I am looking to use photos of two different sparrow species in a blog post I am putting together. I definitely will attribute photos to the photographer.
Want I would like is one photo each of immature White-crowned Sparrow, and adult Nelson's Sparrow.
Please let me know if you can help me out. Thanks Jody
Date: 2/16/26 7:14 am From: Suan Hsi Yong <suan.yong...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] CBC Field Trip this Saturday to Oswego
Field Trip: Oswego/Lake Ontario Shoreline with Bob McGuire
Saturday, February 21st 8:00am - 4:00pm
Join Bob McGuire for an all-day trip to Lake Ontario. Meet at Stewart Park, east lot, for carpooling. We will drive to Oswego to view waterfowl on the river and (possibly) the bay. There is a huge congregation of birds on the open water including Harlequin and Long-tailed Ducks, Redheads, Scaup, Mergansers, and White-winged Scoters. Easy access and close viewing. Afterwards we will either head west along the lakeshore or south to Onondaga Lake for the gathering of eagles. Dress warmly and be prepared to walk in the snow. Questions - <bmcguire...> -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
Date: 2/15/26 4:33 pm From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Winter World Walk on February 21st at Montezuma Refuge
The March Equinox is 33 days away. This gives us only two more chances to explore the wonders of the winter season at the Montezuma Refuge. We are seeing eagles and hawks and swans and waterfowl - all the while exploring the magic and mystery of this sometimes harsh, but beautiful season. Hope you can join us this Saturday. 10am at the Refuge's Visitor Center. And bring a friend. Pete Saracino/Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
Date: 2/15/26 9:58 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Eastern Screech-Owls Courting
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Naturally Curious with Mary Holland <comment-reply...>
Date: Fri, Feb 13, 2026, 8:29 AM
Subject: Eastern Screech-Owls Courting
To: <petersaracino...>
The courtship of Eastern Screech-Owls is underway, and it’s prime time for
hearing their delightful calls. In my opinion, Eastern Screech-Owls are not
aptly named. They make a variety of…
The courtship of Eastern Screech-Owls is underway, and it’s prime time for
hearing their delightful calls. In my opinion, Eastern Screech-Owls are not
aptly named. They make a variety of sounds, including barks, hoots,
squeals and an occasional screech, but the most common calls of both male
and female screech-owls are an even-pitched *trill*, or tremolo, and a
shrill, descending *whinny*.
The trills are given at a single pitch and are used to advertise nest
sites, for courting, when arriving at their nest cavity with food and for
inducing fledging. They are important for maintaining pair and family
contact, as well as for attracting mates. The whinny call is described as
a quavering whistle, much like the whinny of a horse. It is often used for
territorial defense. Whinny calls are most frequent throughout the nesting
period as well as when the young disperse. Trill and whinny calls are
given separately or together.
Some people wishing to see an owl use recordings of owl calls to draw them
in. Birds call for territorial defense and mate attraction and our playing
tapes most likely interferes with their social behavior and could well
increase their stress level.
Date: 2/15/26 9:32 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Winter World Walk February 21 at the Montezuma Refuge
The March Equinox is 33 days away. This gives us only two more chances to explore the wonders of the winter season at the Montezuma Refuge. We are seeing eagles and hawks and swans and waterfowl - all the while exploring the magic and mystery of this sometimes harsh, but beautiful season. Hope you can join us this Saturday. 10am at the Refuge's Visitor Center. And bring a friend. Pete Saracino/Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
Date: 2/13/26 6:33 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Winter World Walk at Montezuma Refuge Tomorrow
Folks: Only 35 more days till Spring - astronomically speaking. That means three more chances to explore the many marvels of this sometimes harsh, yet beautiful season. Wintertime can enchant those with eyes to see. Come join me this Saturday. And bring your Valentine! Walk starts 2/14 @ 10am at Refuge Visitor Center. Pete Saracino/Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
A small crew of four birders (who didn't read the snowy and windy forecast, or paid no heed to it) attended yesterday's meetup at Taughannock. The open water in the small sheltered marina hosted a nice variety including Mute Swans, Gadwall, Common Mergansers, and Redheads. The swimming beach, shadowed from the wind, had a big gathering of waterfowl, including Tundra Swans, Red-breasted Mergansers, and two Snow Geese walking on the snow. Two Bald Eagles made appearances before we trudged our way into the headwind across the field back to our cars for breakfast at the Falls. After breakfast, we went to the falls overlook and walked upstream to seek out the viewpoint for the peregrine nest, passing many Turkey Vultures roosting and flying about, including a tree with at least 26 birds, and scaring away a Pileated Woodpecker working a cavity.
Next week, we'll meet at Myers Park's boat launch area: TURN LEFT immediately after the entrance station and park near the playground.
Date: 2/10/26 3:16 pm From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Bird deaths in Hudson Valley
Based on reports from early February 2026, a significant number of birds have been found dead in the Hudson Valley, with officials primarily suspecting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) rather than solely freezing to death, though the extreme cold has exacerbated the situation. Dozens of Crows in Wallkill: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is investigating the deaths of dozens of crows found behind a shopping plaza on Schutt Road in the Town of Wallkill. Geese in Thornwood: Twelve geese were found dead in Carroll Park in Thornwood, NY, on February 2, 2026, with findings attributed to bird flu. Impact of Cold: While bird flu is the suspected cause for many, the extreme, Arctic temperatures in the region have made it difficult for birds to find food and water, with some observed suffering from severe frostbite on their legs and feet. Precautionary Measures: Officials urge residents to stay away from dead birds, as avian flu continues to spread in the region. If you come across large numbers of dead birds, report them to the DEC. Tips to help birds during extreme cold: Keep feeders and water sources clean to prevent the spread of disease. Provide food and water to help them survive, as they struggle to find nourishment in freezing weather. If you see birds on your windows or balconies, allow them to seek shelter from the cold. Sar -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
We often have the pileated woodpecker register on our Haiku box, but we have also had it visit our suet feeders a few times on these really cold mornings.
Pat
________________________________
From: <CAYUGABIRDS-L...> <CAYUGABIRDS-L...> on behalf of Fredric Kardon <fredrickardon...>
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 12:10 PM
To: <cayugabirds-l...> <cayugabirds-l...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Fwd: Feeding millet to wild birds
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Fredric Kardon <fredrickardon...><mailto:<fredrickardon...>> Date: Mon, Feb 9, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Subject: Feeding millet to wild birds
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <cayugabirds-l...><mailto:<cayugabirds-l...>>
I’m sharing my experience feeding birds on the ground for the past 15-20 years. (I got the idea of feeding millet to wild birds from a video clip of John Fitzpatrick.) From October to April I spread white millet on my backyard lawn, underneath a large hydrangea bush, on slate/concrete paths, and (in the past ) on our gravel driveway. I clear snow off of an area of lawn when necessary so that the millet doesn’t sink in. Birds we see daily include doves, juncos, white-throats, and cardinals. Occasionally we see blue jays eating the millet. Very infrequently, depending on the month, we see white-crowned sparrows and fox sparrows. In the winter we see tree sparrows, and towards the spring we will see chipping sparrows and cowbirds. One winter, an Eastern Towhee wintered over eating millet every day under our hydrangea bush. Very rarely, in the spring indigo buntings and bluebirds eat the millet. Of course, we also get several squirrels and sometimes deer. I chase away the deer because they scare off the birds (the squirrels don't).
Some millet may sprout in the spring, but they are very easy to pull up.
We also have 2 tube feeders and 1 platform feeder with black-oil sunflower seeds. I buy 40 lb bags of white millet at Agway. They also sell smaller bags.
Date: 2/9/26 10:43 am From: David James Wiles <djw257...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Your Guide to Taking Part in the 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)
Join us at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Visitor Center tomorrow, February 10 at noon to learn all about how to participate. We’ll hear from GBBC Project Leader, Becca Rodomsky-Bish, who will teach us a bit about the history of the event, how and where to count, and what types of technology can help us to identify birds and contribute our data. Then, we’ll practice by doing a count together with staff on hand for any questions before the GBBC starts.
We hope you can join us!
Free and open to the public. All are welcome. No registration required.
David Wiles (he/him)
Public Engagement Specialist
Cornell Lab of Ornithology | Engagement in Science & Nature
Date: 2/9/26 9:11 am From: Fredric Kardon <fredrickardon...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Fwd: Feeding millet to wild birds
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Fredric Kardon <fredrickardon...>
Date: Mon, Feb 9, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Subject: Feeding millet to wild birds
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <cayugabirds-l...>
I’m sharing my experience feeding birds on the ground for the past 15-20
years. (I got the idea of feeding millet to wild birds from a video clip of
John Fitzpatrick.) From October to April I spread white millet on my
backyard lawn, underneath a large hydrangea bush, on slate/concrete paths, and
(in the past ) on our gravel driveway. I clear snow off of an area of lawn
when necessary so that the millet doesn’t sink in. Birds we see daily
include doves, juncos, white-throats, and cardinals. Occasionally we see
blue jays eating the millet. Very infrequently, depending on the month, we
see white-crowned sparrows and fox sparrows. In the winter we see
tree sparrows, and towards the spring we will see chipping sparrows and
cowbirds. One winter, an Eastern Towhee wintered over eating millet every
day under our hydrangea bush. Very rarely, in the spring indigo buntings
and bluebirds eat the millet. Of course, we also get several squirrels and
sometimes deer. I chase away the deer because they scare off the birds
(the squirrels don't).
Some millet may sprout in the spring, but they are very easy to pull up.
We also have 2 tube feeders and 1 platform feeder with black-oil sunflower
seeds. I buy 40 lb bags of white millet at Agway. They also sell smaller
bags.
Date: 2/8/26 7:43 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] February Winter World Walk 2/14/26
Friends: Another chance this Saturday to become an explorer of winter's marvels. Bring your Valentine for company! February 14 @ Refuge Visitor Center @ 10am. Pete Saracino/ Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
Date: 2/6/26 7:38 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] ✨ WEBINAR: Tracking the Epic Migrations of North America's Cranes
FYI
Sar
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: International Crane Foundation <sgm...>
Date: Thu, Feb 5, 2026, 5:15 PM
Subject: ✨ WEBINAR: Tracking the Epic Migrations of North America's Cranes
To: <petersaracino...>
Each year, Sandhill Cranes and endangered Whooping Cranes undertake
remarkable migrations across North America, traveling thousands of miles
between breeding and wintering grounds. Join Anne Lacy, the International
Crane Foundation’s Director of Eastern Flyway Programs - North America, for
an engaging webinar that explores where North America’s cranes are right
now, how and why they migrate, and the critical habitats they depend on
along the way.
Our experts will share key migration facts, discuss what drives these
seasonal movements, and demonstrate our Sandhill Crane Finder tool—showing
how science and community observations come together to track cranes in
real time. Whether you’re a longtime crane enthusiast or simply curious
about these iconic birds, this webinar offers a timely look at one of
nature’s most awe-inspiring journeys.
This webinar is presented in gratitude for longtime volunteer Doug Pellerin
and his continued dedication to the cranes.
Date: 2/5/26 11:02 am From: Shelley Page <shelleypage.imagine...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] clarification on Feb 12 Thurs Birding Meetup location
If you are coming from Ithaca, please turn RIGHT off Route 89 into the South lakeside parking area at Taughannock State Park. The previous email said turn left... (Yes, apparently some of us mix up our left-right even when writing directions!)
Shelley Page *she/they/ki*
313-550-1437 261 Coddington Road Apt. B Ithaca, New York 14850
Date: 2/5/26 10:57 am From: Shelley Page <shelleypage.imagine...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Feb 5 Thursday Birding Meetup Recap and Feb 12 Plans
Some mornings are sparkly, I mean literally sparkly all around! Such was our experience at Shindagin Hollow this morning as the Thursday Birding Meetup convened in zero-ish sunlight. Sparkly in two ways--first was hoarfrost on the branches and diamond dust snow glittering in the clear sky, creating magical glitter all around us. And, second, the "sparkly" evening grosbeaks flew in like celebrities all dressed up on the red carpet. We were thrilled to observe eight of them up in the tree tops with the morning sun illuminating their gorgeous colors, as well as closer looks as they congregated on a platform feeder. Sparkly indeed!! For some of us, this was a lifer, others a welcome look at a bird we haven't seen for decades. We saw 13 species in total (thank you for ebirding, Tracy McLellan <https://www.facebook.com/groups/423723264332161/user/100000604080233/?__cft__[0]=AZYAKsrxV9s01-gjNBi3L2AghIZJNAWTJh643H54UdnE4unNO8bfbszC2HvsbErl7ZTydjaXKr2ASiWnrAB4cgtCcLCvYUusSao0Qc_KPxMgDnl8s84J5oWZ64W88FMsYI9pANatIh8FGJHybL7kDBYW&__tn__=-]K-R>!) with the woodland birds offering their hopeful hints of spring to come. The titmice and chickadees had their spring songs going and woodpeckers were drumming. The eleven of us called it a day after in hour in the glittery cold but were all very glad we came out to bird today! Nine of us warmed up with breakfast at College Town Bagels East Hill, still glowing from our magical time together. Want to bird with us next week? We're heading to Taughannock State Park to look at waterfowl. Gather with us at the South lakeside parking area at 7:30 am. All birders very welcome to join us--leave for work or other activities as you need to--or join us for breakfast afterward. From Ithaca, travel north on Route 89. Turn left into the parking lot for Taughannock State Park, before the bridge.
Shelley Page *she/they/ki*
313-550-1437 261 Coddington Road Apt. B Ithaca, New York 14850
Date: 2/5/26 7:10 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Re: [eatonbirdingsociety] Titmouse starting its "engine"!
The stirrings of Spring (a.k.a. the Pre-vernal) have begun.
On Thu, Feb 5, 2026, 6:34 AM Linda Clark Benedict via groups.io
<lbenedict48...> wrote:
> We heard a Black-capped Chickadee singing it's spring song this week . I
> guess there is hope.
>
> --Linda
>
> Linda Clark Benedict
>
> On Wed, Feb 4, 2026, 12:18 PM Peter Saracino via groups.io <petersaracino=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> Take heart. I just now heard that little bird singing a Spring song.
>>
>> "If Winter's comes, can Spring be far behind?"
>> "Ode to the West Wind"
>> Sar
>> Percy Bysshe Shelley
>>
> _._,_._,_
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--
Cayugabirds-L List Info:
Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
Archives:
The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org.
--
Date: 2/5/26 6:21 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Winter World Walk this Saturday at Refuge
Friends. It's time to leave that artificial subtropical environment you've created and see how the other half lives. Winter is incredible AND fun. Come join us to explore some of the marvels of this beautiful and challenging season. You won't regret it. Walk dates: February 7, 14, 21 & 28 at the Montezuma Refuge Visitor Center at 10 am. Pete Saracino/Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
Date: 2/4/26 1:18 pm From: Sandy Podulka <sgp4...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Spring Ornithology Class with Steve Kress, through Cayuga Bird Club
Registration is now open for the Cayuga Bird Club’s *Spring Ornithology* *with
Steve Kress*, held Tuesday evenings, 7 to 9 pm, March 24 through May 19 (no
class 4/7) at Kendal at Ithaca. You can attend each class either in person
OR via Zoom. Join us for the 50th year that Steve Kress has offered this
popular course, sharing his love and knowledge of birds and their lives
with delighted students. Dr. Kress’s presentations, enhanced with audio
recordings, videos, and gorgeous photos, will include bird ID, song,
behavior, migration, conservation, attracting birds, and more.
Classes will be recorded for students to view or review at their
convenience.
Details and registration at: www.cayugabirdclub.org/spring-ornithology
The class is suitable for beginners, but even seasoned birders will find
their enjoyment of birds enriched by exploring little-known aspects of
species they thought they knew well. Makes a great gift for yourself or a
birding friend, including people in senior care facilities with internet
access.
Date: 2/4/26 11:02 am From: David James Wiles <djw257...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Upcoming program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Please help us spread the word on this upcoming hybrid program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology or attend yourself! This Friday, February 6th, 6 –7:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center auditorium or online.
Highway after Dark: The surprising number of salamander crossings and mortality on Sapsucker Woods Road and beyond, and the volunteers that help understand it.
Join us to learn from Cornell graduate student and herpetologist Stephen Bredin about his research and the role volunteers have played in studying the salamanders of Sapsucker Woods Road and beyond. Stephen will share preliminary results from his research on the harrowing journey young salamanders take as they cross local roads including Sapsucker Woods Road. While adult salamander migrations in the spring are well studied and volunteers across the country help support their movement across roadways, young salamander crossings in the fall are less studied and because of this volunteer groups almost never assist salamander crossings in the fall. If you’ve wondered what those fences by the side of the road on Sapsucker Woods Road are for, this is a chance to find out!
Date: 2/2/26 8:29 am From: Jerry Skinner <jay2of6...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Oregon Junco
> > An Oregon Junco was observed in the company of two Dark-eyed Juncos. The > dark slaty hood (well-delineated) was in stark contrast to the rich brown > back and sides.
Date: 2/2/26 8:22 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Incredible video/talk on short-eared owls
For we who love these creatures. VERY informative including video of roosting sites/behavior, etc. and really cool courtship displays. I learned so much from this talk.
Date: 2/1/26 7:44 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Four Winter World Walks in February
Friends: No Winter lasts forever, and the current one is moving fast - only 48 days till the March Equinox! Come join us as we continue exploring the many marvels of this sometimes harsh, yet beautiful season. Walks are free and begin at the Refuge Visitor Center at 10am. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, sunscreen and a friend. No pets please. Dates: February 7, 14, 21 & 28. Hope to see you there! Pete Saracino/Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
Date: 2/1/26 3:49 am From: Jody Enck <jodyenck...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Potential Cayuga Bird Club trip to Madagascar
Hello All,
The Cayuga Bird Club has learned of a potential and amazing opportunity to visit Madagascar for birding for about three weeks from October 5-26, 2026. Yes, this is a long trip and it is not cheap (around $10K not including international airfare). However, it visits almost all of the unique habitats and has a great chance of encountering the vast majority of the 170 or so bird species endemic to the island (5 entire bird families are endemic to Madagascar). It also will be an opportunity to encounter other unique wildlife including Lemurs and Chameleons among lots of other things. This opportunity has a short window for us to decide if the club wants to try to take it on. Please let Jody Enck know as soon as possible if you are interested. I can share the proposed itinerary with you. The cost of the trip does include all ground transportation within Madagascar, meals, lodging, and several in-country flights.
Email me at <jodyenck...> if you want to see the itinerary or have questions. This opportunity only exists for a few days. Jody
Date: 1/31/26 5:37 pm From: Colleen Richards <clr82...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Bird Club February meeting
The February Cayuga Bird Club meeting will be next Monday, February 9th at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at 7:30 pm.[Remember: Doors open at 6:45pm for social time before the reading of the basin bird list at 7:20. Club business begins at 7:30pm, followed by the speakers] Members of the Club often share their experiences of traveling and birding with us. This month we will hear from Diane Morton and Suan Yong as they present "Birding in Australia and Papua New Guinea".Australasia’s unique flora and fauna, full of endemics found nowhere else in the world, make it a fascinating birding destination. In 2024, five Cayuga Bird Club members (Diane and Suan along with Deirdre Anderson, Ken Kemphues, and Susan Danskin) participated in a birding tour of Eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea, led by Field Guides Birding Tours. By visiting a variety of coastal, wetland, rainforest and highland habitats, we saw more than four hundred enchanting and iconic bird species. These included more than a dozen different birds-of-paradise, a Southern Cassowary adult with its chick, two lyrebird species, fairy-wrens, bowerbirds, and so much more! Mammals were also great fun to watch: Flying Foxes, a swimming Platypus, Pademelons, and Wallabies. Join us as we revisit highlights from our adventure to this very special part of the world. About the Speakers: Suan Yong, Diane Morton, Ken Kemphues, Susan Danskin and Deirdre Anderson are all current members of the Cayuga Bird Club who enjoy traveling to see new birds. There will be a speaker dinner with Diane and Suan before the meeting at 5:30pm at the Sumo Restaurant located at the Cayuga Mall on Triphammer Road. If interested please email <clr82...> by noon on Monday in order for reservations to be made. Hope to see many of you there.Colleen RichardsCorresponding SecretaryCayuga Bird Club Cayuga Bird Club meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, September through June, and are free and open to the public. In-person meetings are held September through May at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road. Doors open at 6:45pm for social time before the reading of the basin bird list at 7:20. Club business begins at 7:30pm, followed by the speaker's presentation starting around 8:00pm and ending by 9:00pm.
--
Cayugabirds-L List Info:
Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
Archives:
The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org.
--
Date: 1/30/26 11:51 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Woodland High-Speed Chase
Had a cool experience today while walking on the Ontario Pathways near Wheat Road looking for the winter cocoons of large moths. I was coming out of the woods when I heard a noise behind me and to my left. I looked to see a large black bird chasing a hawk through the woods - just below tree-top height. I wasn't sure what type of hawk but as for the black bird (it was a bit larger than the hawk) I immediately thought "crow".....until it gave the distinct croak of a raven! The chase continued as the birds bobbed and weaved their way through and then out the woods. Cool to see! Sar -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
We have had many Cardinals around this winter as well as other species that strike us as unusual in both specie and numbers.
This afternoon we counted the maximum number of Cards seen at one time. Never a winter time waster and a fun thing to do, especially with snow coming down outside..
The high was 14 Male and 9 female. Earlier this winter we had something like 13 of each. Since then our Coopers has accounted for 3 males that we know of.
Date: 1/29/26 12:05 pm From: Shelley Page <shelleypage.imagine...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Jan 29 Thursday Birding Meetup and Feb 5 Plans
Yeah, we were out there today! The Thursday Birding Meetup shows up to bird even when it's zero, warming up to balmy single digits as the sun comes up. Our stated mission for the day was drive-by winter field birds but we immediately pivoted to Myer's Point after hearing that there might be some "good birds" there. So twelve birders descended on the point and we did see many birds beyond the usual Canada geese, mallards, assorted gulls and tundra swans. Common goldeneyes were out in force along with greater scaup, ring-billed ducks and both common and red breasted mergansers. The beautiful morning light made watching the liftoffs and landings a lovely distraction from our freezing bodies (some in our group came prepared to be in a car for the morning, not bundled up for arctic conditions). Two particular highlights stood out--two white-winged scoters and an eagle flushing the waterfowl in a flurry. We then shifted our attention to the original goal of finding snow buntings and horned larks on the backroads of Lansing. We hit pay dirt along Davis and Fenner Roads with these winter field birds along with tree and savannah sparrows, and juncos. Our hope was finding a Lapland Longspur but, alas, not this time. This is a great time to get out and do some car birding along the fields around Ithaca. The snow cover drives these lil cuties to the road areas and also along tracks of freshly laid manure. All in all, we saw 20 species over four locations--thank you, Tracy McLellan <https://www.facebook.com/groups/423723264332161/user/100000604080233/?__cft__[0]=AZaX3WfjwBT_Q0xm-f-_IDS77D1axc15hOUXvmON2AmHkdvacEwEf90vJ6jXfPxxFXT7uKTNu4Z6vZ9D46bVAmflQzX9tv5WcxJb4mAz4G1T7dmN7oZwS7c-_HtmFMCldTnGjKFmtyQuVAP-byIjNmea&__tn__=-]K-R>, for our ebirding. Not bad for a single digit morning! Eleven of us enjoyed breakfast at our usual Lansing hangout, the East Shore Roadhouse. Want to join us next week? We're going to Shindagin Hollow in search of evening grosbeaks and beyond. Meet us at 7:30 am--we bird until around 9 but you can leave earlier if you need to get to work or elsewhere. All birders warmly welcomed even if it's zero out there. From Ithaca, take 79 east. After passing Caroline elementary school about 0.5 mile, turn right on Boiceville Road. At the end turn left on Central Chapel Road. In 2.5 miles, turn left at a Y junction onto Shindagin Hollow Road. In 0.5 miles, the plowing ends at a snowplow turnaround. Do not park in the turnaround, but turn back and park along the road. Shelley Page *she/they/ki*
313-550-1437 261 Coddington Road Apt. B Ithaca, New York 14850
Date: 1/28/26 6:45 am From: Patricia A. Curran <pc21...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Re: signs of spring
I heard a cardinal singing 'pretty, pretty' around 7:15 am today.
Pat
________________________________
From: <CAYUGABIRDS-L...> <CAYUGABIRDS-L...> on behalf of Liz Rowland <lizzyandjoe...>
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 4:38 AM
To: Tom Vawter <atvawter...>
Cc: <cayugabirds-l...> <cayugabirds-l...>
Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Ornithological Anachronism
Apparently Harris’s Hawk is one of the most common bird of prey kept in captivity in the uk because it’s not classed as rare or endangered and doesn’t require paperwork.
(Rapid aid.com<http://aid.com>)
Can’t trick a birder!
We’re in the uk at the moment- I’ll keep my eyes open for a Harris’s Hawk!
Liz and Joe Rowland
On Tue, 27 Jan 2026 at 23:46, Tom Vawter <atvawter...><mailto:<atvawter...>> wrote:
We saw Hamnet last night. The best movie I’ve seen in a long time. It’s set in early 17th C England, mostly around Stratford upon Avon. A hawk figures prominently in the early scenes, and there are a number of good veiws of the animal. It is quite clearly a Harris’s Hawk, not common in west-central England.
Tom Vawter
Apparently Harris’s Hawk is one of the most common bird of prey kept in
captivity in the uk because it’s not classed as rare or endangered and
doesn’t require paperwork.
(Rapid aid.com)
Can’t trick a birder!
We’re in the uk at the moment- I’ll keep my eyes open for a Harris’s Hawk!
*Liz and Joe Rowland*
On Tue, 27 Jan 2026 at 23:46, Tom Vawter <atvawter...> wrote:
> We saw Hamnet last night. The best movie I’ve seen in a long time. It’s
> set in early 17th C England, mostly around Stratford upon Avon. A hawk
> figures prominently in the early scenes, and there are a number of good
> veiws of the animal. It is quite clearly a Harris’s Hawk, not common in
> west-central England.
> Tom Vawter
>
> --
>
> Cayugabirds-L List Info:
>
> Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
>
> Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
>
> Archives:
>
> The Mail Archive:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html >
> Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at
> http://www.ebird.org.
>
> --
>
--
Cayugabirds-L List Info:
Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
Archives:
The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org.
--
We saw Hamnet last night. The best movie I’ve seen in a long time. It’s
set in early 17th C England, mostly around Stratford upon Avon. A hawk
figures prominently in the early scenes, and there are a number of good
veiws of the animal. It is quite clearly a Harris’s Hawk, not common in
west-central England.
Tom Vawter
--
Cayugabirds-L List Info:
Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
Archives:
The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org.
--
Date: 1/24/26 7:14 am From: Suan Yong <suan.yong...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Field Trip CANCELLED Sunday
Field trip this Sunday is cancelled. I was waiting to see how the timing of the storm's arrival pans out, but it sounds like it'll start snowing early, and even if early snow amounts may not be high, road salt treatment could be ineffective, making for dangerous driving conditions.
Stay warm and safe everyone!
Suan
> On Jan 21, 2026, at 7:33 PM, Suan Hsi Yong <suan.yong...> wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> I will be leading a Cayuga Bird Club field trip this Sunday, January
> 25, from 8:00am to noon, meeting at Stewart Park's east end. NOTE that
> this is a date change (it had previously been scheduled for Saturday).
>
> Sunday is also around when the big winter storm may arrive in our
> area, so check the club calendar
> (https://www.cayugabirdclub.org/calendar) for potential cancellation.
>
> Suan
--
Cayugabirds-L List Info:
Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
Archives:
The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org.
--
Date: 1/22/26 7:09 pm From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Winter World Walk of 1/24 Cancelled
So sorry friends, but a medical issue has come up and I must cancel this Saturday's walk. Rest assured more are being planned for February and will be posted asap. In the meantime, can you begin to sense the subtle changes in the length and quality of the light? The first stirrings of the Prevernal.... Enjoy the coming storm and remember, no winter lasts forever. Pete Saracino/ Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/ New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
Date: 1/22/26 2:32 pm From: Shelley Page <shelleypage.imagine...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Jan 22 Thursday Birding Meetup Recap and Jan 29 Plans
It's always fun to check out a new birding spot and today's Thursday Birding Meetup enjoyed exploring Marian Hartill Park on Northwoods Drive in Lansing. We were barely out of our cars as hairy and pileated woodpeckers gave us a great start. Seventeen of us walked the paved trails through edge habitat and some wooded areas in this greenbelt amidst the housing developments. As it happened we saw 17 species (thanks for e-bird list, Jody Enck!), many in beautiful morning light as they perched near the tree tops. Woodpeckers and nuthatches were the main attractions but the usual assortment of chickadees, titmice, blue jays and others. We also appreciated a lovely robin's nest and a close look at a wasp nest, the little bonus discoveries of winter birding. Today our group was a mix of birders who participate regularly and some new folks. When we say that we warmly welcome all birders, we really mean it! So nice to meet the newcomers while birding in a new place, a spot to which we plan to return in another season. Ten of us gathered for breakfast and sharing of birding stories at East Shore Roadhouse, one of our favorite breakfast spots. Want to join us next week? Jan 29 at 7:30 am: Meet at Sapsucker Woods at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We will carpool/caravan to search for winter field birds. Think horned larks, snow buntings and maybe even a lapland longspur. The predicted snow may force birds to forage near the roads so we are hopeful for a successful foray. Shelley Page *she/they/ki*
313-550-1437 261 Coddington Road Apt. B Ithaca, New York 14850
I will be leading a Cayuga Bird Club field trip this Sunday, January 25, from 8:00am to noon, meeting at Stewart Park's east end. NOTE that this is a date change (it had previously been scheduled for Saturday).
Sunday is also around when the big winter storm may arrive in our area, so check the club calendar (https://www.cayugabirdclub.org/calendar) for potential cancellation.
Date: 1/20/26 8:29 am From: Barbara B. Eden <beb1...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] For tonight’s TC legislature mtg
All,
Below is the proposed resolution on the agenda
And if you cannot attend you can watch it on you tube
There will be many folks speaking during privilege of the floor at the beginning and of course the discussion amongst the legislators
Res. No. _d_ Resolution Requesting New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to Reject the Modified Water Withdrawal Permit Application from Cayuga Operating Company, LLC (DEC ID #7-5032-00019/00004) and Instead Require a New Application and Environmental Review Process (Submitted by Legislator Dawson)
~Barbara
From: <CAYUGABIRDS-L...> <CAYUGABIRDS-L...> On Behalf Of Karen Edelstein
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 11:19 AM
To: Karin Suskin <karinleesus...>
Cc: Harold Mills <harold.mills...>; <Cayugabirds-L...>
Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Please Read: Risk to Local Birding Area
Hi Karin,
The topic at the meeting tonight is specifically about the water withdrawal permit renewal only. Harold is talking about the much larger impact of the entire data center. I hope there is large attendance, but also keep in mind that the topic on the table is quite specific.
K
On Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 11:01 AM Karin Suskin <karinleesus...><mailto:<karinleesus...>> wrote:
The county legislature is meeting tonight and on the agenda is requesting the DEC to deny the data center permit until an environmental study is done. Please show at 5:30 tonight with concerns.
Karin Suskin
On Tue, Jan 20, 2026 at 10:46 AM Harold Mills <harold.mills...><mailto:<harold.mills...>> wrote:
I am posting the following with permission of the Cayugabirds-L Listowner:
I would like to be in touch with people who have birded at the Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area, aka Bell Station, in Lansing, or other places nearby who are concerned about plans to build a data center on the property immediately to the south of Cayuga Shores. I am concerned that noise and light from the data center could adversely impact birds and other wildlife at Cayuga Shores and other places nearby. If you might be interested in joining me and others to oppose the data center, or at least minimize the harm it will do to wildlife and birding, please contact me off list by emailing me at <harold.mills...><mailto:<harold.mills...>. Thank you!
Date: 1/20/26 8:20 am From: Karen Edelstein <karen.edelstein...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Please Read: Risk to Local Birding Area
Hi Karin,
The topic at the meeting tonight is specifically about the water withdrawal
permit renewal only. Harold is talking about the much larger impact of the
entire data center. I hope there is large attendance, but also keep in mind
that the topic on the table is quite specific.
K
On Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 11:01 AM Karin Suskin <karinleesus...> wrote:
> The county legislature is meeting tonight and on the agenda is requesting
> the DEC to deny the data center permit until an environmental study is
> done. Please show at 5:30 tonight with concerns.
> Karin Suskin
>
>
> On Tue, Jan 20, 2026 at 10:46 AM Harold Mills <harold.mills...>
> wrote:
>
>> I am posting the following with permission of the Cayugabirds-L Listowner:
>>
>> I would like to be in touch with people who have birded at the Cayuga
>> Shores Wildlife Management Area, aka Bell Station, in Lansing, or other
>> places nearby who are concerned about plans to build a data center on the
>> property immediately to the south of Cayuga Shores. I am concerned that
>> noise and light from the data center could adversely impact birds and other
>> wildlife at Cayuga Shores and other places nearby. If you might be
>> interested in joining me and others to oppose the data center, or at least
>> minimize the harm it will do to wildlife and birding, please contact me off
>> list by emailing me at <harold.mills...> Thank you!
>>
>> Harold Mills
>>
>> --
>>
>> Cayugabirds-L List Info:
>>
>> Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
>>
>> Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
>>
>> Archives:
>>
>> The Mail Archive:
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html >>
>> Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at
>> http://www.ebird.org.
>>
>> --
>>
> --
>
> Cayugabirds-L List Info:
>
> Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
>
> Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
>
> Archives:
>
> The Mail Archive:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html >
> Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at
> http://www.ebird.org.
>
> --
>
--
Cayugabirds-L List Info:
Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
Archives:
The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org.
--
Date: 1/20/26 8:01 am From: Karin Suskin <karinleesus...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Please Read: Risk to Local Birding Area
The county legislature is meeting tonight and on the agenda is requesting
the DEC to deny the data center permit until an environmental study is
done. Please show at 5:30 tonight with concerns.
Karin Suskin
On Tue, Jan 20, 2026 at 10:46 AM Harold Mills <harold.mills...>
wrote:
> I am posting the following with permission of the Cayugabirds-L Listowner:
>
> I would like to be in touch with people who have birded at the Cayuga
> Shores Wildlife Management Area, aka Bell Station, in Lansing, or other
> places nearby who are concerned about plans to build a data center on the
> property immediately to the south of Cayuga Shores. I am concerned that
> noise and light from the data center could adversely impact birds and other
> wildlife at Cayuga Shores and other places nearby. If you might be
> interested in joining me and others to oppose the data center, or at least
> minimize the harm it will do to wildlife and birding, please contact me off
> list by emailing me at <harold.mills...> Thank you!
>
> Harold Mills
>
> --
>
> Cayugabirds-L List Info:
>
> Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
>
> Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
>
> Archives:
>
> The Mail Archive:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html >
> Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at
> http://www.ebird.org.
>
> --
>
--
Cayugabirds-L List Info:
Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
Archives:
The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org.
--
Date: 1/20/26 7:45 am From: Harold Mills <harold.mills...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Please Read: Risk to Local Birding Area
I am posting the following with permission of the Cayugabirds-L Listowner:
I would like to be in touch with people who have birded at the Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area, aka Bell Station, in Lansing, or other places nearby who are concerned about plans to build a data center on the property immediately to the south of Cayuga Shores. I am concerned that noise and light from the data center could adversely impact birds and other wildlife at Cayuga Shores and other places nearby. If you might be interested in joining me and others to oppose the data center, or at least minimize the harm it will do to wildlife and birding, please contact me off list by emailing me at <harold.mills...> Thank you!
Date: 1/19/26 9:15 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Winter World Walks Continue
Friends: Winter is a challenging season for many life forms. Solar, thermal and nutritional energy are all at a premium. A key to survival is energy economy - finding a safe place to lower one's metabolism (usually with the help of a natural antifreeze) in order to conserve energy. There seems as many places to do this as there are species. That being the case, where in the winter can I find the following: a snapping turtle a beaver a purple martin a dragonfly nymph a green frog a monarch a mourning cloak butterfly a wood frog a stonefly nymph a rough grouse on a cold night with 11 inches of snow on the ground the cocoon of a luna moth an American toad the larva of a goldenrod gall fly a muskrat a golden-crowned kinglet a raccoon the cocoon of a cecropia moth a common green darner dragonfly a fox the leaves and/or flowers of next summer's trees and shrubs Winter is a fascinating classroom with many wonders waiting to be explored. Come join us as we seek to examine and understand some of the marvels of this harsh and beautiful season. Next walk is January 24th. We begin at the Montezuma Refuge Visitor Center at 10 am. Dress warm and bring binoculars, sun screen and a friend. No pets please. Hope to see you there! Pete Saracino/Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
Date: 1/15/26 2:02 pm From: AB Clark <anneb.clark...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] [External Email] UNAs threatened
HI Bob et al.
Glad you found these and I apologize for not answering yesterday. I was in
fact en route back from Seattle, much of the time in the air or
skibbling to the next plane.
Just to answer a few other questions--yes, FLT is very aware and was
working with the county EMC to identify how the plans were impacting known
UNAs--the Trillium Woods itself and the Freeville Fir Swamp. In fact, the
plans do include a donation of part of the swamp area to the Wetland Trust,
which holds the areas of swamp N of the road as well as contiguous swamp on
the S (same) side. But they leave portions of the UNA designated area and
its buffer.
One of our CB members has talked with the developers themselves and it
appears that they simply were not aware of the UNA designations. This might
be come a pre-meeting...we will see. In any case, I wanted to contact you
all as people interested in speaking about related ecological
issues--breeding birds (who are not always present--including rails,
gallinule, etc), migration stopovers, roosting areas for many species--plus
step stone links as foraging for herons, etc. Breeding bobcats, red and
gray fox in the acres East of the swamp, etc.
best,
anne
On Wed, Jan 14, 2026 at 11:40 AM bob mcguire <bmcguire...>
wrote:
> Thanks, Anne, for posting this. Here is the proposal (or set of maps, at
> least).
> https://www.townofdrydenny.gov/projects-under-review/page/172-ed-hill-road-conservation-subdivision-query >
> I look forward to commenting ops the proposal!
>
> Bob
>
> On Jan 13, 2026, at 3:28 PM, AB Clark <anneb.clark...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> To all local birders,
>
> The article attached below is worth noting and turning out to the Jan 22
> meeting for if you value the Hile School Road Wetland, of which the
> Freeville Fir Swamp UNA is part. There are many other potential impacts of
> this proposed development. I am speaking to you all as a concerned nearby
> resident of the property, but the impacts on Dryden Township and the county
> go beyond this.
>
> Happy to answer more questions insofar as I can,
>
> Anne
>
> Anne B. Clark, Ph.D.
> Biological Sciences, Emeritus
> Binghamton University
> Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
> (607) 222-0905 (cell)
> (607) 777-2438 (Biol Sci office)
> *Power concedes nothing without a demand. *
> *It never did and it never will.* Frederick Douglass
>
>
>
>
> This from the Jan 11 issue, Tompkins Green Scene:
>
> *Two of Tompkins County’s Unique Natural Areas in Dryden Threatened by
> Potential Development*
>
> Two of Tompkins County’s Unique Natural Areas (UNA) would be threatened by
> a proposed residential subdivision development that seeks to carve up all
> of the Trillium Woods (UNA-73) and a large portion of the Freeville Fir
> Tree Swamp (UNA-74) into units for sale. Trillium Woods contains one of the
> densest collections of breathtakingly beautiful spring wildflowers in the
> County. The Freeville Fir Tree Swamp is an extensive wetland environment,
> and the only one of its type in the County, that supports mammoth hemlock
> trees and species that can only be found elsewhere hundreds of miles north
> of Ithaca. It also includes a population of the rare and endangered
> globeflower.
>
> The county’s Environmental Management Council’s designation of a land
> parcel as a Unique Natural Area does not in itself convey any legal
> protections. It provides a planning tool so that landowners
> and municipalities will be made aware of the special, sometimes
> irreplaceable, qualities of these areas so that they will be protected and
> any disruption of them can be avoided before approval for land development
> is granted.
>
> In this case, it will be up to the Dryden Planning Board to require these
> areas be protected as part of the development plan. The Dryden Planning
> Board’s next meeting is Thursday, January 22 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, in
> the Town Public Meeting Room, 93 East Main Street, Dryden, NY 13053, or via
> Hybrid tools, and the current owner’s development proposal is expected to
> be formally introduced at that meeting.
>
> For the Planning Board to resolve to defend the UNAs, it is
> vitally important that the public let the Board know how important
> protecting these sites is to them, by attending the Board meeting and/or
> sending letters. Together we can make the Board aware that protecting these
> rare, beautiful, environmentally sensitive, and special places is the only
> correct decision.
>
> --
>
> Cayugabirds-L List Info:
>
> Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu <http://lists.cornell.edu/> for more
> information
>
> Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
>
> Archives:
>
> The Mail Archive:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html >
> Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at
> http://www.ebird.org.
>
> --
>
>
>
--
Cayugabirds-L List Info:
Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
Archives:
The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org.
--
> On Jan 13, 2026, at 3:28 PM, AB Clark <anneb.clark...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> To all local birders,
>
> The article attached below is worth noting and turning out to the Jan 22 meeting for if you value the Hile School Road Wetland, of which the Freeville Fir Swamp UNA is part. There are many other potential impacts of this proposed development. I am speaking to you all as a concerned nearby resident of the property, but the impacts on Dryden Township and the county go beyond this.
>
> Happy to answer more questions insofar as I can,
>
> Anne
>
> Anne B. Clark, Ph.D.
> Biological Sciences, Emeritus
> Binghamton University
> Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
> (607) 222-0905 (cell)
> (607) 777-2438 (Biol Sci office)
> Power concedes nothing without a demand.
> It never did and it never will. Frederick Douglass
>
>
>
>
> This from the Jan 11 issue, Tompkins Green Scene:
>
> Two of Tompkins County’s Unique Natural Areas in Dryden Threatened by Potential Development
>
> Two of Tompkins County’s Unique Natural Areas (UNA) would be threatened by a proposed residential subdivision development that seeks to carve up all of the Trillium Woods (UNA-73) and a large portion of the Freeville Fir Tree Swamp (UNA-74) into units for sale. Trillium Woods contains one of the densest collections of breathtakingly beautiful spring wildflowers in the County. The Freeville Fir Tree Swamp is an extensive wetland environment, and the only one of its type in the County, that supports mammoth hemlock trees and species that can only be found elsewhere hundreds of miles north of Ithaca. It also includes a population of the rare and endangered globeflower.
>
> The county’s Environmental Management Council’s designation of a land parcel as a Unique Natural Area does not in itself convey any legal protections. It provides a planning tool so that landowners and municipalities will be made aware of the special, sometimes irreplaceable, qualities of these areas so that they will be protected and any disruption of them can be avoided before approval for land development is granted.
>
> In this case, it will be up to the Dryden Planning Board to require these areas be protected as part of the development plan. The Dryden Planning Board’s next meeting is Thursday, January 22 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, in the Town Public Meeting Room, 93 East Main Street, Dryden, NY 13053, or via Hybrid tools, and the current owner’s development proposal is expected to be formally introduced at that meeting.
>
> For the Planning Board to resolve to defend the UNAs, it is vitally important that the public let the Board know how important protecting these sites is to them, by attending the Board meeting and/or sending letters. Together we can make the Board aware that protecting these rare, beautiful, environmentally sensitive, and special places is the only correct decision.
> --
>
> Cayugabirds-L List Info:
>
> Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu <http://lists.cornell.edu/> for more information
>
> Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
>
> Archives:
>
> The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html >
> Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org.
>
> --
>
Date: 1/13/26 1:18 pm From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Winter World Walks Continue
"Each step that we make in the more intimate knowledge of Nature leads us to the entrance of new labyrinths." - Alexander von Humboldt
Days are short and sunlight is less intense. What's to blame? Why have so many trees and shrubs lost their leaves? Can creatures other than mammals hibernate? Why can some birds spend the winter with us while others are forced to leave? And where have all the reptiles, amphibians and insects gone? Where in the dead of winter can I find a reliable promise of spring? And where can I find an even more reliable promise in the evening sky? Come join us as we seek to experience some of the marvels of this harsh and beautiful season. Walks are free and begin at 10am at the Montezuma Refuge Visitor Center. No signups necessary. No pets please. Walk Dates are: 1/4, 1/11 & 1/24. Pete Saracino/Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...> Archives: The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org. --
Date: 1/13/26 12:28 pm From: AB Clark <anneb.clark...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Fwd: [External Email] UNAs threatened
To all local birders,
The article attached below is worth noting and turning out to the Jan 22
meeting for if you value the Hile School Road Wetland, of which the
Freeville Fir Swamp UNA is part. There are many other potential impacts of
this proposed development. I am speaking to you all as a concerned nearby
resident of the property, but the impacts on Dryden Township and the county
go beyond this.
Happy to answer more questions insofar as I can,
Anne
Anne B. Clark, Ph.D.
Biological Sciences, Emeritus
Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
(607) 222-0905 (cell)
(607) 777-2438 (Biol Sci office)
*Power concedes nothing without a demand. *
*It never did and it never will.* Frederick Douglass
This from the Jan 11 issue, Tompkins Green Scene:
*Two of Tompkins County’s Unique Natural Areas in Dryden Threatened by
Potential Development*
Two of Tompkins County’s Unique Natural Areas (UNA) would be threatened by
a proposed residential subdivision development that seeks to carve up all
of the Trillium Woods (UNA-73) and a large portion of the Freeville Fir
Tree Swamp (UNA-74) into units for sale. Trillium Woods contains one of the
densest collections of breathtakingly beautiful spring wildflowers in the
County. The Freeville Fir Tree Swamp is an extensive wetland environment,
and the only one of its type in the County, that supports mammoth hemlock
trees and species that can only be found elsewhere hundreds of miles north
of Ithaca. It also includes a population of the rare and endangered
globeflower.
The county’s Environmental Management Council’s designation of a land
parcel as a Unique Natural Area does not in itself convey any legal
protections. It provides a planning tool so that landowners
and municipalities will be made aware of the special, sometimes
irreplaceable, qualities of these areas so that they will be protected and
any disruption of them can be avoided before approval for land development
is granted.
In this case, it will be up to the Dryden Planning Board to require these
areas be protected as part of the development plan. The Dryden Planning
Board’s next meeting is Thursday, January 22 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, in
the Town Public Meeting Room, 93 East Main Street, Dryden, NY 13053, or via
Hybrid tools, and the current owner’s development proposal is expected to
be formally introduced at that meeting.
For the Planning Board to resolve to defend the UNAs, it is
vitally important that the public let the Board know how important
protecting these sites is to them, by attending the Board meeting and/or
sending letters. Together we can make the Board aware that protecting these
rare, beautiful, environmentally sensitive, and special places is the only
correct decision.
--
Cayugabirds-L List Info:
Visit: http://LISTS.cornell.edu for more information
Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...>
Archives:
The Mail Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...>/maillist.html Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at http://www.ebird.org.
--
Date: 1/10/26 2:09 pm From: Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <cth4...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] ADMIN: PLEASE READ — eList Changes
Hi Everyone,
This is a friendly reminder that the NYSbirds-L eList has migrated to a new server.
The new email address to use to post messages to this eList is <Cayugabirds-L...><mailto:<Cayugabirds-L...>.
For the benefit of readers viewing messages at the Mail Archive, the address to post messages is Cayugabirds-L at LISTS dot Cornell dot edu.
Everyone who was a prior subscriber of Cayugabirds-L should have been automatically added to the new eList server at the time of migration, so no further action is required.
However, please note that subscribers who were previously set to receive NO MAIL are now receiving mail, and subscribers who were previously set to receive mail in DIGEST MODE are also now receiving mail as messages are sent—there is no digest mode option with the new server.
If you wish to change your settings or unsubscribe please visit the eList portal at https://lists.cornell.edu/. If your email address changed and you can no longer access your old email to make these changes, please email me directly at <cth4...><mailto:<cth4...> (cth4 at cornell dot edu) and I’ll see what I can do for you.
Date: 1/10/26 7:11 am From: Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <cth4...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] ADMIN: Patience Please
Hi Everyone,
In short: I’m working on this today. Please be patient. This will get fixed. Questions: <cth4...><mailto:<cth4...>.
Since the Cornell-mandated migration to the new SimpleLists server hosting Cayugabirds-L, there have been several unexpected changes that will take some time to fix.
Many of you subscribed to Cayugabirds-L long ago, and at some point you set your subscription status to “No Mail.”
Many of you have been long-time subscribers of Cayugabirds-L and have been receiving emails in “Digest Mode.”
Both of these settings got switched to receive “All Mail” as a result of the migration.
Here are my triage tasks for today.
I have accessed the original list of subscribers and have them sorted by type of subscription.
I will be manually removing all subscribers who had their emails set to “No Mail,” since many of you no longer have access to these old email accounts and are still receiving forwarded messages from those email accounts, or these were subscribed cell phone text message accounts.
If you wish to resubscribe those email addresses at any time, you can visit http://LISTS.cornell.edu and follow the instructions to subscribe to Cayugabirds-L again.
Lastly, I will need to determine best steps to address those of you whose email addresses were set to “Digest Mode."
The new SimpleLists Server does not have a Digest feature.
Please email me directly with questions: <cth4...><mailto:<cth4...> (CTH4 AT Cornell DOT edu)
Please send questions to me directly at <cth4...> (cth4_AT_cornell.edu) and not the entire list.
Thanks and good birding!
Sincerely,
Chris T-H
Greetings
Date: January 5, 2026 at 09:34:33 EST
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] ADMIN: PLEASE READ — eList Migration
Greetings fellow birders and Happy New Year!
Cornell University eList List Manager is making major changes to their eList platform.
This eList and all Cornell University eLists will migrate away from Lyris List Manager to a new platform called Simplelists.
This eList (Cayugabirds-L) will migrate to Simplelists on or about January 6, 2026.
Once this action takes place, any new email messages you wish to send out for distribution to current subscribers will need to be sent to the new email address below:
You can also query which Simplelists eLists you are currently subscribed to by entering your email address in the “My Lists” section at the https://lists.cornell.edu/ website. After following the link provided in the resulting email message that you receive, you will be able to Pause Delivery and Unsubscribe from an eList.
Digest does not appear to be a function that is supported in Simplelists.
Many have noted a marked reduction in email chatter on this and other birding eLists. Much of the email-based birding reporting across New York State migrated away from email and other localized chat groups to the New York Birding Discord Server in January of 2024. On the new Discord Server for New York Birding, there are various regional channels for reporting and discussing bird sightings, sharing photos, links, etc.
Details on joining the New York Birding Discord Server are at this link:
> On Jan 9, 2026, at 8:11 PM, Colleen Richards <clr82...> wrote:
>
> A reminder that the Cayuga Bird Club's January meeting, "Share Your Photo Night" hosted by Kevin McGowan will be held at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on Monday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 pm.
>
>
> Come enjoy as Club members share their photos. Although submission is limited to club members, the meeting is open to all!
>
> Doors open at 6:45pm for social time before the reading of the basin bird list at 7:20. Club business begins at 7:30pm, followed by the speaker's presentation starting around 8:00pm and ending by 9:00pm.
>
> We also have a last-minute invitation to a speaker dinner with Kevin McGowan at the Ithaca Ale House on Monday, January 12 at 5:30 pm. Please be aware that there is only on-street parking. We need to make reservations by Sunday, Jan. 11 so rsvp to <clr82...> by noon on the 11th.
>
> Colleen Richards
> On Jan 9, 2026, at 8:11 PM, Colleen Richards <clr82...> wrote:
>
> A reminder that the Cayuga Bird Club's January meeting, "Share Your Photo Night" hosted by Kevin McGowan will be held at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on Monday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 pm.
>
>
> Come enjoy as Club members share their photos. Although submission is limited to club members, the meeting is open to all!
>
> Doors open at 6:45pm for social time before the reading of the basin bird list at 7:20. Club business begins at 7:30pm, followed by the speaker's presentation starting around 8:00pm and ending by 9:00pm.
>
> We also have a last-minute invitation to a speaker dinner with Kevin McGowan at the Ithaca Ale House on Monday, January 12 at 5:30 pm. Please be aware that there is only on-street parking. We need to make reservations by Sunday, Jan. 11 so rsvp to <clr82...> by noon on the 11th.
>
> Colleen Richards
A reminder that the Cayuga Bird Club's January meeting, "Share Your Photo Night" hosted by Kevin McGowan will be held at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on Monday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 pm.
Come enjoy as Club members share their photos. Although submission is limited to club members, the meeting is open to all!
Doors open at 6:45pm for social time before the reading of the basin bird list at 7:20. Club business begins at 7:30pm, followed by the speaker's presentation starting around 8:00pm and ending by 9:00pm.
We also have a last-minute invitation to a speaker dinner with Kevin McGowan at the Ithaca Ale House on Monday, January 12 at 5:30 pm. Please be aware that there is only on-street parking. We need to make reservations by Sunday, Jan. 11 so rsvp to <clr82...> by noon on the 11th.
Date: 1/8/26 4:41 pm From: Shelley Page <shelleypage.imagine...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Jan 8 Thursday Birding Meetup Recap and Jan 15 Plans
Our first of the year Thursday Birding Meetup along the lower section of the Black Diamond Trail today brought out 21 eager birders. The warming temperatures, promises of blue sky and New Year's good energy infused our flock as we searched for some warblers that were reported from the Christmas Bird Count. Indeed, we joyfully encountered six yellow-rumped warblers along with other songbirds enjoying breakfast rosehips and privet berries. Woodpeckers were out in force--all the usuals minus sapsuckers. We had flyovers of a mallard, Canada geese, pigeons and starlings. But the highlight was the drama of a redtailed hawk flying and roosting briefly with its breakfast--a squirrel , followed by two redtails having a little drama together and one flying right over us letting loose with its signature call. All in all, a great start to our birding year with many "first of year" sightings. Fifteen of us enjoyed the generous and creative breakfasts at Mix. Want to join us next week? All birders are warmly welcome to bird with us. We gather at 7:30 am, bird until around 9:00 and then go out for breakfast. Those who need to head to work, class or other things can bird for a while and then leave whenever works for you. Jan 15 Plans: We head to a new place for our birding forays--Marian Hartill Park on Northwoods Dr. in Ithaca. From Ithaca, take Route 13 up past Triphammer Road. Turn left on Warren Road, then another left to Northwoods Drive. Shelley Page *she/they/ki*
313-550-1437 261 Coddington Road Apt. B Ithaca, New York 14850
https://uuma.zoom.us/j/2065380867 "All that you touch you Change. All that you Change changes you. The only lasting truth is Change. God is Change." Octavia Butler, The Parable of the Sower
This morning I not only saw a red fox running around our property, but I also caught a whiff of "fox" in the air (skunky, musky scent of their marking). That is one of the earliest signs of the changing seasons in my opinion- breeding season is underway! While I was watching the fox run through the field, I also heard a single Tufted Titmouse singing "peter-peter-peter", a very welcome sound. With the mild temperatures today, it definitely feels like spring is around the corner! Unfortunately it looks like temps will be back in the 20's and teens next week.
"The months of the year, from January up to June, are a geometric progression in the abundance of distractions. In January one may follow a skunk track, or search for bands on the chickadees, or see what young pines the deer have browsed, or what muskrat houses the mink have dug, with only an occasional and mild digression into other doings January observation can be almost as simple and peaceful as snow, and almost as continuous as cold. There is time not only to see who has done what, but to speculate why."
Date: 1/8/26 10:46 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] EARLY signs of spring
And I found skunk cabbage up and growing in mid December!!!
See photo attached.
Pete Saracino
On Thu, Jan 8, 2026, 9:45 AM Alyssa Johnson <
<thebarehandednaturalist...> wrote:
> Good morning!
>
> This morning I not only saw a red fox running around our property, but I
> also caught a whiff of "fox" in the air (skunky, musky scent of their
> marking). That is one of the earliest signs of the changing seasons in my
> opinion- breeding season is underway! While I was watching the fox run
> through the field, I also heard a single Tufted Titmouse singing
> "peter-peter-peter", a very welcome sound. With the mild temperatures
> today, it definitely feels like spring is around the corner! Unfortunately
> it looks like temps will be back in the 20's and teens next week.
>
> I'll leave you all with this excerpt from A Sand County Almanac
> <https://www.thetedkarchive.com/library/aldo-leopold-a-sand-county-almanac#toc7>,
> Part I "January Thaw":
>
> "T*he months of the year, from January up to June, are a geometric
> progression in the abundance of distractions. In January one may follow a
> skunk track, or search for bands on the chickadees, or see what young pines
> the deer have browsed, or what muskrat houses the mink have dug, with only
> an occasional and mild digression into other doings January observation can
> be almost as simple and peaceful as snow, and almost as continuous as cold.
> There is time not only to see who has done what, but to speculate why.*"
>
> Have a wonderful day,
>
> Alyssa Johnson
> Searsburg, Trumansburg
>
Date: 1/8/26 9:16 am From: Sarah Katherine Wagner <skw67...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cornell Lab of Ornithology Volunteers Needed
Hello Cayuga Bird Club,
We have a few updates, including upcoming trainings and volunteer opportunities, that I wanted to share with everyone!
• Our group visits page<https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/visit/group-visits/> went live just before Cornell’s winter break. It includes descriptions for each of our guided tours and information on how to book. I suspect these will pick up as school comes back in session and we share the info more widely, but for now it’s a slower roll-out of tours. As they’re booked, we’ll share signups with trained volunteers.
• Our training series for drop-in activities (formerly Exploration Stations) will take place on 2/21, 2/28, and 3/7 from 10:00-12:00. If you’re interested in helping to lead these shorter activities at the Visitor Center, please complete this form<https://forms.gle/UpnYdh37Sesy2rEL8>. If you attended the fall training on leading tours, you’re welcome to skip the first training session (2/21), but otherwise please note that attending all three sessions is required.
• We’ve started working on our Kids Discover the Trail! (KDT!) trips for the spring. If you’re not familiar with the program, the Lab welcomes almost every 5th grader in the county, and volunteers are a huge part of helping them explore birds and nature. Please see the note from Sarah below with more dates and details!
• This year we’ll be consolidating our Volunteer Appreciation events in an effort to get more of us together at once. Rather than holding separate events in January and June for folks that help with separate programs, we’ll be hosting something during National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 19-25). I’ll share more details as that approaches.
Please reach out with any questions! If you’re no longer available/ interested in volunteering and would like to be removed from this list, just let me know.
Best,
Peter
Hello all,
We have started planning for Kids Discover the Trail! (KDT!). Our field trips have been a huge hit, thanks in large part to many of you! For those of you who have volunteered in the past I hope you will join us again. If you are interested in joining the KDT! ranks please let me know!
What is required of KDT volunteers?
• January: Please confirm if you plan to volunteer this year.
• February-March: Sign volunteer forms, undergo a background check (for working with minors), get assigned a Cornell NetID, take a short online CU Learn course.
• April: Attend volunteer training and sign up for program dates.
o Attend 3 Monday morning training sessions in April (4/6, 4/13/, 4/20) for a couple of hours. If you attended the first day of the Tours Training, you can skip the first session.
o Practice biodiversity walk and afternoon rotations and shadow peer walks on Monday, 4/27.
• May: Help run programs! We expect ~20 program dates between May 4 – June 6 (exact dates TBA). Volunteer shifts are 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, for as many programs as you choose to sign up for, although we do request a minimum of 5 sign ups. New volunteers shadow / assist for their first two programs.
If you know of other people who might like to volunteer, please feel free to pass this on! As always, your help is what makes these programs possible. Please reach out with any questions or concerns – and most importantly, please let me (<skw67...><mailto:<skw67...>) know if you can volunteer this year no later than February 3.
Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing from you,
Date: 1/8/26 6:44 am From: Alyssa Johnson <thebarehandednaturalist...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] EARLY signs of spring
Good morning!
This morning I not only saw a red fox running around our property, but I also caught a whiff of "fox" in the air (skunky, musky scent of their marking). That is one of the earliest signs of the changing seasons in my opinion- breeding season is underway! While I was watching the fox run through the field, I also heard a single Tufted Titmouse singing "peter-peter-peter", a very welcome sound. With the mild temperatures today, it definitely feels like spring is around the corner! Unfortunately it looks like temps will be back in the 20's and teens next week.
"T*he months of the year, from January up to June, are a geometric progression in the abundance of distractions. In January one may follow a skunk track, or search for bands on the chickadees, or see what young pines the deer have browsed, or what muskrat houses the mink have dug, with only an occasional and mild digression into other doings January observation can be almost as simple and peaceful as snow, and almost as continuous as cold. There is time not only to see who has done what, but to speculate why.*"
Date: 1/5/26 7:52 am From: Tracy McLellan <trcymclellan...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Gardening for Birds program
Steve Kress will be presenting a program on gardening for Birds next
Tuesday Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 615 Willow Ave,
Ithaca. Remote option also available. See announcement below.
Native Plant Gardening: Gardening for Birds
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Gardening for Birds shares some of the interactions between birds and
native plants and provides ideas for improving properties of all sizes for
birds. Stephen lives with his wife Elissa on a 40-acre rural property at
the edge of Ithaca where he tests techniques for improving gardens and
landscapes for birds. This presentation is hybrid, you may attend in person
or virtually and it will be recorded with materials sent to all who
register.
Instructor's bio: Stephen Kress is a visiting fellow of the Cornell
Laboratory of Ornithology and founder of Audubon’s Project Puffin. He has a
lifelong interest in creating habitats for landbirds with a focus on native
plants that benefit birds and pollinators. He received his undergraduate
and Master’s degrees in Wildlife Management from Ohio State University and
his Ph.D. in Environmental Education from Cornell. Among his many books on
birding and backyard wildlife management, he is author of The Bird Garden.
Fee
This program is valued at $20, however, please pay what you are able.
Paying more than $20 will help others attend the class.
Register
Date: 1/5/26 6:34 am From: Chris Tessaglia-Hymes <cth4...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] ADMIN: PLEASE READ eList Migration
Greetings fellow birders and Happy New Year! Cornell University eList List Manager is making major changes to their eList platform. This eList and all Cornell University eLists will migrate away from Lyris List Manager to a new platform called Simplelists. This eList (Cayugabirds-L) will migrate to Simplelists on or about January 6, 2026. Once this action takes place, any new email messages you wish to send out for distribution to current subscribers will need to be sent to the new email address below:
<Cayugabirds-L...>
(Please note that the word LISTS is plural with the additional S. The email address is not case-sensitive) Simplelists has minimal settings that can be changed by a Subscriber or an Admin. Settings for Subscribers are currently restricted to Subscribing (Joining) or Unsubscribing (Leaving), and those both happen through this website:
You can also query which Simplelists eLists you are currently subscribed to by entering your email address in the My Lists section at the https://lists.cornell.edu/ website. After following the link provided in the resulting email message that you receive, you will be able to Pause Delivery and Unsubscribe from an eList. Digest does not appear to be a function that is supported in Simplelists. Many have noted a marked reduction in email chatter on this and other birding eLists. Much of the email-based birding reporting across New York State migrated away from email and other localized chat groups to the New York Birding Discord Server in January of 2024. On the new Discord Server for New York Birding, there are various regional channels for reporting and discussing bird sightings, sharing photos, links, etc. Details on joining the New York Birding Discord Server are at this link: