Date: 7/24/17 11:21 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: Re: [GeneseeBirds-L] Niagara County shorebirds - Hulbert Road today
I was back out to Hulbert Road this late morning/early afternoon and had a similar shorebird list to the last time I was there on Friday. The main difference was the number of Semipalmated Sandpipers, which jumped to 64. It requires a fair amount of time to check this field thoroughly and even then, I am quite sure that I missed some birds. I rather suspect that today I missed quite a few birds because looking from the road does not provide the height necessary to see into some of the puddles and there were a lot of birds in some of the distant puddles. Viewing the most attractive puddles for shorebirds requires looking from two locations. One spot is from just south of the southernmost house on Hulbert Road, where a scope is critical and identifying birds is often challenging. Another spot is from Youngstown-Wilson Road to check the southeastern corner of the field, which had many of the peeps today. These birds are considerably closer, though a scope is still very helpful. Here is my shorebird list:
71 Killdeer
21 Least Sandpiper
14 Pectoral Sandpiper
64 Semipalmated Sandpiper
11 Lesser Yellowlegs
2 Solitary Sandpiper
1 RUDDY TURNSTONE - - the same bird in the same exact spot as three days ago. As before, it was many minutes before this bird popped into view. This is a breeding plumage female – females are not as rich rufous on the upperparts as males.
Just a heads-up that there are several HORNED Larks in this field, including a number of juveniles, which usually cause ID-issues with those who lack experience with them.
Thanks to Joel Strong for putting together his informative post.
Good birding!
Willie
From: <geneseebirds-l-bounces...> [mailto:<geneseebirds-l-bounces...>] On Behalf Of Bird observations from western New York
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2017 2:51 PM
To: Bird observations from western New York
Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Niagara County shorebirds
There have been decent numbers of shorebirds moving through in recent days and a few spots have been particularly productive in our Niagara County patch:
Burgess Rd./Lower Lake Rd. in Barker
This area is now an eBird hotspot (http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L5679821) and with all the recent rain the habitat is looking particularly good for shorebirds. Rachel Wilson and I visited this site this morning and had PECTORAL SANDPIPER, WILSON’S SNIPE, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, AND SOLITARY SANDPIPER. During previous visits over the past couple of weeks, I’ve also had a STILT SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER here. There are large flooded areas on both the north and south side of Lower Lake Rd. that are worth checking for birds as are all the smaller puddles scattered throughout the fields. This is the same area where Willie D’Anna found a Piping Plover and Franklin’s Gull this past spring. Here is the list from this morning:
This spot is on the east side of Johnson Creek Rd about 1 mile south of Town Line Rd. It is a pond edge surrounded by a plowed field. This morning, Rachel and I found 10 WILSON’S SNIPE along with PECTORAL SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER and LEAST SANDPIPER here. Willie D’Anna and Betsy Potter also had 12 BLUE-WINGED TEAL here later this morning.
This spot is a flooded field on the south side of Ellicott Rd. about 0.45 miles west of Checkered Tavern Rd. This site is nice not only for the abundance and diversity of shorebirds, but also because many of the birds can be observed fairly close to the road, providing excellent views. Rachel and I met up with Willie and Betsy here this morning, after they had already accumulated a nice list including PECTORAL, SOLITARY, SPOTTED, LEAST, and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, as well as LESSER YELLOWLEGS:
In addition, I had two GREATER YELLOWLEGS here earlier in the week.
Hulbert Rd. in Wilson
This is an area that Willie has been checking periodically, with the highlight being a RUDDY TURNSTONE in addition to PECTORAL, LEAST, SEMIPALMATED, SOLITARY, and SPOTTED SANDPIPER along with LESSER YELLOWLEGS. This site is a flooded area in a recently planted field on the east side of Hulbert Rd. located approximately 0.37 miles north of Youngstown-Wilson Rd.
Date: 7/23/17 7:13 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Cuylerville: Semipal. Plovers et al
I saw 3 Semipalmated Plovers this evening to add to my reports from the Barratt & Jones Bridge Rd. shorebird reports. There was also a nice tight flock of about 20 Least Sandpipers, 4 Solitary Sandpipers and 3 Pectoral Sandpipers, all flying about off Jones Bridge Rd.
Date: 7/23/17 11:51 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Niagara County shorebirds
There have been decent numbers of shorebirds moving through in recent days and a few spots have been particularly productive in our Niagara County patch:
Burgess Rd./Lower Lake Rd. in Barker
This area is now an eBird hotspot (http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L5679821) and with all the recent rain the habitat is looking particularly good for shorebirds. Rachel Wilson and I visited this site this morning and had PECTORAL SANDPIPER, WILSON’S SNIPE, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, AND SOLITARY SANDPIPER. During previous visits over the past couple of weeks, I’ve also had a STILT SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER here. There are large flooded areas on both the north and south side of Lower Lake Rd. that are worth checking for birds as are all the smaller puddles scattered throughout the fields. This is the same area where Willie D’Anna found a Piping Plover and Franklin’s Gull this past spring. Here is the list from this morning:
Johnson Creek Rd. in Hartland
This spot is on the east side of Johnson Creek Rd about 1 mile south of Town Line Rd. It is a pond edge surrounded by a plowed field. This morning, Rachel and I found 10 WILSON’S SNIPE along with PECTORAL SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER and LEAST SANDPIPER here. Willie D’Anna and Betsy Potter also had 12 BLUE-WINGED TEAL here later this morning.
Ellicott Rd. in Hartland
This spot is a flooded field on the south side of Ellicott Rd. about 0.45 miles west of Checkered Tavern Rd. This site is nice not only for the abundance and diversity of shorebirds, but also because many of the birds can be observed fairly close to the road, providing excellent views. Rachel and I met up with Willie and Betsy here this morning, after they had already accumulated a nice list including PECTORAL, SOLITARY, SPOTTED, LEAST, and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, as well as LESSER YELLOWLEGS:
In addition, I had two GREATER YELLOWLEGS here earlier in the week.
Hulbert Rd. in Wilson
This is an area that Willie has been checking periodically, with the highlight being a RUDDY TURNSTONE in addition to PECTORAL, LEAST, SEMIPALMATED, SOLITARY, and SPOTTED SANDPIPER along with LESSER YELLOWLEGS. This site is a flooded area in a recently planted field on the east side of Hulbert Rd. located approximately 0.37 miles north of Youngstown-Wilson Rd.
Date: 7/22/17 5:47 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Port Gibson Widewater Canal Trail
Baltimore Oriole, King Bird, Chicadee, Purple grackles, red-winged blackbirds, unidentified warblers, rock pigeons on the silos, so much food, incredible collection of berry species and the roar of active birds. Large cattail plantation with phragmites on each end. _______________________________________________ GeneseeBirds-L mailing list - <GeneseeBirds-L...> https://mail.geneseo.edu/mailman/listinfo/geneseebirds-l
Date: 7/22/17 5:24 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Cuylerville shorebirds et al
I stopped by the flooded spot along Barratt Rd. late morning today and again this evening; also a couple of other nearby wet spots There were good numbers of shorebirds and the young Great Blue Heron both times. Birds seen at one time or the other - they were flying in and out at times - some landing at another spot out of sight from the road. Approximate numbers as follows.
Great Blue Heron 1 Killdeer 15 Greater Yellowlegs 6 Lesser Yellowlegs 20 Solitary Sandpiper 1 Semilpalmated Sandpiper 20 Least Sandpiper 8 Pectoral Sandpiper 5
I drove down by the Geneseo airfield and found an adult male Cooper's Hawk perched on one of the utility poles. Further along the road I saw a few shorebirds in a wet spot, a Killdeer and a three or four peeps, but as soon as I started to check them they were chased up by an immature female Cooper's Hawk. Perhaps this is part of a family spreading out from their nesting area. The Merlin family, three of them, can still be heard occasionally along Wadsworth St. in Geneseo.
Date: 7/21/17 6:26 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: Re: [GeneseeBirds-L] Molting Yellow Warbler
Very interesting photos, Jonathan, thank you!
Scott
Scott T. Meier, Ph.D. Professor Counseling, School, & Educational Psychology Graduate School of Education University at Buffalo
________________________________________ From: <geneseebirds-l-bounces...> <geneseebirds-l-bounces...> on behalf of <geneseebirds-l-request...> <geneseebirds-l-request...> Sent: Friday, July 21, 2017 3:00 AM To: <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: GeneseeBirds-L Digest, Vol 168, Issue 17
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Message: 1 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2017 19:38:35 -0400 From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> To: <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Yellow Warbler Molting Photos - Olcott Message-ID: <mailman.4762.1500593923.9874.geneseebirds-l...> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
With ID help from Willie D'anna , I wanted to share photos of this young bird that showed up very briefly to feed in one of my black spruce trees. It came into view at 1:54 pm as a loner on a wind gust from the southwest. This species nests in this area during summer, and I have seen a wide range of molting patterns on first year hatchlings in past years, but none as unusual as evident in this solitary individual.
Date: 7/20/17 4:38 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Yellow Warbler Molting Photos - Olcott
With ID help from Willie D'anna , I wanted to share photos of this young bird that showed up very briefly to feed in one of my black spruce trees. It came into view at 1:54 pm as a loner on a wind gust from the southwest. This species nests in this area during summer, and I have seen a wide range of molting patterns on first year hatchlings in past years, but none as unusual as evident in this solitary individual.
Date: 7/18/17 1:26 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Conesus & Cuylerville
I took a drive down Conesus lake to the inlet swamp this afternoon. The lake, as expected, is full of boating activities, few birds. The main East Swamp Rd. pond is being worked on so the level is low - leaving some suitable shorebird habitat, with a couple Killdeer, 8 Least Sandpipers and a Brown Thrasher (might be the first time I've seen a Thrasher with shorebirds). Birds of interest in the inlet area included: Canada Goose 20 Wood Duck 25 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Great Blue Heron 7 Green Heron 3 C. Gallinule 2 Killdeer 2 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Least Sandpiper 8 B. Kingfisher 6 Warbling Vireo 2 Brown Thrasher 1 Swamp Sparrow 3
Yesterday evening in a wet spot along Barratt Rd., (SE of Cuylerville) I found: Greater Yellowlegs 3 Lesser Yellowlegs 3 Semipalmated Sandpiper 2 Least Sandpiper 7
They were not there this afternoon when I checked again. Various wet spots in the airfield only had a couple Killdeer.
Yesterday evening at the Indian Fort preserve around sunset I heard a singing Wood Thrush and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, both down hill near the river.
Date: 7/18/17 4:53 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Montezuma Birdwatching Tour July 20
July 20, Thursday, 6:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.Montezuma Birdwatching Van TourJoin Montezuma Audubon Center Director Chris Lajewski for a tour of Montezuma’s birding hotspots to search for raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds and observe the early fall migration. Chris will drive you to NYSDEC and USFWS habitats where dozens of species can be seen and heard! Binoculars and field guides will be provided. This tour is for all ages and experience levels. Fee: $10/child; $15/adult, $40/family. Register by calling 315-365-3588.
Chris LajewskiMontezuma Audubon Center2295 State Route 89 Savannah, NY 13146
_______________________________________________ GeneseeBirds-L mailing list - <GeneseeBirds-L...> https://mail.geneseo.edu/mailman/listinfo/geneseebirds-l
Date: 7/17/17 9:48 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Geneseo & Conesus: Merlins & Loons
The Merlin family is still noisily chasing around my Wadsworth St. neighborhood in Geneseo. This morning I saw three of them variously perched, chasing each, and chasing a couple passing birds near Wadsworth & University - next to the SUNY campus.
A late report, but a week ago Joe Stevenson told me he saw an adult Common Loon with four young, off Stella Maris along the east side of Conesus Lake. This would be the second year I know of with adult Loons with young on Conesus.
Date: 7/15/17 6:22 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Geneseo & Groveland: Merlins; few shorebirds
The shorebirds we've been reporting on south of Cuylerville have largely moved on. After the heavy rains on Thursday the only bird I found in the flooded corn field was a Wood Duck. Yesterday afternoon I found 1 Killdeer and 3 Spotted Sandpipers. I drove down to the Groveland flats area along Rte. 258. There is a flooded area just east of Rte. 36, where I found 5 Great Blue Herons, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Solitary Sandpiper and a few each Killdeer and Least Sandpipers - possibly more well north of the road.
We had what looked to be a family of Merlins, at least three, on our street in Geneseo this morning - one of them perched for a little bit above our house and causing a lot of local bird responses. A couple days ago there was a pile of Mourning Dove feathers under our feeders - which I attribute to one of the neighborhood Merlins.
Date: 7/13/17 7:45 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Erie County Birds 7-13-17 (no Wood Stork)
Did some birding in southern Erie County hoping to find the Wood Stork seen by Mary-Ann Ingrao w/o any luck (it had been seen yesterday and Tuesday, if I understand correctly).
That being said, the day was still productive. I had *1 each* of *Yellow-billed *and* Black-billed Cuckoos* (YB at Sturgeon Point, an unexpected BB at Bennett Beach), *5 Red-headed Woodpecker*s (2 at Wendt Beach, 1 at Bennett Beach, and 2 on Lakeshore just east of Evangola SP), *1 Semi Sandpiper* and *14 American Avocets* at Bennett Beach.
On the way home, I saw *1 Merlin* that was harrying a Red-tailed Hawk near Juno and Route 5 in Hamburg.
Date: 7/13/17 3:53 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] RBA Buffalo Bird Report 13 Jul 17
- RBA * New York * Buffalo * 07/13/2017 * NYBU1707.13 - Birds mentioned
------------------------------------------- Please submit reports to <DSuggs...> -------------------------------------------
"LAWRENCE'S WARBLER" RED-HEADED WDPKR. MERLIN LEAST SANDPIPER Common Merganser Osprey Eastern Screech-Owl Great Horned Owl Barred Owl Acadian Flycatcher Common Raven Red-br. Nuthatch Winter Wren Northern Parula Pine Warbler La. Waterthrush Chipping Sparrow
- Transcript Hotline: Buffalo Bird Report at the Buffalo Museum of Science Date: 07/13/2017 Number: 716-896-1271 To Report: Same Compiler: David F. Suggs Coverage: Western New York and adjacent Ontario Website: www.BuffaloOrnithologicalSociety.org
Thursday, July 13, 2017
The Buffalo Bird Report is a service provided by your Buffalo Museum of Science and the Buffalo Ornithological Society. To contact the Science Museum, call 896-5200. Press the pound key to report sightings before the end of this report.
Highlights of reports received during the past three weeks from the Niagara Frontier Region.
June 28, a rare "LAWRENCE'S WARBLER" feeding young in the Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area, along a trail opposite the DEC fenced area on Podunk Road.
In Elma, on a property on Clinton Street, a pair of RED-HEADED WDPKRS. with young, on July 11.
A pair of MERLINS have been present for at least a month at Cazenovia Park in South Buffalo.
During the last week of June, a camper at Allegany State Park reported an impressive 87 species for the week. Highlights were - COMMON MERGANSER with young at France Brook, five OSPREY nests, GREAT HORNED OWL, BARRED OWL, EASTERN SCREECH-OWL, ACADIAN FLYCATCHER, COMMON RAVEN, RED-BR. NUTHATCH, WINTER WREN and 17 warbler species including LA. WATERTHRUSH, six NORTHERN PARULAS and a PINE WARBLER. Plus, a partially albino CHIPPING SPARROW.
There is a quick turnaround for southbound shorebird migrants - July 12, a LEAST SANDPIPER on the beach at Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island. Also, two adult and two young OSPREY on the nest platform at the park lagoon.
The Bird Report will be updated in the coming weeks. You may report sightings after the tone. Thank you for calling and reporting.
Date: 7/12/17 4:25 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Merlins in Tonawanda
Yesterday I was able to get a picture of three merlins. The fledgling is out of the nest! He birds are often in a stand of dead trees that border a parking lot at William and Scott in the city of Tonawanda.
Date: 7/9/17 6:21 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Geneseo & Cuylerville: shorebirds, etc.
There were 60 or more shorebirds in a flooded spot in a corn field along Jones Bridge Rd. (SE of Cuylerville) this evening. Many were difficult to pick out out as they were in among corn stalks and at a good distance from the road. Those I'm sure of included:
Killdeer 10 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Solitary Sandpiper 1 Greater Yellowlegs 4 Lesser Yellowlegs 4 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 Least Sandpiper 40+ also a Mallard and a Great Blue Heron
There were good numbers (20+) of Bank Swallows over a flooded area along Barratt Rd., also over the Genesee near the airfield.
Birds of interest at the Indian Fort Preserve this afternoon included: Broadwinged Hawk 1 (calling) Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 E. Bluebird 1 (female with food at the nesting box) Wood Thrush 1 Hooded Warbler 1
Date: 7/9/17 7:33 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Short-billed Dowitcher and other shorebirds at Lakeside SP
The shelties and I took a walk around Lakeside early this morning, and the cooler, drier air was a pleasure. The park people have had a lighter touch with their mowing along the lake west of the main parking lot this year, probably due to unease about the high water's impact on the stability of those banks. But whatever the reason, it is a pleasant surprise to see Meadowlarks remaining there in the tall grass so far into the summer. Also a pleasant surprise to find two Orchard Orioles in that same tall grass.
Better yet, the shorebirds have returned to the more western of the two borrow pit ponds on the southern edge of the park, directly south of the main parking lot. Almost none showed up in the spring, presumably due to the flooding, but it looks like the pond is once again drawing the migrants on their return trip.
Highlight was a Short-billed Dowitcher feeding next to a Lesser Yellowlegs. Also a couple birds for which I had only tentative IDs -- the one appeared to be an early Greater Yellowlegs, given that the bill looked upturned and lighter towards the base, but I am not confident as to the distinction. Also a mid-sized sandpiper with green legs and a dark wing bend which I think is probably just a second Solitary, but the lack of any hint of an eye-ring gives me doubts. Photos are included in my e-Bird report, and advice is welcome. :)
I am also really happy to see that the Cliff Swallows have apparently done well this year. The road headed into the park had at least nine Cliffs swooping around the two bridge overpasses, a sharp increase over numbers a week ago.
Don Bemont <dbemont...>
Lakeside Beach SP, Orleans, New York, US Jul 9, 2017 6:04 AM - 8:17 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.7 mile(s) Comments: Walked along the lakefront, back along Syren Creek and then down to the borrow pit ponds. Much cooler and less humid. Far less grass mowing this year along the banks by the lake, which is probably why the Meadowlarks and Savannah Sparrow continue there so much further into the summer. <dbemont...> 55 species (+1 other taxa)
Mallard 2 Great Blue Heron 1 Killdeer 2 Least Sandpiper 13 Short-billed Dowitcher 1 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Solitary Sandpiper 2 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Tentative ID. End of bill appears upturned, and lighter towards base. Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Ring-billed Gull 8 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2 Mourning Dove 3 Great Horned Owl 1 As in the past, in tree south of Syren Creek. Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Willow Flycatcher 3 Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill's Flycatcher) 2 Eastern Phoebe 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Eastern Kingbird 3 Warbling Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 3 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 4 Tree Swallow 5 Barn Swallow 22 Cliff Swallow 9 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 House Wren 2 Eastern Bluebird 1 Wood Thrush 2 American Robin 12 Gray Catbird 12 Brown Thrasher 1 European Starling 24 Cedar Waxwing 42 Common Yellowthroat 3 Hooded Warbler 1 American Redstart 13 Yellow Warbler 16 Chipping Sparrow 14 Field Sparrow 4 Savannah Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 17 Eastern Towhee 1 Northern Cardinal 9 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3 Red-winged Blackbird 6 Eastern Meadowlark 2 Common Grackle 14 Brown-headed Cowbird 5 Orchard Oriole 2 Baltimore Oriole 2 American Goldfinch 30 Est
Date: 7/7/17 11:39 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] FW: Disease Watch: Eastern Bluebirds, East Coast seabirds; Starling urban air sentinels, Common loon malaria, WTD adenovirus
From: <bounce-121644474-16409842...><mailto:<bounce-121644474-16409842...> [mailto:<bounce-121644474-16409842...>] On Behalf Of Cornell Wildlife Health Lab
Sent: Friday, July 07, 2017 11:56 AM
To: NY_FISH_WILDLIFE_HEALTH-L <ny_fish_wildlife_health-l...><mailto:<ny_fish_wildlife_health-l...>> Subject: Disease Watch: Eastern Bluebirds, East Coast seabirds; News: CWD in macaques, BTb & deer hunters; Journals: EHD serotype 6, Starling urban air sentinels, Common loon malaria, WTD adenovirus
Disease Watch
Eastern Bluebirds
The New York State Wildlife Health Program<https://cwhl.ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/NYSWHP> has received an unusual number of Eastern bluebird mortality cases this summer. Although some of the carcasses have not been in good enough condition for a thorough examination, we have reached a diagnosis in several of them. So far, in the dozen birds we have examined, the most consistent finding is a severe lesion in their intestine. The lesion, an ulcerative or necrotizing enteritis, is severe enough for us to confidently say that it was the cause of the birds' death. Similar lesions and mortality in Western bluebirds using artificial nest boxes have been reported in the literature. The precise cause of the lesions is not clear. In both the Western cases and our Eastern bluebirds, the lesion is associated with large numbers of bacteria and, in many cases, the presence of thorny-headed parasites attached to the intestinal wall. The original reports suggest that the parasite, or any other traumatic damage to the inner surface of the intestinal wall, allows for the bacteria to proliferate at higher than normal rates. Stress from breeding may also make the birds more susceptible to developing the lesions. However, both the bacteria and the parasite are not uncommon inhabitants of the intestine of bluebirds and other song birds. Why mortalities occur sporadically and not yearly, is unclear. At this time, we are unable to make recommendations to control the issue. In an attempt to investigate this further, we are asking people to contact us if they have observed, or collected, dead bluebirds, be it in an artificial nest box or elsewhere. You can email <cwhl...><mailto:<cwhl...> to report bluebird mortalities.
East Coast Seabirds:
The Northeast Wildlife Disease Cooperative<https://sites.tufts.edu/nwdc/> diagnostic laboratories and cooperators are seeing seabird mortalities in some limited areas. Thus far, the New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation has received 20 shearwaters from the south shore of Long Island. Of the 15 necropsies completed, all birds have been juveniles that present in thin body condition with anemia. Shearwaters have been reported in NJ, MD, VA, and SC. Some carcasses have been sent to the USGS-National Wildlife Health Center for examination from Chincoteague NWR. Over a dozen northern gannets have also been submitted for necropsy to New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. Laboratories are continuing to share findings and coordinate testing.
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is a Culicoides biting midge-transmitted orbivirus (family Reoviridae) of wild and domestic ruminants and is an important pathogen of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Historically, only two serotypes, EHDV-1 and EHDV-2, have been known to be endemic in the US. However, in 2006, an exotic serotype (EHDV-6) was first detected in the United States by a long-term passive surveillance system for EHDV and bluetongue viruses. Here we report EHDV-6 detections made through these passive surveillance efforts by the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA) and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA) over a 10-yr period (2006-15). The results demonstrated that EHDV-6 was detected from ruminants every year since 2006 and was widespread in the central and eastern US, providing evidence that EHDV-6 is likely now established in the US.
Environ Sci Technol.<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28665607?dopt=Abstract> 2017 Jun 30. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01861. [Epub ahead of print]
European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) as sentinels of urban air pollution: a comprehensive approach from non-invasive to post mortem investigation.
North MA<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=North%20MA%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=28665607>, Kinniburgh D<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Kinniburgh%20D%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=28665607>, Smits JEG<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Smits%20JEG%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=28665607>.
We report malaria parasite infection ( Plasmodium spp.) and associated mortality in a Common Loon (Gavia immer) found dead on Lake Umbagog in New Hampshire, US. Necropsy findings showed the bird to be in good body condition but with pericardial edema and splenomegaly. Histopathological examination of brain and heart revealed intraendothelial and intrahistiocytic proliferation of Plasmodium merozoites with myocarditis. By PCR, the presence of Plasmodium parasites was confirmed from all tissues screened including spleen, muscle, and kidney. Sequencing of nested-PCR products revealed two different Plasmodium lineages, CATUST05 and PADOM11, indicating a mixed malaria parasite infection. Clinical findings strongly support malaria-induced mortality in a Common Loon.
A novel adenovirus, CeAdV1, was isolated from buffy coat and nasal swab samples collected from two captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns. The isolation was an incidental finding in the course of screening animals for use in a research study on an unrelated pathogen. In the screening process, virus isolation was performed on both nasal swabs and buffy coat samples and cytopathic effect was observed. Electron microscopy revealed viral particles with the shape and morphology of an adenovirus. Next generation sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis classified this virus to the Mastadenovirus genus. Its sequence was genetically distinct from all other recognized species in this genus, with only 76% sequence identity to its closest genetic match, bovine adenovirus 3 (BAdV3). The virus could be propagated in bovine derived cells but grew to a higher titer in cervid derived cells. Inoculation of white-tailed deer fawns with the isolated virus resulted in pyrexia, depletion of thymus tissue and mild respiratory disease. Comparative serology performed using convalescent sera revealed distinct antigenic differences between the novel cervid adenovirus and BAdV3. A retrospective serological survey of the captive deer herd indicated that this virus had been circulating in the herd for at least 14 years with no report of clinical disease. A survey of serum collected from free ranging mule deer residing in Nevada revealed high serum titers against this novel adenovirus.
Date: 7/7/17 6:10 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Ravens, St. Paul Blvd., Itondequoit, Monroe Co.
I occassionally hear ravens from my office window in the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building here. Just now, a pair were at the top of a tall spruce next to the office, being harrassed by a pair of crows.
____________________________________________
Lynn Braband
NYS Community IPM Program of Cornell University
2449 St. Paul Blvd
Rochester, NY 14617
(585) 753-2562
fax: (585) 753-2560
http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu Twitter: @LynnBraband<https://twitter.com/LynnBraband>
Date: 7/7/17 5:22 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: Re: [GeneseeBirds-L] GeneseeBirds-L Digest, Vol 168, Issue 7
Hi ... can anybody out there tell me where I might go to see some loons in the monroe county area?
thank you - newbie birder
On Fri, Jul 7, 2017 at 3:00 AM, <geneseebirds-l-request...> wrote:
> Send GeneseeBirds-L mailing list submissions to > <geneseebirds-l...> > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://mail.geneseo.edu/mailman/listinfo/geneseebirds-l > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > <geneseebirds-l-request...> > > You can reach the person managing the list at > <geneseebirds-l-owner...> > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of GeneseeBirds-L digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Black Tern nesting platforms > (Bird observations from western New York) > 2. Re: Dickcissel, CR 18 (Bird observations from western New York) > 3. Tundra swans (Bird observations from western New York) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2017 13:55:04 +0000 > From: Bird observations from western New York > <geneseebirds-l...> > To: Genesse_Birds <geneseebirds-l...>, Geneseebirds > <geneseebirds-googlegroup...> > Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Black Tern nesting platforms > Message-ID: <mailman.3932.1499349308.9874.geneseebirds-l...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > http://www.arocha.org/en/news/terns-get-their-turn-in-the- > netherlands/?utm_source=A+Rocha+International&utm_ > campaign=6b988fbc86-ARI-Enews-2017-07&utm_medium=email&utm_ > term=0_f0351c73c7-6b988fbc86-110117745&mc_cid=6b988fbc86&mc_eid=c76b62df01 > ____________________________________________ > Lynn Braband > NYS Community IPM Program of Cornell University > 2449 St. Paul Blvd > Rochester, NY 14617 > (585) 753-2562 > fax: (585) 753-2560 > http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu > Twitter: @LynnBraband<https://twitter.com/LynnBraband> > > > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: <https://mail.geneseo.edu/mailman/private/geneseebirds- > l/attachments/20170706/2c1a287c/attachment-0001.html> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2017 11:43:14 -0400 > From: Bird observations from western New York > <geneseebirds-l...> > To: GeneseeBirds L <geneseebirds-l...> > Subject: Re: [GeneseeBirds-L] Dickcissel, CR 18 > Message-ID: <mailman.3947.1499355837.9874.geneseebirds-l...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Sunday morning was a good time to go; not much traffic. Pulled off the road > (high-clearance 4WD truck) and got a few photos. > http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37924581 > > Dave Spier > Clifton Springs, NY > > > On Tue, Jul 4, 2017 at 3:00 AM, <geneseebirds-l-request...> > wrote: > > > > > 1. Dickcissal (Bird observations from western New York) > > > > Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2017 09:37:47 -0400 > > Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Dickcissal > > Still at stake out on Co. Rt. 18 this a.m. FYI Sheriff doesn't like cars > > parked on side of road. > > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: <https://mail.geneseo.edu/mailman/private/geneseebirds- > l/attachments/20170706/5701d4fa/attachment-0001.html> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2017 17:56:15 +0000 (UTC) > From: Bird observations from western New York > <geneseebirds-l...> > To: "<geneseebirds-l...>" <geneseebirds-l...> > Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Tundra swans > Message-ID: <mailman.3959.1499363791.9874.geneseebirds-l...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Yesterday morning 7/5/17 about 7:30 AM while fishing 4.2 miles west of > Barcelona Harbor Chautauqua CO.1/2 mile from shore Chris and I saw 4 Tundra > Swans come from across Lake Erie and land about 800 ft away.? We wondered > what they were doing here at this time of year.? Although I didn't have > binos without a doubt we knew they were tundras.? Ray & Chris Budniewski > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: <https://mail.geneseo.edu/mailman/private/geneseebirds- > l/attachments/20170706/876834d6/attachment-0001.html> > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > GeneseeBirds-L mailing list - <GeneseeBirds-L...> > https://mail.geneseo.edu/mailman/listinfo/geneseebirds-l > > End of GeneseeBirds-L Digest, Vol 168, Issue 7 > ********************************************** >
Date: 7/6/17 10:56 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Tundra swans
Yesterday morning 7/5/17 about 7:30 AM while fishing 4.2 miles west of Barcelona Harbor Chautauqua CO.1/2 mile from shore Chris and I saw 4 Tundra Swans come from across Lake Erie and land about 800 ft away. We wondered what they were doing here at this time of year. Although I didn't have binos without a doubt we knew they were tundras. Ray & Chris Budniewski
On Tue, Jul 4, 2017 at 3:00 AM, <geneseebirds-l-request...> wrote:
> > 1. Dickcissal (Bird observations from western New York) > > Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2017 09:37:47 -0400 > Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Dickcissal > Still at stake out on Co. Rt. 18 this a.m. FYI Sheriff doesn't like cars > parked on side of road. >
Date: 7/5/17 7:29 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Geneseo Merlin
I heard a Merlin calling in front of my house on Wadsworth St. in Geneseo early this evening. I found it perched in one of the trees across the street where parents and young occasionally perched a few years ago when they nested just up the street. It then flew further up the street, calling as it went. There were Merlin reports from near the Temple Hill cemetery back in the spring. It makes one wonder if one of the earlier birds was checking out its old neighborhood - or, in any case, expanding its range after leaving the nest.
Date: 7/4/17 2:49 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Buck Pond: Jul 4, 2017
I spent a good portion of the afternoon exploring the nooks and crannies of Buck Pond, surveying for marshbirds, with kayaks. In the future, I hope on spending more voyages to the Braddock ponds in search of interesting marsh species.
Buck Pond, Monroe, New York, US Jul 4, 2017 2:12 PM - 5:40 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.5 mile(s) Comments: Kayaking trip exploring coves and hidden areas of the pond. 32 species
Canada Goose 4 Mute Swan 18 Wood Duck 3 Mallard 2 Great Blue Heron 4 Great Egret 1 Green Heron 2 Turkey Vulture 3 Osprey 2 Bald Eagle 1 Killdeer 3 Ring-billed Gull 2 Caspian Tern 5 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2 Mourning Dove 4 Belted Kingfisher 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 American Crow 2 Purple Martin 3 Tree Swallow 2 Barn Swallow 12 Marsh Wren 9 American Robin 4 European Starling 24 Cedar Waxwing 2 Common Yellowthroat 5 Song Sparrow 1 Swamp Sparrow 6 Red-winged Blackbird 38 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 American Goldfinch 3 House Sparrow 5
Date: 7/2/17 10:33 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Canandaigua grasshopper sparrow in dickcissels
Have one grasshopper sparrow and two dickcissels singing infrequently from the field on the north side of Johnson Road 1 mile west of Route 21 in the town of Canandaigua. The grasshopper sparrow perched briefly on the weeds near the easternmost for sale sign. Mike Tetlow
Date: 7/1/17 9:27 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] White-winged Dove/Portland
7/1/17 Saw one White-winged Dove with a Mourning Dove on the ground in my feeding area outside my kitchen window at about 9:30am. It flew to our tulip tree and sat for quite a while in the rain. Last saw it at 10:50am. It had the distinctive white wing patch showing as strip along lower edge of folded wing. Saw the blue eye ring and orange-red eye. Pinkish-red legs/feet stood out...darker than that of Mourning Dove. When perched in tree, saw white feathers at end of tail. Did not hear it singing. Had one previous sighting of this species in our yard on 5/10/05. Carol Hardenburg Portland, NY Chautauqua County
<cjhardenburg...>
Date: 7/1/17 7:11 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: Re: [GeneseeBirds-L] [geneseebirds-googlegroup] Re: AOS Lumps Thayer's Gull
The American Ornithological Union (AOU) and the Cooper Ornithological Society merged under the new name of American Ornithological Society (AOS). There is no longer an AOU.
From: Mark, David [mailto:<dmark...>]
Sent: Saturday, July 01, 2017 10:02 AM
To: robert buckert; Geneseebirds; <geneseebirds-l-request...>
Subject: [geneseebirds-googlegroup] Re: AOS Lumps Thayer's Gull
Good morning, Robert!
What is "AOS"? Or was that a typo? Such a lump will not apply to MY lists until if and when the AOU (American Ornithologists Union) adopts it. And, for ABA purposes, the Clements world checklist maintained by Cornell for ebird.
But, as the guru once said, "It's your list!"
David Mark
Amherst, NY
<dmark...>
_____
From: robert buckert <avbrro...>
Sent: Saturday, July 1, 2017 9:35 AM
To: Geneseebirds; <geneseebirds-l-request...>
Subject: [geneseebirds-googlegroup] AOS Lumps Thayer's Gull
Well everyone, as of 6/28/2017, Thayer's Gull is officialy not it's own species. It is now a subspecies of Iceland Gull. You may have lost a lifer with this lump, gained Iceland Gull on your life list if you haven't seen Iceland, only Thayer's, or your life list doesn't change because you have seen only Iceland or neither.
Date: 6/30/17 3:53 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Fwd: [Ontbirds] Point Pelee Frigatebird
Hello everyone
I thought some birders might be interested in knowing about this bird which showed up yesterday in Ontario.
Just had the Frigatebird floating along the shore right by the intersection of Point Pelee drive and Mersea Rd 12, just about a km South of Pelee Wings. It is still in the area as of 6:30am!
Date: 6/28/17 4:15 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Lawrence's Warbler feeding young DEC area on Podunk Road
Hello Birding friends,
This late afternoon while walking on a mowed NYS DEC trail that I like to bird at, Don Bemont and I had an exciting find - a Lawrence's Warbler feeding it's offspring! The Lawrence's Warbler has yellow body feathering, blue wings with wide white wing bars, olive shoulders and black throat and a wide black auricular patch. I have seen Brewster's Warblers, but this was my first Lawrence's! It is really a beautiful bird and I hope some of you are able to locate it. If directions are needed, I will be happy to help you out. My checklist has two almost identical photos and a poor photo of the young bird.
Date: 6/25/17 7:27 pm From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Geneseo: orioles et al
The last couple days I have watched Orchard Orioles, female and first year male, carrying food presumable into a nest at the Indian Fort Preserve - in a Box Elder mixed with bushes and grape vines up near the highway. There is a pair of Chipping Sparrows nesting in the same tree. There are also Cedar Waxwings in and around the same tree. This morning off the end of Riverside Drive in Geneseo I saw another Orchard Oriole, an adult male collecting food in the weeds. Along the old railroad bed there were young Baltimore Orioles begging after a parent. Other birds included a yellow-throated Vireo, Carolina Wren, Wood Thrushes, Towhee, Hooded and Yellow Warblers.
Date: 6/25/17 8:42 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Yet more Clay-colored Sparrows in Lakeside Rd area
The shelties and I were still feeling energetic this morning after birding the right-of-way at Lakeside SP, so we went in search of the various field birds reported yesterday in the Lakeside Rd area. The Grasshopper Sparrows were more than obliging along Foos Rd, and although I missed the Dickcissels there, I found them readily at the corner of Lakeside and N Lyndonville. But when I went looking for the Clay-colored Sparrow in the Foos/Lakeside stretch, I found out from Celese Morien that this involved going up a trail, and given that someone else was already there and that I didn't want the shelties to disrupt the other birder, I headed home by way of Lakeside Rd.
But then, soon after passing Harris Rd, I was surprised to heard a Clay-colored Sparrow song out the window of the car, and after getting out of the car, realized the song was coming from both sides of the road. Then, with the bird from the north still singing, I found that the bird singing from the south was sharing a bush with yet a third Clay-colored. Two males each with a territory, and one mate visible? A singing male and singing female with a first year bird? I really have no idea. As far as I could see, the species is not listed on the recent eBird female song listing.
Date: 6/25/17 6:18 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: Re: [GeneseeBirds-L] More Dickcissels! Plus more sightings from the Iroquois complex
Wes,
Bruce and I were in Buffalo yesterday preparing for the open house today at my mothers home. Planned on stopping to try to find these birds on the way home however the weather did not cooperate and it poured at the time we were passing through. Would love to try again. Do you think Carolyn and you might be interested? I have a busy week with appointments but could go early tomorrow if I was back by 130 or Tuesday or Friday assuming I could get my husband to get my son to work unless someone else drove. I could potentially pick up four life birds with your and Carolyn's help...any time or interest?
Shelley
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 23, 2017, at 5:16 PM, Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> As some of you may have seen on ebird, Christina Hoh, the DEC grassland bird technician, found Dickcissels at John White WMA in Alabama, Genesee county. The birds were initially found on Wednesday, June 21. At first, there were at least three singing males, and we confirmed up to five. Originally, they were also in an area of the WMA with limited access, but we learned today that they are easily seen and heard from the main parking lot by the old game farm on Rt. 77/Rt. 63.
>
> PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT WALK INTO THE GRASSLAND AREA. THESE BIRDS ARE EASILY OBSERVED FROM THE PARKING LOT. Please be patient if the birds are not immediately present. The grassland is home to numerous species of grassland breeding birds, the number one suite of bird species in decline in New York, the Northeast, and lower Great Lakes regions. These birds nest on the ground in well-concealed nests and increased foot traffic may destroy their nests and degrade their habitat. While it is tempting to get closer looks and/or better photographs of these rare species, it is imperative that we think selflessly and leave the birds and their habitat be. We are all interested in conservation of birds and their habitats and while it may be nice to get close looks, it should not come at the cost of potentially disturbing already declining populations. These same precautions can be applied to ALL grassland habitats such as Burger Park in Greece, and Tillman WMA in Clarence.
>
> Further safety notes: the driveway into the parking lot at John White WMA is very poorly placed on the side of a hill. USE CAUTION when pulling in and out as cars on Rts. 63/77 go very fast and it is hard to see over the hill. Looking for cars at the top before you pull down the driveway is helpful. I also recommend avoiding parking or walking along the road as the shoulder is narrow, and again, there is a lot of traffic.
>
> This area also has Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, Bobolinks, and Savannah Sparrows, so be on the lookout.
>
> This week, the Iroquois NWR/Tonawanda WMA/Oak Orchard WMA complex has been very active. Three Prothonotary Warbler pairs continue on Tonawanda WMA-one in Meadville Marsh in the first woodlot on the right as you walk along the N dike along main ditch. This pair has a nest in one of the artificial nest structures, and the birds are incubating three young babies. There are also two pairs across the Niagara county line in Sprout Marsh. To view them, continue walking W along the N dike along the main ditch then turn right at the first dike to your right (separating Meadville and Sprout marshes). The two pairs are immediately on your left just before the large patch of Phragmites. Please do not walk much further and disturb the Osprey pair nesting on the platform along the dike. Also, when parking, do not block the yellow gates as wildlife and operations staff routinely use these and need to be able to get through. Also, just a reminder not to drive on any of the dikes.
>
> Cinnamon Marsh is currently in a drawdown phase on Tonawanda WMA. Wednesday, Jun 21, Bill Wolanske and I had a Glossy Ibis feeding with the Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons (of which there have been upwards of a combined ~200). Unfortunately, Celeste Morien observed the bird flying away never to be seen again later that afternoon. This location has a lot of great habitat for wading birds, ducks, and shorebirds. While fall (already!??) shorebird season is still a week or so away, this should be a great spot to check. Today, June 23, I had a Greater Yellowlegs on the mudflats, likely a wandering non-breeding bird. Have to wonder if this is the same bird that was around Paddy 2 earlier in the month.
>
> The Black-necked Stilt continues at Kumpf Marsh on the NWR property, but can be difficult to see at times behind vegetation-be patient!
>
> Black Terns are having a successful year on the complex as there were are a combined 73 adult birds observed on the census last week across four different impoundments. We had the first immature birds of the year flying around today at Cayuga Overlook on NWR property and W. Ruddy Marsh on Tonawanda WMA.
>
> See ebird.org for more sightings in the area!
>
> Greg Lawrence
> NYSDEC Wildlife Technician I
> Rochester, NY
> _______________________________________________
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Date: 6/25/17 6:06 am From: Bird observations from western New York <geneseebirds-l...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Dickcissel - John White WMA
The previously reported Dickcissel is still present this morning at the John White WMA along Rte. 77/63 in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County. As described by Greg Lawrence, the bird can be both seen and heard from the parking lot. This morning, it has been singing regularly from the tops of the willow trees as you look south from the parking lot.
