I will have to keep my eyes out! I just started putting some mealworms out in anticipation of the bluebirds.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 7, 2024, at 8:36 AM, Dody Wyman <dody...> wrote:
>
> Seven bluebirds at our birdbath just now. Six males and one female. What a beautiful sight!
>
> Dody
> Manchester area
>
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Seven bluebirds at our birdbath just now. Six males and one female. What a beautiful sight!
Dody Manchester area
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Date: 12/5/24 9:07 am From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: Re: [birders] Sadists within the DNR
I’ve heard their argument about “all the good” they do with funds raised from hunting licenses and I wonder what portion of their operating budget comes from those activities. Personally I don’t feel I’ll-gotten gains can be justified no matter what “good” they say they do with them…especially when they are profiting by using non-native species. At least some Grouse or Quail may get away and bolster dwindling populations.
________________________________
From: Rich Wolinski <rawolinski...>
Sent: Thursday, December 5, 2024 11:07
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
Cc: Birders UM <birders...>
Subject: Re: [birders] Sadists within the DNR
I could provide a response to your post beyond this, but will not. The title of your post suggests it would do little good.
On Dec 5, 2024 1:29 AM, Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
Why does the Michigan DNR use taxpayer dollars to raise wildlife then release it expressly to be hunted and killed? How exactly does this benefit our natural resources?
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Date: 12/5/24 8:07 am From: 'Rich Wolinski' via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] Sadists within the DNR
I could provide a response to your post beyond this, but will not. The title of your post suggests it would do little good. On Dec 5, 2024 1:29 AM, Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
Why does the Michigan DNR use taxpayer dollars to raise wildlife then release it expressly to be hunted and killed? How exactly does this benefit our natural resources?
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Date: 12/5/24 8:01 am From: 'Rich Wolinski' via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] Winter Kestrels
Yes. On Dec 5, 2024 1:33 AM, Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
Are Kestrels one of the species which tolerates freezing temps as long as they can keep finding things to eat? Had one swooping low in high winds over a bare and frozen St. Clair County field this morning and it seemed strange.
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Are Kestrels one of the species which tolerates freezing temps as long as they can keep finding things to eat? Had one swooping low in high winds over a bare and frozen St. Clair County field this morning and it seemed strange.
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Date: 12/4/24 10:29 pm From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: [birders] Sadists within the DNR
Why does the Michigan DNR use taxpayer dollars to raise wildlife then release it expressly to be hunted and killed? How exactly does this benefit our natural resources?
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Date: 12/3/24 6:05 am From: 'Steve Jerant' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 12/02/2024
Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 12/02/2024
Total Cranes Roosting: 75
See Don Henise’s excellent JAS Blog at:
JacksonAudubon Society - Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 12/02/2024
You can view past postings and historical crane countingdata on
Haehnle web site
JASBlog page
And on JAS or Haehnle FB pages
Regards,
Steve Jerant
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Date: 11/30/24 6:02 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (30 Nov 2024) 9 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 30, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Ben Sehl, Don Sherwood, Erika Van Kirk, Jo Patterson, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: Thank you for a great 2024 Fall season at the Detroit River Hawk Watch! Special shout out to all of our dedicated volunteers that came out rain, shine or snow to make our count possible. Check out our website for the season report coming soon: http://detroitriverhawkwatch.org/
Weather: Overcast with occasional and short-living blue in the sky. Cold winds from WSW, reaching 27 km/hour (17 mi/hr) at times. Flurries in the morning, and in the last hour of count, but we did not have complete whiteouts, like yesterday. It warmed up somewhat by 2 PM, from -5 to -3C (23 to 27F).
Raptor Observations: Nine raptors on the last day of hawk count. Two were falcons, a Peregrine flying in a hurry, low over Lake Erie, and probably a Merlin, briefly seen over Gibraltar. The remaining seven were juvenile or sub-adult Bald Eagles, crossing over the lake, heading to Pointe Mouillee. A local Cooper's Hawk checked us out, and went about his business.
Non-raptor Observations: One American Crow represented the Corvid Family on the final day of the count. Waterfowl were more diverse. The ranks of the semi-domestic Mallards were inflated by their wild brethren, fleeing from duck hunters. We also saw a female Shoveler and a female Pintail, at least 25 Hooded Mergansers and no less than five Red-breasted Mergansers. Larger merganser flocks traveled over the lake, too far out to be identified. We counted at least 125 Tundra Swans (in flocks varying in size from 6 to 38), and also some Mute Swans. Six Great Blue Herons came from across the river, looking for warmer climes. One Belted Kingfisher and one Killdeer checked in, braving flurries and freezing temperatures. Also Bonaparte's Gulls, etc.
Predictions: We predict the first day of calendar winter, December 1st. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Mike Jaber
Observers: Bob Hall-Brooks, Juliette Herdman, Liz Kent, Megan Irwin, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin, Peter Veighey, Tim Jarrold
Visitors: Noel and Juliette again provided a welcome warm soup, cookies and hot Chocolate. Peter and Megan also pitched up with hot chocolate in the morning. We thank them all for their awesome support. Liz, Paul, Peter, Mike, Noel, Juliette, Megan, Bob and Tim kept me company on a very cold Tower. As this is the Last day of the Hawk Watch, I want go give a huge thanks to all the many volunteers who have given time to help observe on the Tower. A special thanks goes to Kiah as Official Counter, Alessandra, Noel and Juliette, Paul G, Mike, Chad, Michael, Liz, Peter, Patrick and Steve, Andy, John and Lisa for the extra effort you have made to make this season successful and enjoyable.
Weather: Very cold -5c on the Tower with a strong south west wind. Overcast with reduced visibility to 12km. First hour had a few snow flurries but it cleared up after then. The pressure drooped 5 points during the count period.
Raptor Observations: Only one raptor today, a Red-tailed Hawk. There were 14 Bald Eagles, mostly immatures on the frozen marsh, but none looked as though they wanted to migrate.
Non-raptor Observations: We thought that all the ducks had moved as the marsh was frozen, but mid morning something spooked the ducks (probably Bald Eagles) and about 2000 took to the air, mostly Mallards and Gadwall. Hooded Merganser (6) and Bufflehead (7) visited the Trout pond which was unfrozen. Not many small birds around but the hardy little Wrens, Carolina and Winter are worth a mention. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S204121506
Predictions: Today is the last day of the 2024 count season. Hope everybody has a nice, relaxing Christmas. The only prediction I will make is that we will be back next year! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
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Date: 11/30/24 12:00 pm From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: Re: [birders] Need help with ID
John,
"Gambel's" White-crowned breeds mainly in Alaska and parts of Yukon. The
"Eastern" White-crowned breeds across much of the rest of Canada. Other
subspecies occur on the west coast of Canada and the U.S.
On Sat, Nov 30, 2024 at 2:39 PM <ajf-jlf...> wrote:
> Thanks much, Allen. Now I need to do a bit more online research to find
> the range of those two groups.
>
>
>
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Saturday, November 30, 2024 2:23 PM
> *To:* <ajf-jlf...>
> *Cc:* <birders...>
> *Subject:* Re: [birders] Need help with ID
>
>
>
> John,
>
>
>
> The narrow black line from the front of the eye to the base of the brown
> crown stripe is an indication that this is the Eastern subspecies of
> White-crowned Sparrow. Adults are easier to determine. I have banded a
> couple of "Gambel's" in my yard here in Wayne County, which are
> characterized by the lack of that narrow black line.
>
>
> Allen T. Chartier
>
> Inkster, Michigan
>
> Email: <amazilia3...>
>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ >
> Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Nov 30, 2024 at 2:12 PM <ajf-jlf...> wrote:
>
> This bird was in our ground feeding area within the hour. I don't recall
> ever having seen one of these before, but quite likely that is because I've
> not paid close enough attention. My tentative ID (from Sibley) is a 1st
> winter White-crowned Sparrow, "Taiga/Interior West Group." I'd welcome
> correction. If my ID is correct, is this variant a frequent Washtenaw Co.
> visitor, and is Nov 30 within its normal migration time?
>
> John,
> Near Milan, MI
>
> --
> 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.
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> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
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>
>
Date: 11/30/24 11:39 am From: <ajf-jlf...> Subject: RE: [birders] Need help with ID
Thanks much, Allen. Now I need to do a bit more online research to find the range of those two groups.
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2024 2:23 PM
To: <ajf-jlf...>
Cc: <birders...>
Subject: Re: [birders] Need help with ID
John,
The narrow black line from the front of the eye to the base of the brown crown stripe is an indication that this is the Eastern subspecies of White-crowned Sparrow. Adults are easier to determine. I have banded a couple of "Gambel's" in my yard here in Wayne County, which are characterized by the lack of that narrow black line.
This bird was in our ground feeding area within the hour. I don't recall
ever having seen one of these before, but quite likely that is because I've
not paid close enough attention. My tentative ID (from Sibley) is a 1st
winter White-crowned Sparrow, "Taiga/Interior West Group." I'd welcome
correction. If my ID is correct, is this variant a frequent Washtenaw Co.
visitor, and is Nov 30 within its normal migration time?
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Date: 11/30/24 11:23 am From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: Re: [birders] Need help with ID
John,
The narrow black line from the front of the eye to the base of the brown
crown stripe is an indication that this is the Eastern subspecies of
White-crowned Sparrow. Adults are easier to determine. I have banded a
couple of "Gambel's" in my yard here in Wayne County, which are
characterized by the lack of that narrow black line.
On Sat, Nov 30, 2024 at 2:12 PM <ajf-jlf...> wrote:
> This bird was in our ground feeding area within the hour. I don't recall
> ever having seen one of these before, but quite likely that is because I've
> not paid close enough attention. My tentative ID (from Sibley) is a 1st
> winter White-crowned Sparrow, "Taiga/Interior West Group." I'd welcome
> correction. If my ID is correct, is this variant a frequent Washtenaw Co.
> visitor, and is Nov 30 within its normal migration time?
>
> John,
> Near Milan, MI
>
> --
> 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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> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/00a301db435b%24bc27c710%2434775530%<24...> > .
>
Date: 11/30/24 11:12 am From: <ajf-jlf...> Subject: [birders] Need help with ID
This bird was in our ground feeding area within the hour. I don't recall ever having seen one of these before, but quite likely that is because I've not paid close enough attention. My tentative ID (from Sibley) is a 1st winter White-crowned Sparrow, "Taiga/Interior West Group." I'd welcome correction. If my ID is correct, is this variant a frequent Washtenaw Co. visitor, and is Nov 30 within its normal migration time?
John, Near Milan, MI
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Date: 11/30/24 6:13 am From: 'John Gannon' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Leucistic cardinal
Seen Tuesday morning, November 26th near the Group Camp of Hudson Mills Metropark. Our son-in-law, Wesley Fabian, took the photo and no one has seen it since. I have been doing FeederWatch where he saw the bird last two days and it’s been a no-show.John Gannon
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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Date: 11/29/24 5:38 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (29 Nov 2024) 11 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 29, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Dan Atherton, Don Sherwood, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: It was snowing for the first three hours of the count (perhaps as much as 5 mm accumulated). At times, visibility was next to zero. Strong winds from WSW, and later West; up to 29 km/hour (18 mi/hr). Temperature steady between -1 and -2C (30-35F).
Raptor Observations: Bald Eagle was our bird of the day. We tried to count them conservatively, but by now we know most of the resident adults and some juveniles by sight (e.g., missing flight or tail feathers, amount of grey on head and tail. etc.). Although we saw almost all of the resident birds, we also witnessed juveniles crossing over Lake Erie (from approximately Amherst Pointe towards Pointe Mouillee) and not coming back. We also observed two Red-tailed Hawks, but counted only one, because another traveled in the opposite direction.
Non-raptor Observations: Herons and egrets are leaving the area in a hurry. Today, we saw only one Great Egret in the park, and several Great Blue Heron flying across the river; just about 16:00 hrs, eleven more Great Blues came from over the Gibraltar. Three Common Loons were spotted far out in the lake. Don spotted a male Gadwall in a group of Mallards, and it was quite a treat. We also observed Hooded Mergansers, perhaps as few as eight or as many as twenty (same birds might have been involved in these sightings). One American Tree Sparrow. Bonaparte's, Ring-billed and Herring Gulls.
Predictions: It will remain cold tomorrow with winds, presumably, coming from SSW. However, a mix of sun and cloud, and no precipitation is expected, giving us some hope to see more raptors on the last day of the 2024 count. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 10:00:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Mike Jaber
Observers: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber
Visitors: Many thanks to Mike and Liz for accompanying me in the cold conditions.
Weather: Weather was cold (-2C) with snow flurries, and strong gusty wind from the west causing significant wind chill. Visibility was about 10 km initially. During the second hour the wind shifted slightly south of west towards WSW, and with an approaching wall of heavier snow steadily reducing visibility to about 50m, we ended the watch at 10am.
Raptor Observations: No raptors were seen.
Non-raptor Observations: Ring-billed Gulls (226) were seen flying west over the marsh, together with American Herring Gulls (20). Despite the cold, duck numbers seemed stable. There were very few small birds seen around the tower or flying over. The list is at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S204008810
Predictions: Tomorrow looks to be an even colder day, with wind from the west south west under overcast skies. Hopefully we will see some raptors on the last day of the Hawk Watch. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Mike Jaber
Observers: Hugh Kent, Ian Woodfield, Juliette Herdman, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman
Visitors: Thanks again to Mike, Michael, Ian, Liz, Noel and Juliette for helping out with observing and counting. A big thanks to Noel and Juliette who arrived with a very warming soup/stew, cookies and hot chocolate. We all very much appreciated the food which was most welcome on a cold day.
Weather: A strong, then moderate wind initially north north west then changing to west north west around midday. Chilly with the temperatures starting at 2c and rising to 5c at midday. Visibility was good, despite the heavy grey cloud with the sun only poking through occasionally. The pressure rose 5 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: A good day for variety with an early light phase Rough-legged Hawk and a gorgeous midday dark phase Rough-legged Hawk. Also two Golden Eagles at 13.01 and 14.15. Red-tailed Hawks (22) topped the bill, next were Northern Harrier (4). Throughout the day there were ones and twos of the following: Bald Eagle (2), Cooper's Hawk (2), Red-shouldered Hawk (2), a single Turkey Vulture and a single Merlin. A total of 9 species which is not bad for this time of year.
Non-raptor Observations: Very quiet day for small birds with only American Goldfinch (62) reaching double figures. A different waterbird story with more activity on the lake including Common Goldeneye (16), Bufflehead (30), Red-breasted Merganser (185) and Hooded Merganser (2). Ducks on the marsh seem to be holding their own, with the exception of American Coot whose numbers have dwindled to 5 close to the Tower. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203912410
Predictions: There may be a dusting of snow to greet us on the tower tomorrow morning, accompanied by freezing temperatures and a moderate west wind, increasing to strong. The sky will be overcast. Probably fewer raptors will be flying than today . ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Mike Jaber
Observers: Hugh Kent, Ian Woodfield, Juliette Herdman, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman
Visitors: Thanks again to Mike, Michael, Ian, Liz, Noel and Juliette for helping out with observing and counting. A big thanks to Noel and Juliette who arrived with a very warming soup/stew, cookies and hot chocolate. We all very much appreciated the food which was most welcome on a cold day.
Weather: A strong, then moderate wind initially north north west then changing to west north west around midday. Chilly with the temperatures starting at 2c and rising to 5c at midday. Visibility was good, despite the heavy grey cloud with the sun only poking through occasionally. The pressure rose 5 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: A good day for variety with an early light phase Rough-legged Hawk and a gorgeous midday dark phase Rough-legged Hawk. Also two Golden Eagles at 13.01 and 14.15. Red-tailed Hawks (22) topped the bill, next were Northern Harrier (4). Throughout the day there were ones and twos of the following: Bald Eagle (2), Cooper's Hawk (2), Red-shouldered Hawk (2), a single Turkey Vulture and a single Merlin. A total of 9 species which is not bad for this time of year.
Non-raptor Observations: Very quiet day for small birds with only American Goldfinch (62) reaching double figures. A different waterbird story with more activity on the lake including Common Goldeneye (16), Bufflehead (30), Red-breasted Merganser (185) and Hooded Merganser (2). Ducks on the marsh seem to be holding their own, with the exception of American Coot whose numbers have dwindled to 5 close to the Tower. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203717571
Predictions: There may be a dusting of snow to greet us on the tower tomorrow morning, accompanied by freezing temperatures and a moderate west wind, increasing to strong. The sky will be overcast. Probably fewer raptors will be flying than today . ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/28/24 12:34 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (28 Nov 2024) 11 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 28, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 13:00:00
Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Sturgess
Observers: Bill Peregord, Jo Patterson, Michelle Peregord,
Rosemary Brady
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie MetroPark.
We are willing to spread the gospel with pamphlets and information cards,
along with tips on IDing the raptors, and photography tips for those behind
the cameras. Let us share our enthusiasm for this miracle of nature with
you.
Weather:
Happy Thanksgiving to all you USA residents, and belated wishes to our
Canadian contingent. Today was a truncated watch due to the nature of the
day. A day to examine your life and find the diamonds in the rough, giving
thanks for the positive things that you find. Of course, family connections
are renewed, most of us thankful for the fact that this only happens on
rare occasions during the course of the year. We had a window of
opportunity today as a low-pressure area had moved through during the early
morning hours, the imminent high-pressure area bringing a northern wind as
a vanguard of its approach. Not our favored northeast wind, which we have
seen little of this year, but with the rising barometer telling birds that
it was safe to travel again, it was hoped that we would see a little
traffic. It was a tale of two skies for the most part, mostly a gray
stratus blanket at first, but off to the west, blue skies seem to be trying
to make their way over to us. We did end up with windows in the loosely
knit cumulostratus clouds so we were thankful for a little sunshine today.
Winds were mostly northwest and growing in boldness during the watch. This
was a prelude to about a week of western winds of ten mph or more. We seem
to be seeing more of these stretches of week-long-same winds as the
high-pressure areas seem to be growing larger and taking more time to pass
disrupting migration. The barometer was rising, but only hundreds of an
inch during the short watch. Temperatures were rising, but as the north
wind takes over, the temps will fall with a colder week ahead in the
forecast.
Raptor Observations:
At least we had variety, if not numbers. Two northern harriers were noted,
one flying low over the water, as they are wont to do. Two seemed to be the
number of the day as we also had two early red-shoulders, two red-tails,
and two rough-legged hawks, one of each morph. A single sharp-shinned, bald
eagle, and one turkey vulture rounded out the count.
Non-raptor Observations:
A common loon was spotted out in the direction of the big lake. Plenty of
gulls were up in the sky, mostly ring-bills, with big herrings drawing our
attention from time to time. Bonaparte’s gulls made brief appearances in
small numbers from time to time. A red-bellied woodpecker undulated by.
Mute swans flew by in a very small line. Great egrets were seen in the
marshland on the way in but not in big numbers. Mallards, the default duck
in our small corner of the world, were present but not seen in big numbers.
Predictions:
Westerly winds, in the ten to fifteen mph range, will prove challenging
tomorrow, as the real-feel temps, as a direct result, will be in the lower
twenties. Actual temps will be at the freezing mark. Snow showers are in
the forecast for the morning hours, so as the Monty Python characters said
when confronted by the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog, it may be time to
“Run away!”
========================================================================
Report submitted by Andrew Sturgess (<ajyes72...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber
Observers: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Mike and Michael for spelling a bit as Counter and for the support from Noel, Michael, Peter, Mike and Liz in observing and counting. It was great to meet a party from Windsor Curling Club Seniors Association out on a birding trip led by Dan. We were happy to show them the birds of the marsh and to explain the Hawk Watch.
Weather: Light wind from the west initially, gradually strengthening in the afternoon and turning south east. The day started with a little amount of blue sky but became overcast in the afternoon. The temperature started at about 5c and peaked at 12.5c in early afternoon and then fell to 6c. Visibility was good if slightly hazy at times and the pressure steadily fell 13 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: Highlight of the day was an American Goshawk over the trees to the north east. Red-tailed Hawk (16) took the usual northern flightline but not too high, interspersed by a few Red-shouldered Hawks (4). Cooper's Hawk (5) and Bald Eagle (2) completed the list.
Non-raptor Observations: A late Eastern Phoebe was an interesting sight, and the sparrows were again more active around the tower in the light wind. American Goldfinch (499) were again passing west in reasonable numbers with Eastern Bluebirds (28), Horned Lark (35) and just as we thought they were all over, American Crow (44). More activity on the lake today with a good number of Bufflehead (40), Red-breasted Merganser (110) and a nice over flight of Common Merganser (12). Ducks are still slightly decreasing in number as the colder weather sets in but with a good diversity of twelve species. American White Pelican (74) are still dropping in for a meal, Tundra Swans (57) much reduced today. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203814871
Predictions: There is a moderate wind forecast from the north turning north west mid morning. The temperature will drop a bit to 4c, but the sun may poke through the clouds at times. Hopefully a north wind will bring a few more raptors than recent days. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/27/24 3:25 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (27 Nov 2024) 37 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 27, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jerry Jourdan, Jo Patterson, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Our luck with sunny skies continued this morning. However, it became overcast again for the last two hours of the count. The temperature rose from 2C to 6C. Thankfully it did not get as windy as predicted, staying as a light breeze starting from WSW and swinging slowly around to SSE.
Raptor Observations: It was another great day for November. We recorded 37 raptors, just three more than yesterday. Red-tails made it to double digits, with 13 counted. Sharpies continued their migration efforts. They have been absent from the count for most of the month, so it was good to see eight flapping past. Seven Red-shouldered, two Harrier, one Bald Eagle, and one Merlin were also seen. Our final, and most exciting, bird of the day was a single American Goshawk.
Non-raptor Observations: 42 American Crow took advantage of the nice day. Red-breasted Merganser flew by the boat ramp.
Predictions: Thanksgiving Day will reach 5C and see gentle to moderate NW winds. Cloudy skies are predicted. The barometer is expected to rise, only by a tenth of an inch. Thank you in advance to the dedicated volunteers who come out to count tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber
Observers: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Michelle Mastellotto, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman
Visitors: Thanks to Mike and Liz for taking a spell as Counter today and Michael, Michelle and Noel for helping observe and count.
Weather: A very strong and gusty wind from the west initially, turning south west by the end of the day. It was good to see the sun now and again today with the sky gradually clearing. The temperature was around 6c, chilly in the wind. The visibility was good and the pressure remained constant.
Raptor Observations: Interestingly, Turkey Vultures (27) took the top spot, followed by Red-tailed Hawks (18) mostly taking a low northern flight line. Next were three male Northern Harriers, two visiting Harrier Island. A couple of adult Bald Eagles looked determined to head off west and two Sharp-shinned Hawks passed relatively close to the Tower. The list was completed by an eclectic mix of singles of Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk and Peregrine Falcon.
Non-raptor Observations: We reached our 200th species seen this Fall with a sighting of two Snow Geese flying over the marsh from the east - woo hoo! Tundra Swans (503) achieved the greatest day count number since 1988, with many flocks flying over the marsh. Ducks are maintaining their numbers with Gadwall (1720) the most numerus today. Good diversity with twelve species seen including all three Mergansers. Good numbers of Horned Lark (223) and American Goldfinch (282) flew over heading west. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203717571
Predictions: The forecast tomorrow is for light winds from the south west turning south early afternoon. Another day with sunny spells and a similar temperature of around 6c. Hopefully we will see similar numbers and mix of raptors as today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/26/24 3:09 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (26 Nov 2024) 34 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 26, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson,
Michelle Peregord, Rosemary Brady
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark.
We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us
share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome
your questions and company, please know that our professional counter,
apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to
successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed
view of the horizon.
Weather:
We have finally been graced by blue skies after a week under a thick cloudy
blanket. The west wind stayed around 20 kph all day. Luckily, we were
relatively sheltered and could stay warm. The temperature rose from 5C to
7C. The barometer dropped slightly.
Raptor Observations:
Our second largest day this November! With 34 raptors from 6 different
species, it was significantly more exciting than most days have been. Some
late Turkey Vulture traveled over in small groups. 2 Harrier flew low over
the lake, almost brushing the water’s surface. One was an adult male. 1
Peregrine flew high and relatively close. Bald Eagle, both local and
migrants, were up most of the day. Our local pair played together over
Celeron. Migrants were seen way up in the sky, moving with a purpose. An
adult Golden Eagle came through inconspicuously but was caught before it
crossed the seawall. Red-tails, our reliable November companion, made up
almost half of our countable raptors.
Non-raptor Observations:
Over 150 Tundra Swan were seen. 70 American White Pelican flew up to the
boat ramp, the closest they have come this year. A Common Loon and several
Merganser were bobbing on Lake Erie. Dunlin flew across the water in front
of us.
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s temperatures will be in the 30s F with light winds from the
west. We expect it to be much like today.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
JacksonAudubon Society - Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/25/2024
You can view past postings and historical crane countingdata on
Haehnle web site
JASBlog page
And on JAS or Haehnle FB pages
Regards,Steve Jerant
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Date: 11/25/24 3:58 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (25 Nov 2024) 2 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 25, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Ben Sehl, Jerry Jourdan, Jo Patterson
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Overcast; moderate winds from south-east of up to 11 km/hour (7 mi/hour). Milder than yesterday; temperature steady at +9C (48F).
Raptor Observations: Slim pickings, only 2 birds. Both came between 11 AM and noon. The first, female Rough-legged Hawk, circled overhead, probably musing about Ben, who finally rejoined our ranks. The second bird was a distant Red-shouldered Hawk. No Red-tails or Cooper's. Resident Bald Eagles entertained us occasionally, flying up or down the river, though mainly remained in perches, reluctant to fly.
Non-raptor Observations: Ben spotted a flock of twenty Tundra Swans flying over the lake. We also heard Sandhill Cranes, from a distance. A Northern Flicker carried it cherished trophy, a peanut, to a safe hiding place. From time to time, we scanned the ranks of Bonaparte's Gulls, hoping to spot one of their lesser cousins, but did not find any. That is all.
Predictions: Strong winds from the west, sunny skies and colder temperatures are in store for tomorrow. Perhaps, some raptors will be arround, but we can offer no guarantees. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/24/24 7:26 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (24 Nov 2024) 4 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 24, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Dan Atherton, Don Sherwood, Frank Kitakis, Michelle Peregord, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Overcast and moderate southerly winds, becoming light towards the end of day. Air pressure was dropping steadily. Temperature remained at +5 to 6C (low 40s F).
Raptor Observations: It would have been an uneventful day if not for one sighting. We counted three Red-tailed Hawks before 11 AM, but only one other raptor after that. The bird timed it arrival between Don and Bill, i.e., one minute after Don left the site, but ten minutes before Bill and Michelle arrived on the scene. My first call, upon seeing the fast approaching bird, was Peregrine, and it would have been entered as such in the form, if I was not lucky enough to snap few pictures. The photos revealed a heavily streaked bird with a prominent light supercilliary, and a yellow eye with dark pupil. Goshawk!? It appeared so on the camera's screen in the field, but after looking at the photos on a laptop, and reviewing hundreds of images from the Macaulay Library, I came to a different conclusion. It might come as a surprise to those of us, who saw the bird. It appears that I was somewhat right, calling it Peregrine. It was a falcon, but a different one. As of 10 PM, I think it was an exceptionally large, very dark female Merlin! Birds of the World online states that largest female of that species reach 32 cm in length, almost as large as small male Peregrine (36 cm). The giveaway were wide dark bands on the tail; the yellow eye (seen in one photo) was likely a trick of light as the bird's eyes were dark in all subsequent photos. I am 99% sure of this ID, but sent photos to a colleague who studied Merlins for nearly forty years. We'll learn of his verdict tomorrow. For the time being. I leave it as Falco sp.
Non-raptor Observations: More Tundra Swans, although fewer than yesterday (about 80). At least three species of ducks, other than Mallards, were also seen. These included eight Hooded Mergansers, three Buffleheads, one Wood Duck (female), and two others, which we did not see very well. A large flock of songbirds flew very low over the lake. Our first thought was snowbuntings, but we did not see any white on their wings. Longspurs perhaps? They were too far to tell with certainty.
Predictions: Southerly winds and rain are expected tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Paul Gosselin
Visitors: Thanks to Liz, Paul and Mike for keeping me company and observing today. It was good to see Noel and Juliette with friends Chris and Rob and to meet Bob From Brampton who took an interest in the birds on the marsh.
Weather: Another overcast day with a strong wind initially from the west south west changing to south west and reducing slightly. Temperature was around 5c all day but felt colder in the wind. Haze reduced visibility to about 12km. Pressure reduced 6 points over the day.
Raptor Observations: A very quiet day with only eight raptors seen. Red-tailed Hawks (5) were on a northern flightline with some perching before moving on. Two Sharp-shinned Hawks passed low close to the Tower and a Northern Harrier visited Harrier Island.
Non-raptor Observations: Pretty similar list to yesterday, but American Goldfinch (231) reduced by about 75%. More Rusty Blackbirds (439) were seen today. There was a noticeable movement in the morning of Ring-billed Gull (386) and American Herring Gull (73) west along the shore. Good Tundra Swan (184) activity and American White Pelican (81) visited the marsh for a spot of fishing. Duck numbers are slightly reducing, probably due to the cold weather with the most marked reduction in American Coot (36). However there was an increase in Bufflehead (27), always a pleasure to watch. Diversity remains good with thirteen duck species seen. Lots of Sparrow activity around the Tower again, with a couple of Fox Sparrow appearing for the first time in a few days. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203528254.
Predictions: Due to the likelihood of rain, there will no count tomorrow, but normal service will resume on Tuesday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/23/24 5:38 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (23 Nov 2024) 42 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 23, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Michelle Peregord
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Overcast; occasional breaks in the clouds reminded us of blue skies, somewhere high above. Westerly winds (from WNW and NW) of up to 23 km/hour (15 mi/hr). Temperature varied between +6 and +8C (43-46F).
Raptor Observations: We ended up with 42 raptors, three times the number seen yesterday, but then, today, we had twice as many observes (2.5 times, to be exact). The day began with a couple of Sharp-shins, hurried across the river by the winds. The third hunted around the parking lot in late afternoon, chasing Mourning Doves and smaller birds, but, as far as we could tell, it did not succeed. Red-tailed Hawks accounted for 60% of the sightings (26 of them). Two, fighting headwinds and holding wings in "V" shape, were mistaken for harriers; only when they got closer, we were able to correct the mistake. Six Turkey Vultures streamed far behind the sycamore. Perhaps those were six of the nine seen by our colleagues at the Holiday Beach yesterday. Four adult Bald Eagles put a nice aerial performance over the water, after all but one observers left the scene. One caught a large catfish (eagle, and not the observer), but was chased by others and probably dropped it.
Non-raptor Observations: Tundra Swans made their first appearance at the count site today; we observed at least seven flocks, totaling 150-160. White Pelicans were sighted after a two week absence; five circled between Celeron and Gibraltar in the afternoon, getting relatively close. On the top of that, we saw a pair of Belted Kingfishers, a flock of 30 Dunlins, many American Robins and Mourning Doves.
Predictions: Weather forecasters are calling for a mix of sun and cloud, and southerly winds. Temperature will remain below +8C (45F). We expect to see at least some raptors, though perhaps fewer than today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Mike Jaber
Observers: Daniel Lee, Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Paul Gosselin, Peter Veighey
Visitors: It was good to have lots of observers keeping me company on the Tower today. Thanks to Liz, Paul, Peter, Mike and Dan. It was good to see Robin and Sheila from Harrow who showed an interest in the Hawk Watch and birds on the marsh.
Weather: The wind was strong, with gusts mainly from the west north west for most of the day. The temperature remained around 7c all day, under overcast skies. The visibility was fair all day but improved in the latter part of the afternoon, the cloud base seemed to lift slightly. The pressure was generally constant all day.
Raptor Observations: Red-tailed Hawks (18) again led the pack, mostly flying low and to the north, sometimes perching at the latter end of the day. A few Red-shouldered Hawks (5) were interspersed with the red tails. Sharp-shinned Hawks (4) and Coopers Hawks (3) had no particular flight line and one 'grey ghost' Northern Harrier flew north of the marsh and another visited Harrier Island.
Non-raptor Observations: An active day today with a good flight of Tundra Swans (232), Common Loon and Horned Grebe on the Lake, and Sandhill Cranes frequently appearing to the north. A couple of flocks of American White Pelican (60) visited the marsh briefly, and duck numbers are as healthy as ever with Ring-necked Duck (1322), Gadwall (1490) and Mallard (1800) numbers maintained and fourteen species seen. American Goldfinches (823) had another good day, five species of Sparrow were foraging around the tower. Rusty Blackbirds (182) are still flying west past the tower. It was good to see a flyover of a Snow Bunting late afternoon. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203411333
Predictions: A moderate wind is forecast from the west south west and then shifting to the south west in the afternoon. Temperature will be pretty much the same as today and the sky will be overcast. Without the northern component to the wind, raptor numbers may reduce. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/22/24 4:18 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (22 Nov 2024) 14 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 22, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Jo Patterson
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Light rain during the first and last hours of the count; strong winds from the north-west, reaching 28 km/hour (17 mi/hr) at times. Temperature rose from +4C in the morning to +8C in the afternoon (from 39 to 46F).
Raptor Observations: We were optimistic in the morning, after seeing five species in a row, arriving one after another. Those were Northern Harrier (male), Bald Eagle (immature), Cooper's Hawk (a transient), Red-shouldered Hawk (adult), and Golden Eagle (adult). The Golden Eagle came relatively close and was not in any hurry to leave. Red-tailed Hawks appeared at ca. 11 AM, and, at the end, "outnumbered" all other species (six were seen). Two or three adult Bald Eagles hunted relatively close to the observers today, perhaps encouraged by the paucity of people on the parking lot and in general. One caught a bullhead, without investing too much effort. Another circled nearby, clearly seeing something in the water, but drew ire of several large gulls and was escorted by them out of the area.
Non-raptor Observations: Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, American Tree sparrows; one Belted Kingfisher.
Predictions: Weather conditions is unlikely to change tomorrow, i.e., we should expect cloudy skies, winds from north-west and west, a temperatures below +8C (46F). We anticipate a repetition of today's scenario, in other words, few birds, but perhaps of several species. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Mike Jaber
Observers: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman
Visitors: Thanks to Mike, Noel and Liz for keeping me company and helping observe today. Mike was the Official Counter for the first hour.
Weather: The wind was strong from the north west, growing stronger through the day with gusts of over 40kmh. Chilly on the Tower with a maximum of 8c, under overcast skies. Now and again it spotted with rain with one period mid morning lasting half an hour. Visibility was limited with the exception of a couple of hours late morning. Pressure was pretty much constant at about 29.7 (inHg).
Raptor Observations: Better day today with 34 raptors seen. Red-tailed Hawks (12) topped the bill, with a small committee of Turkey Vultures (9) moving west along the trees on the north side of the marsh. Nearly all of the Northern Harriers (5) seen visited Harrier Island. Sharp-Shinned Hawks and Cooper's Hawk were three apiece. A single Merlin shot past and a Red-shouldered Hawk followed the same line as the Turkey Vultures.
Non-raptor Observations: American Goldfinch (798) were very abundant today passing the Tower heading west. Cedar Waxwings (73) perched in the trees before moving on. Another White-winged Crossbill was heard flying over the tower. In late morning a number of flocks of Tundra Swan (188) flew over the marsh with a few settling for a while. Ducks are maintaining their numbers with an increase in Ring-necked Duck (738) over yesterday, with a good number of Canvasback (111) flying north west over the marsh. Duck Diversity was good with twelve Species seen. Great Egret (2) and American White Pelican (2) are still hanging on. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203300347
Predictions: The forecast is similar to today with the wind from the north west initially, then turning west. It will be moderate, not as gusty as today. Overcast skies with a maximum temperature of 8c, but no rain. Hopefully we will continue with similar Raptors numbers as today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/22/24 11:56 am From: 'April Campbell' via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] Protect Ann Arbor's Arboretum
The U of M much like many other universities sitting on billions in endowments, feels it can do pretty much anything it wants to in Ann Arbor. Alas, that also happens to be the truth. State charters allowing schools to escape paying property tax are the primary problem. When these charters were first instituted , the universities were much smaller and in need of support and, while that may be still true for many smaller colleges, it simply no longer holds water with the IVIES and the large state schools such as U of M. They’ve become hegemonic juggernauts gobbling up cities and towns in their wake. I watched my alma mater, Yale, devour New Haven. Changing the charters is the only way to stop this. IMHO, this should also apply to religious property. Ann Arbor city council and Mayor Taylor just wring their hands, spout platitudes and take the developers money. Why not threaten to go to Lansing and agitate for a challenge to the U of M’s corporate welfare state?
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Date: 11/22/24 11:09 am From: Jacques Mersereau <jacmer...> Subject: Re: [birders] Protect Ann Arbor's Arboretum
I think the commuter is a good idea, but of course the shortest distance is
the least expensive option.
*I surely want the Arb to be left ALONE.*
I would vote against this proposal if there were no other options, but
there are other paths they could take, and the U can afford to figure out a
better pathway.
On Fri, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:22 AM Diana Kern <dlkaamitwin...> wrote:
> This is nuts! Thanks for sharing.
>
> On Fri, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:19 AM Catherine Carroll <kiwibisc...>
> wrote:
>
>> Wow, Marta, thanks for letting us know this. I agree this is definitely
>> not off topic. It's a crazy idea! The craziness of the idea would seem to
>> ultimately nix any thoughts of such a thing in the first place. I think of
>> Nichols Arboretum as being Ann Arbor's Central Park. But, nowadays, one
>> never knows. Even at the University of Michigan. If the harm to birds
>> and the landscape is not enough, think of the cost.
>>
>> Extraordinary.
>>
>> On Tue, Nov 19, 2024 at 2:32 PM 'Marta Manildi' via Birders <
>> <birders...> wrote:
>>
>>> As many of you may know, there is a growing groundswell against a
>>> proposal that has been made public by the University of Michigan, as part
>>> of its “Campus Plan 2050”, to route an overhead “campus-connector" monorail
>>> system through Nichols Arboretum. Among the many problems and
>>> environmental costs such a project would cause, the threat to birds is
>>> among the most significant. This point was made in a very thoughtful
>>> letter from Robert Grese, whose long career included serving as Director of
>>> the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, to President Ono, the University
>>> Regents, and leadership politicians for the City of Ann Arbor. A specific
>>> focus on the potential effect on birds was also made in a personal letter
>>> to University and City leaders by Catherine Rising, who before retirement
>>> was an Associate Research Scientist of the University’s School for
>>> Environment and Sustainability.
>>>
>>> Hoping to amplify these solid foundations for opposing a colossally
>>> disruptive train route through the Arb, Ann Arbor Wild Ones has now issued
>>> a formal statement and call to action to oppose it. Please read the
>>> statement using the link below (which also gives you a link to Professor
>>> Grese’s letter), and add your voice to the cause as you may be motivated to
>>> do. If you have questions - or ideas - feel free to contact me personally.
>>>
>>> (I thought about putting “OT” in the subject line of this email, but
>>> then I decided not too, as it seems to me to be quite on topic for those
>>> who love birds.)
>>>
>>> Yours truly,
>>> *Marta*
>>>
>>> Marta Manildi
>>> President, Ann Arbor Wild Ones
>>>
>>>
>>> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xevvus7FVRQy9E1Ui37lAm3Lg6eLjMjSV_yUocKRvV4/edit?usp=sharing >>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> 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 view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<3E8FEBCC-50F8-4467-A22B-A39ACDD165A3...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<3E8FEBCC-50F8-4467-A22B-A39ACDD165A3...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>> --
>> 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 view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAOaZnoaR%<2B3odn3xWe4CogfDuokDpkvQQH7fK_SQO0k2KjGtZ4A...> >> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAOaZnoaR%<2B3odn3xWe4CogfDuokDpkvQQH7fK_SQO0k2KjGtZ4A...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
>
> --
>
> *Diana Kern*
> *<dlkaamitwin...> <dlkaamitwin...>*
>
>
>
> --
> 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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>
--
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jacques Mersereau
Author: www.evilexists.net
Filmmaker: www.headharvester.com
Production: www.dayandnightmedia.com
UofM Video Studio Producing Manager, Retired
(He, him, his)
Date: 11/22/24 7:22 am From: Diana Kern <dlkaamitwin...> Subject: Re: [birders] Protect Ann Arbor's Arboretum
This is nuts! Thanks for sharing.
On Fri, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:19 AM Catherine Carroll <kiwibisc...>
wrote:
> Wow, Marta, thanks for letting us know this. I agree this is definitely
> not off topic. It's a crazy idea! The craziness of the idea would seem to
> ultimately nix any thoughts of such a thing in the first place. I think of
> Nichols Arboretum as being Ann Arbor's Central Park. But, nowadays, one
> never knows. Even at the University of Michigan. If the harm to birds
> and the landscape is not enough, think of the cost.
>
> Extraordinary.
>
> On Tue, Nov 19, 2024 at 2:32 PM 'Marta Manildi' via Birders <
> <birders...> wrote:
>
>> As many of you may know, there is a growing groundswell against a
>> proposal that has been made public by the University of Michigan, as part
>> of its “Campus Plan 2050”, to route an overhead “campus-connector" monorail
>> system through Nichols Arboretum. Among the many problems and
>> environmental costs such a project would cause, the threat to birds is
>> among the most significant. This point was made in a very thoughtful
>> letter from Robert Grese, whose long career included serving as Director of
>> the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, to President Ono, the University
>> Regents, and leadership politicians for the City of Ann Arbor. A specific
>> focus on the potential effect on birds was also made in a personal letter
>> to University and City leaders by Catherine Rising, who before retirement
>> was an Associate Research Scientist of the University’s School for
>> Environment and Sustainability.
>>
>> Hoping to amplify these solid foundations for opposing a colossally
>> disruptive train route through the Arb, Ann Arbor Wild Ones has now issued
>> a formal statement and call to action to oppose it. Please read the
>> statement using the link below (which also gives you a link to Professor
>> Grese’s letter), and add your voice to the cause as you may be motivated to
>> do. If you have questions - or ideas - feel free to contact me personally.
>>
>> (I thought about putting “OT” in the subject line of this email, but then
>> I decided not too, as it seems to me to be quite on topic for those who
>> love birds.)
>>
>> Yours truly,
>> *Marta*
>>
>> Marta Manildi
>> President, Ann Arbor Wild Ones
>>
>>
>> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xevvus7FVRQy9E1Ui37lAm3Lg6eLjMjSV_yUocKRvV4/edit?usp=sharing >>
>>
>> --
>> 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 view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<3E8FEBCC-50F8-4467-A22B-A39ACDD165A3...> >> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<3E8FEBCC-50F8-4467-A22B-A39ACDD165A3...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAOaZnoaR%<2B3odn3xWe4CogfDuokDpkvQQH7fK_SQO0k2KjGtZ4A...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAOaZnoaR%<2B3odn3xWe4CogfDuokDpkvQQH7fK_SQO0k2KjGtZ4A...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/22/24 7:19 am From: Catherine Carroll <kiwibisc...> Subject: Re: [birders] Protect Ann Arbor's Arboretum
Wow, Marta, thanks for letting us know this. I agree this is definitely
not off topic. It's a crazy idea! The craziness of the idea would seem to
ultimately nix any thoughts of such a thing in the first place. I think of
Nichols Arboretum as being Ann Arbor's Central Park. But, nowadays, one
never knows. Even at the University of Michigan. If the harm to birds
and the landscape is not enough, think of the cost.
Extraordinary.
On Tue, Nov 19, 2024 at 2:32 PM 'Marta Manildi' via Birders <
<birders...> wrote:
> As many of you may know, there is a growing groundswell against a proposal
> that has been made public by the University of Michigan, as part of its
> “Campus Plan 2050”, to route an overhead “campus-connector" monorail system
> through Nichols Arboretum. Among the many problems and environmental costs
> such a project would cause, the threat to birds is among the most
> significant. This point was made in a very thoughtful letter from Robert
> Grese, whose long career included serving as Director of the Arboretum and
> Botanical Gardens, to President Ono, the University Regents, and leadership
> politicians for the City of Ann Arbor. A specific focus on the potential
> effect on birds was also made in a personal letter to University and City
> leaders by Catherine Rising, who before retirement was an Associate
> Research Scientist of the University’s School for Environment and
> Sustainability.
>
> Hoping to amplify these solid foundations for opposing a colossally
> disruptive train route through the Arb, Ann Arbor Wild Ones has now issued
> a formal statement and call to action to oppose it. Please read the
> statement using the link below (which also gives you a link to Professor
> Grese’s letter), and add your voice to the cause as you may be motivated to
> do. If you have questions - or ideas - feel free to contact me personally.
>
> (I thought about putting “OT” in the subject line of this email, but then
> I decided not too, as it seems to me to be quite on topic for those who
> love birds.)
>
> Yours truly,
> *Marta*
>
> Marta Manildi
> President, Ann Arbor Wild Ones
>
>
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xevvus7FVRQy9E1Ui37lAm3Lg6eLjMjSV_yUocKRvV4/edit?usp=sharing >
>
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<3E8FEBCC-50F8-4467-A22B-A39ACDD165A3...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<3E8FEBCC-50F8-4467-A22B-A39ACDD165A3...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Mike Jaber
Observers: Bob Hall-Brooks, Liz Kent, Megan Irwin, Mike Jaber
Visitors: Big thanks to Mike for holding the fort as Official Counter for the first few hours. Liz, as always kept me company and Bob visited briefly. It was great to see Megan who generously brought hot drinks and snacks in the late morning.
Weather: Mist and haze to start, then a slight clearance before sleet and snow arrived early afternoon. There was a moderate to strong wind from the west south west all morning. It was the coldest day yet with the temperature not getting above 4c. Low pressure remained constant.
Raptor Observations: Only one raptor today, a Red-tailed Hawk that appeared when there was a slight clearance in the weather late morning.
Non-raptor Observations: Pretty much the same list as yesterday minus the overflight in the morning. Gadwall (1460) and Mallard (1800) numbers seem to be holding up, but Ring-necked Duck (242) and other duck species are decreasing. A decent flock of Red-breasted Merganser (242) appeared close by on the lake in the last couple of hours. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203202491
Predictions: The wind is forecast to be from the north west tomorrow, but strong and gusty, especially in the afternoon. Probably overcast but the temperature will rise to about 7c. Given the wind direction we may see a few more raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/21/24 2:20 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (21 Nov 2024) 4 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 21, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Sturgess
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Rosemary Brady
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark.
We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us
share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome
your questions and company, please know that our professional counter,
apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to
successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed
view of the horizon.
Weather:
We had the Chinese buffet for weather today, a little of this and a little
of that. This being snow, and that being rain, with the palate cleanser
being a brief glimpse of blue sky and sunshine through the dominant gray
stratus clouds that were the order of the day. Temperatures were barely
above the freezing mark today, as a cold front associated with the
low-pressure area to the north of us, swept through during the night. The
winds were mostly westerly with small variations in speed on the plus and
minus side of ten mph. The barometer bottomed out at 29.58 inches, which is
pretty darn low. Most of the day our vision was obstructed by one means or
the other, and we finally gave in an hour early as the rain had become more
of a nuisance than we could bear.
Raptor Observations:
It was a day that was unlikely to produce many birds, as most of them skirt
this kind of weather, or sit it out. Golden eagles, however, seem to think
like the postal service, neither snow nor rain shall stay these birds. We
did have one that made a flyover around noon that accounted for twenty-five
percent of the birds count today. The rest of the posse consisted of one
red-tailed hawk, one sharpie, and one harrier. The weather deteriorated as
the day progressed, although the local birds did not seem to mind flying in
the precipitation.
Non-raptor Observations:
A pair of common loons were seen out towards the lake today. They stayed
all day, sharing the fish with a few pied-billed grebes. Lots of gulls were
up dancing on the edge of visibility in the low scudding clouds. Usually,
they are easily written off as gulls, but with poor viewing conditions, you
have to look at all birds. They were mostly ring-bills, with some herring
gulls, but Bonaparte’s gulls were present and a possible sighting of a
distant little gull (unconfirmed) increased the pulse rate for a few
moments. A few red-breasted mergansers raced by but the majority of ducks
were mallards. We did see one horned, er, horny mallard that was getting
jiggy with a female, head bobbing displays, and well you know the rest.
Practicing for the spring, I guess. Our local eagles were busy today, one
of them plucking a snack from the water nearby. Tree sparrows were making
occasional visits to a nearby maple tree.
Predictions:
Tomorrow might be a challenging day to sit outside. The winds will increase
in strength in the morning hours, blowing out of the northwest and possibly
exceeding the twenty-mph mark around noon. The barometer will rebound
somewhat but will still be below thirty inches. The cloud cover should be
substantial for the next few days. Temperatures will be higher, rising to
the mid forties in the afternoon but the wind will nullify about eight
degrees of that increase, keeping the real-feels in the thirties. This wind
usually benefits Holiday Beach more than us and especially when it reaches
double digit speeds.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Andrew Sturgess (<ajyes72...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/21/24 6:06 am From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding Report - Belle Isle
I have finished the Fall 2024 Bird Banding Report for the first season at Belle Isle Bird Observatory, Wayne County, Michigan. It can be viewed by clicking the "Bird Banding Reports" above, or use this link. http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/p/bird-banding-reports.html
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber, Paul Pratt
Visitors: Thanks to Liz, Michael, Mike and Paul for keeping me company and helping observe on this gloomy morning. We understandably had only two visitors.
Weather: The day started mostly overcast with mist accompanying a light wind from the east. There were a couple of short sunny spells in the first hours and the visibility improved to about 12km. However by late morning the wind increased and shifted through south to the west and by early afternoon heavy rain arrived. The temperature hovered around 8-9c. The pressure dropped 12 points during the morning before the rain arrived and the watch was curtailed.
Raptor Observations: The highlight of the morning were two Golden Eagles at 11.14, to the north east. They circled and eventually disappeared in the low clouds. The other raptors were Northern Harrier (2), both hunting over Harrier Island, Sharp-shinned Hawk (2), a single Red-tailed Hawk and a Bald Eagle.
Non-raptor Observations: Slightly lower activity around the tower with fewer species seen. Duck numbers are being maintained and there are still late staying Great Egret (5) and an American White Pelican. Before the clouds closed in there were overflying American Goldfinch (85), Horned Lark (17) and Eastern Bluebird (19). The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203127389
Predictions: The forecast is for a colder day with temperatures at about 3-4c, overcast with a moderate wind from the west. Slight chance of sleet early on. Raptor numbers will likely be low but today proves you never know what might turn up! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/20/24 2:50 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (20 Nov 2024) Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 20, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Jo Patterson
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: A dark November sky was our unwanted companion today. We have become well aquatinted with overcast and rainy this week. Rain began at 1pm sharp. It downgraded to a drizzle around 2pm, which continued until the end of the count. The barometer fell and then rose again with the rain. The temperature undulated inversely: rising from 8C to 10C, then falling down to 5C. Winds from the West, bringing rain across the state.
Raptor Observations: Two local Bald Eagles perched low in the parking lot trees. Another distant raptor, likely the local Red-tail, sat in a tree on Celeron; it presented as nothing more than a soggy mass of feathers. None of the raptors were inclined to leave their branches.
Non-raptor Observations: Great Blue Heron were moving today. They came in steady singles in the morning. The afternoon brought two groups of about 15 each.
Predictions: We could be getting our first snow in the early hours of tomorrow morning. The snow showers are predicted to give way to a mixture of rain and snow in the afternoon. Winds will be W at 10 to 15 mph. The temperature will stay in the 30s F. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Michael Arthurs
Observers: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Michael St. Pierre, Mike Jaber
Visitors: Thanks to Michael for taking over as Official Counter in the afternoon and for Liz, Mike J and Mike StP for helping. It was good to meet Hannah from Iowa, who was visiting to add a few species to her Ontario List. We were also visited by a group of stalwart walkers from Harrow.
Weather: The rain arrived early morning and continued to mid afternoon. The wind was moderate from the south east. Visibility was very low until the rain stopped and then increased to about 15km. The temperature remained in the low teens all day. Pressure remained low at about the same level all day. The skies cleared slightly after mid afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Understandably, with the rain there was only a few raptors seen. At least we saw a few - two Merlin, two Northern Harriers, two Sharp-shinned Hawks and a single Cooper's Hawk that dived after something in the Willow tree but was unsuccessful.
Non-raptor Observations: The visibility and rain limited the list, but there was good sparrow, Rusty Blackbird and Wren activity around the Tower. There was also a limited fly over in the hours before the rain arrived with American Goldfinch (71), Horned Lark (8), American Pipit (2) and Eastern Bluebird (2). The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203048899
Predictions: The forecast looks as though we might have a dry(ish) morning with rain arriving just after midday. The slight wind initially from the west will turn south and then increase as the rain arrives. Temperature will be much the same as today in the low teens. We don't expect many raptors but we may see a few in the morning. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/19/24 4:42 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (19 Nov 2024) Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 19, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Dan Atherton
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Rain, drizzle and fog. wind from SE and SSE, up to 23 km/hour (14 mi/hr). Temperature steady at ca. +13C (55F).
Raptor Observations: None recorded. At least 2 resident Bald Eagles were seen in perches, and one over the river.
Non-raptor Observations: Bonaparte's Gulls, Rusty Blackbirds, and a Belted Kingfisher.
Predictions: A mix of sun and cloud early in the morning, and rain for the rest of the day. Variable winds. Chances of seeing migrating hawks are very low. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/19/24 11:32 am From: 'Marta Manildi' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Protect Ann Arbor's Arboretum
As many of you may know, there is a growing groundswell against a proposal that has been made public by the University of Michigan, as part of its “Campus Plan 2050”, to route an overhead “campus-connector" monorail system through Nichols Arboretum. Among the many problems and environmental costs such a project would cause, the threat to birds is among the most significant. This point was made in a very thoughtful letter from Robert Grese, whose long career included serving as Director of the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, to President Ono, the University Regents, and leadership politicians for the City of Ann Arbor. A specific focus on the potential effect on birds was also made in a personal letter to University and City leaders by Catherine Rising, who before retirement was an Associate Research Scientist of the University’s School for Environment and Sustainability.
Hoping to amplify these solid foundations for opposing a colossally disruptive train route through the Arb, Ann Arbor Wild Ones has now issued a formal statement and call to action to oppose it. Please read the statement using the link below (which also gives you a link to Professor Grese’s letter), and add your voice to the cause as you may be motivated to do. If you have questions - or ideas - feel free to contact me personally.
(I thought about putting “OT” in the subject line of this email, but then I decided not too, as it seems to me to be quite on topic for those who love birds.)
--
Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
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Date: 11/19/24 10:50 am From: 'Steve Jerant' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/18/2024
Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/18/2024
Total Cranes Roosting: 1,292
See Don Henise’s excellent JAS Blog at:
JacksonAudubon Society - Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/18/2024
You can view past postings and historical crane countingdata on
Haehnle web site
JASBlog page
And on JAS or Haehnle FB pages
Regards,Steve Jerant
--
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Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Michael Arthurs
Observers: Daniel Lee, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Big thanks to Michael for taking over as Official Counter at mid day. It was also great to have help from Dan, Mike, Peter and Liz in observing and counting. It was good to meet Steve and Lisa from St Thomas who showed a great interest in the Hawk Watch. They have also attended the Hawk Cliff Hawk Watch.
Weather: A light wind today, starting in the southwest, switching to northwest briefly early morning then remaining generally southwest to south for the rest of the day. Scattered clouds initially, becoming overcast at the end of the day. Started with fog and low visibility (3km), becoming hazy and remaining reduced (8km) all day. Temperature starting at 7c rose to a comfortable 16c early afternoon, then slowly chilled. Pressure slowly fell by 4 points.
Raptor Observations: Sighting of the day was a mid morning American Goshawk, obligingly sitting in the trees by the shore to the west, then flying off west after being mobbed by a Cooper's Hawk. A very fast Merlin by the shore an hour later was also good to see. Otherwise another quiet day with Red-tailed Hawk (3) and Northern Harrier (3) jointly leading albeit a small pack of Turkey Vulture (2), Sharp-shinned Hawk (2) and a Cooper's Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: A good list today with the highlights of an overflight of a White-winged Crossbill and a late Short-eared Owl hunting over the marsh. Activity around the Tower was good with seven species of sparrow and over the tower with decent flights of American Goldfinch (164), Horned Lark (78), American Pipit (29) and Eastern Bluebird (26). Duck numbers were a bit lower today, but with reduced visibility, some may have been missed. Diversity was good with eleven species seen. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202960368
Predictions: The forecast is for rain in the morning tomorrow, clearing after midday. This will be accompanied by a moderate wind generally from the south. We will take a view tomorrow morning, but most likely start the count when it clears. Probably another quiet day, given the rain. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/18/24 4:07 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (18 Nov 2024) 25 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 18, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Jerry Jourdan, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Fog lifted ca. 09:15 AM, but it was still hazy until noon. In the morning, wind was so light, the flags hardly moved at all. Around 1 PM, it shifted to the south, but did not exceed 10 km/hour (6 mi/hr) at any given time. Temperature between +9 and +13C (48-55F). Barometric pressure was dropping steadily.
Raptor Observations: Low numbers. Red-tailed Hawks "outnumbered" other species again (14 of 25). It was nice to see Sharp-shins (5) and one Red-shouldered Hawk; both were absent from our counts for 4-5 days. A lone Turkey Vulture sailed over the canal, searching for his friends. Local Bald Eagles were active in late afternoon; two pairs were involved, perhaps in a territorial dispute. Earlier in the day, we saw a 4th year bird (in the fourth basic plumage, with dark remaining on the head and rectrices).
Non-raptor Observations: Corvids: 34 American Crows and one Blue Jay. A flock of ca. 50 Rusty Blackbirds by the wetland at the count site. American Tree Sparrow - 2.
Predictions: Rain (4-5 mm) is expected tomorrow, between 9 AM and 7 PM, most intensive in the morning. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/17/24 5:09 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (17 Nov 2024) 21 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 17, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Frank Kitakis, Michelle Peregord
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Wind shifted between south and south-west; strong in the morning (29 km/hr), it slowed down to 14 km/hr by 3 PM (i.e., from 18 to 8 mi/hr). Temperature remained between +9 and +13C (48 to 55F). Mainly cloudy.
Raptor Observations: Today, we counted thrice as many raptors as in the last two days, but... it amounted only to twenty-one birds. Red-tailed Hawks ruled the roost; twelve were counted, including one very unafraid juvenile, which hunted from low perches around the parking lot. There was much excitement when three Turkey Vultures showed up over the sycamore around noon. Copper's Hawk and juvenile Bald Eagles (two of each) went looking to warmer climes or greener feeding grounds. Don spotted a Peregrine over Gibraltar; same (?) bird stooped at something and went out of view later in the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Five American Crows and a scores of other birds, including many American Robins. Bill and Michele spotted ca. 20 pipits flying overhead. A distant medium-sized shorebird was seen, but its identity is uncertain. Two Belted Kingfishers, inhabiting the area, have not yet decided on departure date.
Predictions: Light easterly winds and temperatures between +9 and +14C (48-57 F) are projected for tomorrow. Although easterly winds are favorable for raptor migration at this site, speeds below 10 km/hour (6 mi/hr) may be insufficient to motivate the remaining hawks to move on. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Kory Renaud, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Paul Gosselin
Visitors: Thanks to Liz, Mike, Paul and Kory for keeping me company today. Some of the visitors to the tower showed an interest in the Hawk watch and the few remaining pelicans on the marsh.
Weather: The wind remained from the south but started moderate but reduced slightly in the afternoon. Overcast skies cleared very slightly in the late afternoon, allowing short bouts of sunshine. Temperature remained pretty much steady in low teens all day. Haze initially gradually cleared, improving visibility. Pressure fell 10 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: Another quiet day on the raptor front, with sightings of a single Merlin and Peregrine Falcon the high points. Red-tailed Hawks (5) were the most numerous with Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk at two a piece. A single Turkey Vulture floated by high to the north.
Non-raptor Observations: Ducks were again the main players today with twelve species seen. Gadwall (2230) and Mallard (1880) made up the majority with Ring-necked Duck (495) numbers decreasing. Fewer sparrow species were present around the tower, but it was good to see two Brown Creepers on a tree close to us. American Goldfinch (164) numbers are decreasing but it was a good day for Horned Larks (98). The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202858911
Predictions: The forecast shows a northern component to the wind for the morning, switching south again in the afternoon. However the wind is light. Temperature will be about 10c under scattered clouds. Hopefully the wind from the north will bring a few more raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Alessandra Kite, Andrew Wiebe, Jeremy Hatt, Kara Wiebe, Kiah Jasper, Kory Renaud, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin
Visitors: A huge thank you to Kiah (official Counter) and Alessandra for the awesome job you have done this season and the contribution you have both made to HBMO. They came to the tower for a couple of hours to say goodbye and to spot our 199th species of the season - Cave Swallow! Big thanks also to our observers of the day - Noel, Mike, Paul, Jeremy H, Kory, Liz, Andrew and Kara. Our volunteer observers also make up a vital part of the Hawk Watch.
Weather: Moderate wind from the north until midday, then became light from the south west. Overcast all day with the temperature around 10c. Visibility moderate but hazy initially. Pressure increased 4 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: Another quiet day on the raptor front with a total of seventeen seen. Red-tailed Hawks (5) just gained the top spot from Northern Harriers (4) and Turkey Vultures (4). Bald Eagle (2), a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Cooper's Hawk completed the tally.
Non-raptor Observations: The sighting of the day was two Cave Swallows hawking over the trees to the north east. American Goldfinch (752) flew past in good numbers and there was a good variety of other songbirds overhead, although in lower numbers including Horned Lark (19), Eastern Bluebird (6), Cedar Waxwing (26) American Pipit (14) and Pine Siskin (5). There were good numbers of sparrows around the Tower with six species seen including four Fox Sparrows. Duck numbers are starting to reduce with Mallard (1165) overtaking Gadwall (653). Ring-necked Duck (1592), though are maintaining their numbers The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202720982
Predictions: The forecast tomorrow is for moderate south west winds under an overcast sky with similar temperatures. We are unlikely to see many more raptors than today, but hopefully nature can always surprise. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/16/24 4:13 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (16 Nov 2024) Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 16, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Michelle Peregord
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Cloudy skies, calm conditions, up to +10C (50F). Although weather websites indicated light wind from North, East and West, it was not felt on the ground, and the flags hung limply in the still air.
Raptor Observations: No migrants counted. Several resident Bald Eagles, a Red-tail, and, probably, a Cooper's Hawk were seen in perches. Strange calm was in the air, and it seemed that raptors were reluctant to fly.
Non-raptor Observations: One Blue Jay, two or three Common Loons... and that was just about it. The bird of the day was American Tree Sparrow.
Predictions: A mix of sun and clouds, and stronger winds from the south-west are in weather forecast for tomorrow. We abstain from making any predictions on raptor migration, after seeing practically no raptors yesterday and none today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Alessandra Kite, Ian Woodfield, Jeremy Bensette, Juliette Herdman, Michelle Mastellotto, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Quite a few observers came out today, despite the gloomy weather. There weren't many birds to count, but their company (and snacks!) were greatly appreciated. Thanks to Alessandra, Noel, Juliette, Mike, Peter, Michelle, Ian and Jeremy for coming out today.
This was also my last full day of counting for the season. It wasn't the sunny and birdy last day that I hoped for, but I was happy to spend it in the good company of the many new friends I've made this fall. It's been a great season and I wish the best of luck to all of the volunteers who will be finishing the last two weeks of the count.
Weather: Today was a dreary November day on the tower, with a low cloud layer that stuck around until the early afternoon. The temperature started off at 8 C and went up until 10.5 C in the afternoon. The wind started off from the WNW, then shifted NW later in morning. There was a lot of moisture in the air today, with a light fog over the lake and the pressure remained near 29.85.
Raptor Observations: We expected today to be a bit busier than it was for raptors, given we had favourable winds for most of the day. The dark sky and moisture in the air really had it's effect though. It didn't rain on the tower today, but several of our observers reported rain to our North and East on their drive in, so with that information the lack of flight made even more sense. The only migrating raptors observed today were 3 Sharp-shinned Hawks and 1 Northern Harrier. The local Red-tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles flew about, but never went too far.
With a total of 4 raptors today we were beat by the Detroit River Hawk Watch... who had 7. The season tally so far is 88,881 for Holiday and 78,426 for Detroit though, so we're winning in the long game : )
Non-raptor Observations: Today was quiet for non raptor movement as well. There were a number of birds around, but there wasn't much active migration today. American Goldfinches were the only species moving in numbers, with 775 counted. Singles of American Pipit, Snow Bunting, Purple Finch and Pine Siskin also passed by. Rusty Blackbirds, Winter Wrens and 5 species of sparrows (highlighted by 2 Fox Sparrows) foraged around the base of the tower all day, which gave us something to look at. 3 Great Egrets and 1 American White Pelican continue to be seen on the marsh as well, both late for this time of year. On Lake Erie lots of Red-breasted Mergansers flew back and forth, with several Horned Grebes and Common Loons mixed in with them. Our highlight bird today was a Long-tailed Duck that was seen sitting on the water on Lake Erie, the first record for HBMO and the 198th species we've recorded this fall. 60 species were observed from the tower today, for the eBird link click here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S202593991
Predictions: Tomorrow the wind is meant to start from the Northwest, then switch around to Southwest by mid morning. It will be very light (under 5kph) though so I don't expect that to impact the flight too much. The sky is meant to be mainly sunny tomorrow and the temperature around 10 degrees, so it should be a pleasant day on the tower. Hopefully there will be more birds flying! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/15/24 3:40 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (15 Nov 2024) 7 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 15, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Michelle Peregord
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Overcast and high humidity all day long. Light winds, under 16 km/hour (10 mi/hr), turning gradually from West to north-west. Temperature steady between +9 and +11C (48-52F).
Raptor Observations: Uneventful. It rained all day yesterday, and birds were likely drenched and reluctant to fly. We counted only five Red-tailed Hawks and two juvenile Bald Eagles, outscoring Holiday Beach 7 to 4... We'd rather have it the other way around, but with the numbers multiplied by a hundred.
Non-raptor Observations: Fifty-nine (59) American Crows were seen today. However, most of them flew in the opposite direction, i.e., from this side of the river towards Gibraltar.
One male Northern Pintail, befriended by three local Mallards, visited the site in the morning, and almost 100 mergansers (of undetermined species) traveled upriver.
Bonaparte's Gulls, as always, were present on the scene, feeding. However, two of them went after a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk. The hawk fled across the river, with the loudly protesting gulls on its heels! One of the gulls likely scored a hit (or, at least, it looked that way from the ground). The hawk, shaken by such impudence, had to perch in a tree to collect itself.
Two Carolina Wrens inspected tires of all vehicles parked by the count site, likely assessing preparedness for the coming winter.
Other birds of interest included American Trees Sparrow and Junco.
Predictions: Honestly, we do not know what tomorrow has in store for us. It seems that wind forecast changes hourly. In the morning, they promised northerly winds all day long, but modified that prediction later in the day, now calling for southerly after 10 AM. Will that affect hawk count results? Definitely. Is raptor migration already over for 2024? We'll find out in the two remaining weeks of the count. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
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Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 10:00:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers:
Visitors: No visitors in the park on this wet and stormy day.
Weather: Today was a very wet and windy day around the Holiday Beach area. I arrived at the tower at 08:00 to non ideal conditions... strong Southeast wind and heavy rain. Over the next two hours these conditions remained similar, wind gusting to 40kph from the SE, heavy to moderate rain and 7 Degrees C. The pressure sat at 29.88. After looking at radar at 10:00 I saw there was a high chance of rain continuing until after 14:00, so I called it a day.
Raptor Observations: No raptors were observed besides two local Bald Eagles.
Non-raptor Observations: Despite the rain there were some birds to be seen around the tower, though viewing was quite hard as my optics kept getting covered with rain droplets. 4 species of sparrows foraged around the base of the tower, as well as some Winter Wrens and Rusty Blackbirds. A single American White Pelican was spotted out in the marsh today, as well as 5 late season Great Egrets. All of the normal ducks were seen out in the marsh, with the highlight being Ruddy Duck and Common Goldeneye. 39 species were observed from the tower today, for the full list click here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S202487139
Predictions: Tomorrow should be a better day, with higher pressure and light Northwest winds (no rain either!). The sky will likely be cloudy all day, which means we may have fewer birds moving with less thermals for them. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/13/24 5:42 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (13 Nov 2024) 109 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 13, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Wind! Consistent at 20-25kph from the ESE, it dictated the flight today. The sky started clear and became overcast in the afternoon, the temperature rose from 7 to 11 C, and the barometer dropped throughout the count.
Raptor Observations: Today was a Red-tail day. They flew reliably, with about 10 in each hour. Out of the 54 individuals spotted, I can only remember seeing three wing beats; no need for flapping with such a strong wind to push them onwards. They soared so high they seemed to materialize from the clouds, just before the tree line. Turkey Vulture came in three afternoon groups. They moved fast in the wind but did manage to stop and kettle, albeit only for a few seconds. Other species arrived in single digits: Coop, Harrier, Bald Eagle, and Red-shouldered.
Non-raptor Observations: A few crows were seen in the morning. 20 pelicans made an appearance over Canada in the afternoon.
Predictions: Rain is predicted for the duration of the count tomorrow. Hopefully we will find a break in the showers to count some birds.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Visitors: Thanks to Corinne for helping out all day today, taking a Volunteer day from work. Thanks to Liz, Mike, Noel and Juliette who also helped out observing. It was good to meet Catherine and Sheila who took an interest in the Hawk Count and birds on the marsh. A Group who are currently planting trees to enhance Prothonotary Warbler breeding habitat in the park were also able to see a Red-tailed Hawk brought to the tower by Chip and released.
Weather: Wind from the east moderate initially growing stronger in the afternoon. Temperature 2c initially rising to about 10c. Sky gradually became overcast by early afternoon. Visibility good, Pressure fell 16 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: A bit different to yesterday, most of the flight was in the first three hours in the morning. Red-tailed Hawks (72) were the majority, with Turkey Vultures (15) a distant second. All the others didn't make it into double figures. It was good to spot two Golden Eagles, an early one at 8.48 and a late morning one at 10.52. A fast fly past of a Peregrine Falcon was also a highlight.
Non-raptor Observations: Flights of songbirds over Tower was much reduced with only American Goldfinches (218) reaching decent numbers. Blackbirds almost disappeared today with Rusty Blackbirds (74) the only species reaching double figures. American Crows (230) were also much reduced. It was nice to see a few Eastern Bluebirds perched in the trees to the east. With the exception of Gadwall (1684) and Mallard (1200) duck numbers have reduced, but diversity was again good with thirteen species seen. Hooded Merganser (3) were particularly active spending time flying around the marsh. The List is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202415534
Predictions: Rain is forecast for all day tomorrow with a moderate SE wind. We shall see whether it is worth undertaking the count but in any event not much is likely to be flying, unless the weather is different to the forecast. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/12/24 5:47 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (12 Nov 2024) 148 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Johannes Postma
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark.
While we value your company, please allow our professional counter,
apprentices, and volunteers to communicate with each other and maintain an
unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather:
We started today with overcast skies, but it began to clear around noon.
The barometer remained steady around 30.36inHg. Winds came from the NNE -
ENE at 14kph. The temperature rose from 5C to 9C. The lower temperatures
and wind definitely kept us chilly.
Raptor Observations:
It was a bit of a disappointment today. The weather conditions were
‘perfect’ but only 148 raptors were seen. Turkey Vulture claimed the
highest species count: 77 today. Red-tails came in second with 44. All
other species were seen in single digits: Harrier, Sharp-shin, Bald Eagle,
Coop, and Red-shouldered. A single Golden Eagle flew past nice and low in
the morning; the white in its wings was visible naked-eye.
Non-raptor Observations:
The morning brought crows in several large flocks; smaller numbers were
seen in the afternoon (2,755 total).
Predictions:
Tomorrow may be similar to today. Winds are predicted to be ESE around
15-20kph. The barometer will drop slightly and the temperature will be in
the 40s F.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:45:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Chad Cornish, Jeremy Bensette, Larry Ludwicki, Liz Kent, Michael St. Pierre, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Peter Veighey
Visitors: A big thanks to Chad, Mike, Noel, Liz, Peter, Jeremy, Mike St P and Larry for all the help on what was a fairly busy day. It was good to see Heather and Alban, Rob from Ann Arbour and Neil from Detroit who all took an active part in the Hawk Watch.
Weather: Moderate to strong wind from the north initially, turning north east mid morning. Temperature around 8c, initially overcast but gradually clearing by early afternoon. Visibility good and pressure constant.
Raptor Observations: A good day. Big flight close to the tower mid morning of Red-tailed Hawk (226 day total) and Red-shouldered Hawk (75 day total), with Red shoulders leading the way initially. Then a reasonably constant 25 per hour Red-tails for the rest of the day with Red-Shoulders tailing off in the afternoon. Turkey Vultures came through in a few small groups in the middle of the day. Golden Eagles (6) flew past close to the shore in two groups late morning and late afternoon. Sharp-shinned Hawks (29), Coopers Hawks (27) and Northern Harriers (14) were spread throughout the day, accompanying the Buteos. A Rough-legged Hawk was a nice finish to the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Reasonable flights of American Goldfinch (337), Rusty Blackbird (408) and Cedar Waxwing throughout the day. American Crows (9850) seemed to pepper the sky constantly. Duck numbers have reduced a bit, with the exception of Gadwall and Mallard, but there was good diversity with twelve species seem. Dunlin (40) flew in and settled on the marsh for a time and it was good to see both American White Pelican (12) and Sandhill Crane flying by. A white-winged Crossbill was heard calling as it flew over at height near the end of the day. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202313100.
Predictions: Tomorrow is forecast to be a similar day to today with one vital exception - the wind will be moderate from the east. This means the we will probably have fewer numbers than we did today, but not necessarily a different mix. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/12/24 4:15 am From: 'Steve Jerant' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/11/2024
Total Cranes Roosting: 541
See Don Henise’s excellent JAS Blog at:
JacksonAudubon Society - Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/11/2024
You can view past postings and historical crane countingdata on
Haehnle web site
JASBlog page
And on JAS or Haehnle FB pages
Regards,
Steve Jerant
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Date: 11/11/24 5:25 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (11 Nov 2024) 14 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 11, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers:
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Westerly winds, constantly shifting between south-west and west; up to 26 km/hr (16 mi/hr). Overcast, but some clear sky around 3 PM. Temperature up to +13C (55F).
Raptor Observations: A rather disappointing day with only 14 raptors seen.
All three species of Accipiter (or, if you prefer, two Astur and one Accipiter) were observed between 11 AM and noon. Although I entered the juvenile Goshawk in the form, I begin to wonder whether it was the bird seen at the count site last Monday, and a day earlier in Gibraltar.
The American Goshawk is a rare guest in this area. Perhaps this juvenile will stay for the winter, or at least, for a while; it seems to be patrolling a territory. Look for an accipiter the size of small buteo.
Non-raptor Observations: Fifty-five American Crows and one Blue Jay counted. Carolina Wren was heard singing after a few days of silence. Several solitary Killdeer in the air. A small tern (probably Common Tern) was seen chasing a Cooper's Hawk!
Predictions: Clear skies and cool temperatures (up to +9C) are forecast for November 12th, along with strong northeastern winds.. If this comes true, then tomorrow might be a day to witness perhaps the last big wave of passing raptors this fall. However, wind forecasts were not very relaible lately. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Visitors:
Thanks to Mike, Hugh, Liz, Juliette, and Noel for helping out today. Chuck
and Lucretia visited us from Michigan to help spot birds for most of the
morning. For Remembrance Day, a 2 minute silence was given at 11:00 to
remember the fallen.
Weather:
The morning started off at 8 degrees C, with strong winds out of the
southwest and an overcast sky. For the remainder of the day, the winds were
very strong (25-40 kph) out of the southwest, increasing as the day went
on. The temperature increased in the afternoon, but with the windchill it
often felt colder on the tower. The sky was overcast all day in a classic
November fashion with dark looming clouds rolling overhead. Sunshine broke
through occasionally, though it was only small blue pockets and never
remained very long. The pressure was very low today, averaging around
29.60.
Raptor Observations:
It was a slow day for raptors on the tower, though much better than
yesterday! In the morning we saw several Northern Harriers, Sharp-shinned
Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks fly past the tower, which kept us entertained.
Two groups of Turkey Vultures passed by today but besides that there was
little activity. Our highlights were two Merlins, and one Peregrine Falcon.
Non-raptor Observations:
The high wind led to an overall lower day for species diversity, with a
much reduced morning songbird flight. American Goldfinch (148), Cedar
Waxwing (195), and Rusty Blackbird (554) were the only three species that
were moving in numbers. Two American White Pelicans linger in the marsh and
it seems the large numbers have have moved on. Five late Tree Swallows flew
by in the morning, and despite my best efforts I couldn’t turn them into
the much desired Cave Swallow. Other highlights today include 4 Great
Egrets, and 5 Sandhill Cranes. 53 species were observed from the tower
today (not including migrating raptors). EBird list available here -
https://ebird.org/checklist/S202211641
Predictions:
Tomorrow looks like it will be a good day on the tower with moderate North
winds and partial sunny skies. We expect a nice push of raptors after
they’ve been held back by poor weather for the past several days.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>)
Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/10/24 1:13 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (10 Nov 2024) Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 10, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 12:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers:
Visitors: 0
Weather: It rain heavily in the morning, and the count was cancelled. Rain turned to light fog before noon, but drizzle resumed ca. 14:20 hrs. Winds from the southwest at 11-14 km/hr (up to 8.5 mi/hr). Temperature up to +14C (57F).
Raptor Observations: No raptors were seen today during a count attempt between noon and 14:30 hrs.
Non-raptor Observations: One Great Egret, several Bonaparte's and Ring-billed Gulls, Canada Geese and hybrid Mallards... and that was all.
Predictions: A mix of sun and clouds, no rain and westerly winds are forecast for tomorrow. We expect that hawk migrating will resume, likely in late morning. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Paul Gosselin
Visitors: Thanks to Paul for coming out to help with the count despite the weather, and for hanging in there all the way until 13:00 just in case birds were flying.
Weather: Overnight a large rainstorm passed over southern Ontario, continuing on through the morning when I arrived. For the first hour of the count the rain was too heavy to see much of anything, with very limited visibility. The rain got gradually lighter after that, ending completely by 10:30. After that a thick fog hung in the air, only getting thicker as the day went on. The temperature went from 9 C to 13 C, and the wind remained out of the South all day ( max 25kph). The pressure dropped from 29.95 to 29.92.
Raptor Observations: Only two birds were observed today, a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Northern Harrier. Those came in a brief period when conditions began improving before 11:00, but that didn't last long. We ended the count for the day at 13:00, because the fog was getting even thicker and there wasn't anything flying.
Non-raptor Observations: It was very sparse on the non raptor front today as well, with no morning passerine flight due to the rain. Seeing out into the marsh was also hard with the visibility, so we recorded much lower than normal waterfowl numbers. There were lots of sparrows feeding around the base of the tower though, highlighted by a single Fox Sparrow. Other highlights included a flock of Rusty Blackbirds and a singing Winter Wren. Only 39 species were recorded from the tower today. (37 not including the hawks). For the eBird list click here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S202073141
Predictions: Tomorrow is meant to be mainly cloudy with a chance of sun in the afternoon, strong wind from the West/Southwest and cool temperatures (high of 12 C). We don't expect a large flight, but there's no rain in the way so birds should still be moving. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/9/24 4:56 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (09 Nov 2024) 320 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 09, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jerry Jourdan, Johannes Postma
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: A mix of sun and cloud in the morning; mainly cloudy later in the day. Easterly winds shifted to southerly before noon. Temperature remained at ca. +12C (54F), but it felt colder due to strong winds reaching 21 km/hour (13 mi/hr).
Raptor Observations: And so it fell out that today, the number of Red-tailed Hawks outnumbered those of Turkey Vultures, and Cooper's Hawks' of their Sharp-shinned cousins.
The day, with much anticipated easterly winds, began with great promise! Between 10 and 11 AM, the team counted 112 Red-tailed Hawks (the highest per hour count of the species at the site this year) and ten Golden Eagles!
And then... the wind, quite unexpectedly, shifted to the south... None of that was in the forecast, unless the forecast was changed at a quarter to eleven.
Five hours of low raptor activity followed.
In the last hour, it became apparent that 85% of our today sightings were made before to 11 AM.
The accipiter photographed yesterday was assigned to Cooper's, by consensus, admitting that it was a large immature female.
Non-raptor Observations: American Crows came in two waves between 09:00 and 11:00 AM. At least 1,594 were counted. We also saw five Canvasback, two Tree Swallows, and... a Red Admiral butterfly!
Predictions: Strong southern winds and rain are forecast for tomorrow; heavier rain will fall during morning hours. Under these conditions, we do not expect to see many raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Cameron Chevalier, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Mike, Cameron, Harrison, Noel, Paul and Peter for assisting with the count today. We were visited by Pam from Brantford, who enjoyed watching Bald Eagles migrate overhead.
Weather: Today we had a cold start on the tower, with the temperature just above 0 C. The winds were from the East/ENE/NE all morning, ranging between 5-15kph. Around 11:00 the wind picked up speed (20kph) and shifted East again, but then to the South/Southeast, where it remained for the rest of the day. The sky was was totally clear blue in the morning, then increasingly cloud cover moved in during the afternoon (max of 80%). The temperature went up to 12 C later in the day, but fell again when the clouds moved in. The barometer sat at 30.19, but dropped 4 points during the last hour of the count.
Raptor Observations: With favourable winds in the morning we had high hopes for a good flight. After a quiet first hour and a half things started to pick up a bit, then we recorded an early flying Golden Eagle at 08:40. This was the first one we've seen before 11am this season. Later in the morning we recorded 4 more goldens (all at once!) and also two Rough-legged Hawks. One of the roughies was a dark morph and flew relatively close by the tower, the first close one we've had this fall. Once the wind switched after 11:00 the flight really began to die down and move inland. After 13:00 we were only recording around 20 birds per hour, and when dark clouds rolled in near 15:00 the temperature dropped and really killed activity (leading us to end an hour early). We still recorded decent numbers today despite the conditions, including 1 Peregrine Falcon, 143 Red-tailed Hawk, 9 Bald Eagle and 18 Sharp-shinned Hawk. The 9 Northern Harriers recorded today pushed us over 1,000 total for the season, a good count and not something that happens annually here.
Non-raptor Observations: The songbird flight today was quieter than the past several days, though there was still decent diversity. Highlights included; 175 American Pipit, 2 Lapland Longspur, 5 White-winged Crossbill, 11 Pine Siskin and 47 Eastern Bluebird. 12 Snow Buntings were a nice treat, our first recorded this season. American White Pelican and Great Egret numbers have really dropped off, with 2 and 5 individuals spotted respectively. At one point in the morning all the ducks were flushed over the marsh, allowing us to see how many are really out there. We estimated over 8,000 birds, comprised mainly of Ring-necked Duck, Gadwall and Mallard. Other highlights today included; American Woodcock, Great Horned Owl and Lesser Black-backed Gull. For the 3rd day in a row we recorded 76 species total, and also 66 non migrating raptors... Despite the days being quite different overall! HBMO eBird list here https://ebird.org/checklist/S201939397
Predictions: The forecast for tomorrow looks bleak... very bleak. There is meant to be considerable rain in the morning, possibly lasting into the afternoon as well. Rain aside the wind is from the South all day, which isn't good for raptor flight. We don't expect large numbers, but you never know what could happen if it clears up. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/9/24 1:56 pm From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Thanks. Banding in my yard today (Inkster Banding Station), I recaptured
two juncos that I'd banded in previous winters, one in December 2023 and
one in December 2022. I also recaptured a Blue Jay that I banded in 2019.
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 4:18 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
> Got it. Thanks Allen and good luck on Belle Isle.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Saturday, November 9, 2024 2:17:07 PM
> *To:* Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
> *Cc:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Just to clarify, I have not banded at Lake St. Clair Metropark since fall
> of 2023, long before the Bald Eagle nest showed up. My statement was that
> IF we had been allowed to continue our research into 2025, it MIGHT have
> been curtailed anyway because of this nest.
>
> So, the only banding I am doing now is winter banding (Oct-Mar) at the
> Inkster Banding Station, on Belle Isle in spring and fall migration,
> hummingbird banding across southern Michigan in summer and fall, and winter
> hummingbird banding (Sep-Jan) in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
>
> Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
>
> On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
>
> When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have
> been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of
> continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP.
> Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025
> despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which
> they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you
> to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they
> wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the
> area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to)
> say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to
> me.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
> *To:* Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
> *Cc:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Fred,
>
> With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have
> been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in
> 2025.
>
> Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
>
> On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
>
> Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has
> accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be
> interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is
> one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP.
> I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
> *To:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Birders,
>
> Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on
> Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this
> station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes
> research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have
> posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u
> Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
>
> http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html > Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
Date: 11/9/24 1:18 pm From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Got it. Thanks Allen and good luck on Belle Isle.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
Sent: Saturday, November 9, 2024 2:17:07 PM
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
Cc: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Just to clarify, I have not banded at Lake St. Clair Metropark since fall of 2023, long before the Bald Eagle nest showed up. My statement was that IF we had been allowed to continue our research into 2025, it MIGHT have been curtailed anyway because of this nest.
So, the only banding I am doing now is winter banding (Oct-Mar) at the Inkster Banding Station, on Belle Isle in spring and fall migration, hummingbird banding across southern Michigan in summer and fall, and winter hummingbird banding (Sep-Jan) in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> wrote:
When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP. Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025 despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to) say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to me.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...><mailto:<amazilia3...>> Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> Cc: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...><mailto:<birders...>> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in 2025.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> wrote:
Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP. I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...><mailto:<amazilia3...>> Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
To: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...><mailto:<birders...>> Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Birders,
Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
--
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Wow! What an incredible sight that must have been!!
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 9, 2024, at 10:44 AM, Dody Wyman <dody...> wrote:
>
> Yesterday along Parker Road south of Scio Church Road, I saw two mature bald eagles quite low - presumably both male. They were circling each other and then locked talons and flew in circles as they lost what little altitude they had. They split just before hitting the ground and flew off.
>
> I have heard about this and read about it, but never seen it myself. A spectacular sight against a blue sky and only about 100 feet off the road and 100 feet above the ground.
>
> Dody
>
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<09D137C0-8854-41EE-BF9F-0F09F5FEA184...>
--
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---
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Date: 11/9/24 11:17 am From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Just to clarify, I have not banded at Lake St. Clair Metropark since fall
of 2023, long before the Bald Eagle nest showed up. My statement was that
IF we had been allowed to continue our research into 2025, it MIGHT have
been curtailed anyway because of this nest.
So, the only banding I am doing now is winter banding (Oct-Mar) at the
Inkster Banding Station, on Belle Isle in spring and fall migration,
hummingbird banding across southern Michigan in summer and fall, and winter
hummingbird banding (Sep-Jan) in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
> When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have
> been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of
> continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP.
> Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025
> despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which
> they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you
> to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they
> wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the
> area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to)
> say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to
> me.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
> *To:* Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
> *Cc:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Fred,
>
> With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have
> been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in
> 2025.
>
> Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
>
> On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
>
> Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has
> accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be
> interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is
> one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP.
> I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
> *To:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Birders,
>
> Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on
> Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this
> station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes
> research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have
> posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u
> Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
>
> http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html > Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/9/24 10:29 am From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
The last I heard about you and LSCMP was that they (and the HCMP directors) had made things very difficult for you and were calling a halt to your research at LSCMP. Now it sounds like they’re allowing you to continue a while longer. If I sound confused it’s because I’m confused.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
Sent: Saturday, November 9, 2024 12:25:29 PM
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
Cc: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
None of what you said is correct. I'm done at LSCMP.
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024, 12:00 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> wrote:
When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP. Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025 despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to) say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to me.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...><mailto:<amazilia3...>> Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> Cc: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...><mailto:<birders...>> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in 2025.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> wrote:
Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP. I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...><mailto:<amazilia3...>> Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
To: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...><mailto:<birders...>> Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Birders,
Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
--
Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
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Date: 11/9/24 9:25 am From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
None of what you said is correct. I'm done at LSCMP.
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024, 12:00 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
> When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have
> been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of
> continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP.
> Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025
> despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which
> they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you
> to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they
> wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the
> area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to)
> say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to
> me.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
> *To:* Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
> *Cc:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Fred,
>
> With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have
> been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in
> 2025.
>
> Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
>
> On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
>
> Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has
> accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be
> interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is
> one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP.
> I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
> *To:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Birders,
>
> Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on
> Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this
> station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes
> research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have
> posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u
> Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
>
> http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html > Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/9/24 9:25 am From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: [birders] Re: Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
Until our governmental agencies decide on a unified path and stop trying to be all-things-to-all-people, natural systems will continue their decay. Months ago I signed up for all the MDNR newsletters. Since then I’ve learned they support conflicting agendas on multiple fronts. Everything from “Bobcat Harvesting” to “Wildlife Conservation”. From “Urban Forestry” to “Sustainable Logging” and “Soil Conservation” to”Selling mineral leases in State Parks”. We have a family friend who works for the DNR who (as part of the job) makes visits to the properties of commercial businesses (the clients) and advises them on pollinators and native host plants (to increase Berry and Cherry production for human use) because right now, they only have to broadcast insect hormone disrupters twice a year to kill everything they don’t like! Ever-expanding humanity and an intact natural world seemingly can’t exist simultaneously. Yes, informed people are depressed people.
________________________________
From: Neubig, Richard <rneubig...>
Sent: Saturday, November 9, 2024 9:29:19 AM
To: <birders...> <birders...>
Subject: [birders] Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
All,
My wife is reading Doug Tallamy’s new book on Oaks. He cites some particularly scary data. I know I’m preaching to the choir but we should all be planting natives and get our friends to do so also.
First in a study (2018) on how non-natives have replaced natives in hedgerows (think honeysuckle), the data are striking. “novel (non-native) hedgerows had 68% fewer caterpillar species, 91% fewer caterpillars, and 96% less caterpillar biomass than native hedgerows.”
Also, in yards with different extents of non-native shrubs and other plants, the viability of bird survival was strikingly related to the fraction of native shrubs – presumably due to the very low food insect mass on non-natives. If a yard had less than 70% natives, Carolina Chickadees had much smaller brood sizes and couldn’t even maintain replacement levels of breeding.
This shows how even modest replacement of native plants by non-natives can have a major impact.
--
Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
---
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To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
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Date: 11/9/24 9:00 am From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP. Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025 despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to) say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to me.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
Cc: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in 2025.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> wrote:
Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP. I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...><mailto:<amazilia3...>> Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
To: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...><mailto:<birders...>> Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Birders,
Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
--
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 view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<MW4PR17MB485712B3905087E6DC9412DBF95E2...>
Date: 11/9/24 8:04 am From: 'Marta Manildi' via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
Thank you so much for this note, Rick, on a really important topic. Native plants are critical in saving insect and bird species, as well as doing all the good they do for soil and water health and climate mitigation. I am currently serving as President of Ann Arbor Wild Ones, “A2WO”. We educate and advocate for replacing turf grass and invasive species in particular, and other non-native species when you get used to the idea, in all yards, business campuses, and public spaces, for just the reasons you summarize so well. Dr. Tallamy teaches and inspires us, and also sits on our national Board of Directors.
A recent local issue that we are engaging with touches the common interests shared by native plant advocates and birders. As some on this list may know already, the University of Michigan is planning a massive campus overhaul that will include a “Campus Connector”. This giant raised monorail is proposed to be routed, in part, through Nichols Arboretum and then across the planted buffer area between Medical Center Drive and Fuller Road. Specifically, the route would enter the Arb at the top of the steep ravine (known to some as School Girls’ Glen) on the west end of the Arb running downhill from the peony garden area. The ravine is a favorite of many bird species, especially during migrations, and the trail above the ravine is naturally a favorite of birders. I am not even sure how to envision the monorail as it is supposed to cross the river (where yesterday I saw a Cormorant sitting on a snag out over the River, slowly flapping his wings, I imagine drying them after a dive). But cross the river it must on this proposed route, and then it would bisect the planted buffer area between the river and Fuller Road, which is also an important respite area for birds.
I mention all this here because it seems to me like an issue that should be of great concern to birders, and I wonder if some partnership might be possible between A2WO and Washtenaw Bird and Nature in opposing this threat to an important urban refuge for birds and humans. The case is made powerfully in a letter from Robert Grese (a founder and former President of Ann Arbor Wild Ones) to President Ono and others, which I attach here. Advocacy might also extend to the City of Ann Arbor, which actually owns the land that is at issue, under some long-ago agreement between the City and the University that I have not yet been able to track down. See https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/Pages/Arboretum.aspx.
I would be happy to receive comments or ideas, as well as to think more generally about how A2WO might partner with Washtenaw Bird and Nature in spreading the good word on native plants.

Yours truly,
Marta
Marta Manildi
President, Ann Arbor Wild Ones

> On Nov 9, 2024, at 9:29 AM, Neubig, Richard <rneubig...> wrote:
>
> All,
>
> My wife is reading Doug Tallamy’s new book on Oaks. He cites some particularly scary data. I know I’m preaching to the choir but we should all be planting natives and get our friends to do so also.
>
> First in a study (2018) on how non-natives have replaced natives in hedgerows (think honeysuckle), the data are striking. “novel (non-native) hedgerows had 68% fewer caterpillar species, 91% fewer caterpillars, and 96% less caterpillar biomass than native hedgerows.”
>
> Also, in yards with different extents of non-native shrubs and other plants, the viability of bird survival was strikingly related to the fraction of native shrubs – presumably due to the very low food insect mass on non-natives. If a yard had less than 70% natives, Carolina Chickadees had much smaller brood sizes and couldn’t even maintain replacement levels of breeding.
>
> This shows how even modest replacement of native plants by non-natives can have a major impact.
>
> Scary!
> Rick
>
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org <http://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...> <mailto:birders+<unsubscribe...>.
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<IA0PR12MB8256F4CFA299CDE7C36B16DEAB5E2...> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<IA0PR12MB8256F4CFA299CDE7C36B16DEAB5E2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
--
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---
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Date: 11/9/24 7:44 am From: Dody Wyman <dody...> Subject: [birders] Bald Eagles
Yesterday along Parker Road south of Scio Church Road, I saw two mature bald eagles quite low - presumably both male. They were circling each other and then locked talons and flew in circles as they lost what little altitude they had. They split just before hitting the ground and flew off.
I have heard about this and read about it, but never seen it myself. A spectacular sight against a blue sky and only about 100 feet off the road and 100 feet above the ground.
Dody
--
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---
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Date: 11/9/24 7:36 am From: Susan Schneider <susanschneider7...> Subject: Re: [birders] Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
Hear, hear, Rick and Briana! Tallamy's book *Nature's Best Hope* is a
classic. For the severe insect declines that are having such an impact on
birds, I can recommend Oliver Milman's *The Insect Crisis *and Dave
Goulson's *Silent Earth*. Both books came out in 2022. I've planted
natives for years, and you can easily see the difference.
Environmentally,
Susan
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 10:24 AM Briana <designsbybriana...> wrote:
> The Nature of Oaks is an amazing book everyone should read. It isn’t to
> scare people but to state the facts and spur people to make a difference,
> even if they have a small lot.
>
> We have a large property and we are ripping out the invasives every fall
> and winter (we have invasive honeysuckle, autumn olive, multi flora rose
> and buckthorn) and planting natives. Many of the invasive shrubs produce a
> chemical that prevents other things from growing around it. When we remove
> them we are noticing a large increase of native plants growing in its place
> like native dogwoods and trees.
>
> Did you also know that invasive shrubs that produce berries are mostly all
> sugar and no protein. Our native trees and bushes that produce berries are
> full of protein and what migrants need for that long flight.
>
> The biggest takeaway from this book is that there is a list of keystone
> species. These species support the largest amount of bugs, therefore
> supporting the largest amount of wildlife. You can google keystone species
> and find the best ones near you.
> https://homegrownnationalpark.org/keystone-trees-and-shrubs/ >
> I use PictureThis app to identify trees, shrubs and plants. I do pay $30 a
> year but there is also iNaturalist and seek which is free. Those apps have
> taught me what to look for.
>
> This book was super interesting. He has other similar books like this that
> you also may enjoy!
>
>
>
> Briana Fisher
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:29 AM Neubig, Richard <rneubig...> wrote:
>
>> All,
>>
>>
>>
>> My wife is reading Doug Tallamy’s new book on Oaks. He cites some
>> particularly scary data. I know I’m preaching to the choir but we should
>> all be planting natives and get our friends to do so also.
>>
>>
>>
>> First in a study (2018) on how non-natives have replaced natives in
>> hedgerows (think honeysuckle), the data are striking. “novel (non-native)
>> hedgerows had 68% fewer caterpillar species, 91% fewer caterpillars, and
>> 96% less caterpillar biomass than native hedgerows.”
>>
>>
>>
>> Also, in yards with different extents of non-native shrubs and other
>> plants, the viability of bird survival was strikingly related to the
>> fraction of native shrubs – presumably due to the very low food insect mass
>> on non-natives. If a yard had *less than 70% natives*, Carolina
>> Chickadees had much smaller brood sizes and couldn’t even maintain
>> replacement levels of breeding.
>>
>>
>>
>> This shows how even modest replacement of native plants by non-natives
>> can have a major impact.
>>
>>
>>
>> Scary!
>>
>> Rick
>>
>> --
>> 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 view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<IA0PR12MB8256F4CFA299CDE7C36B16DEAB5E2...> >> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<IA0PR12MB8256F4CFA299CDE7C36B16DEAB5E2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAN98bW4hwvxZzRa4Tj0NmP5PNf%3DfznMnqOWK%3DRt-N3u%<3DFp3fYw...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAN98bW4hwvxZzRa4Tj0NmP5PNf%3DfznMnqOWK%3DRt-N3u%<3DFp3fYw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
Susan M. Schneider, PhD
Western Michigan University
Climate activist, behavioral psychologist, and award-winning author of *The
Science of Consequences* - now available in Spanish
http://www.scienceofconsequences.com - includes my annotated list of 50
climate book recommendations.
We need "rapid, deep and in most cases immediate greenhouse gas emission
reductions" - 2023 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, calling for a 43% cut by 2030, compared to 2019. Please do what
you can. A liveable future depends on us.
Date: 11/9/24 7:24 am From: Briana <designsbybriana...> Subject: Re: [birders] Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
The Nature of Oaks is an amazing book everyone should read. It isn’t to
scare people but to state the facts and spur people to make a difference,
even if they have a small lot.
We have a large property and we are ripping out the invasives every fall
and winter (we have invasive honeysuckle, autumn olive, multi flora rose
and buckthorn) and planting natives. Many of the invasive shrubs produce a
chemical that prevents other things from growing around it. When we remove
them we are noticing a large increase of native plants growing in its place
like native dogwoods and trees.
Did you also know that invasive shrubs that produce berries are mostly all
sugar and no protein. Our native trees and bushes that produce berries are
full of protein and what migrants need for that long flight.
The biggest takeaway from this book is that there is a list of keystone
species. These species support the largest amount of bugs, therefore
supporting the largest amount of wildlife. You can google keystone species
and find the best ones near you.
https://homegrownnationalpark.org/keystone-trees-and-shrubs/
I use PictureThis app to identify trees, shrubs and plants. I do pay $30 a
year but there is also iNaturalist and seek which is free. Those apps have
taught me what to look for.
This book was super interesting. He has other similar books like this that
you also may enjoy!
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:29 AM Neubig, Richard <rneubig...> wrote:
> All,
>
>
>
> My wife is reading Doug Tallamy’s new book on Oaks. He cites some
> particularly scary data. I know I’m preaching to the choir but we should
> all be planting natives and get our friends to do so also.
>
>
>
> First in a study (2018) on how non-natives have replaced natives in
> hedgerows (think honeysuckle), the data are striking. “novel (non-native)
> hedgerows had 68% fewer caterpillar species, 91% fewer caterpillars, and
> 96% less caterpillar biomass than native hedgerows.”
>
>
>
> Also, in yards with different extents of non-native shrubs and other
> plants, the viability of bird survival was strikingly related to the
> fraction of native shrubs – presumably due to the very low food insect mass
> on non-natives. If a yard had *less than 70% natives*, Carolina
> Chickadees had much smaller brood sizes and couldn’t even maintain
> replacement levels of breeding.
>
>
>
> This shows how even modest replacement of native plants by non-natives can
> have a major impact.
>
>
>
> Scary!
>
> Rick
>
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<IA0PR12MB8256F4CFA299CDE7C36B16DEAB5E2...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<IA0PR12MB8256F4CFA299CDE7C36B16DEAB5E2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/9/24 6:29 am From: Neubig, Richard <rneubig...> Subject: [birders] Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
All,
My wife is reading Doug Tallamy’s new book on Oaks. He cites some particularly scary data. I know I’m preaching to the choir but we should all be planting natives and get our friends to do so also.
First in a study (2018) on how non-natives have replaced natives in hedgerows (think honeysuckle), the data are striking. “novel (non-native) hedgerows had 68% fewer caterpillar species, 91% fewer caterpillars, and 96% less caterpillar biomass than native hedgerows.”
Also, in yards with different extents of non-native shrubs and other plants, the viability of bird survival was strikingly related to the fraction of native shrubs – presumably due to the very low food insect mass on non-natives. If a yard had less than 70% natives, Carolina Chickadees had much smaller brood sizes and couldn’t even maintain replacement levels of breeding.
This shows how even modest replacement of native plants by non-natives can have a major impact.
Scary!
Rick
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Date: 11/8/24 7:10 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (08 Nov 2024) 553 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 08, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Johannes Postma, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Westerly winds, shifting between West and North-west, up to 24 km per hour (15 mi/hr). Temperature rose from +9C in the morning to +16C in late afternoon (48 to 61F).
Raptor Observations: Slight improvement from yesterday, by ca. two hundred birds. Steady, but rather sparse trickle of Turkey Vultures (the largest kettles were of 30-35). Twice as many Red-shouldered Hawks as on Thursday, but only a third of Golden Eagles. The number of Red-tails was similar. Cooper's Hawks seem to be on the move; we recorded almost as many of them as of Sharp-shins (9 vs. 10). A large raptor, either a large Cooper's Hawk or small Goshawk crossed the river and circled overhead. The bird was photographed, but the jury is still out. Please stay tuned.
Non-raptor Observations: We counted 281 American Crows (280 of them flew between 11 AM and noon). Also of interest were female Pintail, a flock of 20 Killdeer, and two groups of Great Egrets (35-40 total) which crossed the river over Gibraltar.
Predictions: Easterly winds and cool temperatures are expected tomorrow. It may be a nearly ideal day for migrating raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Aldo Bertucci, Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Peter, Aldo, Mike, Hugh and Liz for helping me with the count today. We were visited by Joan from LaSalle, Heather from British Columbia and Harrison (formerly from Essex).
Weather: The day started off at 6 degrees C, with a totally clear sky and wind from the West. True to the forecast, the wind remained out of the West (at 5-20kph) for for the whole day, shifting briefly to the NWN on several occasions. The temperature went up to a maximum of 16 degrees C in the afternoon, though it felt warmer in the sun. The pressure dropped from 29.98 to 29.94.
Raptor Observations: Despite the less favourable conditions compared to yesterday, we still had a great day on the tower. It started off with a push of Cooper's Hawks first thing in the morning, which was a bit strange because I saw 5 before seeing my first Sharp-shinned Hawk of the day. Activity was quiet until 10:30, when a slow but steady stream of buteos and other raptors started passing by. With the wind occasionally shifting to WNW we saw periodical increases in raptor movement along the shoreline, with the flight actually being much closer than yesterday on average. We recorded 17 Golden Eagles today, 7 of them almost directly overhead. Just before we finished for the day a golden flew right by us just above eye level, going right past the moon too! With today's Golden Eagles we have passed the 100 mark for the season. To top things off we had a nice dark morph Rough-legged Hawk to end the day.
Non-raptor Observations: There was once again a very strong songbird flight in the morning, though the diversity was quite different compared with yesterday. Today the main species were American Pipit and Horned Lark, whereas yesterday there were many more Eastern Bluebirds and finches. Highlights of morning flight included; 6 Lapland Longspur, 1 Eastern Meadowlark, 179 Cedar Waxwing, 39 Pine Siskin, 847 American Pipit, 686 Horned Lark, 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler and 9 Tree Swallow. 28 American White Pelicans visited the marsh today, with small groups coming and leaving frequently. Other highlights from today included; 27 Tundra Swan, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper and 22 Great Egrets. 76 species were recorded from the tower today. HBMO eBird list here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S201820266
Predictions: Tomorrow is meant to be another fairly sunny day on the tower, with a high of 11 C and wind from the East. The flight will really depend on how much the wind shifts Southeast (bad) or Northeast (good). Either way it should be another enjoyable day on the tower! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Alessandra Kite, Chuck Sharbaugh, Jeremy Bensette, Juliette Herdman, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman
Visitors: Thanks to Mike, Noel, Juliette, Alessandra, Chuck and Jeremy for helping with the count today. We were visited by Dawn from Ohio, Mike from Lakeshore, Heather and Alban from Windsor as well as Lou and Toni from Windsor.
Weather: I was happy to see the wind was coming from the Northwest when I arrived at the tower at 8am... it was very light, but the direction was good! It was a very dark and grey morning, with thick clouds above us and a thin line of blue sky above the treeline to the west. That line of blue grew gradually as the morning went on, finally clearing up to be a beautiful sunny day around 11:30. The wind remained out of the North for longer than expected given the forecast, but eventually it did shift to the South by 12:30, where it remained for the rest of the day. It was a pleasant day for temperature on the tower, starting at 9 C and rising to 15 C in the afternoon. The pressure changed only slightly, sitting close to 30.10 for most of the day.
Raptor Observations: There are a few days each season that always stand out just a bit more than the rest, when the weather is enjoyable, bird diversity is high and there's a sense of excitement in the air. Today was one of those days, definitely in my top 10 days of the season. The day started off very quiet for raptors, with only a few birds recorded per hour for the first few hours (the songbird flight made up for it though). When the clouds started to break up around 10:30 we began seeing raptors moving in numbers, though they quickly gained elevation and were very high by 11:00. Our first Golden Eagle of the day glided overhead at 11:11, followed by another ten minutes later. After 12:00 the words "there's another Golden!" became commonplace on the tower, with a new bird appearing on the horizon every 10-15 minutes. The "golden hours" continued on until almost the end of the count, though the birds grew more infrequent and distant as the afternoon went on. We ended up recording 28 Golden Eagles, the 5th highest total in the 50 years of the count. Of course on days like these the eagles are the big highlights, but there were also lots of other birds moving to keep us busy. We saw 2 Rough-legged Hawks, 1 of them a gorgeous dark morph bird. Red-tailed Hawk (340), Red-shouldered Hawk (61), Sharp-shinned Hawk and Northern Harrier were also present in good numbers. 3 Merlin were a nice treat as well, 1 to start off the day and 2 near the end.
Non-raptor Observations: The morning was very active for songbird flight on the tower, which was good timing because there weren't many raptors flying. The high cloud cover for the first several hours of the day was great to spot passing songbirds against, making counting easier. Highlights of the flight included; 323 Horned Lark, 177 Eastern Bluebird, 348 American Pipit, 4 White-winged Crossbill, 42 Purple Finch, 1,329 American Goldfinch, 3 Lapland Longspur and over 8,000 blackbirds. At least 26 American White Pelicans continue to be seen in the marsh, though much less reliably than during the past several weeks. Other highlights today included; 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 19 Great Egret and 1 Greater Yellowlegs. 76 species were observed from the tower today. HBMO eBird checklist available here https://ebird.org/checklist/S201718971
Predictions: Tomorrow is meant to be another nice, sunny day with a high of 15 C. The wind will mainly be from the West, possibly shifting Northwest later in the day. If the wind does shift to be Northerly we could see good movement. If it stays Westerly there will likely be lower numbers compared to today, but still a nice flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/7/24 3:07 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (07 Nov 2024) 360 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 07, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Sturgess
Observers: Don Sherwood, Frank Kitakis, Jerry Jourdan, Jo Patterson,
Johannes Postma, Rosemary Brady
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie MetroPark.
We are willing to spread the gospel with pamphlets and information cards,
along with tips on IDing the raptors, and photography tips for those behind
the cameras. Let us share our enthusiasm for this miracle of nature with
you.
Weather:
All hawk watches are dependent on the vagaries of the winds. Today, the
winds were especially vagarious and we watched the flight line change from
over the lake in the morning hours to the opposite side of the sky in the
afternoon. The day started with solid stratus overcast skies directly above
us but blue skies off to the west. The morning winds took care of that in a
hurry, ushering the clouds out over the lake and leaving us with a few
cumulus clouds of little mass that were soon to be distant memories as a
dome of blue took procession of the ether. Winds were all over the map as
the wind turbines in Canada were having difficulty keeping up. Essentially,
they traveled around the top half of the compass from northwest to south
with lulls and increases thrown in for good measure. Of course, the default
afternoon direction is south, which tends to move the birds further to the
north of us and makes our mission harder to accomplish. Not our favorite
wind and our count probably suffered due to that, along with the early
morning northwest wind which favors our colleagues at Holiday Beach. The
temperatures were in the mid-fifties range and the barometer was high after
rebounding from the rainy low-pressure that moved through a couple of
nights ago.
Raptor Observations:
It isn’t often that golden eagles earn a podium finish but it happened
today. Red-tailed hawks were in the mood to move as the high-pressure area
winds after the low were in their wheelhouse for migration. We counted one
hundred and sixty-four of them. I think we probably left some on the table
due to the unfavorable shifts in the winds. Turkey vultures have nearly run
their race as the October numbers dwindle down to triple digits. One
hundred and thirty-eight made the clicker today. Golden eagles were on the
third step of the podium with twenty-one handsome specimens flying by. The
clear skies and good light helped us to ID these magnificent birds from a
distance, although some were close when the winds were right. We often talk
about the “four o’clock golden eagles” and today, three of them
showed up as our final birds. Good ole sharpies came in next, with nine of
them finding their way south. Northern harriers mustered four birds, one a
gray ghost. Three bald eagles were migrants, but plenty of locals seemed to
be up playing talon tag in the morning hours. We missed the falcon hat
trick today for want of a peregrine, but we did have one each of the merlin
and kestrel species. Also in single digits was a dark-morph rough-legged
hawk.
Non-raptor Observations:
White pelicans were seen over the lake today but only four in number, a
mere pittance by their standards. Outnumbering them were the mute swans who
mustered five in a late flyby. A pair of red-bellied woodpeckers were
playing chase in the nearby maple tree. Rusty blackbirds were reported
nearby. Bonaparte’s gulls are keeping the ring-billed and herring gulls
company. Cormorants were still migrating and being observed as single birds
nearby. A lot of ducks of unknown heritage were up stretching their wings
today in the distant skies. Crows were very much in evidence today with
nearly seven thousand being counted.
Predictions:
Tomorrow looks to be similar to today in appearance, with mostly clear
skies, a fractionally warmer temperature and similar barometric pressure.
Winds are predicted to be from the west, turning northwest later in the
day, but who knows what will really transpire. Wind speeds are predicted to
climb from ten mph at the beginning of the watch, peak at twelve mph, and
then drop slightly as the watch ends. The winds do not particularly favor
our site but golden eagles don’t seem to care about no stinking wind so
maybe they will continue their pilgrimage through our area tomorrow.
Fingers crossed.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Andrew Sturgess (<ajyes72...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/7/24 2:30 pm From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have
been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in
2025.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
> Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has
> accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be
> interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is
> one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP.
> I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
> *To:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Birders,
>
> Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on
> Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this
> station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes
> research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have
> posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u
> Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
>
> http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html > Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
> --
> 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 view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/7/24 5:50 am From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP. I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
To: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Birders,
Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
--
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