be effected by the picante' capsicum. I know the Raccoon will react to the pepper like a bear. Some ground habanero mixed with bacon grease bait the bottom of the pole and will complete the deterrent.
Raccoons are undesirables around the house in this area. They are potentially rabid and the state division of wildlife has been spreading vaccine packets for several years in Lake County. Raccoons do not have an agreeable demeanor to begin with. They are aggressive and quickly learn to associate humans as a source of food.
As I am putting out the bacon grease mixture, a small, gray furred, animal with a pointed nose darts out to grab a seed. A Short tailed Shrew. Common but seldom seen. Shrews are fast moving and vicious. They will kill and eat animals larger than they are. Humans are a bit out of their league though, so I am not worried.
Once the rain stops I take a walk. I have not seen the Red-tailed Hawks for a while, so I decided to go look at their nest. It is along an area that was selectively cut in 2006. The logging left most of the Beech trees and any trees under 12 inches in diameter. This area should be interesting over the next few years as the new growth springs up in the new sunny areas. I am surprised to see the large areas of grass. I find a pile of sugaring buckets. The loggers must have put all they found here. Not one is serviceable. Perhaps none were, or perhaps the loggers took the ones still in good shape.
The reason I have not seen the Red-tails is because they have abandoned their nest. In the cut area I find Hermit Thrush, Northern Flicker, and Tufted Titmouse. A Titmouse flies to a branch above me and does the feed me, fluttering of wings. I wonder if this bird recognizes me?
The Red-tail calls to the north and flies a big low semi circle staying about 200 yards away. It lands in a tree to the south. Maybe they have a new nest? I search about 30 acres but have no luck locating it.
In the course of my search I disturb 6 White-tailed Deer who were loafing in the area. They don’t like having to get up and snort with displeasure.
Climbing to the summit of Gildersleeve Mountain I find white trillium in bloom. ferns are uncurling in the ledges. There are quite a few people so little bird activity. By the time I reach the look out the forecasted clearing is beginning. I can see shadows and the sun works through the clouds. Visibility is about 15 miles. Downtown is visible but only as a silhouette through the haze.
The Sharpie comes soaring by. There is wind out of the northwest creating ridge lift. A Great Blue Heron flies southwest about half a mile away.
With the clearing skies the temperature is rising rapidly. in the 2 and 1/2 hours I was outside the temperature has risen 10 °. An interesting day. While the lake might have offered more variety, there was plenty here to keep me occupied
I went out to walk around and listen. Cardinals, Song Sparrows, Juncos, Chickadees, Bluebirds, Robins, the Piliated, Downy and Red Bellied. The Nuthatch going “digit digit” and the White-throated Sparrows “toooo we we wee”
I never really got the attachment of English language phrases to bird songs. The White-throated Sparrow supposedly goes: “poor Sam Peabody Peabody”. That is a real stretch for me, as are most of these attempts at Anglicizing bird songs.
Still notable by its’ absence, the Phoebe. Since seeing the single individual a week ago, no further sign. I really fear the cold snap may have devastated their population here on the higher elevations.
As I write, I spy a black, white, and rose red. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, another first for the season. Soon Mrs. Rose-breasted Grosbeak is on the feeder. Studying me as she eats. Mr., joins her. She is physically bigger than he by about 10%. He is not eating, just hanging out with her. Now that they are here, the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks will be common visitors to the feeders until they leave in September
Back a ways, a Gray Squirrel is higher in a tree than they usually venture. A Blue Jay dives straight down on the Squirrel. The Blue Jay must have a nest up there.
From the same direction a Chickadee making a sortie to a feeder. It comes in from a good 100 yards out, in a fast, shallow, dive. Not stopping, through the branches, right onto the feeder.
Who needs television when you have a show like this?
I was cleaning up by the back door and found two more feathers from the Sharp-shinned Hawk. P1 and P2 so the Sharpie lost the first 3 primaries of the right wing in its’ run on the feeder.
The feeder in front is empty. No seed. My earlier effort to deter the Raccoon was unsuccessful. A Chickadee sees me as I walk by. It lets me know the feeder is empty in the usual way. Banging the window then flying to the feeder. OK, I will try plan B. Before I refill the feeder I spread habanero chili sauce inside the feeder where the Raccoon will get it on its’ little hand. I mix red pepper into the sunflower seed. The birds don’t seem to be effected by the picante' capsicum. I know the Raccoon will react to the pepper like a bear. Some ground habanero mixed with bacon grease bait the bottom of the pole and will complete the deterrent.
Raccoons are undesirables around the house in this area. They are potentially rabid and the state division of wildlife has been spreading vaccine packets for several years in Lake County. Raccoons do not have an agreeable demeanor to begin with. They are aggressive and quickly learn to associate humans as a source of food.
As I am putting out the bacon grease mixture, a small, gray furred, animal with a pointed nose darts out to grab a seed. A Short tailed Shrew. Common but seldom seen. Shrews are fast moving and vicious. They will kill and eat animals larger than they are. Humans are a bit out of their league though, so I am not worried.
Once the rain stops I take a walk. I have not seen the Red-tailed Hawks for a while, so I decided to go look at their nest. It is along an area that was selectively cut in 2006. The logging left most of the Beech trees and any trees under 12 inches in diameter. This area should be interesting over the next few years as the new growth springs up in the new sunny areas. I am surprised to see the large areas of grass. I find a pile of sugaring buckets. The loggers must have put all they found here. Not one is serviceable. Perhaps none were, or perhaps the loggers took the ones still in good shape.
The reason I have not seen the Red-tails is because they have abandoned their nest. In the cut area I find Hermit Thrush, Northern Flicker, and Tufted Titmouse. A Titmouse flies to a branch above me and does the feed me, fluttering of wings. I wonder if this bird recognizes me?
The Red-tail calls to the north and flies a big low semi circle staying about 200 yards away. It lands in a tree to the south. Maybe they have a new nest? I search about 30 acres but have no luck locating it.
In the course of my search I disturb 6 White-tailed Deer who were loafing in the area. They don’t like having to get up and snort with displeasure.
Climbing to the summit of Gildersleeve Mountain I find white trillium in bloom. ferns are uncurling in the ledges. There are quite a few people so little bird activity. By the time I reach the look out the forecasted clearing is beginning. I can see shadows and the sun works through the clouds. Visibility is about 15 miles. Downtown is visible but only as a silhouette through the haze.
The Sharpie comes soaring by. There is wind out of the northwest creating ridge lift. A Great Blue Heron flies southwest about half a mile away.
With the clearing skies the temperature is rising rapidly. in the 2 and 1/2 hours I was outside the temperature has risen 10 °. An interesting day. While the lake might have offered more variety, there was plenty here to keep me occupied
April 27, 2007
Cool cloudy and light rain. I don’t have time to do anything except a quick tour around the yard and a little jaunt into the woods. Little change since yesterday. I continue to be amazed at how many birds are in the back yard, versus anywhere else around. At any moment there are 25 to 30 birds in the half acre of the back yard. They change over about every 15 minutes. Goldfinches, then Chickadees, Titmice and Nuthatches, Downy Woodpeckers in pairs and threes. Red-bellied Woodpeckers too. Cardinals and Juncos are heard often but seen less. Song and Chipping Sparrows stay low. House Finches are sticking to the Spruce trees in the front.
When I was a boy I found great entertainment in watching the feeder. Watching the turn over has always been interesting. To do that you need to recognize individuals. In “Kingbird Highway” Kenn Kauffman often talks about birding an area to a point of seeing the same individuals again and again. A discerning person can learn to recognize individual birds, and watching the turn over is a matter of learning to recognize individuals. This way you notice when one mixed flock move in and another moves on. The Chickadees who were here ten minutes ago are not the same ones who are here now. Sometimes you can tell by differences in feathers, the shape of the tail, the line of the cap or bib. Sometimes by the company they keep. One flock has a several Nuthatches, another has a pair of House Finches.
Birds must be very visual and spatial thinkers. Their world is more 3 dimensional than ours, in they make more use of the vertical axis than we humans do. I wonder how they use the 4th dimension. Their perception of time. We humans seem to put a lot of our awareness into that dimension. I wonder how bird use it?
When I was a boy I found great entertainment in watching the feeder. Watching the turn over has always been interesting. To do that you need to recognize individuals. In “Kingbird Highway” Kenn Kauffman often talks about birding an area to a point of seeing the same individuals again and again. A discerning person can learn to recognize individual birds, and watching the turn over is a matter of learning to recognize individuals. This way you notice when one mixed flock move in and another moves on. The Chickadees who were here ten minutes ago are not the same ones who are here now. Sometimes you can tell by differences in feathers, the shape of the tail, the line of the cap or bib. Sometimes by the company they keep. One flock has a several Nuthatches, another has a pair of House Finches.
Birds must be very visual and spatial thinkers. Their world is more 3 dimensional than ours, in they make more use of the vertical axis than we humans do. I wonder how they use the 4th dimension. Their perception of time. We humans seem to put a lot of our awareness into that dimension. I wonder how bird use it?
April 26,2007
Getting ready for work this morning I heard a bird hit the window in the library, Before I can investigate another hit! It is my habit to investigate any time I hear a bird hit a window. I will attempt to save any injured bird, or study any specimen. As I said earlier I have yet to find a dead bird since I quit being fastidious about cleaning my windows. I look out the large dining room window, then open one of the side windows to look at the ground below the library. Looking left I see the Barred Owl in the tree about 30 feet away. So, that is what the guys are upset about. They don’t like having an Owl in the yard now that it is getting light. It doesn’t matter that the Barred Owl does not make a habit of dining on birds. Frogs, snakes, small mammals, are its’ preference, although given the opportunity it will not ignore a feathered meal. The Owl looks at me for a moment, gives a low ”Who who ouw ho”, and flies off.
Heavy rain today but it warmed up considerably. 61° when I started my after work walk. Everything is soaked and there are large puddles everywhere. The creek is running fast and leopard frogs hop in as I cross the bridge.
The woods are completely different. No longer gray and brown there is an even spackle of light green everywhere. The leaves are working their way out of the buds. New herbaceous plants are poking through the dead leaves on the forest floor. Solomon’s Seal, Solomon’s Plume, Jack in the Pulpit, and Trillium are the ones I recognize.
I have the summit to myself today. It is cloudy, and the air is still heavy from the rain. What a difference being here by myself makes. Chickadees are calling “fee bee” A pair of Piliateds are clucking to each other on the other side of the summit.
From the lookout I can barely see the horizon. Visibility is just over 25 miles. It is clearing over downtown Cleveland to the west., but directly to the north it is hazy and still quite dark.
Here the Piliateds I have been listening to are close by. They are in the Hemlocks and Maples along the north west ledges. They fly from tree to tree, on some business I don’t understand. They stick to a small area, perhaps 50 yards across. Clucking back and fourth but not getting close to each other. I am able to observe this from fairly close, only about 20 yards away. They seem oblivious to my presence.
A little bit along, about 10 feet up in a tree, next to the trail, Mrs. Sharpie! I did not notice her until I was almost past her. We look at each other without making eye contact. If I make eye contact she will take off. But by looking with my peripheral vision, not quite right at her, I can study her in detail. She is studying me in the same manner, not looking right at me. We are ignoring each other while intently aware of each other. A paradox if there ever was one. I have no idea how long we gaze. A minute, maybe 2. Then she suddenly takes off and flies into the deep woods. I realize why. A young girl’s voice and the murmur of adults. They are climbing to the summit. I am no longer the only human here.
Back in my yard I see my pervious prognostication of the demise of the Daffodil bloom is premature. With the warm and wet, new flowers are everywhere.
There is a woodpecker hole, in the siding below a kitchen window. I did not patch this in the fall because the Bluebirds were using the cavity as a communal roost. Mrs. Bluebird flies out this hole as I approach the house. I wonder if they will nest there instead of one of the 2 boxes I provide? I guess I had better not repair the hole. I don’t mind sharing my house with Bluebirds.
Tomorrow will probably be a good day along the lake. I have to work, but Ray, Jerry, and Jim are sure to find good birds. This weather pattern will bring in lots of new migrants. If the same pattern holds I will go there Saturday morning. Probably to hear: "you should have been here yesterday". Oh well.
Heavy rain today but it warmed up considerably. 61° when I started my after work walk. Everything is soaked and there are large puddles everywhere. The creek is running fast and leopard frogs hop in as I cross the bridge.
The woods are completely different. No longer gray and brown there is an even spackle of light green everywhere. The leaves are working their way out of the buds. New herbaceous plants are poking through the dead leaves on the forest floor. Solomon’s Seal, Solomon’s Plume, Jack in the Pulpit, and Trillium are the ones I recognize.
I have the summit to myself today. It is cloudy, and the air is still heavy from the rain. What a difference being here by myself makes. Chickadees are calling “fee bee” A pair of Piliateds are clucking to each other on the other side of the summit.
From the lookout I can barely see the horizon. Visibility is just over 25 miles. It is clearing over downtown Cleveland to the west., but directly to the north it is hazy and still quite dark.
Here the Piliateds I have been listening to are close by. They are in the Hemlocks and Maples along the north west ledges. They fly from tree to tree, on some business I don’t understand. They stick to a small area, perhaps 50 yards across. Clucking back and fourth but not getting close to each other. I am able to observe this from fairly close, only about 20 yards away. They seem oblivious to my presence.
A little bit along, about 10 feet up in a tree, next to the trail, Mrs. Sharpie! I did not notice her until I was almost past her. We look at each other without making eye contact. If I make eye contact she will take off. But by looking with my peripheral vision, not quite right at her, I can study her in detail. She is studying me in the same manner, not looking right at me. We are ignoring each other while intently aware of each other. A paradox if there ever was one. I have no idea how long we gaze. A minute, maybe 2. Then she suddenly takes off and flies into the deep woods. I realize why. A young girl’s voice and the murmur of adults. They are climbing to the summit. I am no longer the only human here.
Back in my yard I see my pervious prognostication of the demise of the Daffodil bloom is premature. With the warm and wet, new flowers are everywhere.
There is a woodpecker hole, in the siding below a kitchen window. I did not patch this in the fall because the Bluebirds were using the cavity as a communal roost. Mrs. Bluebird flies out this hole as I approach the house. I wonder if they will nest there instead of one of the 2 boxes I provide? I guess I had better not repair the hole. I don’t mind sharing my house with Bluebirds.
Tomorrow will probably be a good day along the lake. I have to work, but Ray, Jerry, and Jim are sure to find good birds. This weather pattern will bring in lots of new migrants. If the same pattern holds I will go there Saturday morning. Probably to hear: "you should have been here yesterday". Oh well.
April 25, 2007
Rainy and chiily. Only 48 degrees. Still it looks like spring. The amount of new green is very noticable in just one day. The trees are turning green at their tips as the buds and leaves begin to pop. The daffodils are close to the end of bloom. Few of their flowers are in good shape. Many are wilted and drooping in the cold and wet.
The birds are really going at the feeders. The maple outside my window has more than 10 bright yellow Goldfinches flecked in the branch. They move on and the Chickadees come in. Moving fast. Not staging. Waiting a way out then diving in from on high. Opening their wings at intevals to adjust their trajectory and put on the brakes. They grab a seed and are gone.
The birds are really going at the feeders. The maple outside my window has more than 10 bright yellow Goldfinches flecked in the branch. They move on and the Chickadees come in. Moving fast. Not staging. Waiting a way out then diving in from on high. Opening their wings at intevals to adjust their trajectory and put on the brakes. They grab a seed and are gone.
April 24, 2007
How can any spring day be anything but glorious? Especially here, were winter can be long and hard. 61° and a beautiful clear azure sky. After crossing the creek I scare up some Hermit Thrushes. They forage on the ground, but when disturbed they will fly up to a branch 2 to 6 feet off the forest floor, sitting still. If you approach too close they fly off.More wild flowers in bloom. Additional dog-tooth violets, blue bells. Purple and yellow violets. New may apples are coming up too.
Lots of people on the trail. The parking area was full, with more cars parking along the turn around. Everyone is friendly and smiling. A day like today does that. Our normally reserved Great Lakes demeanor takes a break and everyone smiles, says hello and may even offer another a word or two. For someone from this part of the country encountering someone they don’t know, then get the word hi out of their throat is pushing the limit of customary behavior, to say hello and offer another word is astoundingly outgoing. I guess a beauty spring day will do that to people.
Visibility was about 30 miles with a little haze. Details not visible in the distance. Some thin clouds over the lake reflect as a sliver line.
In the seep fed ponds of the old quarry, some Canada Geese. Not noisy like those in more public places. Just 2, each in separate ponds. A Junco sings its’ tinkerbell song down below. Such a pretty sound.
Coming back through the woods, I disturb the Hermit Thrushes in the same place. 4 this time, all within a 25 yard circle. I am close to home so I grabbed my camera and went back to try to get a picture of a Hermit Thrush. Now they are being shy. Back in my yard a Chickadee wants to have its’ picture taken so I oblige.
April 23, 2007
Warm but thrunderstorms after I got home kept me inside. Closer to the lake leaves are beginning to show. Here on the higher elevation the buds are starting to show. With the thunderstorm the bird activity is low.
April 22, 2007
Earth Day, and a beautiful day it is. The high was 81° and the sky was clear all day. a beautiful warm day.
I wore a coat and tie for my bird walk at the Arboretum this morning. To honor the old bird walk leaders from back in the 1930’s and 40’s when such attire was the norm.
The walk was very good. 16 participants. More than I have had in a while. A very nice Northern Goshawk flew over and everyone got a nice look. I could not believe it. I kept trying to make it into a Sharp-shinned Hawk, because it was a heavy bodied accipiter, but it was too big and not flying right. Heavy powerful wing beats. Then there was the pale gray chest, the black cap and the supercillium! the first time I have seen that on a Gos. What a great bird. My second spring sighting at the Arboretum in the past 4 years. None the less this is an an extremely rare bird. This is only the 9th I have seen in Lake County in all my years of looking at birds. This species has never been photographed in the Cleveland Region. But neither had Golden Eagle until I got a picture in December of 2000. Someday I’ll have a camera handy when I spot a Gos. It took more than 15 years to get a picture of a Golden Eagle. It was fun to discuss that sighting with some of the participants because they wondered why the bird was not Broad-wing or Red-Shouldered? Good questions because a Gos can look a lot like a buteo. What a great bird!
Later in the walk I made a really stupid call. Around Corning lake a bird popped up out of the alder thicket on the edge of the lake. It had a wingspan of about 14 -16 inches light brown with dark wing tips. I could see a long beak and it was trailing its’ legs behind it as it climbed and flew north. I called it a Least Bittern because of the color, size, and dark wing tips. I put it down on the list as such. Well I got home and saw the early record for this species is April 29. I started to think about what I saw. I drew a picture then consulted a field guide. Well, It might have been a juvenile Least Bittern had it been July through October. But an adult Least Bittern would have had a dark pattern on its’ back this bird did not have. Probably a Rail. My experience with flying rails is the same as most birders, almost zero. What was it? I have no idea at this point. What a dumb mistake. At least I recognize and admit it was a mistake. Everyone makes them, but it is amazing how many people wont admit it.
The rest of the walk was productive. We rescued a Song Sparrow from the “Observation Blind”. I heard the distinctive tapping of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on Beech knoll and we were able to follow the sound and find the bird. A pair of Hermit Thrushes gave everyone great looks after we pointed them out. Everyone got a lesson on separating Pine Warbler from Chipping Sparrow by voice in the Ponderosa Pine plantings. We first picked them out by sound then followed their songs to actually find them. Pine Warblers are such a pretty yellow green.
I was hoping for 50 species but we ended up with 45. Notably absent were Cedar Waxwing, Dark-eyed Junco, White-Throated Sparrow, and Towhee. Had my friend Roger been able to get a Red-headed Woodpecker for us, we would have maxed the picaformes. But no luck there.
Back at home the Juncos were everywhere in the yard. Up on the summit another beautiful clear day, but little change form yesterday and very few birds in the woods. Lots of people walking so no sign of the Barred Owl.
I wore a coat and tie for my bird walk at the Arboretum this morning. To honor the old bird walk leaders from back in the 1930’s and 40’s when such attire was the norm.
The walk was very good. 16 participants. More than I have had in a while. A very nice Northern Goshawk flew over and everyone got a nice look. I could not believe it. I kept trying to make it into a Sharp-shinned Hawk, because it was a heavy bodied accipiter, but it was too big and not flying right. Heavy powerful wing beats. Then there was the pale gray chest, the black cap and the supercillium! the first time I have seen that on a Gos. What a great bird. My second spring sighting at the Arboretum in the past 4 years. None the less this is an an extremely rare bird. This is only the 9th I have seen in Lake County in all my years of looking at birds. This species has never been photographed in the Cleveland Region. But neither had Golden Eagle until I got a picture in December of 2000. Someday I’ll have a camera handy when I spot a Gos. It took more than 15 years to get a picture of a Golden Eagle. It was fun to discuss that sighting with some of the participants because they wondered why the bird was not Broad-wing or Red-Shouldered? Good questions because a Gos can look a lot like a buteo. What a great bird!
Later in the walk I made a really stupid call. Around Corning lake a bird popped up out of the alder thicket on the edge of the lake. It had a wingspan of about 14 -16 inches light brown with dark wing tips. I could see a long beak and it was trailing its’ legs behind it as it climbed and flew north. I called it a Least Bittern because of the color, size, and dark wing tips. I put it down on the list as such. Well I got home and saw the early record for this species is April 29. I started to think about what I saw. I drew a picture then consulted a field guide. Well, It might have been a juvenile Least Bittern had it been July through October. But an adult Least Bittern would have had a dark pattern on its’ back this bird did not have. Probably a Rail. My experience with flying rails is the same as most birders, almost zero. What was it? I have no idea at this point. What a dumb mistake. At least I recognize and admit it was a mistake. Everyone makes them, but it is amazing how many people wont admit it.
The rest of the walk was productive. We rescued a Song Sparrow from the “Observation Blind”. I heard the distinctive tapping of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on Beech knoll and we were able to follow the sound and find the bird. A pair of Hermit Thrushes gave everyone great looks after we pointed them out. Everyone got a lesson on separating Pine Warbler from Chipping Sparrow by voice in the Ponderosa Pine plantings. We first picked them out by sound then followed their songs to actually find them. Pine Warblers are such a pretty yellow green.
I was hoping for 50 species but we ended up with 45. Notably absent were Cedar Waxwing, Dark-eyed Junco, White-Throated Sparrow, and Towhee. Had my friend Roger been able to get a Red-headed Woodpecker for us, we would have maxed the picaformes. But no luck there.
Back at home the Juncos were everywhere in the yard. Up on the summit another beautiful clear day, but little change form yesterday and very few birds in the woods. Lots of people walking so no sign of the Barred Owl.
April 21, 2007
Another beauty day. My first Chipping Sparrow of the season. The trees and plants are not showing much progress but I found my first blooming Dog-tooth violets. Gorgeous yellow flowers.
Up on the summit of Gildersleeve, the May Apples seem to be recovering, but there is little evidence of budding or leaves anywhere in the woods. Looking out the lake is a pretty blue. It is clear and I can see well beyond downtown. A female Sharpie wings over, a Robin in her talons, she drops into the forest to the northeast. I might watch that area from a rock further along to see if I can actually see the nest.
Coming home I scare up a bird taking a bath in the creek. It pops into a tree and wags its’ tail. The Phoebe! Good. I was listening for it this morning.
In the house I hear a huge helicopter coming. I go out front and a CH-47 comes right over, low. The heavy rapid thumping scares everything. The Bluebird dives into the arborvitae, the Juncos scatter into the low shrubs. As the helo passes and things get quite, the birds come back out.
Up on the summit of Gildersleeve, the May Apples seem to be recovering, but there is little evidence of budding or leaves anywhere in the woods. Looking out the lake is a pretty blue. It is clear and I can see well beyond downtown. A female Sharpie wings over, a Robin in her talons, she drops into the forest to the northeast. I might watch that area from a rock further along to see if I can actually see the nest.
Coming home I scare up a bird taking a bath in the creek. It pops into a tree and wags its’ tail. The Phoebe! Good. I was listening for it this morning.
In the house I hear a huge helicopter coming. I go out front and a CH-47 comes right over, low. The heavy rapid thumping scares everything. The Bluebird dives into the arborvitae, the Juncos scatter into the low shrubs. As the helo passes and things get quite, the birds come back out.
April 20, 2007
Beauty again. Sunny clear high 60s. No sign of the Phoebe returning. I hope the ones already here during the cold snap did not all die. Only time will tell. It will be interesting to see if I find Phoebes anywhere over the next week. The Juncos are all over the place. They diminished a bit in the cold, but now they are again the predominant species in the yard. A walk kicks up flashing white outer tail feathers everywhere.
The Raccoon has been getting into the front feeder. It is wired shut, but It is almost empty and the signs of the Raccoon are obvious. One of my solar powered walk lights broken, the feeder spun around and the lid nearly bent. I can see it is possible for it to get a hand and arm into the gap to scoop out seed. I refilled the feeder but wired it tighter and added a C-clamp, grease under the lid completes the discouragement.
I wanted to walk but I ran out of gas today. After eating dinner I felt better, more energetic, but I had started on things around the house. Tomorrow I’ll spend most of the day outside. I have been itching for this weather and need to take advantage of it.
The Raccoon has been getting into the front feeder. It is wired shut, but It is almost empty and the signs of the Raccoon are obvious. One of my solar powered walk lights broken, the feeder spun around and the lid nearly bent. I can see it is possible for it to get a hand and arm into the gap to scoop out seed. I refilled the feeder but wired it tighter and added a C-clamp, grease under the lid completes the discouragement.
I wanted to walk but I ran out of gas today. After eating dinner I felt better, more energetic, but I had started on things around the house. Tomorrow I’ll spend most of the day outside. I have been itching for this weather and need to take advantage of it.
April 19, 2007
A beautiful sunny day. Too bad errands and social obligations prevent me from spending time outside. Lots of bird activity around the feeders but nothing unusual. The Fox Sparrows have undoubtedly moved on. The cold spring has retarded the budding and leaves. Some years the leaves are fully out by Earth Day, just a few days away. This year the trees barely have visible buds.
April 18, 2007
A noisy night! I woke up around 2 am to the sound of the Barred Owl. Very close. I get up, not turning on any lights. Looking out the window I can see its’ silhouette in the tree against the sky. It flies off. I go back to bed but not back to sleep. Thump!... thump, thump, on the outside back of the house. Flying Squirrels! Things that go bump in the night. Then the sound of a feeder tilting closed. My it is a quiet night. I get up, again not turning on any lights. On a feeder, 2 Southern Flying Squirrels. They are quite small, just bigger than a Chipmunk. I can see their large dark eyes. Their combined weight enough to tilt the mechanism. One drops off and the other is able to get at the seed. Given the number of thumps there must be 4 or 5 individuals. These are seldom seen very nocturnal little critters. Kent and I were just talking about them Sunday after the bird walk. He did a survey of them in Lake County and found them to be surprisingly abundant. Back to sleep.
April 17, 2007
Partly cloudy, 53° quiet. As I crossed the creek I startled a Piliated Woodpecker. My walk around the summit was quiet, not many people or anything else. No birds or squirrels. From the lookout the lake was light gray and the horizon distinct. Downtown was silhouetted in the afternoon light. A Red-tailed Hawk soared on the ridge lift created by the light wind out of the north. No new plants poking out, the daffodils are beginning to perk up in the warmth.
Coming home I didn’t notice much activity in the yard. More jetsam in the creek from the one house upstream. I wonder if someone actually tried to use the boogie board in the 3 foot wide creek? I think I should put a wire fence across the stream near the property line just to keep the trash from washing down?
In the back yard I was moving quietly and surprise the birds at the feeders when they see me. They don’t usually scatter like that. I just came up too fast and quiet. Sorry.
Coming home I didn’t notice much activity in the yard. More jetsam in the creek from the one house upstream. I wonder if someone actually tried to use the boogie board in the 3 foot wide creek? I think I should put a wire fence across the stream near the property line just to keep the trash from washing down?
In the back yard I was moving quietly and surprise the birds at the feeders when they see me. They don’t usually scatter like that. I just came up too fast and quiet. Sorry.
April 16, 2007
Windy and in the 40s. Alternating clouds and clear. Whatever the weather forecast it was wrong. It usually is here. You cannot trust a forecast more than 4 hours in advance. There is a nor’easter off the Atlantic coast. It is the source of our wind, but we were not supposed to have as much sun as we had today.
The wind is howling up in the trees and the birds are hunkered down. Occasionally one will dart across the yard or to the feeder.
Being a good observer requires a certain amount of skepticism of your own observations. You can’t always believe what you think you see. A case in point just now. Something flew across the yard about 15 feet high. It was off white and the flight was slow. Like a butterfly, but very straight and direct. It flew cross wind. I have no idea what it was. A lucisitic bird, a piece of paper, a bird carrying nesting material. I have no idea. I went out to look for whatever it was. No sign. Those are the things that get your attention sometimes. You continue to look and eventually you may discover what is was you observed.
The wind is howling up in the trees and the birds are hunkered down. Occasionally one will dart across the yard or to the feeder.
Being a good observer requires a certain amount of skepticism of your own observations. You can’t always believe what you think you see. A case in point just now. Something flew across the yard about 15 feet high. It was off white and the flight was slow. Like a butterfly, but very straight and direct. It flew cross wind. I have no idea what it was. A lucisitic bird, a piece of paper, a bird carrying nesting material. I have no idea. I went out to look for whatever it was. No sign. Those are the things that get your attention sometimes. You continue to look and eventually you may discover what is was you observed.
April 15, 2007
More snow. about 4 inches, 33° and overcast. The weather is what it is, and there is no sense in complaining about it. Today was the first of the spring bird walks at the Arboretum. I was running a little late. I like to get there at least 15 minutes before the start to open the gate and I wasn’t going to be that early today. I was just 10 minutes early and sure enough, there were people waiting, wondering if the walk was going to be canceled. These walks have been going on for 76 years. I don’t think they have ever been canceled.
It was actually remarkable. Practically the first bird we saw was a Fox Sparrow. Then among some Gulls flying over, Ring-billed Gulls but I noticed a large white-winged gull among them. A Glaucous Gull! very unusual away from the lake and a new bird for the Arboretum list. Around Blueberry Pond, American Tree Sparrows and then we heard a long tseeee. Like a Kinglet but too long in duration. I pished and out popped a male Purple Finch. Beautiful.
As we were starting our loop of Corning Lake, Kent, an acquaintance of many years caught up with us and told us about two Sandhill Cranes near the overflow parking area. Our walk around Corning was more brisk in anticipation of seeing these large birds. A Common Loon in breeding plumage, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and American Kestrel were highlights along the way, but then to the parking lot. There they were, feeding in the snow covered grass. Only the second time I have seen Sandhill Crane, at Holden.
It was actually remarkable. Practically the first bird we saw was a Fox Sparrow. Then among some Gulls flying over, Ring-billed Gulls but I noticed a large white-winged gull among them. A Glaucous Gull! very unusual away from the lake and a new bird for the Arboretum list. Around Blueberry Pond, American Tree Sparrows and then we heard a long tseeee. Like a Kinglet but too long in duration. I pished and out popped a male Purple Finch. Beautiful.
As we were starting our loop of Corning Lake, Kent, an acquaintance of many years caught up with us and told us about two Sandhill Cranes near the overflow parking area. Our walk around Corning was more brisk in anticipation of seeing these large birds. A Common Loon in breeding plumage, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and American Kestrel were highlights along the way, but then to the parking lot. There they were, feeding in the snow covered grass. Only the second time I have seen Sandhill Crane, at Holden.
The walk ended with only 33 species but two remarkable species in that total. Not bad for a cold snowy morning.
April 14, 2007
A morning walk around the summit shows the cold snap has stopped spring dead in its’ tracks. There are still patches of snow in the shadows. It was clear early but by the time I went out, a high overcast had moved in and the sun is just a yellow circle through the clouds. Many half emerged May Apples were obviously damaged, frozen and wilted. The Dog tooth Violets are no farther along than they were 10 days ago. Lots of new branches on the ground in the woods. The after effect of the cold and high winds.
Along the ledges only the Woodpeckers were active. Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied. A Piliated drummed in the distance. The Barred Owl sat still close to the trunk of a large oak, 40 feet up but only just off the path. There are many large tall trees on the summit. Trees around 200 years old.
Half a mile along, on the other side of the ridge, I can hear some hikers where I had been 10 minutes earlier. The Barred Owl comes sailing low through the woods across the path in front of me and into a deep tangle about 50 yards into the woods on the other side. I try to lure it out with a soft “who cooks for you”, imitation of its’ call. It looks but wont budge.
People don’t realize how noisy and disturbing they are. We tend to shout over the noise of our machines and have forgotten how to turn down the volume. From my observation it is our voices that disturb wildlife, not our presence. If one is quite both in voice and mind, you can walk though the woods without causing much of a disturbance. Human voices, at what we now consider normal conversational level, will carry more than half a mile on a calm day. Away from our machines we need only talk in whispers.
It was remarkably clear and calm in spite of the overcast. The lake was light gray reflecting the sky. The horizon was well defined and I could see detail on the skyscrapers downtown 18 miles away. I could hear the whistles of trains as they moved through Willoughby and Mentor.
The Crows were moving off the summit to the lower ground to the northwest. A long time ago I noticed that corvids, Crows, Jays, Magpies, Ravens, have an interesting way of flying. Their wings sort of flop through the air. Seeing that alone is often enough to enable an identification at a distance.
As I was coming down off the summit, a Red Squirrel scampered by, causing a black morph Gray Squirrel to jump and get well clear. The Red Squirrel is nick named ”rocket squirrel” because they are so fast. The smallest of the tree squirrel clan in these woods they are aggressive. Males will chase down other male squirrels regardless of species, biting their testicles. The Gray Squirrel is wise to be wary. While on the subject of squirrels I have yet to see the Chipmunk. Still hibernating.
Along the creek I found a shovel. A little rusty but otherwise in good shape. Almost new too, because the labels are still intact. The shovel was in my yard but I know where it came from. I have a neighbor who has no respect for anyone or anything. His wife , neighbors, his yard, his tools. I am not surprised to find this shovel. Nor will I be surprised when his kids or his wife, needing to do some digging, will knock at my door asking to borrow an appropriate implement. To me this is just another piece of their trash in my yard. No different from a pop bottle, juice box, ball, or shopping bag. That it has value to me means I will keep it , clean off the rust and use it, rather than just throwing it away as I would with their other trash.
Approaching my back yard I find it amazing the increase in the level of bird activity. My house is on the edge. The edge of the unbroken forest and fragmented sub urban woodland. That is not everything . The bird activity in my yard exceeds my neighbors. I am the only one with feeders, bird houses and the crucial underbrush the birds use for cover.
Outside the back door, a feather! Exciting because it is not an ordinary feather. About 4 inches long, worn, slate gray with a black band just proximal of the light gray tip. Pointed and slightly curved. A primary flight feather of a Sharpie. P3 or P4 from the right wing. Upstairs there is a large dropping on the window below the suet feeder. What happened? The story is here even though I didn’t see it happen. The Sharpie made a run at someone on the suet. Came in from the west at an angle where the incidence was highly reflective, was a little late in aborting the run, cut loose a dropping and brushed its’ wing against the glass as it turned. The feather was already old and came out as a result of the contact. The shape of the feather causes it to fall straight like an arrow with just a slight spiral.
The feeders are very busy. Goldfinches are predominant right now. An occasional Chickadee and Titmouse too. A lingering Fox Sparrow earlier this morning. The Juncos are sticking to the ground. On the trees the Gray Squirrels are sniffing along the branches. They are feeding on something. They will find it and chew through the outer bark to get it. The gray bark of the Sugar Maples is scarred light orange where they have chewed. Nothing low enough that I can investigate.
The Fox Squirrel has been noticeably absent from the back but conspicuous in the front. I just found out why. The Pyracanth (sp?) has grown to a point where its branches support the Squirrel at the feeder thus avoiding the tilting mechanism. I grab the pruning lopers and trim back the shrub. The Fox Squirrel can find a meal somewhere else. While out in front I take a moment to look at the Red Bud. The beginnings of the buds look bad. Brown and dry. Maybe another victim of the cold? I hope not, I will miss the magenta of its’ bloom.
Movement on the ground in the back. A Chipmunk! I watch it through the spotting scope. So cute! Big dark eyes, little feet. Coat tinted gray from lack of fresh food. Very wary, moving slow, just waking up from its’ long winter’s nap.
Along the ledges only the Woodpeckers were active. Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied. A Piliated drummed in the distance. The Barred Owl sat still close to the trunk of a large oak, 40 feet up but only just off the path. There are many large tall trees on the summit. Trees around 200 years old.
Half a mile along, on the other side of the ridge, I can hear some hikers where I had been 10 minutes earlier. The Barred Owl comes sailing low through the woods across the path in front of me and into a deep tangle about 50 yards into the woods on the other side. I try to lure it out with a soft “who cooks for you”, imitation of its’ call. It looks but wont budge.
People don’t realize how noisy and disturbing they are. We tend to shout over the noise of our machines and have forgotten how to turn down the volume. From my observation it is our voices that disturb wildlife, not our presence. If one is quite both in voice and mind, you can walk though the woods without causing much of a disturbance. Human voices, at what we now consider normal conversational level, will carry more than half a mile on a calm day. Away from our machines we need only talk in whispers.
It was remarkably clear and calm in spite of the overcast. The lake was light gray reflecting the sky. The horizon was well defined and I could see detail on the skyscrapers downtown 18 miles away. I could hear the whistles of trains as they moved through Willoughby and Mentor.
The Crows were moving off the summit to the lower ground to the northwest. A long time ago I noticed that corvids, Crows, Jays, Magpies, Ravens, have an interesting way of flying. Their wings sort of flop through the air. Seeing that alone is often enough to enable an identification at a distance.
As I was coming down off the summit, a Red Squirrel scampered by, causing a black morph Gray Squirrel to jump and get well clear. The Red Squirrel is nick named ”rocket squirrel” because they are so fast. The smallest of the tree squirrel clan in these woods they are aggressive. Males will chase down other male squirrels regardless of species, biting their testicles. The Gray Squirrel is wise to be wary. While on the subject of squirrels I have yet to see the Chipmunk. Still hibernating.
Along the creek I found a shovel. A little rusty but otherwise in good shape. Almost new too, because the labels are still intact. The shovel was in my yard but I know where it came from. I have a neighbor who has no respect for anyone or anything. His wife , neighbors, his yard, his tools. I am not surprised to find this shovel. Nor will I be surprised when his kids or his wife, needing to do some digging, will knock at my door asking to borrow an appropriate implement. To me this is just another piece of their trash in my yard. No different from a pop bottle, juice box, ball, or shopping bag. That it has value to me means I will keep it , clean off the rust and use it, rather than just throwing it away as I would with their other trash.
Approaching my back yard I find it amazing the increase in the level of bird activity. My house is on the edge. The edge of the unbroken forest and fragmented sub urban woodland. That is not everything . The bird activity in my yard exceeds my neighbors. I am the only one with feeders, bird houses and the crucial underbrush the birds use for cover.
Outside the back door, a feather! Exciting because it is not an ordinary feather. About 4 inches long, worn, slate gray with a black band just proximal of the light gray tip. Pointed and slightly curved. A primary flight feather of a Sharpie. P3 or P4 from the right wing. Upstairs there is a large dropping on the window below the suet feeder. What happened? The story is here even though I didn’t see it happen. The Sharpie made a run at someone on the suet. Came in from the west at an angle where the incidence was highly reflective, was a little late in aborting the run, cut loose a dropping and brushed its’ wing against the glass as it turned. The feather was already old and came out as a result of the contact. The shape of the feather causes it to fall straight like an arrow with just a slight spiral.
The feeders are very busy. Goldfinches are predominant right now. An occasional Chickadee and Titmouse too. A lingering Fox Sparrow earlier this morning. The Juncos are sticking to the ground. On the trees the Gray Squirrels are sniffing along the branches. They are feeding on something. They will find it and chew through the outer bark to get it. The gray bark of the Sugar Maples is scarred light orange where they have chewed. Nothing low enough that I can investigate.
The Fox Squirrel has been noticeably absent from the back but conspicuous in the front. I just found out why. The Pyracanth (sp?) has grown to a point where its branches support the Squirrel at the feeder thus avoiding the tilting mechanism. I grab the pruning lopers and trim back the shrub. The Fox Squirrel can find a meal somewhere else. While out in front I take a moment to look at the Red Bud. The beginnings of the buds look bad. Brown and dry. Maybe another victim of the cold? I hope not, I will miss the magenta of its’ bloom.
Movement on the ground in the back. A Chipmunk! I watch it through the spotting scope. So cute! Big dark eyes, little feet. Coat tinted gray from lack of fresh food. Very wary, moving slow, just waking up from its’ long winter’s nap.
April 13, 2007
Oh Sunny Day! Too bad I had to work, but it is better than the alternative Errands after work kept me from doing much outside. The daffodils are starting to perk up but the forsythia flowers have had it. They are brown from freezing
They guys are moving fast. Hitting the feeders one at a time. I wonder if the Coop has been ambushing them? I walked around the house after I got home No sign, but a Cooper’s Hawk is a master of stealth and surprise. Waiting out of view for the moment to come flashing through and pick someone off.
I remember the first time I saw a Sharpie, take a bird. It was interesting because the tactic one I have not seen repeated. I was around 10 or 12 years old, and my mom and I were watching the Juncos in the back yard. We saw what looked like a ball of leaves or cardboard come tumbling through the yard, only when it grabbed a Junco and flew off did we realize it was a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Deception and stealth. The way of the accipiter.
Nature is red of tooth and claw. The hawks have to make a living too.
They guys are moving fast. Hitting the feeders one at a time. I wonder if the Coop has been ambushing them? I walked around the house after I got home No sign, but a Cooper’s Hawk is a master of stealth and surprise. Waiting out of view for the moment to come flashing through and pick someone off.
I remember the first time I saw a Sharpie, take a bird. It was interesting because the tactic one I have not seen repeated. I was around 10 or 12 years old, and my mom and I were watching the Juncos in the back yard. We saw what looked like a ball of leaves or cardboard come tumbling through the yard, only when it grabbed a Junco and flew off did we realize it was a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Deception and stealth. The way of the accipiter.
Nature is red of tooth and claw. The hawks have to make a living too.
April 12, 2007
Another cold gray rainy day. The snow is nearly gone with just patches on the grass and in the woods. The grass is greening but the daffodils, now uncovered, are drooping, still wilted from the cold. Back in the woods the world is still brown white and shades of gray. Snow is predicted for tonight but without accumulation.
I haven’t seen the Phoebe for a few days. I have not had a lot of time to look, but I decided to check the holly, arborvitae , and juniper in frond of the house where it liked to hang out incase it was claimed by the cold. No Phoebe. Just a Chickadee tail feather. Worn and probably the result of molt. The Chickadees, didn’t like my poking around. Their dee dees were quick. But I think 3 dees indicate a threat while 2 just indicate annoyance. They sometimes land on my head when I am filling the feeder so I doubt I am perceived as a threat. I still wonder about the Phoebe, maybe it decided survival was more important than territory and headed for warmer weather.
No sign of the Fox Sparrows either. It is getting to be time for them to move on. A pair of Tufted Titmice were mating on the feeder. It seems their hormone cycle is unaffected by the weather.
The deep snow and the rain plus dark skies have kept me inside the last several days. I am itching to get out.
Suddenly the guys are gone. No movement whatsoever in the yard. I go out to investigate. There is no sound except the wind. No movement, everyone is hiding and quiet. The bushes that are usually filled with birds waiting to stage to feeders are empty. I go around the back of the house and a Coop (Cooper’s Hawk) flushes from a beech tree. A Nuthatch is the first to sound the all clear. A Cardinal then joins in. A Morning Dove flies over and the House Finches begin moving in the spruces in front. The sky is getting darker because of the clouds. The evening is early today. I have to turn on the light. An hour earlier than when it is sunny. In the distance to the north, over the lower elevations I can see the sky is lighter. If there were leaves on the trees I would not be able to see so far.
I haven’t seen the Phoebe for a few days. I have not had a lot of time to look, but I decided to check the holly, arborvitae , and juniper in frond of the house where it liked to hang out incase it was claimed by the cold. No Phoebe. Just a Chickadee tail feather. Worn and probably the result of molt. The Chickadees, didn’t like my poking around. Their dee dees were quick. But I think 3 dees indicate a threat while 2 just indicate annoyance. They sometimes land on my head when I am filling the feeder so I doubt I am perceived as a threat. I still wonder about the Phoebe, maybe it decided survival was more important than territory and headed for warmer weather.
No sign of the Fox Sparrows either. It is getting to be time for them to move on. A pair of Tufted Titmice were mating on the feeder. It seems their hormone cycle is unaffected by the weather.
The deep snow and the rain plus dark skies have kept me inside the last several days. I am itching to get out.
Suddenly the guys are gone. No movement whatsoever in the yard. I go out to investigate. There is no sound except the wind. No movement, everyone is hiding and quiet. The bushes that are usually filled with birds waiting to stage to feeders are empty. I go around the back of the house and a Coop (Cooper’s Hawk) flushes from a beech tree. A Nuthatch is the first to sound the all clear. A Cardinal then joins in. A Morning Dove flies over and the House Finches begin moving in the spruces in front. The sky is getting darker because of the clouds. The evening is early today. I have to turn on the light. An hour earlier than when it is sunny. In the distance to the north, over the lower elevations I can see the sky is lighter. If there were leaves on the trees I would not be able to see so far.
April 11, 2007
Rain and temperatures in the 40’s. Patches of grass are starting to show on the lawn. I have not had much time to look outside . The wind is howling high in the trees. I can see it is really blowing hard up high but lower the branches of the spruces are barely moving.
I like to say the trees fight in the cold wind. They compete for light in the canopy and only come together at their crowns. The wind bangs the branches together. A tree with stronger branches may break those of one less strong.
When the wind howls the noise is in great contrast to when It is still. It sounds like the brakes of a train. A constant whoooooooooooooooo. Mid frequency. The wind chimes add an occasional note. When the wind picks up it is like a distant jet engine. White noise over the howl. A strong wind comes whipping through. The birds dive for cover and the smaller branches swirl in an unpredictable path.
Cold gray skies, high wind and rain. Our unofficial slogan here in the Cleveland region: “You have to be tough”
I like to say the trees fight in the cold wind. They compete for light in the canopy and only come together at their crowns. The wind bangs the branches together. A tree with stronger branches may break those of one less strong.
When the wind howls the noise is in great contrast to when It is still. It sounds like the brakes of a train. A constant whoooooooooooooooo. Mid frequency. The wind chimes add an occasional note. When the wind picks up it is like a distant jet engine. White noise over the howl. A strong wind comes whipping through. The birds dive for cover and the smaller branches swirl in an unpredictable path.
Cold gray skies, high wind and rain. Our unofficial slogan here in the Cleveland region: “You have to be tough”
April 10, 2007
Sunny and 45. The snow continues to melt, but no open patches of grass yet. Listening to the radio Julie Zicafoos is on the radio being interviewed about how the cold is effecting the birds. It is encouraging to hear her say she doesn’t know. Also interesting to hear of Tree Swallows and Martens in Wisconsin. While there amy be a few back here they are not very visible on the high elevations. Down at the lake there may be more. In Southern Ohio the Bluebirds are already sitting on eggs. Here they have yet to choose a nest site.
I wonder how the Phoebe is doing? I got a quick view of it yesterday as it dashed through the shrubs. The Fox Sparrows are around for yet another day.
The deep snow has precluded any walking outside. I have been threatening to get some snow shoes. They would have been nice yesterday afternoon. Today a walk would require my high boots as the seeps in the wood would be wet and muddy.
Outdoor footwear is an interesting subject. In this part of the world, people who spend a lot of time in the field prefer high rubber boots. The kind that have a shank in the sole and good treads. The kind people who finish concrete wear. They seem to work well as we have a lot of mud and water. Along the lake or in the woods or in the river valleys. A couple of pairs of heavy socks and you are OK. They don’t breath so wearing them all day for several days in a row is not advisable. I get a rash on my legs when I do. But for a few hours to half a day in the field they offer the best compromise of waterproof, good traction and good support. They are not expensive either. I have had the pair I use for more than 10 years. They could use some roughing of the treads for better traction but are otherwise in great shape. They work in snow, mud, running water, rock or any combination there of. They are not great at anything except keeping your feet dry. With a couple of layers of socks warm too. But that is the most important thing around here. Nothing will drive you inside on a cold spring day faster than cold wet feet.
Talking about outerwear, I got some spam from a very well known outfitter today. Pushing a spring sale on rain gear. As with boots breath ability is an oversold feature. I have expensive rain gear with a breathable “waterproof” layer. It is OK in light rain or for a little while in heavy rain, but lousy for being out in the rain all day. It simply does not keep you dry no matter what the claim. I’ve spent way too much money on this sort of gear, only to be disappointed in really wet conditions. I have found the cheaper, non breathable rain gear works best. It really keeps you dry. The stuff I use is low tech nylon backed PVC. Rather than being breathable it has baffles and vents. It works great.
I propose the following test before accepting new rain gear. Dress in cotton tee shirt and cotton trousers, cotton socks. Why cotton? Because it is the worst when wet. When cotton is wet you know it. Put on your waterproof shoes, and rain gear. Get in the shower and set the temperature so it is just above full cold. Stay there for an hour. If you are still dry after an hour, you are probably going to be OK. If you can stand it, stay in there another hour. If you are still dry after two hours, then your really will be fine. Two hours seems like a sever test, but think about being in the field. Two hours is nothing. If the rain is heavy you want to stay dry.
Since I am on the subject I want to complain about the impossibility of head wear that works well for birding in the rain. The hood on good rain gear keeps your head dry but you can’t hear the birds. For me, someone who listens and hears birds, usually before I see them, that is lousy. I have yet to find a suitable rain hat. One that really works and channels the water someplace other than down my neck. If I could get a good rain hat I wouldn’t need a hood. But then with the hood down it catches the rain. You can’t seem to win. It would not be too hard to design really good rain gear for people who spend a lot of time outdoors in the field. Maybe I should look for the stuff commercial fishermen wear. Can you still buy a nor’easter hat?
Binoculars in the rain are problematic. They fog up no matter what. I once toyed with a design for a battery operated anti fog system for binoculars. It was too complicated and cumbersome. If someone could develop glass suitable for binoculars that could be heated to stay fog free in the rain, they could sell a pair to every serious birder. We would not care if the optics were inferior to our regular glass, in the wet they would be superior to fogged lenses.
I wonder how the Phoebe is doing? I got a quick view of it yesterday as it dashed through the shrubs. The Fox Sparrows are around for yet another day.
The deep snow has precluded any walking outside. I have been threatening to get some snow shoes. They would have been nice yesterday afternoon. Today a walk would require my high boots as the seeps in the wood would be wet and muddy.
Outdoor footwear is an interesting subject. In this part of the world, people who spend a lot of time in the field prefer high rubber boots. The kind that have a shank in the sole and good treads. The kind people who finish concrete wear. They seem to work well as we have a lot of mud and water. Along the lake or in the woods or in the river valleys. A couple of pairs of heavy socks and you are OK. They don’t breath so wearing them all day for several days in a row is not advisable. I get a rash on my legs when I do. But for a few hours to half a day in the field they offer the best compromise of waterproof, good traction and good support. They are not expensive either. I have had the pair I use for more than 10 years. They could use some roughing of the treads for better traction but are otherwise in great shape. They work in snow, mud, running water, rock or any combination there of. They are not great at anything except keeping your feet dry. With a couple of layers of socks warm too. But that is the most important thing around here. Nothing will drive you inside on a cold spring day faster than cold wet feet.
Talking about outerwear, I got some spam from a very well known outfitter today. Pushing a spring sale on rain gear. As with boots breath ability is an oversold feature. I have expensive rain gear with a breathable “waterproof” layer. It is OK in light rain or for a little while in heavy rain, but lousy for being out in the rain all day. It simply does not keep you dry no matter what the claim. I’ve spent way too much money on this sort of gear, only to be disappointed in really wet conditions. I have found the cheaper, non breathable rain gear works best. It really keeps you dry. The stuff I use is low tech nylon backed PVC. Rather than being breathable it has baffles and vents. It works great.
I propose the following test before accepting new rain gear. Dress in cotton tee shirt and cotton trousers, cotton socks. Why cotton? Because it is the worst when wet. When cotton is wet you know it. Put on your waterproof shoes, and rain gear. Get in the shower and set the temperature so it is just above full cold. Stay there for an hour. If you are still dry after an hour, you are probably going to be OK. If you can stand it, stay in there another hour. If you are still dry after two hours, then your really will be fine. Two hours seems like a sever test, but think about being in the field. Two hours is nothing. If the rain is heavy you want to stay dry.
Since I am on the subject I want to complain about the impossibility of head wear that works well for birding in the rain. The hood on good rain gear keeps your head dry but you can’t hear the birds. For me, someone who listens and hears birds, usually before I see them, that is lousy. I have yet to find a suitable rain hat. One that really works and channels the water someplace other than down my neck. If I could get a good rain hat I wouldn’t need a hood. But then with the hood down it catches the rain. You can’t seem to win. It would not be too hard to design really good rain gear for people who spend a lot of time outdoors in the field. Maybe I should look for the stuff commercial fishermen wear. Can you still buy a nor’easter hat?
Binoculars in the rain are problematic. They fog up no matter what. I once toyed with a design for a battery operated anti fog system for binoculars. It was too complicated and cumbersome. If someone could develop glass suitable for binoculars that could be heated to stay fog free in the rain, they could sell a pair to every serious birder. We would not care if the optics were inferior to our regular glass, in the wet they would be superior to fogged lenses.
April 9, 2007
The thaw is on. The day got sunny and the snow is melting. On the lower elevations the grass was not even covered. Here the snow depth shrank from about 2 feet to less than a foot. Settling and melting and ground that is not frozen make the snow go away fast.
Fox Sparrows continue in the yard. I counted 4 at once today. Nice to have them around for a few days. A very nice male E. Towhee in the tree as I write. When I got home the Cardinal was singing loud and clear from high in a tree. I hope this spring snow is past.
Not that I want summer yet. Although I love hot weather I also like the change of seasons. An April with highs in the low 50’s turning into the 60’s in may is fine with me. I don’t like to see the leaves on the trees to early. Much easier to see the migrants when there are no leaves to hide among.
Fox Sparrows continue in the yard. I counted 4 at once today. Nice to have them around for a few days. A very nice male E. Towhee in the tree as I write. When I got home the Cardinal was singing loud and clear from high in a tree. I hope this spring snow is past.
Not that I want summer yet. Although I love hot weather I also like the change of seasons. An April with highs in the low 50’s turning into the 60’s in may is fine with me. I don’t like to see the leaves on the trees to early. Much easier to see the migrants when there are no leaves to hide among.
April 8, 2007
More snow overnight, about a foot, and another 8 inches in the last 3 hours. Mrs. Purple Finch is on the feeder . There was an alert on among the birds. An alert is when someone sounds the alarm about some danger and everyone freezes and stays put. Activity at the feeders stops and anyone at the feeder stays there. The Purple Finch is an uncommon bird these days. An uncommon nester since the semi exotic House Finch made its’ way into the region in 1962. The House Finch is superficially similar in appearance to the Purple Finch and has a similar song. They are a western North America species and like other of our exotic passerines were released in New York City and soon spread across the east to create a new range. Earlier a Fox Sparrow came by and eyed the feeder from the Tulip Tree about 20 feet away. It is always nice to see both of these species.
The feeders continue to be a swirl of activity. House Finches, Gold Finches, Juncos, Chickadees, Titmice, Red-bellied and Downey Woodpeckers are all over the feeders and on the window sill waiting for their turn. As they wait on the sill they look in at me.
Anyone who thinks Juncos are strictly ground birds has not spent much time around my house. Because the house is built on a hill leading down to Quarry Creek, The front of the house is a little above street grade but the rear is two stories with a walk out into the patio and back yard. Looking out the window of the library, I am eye level with things 18 feet above the grade in back. The Juncos frequent the feeders hanging above the eaves and go even higher in the trees. The females do stick to the ground and the brush as it is only the males who seem to venture up into the trees and onto the feeders in the back.
As I was shoveling the drive, the Barred Owls were hooting. That is fun. The temperature got above freezing so the snow was heavy. I have a 70 foot drive but it only took me 30 minutes to shovel. I got some exercise too. Here in the buckle of the snow belt I am used to a lot of snow. It is good to shovel. Not only do I get some exercise I don’t put any CO2
into the atmosphere.
The feeders continue to be a swirl of activity. House Finches, Gold Finches, Juncos, Chickadees, Titmice, Red-bellied and Downey Woodpeckers are all over the feeders and on the window sill waiting for their turn. As they wait on the sill they look in at me.
Anyone who thinks Juncos are strictly ground birds has not spent much time around my house. Because the house is built on a hill leading down to Quarry Creek, The front of the house is a little above street grade but the rear is two stories with a walk out into the patio and back yard. Looking out the window of the library, I am eye level with things 18 feet above the grade in back. The Juncos frequent the feeders hanging above the eaves and go even higher in the trees. The females do stick to the ground and the brush as it is only the males who seem to venture up into the trees and onto the feeders in the back.
As I was shoveling the drive, the Barred Owls were hooting. That is fun. The temperature got above freezing so the snow was heavy. I have a 70 foot drive but it only took me 30 minutes to shovel. I got some exercise too. Here in the buckle of the snow belt I am used to a lot of snow. It is good to shovel. Not only do I get some exercise I don’t put any CO2
into the atmosphere.
April 7.2007
More snow today. The birds are mobbing the feeders. Lots of Goldfinches. Many almost fully molted into their bright yellow plumage. Since Wednesday more than a foot of snow taking the total for the season to 128 inches.
I lead a hike at the Arboretum this morning. To Carver Pond, a 9 acre beaver pond, and along the East Branch of the Chagrin River to the Baldwin property. The snow was pretty in the Hemlocks along the valley. The birds were pretty good too. Especially given the weather. Carver Pond had lots of Phoebes. at least 10 individuals. They were everywhere as we circled the pond A Rusty Blackbird, a breeding plumage Horned Grebe, and my first Yellow-rumped Warbler of the year were the highlights there. In the woods along the valley in Upper Baldwin a Hermit Thrush put on a wonderful show. Circling us and then perching so close we got great naked eye looks. This bird was especially cute all fluffed up and round. It was interesting how the bird was following my narration for the group. When I described the spotted breast the bird sat to show us its’ breast and when I talked about the red tail it showed its’ red tail. Leading someone in the group to ask If I was paying the bird. Pure coincidence (I think), but fun.
The hike this morning is one of the great hikes in the region. It is is along a state scenic river and though pristine second growth forest. It is interesting to read in the Arboretum magazine that very few people know the horse trails well enough to lead tours in the remote natural areas. I guess I am one of them. Today was a case in point. The group did not want to cross the river. None had heeded the hike guidelines and worn waterproof footwear. I had anticipated this and given the cold weather had an alternate route in mind. It was a way I had never gone on that traverse, but I had been on all of the tails before. Except for about 500 meters that is. But I made the connections and found the unmarked and obscure snow covered trails without difficulty.
Holden has a new push for volunteers, with the tag line: “Let your hands be a force of nature.” One of the 3 pictures is my hand passing a Wandering Glider dragonfly to young girl. Funny. Someone in the Arboretum’s advertising function likes that picture. They seem to use it a lot. Amusing to think my hands are a “force of nature”. They are in the literal sense, everyone’s hands are.
I talked to my friend Carol about the behavior of the Phoebe yesterday. She has a Ph.D. in biology and did her dissertation on the behavior on Tamarin Monkeys. She speculates the Phoebe has seen the other birds get fed by through this behavior and perhaps thought I might have some food for it too. She suggested I get some meal worms
I lead a hike at the Arboretum this morning. To Carver Pond, a 9 acre beaver pond, and along the East Branch of the Chagrin River to the Baldwin property. The snow was pretty in the Hemlocks along the valley. The birds were pretty good too. Especially given the weather. Carver Pond had lots of Phoebes. at least 10 individuals. They were everywhere as we circled the pond A Rusty Blackbird, a breeding plumage Horned Grebe, and my first Yellow-rumped Warbler of the year were the highlights there. In the woods along the valley in Upper Baldwin a Hermit Thrush put on a wonderful show. Circling us and then perching so close we got great naked eye looks. This bird was especially cute all fluffed up and round. It was interesting how the bird was following my narration for the group. When I described the spotted breast the bird sat to show us its’ breast and when I talked about the red tail it showed its’ red tail. Leading someone in the group to ask If I was paying the bird. Pure coincidence (I think), but fun.
The hike this morning is one of the great hikes in the region. It is is along a state scenic river and though pristine second growth forest. It is interesting to read in the Arboretum magazine that very few people know the horse trails well enough to lead tours in the remote natural areas. I guess I am one of them. Today was a case in point. The group did not want to cross the river. None had heeded the hike guidelines and worn waterproof footwear. I had anticipated this and given the cold weather had an alternate route in mind. It was a way I had never gone on that traverse, but I had been on all of the tails before. Except for about 500 meters that is. But I made the connections and found the unmarked and obscure snow covered trails without difficulty.
Holden has a new push for volunteers, with the tag line: “Let your hands be a force of nature.” One of the 3 pictures is my hand passing a Wandering Glider dragonfly to young girl. Funny. Someone in the Arboretum’s advertising function likes that picture. They seem to use it a lot. Amusing to think my hands are a “force of nature”. They are in the literal sense, everyone’s hands are.
I talked to my friend Carol about the behavior of the Phoebe yesterday. She has a Ph.D. in biology and did her dissertation on the behavior on Tamarin Monkeys. She speculates the Phoebe has seen the other birds get fed by through this behavior and perhaps thought I might have some food for it too. She suggested I get some meal worms
April 6, 2007
The lake effect snow did not materialize here. Just a few inches this morning. It got warm so by the time I got home the grass was visible, then another 4 inches in the late afternoon and early evening.
I was reading by the front window. The Phoebe came by and landed on the walk. dropped its’ wings for about 20 seconds, then flew into the holly in the corner where the garage extends toward the road. I was thinking how it must be tough for the Phoebe with this much snow. An insectivorous bird with a prolonged cold snap. I went back to reading and was startled when the Phoebe flew into the window then landed in the Red bud across the walk looking at me. I realized the front feeder was empty and went out to fill it.
Hitting the window to get my attention is something the other birds do on a regular basis. A bird will hit the window of the room where I am then perch and look at me. If the feeder is empty they will fly to the feeder. If there is a hawk they will fly toward the hawk. To have the Phoebe do this was a surprise. Why would the Phoebe want to get my attention? I know some will call me crazy or say I am anthropomorphizing this behavior. Still I have come to recognize this as meaning the bird wants me to do something. I filled the feeder, and put some suet out in front. Why the Phoebe cannot get suet from the feeder in back I don’t know.
One other observation. When I walked out with the seed the Phoebe flew off, but a Robin was sitting on the gutter above the feeder and stayed there until I opened the feeder. Was the Phoebe doing the Robin’s bidding? I don’t know. I can only ask the question.
We humans think we are so intelligent yet we cannot decipher the most basic interactions of the animals around us. We are suffering from our own chauvinism and arrogance. It has been over a hundred years since my namesake, Hans the horse was shown to be following subtle unintentional clues from his owner rather than actually doing arithmetic. But to my mind that was the beginning of a long dark age in our understanding of animal behavior. It is interesting that today some behaviorists hypothesize that we humans have no free will. I see this as an outgrowth of the ideas that other animals are just automata, the need for dissertation topics, the proliferation of PhDs and that Universities have granted them to idiots for the last 40 or so years. I use "idiot" in the vernacular or popular sense rather than the classical.
I have no conviction about understanding the motivations of the animals around me. My ideas about their behavior are just speculation. Still we humans do have some basic understanding of cause an effect. Sure we get it horribly wrong sometimes. But we also do occasionally get it right. I have no illusions about “the truth”. Yet when it comes to the behavior of humans or other species it is nearly impossible to construct valid scientific experiments. As a result these are areas not worthy of scientific inquiry. Yet we still do experimentation based upon artificial circumstance and draw larger conclusions. Perhaps with our fellow humans this has a degree of validity because we can communicate with each other to some degree. With other species I could make the argument that they are better at learning how to communicate with us than we are with them. Yet now that we are emerging from a dark age, and now that we accept the evidence that intelligence an be present in nervous systems very unlike our own, we can at least admit that when it comes to the other species around us we simply don’t know. At least not in the sense that we can gather repeatable evidence.
I was reading by the front window. The Phoebe came by and landed on the walk. dropped its’ wings for about 20 seconds, then flew into the holly in the corner where the garage extends toward the road. I was thinking how it must be tough for the Phoebe with this much snow. An insectivorous bird with a prolonged cold snap. I went back to reading and was startled when the Phoebe flew into the window then landed in the Red bud across the walk looking at me. I realized the front feeder was empty and went out to fill it.
Hitting the window to get my attention is something the other birds do on a regular basis. A bird will hit the window of the room where I am then perch and look at me. If the feeder is empty they will fly to the feeder. If there is a hawk they will fly toward the hawk. To have the Phoebe do this was a surprise. Why would the Phoebe want to get my attention? I know some will call me crazy or say I am anthropomorphizing this behavior. Still I have come to recognize this as meaning the bird wants me to do something. I filled the feeder, and put some suet out in front. Why the Phoebe cannot get suet from the feeder in back I don’t know.
One other observation. When I walked out with the seed the Phoebe flew off, but a Robin was sitting on the gutter above the feeder and stayed there until I opened the feeder. Was the Phoebe doing the Robin’s bidding? I don’t know. I can only ask the question.
We humans think we are so intelligent yet we cannot decipher the most basic interactions of the animals around us. We are suffering from our own chauvinism and arrogance. It has been over a hundred years since my namesake, Hans the horse was shown to be following subtle unintentional clues from his owner rather than actually doing arithmetic. But to my mind that was the beginning of a long dark age in our understanding of animal behavior. It is interesting that today some behaviorists hypothesize that we humans have no free will. I see this as an outgrowth of the ideas that other animals are just automata, the need for dissertation topics, the proliferation of PhDs and that Universities have granted them to idiots for the last 40 or so years. I use "idiot" in the vernacular or popular sense rather than the classical.
I have no conviction about understanding the motivations of the animals around me. My ideas about their behavior are just speculation. Still we humans do have some basic understanding of cause an effect. Sure we get it horribly wrong sometimes. But we also do occasionally get it right. I have no illusions about “the truth”. Yet when it comes to the behavior of humans or other species it is nearly impossible to construct valid scientific experiments. As a result these are areas not worthy of scientific inquiry. Yet we still do experimentation based upon artificial circumstance and draw larger conclusions. Perhaps with our fellow humans this has a degree of validity because we can communicate with each other to some degree. With other species I could make the argument that they are better at learning how to communicate with us than we are with them. Yet now that we are emerging from a dark age, and now that we accept the evidence that intelligence an be present in nervous systems very unlike our own, we can at least admit that when it comes to the other species around us we simply don’t know. At least not in the sense that we can gather repeatable evidence.
April 5, 2007
A bit of snow and more on the way. It is hard to judge the exact amount after the fact, but I estimate 3 to 4 inches. The cold kept me inside except to look at the daffodils in the snow. They are hardy and will survive. The yellow and green against the white of the snow is beautiful and rare. It is only once ever few years that we have snow heavy enough to cover the ground after the daffodils bloom.
More snow on the way tonight. A lake effect snow warning. As unpredictable as a horse race, lake effect snow could amount to just a dusting or over a foot here. I guess I will find out in the morning. Either way no big deal.
More snow on the way tonight. A lake effect snow warning. As unpredictable as a horse race, lake effect snow could amount to just a dusting or over a foot here. I guess I will find out in the morning. Either way no big deal.
April 4, 2007
My mom’s birthday. She died 5 years ago I still miss her. She saw my interest in nature and encouraged it. I miss my dad too. They were both such wonderful people. Not perfect, but still wonderful. They did not leave me with any baggage I don’t like.
What a contrast, a record high of 80, and sunny yesterday, 35 and snow today. Not unexpected. Highly variable weather is normal here. The birds are working the feeders hard as the evening progresses. The day is gray cold and windy. Yesterday was just a taste of things to come. It was nice though. I got the Bluebird houses ready so they can move in at any time. It was just a matter of opening them and making sure nothing was inside from over the winter. I’ve heard the Bluebirds singing in the morning. The White-breasted Nuthatches are also actively seeking nesting holes. The Chickadees and Titmice will wait a while. They all need insects and their larvae to feed young. While many non passerine migrants are moving or have already nested, it will be another 2 weeks before the passerines begin coming though in any real numbers. The Eastern Phoebe has been back for a couple of weeks, but they are always early. Fox Sparrows, another early migrant have already moved in. Non forest birds. Red-wing Blackbirds, Common Grackles, have been back for more than a month. Not nesting yet though.
The snow is sticking in the woods and on the roofs. We are supposed to get 1 to 3 inches. That amount could triple here on Gildersleeve mountain. The higher elevation really makes a difference, and micro climate is an appropriate description of this place.
I have been hearing a lot about bees lately. People are worried about honey bee populations declining. They lament the lack of pollinators. They forget we have a wealth of native pollinators. Honey bees are an exotic imported species. They are the live stock of the insect world. Kept by beekeepers. In the summer when the native plants are in full bloom I count over 12 species of native bees and wasps visiting the flowers. I wonder if they will not fill in for the European exotics?
I wonder when the Chipmunks will come out? I have yet to see them. The tree squirrels are around all winter but the Chipmunks hibernate. The moles have already been busy in the yard. Tunneling just beneath the grass. The Chipmunks are very cute. The black morph Gray Squirrels are very cute too. I have learned the hard way to never trust a Squirrel. They are only interested in food. If you are charitable they will only take advantage. I thought I had made friends with a gray squirrel once. Only to have him break into my home get ito the seed and poop on the furniture. He had to chew a hole in a window screen to do this. Actually I was rather impressed that he knew where I kept the bag of bird seed hidden. I can imagine him watching me going to get the seed and then waiting for opportune time when I was away at work. Never trust a Squirrel.
What a contrast, a record high of 80, and sunny yesterday, 35 and snow today. Not unexpected. Highly variable weather is normal here. The birds are working the feeders hard as the evening progresses. The day is gray cold and windy. Yesterday was just a taste of things to come. It was nice though. I got the Bluebird houses ready so they can move in at any time. It was just a matter of opening them and making sure nothing was inside from over the winter. I’ve heard the Bluebirds singing in the morning. The White-breasted Nuthatches are also actively seeking nesting holes. The Chickadees and Titmice will wait a while. They all need insects and their larvae to feed young. While many non passerine migrants are moving or have already nested, it will be another 2 weeks before the passerines begin coming though in any real numbers. The Eastern Phoebe has been back for a couple of weeks, but they are always early. Fox Sparrows, another early migrant have already moved in. Non forest birds. Red-wing Blackbirds, Common Grackles, have been back for more than a month. Not nesting yet though.
The snow is sticking in the woods and on the roofs. We are supposed to get 1 to 3 inches. That amount could triple here on Gildersleeve mountain. The higher elevation really makes a difference, and micro climate is an appropriate description of this place.
I have been hearing a lot about bees lately. People are worried about honey bee populations declining. They lament the lack of pollinators. They forget we have a wealth of native pollinators. Honey bees are an exotic imported species. They are the live stock of the insect world. Kept by beekeepers. In the summer when the native plants are in full bloom I count over 12 species of native bees and wasps visiting the flowers. I wonder if they will not fill in for the European exotics?
I wonder when the Chipmunks will come out? I have yet to see them. The tree squirrels are around all winter but the Chipmunks hibernate. The moles have already been busy in the yard. Tunneling just beneath the grass. The Chipmunks are very cute. The black morph Gray Squirrels are very cute too. I have learned the hard way to never trust a Squirrel. They are only interested in food. If you are charitable they will only take advantage. I thought I had made friends with a gray squirrel once. Only to have him break into my home get ito the seed and poop on the furniture. He had to chew a hole in a window screen to do this. Actually I was rather impressed that he knew where I kept the bag of bird seed hidden. I can imagine him watching me going to get the seed and then waiting for opportune time when I was away at work. Never trust a Squirrel.
April 3, 2007
The night is clear and still, so very noisy. Mostly the noise of civilization. Trains, the rumble of their diesel locomotives and the wail of their whistles. The tracks are 6 miles to the north, but they might as well be 1/10 of that on a night like this. Then there is the traffic, at 3 am there is still a remarkable amount of traffic on the interstate and surface roads. The combined tire noise creates a low howl. Then an engine will add its’ note, and a turbo prop overhead. It really is noisy. The Coyotes will go back and fourth for a few seconds, and the Barred Owl will chime in with a subdued who who whoo who. The moon is a day or so past full and so bright it casts distinct shadows. I’ve been outside looking and listening. At 3 am it sure is bright and noisy. No wonder I am awake.
April 2, 2007
The day is beauty! Clear sunny mid 60’s. It is the golden time of day. The beautiful light of the early evening Just beauty.
I saw my first water strider of the year on the creek and my first Morning cloak Butterfly.
Visibility was only about 20 miles. There was a line of mist way out over the lake that was interesting. Because it was not even, it looked almost like the northern shore. Canada is 54 miles away and the horizon from the look out is 27 miles. It is easy to see how someone might make a mistake on a day like today
The Red-bellied Woodpecker just stopped by to get some seed from the feeder. He is just heavy enough to tilt the pivot closed but knows how to shift his weight so it will open back up. Squirrel proof feeders reduce conflict and provide good feelings all around. I have mine set to keep the Blue Jays off.
The Red-tails just exchanged places at the nest. They are only about 150 yards back behind the house. Once there are leaves on the trees I wont be able to see them. With the leaves not yet out I have a nice view of their activities. I tend to leave them alone. If I get within 100 yards of their nest they will get upset.
A Red-shouldered Hawk just came over. I wonder what is going on? The Tail and Shoulder are in very close proximity. Oh, and now the tail has come back to the nest from a different direction. I can only guess about the social dynamics among the local hawks.
The Black-capped Chickadees are busy coming in to the feeder. A female Tufted Titmouse was popping around fluttering her wings, doing the feed me gesture. No males responded. Maybe a little early in the season.
The Eastern Bluebirds continue to check the boxes in the front yard. The pair that nested last year raised 2 broods.
Today the Supreme Court Ruled the EPA can regulate greenhouse gases. This was such wonderful news.
I saw my first water strider of the year on the creek and my first Morning cloak Butterfly.
Visibility was only about 20 miles. There was a line of mist way out over the lake that was interesting. Because it was not even, it looked almost like the northern shore. Canada is 54 miles away and the horizon from the look out is 27 miles. It is easy to see how someone might make a mistake on a day like today
The Red-bellied Woodpecker just stopped by to get some seed from the feeder. He is just heavy enough to tilt the pivot closed but knows how to shift his weight so it will open back up. Squirrel proof feeders reduce conflict and provide good feelings all around. I have mine set to keep the Blue Jays off.
The Red-tails just exchanged places at the nest. They are only about 150 yards back behind the house. Once there are leaves on the trees I wont be able to see them. With the leaves not yet out I have a nice view of their activities. I tend to leave them alone. If I get within 100 yards of their nest they will get upset.
A Red-shouldered Hawk just came over. I wonder what is going on? The Tail and Shoulder are in very close proximity. Oh, and now the tail has come back to the nest from a different direction. I can only guess about the social dynamics among the local hawks.
The Black-capped Chickadees are busy coming in to the feeder. A female Tufted Titmouse was popping around fluttering her wings, doing the feed me gesture. No males responded. Maybe a little early in the season.
The Eastern Bluebirds continue to check the boxes in the front yard. The pair that nested last year raised 2 broods.
Today the Supreme Court Ruled the EPA can regulate greenhouse gases. This was such wonderful news.
April 1, 2007
April 1st is an appropriate day to begin a fool’s endeavor. Yet foolish things can also provide amusement and enjoyment.
It is a rainy morning with temperature barely over 50. The sort of day that makes it hard to go outside. Best to look though the ample windows at the world around my house,
The Sugar Maples have budded in just the last two days. No leaves obscure the line of the higher elevation to the northwest. As the rain let up a Tufted Titmouse came buy to let me know the feeders were almost empty. A shake brings some seed to the front but I will have to get out and buy more today. The bin in the garage is empty.
It is interesting how the birds let me know the feeders are in need of tending. What they will do to get my attention. I guess it would be useful to declare at the outset my belief that intelligence evolved with other traits. Did not spontaneously spring into being with the evolution of our species. So the ability to understand cause and effect is something I take for granted in the animals around me. “The Guys” as I call them may not understand my motives for putting seed and suet out, but they seem to have a fine understanding of the fact that I do it. And that I am the one who needs to know when the supply in the feeders gets low.
My feeders are close to the windows. Three in all. Two hung under the eaves in back and one on a post in front. So birds are just 4 feet away or closer to my eyeballs as they come in for something to eat.
I don’t understand the notion of putting a feeder farther out in the yard. To my mind close to the windows offers several advantages and few disadvantages. First in gets the birds close where you can really see them. Where you can interact. When the Sharpie (Sharp-shinned Hawk) is hanging around, the passerines can let you know. While their own harassment of the predator will have little effect,. Merely going out and getting a look at the little hawk is enough to get him or her to move along. Second is that it makes it easier to maintain the feeders. Then there is the issue of the windows themselves. Feeders close to the windows reduce the velocity of bird strikes. This results in fewer injuries and deaths. Windows are the number one cause of human induced bird fatalities. From my observation just a few feet can make a difference. In a former residence I could not get the feeders as close and the number of strikes that resulted in a stunned or dead bird was far greater. Every time I hear a heavy hit I investigate. Hoping to not find a dead or stunned bird below. With the feeders 1 to 3 feet from the windows I can say that in 5 years I have yet to find a stunned or dead bird. With the feeders 4 to 5 feet away the number increased from zero. When going from zero to something it is hard to define the effect as anything other than dramatic. The probability goes from zero to certain or 100%. The one disadvantage of close feeders is dirty windows. Or at least dirtier windows. But this has the beneficial effect of making the windows even more obvious to the birds.
As the morning progresses the rain has past and the weather warms. Chores around the house consume some time and I was able to do some jewelry repairs for a neighbor while doing laundry. Heading out the front door down the walk and driveway to make my delivery I kick up some of the scores of Dark-eyed Juncos that inhabit my yard year round. They flash their white outer tail feathers as they move from the ground into the shrubs. Singing their soft “theu theu” call. Not a sharp call of alarm or the tinker bell breeding song. Just their contact call. They don’t go far and if I keep moving they will sit a few feet away to await my passage then fly back down to the ground behind me.
This afternoon my walk around the summit of Gildersleeve Mountain, revealed more green than yesterday. Trout lily, or dog tooth violets, a are poking their accumulate tipped elliptical leaves out from under the debris on the forest floor. They were not there yesterday. The vernal pools are overflowing from the rain this morning. Looking out toward the lake I could see rain coming from the west and got soaked in my loop. The rain and air were warm, so it was not an unpleasant walk in spite of the rain. The weather forecast was for 40% chance of showers.
In the woods Robins are working the forest floor. I am waiting for Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers to make their appearance. The are already back along the lake shore, but as is often the case, back fill on the higher elevations.
Coming home the rain had stopped but the creek that runs in back of the house was running pretty full. I really need to build a new bridge this year. Having put it off last year, the large timber that has been there for the past 10 years or so is getting very shaky. A bridge will be a fun and quick project. More a matter of money than time...
It is a rainy morning with temperature barely over 50. The sort of day that makes it hard to go outside. Best to look though the ample windows at the world around my house,
The Sugar Maples have budded in just the last two days. No leaves obscure the line of the higher elevation to the northwest. As the rain let up a Tufted Titmouse came buy to let me know the feeders were almost empty. A shake brings some seed to the front but I will have to get out and buy more today. The bin in the garage is empty.
It is interesting how the birds let me know the feeders are in need of tending. What they will do to get my attention. I guess it would be useful to declare at the outset my belief that intelligence evolved with other traits. Did not spontaneously spring into being with the evolution of our species. So the ability to understand cause and effect is something I take for granted in the animals around me. “The Guys” as I call them may not understand my motives for putting seed and suet out, but they seem to have a fine understanding of the fact that I do it. And that I am the one who needs to know when the supply in the feeders gets low.
My feeders are close to the windows. Three in all. Two hung under the eaves in back and one on a post in front. So birds are just 4 feet away or closer to my eyeballs as they come in for something to eat.
I don’t understand the notion of putting a feeder farther out in the yard. To my mind close to the windows offers several advantages and few disadvantages. First in gets the birds close where you can really see them. Where you can interact. When the Sharpie (Sharp-shinned Hawk) is hanging around, the passerines can let you know. While their own harassment of the predator will have little effect,. Merely going out and getting a look at the little hawk is enough to get him or her to move along. Second is that it makes it easier to maintain the feeders. Then there is the issue of the windows themselves. Feeders close to the windows reduce the velocity of bird strikes. This results in fewer injuries and deaths. Windows are the number one cause of human induced bird fatalities. From my observation just a few feet can make a difference. In a former residence I could not get the feeders as close and the number of strikes that resulted in a stunned or dead bird was far greater. Every time I hear a heavy hit I investigate. Hoping to not find a dead or stunned bird below. With the feeders 1 to 3 feet from the windows I can say that in 5 years I have yet to find a stunned or dead bird. With the feeders 4 to 5 feet away the number increased from zero. When going from zero to something it is hard to define the effect as anything other than dramatic. The probability goes from zero to certain or 100%. The one disadvantage of close feeders is dirty windows. Or at least dirtier windows. But this has the beneficial effect of making the windows even more obvious to the birds.
As the morning progresses the rain has past and the weather warms. Chores around the house consume some time and I was able to do some jewelry repairs for a neighbor while doing laundry. Heading out the front door down the walk and driveway to make my delivery I kick up some of the scores of Dark-eyed Juncos that inhabit my yard year round. They flash their white outer tail feathers as they move from the ground into the shrubs. Singing their soft “theu theu” call. Not a sharp call of alarm or the tinker bell breeding song. Just their contact call. They don’t go far and if I keep moving they will sit a few feet away to await my passage then fly back down to the ground behind me.
This afternoon my walk around the summit of Gildersleeve Mountain, revealed more green than yesterday. Trout lily, or dog tooth violets, a are poking their accumulate tipped elliptical leaves out from under the debris on the forest floor. They were not there yesterday. The vernal pools are overflowing from the rain this morning. Looking out toward the lake I could see rain coming from the west and got soaked in my loop. The rain and air were warm, so it was not an unpleasant walk in spite of the rain. The weather forecast was for 40% chance of showers.
In the woods Robins are working the forest floor. I am waiting for Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers to make their appearance. The are already back along the lake shore, but as is often the case, back fill on the higher elevations.
Coming home the rain had stopped but the creek that runs in back of the house was running pretty full. I really need to build a new bridge this year. Having put it off last year, the large timber that has been there for the past 10 years or so is getting very shaky. A bridge will be a fun and quick project. More a matter of money than time...
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