Date: 12/15/18 12:14 pm From: ddarm ddarm <ddarm...> Subject: [birders] A few more Solitaire details
“. Was loosely associating with EABL and AMGO pretty close to the disc golf parking lot. Feeding on bittersweet berries. “
Deaver D. Armstrong
<ddarm...>
Let's go birding......
A New Field Ornithology Class will start in APRIL of 2019
To register or learn more please go to
http://www.miavianexperience.org Enter site, then go to Programs via the menu, then select Field Classes
Found and photographed by ace young birder, Ben Hack, around noon at Independence Lake County Park at 42°24'23.7"N 83°47'36.8"W and relocated around 2 pm at disc hole # 4.
Admission fee required to enter this park and gates block entrance. See website for hours that the park is open. Park details:
https://www.washtenaw.org/424/Independence-Lake-Park
Deaver D. Armstrong
<ddarm...>
Let's go birding......
A New Field Ornithology Class will start in APRIL of 2019
To register or learn more please go to
http://www.miavianexperience.org Enter site, then go to Programs via the menu, then select Field Classes
Date: 12/14/18 4:20 pm From: Juliet Berger <juliet.berger...> Subject: Re: [birders] Mocker again at Gallup Park (Ann Arbor) Friday
I've been observing it for several days. This is the 3rd winter in a row that a Mockingbird has been on territory at Gallup. I saw it yesterday, and hopefully will see it again on the Ann Arbor Christmas Bird Count! Thanks for the report, Roger.
Juliet Berger
On Fri, Dec 14, 2018 at 5:43 PM Roger Kuhlman <rkuhlman...> wrote:
Date: 12/14/18 7:55 am From: Roger Kuhlman <rkuhlman...> Subject: [birders] Red-winged Blackbird Superior Township Washtenaw County
I don't know if it should prove to be noteworthy for the Ann Arbor CBC but I found a male Red-winged Blackbird Thursday afternoon on Vreeland Road just east of the Conservancy farm in Superior Township (central Washtenaw County.)
Date: 12/13/18 9:05 pm From: 'P. swanson' via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] RE: downy woodpecker asleep sideways on branch
I saw this behavior many years ago, only the downy I saw was vertical on the tree. The weather was terrible that day. I thought it was dying but it ended up flying away after an hour or so. I asked the board at that time and someone had a possible answer but I can’t remember what it was! Just wanted to let you know I have also seen it. The tree it was on had suet offering and the downies fed often from it.
Penny S.
> On Dec 13, 2018, at 4:29 PM, Tait, Mag <mtait...> wrote:
>
> I have never seen a bird on the side of a branch, but have seen woodpeckers, usually Red Bellies, on their bellies on the top of a tree that I had to top has three flat large branches, just hanging out.
>
> I have see downies twice now pressed flat (vertically) against the side of my peanut butter log feeder when a hawk came by. Once there was a Downy on one side and a chickadee on the other side. They stayed flat and silent far after the hawk had gone elsewhere. I wonder if just missed seeing a Cooper’s fly by.
>
> Mag
>
> From: Glen Gardner and Leslie Landau <glenandles...>
> Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2018 4:19 PM
> To: <birders...>
> Subject: [birders] downy woodpecker asleep sideways on branch
>
> External Email - Use Caution
>
> Hi all,
>
> I was wondering if anyone has seen this behavior; it's new to me. I came home to see one of the several downies that hang out near my kitchen window because of the suet I provide. This one was alone, on the small crabapple tree that's the official perch tree for the birds who partake of the various feeders. But, it was weird: It was seemingly asleep, its body horizontal (!) and completely still, alongside a horizontal branch. Not alongside the top of the branch. It was lying down horizontally along the side of a branch that's maybe 2-3" in diameter. I don't know how long the downy had been like this. At least 10 minutes.
>
> Above is a not great picture, but could be enough to see what's going on.
>
> I thought at first it might be dead or near dead; killed by a hawk, which fled for some reason, the prey still clinging to the branch and/or its life. No other birds were around, which added to the hawk theory.
> But after 10 minutes from the time I first saw it (could have been hours, for all I know), it sat upright, fluffed its feathers and eventually took off. I missed its takeoff.
> Was it sleeping? Was it being still to avoid being seen by a Coopers (if I don't move, it won't see me, never mind that I'm not really camouflaged.)?
>
> Any insight would be appreciated.
>
> Leslie Landau
>
>
> Sent from Outlook
>
>
> Virus-free. www.avast.com
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This is a common response to a hawk in the neighborhood. The birds will
often remain frozen for many minutes until they are sure the hawk is gone.
Because the woodpeckers can cling to the bottom of a branch, it is safer to
go there, where they are out of sight from above.
Janet Hinshaw ph: 734-764-0457
Bird Division Collection Manager fax: 734-998-0038
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Research Museums Center
3600 Varsity Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-2228 USA
On Thu, Dec 13, 2018 at 4:30 PM Tait, Mag <mtait...> wrote:
> I have never seen a bird on the side of a branch, but have seen
> woodpeckers, usually Red Bellies, on their bellies on the top of a tree
> that I had to top has three flat large branches, just hanging out.
>
>
>
> I have see downies twice now pressed flat (vertically) against the side of
> my peanut butter log feeder when a hawk came by. Once there was a Downy on
> one side and a chickadee on the other side. They stayed flat and silent far
> after the hawk had gone elsewhere. I wonder if just missed seeing a
> Cooper’s fly by.
>
>
>
> Mag
>
>
>
> *From:* Glen Gardner and Leslie Landau <glenandles...>
> *Sent:* Thursday, December 13, 2018 4:19 PM
> *To:* <birders...>
> *Subject:* [birders] downy woodpecker asleep sideways on branch
>
>
> *External Email - Use Caution*
>
> Hi all,
>
>
>
> I was wondering if anyone has seen this behavior; it's new to me. I came
> home to see one of the several downies that hang out near my kitchen window
> because of the suet I provide. This one was alone, on the small
> crabapple tree that's the official perch tree for the birds who partake of
> the various feeders. But, it was weird: It was seemingly asleep, its body
> horizontal (!) and completely still, alongside a horizontal branch. Not
> alongside the top of the branch. It was lying down horizontally along the
> side of a branch that's maybe 2-3" in diameter. I don't know how long the
> downy had been like this. At least 10 minutes.
>
>
>
> Above is a not great picture, but could be enough to see what's going on.
>
>
>
> I thought at first it might be dead or near dead; killed by a hawk, which
> fled for some reason, the prey still clinging to the branch and/or its
> life. No other birds were around, which added to the hawk theory.
>
> But after 10 minutes from the time I first saw it (could have been hours,
> for all I know), it sat upright, fluffed its feathers and eventually took
> off. I missed its takeoff.
>
> Was it sleeping? Was it being still to avoid being seen by a Coopers (if
> I don't move, it won't see me, never mind that I'm not really camouflaged.)?
>
>
>
> Any insight would be appreciated.
>
>
>
> Leslie Landau
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from Outlook <http://aka.ms/weboutlook> >
>
>
>
> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=icon> >
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> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Birders" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
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> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<BN6PR03MB32361AD3B28099A5C2EFB867CDA00...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<BN6PR03MB32361AD3B28099A5C2EFB867CDA00...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
> For more options, visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/optout.
>
> **********************************************************
> Electronic Mail is not secure, may not be read every day, and should not
> be used for urgent or sensitive issues
>
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Birders" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
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> To view this discussion on the web visit
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> For more options, visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/optout.
>
Date: 12/13/18 6:23 pm From: Janet Hinshaw <jhinshaw...> Subject: [birders] Ornithologists interview on the Arctic now
Michigan radio is playing an interview now on On point, featuring George Divoky who works on guillemots in the Arctic.
Janet Hinshaw Ph: 734-764-0457 Bird Division Collection Manager Fax: 734-764-4080 Univ. of Michigan Museum of Zoology 3600 Varsity Dr. Research Museums Center Ann Arbor, MI 48108 USA
Date: 12/13/18 5:55 pm From: Larry Nooden <ldnum...> Subject: Re: [birders] downy woodpecker asleep sideways on branch
Some birds such as the mistletoebird in Australia perch this way on the topside of branches in order drop mistletoe seeds on new host trees https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistletoebird
and thereby propagate mistleoes, an important food source.
So, there can be important adaptive value in these behaviors.
On Thu, Dec 13, 2018 at 4:20 PM Glen Gardner and Leslie Landau < <glenandles...> wrote:
> Hi all, > > I was wondering if anyone has seen this behavior; it's new to me. I came > home to see one of the several downies that hang out near my kitchen window > because of the suet I provide. This one was alone, on the small > crabapple tree that's the official perch tree for the birds who partake of > the various feeders. But, it was weird: It was seemingly asleep, its body > horizontal (!) and completely still, alongside a horizontal branch. Not > alongside the top of the branch. It was lying down horizontally along the > side of a branch that's maybe 2-3" in diameter. I don't know how long the > downy had been like this. At least 10 minutes. > > Above is a not great picture, but could be enough to see what's going on. > > I thought at first it might be dead or near dead; killed by a hawk, which > fled for some reason, the prey still clinging to the branch and/or its > life. No other birds were around, which added to the hawk theory. > But after 10 minutes from the time I first saw it (could have been hours, > for all I know), it sat upright, fluffed its feathers and eventually took > off. I missed its takeoff. > Was it sleeping? Was it being still to avoid being seen by a Coopers (if > I don't move, it won't see me, never mind that I'm not really camouflaged.)? > > Any insight would be appreciated. > > Leslie Landau > > > Sent from Outlook <http://aka.ms/weboutlook> > > > <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=icon> Virus-free. > www.avast.com > <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=link> > <#m_4977082245300198616_m_-8193808911141093653_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> > > -- > Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at > www.glc.org > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Birders" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to birders+<unsubscribe...> > To post to this group, send email to <birders...> > Visit this group at > https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/group/birders/. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<BN6PR03MB32361AD3B28099A5C2EFB867CDA00...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<BN6PR03MB32361AD3B28099A5C2EFB867CDA00...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > For more options, visit > https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/optout. >
The latest MI rare bird alert from eBird is below. Enjoy!
Dea
Deaver D. Armstrong
<ddarm...>
Let's go birding......
A New Field Ornithology Class will start in APRIL of 2019
To register or learn more please go to
http://www.miavianexperience.org Enter site, then go to Programs via the menu, then select Field Classes
I have never seen a bird on the side of a branch, but have seen woodpeckers, usually Red Bellies, on their bellies on the top of a tree that I had to top has three flat large branches, just hanging out.
I have see downies twice now pressed flat (vertically) against the side of my peanut butter log feeder when a hawk came by. Once there was a Downy on one side and a chickadee on the other side. They stayed flat and silent far after the hawk had gone elsewhere. I wonder if just missed seeing a Cooper’s fly by.
Mag
From: Glen Gardner and Leslie Landau <glenandles...>
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2018 4:19 PM
To: <birders...>
Subject: [birders] downy woodpecker asleep sideways on branch
External Email - Use Caution
Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone has seen this behavior; it's new to me. I came home to see one of the several downies that hang out near my kitchen window because of the suet I provide. This one was alone, on the small crabapple tree that's the official perch tree for the birds who partake of the various feeders. But, it was weird: It was seemingly asleep, its body horizontal (!) and completely still, alongside a horizontal branch. Not alongside the top of the branch. It was lying down horizontally along the side of a branch that's maybe 2-3" in diameter. I don't know how long the downy had been like this. At least 10 minutes.
Above is a not great picture, but could be enough to see what's going on.
I thought at first it might be dead or near dead; killed by a hawk, which fled for some reason, the prey still clinging to the branch and/or its life. No other birds were around, which added to the hawk theory.
But after 10 minutes from the time I first saw it (could have been hours, for all I know), it sat upright, fluffed its feathers and eventually took off. I missed its takeoff.
Was it sleeping? Was it being still to avoid being seen by a Coopers (if I don't move, it won't see me, never mind that I'm not really camouflaged.)?
Date: 12/13/18 1:19 pm From: Glen Gardner and Leslie Landau <glenandles...> Subject: [birders] downy woodpecker asleep sideways on branch
Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone has seen this behavior; it's new to me. I came home to see one of the several downies that hang out near my kitchen window because of the suet I provide. This one was alone, on the small crabapple tree that's the official perch tree for the birds who partake of the various feeders. But, it was weird: It was seemingly asleep, its body horizontal (!) and completely still, alongside a horizontal branch. Not alongside the top of the branch. It was lying down horizontally along the side of a branch that's maybe 2-3" in diameter. I don't know how long the downy had been like this. At least 10 minutes.
Above is a not great picture, but could be enough to see what's going on.
I thought at first it might be dead or near dead; killed by a hawk, which fled for some reason, the prey still clinging to the branch and/or its life. No other birds were around, which added to the hawk theory.
But after 10 minutes from the time I first saw it (could have been hours, for all I know), it sat upright, fluffed its feathers and eventually took off. I missed its takeoff.
Was it sleeping? Was it being still to avoid being seen by a Coopers (if I don't move, it won't see me, never mind that I'm not really camouflaged.)?
Date: 12/13/18 6:59 am From: outfresh via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] OT: Swift chimney study favorable for repair
Roger and others:Below is a table from a 2018 study out of Ontario. You can see nearly 100% retention of use of existing chimneys, even when structures around them are destroyed. You can also see the dismal 3.8% success rate when a new tower is built. If you'd like to learn more about swifts, I'd recommend joining Ontario Swift Watch and the Wisconsin Working Group on Swifts.There is , of course, no guarantee that the swifts will remain, but they have in other communities where surrounding structures were removed. If you'd like a pdf of the above mentioned study, contact me off list and I'll send to you.
Table 1 – Summary of known Chimney Swift habitat creation, restoration, and retentionactivities in Ontario. Build freestanding tower 3.8% Build chimney on building 12.5% Uncap existing chimney – notpreviously known to provide habitat 50%Uncap existing chimney –previously known to provide habitat 100% Retain existing chimney habitat 100%
-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Kuhlman <rkuhlman...>
To: Birders UM <birders...>
Sent: Wed, Dec 12, 2018 5:06 pm
Subject: Re: [birders] OT: Swift chimney study favorable for repair
#yiv9151427890 P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;}I hope this plan works but I have my doubts. Will Chimney Swifts still want to use a repaired chimney when the surrounding building is pulled down?
Roger
Merlin, Mockingbird and Ruby-crowned Kinglet has been in Gallup park (Ann Arbor) on either Monday and Tuesday.From: outfresh via Birders <birders...>
Sent: Thursday, December 6, 2018 3:15 PM
To: <birders...>
Subject: [birders] OT: Swift chimney study favorable for repair Check below link. It DOES look like the swift chimney in A2 can be saved, although we are cautiously optimistic until we have a quote in hand for what we'll need to raise. Remember that your Washtenaw Audubon Society has earmarked $5,000 for this project, and will be fundraising the remainder. Another small step forward!
https://www.mlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/12/98e7ba238b9802/new-report-evaluates-ability-t.html-- Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
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To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<DM3PR14MB0832F8889674A6FA2D852B3DC5A70...> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/optout.
Date: 12/12/18 2:06 pm From: Roger Kuhlman <rkuhlman...> Subject: Re: [birders] OT: Swift chimney study favorable for repair
I hope this plan works but I have my doubts. Will Chimney Swifts still want to use a repaired chimney when the surrounding building is pulled down?
Roger
Merlin, Mockingbird and Ruby-crowned Kinglet has been in Gallup park (Ann Arbor) on either Monday and Tuesday.
________________________________
From: outfresh via Birders <birders...>
Sent: Thursday, December 6, 2018 3:15 PM
To: <birders...>
Subject: [birders] OT: Swift chimney study favorable for repair
Check below link. It DOES look like the swift chimney in A2 can be saved, although we are cautiously optimistic until we have a quote in hand for what we'll need to raise. Remember that your Washtenaw Audubon Society has earmarked $5,000 for this project, and will be fundraising the remainder. Another small step forward!
Date: 12/11/18 1:04 pm From: John Lowry <jlowry...> Subject: [birders] Hartland Christmas Bird Count - an invitation (Dec 15)
Although I’m sure many on this list are tied into the Ann Arbor Christmas Bird Count on Dec 15 (this Saturday), I did want to make sure you’re aware there is another local count on the same day. If you’re a Livingston County birder, and interested in participating, please let me know right away and I’ll help you find some turf to cover. We’re especially interested in any feeder counts from folks (inside our count circle).
We split the area up into 7 sections and there are section leaders for each area. Contact me if you’re interested and I’ll help find you a place to bird!
Also, we’ll meet at a new site for the tally. We plan on 5pm (sundown) meet at Aubree’s on Grand River in Howell. This is a new tally spot for us. It’s a bit closer to where most participants live.
Date: 12/10/18 10:55 am From: Natural Area Preservation Ann Arbor, Michigan <nap...> Subject: [birders] NAP is hiring a Workday Coordinator
Greetings! The City of Ann Arbor is hiring an Outreach Assistant to Coordinate Volunteer Stewardship Workdays. Please see the attached description for more information. Apply at: https://a2gov.applicantpro.com/jobs/ <https://a2gov.applicantpro.com/jobs/948845.html> with resume, cover letter, and references by Tuesday, January 1, 2019. Contact Tina Stephens at <tstephens...> or 734.794.6627 with questions.
Date: 12/10/18 10:37 am From: 'Jacco Gelderloos' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Reminder: Ann Arbor CBC is this Saturday, 12/15/18
Good afternoon all.I would like to invite all to participate in the 72nd Ann Arbor Christmas Bird Count. The event runs from the owling effort in the pre-dawn hours, through day-time birding, and culminates in the potluck-tally at the end of the day (around 5:30 p.m.) at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Birders of all skill levels are welcome!Please visit the Washtenaw Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count web pages for more information and to sign up, or contact me via email.
Don't forget that the count week period starts three days ahead of the count (i.e. on Wednesday the 12th) and runs through the end of Tuesday the 18th - any birds observed during this period that are not seen on count day can still be reported. Please feel free to shoot me an email with specifics on any and all sightings you make during this time frame.
Hope to see out there! Good birding,
Jacco GelderloosAnn Arbor CBC Compiler
See the most recent list of rare birds for Michigan below.
Dea
Deaver D. Armstrong
<ddarm...>
Let's go birding......
A New Field Ornithology Class will start in APRIL of 2019
To register or learn more please go to
http://www.miavianexperience.org Enter site, then go to Programs via the menu, then select Field Classes
Date: 12/8/18 7:11 pm From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: [birders] Day 13 of Peru Birding Trip posted to blog
Everyone,
I have just posted narration and lots of photos from Day 13 of my birding trip to Peru back in July. On this day, I was in the high Andes and saw a lot of interesting birds, some spectacular scenery, and yes, even hummingbirds. I have one more day to post, which I may get done in a couple weeks, I hope. To view my blog, go to:
Date: 12/6/18 12:16 pm From: outfresh via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] OT: Swift chimney study favorable for repair
Check below link. It DOES look like the swift chimney in A2 can be saved, although we are cautiously optimistic until we have a quote in hand for what we'll need to raise. Remember that your Washtenaw Audubon Society has earmarked $5,000 for this project, and will be fundraising the remainder. Another small step forward!
Date: 12/6/18 7:15 am From: 'Jacco Gelderloos' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Ann Arbor CBC is Saturday, December 15, 2018
Good morning,Coming up on Saturday, December 15th, is the 72nd annual Ann Arbor Christmas Bird Count. If you're interested in participating, please review the CBC pages on the Washtenaw Audubon Society's website: Christmas Bird Count, or contact me for more information.
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Christmas Bird Count
Roberts French - Admin
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For easy sign-up, please fill out the Christmas Bird Count Sign-Up Form; this form also allows you to indicate whether or not you will be attending the potluck-tally event at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens at the end of the day - I find this to be one of the highlights of the event, so consider attending for good food, good company, and to find out what birds were or were not found during the day! Alternately, you can contact me to be assigned to an area where you would be needed most.
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Christmas Bird Count Sign-Up Form
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Looking forward to seeing you out there or at the potluck.Best regards and good birding,
Jacco GelderloosAnn Arbor CBC compiler
Date: 12/5/18 4:49 am From: Phil Bugosh <peb729...> Subject: [birders] Reminder: OAS Young Birder's Club Event Saturday December 8
Cranbrook Institute of Science, Saturday, December 8, 2018,
1:00pm-3:30pm. Pre-registration
is required, contact Kathleen Dougherty at <kad8186...>
Take a behind the scenes tour at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in
Bloomfield Hills. The Cranbrook Institute of Science holds over 150,000
artifacts and specimens from twelve different scientific fields. Cameron
Wood, Curator of Collections will lead the tour. Plan to enjoy the
institute after the tour on your own. If you come early, you can enjoy
lunch in the Café Reflections which opens at 11 am. Cranbrook Institute of
Science has a wonderful array of exhibits and incredible learning
opportunities. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact
Kathleen Dougherty at <kad8186...> to register and for additional
details. You do not have to be a member to participate.
Please see our website for details about upcoming events, membership and
the Young Birder's Club. http://www.oaklandaudubon.org/
Date: 12/4/18 11:53 am From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: [birders] Day 12 of Peru Trip posted to my blog
Everyone,
I have posted photos and narrative about my first day in the Peruvian Andes, the 12th day (of 14) to my blog. There is more scenery in this post, but still some interesting birds including hummingbird.
Date: 12/1/18 7:49 am From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: [birders] Day 11 of Peru Trip posted to blog
Everyone,
Day 11 of my Peru trip in July was mainly a travel day, so I got another posting done fairly quickly. But I think it is still worth a read, as in the afternoon we visited some coastal marshes with some different and new species seen and photographed.
Date: 12/1/18 5:42 am From: Phil Bugosh <peb729...> Subject: [birders] Oakland Audubon Society Young Birder's Club Event Saturday December 8
Cranbrook Institute of Science, Saturday, December 8, 2018,
1:00pm-3:30pm. Pre-registration
is required, contact Kathleen Dougherty at <kad8186...>
Take a behind the scenes tour at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in
Bloomfield Hills. The Cranbrook Institute of Science holds over 150,000
artifacts and specimens from twelve different scientific fields, including
Anthropology, Geology, Botany, and more. The Institute’s mineral collection
is rated as one of the top five private holdings in the nation. Other
highlights include the 58,000 specimen Billings Herbarium and a Native
American artifact assemblage. Cameron Wood, Curator of Collections will
lead the tour. Plan to enjoy the institute after the tour on your own. If
you come early, you can enjoy lunch in the Café Reflections which opens at
11 am. Cranbrook Institute of Science has a wonderful array of exhibits and
incredible learning opportunities. Space is limited and pre-registration is
required. Contact Kathleen Dougherty at <kad8186...> to register and for
additional details. You do not have to be a member to participate.
Please see our website for details about upcoming events, membership and
the Young Birder's Club. http://www.oaklandaudubon.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Visitors: Dave and Linda, Pat Schiller, Kory Renaud, and Bob Hall-Brooks all came out to the tower in the afternoon today.
Weather: A heavy fog was present in the morning and though the skies cleared later in the afternoon, there was still a thick haze on the horizon and visibility was low all day. Light winds were from the northwest in the morning and switched to the southwest, then the south in the afternoon. Temperatures began at 0 C and reached a high of 4.2 C. Humidity was around 80%.
Raptor Observations: An adult Red-tailed Hawk was observed today. A Coopers Hawk was banded and one was later observed. A Northern Harrier was seen hanging around the marsh in the distance. [4] adult Bald Eagles and an immature were observed picking at a carcass on the frozen marsh.
Non-raptor Observations: Large numbers of ducks, mostly Mallards, were huddled along the edge of the ice in a few areas of open water on the marsh. Canvasback flocks were observed again. 24 Eastern Bluebirds were calling as they flew over the tower today. American Goldfinch and Pine Siskin in particular continue to fly over as well.
Predictions: This marks the conclusion of the 44th year of raptor data collection at Holiday Beach and the 30th anniversary at the Hawk Watch Tower. It truly was a pleasure and a privilege to be the official Hawk Counter this year. I have tried to preform my responsibilities to the best of my ability, have been honest and tried to be as accurate as possible in the process.
A big thank you is needed to everyone who has help me along the way, especially Bob Pettit, Dave and Linda, Paul and Caroline, Bob Hall-Brooks, Kory Renaud, and Jeremy Bensette, but also many others! Thanks to everyone who came out to the tower this season to assist with the count, gain an educational experience, keep me company, and/or just enjoy the view. It was a pleasure to meet you all! Finally, thanks to everyone who followed these daily reports on OntBirds and Hawkcount.org. Your interest and awareness are much appreciated.
Although migration has been slow recently and is likely winding down, with the right winds and weather conditions there is still a chance to see something great. So keep your eyes to the sky and Good Birding!! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
From: Eric Arnold [mailto:<eba...>]
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2018 12:24 PM
To: <birders...>
Subject: [birders] WBNH portrait
IMG_6970 (2m).jpg
"Watching the Watcher"
Taken yesterday from my kitchen window, through one pane of glass. While I frequently see both the RB abd the WB nuthatches pause at the feeder to check out the surroundings, I don't often catch them head-on, quite possibly lookingright at me. This bird maintained that positioin for some time, long enough for me to get several shots through the glass, hand-held at maximum zoom (65x optical, 4x digital) of which this was the best both in terms of sharpness and framing — hand-held at this effective magnification makes even keeping the desired image area within the frame challenging! This image is slightly cropped, containing perhaps about 80% of the full-frame image. The subject distance is approximately 20' from the camera, a Canon PowerShot SX60 HS.
After taking enogh shots to get several that had the bird reaspnably well "framed," I tried to remove the storm window from the inside, which I can occasionally do without spooking the bird, but it flew off before I could get it out of the way.
I found the difference between the head-on view from a more typical side view to be somewhat comical, since these birds so often seem to be very intent on getting in and out so quickly and almost stealthiiy, as if they are consciously "stealing" the food they take away, and their sideways view tends to lend them a slightly evil intent in their actions which seem somewhat furtive to me!
Date: 11/30/18 1:29 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (30 Nov 2018) 4 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 30, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Frank Kitakis, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: THANKS TO EVERYBODY who help during the watch!!!!!thanks to Andrew,Rosemary,Don,Mark,Raburn,Pat,Frank,John and Jerry!!!
Weather: Heavy fog this morning with clearing skies with cirrus with winds starting out from the NW ending out of the SE
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/30/18 9:24 am From: Eric Arnold <eba...> Subject: [birders] WBNH portrait
[image: IMG_6970 (2m).jpg]
"Watching the Watcher"
Taken yesterday from my kitchen window, through one pane of glass. While I
frequently see both the RB abd the WB nuthatches pause at the feeder to
check out the surroundings, I don't often catch them head-on, quite
possibly lookingright at me. This bird maintained that positioin for some
time, long enough for me to get several shots through the glass, hand-held
at maximum zoom (65x optical, 4x digital) of which this was the best both
in terms of sharpness and framing — hand-held at this effective
magnification makes even keeping the desired image area within the frame
challenging! This image is slightly cropped, containing perhaps about 80%
of the full-frame image. The subject distance is approximately 20' from
the camera, a Canon PowerShot SX60 HS.
After taking enogh shots to get several that had the bird reaspnably well
"framed," I tried to remove the storm window from the inside, which I can
occasionally do without spooking the bird, but it flew off before I could
get it out of the way.
I found the difference between the head-on view from a more typical side
view to be somewhat comical, since these birds so often seem to be very
intent on getting in and out so quickly and almost stealthiiy, as if they
are consciously "stealing" the food they take away, and their sideways view
tends to lend them a slightly evil intent in their actions which seem
somewhat furtive to me!
Eric Arnold
north central Ann Arbor, near Argo park.
Date: 11/30/18 9:11 am From: 'Mike Sefton' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Fwd: [New post] Rare Bird Alert: (not Michigan) November 30, 2018
>
> New post on ABA Blog
>
>
> Rare Bird Alert: November 30, 2018
> by Nate Swick
> It was a big week for vagrant raptors, not least of which because of the dramatic return of the Great Black Hawk (ABA Code 5) in Maine, rediscovered in a Portland city park eating squirrels aftera multi-week absence. This bird is rapidly turning into the nuttiest vagrant of the year by virtue of its incredibly staying power. Other good birds still present include both Roadside Hawk (4) and Golden-crowned Warbler (4) in Texas, a Red-footed Booby (4) and a Little Stint (4) in California, and a Barnacle Goose (4) in New York.
>
> Most visiting birders have been gone from the Bering Sea islands for weeks now, but the growing community of local birders there are increasingly turning up jaw-dropping late season rarities. That seems to be the case again this year when Barbara Lestenkof (who already has an ABA 1st Black Kite to her name), found an odd Eurasian Buteo on St Paul Island this week. The buzzard sp, has been tentatively ID'd as a Long-legged Buzzard, which would be nothing short of extraordinary as that species is primarily found in central Asia. Other species suggested include Upland Buzzard (Buteo hemilasius) and the east Asian subspecies of Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo japonicus). Regardless of what it is ultimately identified as, this would be a 1st ABA Area record.
>
>
> Photo: Barbara Lestenkof
> That wasn't the only 1st this week, in Oregon a pair of Eastern Bluebirds near Portland would represent a 1st for that state. Also noteworthy, a as yet unidentified to species Bean Goose sp (3/4) is present near Corvallis.
>
> Noteworthy for Colorado, a Snow Bunting was photographed in Grand.
>
> North Dakota's 3rd record of Yellow-billed Loon was seen at Lake Sakakawea.
>
> St Pierre et Miquelon had an Eastern Phoebe this week.
>
> Essex, Massachusetts, continues to be very productive this winter with the recent discovery of a Sage Thrasher.
>
> In New Jersey, a Townsend's Solitaire was found in Monmouth.
>
> Maryland has had a Calliope Hummingbird visiting a feeder near Annapolis since the middle of the month.
>
> In South Carolina, a Black-headed Gull (3) was seen in Georgetown.
>
> Mississippi had a young Glaucous Gull in Madison.
>
> And in Louisiana, Vaux's Swifts are once again being seen at a swift roost in Baton Rouge.
>
> —=====—
>
> Omissions and errors are not intended, but if you find any please message blog AT aba.org and I will try to fix them as soon as possible. This post is meant to be an account of the most recently reported birds. Continuing birds not mentioned are likely included in previous editions listed here. Place names written in italics refer to counties/parishes.
>
> Readers should note that none of these reports has yet been vetted by a records committee. All birders are urged to submit documentation of rare sightings to the appropriate state or provincial committees. For full analysis of these and other bird observations, subscribe to North American Birds <aba.org/nab>, the richly illustrated journal of ornithological record published by the ABA.
>
> Nate Swick | November 30, 2018 8:00 at 8:00 am | Categories: RBA | URL: https://wp.me/p4fXID-6g8 > Comment See all comments
> Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from ABA Blog.
> Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions.
>
> Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser:
> http://blog.aba.org/2018/11/rare-bird-alert-november-30-2018.html >
Date: 11/29/18 6:19 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (29 Nov 2018) 2 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 29, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Raburn Howland, Rosemary Brady
Weather: Heavy clouds with snow thru out the day with South winds
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/29/18 4:05 pm From: Beverly Wolf <Bev_Wolf...> Subject: [birders] Late report
Bald Eagle observed circling the east side of the intersection of M-59 (Huron St) and Telegraph Tuesday shortly after noon. This is a very busy intersection - 5 lanes both ways.
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Visitors: John Barnes made a visit to the tower this morning. Thank you for your company, conversation and keen eyes this season.
Weather: Snow and low visibility began the day with light south southeast winds and a temperature of -2.5 C. Overcast skies and flurries persisted for much of the day, though the sun did break through the clouds around noon and again just before 1:00 pm. However, the winds moved southeast and snow and low visibility moved back in for the final hour. This was followed by rain at the end of the count as temperatures warmed to 0 C.
Raptor Observations: The slow trend of migrating raptors this week continued at the tower today. A Red-tailed Hawk and an adult Red-shouldered Hawk were observed flying past.
Non-raptor Observations: The marsh is almost completely frozen over again and therefore many species were either absent or their numbers were reduced. Large flocks of Canvasback were observed again flying out over the lake.
Predictions: Tomorrow is the final day of the 2018 raptor season at the Holiday Beach Hawk Watch. The winds are forecast to shift north sometime tonight and are expected to remain northerly all day tomorrow. The skies should be clearing until late afternoon and temperatures should reach a high of 5 C. Hopefully this promising forecast will lead to a great day of migration at the tower on the last day of the season. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Visitors: Dave and Linda, as well as Chip for Colchester were welcomed visitors to the tower today.
Weather: Today had overcast skies and gusty winds from the west similar to yesterday. The sun never did make an appearance. Temperatures were around -2 C but felt much more comfortable in the afternoon, compared with the previous day and a half as the winds diminished.
Raptor Observations: A Coopers Hawk and a Merlin were observed flying past the tower today. These individuals were also caught, banded and released by one of our licensed banders. [5] Red-tailed Hawks were also observed and again, they seemed to struggle with the west winds. Bald Eagles were seen throughout the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Several large flocks of Canvasback were flying over the lake, even extending over the tower and were estimated at approximately 8000 individuals. What a sight! Many gulls were flying over today including a large number of Herring Gulls.
Predictions: Light to moderate winds from the south and snow flurries are expected for much of the day. Temperatures are forecast to reach a high of 0 C. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/28/18 4:11 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (28 Nov 2018) 5 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 28, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Rosemary Brady
Weather: cloudy skies again with W winds
Raptor Observations: One adult male Harrier
Non-raptor Observations: One Eastern Phoebe ======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/28/18 2:11 pm From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: [birders] Blog update - Peru hummingbird photo tour - Day 10
Everyone,
I have posted another update to my blog for Day 10 of my July trip to Peru. If you have not yet read the update for Day 9 that I posted a few days ago, it is no longer at the top of the page, but can easily be read by following the links I've provided. If you were disappointed that there weren't enough hummingbirds in Day 9, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of hummingbird photos in Day 10.
Date: 11/28/18 1:54 am From: Josh Haas <josh...> Subject: [birders] Barry County CBC, Dec 30
It's Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Season and our Barry County CBC is Sunday, Dec 30th. We can start as early as 12am, however that isn't necessary and most people begin with a little owling before sunrise followed by birding until noon when we meet for lunch and discuss what has been seen/heard so far.
This is a fun event and you do NOT have to be a seasoned / experienced birder to participate. All skill levels are welcome and for those that are less experienced, I will group you with others that can help guide and make you feel comfortable.
I NEED YOUR HELP! Don’t hesitate, please sign up for this fun event. Please contact me (no later than December 26th) if you are interested in this season's count and I will add you to my list. Also let me know if you prefer to bird with someone specific and I’ll do my best to make that happen. Thank you.
Date: 11/27/18 8:30 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (27 Nov 2018) 7 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 27, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Mark Hainen, Rosemary Brady
Weather: Winds from the WNW and cloudy skies and temps around freezing
Raptor Observations: One adult male Harrier
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Weather: There were moderate to sometimes strong west northwest winds and overcast skies all day. The temperature began at -1.7 C and made it to -0.5 C but felt much cooler with the winds. Light snow flurries were present for much of the day.
Raptor Observations: [4] Turkey Vultures flew past far to the north.[5] Red-tailed Hawks seemed to struggle against the westerly winds. [3] Bald Eagles were observed.
Non-raptor Observations: A total of 51 Tundra Swans were observed today, including groups flying over and some on the marsh. A large group of Red-breasted Mergansers were observed on the lake. A smaller group of Common Mergansers were later seen. The Belted Kingfisher made an appearance at the end of the day and continues to be a presence at the tower.
Predictions: Gusty west winds are forecast again for tomorrow. It should be mainly sunny skies in the morning with a mix of sun and clouds in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 1 C but again will feel much cooler. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/27/18 4:06 pm From: Phil Bugosh <peb729...> Subject: [birders] Upcoming Flying Wild Workshop - An Educators Guide to Celebrating Birds
Workshop - Sunday, Jan 27, 2019, 1 - 5 p.m. Designed for formal and non-formal educators. Great for scout and other youth group leaders! Oakland Audubon Society has used these activities at multiple events. Instructor: Kathleen Dougherty of OAS.
Flying WILD: An Educator's Guide to Celebrating Birds provides activities that teach students about birds, their migration, their habitats and ways to help protect them. The Guide's many activities can be used to teach classroom lessons or to initiate service-learning projects. During the training session you will discover how to use the guide and practice some of the unique hands-on activities within. You will receive the guide, a bird feeder and other take-home resources to get you started! Fee: $30/person (includes resources and refreshments).
Please forward this information about the Workshop to interested individuals.
Register at: https://recreg.fhgov.com Class # 211224. Contact (248) 477-1135 or <asmith...> for more info. Hosted by Farmington Hills Nature Center, 24915 Farmington Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48336.
Date: 11/27/18 3:21 pm From: Phil Bugosh <peb729...> Subject: [birders] Oakland County CBC
Oakland County Christmas Bird Count - Saturday, December 15, 2018. Leader:
Jeff Stacey (<jdstacey...>)
The annual Oakland County Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will take place on
Saturday December 15. Contact Jeff Stacey for details or to participate. We
welcome people of all skill levels to work with area leaders covering
territories and also feeder watchers. It’s a fun day that ends with the
tally dinner at Wint Nature Center
<https://www.oakgov.com/parks/parksandtrails/Independence-Oaks/Pages/Wint-Nature-Center.aspx> at Independence Oaks County Park. You do not have to be a member of OAS to
participate. <http://www.oaklandaudubon.org/>
I have a hunch that Charlie, being the hip birder that he is, will have his CBC team out looking for Canada Jays this year.
-----Original Message----- From: Elliot Nelson Sent: Nov 27, 2018 4:31 PM To: <birders...>, birders Subject: [birders] EUP Christmas Bird Counts
Have you ever wanted to come explore the EUP for winter birding around the magical Holiday season? Then come on over, and help with our citizen science efforts while your at it! There are 6 EUP Christmas bird counts taking place this coming month, and we'd love to have as many folks as possible come up to help count birds. Experienced to brand new birders welcome. I personally am in charge of the Les Cheneaux count which takes place in the Cedarvile, Hessel and Pickford areas. For 20 years this count has taken place! Expect birds like Pine Grosbeak, Snowy Owl, Sharp-tailed Grouse and many more this holiday season. Many counts are close together so come up for a few days and hit a few in a row. Dates and details below: December 15th, Sault Ste Marie. This exciting count is an international count and includes the twin cities of Sault Ste Marie ON and MI and the surrounding areas. Contact Dave Euler at <davideuler838...> or Carter Dorscht at <carterdorscht...> https://www.facebook.com/events/274265059960370/
December 18th, The Straits of Mackinac. The pin for this circle is right on the middle of the Mackinac Bridge! Come bird the areas around St Ignace, Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island. Contact Steve Baker at <steveandsuebaker...> December 19th, Les Cheneaux Islands This count includes the areas around Cedarville, Hessel and Pickford MI. Expect a great day with friendly people exploring the vast wonders of the North Huron area. Contact MI Sea Grant Educator Elliot Nelson at <elliotne...> or 906-322-0353 https://www.facebook.com/events/259676668025060/
December 28th, RudyardOnly in it's second year of existence, this exciting count includes open fields, dense forest, an old airforce base and a landfill (more exciting then you'd think). Contact Steve Baker at <steveandsuebaker...> December 29th, Neebish Island and Dunbar The remote Island of Neebish is a winter wonderland and the mainland areas around Dunbar and Bruce Township are full of fascinating birding opportunities. Contact Brian Zwiebel at <blzwiebel...> Date TBD, Whitefish Point Limited roads are open, but wonderful birds are still found. Occasionally Spruce Grouse, Gray Jay and Crossbills are on the list! . Contact Charlie Weaver at <ctejedor...> -- Elliot NelsonSault Ste. Marie, <MI906-322-0353elliotkarlnelson...>
Have you ever wanted to come explore the EUP for winter birding around the magical Holiday season? Then come on over, and help with our citizen science efforts while your at it! There are 6 EUP Christmas bird counts taking place this coming month, and we'd love to have as many folks as possible come up to help count birds. Experienced to brand new birders welcome.
I personally am in charge of the Les Cheneaux count which takes place in the Cedarvile, Hessel and Pickford areas. For 20 years this count has taken place! Expect birds like Pine Grosbeak, Snowy Owl, Sharp-tailed Grouse and many more this holiday season. Many counts are close together so come up for a few days and hit a few in a row. Dates and details below:
*December 18th, The Straits of Mackinac. * The pin for this circle is right on the middle of the Mackinac Bridge! Come bird the areas around St Ignace, Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island. Contact Steve Baker at <steveandsuebaker...>
*December 28th, Rudyard* Only in it's second year of existence, this exciting count includes open fields, dense forest, an old airforce base and a landfill (more exciting then you'd think). Contact Steve Baker at <steveandsuebaker...>
*December 29th, Neebish Island and Dunbar* The remote Island of Neebish is a winter wonderland and the mainland areas around Dunbar and Bruce Township are full of fascinating birding opportunities. Contact Brian Zwiebel at <blzwiebel...>
*Date TBD, Whitefish Point * Limited roads are open, but wonderful birds are still found. Occasionally Spruce Grouse, Gray Jay and Crossbills are on the list! . Contact Charlie Weaver at <ctejedor...>
-- *Elliot Nelson* Sault Ste. Marie, MI 906-322-0353 <elliotkarlnelson...>
Observation start time: 12:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Weather: Heavy rain and some snow in the morning. At the start of the count, there was still some light mixed precipitation, which soon ended. Strong northwest winds up to 25 mph persisted. Snow flurries began again near the end of the count. Temperatures were approximately 2 C and humidity 80%
Raptor Observations: Despite the northwest winds, only 2 Red-tailed Hawks took their time soaring in the winds, eventually crossing together to the north, which was followed minutes later by a Northern Harrier. The weather system before and the one after seemed to be impeding migration here today. 3 Bald Eagles were around the marsh.
Non-raptor Observations: There was not too much activity around the tower or in the marsh today. Some Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee and Golden-crowed Kinglets were observed.
Predictions: Tomorrow morning should be a mix of sun and clouds at -2 C. The wind is forecast from the west and will be moderate to strong, though not as strong as yesterday. It is expected to cloud over in the afternoon with temperatures reaching a high of 0 C. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/26/18 6:26 am From: Susan Falcone <sfalcone...> Subject: [birders] off topic: Susan Falcone's Bird Art--2018 Open Studio--SAT DEC 1
Hi everyone, I'm holding my annual open studio in a few weeks--here is the information. Email me if you'd like a flyer! For those who don't know me, I am a watercolor artist, focusing primarily on birds.
My studio is a-glitter from ceiling to floor as I work toward my upcoming open studio, and I have recently completed this season's ornaments. So many pieces that are special for my open studios do not go to shows with me (new originals, prints with one-of-a-kind frames, new glittery ornaments, many kinds of notecards, new stones).
As always there will be a welcoming home well-decorated for the season, home-baked treats & Tom's home-roasted coffee, Matt's music and of course great company!
Attached are a flyer and map.
SATURDAY DEC 1 2018 (10-4)
7400 Plymouth Rd (southwest corner of Plymouth & Prospect,
across from Frains Lake)
**from Ann Arbor, go ~5 miles east on Plymouth Rd to the last house on the right before Prospect
**OR, from M-14 take the Ford Rd exit & go 1/2 mile east to the last house on the right before Prospect
**OR, from I-94 take US-23 north to the Plymouth Rd exit, then go ~5 miles east on Plymouth Rd to the last house on the right before Prospect
**from the east, take Ann Arbor-Plymouth Rd west (about 9 miles from I-275) to the first house on the left past Prospect
Susan
--------------------------------------------
Susan Falcone
Falcone Studio/Studies from Nature
7400 Plymouth Rd - Ann Arbor MI 48105
(734) 995-1681
<sfalcone...>
susan.falcone on Facebook
--------------------------------------------
Date: 11/25/18 8:43 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (25 Nov 2018) 6 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 25, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Frank Kitakis, Rosemary Brady
Weather: Cloudy skies with haze with winds starting out from the SW ending coming out of the SE with rain starting
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Visitors: Claude and Nina, and 5 other visitors from the area were at the tower today.
Weather: There was some sun breaking through the clouds in the morning and late afternoon but it was mostly cloudy all day. Light winds were from the south southwest but shifted southeast in the late afternoon. Temperatures were around 5 C.
Raptor Observations: It was a slow day for raptor migration. [4] Red-tailed Hawks were observed including one that came back and stayed for a while before moving on. An adult Coppers Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk flew over today. A Merlin was also observed moving up the beach. [3] Bald Eagles were seen around the marsh today.
Non-raptor Observations: An adult and an immature Great Black-backed Gull were observed. Many flocks of Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch were flying over today. More Mute Swans have returned to the now unfrozen marsh.
Predictions: Rain is forecast for much of the morning and is expected to change to mixed precipitation in the afternoon. The possibility of precipitation decreases however in the afternoon. Strong northerly winds are expected throughout the day and temperatures should reach a high of 3 C. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/25/18 3:24 pm From: Juliet Berger <juliet.berger...> Subject: [birders] Washtenaw Audubon's Annual Gull Trip to Salem Landfill is December 8, 2018
WAS Gull Trip--December 8, 2018
Birders and friends,
Please join us to help find some unusual gulls! This annual trip is a favorite for hard-core WAS members. Because access to the landfill is restricted, we rent vans for the trip and have to limit the number of participants. First priority goes to Washtenaw Audubon members who have not recently been on this trip. Second priority will be given to Washtenaw Audubon members who have previously attended this trip. Non-members may be placed on a wait list on a first come, first served basis and will be admitted three days before the trip to fill any remaining spots. *There are still spots available and you must register to participate. Registration link is below.*
*Due to the high cost of renting and fueling large passenger vans, we are asking for a minimum donation of $5 from each participant.* This is not required, but will help us offset some of the costs and allow us to continue to provide this trip into the future. Please give your donation to the trip leader on the day of the trip.
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the far south end of the Park-n-Ride lot at Plymouth Road and US 23. Please do not be late! We want to be in the vans and driving by 8:45. This trip will take about 4 hours. Please note that the weather for this outing can be extremely cold and that there is usually wind on the heights of the landfill, where participants will be spending most of the time. Dress warmly! (This means dress for temperatures at least ten degrees colder than your morning thermometer reading. This is not an active trip where you will be generating heat through movement.)
Our leaders are Rob French and Mike Sefton. I hope to see many of you there!!
See below for list of rare birds found recently in Michigan.
D
Deaver D. Armstrong
<ddarm...>
Let's go birding......
A New Field Ornithology Class will start in APRIL of 2019
To register or learn more please go to
http://www.miavianexperience.org Enter site, then go to Programs via the menu, then select Field Classes
Date: 11/24/18 4:44 pm From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: [birders] Another blog update - Peru Hummingbird photo tour
Everyone,
Now that my songbird banding season is done, I have more time to work on getting photos processed and posted to my blog. I have put up a summary and photos for Day 8 of my Peru trip. There are 4 more days to go, and hopefully I can get them done before Christmas...
Date: 11/24/18 12:48 pm From: Bob Bethune <bobbethune...> Subject: [birders] Visit from a sharp-shinned
Got quite a few pictures of a sharp-shinned who came by to investigate the koi in our pond. The bird seems to have been successful, as we are now missing some koi.
I would appreciate assessments of this bird's age and gender. I'm reasonably sure it's a sharpie, but I'm not good enough on my hawks to venture into the age and gender question. I would like to supply that information for this sighting.
Date: 11/23/18 9:04 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (23 Nov 2018) 64 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 23, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Patrick Mulawa, Rosemary Brady
Weather: Sunny skies with increasing cirrus thru the day with winds starting out from SE ending from the ESE
Raptor Observations: One immature Goshawk
Non-raptor Observations: Just 3 crows today ======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Visitors: John Barnes, Mike from Essex, and Dave and Linda were at the tower at different points today.
Weather: It was clear, sunny skies all day with light winds from the southeast and temperatures soon rising to 6 C.
Raptor Observations: It was a slow day compared to the past week. (13) Red-tailed Hawks, (5) Red-shouldered Hawks and a Sharp-shinned Hawk was observed. At least 3 Bald Eagles were hanging around the marsh.
Non-raptor Observations: Thousands of ducks were observed flying out over the lake. About 150 Canvasbacks were flying around the marsh. Hundreds of other ducks, mostly Mallards, were congregating on the ice edges in the marsh.
Predictions: Rain is forecast for much of the day tomorrow and moderate to strong winds from the south. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/22/18 7:15 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (22 Nov 2018) 99 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 22, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Raburn Howland, Rosemary Brady
Weather: Cloudy skies with NE winds
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: HAPPY THANKSGIVING 793 Crows ======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Weather: It was an overcast day with light to moderate winds that stayed northeast all day. Temperatures began at -5.3 C and reached a high of -2.7 C in the final hour.
Raptor Observations: (164) Red-tailed Hawks were flying past the tower all day, including a mostly all white leucistic individual that flew directly overhead. A dark morph Rough-legged Hawk was observed. (15) Red-shouldered Hawks, (4) Coopers Hawks and (4) Sharp-shinned Hawks continued to migrate. (6) Northern Harriers and an immature Bald Eagle did so as well. (3) other Bald Eagles were observed around the marsh.
Non-raptor Observations: 51 Sandhill Cranes were observed; flocks of 26, 15, and 10, with the last group being followed closely by 9 Tundra Swans. The marsh was almost completely frozen over again. 25 Common Mergansers were viewed at the inlet on the lake.
Predictions: Sunny skies and winds from the south are forecast for tomorrow. Temperatures will start the day at 0 C and rise to a high of 6 C. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/22/18 9:54 am From: Sherri Smith <grackle...> Subject: [birders] unusual cardinal
I have an unusual cardinal who hit a window under ny car. If you have never handled a male cardinal, you might not know that a cardinal is a dark grey bird with red tips to his feathers. Most feathers on the ground are unlikely to attract attention on the ground for this reason. And birds can’t manufacture red pigments, they have to get the red from their food. Well, this bird is almost an albino with only very pale washes of grey on his feathers, only a pale grey mask, etc. Dark eyes. But his has all the red pigment from his food, so he is extra bright because he has near white behind all those red places. Think of a stained glass window on a sunny day, as opposed to on a dark afternoon. So he is dayglo red. I have seen one like him before in someone’s yard, and guessed that he must be like this.
Sherri Smith
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Visitors: Pat Schiller and Chip from Colchester made visits to the tower today.
Weather: The morning began with overcast skies, a temperature of 1.3 C and moderate winds from the west southwest. The skies cleared in the afternoon and winds shifted to the northwest, then the north northwest. Visibility increased as the day went on.
Raptor Observations: The morning began slowly but the action picked up after the winds shifted north. [19] Northern Harrier including [10] adult males were observed today. [2] light morph and another dark morph Rough-legged Hawk were also observed. [100] Red-tailed Hawks, [13] Red-shouldered Hawks and [2] Sharp-shinned Hawks were counted. And [7] Bald Eagles, in addition to another few hanging around, proceeded with their migration today.
Non-raptor Observations: Many different sized groups of Sandhill Cranes totaling 318 individuals were flying over the tower all day today and were calling.
Predictions: Temperatures are not expected to get above 0 C tomorrow. Light winds are expected in the morning from the east with a mix of sun and could. In the afternoon, winds are expected to increase and there is a chance of snow flurries the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Happy Thanksgiving.
Dea
Deaver D. Armstrong
<ddarm...>
Let's go birding......
A New Field Ornithology Class will start in APRIL of 2019
To register or learn more please go to
http://www.miavianexperience.org Enter site, then go to Programs via the menu, then select Field Classes
Date: 11/21/18 8:39 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (21 Nov 2018) 119 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 21, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Mark Hainen, Rosemary Brady
Weather: Cloudy skies in the morning with light WNW winds with clearing skies and NW winds later
Raptor Observations: One light morph Rough-legged Hawk
Non-raptor Observations: 165 Sandhill Cranes and 247 Crows ======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/21/18 9:05 am From: 'John Gannon' via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] red-breasted nuthatch and pine siskin
I have had a couple of red-breasted nuthatches at my feeders all fall, and a flock of about a dozen pine siskins showed up yesterday for the first time this season. It is the earliest in the fall I have seen pine siskins in 17 years of participating in FeederWatch at this location. Previously, I have only observed red-breasted nuthatches here during FeederWatch in 2006 and 2014. This surprises me since red-breasted nuthatches are frequently observed nearby during the Stinchfield Woods Breeding Bird Survey.
John
Dexter Twp.
Date: 11/20/18 9:02 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (20 Nov 2018) 348 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 20, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Mark Hainen, Rosemary Brady
Weather: Cloudy early with light winds from the WNW with clearing skies in the afternoon
Raptor Observations: One adult Golden Eagle and one adult Peregrine
Non-raptor Observations: 129 crows also 15 Sandhill Crane ======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers: Dave Martin, Linda Wladarski
Visitors: Dave and Linda, Kory Renaud, John Barnes and Chip from Colchester, in addition to Pat Schiller were at the tower today.
Weather: There were moderate winds from the northwest in the morning, which calmed slightly in the afternoon and also shifted to the west northwest. It was overcast skies in the morning but soon cleared to almost no clouds for the rest of the day. Temperatures were around 0 C, humidity was at 60% and visibility was good.
Raptor Observations: An adult Golden Eagle was observed flying over early in the morning. A light morph and a dark morph Rough-legged Hawk were observed today, the first dark morph of the season. (154) Red-tailed Hawks, (21) Red-shouldered Hawks. A Peregrine Falcon made an impressive dive from a higher altitude. (3) Northern Harrier including an adult male "Gray Ghost" was seen. (3) Sharp-shinned Hawks and (4) Coopers Hawks also flew over. (6) Bald Eagles were observed, one of which was a presumed migrant today.
Non-raptor Observations: It was a pretty quiet day around the tower and marsh with the gusty winds blowing.
Predictions: Gusty winds are forecast from the southwest then west tonight and are expected to shift to the northwest around 9:00 am tomorrow morning, then the north around 1:00 pm and last the rest of the day. Mostly sunny skies and a high temperature of 2 C is predicted. Tomorrow is looking like it could be another good day! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
I am on the road in northern Michigan today, stopping in various spots along the Lake Huron shoreline to check out the birds along the way. While in Harrisville earlier today, I found a first-winter Glaucous Gull (along with several of the usual suspects for this time of year) at the foot of Main Street.
Date: 11/20/18 10:44 am From: 'Mike Sefton' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Non-sighting: Happening NOW: Irruption of Winter Finches Underway
>
> New post on ABA Blog
>
>
> Happening NOW: Irruption of Winter Finches Underway
> by Mike Hudson
> In July, a small, charismatic passerine began arriving at feeders and migrant traps in the mid-Atlantic and southeast—well outside its breeding range. Birding listervs, text groups, eBird rarity alerts, and the like lit up with the news: Red-breasted Nuthatches were on the move. Though it was still mid-summer at the time, this clued birders for what the fall might bring—winter finches.
>
> As a group of birds, winter finches have an ability to define a season in a way few other birds do. When thinking back on seasons past, I often find myself using the movements of finches and similar irruptive migrants as bookmarks—while I might not remember how warm or cool a winter was, I can usually remember how many Pine Siskins or Common Redpolls I saw and use that to ground my other recollections. What makes them so memorable, in my opinion, is how unpredictable they seem. Of course, I say “seem” because if you know what to pay attention to, the movements of these birds may be quite possible to foresee. Most of these irruptions are fueled by lack of food. When a typically prolific and reliable berry or cone crop fails, birds are forced to wander farther to look for substitute food sources. These failures are influenced by many factors, but are also somewhat cyclical, meaning that birders can predict—with varying degrees of accuracy—which winter irruptives may move and how far they may travel.
>
> In my part of the world, the last significant finch movement was the fall of my freshman year of college—Red-breasted Nuthatches arrived early, as they did this year, followed by Purple Finches in late September, and a few Pine Siskins shortly thereafter. Remembering this, when the nuthatches began showing up, I started looking ahead for the arrival of these and other species. Soon enough, the Purple Finches and Pine Siskins arrived—the former in numbers rarely seen before. However, none of these was the species I was hoping for the most—the spectacular Evening Grosbeak.
>
>
> Photo: Steven McGrath/Macaulay Library
> The Evening Grosbeak is an enigmatic species. It is large, bright, and distinctive, rendering it recognizable to even casual feeder-watchers, and was formerly considered a common and widespread winter backyard bird across much of the ABA Area. What followed was a marked decline in abundance and contraction in range. By the time I was birding seriously, it was a relative rarity in the mid-Atlantic and its appearance was limited to major irruption years. For more about that, readers can refer to this post from the last large-scale irruption, in 2012. Since that season, there have been no large and widespread movements of that species. Until this year.
>
> Over the past month or so, Evening Grosbeaks began to move beyond the limits of their normal winter ranges. Many years, Eastern birders consider themselves lucky if Evening Grosbeaks are seen outside of upstate New York and New England and birders in the Midwest may miss the species entirely, even in decent years. So far this year, eBird data are showing a different story. Since October, birds have made it as far south as Northampton County, Virginia, in the east and Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan have all racked up multiple reports.
>
> During what may become an unprecedented irruption of Evening Grosbeaks in recent memory, birders also have a unique opportunity to contribute to our knowledge of this species. Many birders don’t realize that, just like the Red Crossbill, there are actually several populations of Evening Grosbeaks composed of different “types”, mostly identified by variations in the birds’ vocalizations. Our understanding of these types is fuzzy, perhaps even more so than our understanding of Red Crossbill types. Take a look at this previous post for a neat summary of that situation. As a result, sharing your sightings of Evening Grosbeaks, and especially any recordings you might make, would be an incredible opportunity to increase our knowledge of this species.
>
> I would also be remiss not to note that this is exactly the kind of bird status and distribution event that we at North American Birds love to dig into. This topic could fill many additional pages and include many species beyond the ones I’ve mentioned here. Common and Hoary Redpolls and Bohemian Waxwings may also be poised for irruptions and there is some evidence that White-winged Crossbills may undertake some limited movements. Hopefully those pages will be in future issues of NAB and will include a broader analysis of both what happened and why. But until then, get outside and enjoy this wonderful opportunity. Fill your feeders, charge your camera battery, fire up your favorite sound recording app, and find some Evening Grosbeaks. And then put all of the information on eBird! Seriously, this is a time to contribute some valuable knowledge while enjoying one of the most impressive winter finches in the ABA area.
>
> Mike Hudson | November 20, 2018 8:47 at 8:47 am | Categories: Science | URL: https://wp.me/p4fXID-6eT > Comment See all comments
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> http://blog.aba.org/2018/11/happening-now-irruption-of-winter-finches-underway.html >
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Visitors: John Barnes and a couple from La Salle made it up the tower today.
Weather: There was thick fog to begin the morning that eventually cleared off but there was overcast skies in the afternoon. Very light winds were mostly from the southwest, although they circled northwest and east for a small period in late morning. Temperatures remained a few degrees above 0 C and visibility remained relatively poor.
Raptor Observations: Most of the action today occurred around late morning and early afternoon. An immature Golden Eagle was observed flying low over the tower. (67) Red-tailed Hawks and (11) Red-shouldered Hawks were migrating in decent numbers. (2) Sharp-shinned Hawks, a Coopers Hawk, a Northern Harrier and an American Kestrel were seen today. (2) local Bald Eagles were also around.
Non-raptor Observations: 26 Sandhill Cranes were heard and observed flying over the tower. The marsh is still mostly free of ice again and many ducks were around. A Carolina Wren can still be heard calling frequently.
Predictions: Tomorrow should be mostly sunny skies, especially in the afternoon with northwest winds forecast all day. The temperature will be around 0 C. It could be a good day! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/19/18 7:44 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (19 Nov 2018) 165 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 19, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Don Sherwood, Kevin Georg, Mark Hainen, Rosemary Brady
Weather: Fog in the morning clearing off with very light WSW winds
Raptor Observations: One immature Golden Eagle
Non-raptor Observations: 2 Sandhill Crane and 107 Crows ======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
There were hundreds of Sandhill Cranes, maybe a thousand or two, in the fields south of Shiawassee NWR yesterday. (I strained through them looking for a black throat, but alas! there were no Common Cranes among them.) There were hundreds and hundreds of Tundra Swans as well.
I saw an episode of Bizzare Foods that took the viewers to a Sandhill Crane hunt in Tennessee. The host, Andrew Zimmern, said the meat was delicious. I must admit that grilled, red meat looked so tasty, I wanted to try it myself! Not so sure about the Tundra Swan... probably stew it like Mudhens and Rails.
If anyone has gone out to look for the Golden Eagle on Dalton Rd. there are
hundreds of sandhills there. Quite impressive. We got closer looks by going
over by the prison. They were flying in and feeding in a cornfield.
Janet Hinshaw ph: 734-764-0457
Bird Division Collection Manager fax: 734-998-0038
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Research Museums Center
3600 Varsity Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-2228 USA
I love their distinctive call as well – nothing quite like it. I too thought they were gone, but two days ago driving on Noble Rd in northeastern Oxford Twp., I passed a field where the corn had recently been harvested and there were between 40 and 50 sandhills happily chatting as they feasted on the left-overs. And if they pass that law allowing a hunting season, I’ll join forces with you to interfere with hunters.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Bev Wolf in Waterford
From: Sally K. Scheer <winerat...>
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2018 3:41 PM
To: <birders...>
Subject: [birders] Sandhills
Heard the inimitable chatter/croak/honking of sandhill cranes in our back acreage today. I thought they were long gone, but there were at least three distinctly different individuals “talking” to each other. The north end of the Clinton millpond is on our property and hosts a sandhill crane nesting area. Love these guys and sure hope there is NEVER a hunting season for them. I would be hard-pressed to keep hunters from ignoring signs and picking off as many as they can bag.
Does anyone know what happened to the hunting proposal? I hope it failed.
Heard the inimitable chatter/croak/honking of sandhill cranes in our back acreage today. I thought they were long gone, but there were at least three distinctly different individuals "talking" to each other. The north end of the Clinton millpond is on our property and hosts a sandhill crane nesting area. Love these guys and sure hope there is NEVER a hunting season for them. I would be hard-pressed to keep hunters from ignoring signs and picking off as many as they can bag.
Does anyone know what happened to the hunting proposal? I hope it failed.
Date: 11/19/18 7:34 am From: Robert Lyons <boblyons...> Subject: Re: [birders] Blog update - Peru hummingbird photo tour
Hi, Allen - Thanks as always for posting these photos. I am especially impressed with the variety of tanagers found in South America and Central America (we were just in Costa Rica a few months back)! Can you tell me a bit about the photo equipment you are using? I’m a fairly casual birder, just getting started in bird photography, and discovering it’s a bit harder than it looks!
Hi, I was at crosswinds (Wayne co) yesterday for a Girl Scout trip. Had no
scope, but did have bins. There was a group of 1000 or so gulls on the ice
along the back of the big impoundment, visible from the boardwalk. I made
a quick scan with the bins and saw two adult(ish) lesser black-backed
gulls, and then, a gorgeous immaculate white second-winter Kumlien’s
Iceland gull flew in and circled around right in front of us before landing
in with the other gulls. Wish I had my scope. Crosswinds can be fantastic
for gulls as long as there is open water, so if you’re into it, now is the
time. Keep in mind they come and go, especially if the dump is open, or if
they get flushed by an eagle or something, so more than one stop may be
required during the day.
Date: 11/19/18 6:46 am From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: [birders] Fall 2018 bird banding summary
Birders and Banders,
I have updated my blog page with results from the last 2 days of fall banding in early November at Lake St. Clair Metropark, Macomb Co., Michigan, and have included a brief summary of all the birds banded this fall, and returns from previous seasons.
Date: 11/18/18 3:15 pm From: 'Bill Rapai' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Philadelphia Vireo, Eastern Phoebe at Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
Birders:
Sorry for the late post but it took a little bit of time for all of us to agree on the identification. During a bird walk at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores on Saturday morning, we found a Philadelphia Vireo. (Some of us thought it might me an immature Orange-crowned Warbler -- until I saw photos this afternoon. Okay, blame me!) I doubt this bird is able to be chased, especially since the Ford House is closed on Monday.
We also found an Eastern Phoebe. The rest ... usual suspects.
Date: 11/18/18 12:38 pm From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: [birders] Blog update - Peru hummingbird photo tour
Everyone,
I have updated my blog with narrative, and more than 100 photos, from the 8th day of my July 2018 trip to Peru. As usual, lots of hummingbirds and other birds, an this time more insects than previous posts. As usual, go to:
> From: Dan Thiry <dthiry...> > Subject: IMG_3829.jpeg > Date: November 18, 2018 12:19:38 PM PST > To: Dan Thiry <avianscout...> > > > > > > Sent from my iPhone
Date: 11/18/18 11:35 am From: 'P. swanson' via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] Great blue heron
Thanks for the info. They haven’t been here for quite a while.
Penny S.
> On Nov 18, 2018, at 2:21 PM, Barb B <bbwren...> wrote:
>
> We've had from 1 to 18 Great Blue Herons on the Western Macomb County Christmas Bird Counts over most years.
>
> Barb Baldinger
> Clinton Township
>
> On Sunday, November 18, 2018, 2:12:09 PM EST, 'P. swanson' via Birders <birders...> wrote:
>
>
> Just saw a great blue heron in cove off Lake St. Clair. Thought they were long gone. Water remains open. I still have daily visits from a female belted kingfisher.
> Penny S.
>
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
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Date: 11/18/18 11:21 am From: 'Barb B' via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] Great blue heron
We've had from 1 to 18 Great Blue Herons on the Western Macomb County Christmas Bird Counts over most years.
Barb BaldingerClinton Township
On Sunday, November 18, 2018, 2:12:09 PM EST, 'P. swanson' via Birders <birders...> wrote:
Just saw a great blue heron in cove off Lake St. Clair. Thought they were long gone. Water remains open. I still have daily visits from a female belted kingfisher.
Penny S.
Date: 11/18/18 11:12 am From: 'P. swanson' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Great blue heron
Just saw a great blue heron in cove off Lake St. Clair. Thought they were long gone. Water remains open. I still have daily visits from a female belted kingfisher. Penny S.
Date: 11/17/18 7:40 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (17 Nov 2018) 489 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 17, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Mark Hainen, Rosemary Brady
Weather: Sunny skies giving way to overcast skies winds from the WNW
Raptor Observations: 2 Golden Eagles
Non-raptor Observations: 44 crows with 119 Sandhill Cranes ======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers: Kory Renaud
Visitors: 8 visitors were at the tower today including, John Barnes, Chip and Dana from Colchester, and Kory Renaud.
Weather: It was mostly cloudy to start the day with light winds from the west and a temperature around 3 C. Temperatures warmed slightly, cloud cover increased and the winds shifted to the southwest in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A light morph adult SWAINSON'S HAWK was observed today, the second in just over the past week!! An adult Golden Eagle flew over the tower today and circled above before moving on. 4 light morph Rough-legged Hawks were observed. (96) Red-tailed Hawks and (17) Red-shouldered Hawks were also coming through in good numbers. Most of this action took place between 10:00 am and noon.
Non-raptor Observations: An all white gull was observed today. ID TBD. 2 Common Goldeneye were observed on the lake. The marsh had thawed and many more ducks were around today. In addition, a huge raft of ducks was observed far on out on the lake, too far to positively ID. Ebird checklist pending.
Predictions: Winds are expected from the north overnight and into tomorrow with some mixed precipitation in the morning and cloudy skies in the afternoon. The temperature will begin around 0 C but should warm as the day progresses. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/17/18 6:32 am From: Raburn Howland <raburnhowland...> Subject: [birders] Long Tailed Duck on Portage Lake
There is a male Long Tailed Duck on Portage Lake north of the Washtenaw
- Livingston county line this morning. It is in with a group of about 25
Buffleheads just off Foxpoint. There is a group of duck hunterson the
west side of the lake that spooked the birds so it may be hard to find
it.The Buffles have been around fora couple of weeks so the Long Tailed
may hang around for awhile. The best opportunity to see it may be the
Portage Yacht club or Foxpointe Beach.
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Evans
Observers:
Visitors: One visitors was at the tower today.
Weather: Moderate to strong southwest winds all day. The morning began with snow flurries and low visibility. The temperature was around 0 C but rose to a high of 3.2 C in the afternoon. There was some light drizzle and visibility was again reduced in the final hour.
Raptor Observations: (9) Red-tailed Hawks and an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk were observed today. (26) Turkey Vultures were passing by the windmills around mid-morning. An immature Bald Eagle appeared to be migrating later in the afternoon. Another adult was observed perched in a tree overlooking the ducks in a small area of open water. A Cooper's Hawk was seen going the wrong way. The Osprey has not been observed in a few days.
Non-raptor Observations: Still a few areas of open water around the marsh, through today the Mallards seemed to concentrate in only a few. The two ponds east of the tower are still not frozen where some Bufflehead were observed. Many Bonaparte's Gulls seemed to be flying around today.
Predictions: Light to moderate winds are forecast from the west tomorrow in the morning and the northwest in the afternoon. There is a 60% chance of mixed precipitation between 9:00 am and 3:00pm. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/16/18 5:32 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (16 Nov 2018) 1 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 16, 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Kevin Georg
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Frank Kitakis, Rosemary Brady
Weather: Snow early with 100% cloud cover
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Detroit River Hawk Watch (<jerry.jourdan...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/16/18 4:07 am From: Phil Bugosh <peb729...> Subject: [birders] Reminder: OAS Events Sat Nov 17 - Young Birders at Indian Springs and a Field Trip on Belle Isle with WAS
Young Birder's Event -Trekking for Wild Turkeys - Indian Springs Metropark.
Saturday, November 17, 2018, 8:30am-11:00am.
Take a hike to search for Wild Turkeys and other birds at Indian Springs.
Meet at the Environmental Center Parking Lot. Tour the Center after the
hike. Snacks and educational materials are provided by OAS. A Metroparks
annual pass or daily entry fee is required.
http://www.metroparks.com/parks/indian-springs-metropark/ Young Birders
must be accompanied by an adult or parent. To register and for more details
contact Kathleen Dougherty – <kad8186...>
Field Trip - Belle Isle with Washtenaw Audubon Society. Saturday, November
17, 2018, 8:00am-12:00pm. Leaders: Don Burlett (<baikalteal13...>) &
Dave Frye (<kestrel11dcf...>)
This is a traditional trip to look for ducks, raptors and whatever is
hiding around this wonderful island. We’ll meet at the Nature Center at the
east end of the island and carpool from there. For those interested lunch
afterwards to compare notes and chat. A state recreation passport is
required.
Please see our website for details about upcoming events. You do not have
to be a member to participate. http://www.oaklandaudubon.org/
Date: 11/15/18 8:49 pm From: Louie Dombroski <louiewaterthrush...> Subject: [birders] Michigan Bird Records Committee seeks new members
The nine-member Michigan Bird Records Committee (MBRC) will have three vacancies at the end of 2018. Anyone with an interest in serving on this committee is encouraged to apply.
Qualifications for appointment to the committee include skill in identification of Michigan bird species or species likely to occur in Michigan and knowledge of the occurrence of birds in Michigan.
We are seeking qualified people to help determine the acceptability of written documentation, photographs, audio recordings, and specimens of birds unusual to Michigan for inclusion in the permanent list of records.
To apply please send a letter stating your interest and qualifications, preferably as a Word Document, to me at the email address below by the end of November. We will choose new members at our next meeting, which will be held sometime in December.
Thank you!
Louie Dombroski Chair, Michigan Bird Records Committee <louiewaterthrush...>
Predictions: Tomorrow will be mainly cloudy with a few flurries in the morning, moderate to strong southwest winds, and a high of 3 C. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Evans (<cpe4...>) Holiday Beach Conservation Area information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Enjoy hunting these rare birds and those that you find this weekend but be sure to double check the observation date on the rare bird list below before you go.
Dea
Deaver D. Armstrong
<ddarm...>
Let's go birding......
A New Field Ornithology Class will start in APRIL of 2019
To register or learn more please go to
http://www.miavianexperience.org Enter site, then go to Programs via the menu, then select Field Classes
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