Date: 11/9/26 4:35 am From: Colleen Richards <clr82...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Bird Club November 2026 meeting
A quick reminder to join us for the Cayuga Bird Club's November meeting - Monday, November 9, 2026, 7:30 - 9:00 pm at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Auditorium. Doors open at 6:45 pm, cookies and socializing until 7:20, meeting starts at 7:30 pm. Note: the Wild Birds Unlimited store also opens at 6:45.
This month we'll be hearing from our own Jody Enck as he presents "Eight Years of Habitat Improvement Work in Lighthouse Point Woods, Ithaca - Lessons Learned".
Abstract: The Conservation Action Committee of the Cayuga Bird Club has been working to improve bird habitat down at Lighthouse Point Woods since 2019. We've made a lot of progress removing non-native plant species and planting native trees and shrubs. We've also developed important relationships through our public engagement efforts with school groups, non-profit organizations, and college classes. We are proud of our accomplishments. Still, recurring problems and uncertainty about which of many potential pathways forward have led to the need to examine why and how we operate as a group of folks committed to developing a shared space for birds, birders and other community members. This presentation will celebrate our accomplishments and will reveal how social science tools can help us reframe why and how we do our important work.
Bio-sketch: Jody Enck's lifelong fascination with birds began on a farm in south-central Pennsylvania, where he developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. That early passion eventually grew into a career devoted to understanding both birds and the people who care about them. Jody started his career as an ecologist, studying birds and the habitats they depend on. In the late 1980s, he added a PhD and work experience in social science to his repertoire. Decades of studying how individuals' motivations, expectations, and satisfactions influence behaviors, and studying and evaluating organizational behavior have served him well as he has facilitated the activities of the Conservation Action Committee.
Colleen Richards
Cayuga Bird Club
Corresponding Secretary
Date: 11/6/26 9:30 am From: Shelley Page <shelleypage.imagine...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Loon Watch on Sunday Nov 8!
Jared Dawson confirms that Sunday, Nov 8 will be the day for the Annual Loon Watch along the shore at Taughannock State Park! Please arrive a bit after 6:00 am to be in place for the 6:18-8:18 window of viewing.
Here is Jared's description of this Cayuga Bird Club tradition.
Take the main entrance to the park (southeast of the creek), then hug left towards the northernmost parking lot. This is an annual event to look for migrating loons (almost all Common) that head south for winter. Initially, there will be dawn flights of loons from northerly portions of Cayuga Lake, then by 7:30 a.m. we will start to see loons coming over from Lake Ontario and points north. We might also witness other migrating waterfowl like scoters and Long-tailed Ducks, as well as the occasional Red-throated Loon. Migration is a weather-dependent event, which depends on a decent north to northwest wind. On a good north-wind day we might see hundreds of loons migrating over Cayuga Lake, which can make for an exciting morning. North wind means cold and blustery, so dress properly for the weather. Bring warm gloves and hats and handwarmers. Also carry warm liquids to keep you warm. The precise times are part of a protocol that counts the loons in 15-minute periods beginning 15 minutes before sunrise at 6:18 on the 8th. Recent totals have been: 11/14/25 - 121; 11/3/24 - 18; 11/18/23 - 88; 11/19/22 - 165; 11/10/21 - 137; and 11/7/21 - 41; 11/12/20 - 166. I have not been able to find precise dates for the collection of a $10 parking fee, which off-season is normally charged on weekends during the fall. This has not been an issue in the past.
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
Date: 11/6/26 8:32 am From: Monica Adelman <monicaladelman...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Bird Club Events this weekend (+ Monday CBC Meeting)
[image: image.png]
Saturday, November 7Beginner Bird Walk (with Paul Anderson and Janie Leff)
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Lab of Ornithology
Join us at 9:30 a.m. for a walk around Sapsucker Woods looking and
listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2 hours and are targeted for
beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet by the Lab of Ornithology
visitor center entrance. No registration necessary. Binoculars are
available for loan, though you should bring your own if you have them. The
Visitor Center does not open until 10 a.m. There is a porta-potty in the
parking lot.
Owl Banding at Connecticut Hill
6:20 p.m. – 9:20 p.m. | Connecticut Hill Cemetery
Saw-whet Owl banding at Connecticut Hill has begun, and members of the
public are invited to come see these cute little creatures up close.
Banding is scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays through November 14. Net
checks begin 1.5 hours after sunset and last for three hours. To avoid
stressing the birds too much we are limiting visitor numbers, so please
sign up on the spreadsheet below if you're interested in attending. All
sessions are subject to weather cancellation (from rain or wind), so check
the spreadsheet before coming out: cancellations will be highlighted in
red. PLEASE GO TO THE CBC CALENDAR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT.
Signup sheet: https://tinyurl.com/chowls-2026
Sunday, November 8Beginner Bird Walk (with Ken Haas and Gwen Gallagher)
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Lab of Ornithology
Join us at 9:30 a.m. for a walk around Sapsucker Woods looking and
listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2 hours and are targeted for
beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet by the Lab of Ornithology
visitor center entrance. No registration necessary. Binoculars are
available for loan, though you should bring your own if you have them. The
Visitor Center does not open until 10am. There is a porta-potty in the
parking lot.
Annual Loon Watch with Jared Dawson & Scott Sutcliffe
6:18 a.m. – 8:18 a.m. | Taughannock Falls State Park
This is an annual event to look for migrating loons (almost all Common)
that head south for winter. Initially, there will be dawn flights of loons
from northerly portions of Cayuga Lake, then by 7:30 a.m. we will start to
see loons coming over from Lake Ontario and points north. We might also
witness other migrating waterfowl like scoters and Long-tailed Ducks, as
well as the occasional Red-throated Loon. Migration is a weather-dependent
event, which depends on a decent north to northwest wind. The precise times
are part of a protocol that counts the loons in 15-minute periods beginning
15 minutes before sunrise at 6:18 a.m. on the 8th. On a good north-wind day
we might see hundreds of loons migrating over Cayuga Lake, which can make
for an exciting morning.
North wind means cold and blustery, so dress properly for the weather.
Bring warm gloves and hats and handwarmers. Also carry warm liquids to keep
you warm.
Location: Take the main entrance to the park (southeast of the creek), then
hug left towards the northernmost parking lot.
Monday, November 9Cayuga Bird Club Meeting
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Lab of Ornithology
Speaker: Jody Enck, PhD, Conservation Social Scientist, Cayuga Bird Club
Conservation Committee Chair, Former Cayuga Bird Club President (2015-2017)
Topic: 8 years of habitat improvement work in Lighthouse Point Woods,
Ithaca - Lessons Learned
Summary: The Conservation Action Committee of the Cayuga Bird Club has been
working to improve bird habitat down at Lighthouse Point Woods since 2019.
We’ve made a lot of progress removing non-native plant species and planting
native trees and shrubs. We’ve also developed important relationships
through our public engagement efforts with school groups, non-profit
organizations, and college classes. We are proud of our accomplishments.
Still, recurring problems and uncertainty about which of many potential
pathways forward have led to the need to examine why and how we operate as
a group of folks committed to developing a shared space for birds, birders
and other community members. This presentation will celebrate our
accomplishments and will reveal how social science tools can help us
reframe why and how we do our important work.
About the Cayuga Bird Club Meetings: This meeting is free and open to the
public. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for social time before the reading of the
basin bird list at 7:20 p.m. Club business begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by
the speaker's presentation starting around 8:00 p.m. and ending by 9:00
p.m.
Date: 11/5/26 3:06 pm From: Shelley Page <shelleypage.imagine...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Nov 5 Thursday Birding Meetup Recap and Next Week Plans
It's fun to check out new birding spots and today's Thursday Birding Meetup enjoyed our first trip to Ecovillage, hosted by Shane who lives there. Fourteen of us hiked through a variety of habitats, seeing 20 species in total on this mild November morning. Robins were out and about, as we noticed over 20 of them along with 14 white-throated sparrows in hedge rows. Mourning doves and blue jays were noticeable along with a smattering of the usual birds we expect, and the arrival of juncos. We had hoped for a birdier time but Shane invited us back for a spring visit and we will definitely take her up on that offer. True to form, our most special bird was the last one as we approached the parking area--a northern mockingbird in concert mode! This lone mockingbird sang for several minutes straight through mimicking bluebirds, great crested flycatchers, titmice, cardinals and many, many more! What a repertoire! This singer perched at close range so we could easily see its throat puffing up and quivering with sound. A magical moment for us all! Afterward, some of us headed to Greenstar to try it out as a breakfast spot.
*Want to join us next week?* We'll head out to *Dryden Lake at 7:30 am to see who flys in on Thursday, Nov 12*. From Ithaca: Take Route 13 North, turning right at the intersection with Route 38 (Dryden Harford Rd.) Travel 2.1 miles south. Turn left on Chaffee Rd and then left on West Lake Rd. The entrance to the park will be immediately on your right. *All birders are very welcome* to join us. Catch some birding before work or other activities, leaving as you must, or join us for breakfast and conversation afterward.
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
Date: 11/3/26 5:20 am From: Jody Enck <jodyenck...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Conservation Action Committee fall planting prep
Hello bird enthusiasts, *Just a reminder that we will be meeting at Lighthouse Point Wednesday the 4th of November at 3pm to prep for fall planting *with Dr.Josh Cerra's Building for Birds class at Cornell. That planting will start on Tuesday the 17th of November from about 8am to 10am.
Prep work tomorrow will include" Completing the last few feet of fencing to protect plants from rabbits, and transplanting a few dozen small shrubs from their temporary plots into small pots.
What to bring tomorrow: Work gloves (I have 10-12 pairs, but always good if you can bring your own). Hand trowel and/or small spade or shovel. Most of the area is fairly dry, so hiking boots or even sneakers will be ok for most. I need a few people to help with the fencing, and the last few feet will be erected in water about a foot deep. So fence helpers will need to wear muck boots or something similar. We also could use a good handsaw or small electric saw to cut one 10-inch log that is in the way of putting up the last few feet of fence. I will have 2 weed wrenches available for anyone who can't help themselves and just want to pull privet.
Where to park tomorrow: Park at the Newman Golf Course and walk back the dirt access road to the woods.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks Jody
Jody W. Enck, PhD Conservation Social Scientist, and Founder of the Sister Bird Club Network 607-379-5940
Date: 11/3/26 2:59 am From: Sandra J. Kisner <sjk3...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] FW: [GCFL.net] Kettle of Hawks
I suspect this will be really easy for most here, but it is fun to see them all.
Sandra
From: The Good Clean Funnies List [20261103] <noreply...>
Sent: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 3:00 AM
To: Sandra J. Kisner <sjk3...>
Cc: The Good, Clean Funnies List <gcfl...>
Subject: [GCFL.net] Kettle of Hawks
Longtime birders know that some of the terms used to describe bird groups can be highly unusual. William Malarkey of Pottsville, Pennsylvania submitted this list, which includes 15 authentic terms... and five he made up just for fun. Can you tell which are which? William helpfully included a few easy ones to get you started, but you might be in for a surprise or two.
Once you've zeroed in on the terms you think are fakes, check your answers below. And if you don't get 'em all, don't fret... a couple of these tripped us up, too!
1. Kettle of hawks
2. Peep of chickens
3. Fall of woodcocks
4. Gulp of swallows
5. Deceit of lapwings
6. Looming of vultures
7. Trembling of finches
8. Sord of mallards
9. Spring of teal
10. Siege of herons
11. Ridicule of mockingbirds
12. Walk of snipe
13. Piteousness of doves
14. Chain of bobolinks
15. Mew of catbirds
16. Mutation of thrushes
17. Bouquet of pheasants
18. Wake of buzzards
19. Squadron of pelicans
20. Smidgen of widgeons
Puzzle answer: The made-up terms in this list are numbers 4, 6, 11, 15, and 20. All the rest are real. And yes, that really does include a "sord of mallards" and a "chain of bobolinks"!
Date: 11/2/26 3:15 pm From: Colleen Richards <clr82...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Bird Club November 2026 meeting
Please join us for the Cayuga Bird Club's November meeting - Monday, November 9, 2026, 7:30 - 9:00 pm at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Auditorium. Doors open at 6:45 pm, cookies and socializing until 7:20, meeting starts at 7:30 pm. Note: the Wild Birds Unlimited store also opens at 6:45.
This month we'll be hearing from our own Jody Enck as he presents "Eight Years of Habitat Improvement Work in Lighthouse Point Woods, Ithaca - Lessons Learned".
Abstract: The Conservation Action Committee of the Cayuga Bird Club has been working to improve bird habitat down at Lighthouse Point Woods since 2019. We've made a lot of progress removing non-native plant species and planting native trees and shrubs. We've also developed important relationships through our public engagement efforts with school groups, non-profit organizations, and college classes. We are proud of our accomplishments. Still, recurring problems and uncertainty about which of many potential pathways forward have led to the need to examine why and how we operate as a group of folks committed to developing a shared space for birds, birders and other community members. This presentation will celebrate our accomplishments and will reveal how social science tools can help us reframe why and how we do our important work.
Bio-sketch: Jody Enck's lifelong fascination with birds began on a farm in south-central Pennsylvania, where he developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. That early passion eventually grew into a career devoted to understanding both birds and the people who care about them. Jody started his career as an ecologist, studying birds and the habitats they depend on. In the late 1980s, he added a PhD and work experience in social science to his repertoire. Decades of studying how individuals' motivations, expectations, and satisfactions influence behaviors, and studying and evaluating organizational behavior have served him well as he has facilitated the activities of the Conservation Action Committee.
Before the meeting there will be a speaker dinner with Jody at the Zocalo restaurant at the Mall at 5:30. Please rsvp to <clr82...>
by noon on Monday so reservations can be made.
Colleen Richards
Cayuga Bird Club
Corresponding Secretary
Date: 10/31/26 3:58 pm From: Kelly Sams <tulugaqdream...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Fw: [bluewing-group] recognize this sound?
I would agree with Barred Owl. I have heard the same thing in the woods
behind my house a few times recently, usually followed by typical Barred
Owl hooting from what seems to be a second bird.
Kelly
On Thu, Oct 29, 2026, 6:23 PM Sheila Mumpton <smumpton...> wrote:
Date: 10/30/26 12:37 pm From: Monica Adelman <monicaladelman...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Bird Club Weekend Events (note time changes)
[image: image.png]
Saturday, October 31Family Flock Meetup
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Lab of Ornithology
In anticipation of the cooler temperatures, we'll move to be mostly inside
for our next meetup. On October 31, we'll meet for our final Family Flock
Meetup of the season (we'll reconvene in the spring) at the Cornell Lab of
Ornithology. We'll explore the visitor's center, watch some feeder birds
from the window, and walk some trails in the area. Even though Family Flock
is coming to an end for this season, the Beginner Bird Walks are perfect
for families with young children and will continue every weekend at the
Lab. Thank you to everyone who has made this new program and success and
we're looking forward to continuing in the spring!
This meetup is a group geared toward parents and caregivers with young
children (newborn to preschool) who enjoy birding and want to bring their
little ones along. No prior birding experience is required. Meetups take
place in stroller-friendly locations with minimal bodies of water, no cars,
roadsides, or gorges. Adults should bring binoculars, and kids should bring
their energy!
Beginner Bird Walk (with Ken Haas and Lynne Hewitt)
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Lab of Ornithology
Join us at 8:30am (today is the last day for 8:30 a.m) for a walk around
Sapsucker Woods looking and listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2
hours and are targeted for beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet
by the Lab of Ornithology visitor center entrance. No registration
necessary. Binoculars are available for loan, though you should bring your
own if you have them. The Visitor Center does not open until 10am. There is
a porta-potty in the parking lot.
Sunday, November 1 (note updated times)Bird Banding at Lighthouse Point
Woods
7:10 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. | Lighthouse Point
The Finger Lakes Bird Observatory, led by Max "Hummingbird" Baber, will be
banding birds at Lighthouse Point for the Fall migration season. Members of
the public are invited to observe our beautiful birds up close, to learn
about the bird banding process, and to learn about our migrating birds in
general.
Banding sessions are scheduled for Sundays, September 27 through November
1. Sessions last for 6 hours from sunrise. Stop by anytime starting from
the first net check, 30 minutes after sunrise. Sessions may be shortened or
cancelled from rain, heavy wind, or other conditions that may jeopardize
the safety of the birds.
Directions to Lighthouse Point: park at Newman Municipal Golf Course, walk
0.4 miles north along the inlet to the banding station.
Beginner Bird Walk (with Beth Bannister and Debbie Mahoney)
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Lab of Ornithology
Join us Sunday morning at 9:30am for a walk around Sapsucker Woods looking
and listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2 hours and are targeted for
beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet by the Lab of Ornithology
visitor center entrance. No registration necessary. Binoculars are
available for loan, though you should bring your own if you have them. The
Visitor Center does not open until 10am. There is a porta-potty in the
parking lot.
Owl Banding at Connecticut Hill
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Connecticut Hill Cemetery
Saw-whet Owl banding at Connecticut Hill has begun, and members of the
public are invited to come see these cute little creatures up close.
Banding is scheduled for Wednesdays and Sundays through November 1, and
Wednesdays and Saturdays through November 14. Net checks begin 1.5 hours
after sunset and last for three hours. To avoid stressing the birds too
much we are limiting visitor numbers, so please sign up on the spreadsheet
below if you're interested in attending. All sessions are subject to
weather cancellation (from rain or wind), so check the spreadsheet before
coming out: cancellations will be highlighted in red. PLEASE GO TO THE CBC
CALENDAR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT
Tuesday, November 3Field Trip: Alder Pond with Ken Haas
8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | 5915 NY-79, Trumansburg
Ken Haas is once again offering a field trip starting at his home (Alder
Pond) near Mecklenburg,with 10 acres including a half acre pond, mixed
deciduous and coniferous young forest with some dense undergrowth, a swampy
area and some shrubby areas. Single track and double track trails meander
through most of the property. Easy walking, but the grass may be wet - wear
appropriate footwear. We’ll check out the feeders and rest of the property
for lingering Fall birds and new Winter arrivals.
Directions from Ithaca: take 79 west to Mecklenburg. Continue 0.8miles out
of the village up the hill and around to a straight stretch. Shortly before
the road curves again, Turnpike Road comes in from the left. The driveway
to Alder Pond is to the right directly opposite Turnpike Road. There is
space for five cars to park on the property; if that is full, park along
Turnpike Road (i.e., if you see cars parked on Turnpike Road, the lot is
probably full at the property.
Date: 10/30/26 10:05 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Tracing the Migrations of Small Songbirds | Smithsonian Institution
Even using barometric pressure to more accurately map migration routes! Sar
Today's Thursday Birding Meetup at the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve began with 11 attendees looking at Hooded Mergansers in the pond across the road, while flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds flew by overhead. A very tame White-throated Sparrow foraged in the middle of the trail as we started through the woods. Many American Robins were out and about as we crossing the big meadow, dominated by low grasses after the FLLT's late mowing. From the overlook we saw two muskrats swimming among Canada Geese and Hooded Mergansers, while a mature Bald Eagle soared against the fall-colored hillside. Down in the brushy areas by the pond were many American Goldfinches foraging on goldenrod seeds, with a few White-throated Sparrows popping in and out. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet fluttered its wings frequently and flashed its red crown a few times as it moved among the bushes, while a flock of Cedar Waxwings moved between leafless treetops. Farther along, the beautiful song of a Fox Sparrow was heard several times before the bird was spotted sitting nicely on a branch for all to admire. After the walk, we breakfasted at Sunset Grill with a nice view of Cayuga Lake and Cornell campus.
NEXT WEEK, we will bird at EcoVillage, 7:30am on Thursday, November 5. Park at Gourdlandia, or carpool from Ithaca's Children's Garden at 7:15am. A reminder that all birders are welcome at these Thursday Birding Meetups. We start early to offer a birding opportunity before work or class. Those with more flexible schedules can join us for breakfast and conversation after birding.
Date: 10/29/26 7:58 am From: david nicosia (via CAYUGABIRDS-L list) <CAYUGABIRDS-L...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Fw: [bluewing-group] recognize this sound?
Anyone from the great bird / natural sounds "brain trust" know what this is? Kind of sounds like a saw-whet owl to me but seems too long for this species. No one down here seems to know. thanks.
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Colleen Wolpert <spider99...>To: Bluewing Google Group <bluewing-group...>Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 09:52:37 AM EDTSubject: [bluewing-group] recognize this sound?
Wondering if people want to weigh in on this animal sound posted on Facebook by Adirondack Explorer.
Date: 10/28/26 4:55 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Feom the Field Webinars -Losing Ground: What the Endangered Species Act Rollbacks Mean for Whooping Cranes Wednesday, Oct 28, 3 p.m. Central Time International Crane Foundation
In defense of the wild, feathered and purred.
Losing Ground: What the Endangered Species Act Rollbacks Mean for Whooping Cranes Wednesday, Oct 28, 3 p.m. Central Time From the Field Webinars - International Crane Foundation https://share.google/V3jNsQDaMSBg1HfG8
Sar
"To know is not all; it is only half. To love is the other half". - John Burroughs " The Art Of Seeing Things"
Date: 10/24/26 9:40 am From: Monica Adelman <monicaladelman...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Bird Club Events - Sunday
Updated with correct locations / times:
*Sunday, October 25*
Bird Banding at Lighthouse Point Woods
8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lighthouse Point
The Finger Lakes Bird Observatory, led by Max "Hummingbird" Baber, will be
banding birds at Lighthouse Point for the Fall migration season. Members of
the public are invited to observe our beautiful birds up close, to learn
about the bird banding process, and to learn about our migrating birds in
general.
Banding sessions are scheduled for Sundays, September 27 through November
1. Sessions last for 6 hours from sunrise. Stop by anytime starting from
the first net check, 30 minutes after sunrise. Sessions may be shortened or
cancelled from rain, heavy wind, or other conditions that may jeopardize
the safety of the birds.
Directions to Lighthouse Point: park at Newman Municipal Golf Course, walk
0.4 miles north along the inlet to the banding station.
Habitat Restoration at Lighthouse Point
8:00 a.m. (birding), 9:00 a.m. (work) – 12:00 p.m. | Lighthouse Point
We will be concentrating on putting in fences and clearing the plants from
the areas where the fences will be going. If you really want to pull
privet, you can do that too. Come early (8am) for birding or to check out
the bird banding. We will provide some snacks. Please park at the golf
course and walk to the point. May be cancelled if the weather looks too
rainy.
Beginner Bird Walk (with Paul Anderson and Maia Ginsburg)
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Lab of Ornithology
Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30am for a walk around
Sapsucker Woods looking and listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2
hours and are targeted for beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet
by the Lab of Ornithology visitor center entrance. No registration
necessary. Binoculars are available for loan, though you should bring your
own if you have them. The Visitor Center does not open until 10am. There is
a porta-potty in the parking lot.
Date: 10/23/26 10:00 am From: Monica Adelman <monicaladelman...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Bird Club Weekend Events
[image: image.png]
Saturday, October 24Family Flock Meetup
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | East Ithaca Recreation Way
This weekend we'll be birding at the Cornell Arboretum. We will meet near
the Sculpture Garden (Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CGWD1Zt6VsRVdTyF8).
We will bird until about 10:30 a.m. After birding, you may venture over to
Cornell's Insectapalooza: the annual, one-day Insect Festival hosted by the
Department of Entomology at Cornell University. It runs until 3 p.m. and is
at Stocking Hall on campus. We hope you can join us!
Monica Adelman is hosting this weekly Saturday morning meetup. This meetup
is a group geared toward parents and caregivers with young children
(newborn to preschool) who enjoy birding and want to bring their little
ones along. No prior birding experience is required. Meetups take place in
stroller-friendly locations with minimal bodies of water, no cars,
roadsides, or gorges. Adults should bring binoculars, and kids should bring
their energy! The meetups are crowd-sourced on where to meet next week.
Beginner Bird Walk (with Gladys Birdsall and Stephanie Herrick)
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Lab of Ornithology
Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30am for a walk around
Sapsucker Woods looking and listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2
hours and are targeted for beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet
by the Lab of Ornithology visitor center entrance. No registration
necessary. Binoculars are available for loan, though you should bring your
own if you have them. The Visitor Center does not open until 10am. There is
a porta-potty in the parking lot.
Sunday, October 25Bird Banding at Lighthouse Point Woods
8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lighthouse Point
The Finger Lakes Bird Observatory, led by Max "Hummingbird" Baber, will be
banding birds at Lighthouse Point for the Fall migration season. Members of
the public are invited to observe our beautiful birds up close, to learn
about the bird banding process, and to learn about our migrating birds in
general.
Banding sessions are scheduled for Sundays, September 27 through November
1. Sessions last for 6 hours from sunrise. Stop by anytime starting from
the first net check, 30 minutes after sunrise. Sessions may be shortened or
cancelled from rain, heavy wind, or other conditions that may jeopardize
the safety of the birds.
Directions to Lighthouse Point: park at Newman Municipal Golf Course, walk
0.4 miles north along the inlet to the banding station.
Beginner Bird Walk (with Paul Anderson and Maia Ginsburg)
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Lab of Ornithology
Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30am for a walk around
Sapsucker Woods looking and listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2
hours and are targeted for beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet
by the Lab of Ornithology visitor center entrance. No registration
necessary. Binoculars are available for loan, though you should bring your
own if you have them. The Visitor Center does not open until 10am. There is
a porta-potty in the parking lot.
Habitat Restoration at Lighthouse Point
We will be concentrating on putting in fences and clearing the plants from
the areas where the fences will be going. If you really want to pull
privet, you can do that too. Come early (8am) for birding or to check out
the bird banding. We will provide some snacks. Please park at the golf
course and walk to the point. May be cancelled if the weather looks too
rainy.
Owl Banding at Connecticut Hill
Saw-whet Owl banding at Connecticut Hill has begun, and members of the
public are invited to come see these cute little creatures up close.
Banding is scheduled for Wednesdays and Sundays through November 1, and
Wednesdays and Saturdays through November 14. Net checks begin 1.5 hours
after sunset and last for three hours. To avoid stressing the birds too
much we are limiting visitor numbers, so please sign up on the spreadsheet
below if you're interested in attending. All sessions are subject to
weather cancellation (from rain or wind), so check the spreadsheet before
coming out: cancellations will be highlighted in red. PLEASE GO TO THE CBC
CALENDAR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT
Date: 10/23/26 9:29 am From: Shelley Page <shelleypage.imagine...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] New Field Trip! Alder Pond with Ken Haas on Nov 3
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - 8:00 – 10:30am - pay attention to the recent
time change.
5915 NY-79, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
Ken Haas is once again offering a field trip starting at his home (Alder
Pond) near Mecklenburg, with 10 acres including a half acre pond, mixed
deciduous and coniferous young forest with some dense undergrowth, a swampy
area and some shrubby areas. Single track and double track trails meander
through most of the property. Easy walking, but the grass may be wet - wear
appropriate footwear. We’ll check out the feeders and rest of the property
for lingering Fall birds and new Winter arrivals. Directions from Ithaca:
take 79 west to Mecklenburg. Continue 0.8 miles out of the village up the
hill and around to a straight stretch. Shortly before the road curves
again, Turnpike Road comes in from the left. The driveway to Alder Pond is
to the right directly opposite Turnpike Road. There is space for five cars
to park on the property; if that is full, park along Turnpike Road (i.e.,
if you see cars parked on Turnpike Road, the lot is probably full at the
property.
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
Date: 10/22/26 2:17 pm From: Shelley Page <shelleypage.imagine...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Oct 22 Thursday Birding Meetup Recap and Next Week Plans
'Twas a chill and fog-bound morning as we gathered for today's Thursday Birding Meetup at the Cayuga Nature Center Upper Loop trails. A spooky dense fog settled in just as we started to head down the Black Diamond Trail and continued as we explored the Upper Loop trails in search of birds. Amazingly, the twelve of us succeeded in seeing 25 species along the way! A mockingbird, Cooper's hawk and red-tailed hawk caught our attention immediately. Through the mist, we were able to see 20 white-throated sparrows along with one each of white-crowned, song and swamp sparrows. A ruby-crowned kinglet popped up. Otherwise, our viewing could be considered a variety pack of one towhee here, one yellow rump there, two bluebirds over there, goldfinches on the goldenrod and a smattering of woodpeckers and our expected local birds. Some Canada geese and red-wings in the sky rounded out our sightings. Of course, kids of all ages love the Tree House so we made sure to pay a visit, climbing to the top and enjoying the views as the fog lifted and the sun finally came out to greet us. A low-key lovely birding morning with the warmth of fellow birders, and eventually, the sun. We breakfasted at The Falls in Trumansburg to continue telling tales of birding long ago and yet to come.
*Want to join us next week? * Gather with us *Thursday Oct 29 at 7:30 am* at the* Lindsay-Parsons* Biodiversity Preserve. From Ithaca: Take Route 13 south and then veer left on Route 34/96 toward Spencer. Go about 8.5 miles. Parking lot on your left. A reminder that *all birders *are welcome at these Thursday Birding Meetups. We start early to offer a birding opportunity before work or class. Those with more flexible schedules can join us for breakfast and conversation after birding.
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
Date: 10/19/26 4:44 pm From: Rachel Hogancamp <rachelhogancamp810...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] The Owls (Short earred) have Returned!
That's very exciting! I've been wondering when they may return. Thanks for
letting us know. Here's to a wonderful seasonw with those beauties.
On Mon, Oct 19, 2026 at 7:22 PM Laura Stenzler <lms9...> wrote:
> Where? There are several Johnson Roads....
> Laura
>
> Laura Stenzler
> <lms9...>
>
>
> ________________________________________
> From: <CAYUGABIRDS-L...> <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
> on behalf of Peter Saracino <petersaracino...>
> Sent: Monday, October 19, 2026 7:16 PM
> To: <eatonbirdingsociety...>; Cayuga Birds List; Geneseebirds
> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] The Owls (Short earred) have Returned!
>
> I've been visiting Johnson Rd towards sunset for the last 2 weeks hoping
> to see some short eared owls.
> Tonight I scanned and scanned only to again be disappointed. Butvthen,
> just before dark, I played an owl call-back from Merlin and was amazed to
> see an owl flying right towards me. Then another.
> Within no time I (and a fellow who had stopped to see what I was up to)
> were treated to EIGHT owls flying around us and between the fields on both
> sides of the road!
> Wonderful, incredible experience!
> Sar
>
> "To know is not all; it is only half. To love is the other half".
> - John Burroughs
> " The Art Of Seeing Things"
> --
> Cayugabirds-L List Info:
> More information about this list here: http://www.northeastbirding.com/< > http://www.northeastbirding.com/> > Login to change your subscription settings here: http://lists.cornell.edu/ > <http://lists.cornell.edu/> > Posting Address: <Cayugabirds-L...><mailto:
> <Cayugabirds-L...>
> Archives:
> The Mail Archive: //http://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...><https:<a%20href=>/maillist.html" > class="hft-urls">https://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...> > <mailto://http://www.mail-archive.com/<cayugabirds-l...> > >/maillist.html
> Sightings: Please submit your observations to eBird at
> http://www.ebird.org/<http://www.ebird.org/>.
> --
>
> --
> Cayugabirds-L List Info:
> More information about this list here: http://www.northeastbirding.com > Login to change your subscription settings here: http://LISTS.cornell.edu > 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: 10/19/26 4:22 pm From: Laura Stenzler <lms9...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] The Owls (Short earred) have Returned!
Where? There are several Johnson Roads....
Laura
Laura Stenzler
<lms9...>
________________________________________
From: <CAYUGABIRDS-L...> <CAYUGABIRDS-L...> on behalf of Peter Saracino <petersaracino...>
Sent: Monday, October 19, 2026 7:16 PM
To: <eatonbirdingsociety...>; Cayuga Birds List; Geneseebirds
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] The Owls (Short earred) have Returned!
I've been visiting Johnson Rd towards sunset for the last 2 weeks hoping to see some short eared owls.
Tonight I scanned and scanned only to again be disappointed. Butvthen, just before dark, I played an owl call-back from Merlin and was amazed to see an owl flying right towards me. Then another.
Within no time I (and a fellow who had stopped to see what I was up to) were treated to EIGHT owls flying around us and between the fields on both sides of the road!
Wonderful, incredible experience!
Sar
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Leff, Fred <fred.leff...>
Date: Mon, Oct 19, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Fall Migration Bird Walk on Saturday October 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM -
1:00 PM @ The Seneca Meadows Education Center
Please join us at the Seneca Meadows Education Center (1977 NYS Route
414 in Waterloo, NY 13165) at 8:00 AM on Saturday October 24, 2026.
Then we will carpool (optional but recommended) to the Seneca Meadows
Wetland Preserve (1712 Black Brook Road Seneca Falls, NY 13148) by
8:15 AM. Fall Migration should be going strong! We will take a brief
(about an hour and a half) walk for about 1 and 1/2 mile, then drive
to various locations in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. The Wildlife
Drive at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge should be very
productive. Waterfowl, raptors, including Bald Eagles, songbirds, and
Sandhill Cranes are usually here this time of year. Please bring
binoculars but if you don't have any, please contact me via the
contact information below and we have binoculars to loan out. Be
prepared with sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottles, and if wet,
boots. If you are not an "eBirder" yet, training is available if you
want to learn how to use the free app. This is a free event, but
registration is required by October 20, 2026 (see below). All
individuals, groups, families with or without children), people with
disabilities and under-served communities are welcome. For those
people with disabilities, please email to <fred.leff...> for
descriptions of the trails. For more information and/or if you have
any questions, please email to <fred.leff...> or call (315)
539-5089 and leave a detailed message.
Recordings of the first two CBC presentations of the year are
available for viewing. Apoligies for the delay in preparing the
September presentation.
September - Birding Aotearoa and Te Waipounamu, New Zealand, by Meena Haribal.
Recording: https://youtu.be/f2mPOjU-PDM
October - Bird Up Close - A renowned engineer reveals the marvel of
how birds work—from the tips of their bills to the sheen of their tail
feathers, by Lorna Gibson.
Recording: https://youtu.be/qLTPRhufsYU
[image: image.png]
Saturday, October 17Field Trip: West Side of the Lake with Ken Haas
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Ithaca Children’s Garden
Meet at the Ithaca Children’s Garden parking lot. From there, we will bird
a short way up the Black Diamond Trail, then travel over to the Alan Treman
Marine Park to bird at Hog Hole and other locations on the west side of
Cayuga Lake. Expect gentle hills and some flat walking conditions.
Port-a-potty and water available at the Ithaca Children’s Garden..
Family Flock Meetup
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | East Ithaca Recreation Way
On Saturday, we'll venture out to the East Ithaca Recreation Way. We'll
park where the Dryden Rail Trail meets the East Ithaca Recreation Way: off
of Stevenson Rd right across from Dodge Rd.
Monica Adelman is hosting this weekly Saturday morning meetup. This meetup
is a group geared toward parents and caregivers with young children
(newborn to preschool) who enjoy birding and want to bring their little
ones along. No prior birding experience is required. Meetups take place in
stroller-friendly locations with minimal bodies of water, no cars,
roadsides, or gorges. Adults should bring binoculars, and kids should bring
their energy! The meetups are crowd-sourced on where to meet next week.
Beginner Bird Walk (with Maia Ginsburg and Suan Yong)
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Lab of Ornithology
Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30am for a walk around
Sapsucker Woods looking and listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2
hours and are targeted for beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet
by the Lab of Ornithology visitor center entrance. No registration
necessary. Binoculars are available for loan, though you should bring your
own if you have them. The Visitor Center does not open until 10am. There is
a porta-potty in the parking lot.
Sunday, October 11Bird Banding at Lighthouse Point Woods
7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lighthouse Point
The Finger Lakes Bird Observatory, led by Max "Hummingbird" Baber, will be
banding birds at Lighthouse Point for the Fall migration season. Members of
the public are invited to observe our beautiful birds up close, to learn
about the bird banding process, and to learn about our migrating birds in
general.
Banding sessions are scheduled for Sundays, September 27 through November
1. Sessions last for 6 hours from sunrise. Stop by anytime starting from
the first net check, 30 minutes after sunrise. Sessions may be shortened or
cancelled from rain, heavy wind, or other conditions that may jeopardize
the safety of the birds.
Directions to Lighthouse Point: park at Newman Municipal Golf Course, walk
0.4 miles north along the inlet to the banding station.
Beginner Bird Walk (with Ken Haas, Shelley Page, Gwen Gallagher)
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Lab of Ornithology
Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30am for a walk around
Sapsucker Woods looking and listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2
hours and are targeted for beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet
by the Lab of Ornithology visitor center entrance. No registration
necessary. Binoculars are available for loan, though you should bring your
own if you have them. The Visitor Center does not open until 10am. There is
a porta-potty in the parking lot.
Date: 10/15/26 4:17 pm From: Shelley Page <shelleypage.imagine...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Oct 15 Thursday Birding Meetup Recap and Next Week's Plans
Today's Thursday Birding Meetup felt like a full-on fall celebration as we birded the trails at Lansing Center. Skeins of geese (we lost count after 500 or so!) filled the sky above the gorgeous fall foliage nearing its peak, while ravens cronked in a tree top (nevermore!?). Flocks of red-winged blackbirds and starlings graced the crisp air. Our target birds were sparrows and the 21 of us did see white-throats, song and one swamp. October is all about treats and we received two this morning--a red-tailed hawk perched on a snag very nearby, affording a marvelous close look as it posed and then flew off, and a blackpoll warbler in its "confusing fall warbler" garb at fairly close range. The identity of this warbler was discerned after discussion and field guide consultations. Thanks to Tracy McLellan for a clear photo and some of our other eagle-eyed birders paying attention to all the field marks. We also observed a selection of the expected birds for a total of 19 species. Seventeen of us enjoyed a hearty breakfast at our East Shore Roadhouse haunt. A classic fall morning!
*Want to join us next week?* We'll gather at *7:30 am on Thursday Oct 22 at the Cayuga Nature Center Upper Loop*, again with expectations of sparrows and, who knows, perhaps some other late migrating warblers. From Ithaca: Travel on Route 89 north, turning left on Garrett Road. Then, right on Houghton Road. The parking lot will be on your right.
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
Date: 10/14/26 11:14 am From: Barbara B. Eden <beb1...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Gold Finches!!
At my very birdy backyard in Cayuga Heights, I recently set up two feeders that are perfect for dispensing sunflower chips. Since setting those up, the goldfinch population has exploded. In the past I would only see one periodically, so this is definitely working!!
Date: 10/12/26 10:45 am From: Laura Stenzler <lms9...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Bird Club October 12, 2026 meeting -TONIGHT
Hi all,
Just a reminder that TONIGHT, Oct 12, is the next Cayuga Bird Club meeting at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The meeting is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:45pm for social time AND a book signing with tonight's speaker, Lorna Gibson. Books will be available for purchase at the Wild Birds Unlimited store before the meeting, which starts with a 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. Please note that we will be holding our election of Club officers and voting on this year's budget.
Come hear our speaker Lorna Gibson, PhD, Material Scientist and avid birder, in her presentation: "Birds Up Close - A renowned engineer reveals the marvel of how birds work"
Have you ever wondered how birds work? Lorna Gibson’s new book, Birds Up Close: An Engineer Explores Their Hidden Wonders, draws on her experience as a professor of engineering at MIT and as a lifelong birder, to describe how birds work from an engineering perspective. Feathers, bones, bills, eggs, flight: all come in for scrutiny, sometimes at the microscopic scale, sometimes at a more macroscopic scale.
Join Lorna as she shares highlights from the book on how microscopic structures in bird bills and tongues allow woodpeckers to capture insects deep within the holes they drill, hummingbirds to collect nectar from flowers, sandpipers to sense prey in wet sand, and phalaropes to draw droplets of plankton-containing water into their bills (no lips, can’t suck).”
About the Speaker: Lorna Gibson is the Matoula S. Salapatas Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT and a MacVicar Faculty Fellow, MIT’s top award for undergraduate teaching. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. She has always loved nature and getting outside to walk, bicycle and bird.
Lorna will also be signing copies of her book (some copies available at Wild Birds Unlimited) at the Lab at 6:45.
Hope to see you there.
Colleen Richards, Corresponding Secretary
Laura Stenzler, Program Coordinator
Cayuga Bird Club
www.cayugabirdclub.org
--
Date: 10/11/26 7:32 am From: Tracy McLellan <trcymclellan...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Paid birding guide work for experienced birders
Hi Cayuga Bird Club team,
I’m Felipe Guerrero, and I run American Birding Guides. We currently work
with 150 local guides across the country, and we’re looking for more.
We’re interested in people who know their local birds and birding areas
really well and would be comfortable taking private clients birding.
Previous professional guiding experience isn’t necessary.
Guides are paid per outing and can accept bookings based on their
availability. We handle the marketing, client inquiries, scheduling,
insurance, and payments, so they don’t have to set up and run their own
guiding business.
We’ve posted the opportunity on Ornithology Exchange, including
compensation details and how to apply:
