Birding - Derby Hill 3/28/12

Lake Ontario

At 9 AM pulled into the parking lot at Derby Hill Bird Observatory. Introduced myself to Gerry Smith, Onondaga Audubon, President, Kyle Wright, professional hawk counter at Derby Hill, and David Wheeler, today's Onondaga Audubon observer.

Shortly thereafter the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) tour van arrived. Leading the excursion was Chris Lajewski, Education Manager at the MAC. The entourage quickly made their sitting arrangements. Almost immediately turkey vultures appeared overhead. In fact, this late March mega flight set a new single day Turkey Vulture record of 2731 birds, besting April 2nd 2009’s previous record by 60 birds.

The weather started out overcast but ended with a flourish. Viewing my eBird checklist will provide some idea of the birds that were seen today.

Some photos:

Tour Member, Gerry Smith, David Wheeler, Kyle Wright

Birders

Bird Boxes

Another great day to be birding. Oh yeah, had lunch at the Fajita Grill in Oswego NY.

Week Thirteen - 39 to Go

An absorbing read that will create a special place in your heart for horses.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2012

Birding - Montezuma - March 21, 2012

Martens Tract

The Spring weather continues to be exceptional. Today would prove no different. The temperature will eventually reach into the 70s. The key combos for this birding day will be fellow birders and song sparrows.

At Martens Tract I introduced myself to Joseph Brin of Baldwinsville, N.Y. At Knox-Marcellus a retired couple were scoping out four soaring eagles. At Tschache Pool two women were photographing the birds from the tower. At the Visitors' Center two bikers, an elderly couple, and two young women. At the Cayuga Lock two men were taking photos of the nesting eagle.

Ring-necked Duck

Hejamada Campground

 Northern Shoveler

Muckrace

Ring-necked Duck

Muckrace

Red-winged Blackbird

Martens Tract

Song Sparrow

Martens Tract

Song Sparrow

Martens Tract

Tree Swallow

 Martens Tract

Mourning Cloak Butterfly

Van Dyne Spoor Road

Song Sparrow

 Cancross Road

Song Sparrow

 Cancross Road

Great Blue Heron

 Cancross Road

Bald Eagle

Knox-Marcellus Marsh

Song Sparrow

Tschache Pool

 Song Sparrow

Tschache Pool

Green-winged Teal

 Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

 Visitors' Pool

Brown-headed Cowbird

 Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Visitors' Center

Bald Eagle

Cayuga Lock

 All in all another great day birding.

Week Twelve - 40 to Go

In this second flashback of his career, Mitch Rapp, a superhero without teammates, displays how to accomplish success against the unexpected.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2012

Birding - March 12th & 15th 2012

Martens Tract

Here are some photos from March 2012 birding tours.

Monday, March 12, 2012:

Canada Geese

North Spring Pool

Mute Swan

North Spring Pool

Blackbird - North Spring Pool

FOY Song Sparrow

Martens Tract

FOY Great Blue Heron

Van Spoor Road

Red-wing Blackbird

Van Spoor Road

Killdeer

McDonald Road

Thursday, March 15, 2012:

Song Sparrow - Martens Tract

 Tree Swallow

Martens Tract

Eastern Bluebird
Martens Tract

Northern Shoveler

Visitor's Center Pool

Montezuma Refuge

Killdeer

Visitor's Center Pool

Montezuma Refuge

Bald Eagle

Cayuga-Seneca Lock

Good week for birding leading up to March Madness and St. Patrick's Day.

Erin Go Bragh

Week Eleven - 41 to Go

This work reads slowly. But by placing an emphasis on the solid plodding of police work and on the intricate processes of the law, Underwood draws you in.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2012

Birding - MAC Van Tour 3/7/12

Snow Geese - Knox-Marsellus Marsh

The Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) had scheduled birding van tour for today from 9AM to 12PM.

Driving over McDonald Road as I came around the curve just passed Hejamada Campground noticed several waterfowl on the pond to my left. There were Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon and Hooded Merganser swimming in the open water.

As I was about to depart 2 Eastern Bluebirds lit upon a bird box. These are my first sighting of bluebirds for 2012. Then a Red-wing Blackbird flew into the cattails. Also a first sighting for this year.

Turned left after crossing the railroad bridge in Savannah and made my way to Montezuma Muckrace Flats. There foraging among 45 Canada Geese were 13 Northern Pintails.

Way towards the back of the Flats was a bird that was difficult to identify. Then it took flight and came closer. My first killdeer sighting of the year.

Entering the MAC met a full parking lot. In the foyer, Chris Lajewski, Education Manager at the MAC, was laying out the itinerary for the today's participants. Among those in attendance were Stephen Cannerelli, The Post-Standard photojournalist (Photo Journal), Gary Tyson, birder and award-winning photographer from Wellsboro, PA, David Figura, The Post-Standard outdoors editor (Outdoor Blog), Alan Schenck and Beth Nicholas of Geneva, Chris from Pittsford, NY, Linda from Seneca Falls, and Rose from Syracuse, NY and her friend from Delhi, India.

With anticipation the 21 birders boarded the van or got into their own cars and the caravan began. Our first stop was Knox-Marcellus Marsh. Here were 100s of Snow Geese and Canada Geese along with Northern Pintails, 2 immature eagles, a Killdeer and a Red-tail Hawk.

Next stop was Tschache Pool. There 3 immature eagles put on an aerial display. One of the eagles had a fish in its talons and the other two were attempting to steal it. The fish was eventually dropped and all three eagles went hungry. The lady from India directed my attention to a Tufted Titmouse that was hiding in the scrub.

The group headed back to the MAC and I took a detour to the Martens Tract, which was very quiet with the exception of an eagle way off to the east.

Movies:

Muckrace Flats

 Knox-Marcellus Marsh

Week Ten - 42 to Go

Daniel Palmer is 2 for 2. In his second novel, Palmer continues down the mystery/thriller path that he began with Delirious. Gear up. Walk on. To reach the end is worth the read.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2012