Date: 5/12/25 7:57 pm From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Carolina Wren's night song
I apologize for my last post. It sounded like a wren and Merlin told me it WAS a wren... until it told me it was also a robin and a blue jay and....a mockingbird! Mystery solved. Sar P.S. there ARE a million toads vocalizing!
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At about 3 o'clock this afternoon I got out of my car at a friend's house in Trumansburg just in time to hear what turned out to be two adult Bald Eagles flying over quite low (just above treetops), calling, and also interacting. The sky was blue and clear so it was a spectacular sight. Talk about being in the right place at the right time! They flew off to the south.
Annette Nadeau Trumansburg
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Date: 5/12/25 12:45 pm From: Laura Stenzler <lms9...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Reminder: Cayuga Bird Club May meeting is TONIGHT!
The Cayuga Bird Club May meeting will be tonight, Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7:30pm (book signing 6:45pm) at the
Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Our speaker, Tina Morris, will present her book "Return to the Sky: The Surprising Story of How One Woman and Seven Eaglets Helped Restore the Bald Eagle".
In talking to us about "Return to the Sky", Tina Morris will share her remarkable story that is as much about the human spirit as it is about birds of prey. She will also talk about the birds themselves!
In the fall of 1975, on the eve of the US bicentennial, The Peregrine Fund at Cornell, led by Tom Cade, was selected to reintroduce Bald Eagles into New York State in the hope that the species could eventually repopulate eastern North America. Tina, supported by Peregrine biologists, was handed an assignment to rehabilitate a population that had been devastated by the effects of DDT.
The challenges were prodigious--there was no model to emulate for a bird of the eagle's size, for one--but Tina soon found that her own path to self-discovery and confidence-building was deeply connected with the survival of the species she was chosen to protect. Ultimately, Tina and the team spent two years playing "mother" to seven eaglets at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, east of Seneca Falls in New York.
At a time when the mass extinction of bird species is a critical global topic, Return to the Sky reminds us how, with a mix of common sense, resilience, and resolve, humans can be effective stewards of the natural world.
About the Speaker: Tina completed her graduate work in ornithology and wildlife biology at Cornell in 1978, writing her thesis on the adaptations of hacking techniques to reintroduce bald eagles. Following her studies at Cornell, she worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy for several years, focusing on endangered species and critical habitat conservation, before embarking on a 23-year career teaching English and biology. Since her retirement in 2020, she has devoted her time to her own writing, especially creative non-fiction with a science or nature focus. Thirty years ago, with four children in tow, Tina and her husband bought a farm in northern Massachusetts, which they manage as a wildlife sanctuary, promoting biodiversity and habitat protection for species in decline.
Book Signing: Tina will be signing copies of her book from 6:45-7:30pm. Books will be available for purchase from Wild Birds Unlimited, or you can purchase the book ahead of time from your favorite bookseller.
Good afternoon fellow bird lovers.
I have what might seem like a silly question:
I have both a hummingbird feeder and an oriole feeder at my house.
The feeders are separated by approximately 8-9 feet. The hummingbird feeder
is hanging in an east window. The oriole feeder is around the corner, near
a south facing window.
This year, as in past years, the orioles have discovered the hummer feeder,
drinking all the nectar. Though, it is a challenge for them. as once they
land on the feeder, it spins. (Think of when a squirrel climbs on a seed
feeder that spins in order to dislodge the squirrel)
I'm afraid that the orioles are discouraging the hummers from coming to
their feeder.
I do have orange slices in a suet feeder right near the oriole feeder.
Which the orioles have been enjoying. Rarely do I see them on their feeder.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to get the orioles to use
their feeder?
Thanks!
Judy S
On Sun, May 11, 2025 at 12:00 AM Upstate NY Birding digest <
<cayugabirds-l...> wrote:
> CAYUGABIRDS-L Digest for Sunday, May 11, 2025.
>
> 1. Helping save the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
> 2. "Birds of Golden Gate Park" program Thursday, May 15
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: Helping save the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
> From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...>
> Date: Sat, 10 May 2025 15:00:12 -0400
> X-Message-Number: 1
>
> Fellow lovers of endangered wildlife.
> As you may have heard, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the species
> that are protected by this act, are currently under threat. Lovers of
> endangered wildlife are being urged to provide comments on the Federal
> Register regarding the proposed rule change to the ESA. The comment period
> ends May 19, 2025 - (FIND THE LINK BELOW)!
>
> For a bit more background:
>
> Under the proposed new definition of “harm”, species would still be
> protected from intentional killing, harassment, injury, pursuit, capture,
> collection or attempting to engage in these activities. However, HABITAT
> LOSS would no longer be considered as a source of "harm". Its is obvious
> that it is fundamental to keep the ability to protect important habitat and
> prevent degradation or loss of habitat that plants and animals need to
> survive.
> As the ESA has been applied for decades, actions like freshwater
> diversions, wetland drainage, land development, and other habitat
> disturbances at important nesting, feeding, and roosting sites of
> threatened and endangered species have been prevented or changed to protect
> our rarest species. This rule change would impact how and more importantly
> where many types of development could or would proceed.
>
> What we can do:
> Watch this 30 minute video to learn more about the proposed rule change:
>
> https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e5b119b3-2876-486b-aaf2-6c9781dbcabb@ac5375fd-3c78-4760-a9ea-5a1d66b73803?vod&attendeeId=cc0e9290-b2a7-4a33-81cf-3408f45c2668 >
> Write a public comment here before May 19, 2025:
>
> https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/17/2025-06746/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act >
> You don't need to be a scientist to send comments; if you are concerned
> then you should submit them. Here are some general guidelines you might
> consider including:
>
> Urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Endangered Species
> Act and withdraw the proposed rule.
> Tell your specific story about why the proposed rule change matters to you.
> Include your personal experiences and why you feel it is important to
> protect their ecosystems under the ESA.
> Share that this rule change would be devastating to endangered species like
> the Whooping Crsnes. Habitat loss and unregulated hunting were the driving
> forces of the Whooping Crane’s path to extinction in the 1940’s, when there
> were only 21 Whooping Cranes left on the planet.
> Thanks to the ESA, there are now over 690 Whooping Cranes in the wild.
> Encourage policy makers to use science-based decision making in their
> interpretation of “harm”.
> Do not copy and paste a template letter- similar letters are all lumped
> together and counted as one comment.
> Use facts and cite your sources when able.
> Be respectful- overly aggressive or exaggerated comments don't have the
> intended result.
> According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Act
> (ESA) has saved 99% of the species it protects- and it protects thousands
> of species.
>
> Every little bit helps! And if not we folks, then who??!!??
> Thanks for considering.
> Sar
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: "Birds of Golden Gate Park" program Thursday, May 15
> From: Anita Seaberg <aeseaberg...>
> Date: Sun, 11 May 2025 03:22:10 +0000
> X-Message-Number: 2
>
> Chemung Valley Audubon Meeting and Program
> May 15, 2025
> 7:00 p.m. Bird Identification Workshop
> 7:30 p.m. Meeting and Program
>
> ALL ARE WELCOME
>
> "Birds of Golden Gate Park"
> Presented by CVAS member Bill Ostrander
>
> San Francisco's Golden Gate Park features a wide variety of gardens,
> groves, lakes, and meadows, each with its own character. Bill Ostrander, a
> frequent visitor to San Francisco, will share favorite bird photos taken in
> the park.
>
> In-person: meet at Appleridge, 168 Miller St., Horseheads.
> Use Parking Lot A at the main entrance.
> By Zoom: email <windingwayhorse...><mailto:<windingwayhorse...> to
> request a Zoom invitation.
> Appleridge is wheelchair accessible.
> Find more events at cvaudubon.org and on Facebook.
>
> Nita Seaberg
> Elmira
>
>
>
>
> ---
>
> END OF DIGEST
>
>
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Date: 5/12/25 7:26 am From: Alyssa Johnson <thebarehandednaturalist...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] "Warblers and Wine" at Hunt Country Vineyards
Good morning! I am leading a guided birding walk through Hunt Country
Vineyards THIS coming Saturday! They have amazing grassland habitat and
I've never seen such abundance of meadowlarks and bobolinks in one place.
To join me for this event, and get access to some great birding, read below
for more information:
Join us for a delightful day of nature, birds, and wine at the beautiful
Hunt Country Vineyards. Expert guide, Alyssa Johnson, a local Finger Lakes
naturalist and seasoned birder, will lead you on a leisurely walk through
the vineyard grounds in search of returning migratory birds. Whether you’re
an experienced birdwatcher or a nature newcomer, this is the perfect
opportunity to connect with the natural world and enjoy the stunning
landscape of the Finger Lakes.
As we wander along a scenic gravel farm road, we’ll listen for the sweet
songs of warblers, thrushes, vireos, and other forest-dwelling birds, while
keeping an eye out for grassland species like bobolinks, meadowlarks, and
kestrels. Hunt Country Vineyards is a haven for birds of all kinds, and
Alyssa will share fascinating insights on the diverse species that call the
area home. The morning will start with a "Meet & Greet" with Suzanne Hunt,
co-owner and sustainability professional.She will share some Hunt Country
history and info on our sustainability practices.
After the walk, you’ll be treated to a self-guided wine tasting, sampling
five wines. We encourage you to bring a picnic to enjoy with your tasting
on the Hunt Country grounds. There will be local picnic snacks and wines by
the glass/bottle available for purchase in the tasting room as well. It’s a
perfect way to unwind, chat about the birds we spotted, and relax after the
stroll.
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Date: 5/10/25 8:22 pm From: Anita Seaberg <aeseaberg...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] "Birds of Golden Gate Park" program Thursday, May 15
Chemung Valley Audubon Meeting and Program
May 15, 2025
7:00 p.m. Bird Identification Workshop
7:30 p.m. Meeting and Program
ALL ARE WELCOME
"Birds of Golden Gate Park"
Presented by CVAS member Bill Ostrander
San Francisco's Golden Gate Park features a wide variety of gardens, groves, lakes, and meadows, each with its own character. Bill Ostrander, a frequent visitor to San Francisco, will share favorite bird photos taken in the park.
In-person: meet at Appleridge, 168 Miller St., Horseheads.
Use Parking Lot A at the main entrance.
By Zoom: email <windingwayhorse...><mailto:<windingwayhorse...> to request a Zoom invitation.
Appleridge is wheelchair accessible.
Find more events at cvaudubon.org and on Facebook.
Nita Seaberg
Elmira
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Date: 5/10/25 12:00 pm From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Helping save the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Fellow lovers of endangered wildlife.
As you may have heard, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the species
that are protected by this act, are currently under threat. Lovers of
endangered wildlife are being urged to provide comments on the Federal
Register regarding the proposed rule change to the ESA. The comment period
ends May 19, 2025 - (FIND THE LINK BELOW)!
For a bit more background:
Under the proposed new definition of “harm”, species would still be
protected from intentional killing, harassment, injury, pursuit, capture,
collection or attempting to engage in these activities. However, HABITAT
LOSS would no longer be considered as a source of "harm". Its is obvious
that it is fundamental to keep the ability to protect important habitat and
prevent degradation or loss of habitat that plants and animals need to
survive.
As the ESA has been applied for decades, actions like freshwater
diversions, wetland drainage, land development, and other habitat
disturbances at important nesting, feeding, and roosting sites of
threatened and endangered species have been prevented or changed to protect
our rarest species. This rule change would impact how and more importantly
where many types of development could or would proceed.
You don't need to be a scientist to send comments; if you are concerned
then you should submit them. Here are some general guidelines you might
consider including:
Urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Endangered Species
Act and withdraw the proposed rule.
Tell your specific story about why the proposed rule change matters to you.
Include your personal experiences and why you feel it is important to
protect their ecosystems under the ESA.
Share that this rule change would be devastating to endangered species like
the Whooping Crsnes. Habitat loss and unregulated hunting were the driving
forces of the Whooping Crane’s path to extinction in the 1940’s, when there
were only 21 Whooping Cranes left on the planet.
Thanks to the ESA, there are now over 690 Whooping Cranes in the wild.
Encourage policy makers to use science-based decision making in their
interpretation of “harm”.
Do not copy and paste a template letter- similar letters are all lumped
together and counted as one comment.
Use facts and cite your sources when able.
Be respectful- overly aggressive or exaggerated comments don't have the
intended result.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Act
(ESA) has saved 99% of the species it protects- and it protects thousands
of species.
Every little bit helps! And if not we folks, then who??!!??
Thanks for considering.
Sar
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Date: 5/9/25 1:40 pm From: Kevin Murphy <kcm.murphy...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Finger Lakes National Forest is Searching for Volunteers
Good afternoon. I am forwarding a message I rec’d today from Greg Flood, a wildlife biologist with the US Forest Service. He is hoping to find some volunteers to assist the Forest Service with their annual grassland bird surveys at the Finger Lakes National Forest. If you can help or have questions, please feel free to reach out directly to Mr. Flood.
Thank you.
Good afternoon,
My name is Greg Flood, and I am the wildlife biologist for the Finger Lakes National Forest in Hector, NY. Over the last few months, we have experienced some significant changes to our staff and funding, with that comes the snowball effect of yearly tasks that are more difficult to navigate.
One of those such tasks is our annual grassland bird surveys. These surveys are completed in pasture and grassland units across the national forest to determine if locally sensitive species and common species are using the pastures and grasslands prior to completing any vegetation manipulation (i.e. mowing). I am trying to gather a few volunteers to help complete these yearly grassland bird surveys. We have just over 1,750 acres to survey this year and generally start these surveys mid-May and conclude mid-June. Is there a way to get a message out to your membership to determine if anyone would be interested in helping with these surveys? I am very open to suggestions or thoughts!
Thank you,
Greg

Greg Flood
Wildlife Biologist
Forest Service
Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
p: 607-546-4470 ext. 3312
<gregory.flood...> <mailto:<gregory.flood...> 5218 State Route 414
Hector, NY 14841
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Date: 5/9/25 9:19 am From: Laura Stenzler <lms9...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] 8 am, Shindagin Hollow field trip- Cayuga Bird Club
Sorry I did not mention the meeting time at the East Hill Plaza. It is 8:00 am!
Laura
Laura Stenzler
<lms9...>
> On May 9, 2025, at 8:27 AM, Laura Stenzler <lms9...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> I will be leading a Cayuga Bird Club trip tomorrow, Saturday 5/10, to Shindagin Hollow State Forest. All are welcome - whether you are a member or not. We will be hearing a lot more than we will be seeing, but that is the nature of spring birding.
>
> Meet in front of the Collegetown Bagels parking lot in East Hill plaza (329 Pine Tree Road, Ithaca), at the corner of Ellis Hollow Road and Pine Tree Road in Ithaca. We will head to Shindagin Hollow State Forest for warblers and other birds during this peak period of migration and breeding. We will walk 1-2 miles while birding along Shindagin Hollow Road, ending around 11 or 11:30 am. Wear good walking shoes (may be muddy), bring a hat, bug spray, water, and a snack. Please contact Laura if you have any questions (<lms9...>).
> Laura
>
>
> Laura Stenzler
> <lms9...>
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Date: 5/9/25 5:27 am From: Laura Stenzler <lms9...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Shindagin Hollow field trip- Cayuga Bird Club
Hi all,
I will be leading a Cayuga Bird Club trip tomorrow, Saturday 5/10, to Shindagin Hollow State Forest. All are welcome - whether you are a member or not. We will be hearing a lot more than we will be seeing, but that is the nature of spring birding.
Meet in front of the Collegetown Bagels parking lot in East Hill plaza (329 Pine Tree Road, Ithaca), at the corner of Ellis Hollow Road and Pine Tree Road in Ithaca. We will head to Shindagin Hollow State Forest for warblers and other birds during this peak period of migration and breeding. We will walk 1-2 miles while birding along Shindagin Hollow Road, ending around 11 or 11:30 am. Wear good walking shoes (may be muddy), bring a hat, bug spray, water, and a snack. Please contact Laura if you have any questions (<lms9...>).
Laura
Laura Stenzler
<lms9...>
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Date: 5/9/25 4:57 am From: Andrew David Miller <andrew.miller...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Herman Rd Shorebirds
As the waters have receded along Herman Rd in Freeville, the rice paddies currently have some excellent shorebird habitat. There was a good size group of lesser and greater yellowlegs there this morning (25+) along with a couple of least sandpipers. Other peeps were flying around the rice paddies further from the road, but I couldn't stay to look at everything. There might be some additional species intermixed if anyone is out that way to look.
Over the last few weeks, this spot reliably has wood duck, Bald eagles, a pair of green winged teal, hooded mergansers, common yellowthroat, yellow warbler, tree swallows, Eastern kingbird, and a variety of sparrows. It is a good spot to pull off the road and see what you can find!
-Andrew
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Our Haiku box reported 9 different warblers in the last 24 hours! Very exciting even though I didn't see them.
________________________________
From: <bounce-128768034-99101916...> <bounce-128768034-99101916...> on behalf of Melanie Uhlir <mu13068...>
Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 10:58 AM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Wood Thrush
I had a lovely surprise visitor yesterday morning and evening here in "outer" Freeville. A Wood Thrush was singing from the sparse line of conifers between our driveway and the neighbors' property. I even got binoculars on him. My favorite bird song!!
Date: 5/7/25 9:19 am From: Jody Enck <jodyenck...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Native Plants for Birds
Hi All,
As you know, the Conservation Action Committee of the Cayuga Bird Club has been working for several years to improve bird habitat on land owned/managed by the City of Ithaca and the Cornell Botanic Gardens down at Lighthouse Point (just north of Newman Golf Course).
This year, our committee is facilitating two new ways for any of you to be involved in this effort without having to pull invasive privet or erect rabbit and deer fencing!
*Opportunity #1 Donate native plants* Those of you who own your own home may have volunteer sprouts of native plants coming up in your yards that you may want to donate to our cause. We are looking for seedlings of native trees or shrubs that would do well in areas with partial or full shade, or herbaceous (non-woody) plants that would thrive in the same kind of area.
Examples (not a full list) of tree seedlings of interest -- Black Cherry, Yellow Birch, River Birch, Bitternut Hickory, Shagbark Hickory, Hackberry, Sycamore, Red Cedar, White Cedar, and Juniper.
Examples (not a full list) of shrub seedlings of interest -- Serviceberry, Nannyberry, Arrow wood Viburnum, American Winterberry, Hophornbeam, Witch Hobble, Elderberry, Buttonbush, and Bladdernut.
Examples (not a full list) of herbaceous plants of interest -- Joepye Weed, Marsh Marigold, Boneset, Lobelia syphilitica or cardinalis, Bottlebrush, and perennial grasses such as Elymus hystrix, virginicus, riparius, and canadensis.
*Opportunity #2 Foster native plants over the summer until we are ready to plant them in early fall*. Our committee will purchase biodegradable pots and will plant donated plants in these pots and give a flat (up to a dozen pots, for example) or more than one flat to volunteers who have a sunny spot outside (even an apartment balcony) where they can place and care for the flat of plants over the summer until early September.
Please contact Jody Enck (email is <jodyenck...>) if you want to participate in either or both of these opportunities.
Our next opportunity to get your hands dirty pulling privet and putting up fence will be Saturday May 17th from 9 to noon.
Thanks Jody
Jody W. Enck, PhD Conservation Social Scientist, and Founder of the Sister Bird Club Network 607-379-5940
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I had a lovely surprise visitor yesterday morning and evening here in "outer" Freeville. A Wood Thrush was singing from the sparse line of conifers between our driveway and the neighbors' property. I even got binoculars on him. My favorite bird song!!
Melanie
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Oof! Such soggy weather as we get closer to our Thursday Birding Meetup at Hawthorn Orchard on May 8 at 7:00 am. Due to the very wet and muddy conditions, we will stick to birding on the edges of the area. It will likely still be quite wet so waterproof boots are recommended but we will avoid the truly muddy and uneven areas.
Getting there: turn off Pine Tree Road into the Oxley Equestrian Center dirt parking lot.
The weather looks promising for Thursday morning so fingers crossed for coming out to bird with us. This is a drop in casual birding opportunity designed to get into some birding before work, and to socialize over breakfast afterward for those with more flexible schedules.
See you on Thursday morning, Shelley
Shelley Page *she/they/ki*
313-550-1437 261 Coddington Road Apt. B Ithaca, New York 14850
https://uuma.zoom.us/j/2065380867 "All that you touch you Change. All that you Change changes you. The only lasting truth is Change. God is Change." Octavia Butler, The Parable of the Sower
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Date: 5/6/25 5:43 pm From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Transformation Interpretive Walk Continues this Saturday at the Montezuma Refuge
"Transformation" As Earth orbits the Sun, its Northern Hemisphere leans in more deeply toward its parent star, triggering a marvelous alchemy at the planet's surface. Energy that has its source deep in the star's core now finds expression as leaf and flower, bird and beast, invertebrate and fungi, turtle and toad, fish and frog. Join New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer, Pete Saracino, this Saturday, May 10th, as we explore myriad examples of this wonderful alchemy unfolding. Walks are free and begin at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 10am. Length of walk depends on what we encounter and where we linger, but you can leave as it fits your schedule. Binoculars, appropriate dress and sunscreen are recommended. All ages welcomed. No pets please. Hope to see you there! Pete Saracino/Montezuma Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer
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Date: 5/6/25 6:20 am From: Ziemba, Linda <linda_ziemba...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Shorebird Habitat at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in 2025
Hi Everybody,
The following provides our plans for shorebird habitat in public viewing areas at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge this year. Please keep in mind that these plans are weather, staffing, and funding dependent so subject to change.
Regarding weather, large rainfall events can have short-term impacts on refuge habitats. Sometimes heavy rains flood all our mudflats too much for shorebirds. In that scenario, its likely the rain also flooded previously dry farm fields, potentially creating shorebird habitat in those locations. Try checking off-refuge in that situation and revisiting the refuge after the water levels have gone back down.
Regarding staffing and funding, we have less staff this year because of government efficiency. We are also spending more time assisting other refuges who have fewer employees than we do. Providing waterbird habitat is our highest biological priority at Montezuma so we spend a lot of time on it and providing shorebird habitat is particularly labor intensive.
Northbound Shorebird Migration
* Hope to have habitat available in the Main Pool through May
* May be some habitat in the Visitor Center Wetland, but it is quickly becoming too vegetated for most species.
Southbound Shorebird Migration
* Will monitor several units for nesting marsh birds to inform drawdown decisions
* Considerations will be taken for nesting and fledging black terns and other nesting species
* Will try to stagger units or parts of units with mudflats from late June to November to address fast-changing habitat conditions
Possible Units Early Part of Migration (i.e., late June/July)
* Mays Point Pool
* Puddler Marsh
* Visitor Center Wetland*
* Benning Marsh
* Laurues Lagoon
* Eaton Marsh
* Seneca Flats
*To provide shorebird habitat in the Visitor Center Wetland, we need to mow and disc, then pump in water. Locations in the unit where we disc are dependent on the distribution of the invasive plants flowering rush and Phragmites (which are spread by discing), the availability of staff time and equipment, and the weather we cant get equipment into the unit if there has been too much precipitation.
Knox-Marsellus Marsh
* Expect to begin drawing down for shorebirds in August
* Cannot draw down earlier due to water needs for invasive water chestnut control
* We could use your help in hand-pulling this invasive plant. Contact me if you'd like to help.
Guided Programs
* No guided shorebird walks this year due to operational constraints
* Will reconsider on a year-by-year basis moving forward
* Contact Andrea at <Andrea_VanBeusichem...><mailto:<Andrea_VanBeusichem...> with questions about public use programs
Bird Sightings Reporting
* Record bird sightings separately for each impoundment along the Wildlife Drive and separately for Knox-Marsellus vs Puddler Marshes
* If you dont want to enter it into ebird that way, please email me your separate lists for the separate units.
* We use these data to supplement weekly counts conducted by volunteers to inform management decisions.
Thank you for your support of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex!
Linda Ziemba
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Linda Chorba Ziemba
Wildlife Biologist
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
3395 US Route 20 East
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
315-406-0052
<linda_ziemba...>
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the U.S. for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Please expect potentially longer response times due to reductions in force to increase workforce efficiency. Your patience is appreciated.
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Date: 5/5/25 8:39 am From: Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <cth4...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Hawthorn Woods Mon. AM
Thanks for this report, Christopher!
Looking at the weather, tonight may produce more accumulation of warblers here on Tuesday morning. Food resources are likely approaching prime.
Good birding!
Sincerely,
Chris T-H
Sent from my iPhone
On May 5, 2025, at 09:05, Christopher Sperry <csperry...> wrote:
Hawthorn Woods teeming with warbler sounds (Merlin counted 11 species) with loads of Tennessee, Nashville and Parula vocalizing - but frustrating as they were not moving and very hard to see. My best views (Cape May, Parula, Black Throated Blue as well as a Tanager and Grosbeak) were outside the woods in front of the softball field.
From: <bounce-128759836-89368519...> <bounce-128759836-89368519...> on behalf of Thomas Hoebbel Photography <tomhoebbel...>
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 at 9:52 AM
To: Cayugabirds <Cayugabirds-l...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Nashville Warbler in B-dale
This message originated from outside the Ithaca College email system.
I had my FOY Nashville warbler this morning. It joined the common yellowthroat and yellow warblers.
Date: 5/5/25 8:35 am From: Regi Teasley <rltcayuga...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Indigo Buntings dropping by
Need another reason to garden for birds? We have two beautiful Indigo Buntings dining in our garden.
Regi
West Hill in the City
___________
Protect what is left, recover what is lost of the fair earth.
William Morris, “Art and the Beauty of the Earth.” 1881
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Date: 5/5/25 7:38 am From: madonna stallmann <madonnaoftheprairie...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Male eastern bluebird attacking stainless steel flu pipe
Hi Bird Enthusiast!
A male eastern bluebird has taken up the cardinal's bad habits of fighting
with its reflection on our windows, and now he's also having a battle with
the stainless steel flu pipe from our wood burning stove. I have addressed
the window situation (for now) but 🤷 what to do about the stove pipe? It
is situated at the peak of the roof. Maybe cover it with plastic sheeting
and duct tape during the off season? I hate to see/hear them wasting their
precious time and energy fighting with themselves when they have far more
important things to do?! Any suggestions will be appreciated.
💐 Madonna
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Date: 5/5/25 6:09 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] White-throat correction!
I apologize for an error in my earlier post. I wrote white-throated but intended to write (and meant) white CROWNED! Sorry. P.S. that being said, both species' songs are beautiful and welcomed. Sar
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Date: 5/5/25 6:04 am From: Christopher Sperry <csperry...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Hawthorn Woods Mon. AM
Hawthorn Woods teeming with warbler sounds (Merlin counted 11 species) with loads of Tennessee, Nashville and Parula vocalizing - but frustrating as they were not moving and very hard to see. My best views (Cape May, Parula, Black Throated Blue as well as a Tanager and Grosbeak) were outside the woods in front of the softball field.
From: <bounce-128759836-89368519...> <bounce-128759836-89368519...> on behalf of Thomas Hoebbel Photography <tomhoebbel...>
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 at 9:52 AM
To: Cayugabirds <Cayugabirds-l...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Nashville Warbler in B-dale
This message originated from outside the Ithaca College email system.
I had my FOY Nashville warbler this morning. It joined the common yellowthroat and yellow warblers.
Date: 5/5/25 5:56 am From: Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <cth4...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Hawthorn Orchard: 5/2 and 5/3
That’s great to hear, Diane, and thank you!! Hope others are enjoying birding here in my absence.
Today, just moments ago, Abhi Sankar found an adult female Golden-winged Warbler at the Hawthorn Orchard along the hedgerow just northwest of the softball field.
Good birding!
Sincerely,
Chris
Sent from my iPhone
On May 4, 2025, at 09:45, Diane Morton <dianegmorton...> wrote:
Thanks, Chris,
I went birding at the Hawthorn Orchard yesterday, mid-afternoon, and it was still very active: https://ebird.org/checklist/S232669946.
Thanks for the trail clearing you did last year!
Waterproof boots are a must, and I recommend rain pants. Mine got a lot of mud on them from an hour on the wet trails.
Diane
On Sun, May 4, 2025 at 6:47 AM Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <cth4...><mailto:<cth4...>> wrote:
Hi Everyone,
Conditions are shaping up for this spring to potentially be one of the better spring migrations at the Hawthorn Orchard in East Ithaca in recent years. This past Friday morning and Saturday morning may be a tell of great things to come this week as spring migration advances ahead of schedule.
A few notes:
— Tortricid moth larvae are already chowing down on the hawthorn leaves and rolling themselves up into their namesake leaf-rolled daytime harbors. Flying insects abound, including already present mosquitoes. These food resources are why birds descend into this location for the day.
— The area is lush and wet, making some effort quite muddy and drenching, so wear appropriate mud boots and even rain pants to avoid any unfortunate soakings.
— There are NO deer ticks at this location—one hypothesis being that it’s too wet for their hosts (white-footed deer mice) or the ticks themselves, and there are few oaks in the main Hawthorn Orchard.
— This is the first year in well over a decade that this area has not experienced a pre-migration hard freeze, and that has afforded the plants and insects here to flourish this year—and in turn provide great cover and food for neotropical migrants passing through our area.
— The Hawthorn Orchard hawthorns are already in near full bloom, and the recent rains have been hugely beneficial.
Please submit any sightings to eBird and please share sightings here or, if you are on Discord, to the Cayuga-Lake-Basin-Chat channel. I will be unable to make regular visits this week, unfortunately, but look forward to reading about what people are seeing.
Date: 5/5/25 5:11 am From: Donna Lee Scott <dls9...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Re: [cayugabirds-l] …white-throats
I too have several white-throated sparrows, both brilliant white and tan- striped, in my yard.
In addition, I have lots of white-crowned sparrows, chipping sparrows, and sometimes juncos, although most of them seem to have left.
I had a Lincoln’s sparrow for 2 days end of last week!
Donna Scott
Kendal at Ithaca-377
Sent from my iPhone
On May 5, 2025, at 7:26 AM, Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> wrote:
Date: 5/5/25 4:26 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Welcomed sounds of white-throats
Am so enjoying the sounds of singing white-throated sparrows in my yard. So unique; so precious; so fleeting. One of the many things to love about this ephemeral time of year. Sar
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Date: 5/4/25 6:45 am From: Diane Morton <dianegmorton...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Hawthorn Orchard: 5/2 and 5/3
Thanks, Chris,
I went birding at the Hawthorn Orchard yesterday, mid-afternoon, and it was
still very active: https://ebird.org/checklist/S232669946.
Thanks for the trail clearing you did last year!
Waterproof boots are a must, and I recommend rain pants. Mine got a lot of
mud on them from an hour on the wet trails.
Diane
On Sun, May 4, 2025 at 6:47 AM Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <
<cth4...> wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Conditions are shaping up for this spring to potentially be one of the
> better spring migrations at the Hawthorn Orchard in East Ithaca in recent
> years. This past Friday morning and Saturday morning may be a tell of great
> things to come this week as spring migration advances ahead of schedule.
>
> A few notes:
>
> — Tortricid moth larvae are already chowing down on the hawthorn leaves
> and rolling themselves up into their namesake leaf-rolled daytime harbors.
> Flying insects abound, including already present mosquitoes. These food
> resources are why birds descend into this location for the day.
>
> — The area is lush and wet, making some effort quite muddy and drenching,
> so wear appropriate mud boots and even rain pants to avoid any unfortunate
> soakings.
>
> — There are NO deer ticks at this location—one hypothesis being that it’s
> too wet for their hosts (white-footed deer mice) or the ticks themselves,
> and there are few oaks in the main Hawthorn Orchard.
>
> — This is the first year in well over a decade that this area has not
> experienced a pre-migration hard freeze, and that has afforded the plants
> and insects here to flourish this year—and in turn provide great cover and
> food for neotropical migrants passing through our area.
>
> — The Hawthorn Orchard hawthorns are already in near full bloom, and the
> recent rains have been hugely beneficial.
>
> Please submit any sightings to eBird and please share sightings here or,
> if you are on Discord, to the Cayuga-Lake-Basin-Chat channel. I will be
> unable to make regular visits this week, unfortunately, but look forward to
> reading about what people are seeing.
>
> Here are two checklists to skim, one from Friday morning (5/2)
> <https://ebird.org/checklist/S231956365> and from Saturday morning (5/3)
> <https://ebird.org/checklist/S232469646>.
>
> Enjoy and good birding!!
>
> Sincerely,
> Chris T-H
> 607-351-5740
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
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Date: 5/4/25 3:47 am From: Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <cth4...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Hawthorn Orchard: 5/2 and 5/3
Hi Everyone,
Conditions are shaping up for this spring to potentially be one of the better spring migrations at the Hawthorn Orchard in East Ithaca in recent years. This past Friday morning and Saturday morning may be a tell of great things to come this week as spring migration advances ahead of schedule.
A few notes:
— Tortricid moth larvae are already chowing down on the hawthorn leaves and rolling themselves up into their namesake leaf-rolled daytime harbors. Flying insects abound, including already present mosquitoes. These food resources are why birds descend into this location for the day.
— The area is lush and wet, making some effort quite muddy and drenching, so wear appropriate mud boots and even rain pants to avoid any unfortunate soakings.
— There are NO deer ticks at this location—one hypothesis being that it’s too wet for their hosts (white-footed deer mice) or the ticks themselves, and there are few oaks in the main Hawthorn Orchard.
— This is the first year in well over a decade that this area has not experienced a pre-migration hard freeze, and that has afforded the plants and insects here to flourish this year—and in turn provide great cover and food for neotropical migrants passing through our area.
— The Hawthorn Orchard hawthorns are already in near full bloom, and the recent rains have been hugely beneficial.
Please submit any sightings to eBird and please share sightings here or, if you are on Discord, to the Cayuga-Lake-Basin-Chat channel. I will be unable to make regular visits this week, unfortunately, but look forward to reading about what people are seeing.
Just in from Sapsucker: Incredible views of Golden winged and blue winged warblers!!! Additionally, black and white, cape may, yellow, yellow rumped, common yellow throat, nashville, parula, kinglets, rose breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting and orioles.
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Date: 5/3/25 10:06 am From: <tess...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] [labird] Proposed change to definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act
Since the following has the potential to considerably change birds and birdwatching, I wanted to bring it to the attention of list serve members. I am not advocating any action or position, simply offering it for your consideration.
The federal government is proposing to significantly limit the Endangered Species Act's power to preserve crucial habitats by changing the definition of "harm." The proposed rule change would continue to ban actions that directly hurt or kill wildlife, but explicitly removes habitat modification from being considered "harm" for purposes of the Act. If the change is adopted, it will make it easier to log, mine, and build on lands that presently are protected as essential for endangered species to thrive. The official summary of the actual changes, along with the explanation for why the government feels they are appropriate and links to the various changes proposed, can be found at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/17/2025-06746/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act . Comments in support of or opposition to the proposed changes can be made online through May 19 at the same URL <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/17/2025-06746/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act>. You do not need to be a scholar or scientist or lawyer to comment, your opinion matters just as a citizen. All comments are registered and must be considered. (Of course, comments by scholars, scientists, and lawyers are welcome, too.)
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Date: 5/3/25 8:38 am From: Regi Teasley <rltcayuga...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Hummingbird
Our first Hummingbird arrived and was sampling the nectar in the Fothergilla flowers. It will probably also find the Bleeding Heart flowers.
Regi
West Hill in the city
___________
Protect what is left, recover what is lost of the fair earth.
William Morris, “Art and the Beauty of the Earth.” 1881
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Date: 5/3/25 7:27 am From: Colleen Richards <clr82...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Cayuga Bird Club May meeting
The Cayuga Bird Club May meeting will be Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7:30pm (book signing 6:45pm) at the
Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Our speaker, Tina Morris, will present her book "Return to the Sky: The Surprising Story of How One Woman and Seven Eaglets Helped Restore the Bald Eagle".
In talking to us about "Return to the Sky", Tina Morris will share her remarkable story that is as much about the human spirit as it is about birds of prey. She will also talk about the birds themselves!
In the fall of 1975, on the eve of the US bicentennial, The Peregrine Fund at Cornell, led by Tom Cade, was selected to reintroduce Bald Eagles into New York State in the hope that the species could eventually repopulate eastern North America. Tina, supported by Peregrine biologists, was handed an assignment to rehabilitate a population that had been devastated by the effects of DDT.
The challenges were prodigious--there was no model to emulate for a bird of the eagle's size, for one--but Tina soon found that her own path to self-discovery and confidence-building was deeply connected with the survival of the species she was chosen to protect. Ultimately, Tina and the team spent two years playing "mother" to seven eaglets at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, east of Seneca Falls in New York.
At a time when the mass extinction of bird species is a critical global topic, Return to the Sky reminds us how, with a mix of common sense, resilience, and resolve, humans can be effective stewards of the natural world.
About the Speaker: Tina completed her graduate work in ornithology and wildlife biology at Cornell in 1978, writing her thesis on the adaptations of hacking techniques to reintroduce bald eagles. Following her studies at Cornell, she worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy for several years, focusing on endangered species and critical habitat conservation, before embarking on a 23-year career teaching English and biology. Since her retirement in 2020, she has devoted her time to her own writing, especially creative non-fiction with a science or nature focus. Thirty years ago, with four children in tow, Tina and her husband bought a farm in northern Massachusetts, which they manage as a wildlife sanctuary, promoting biodiversity and habitat protection for species in decline.
Book Signing: Tina will be signing copies of her book from 6:45-7:30pm. Books will be available for purchase from Wild Birds Unlimited, or you can purchase the book ahead of time from your favorite bookseller.
Evening Schedule:
6:45pm: book signing, cookies, and socializing
7:20 pm: reading of the basin bird list
7:30pm: Cayuga Bird Club meeting
~7:50pm: presentation by Tina Morris ************There will also be a speaker dinner at 5:30 pm at Sumo Restaurant with Tina and her husband. If interested in attending, please rsvp to <clr82...> by noon on Monday, May 12. Have a great week of birding! Colleen RichardsCorresponding SecretaryCayuga Bird Club
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Date: 5/2/25 8:30 am From: Marie P. Read <mpr5...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Bobolinks! And GCFlycatcher.
Bobolinks have returned to the Mt Pleasant fields! I saw one male singing, and heard other flight calls overhead. Small sample size, I know, but the singing male was in the area on the south side of the road that was left unmowed for part of last summer during a study. In my experience, the first male to arrive go to the fields on the north side of the road.
And at my home on Ringwood Road, the loud calls of a Great Crested Flycatcher.
Marie
Date: 5/1/25 10:26 am From: Laura Stenzler <lms9...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Golden eagle
Golden eagle over our house on Hunt Hill Rd, Dryden at 1:20 today. slow circles. Good look at wedge tail, long flat wings with prominent fingers. Dark body. Much, much larger than a raven and different flight. Yay!
Laura
Laura Stenzler
<lms9...>
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The following was posted on Facebook:
------------------------------
Taughannock Falls State Park Peregrine Falcon Nest Update
Several days ago, New York State Park staff from the Finger Lakes
observed that the Peregrine Falcon nesting site on the north wall of
the Taughannock Falls gorge was no longer occupied and that there were
no signs of the recently hatched chicks. Staff continued to
investigate, looking for signs of the chicks at the base of the gorge
wall without any success. Based on reports of a Great Horned Owl in
the vicinity of the park on eBird this past weekend, it is possible
that the nest may have been raided. This is a normal, unfortunate but
not uncommon, instance of predation.
Staff are hopeful that the parents will return and establish a second
clutch of eggs in the next few weeks.
Park staff also continue monitor two other nest sites in the Finger
Lakes with one nesting pair demonstrating behaviors that are
consistent with the three eggs being close to hatching. A third nest,
in the gorge at Stony Brook State Park, contains 3 or 4 eggs that, if
all goes well, would be scheduled to hatch in mid-May.
------------------------------
Suan
On Thu, May 1, 2025 at 11:18 AM Tim Gallagher <twg3...> wrote:
>
> I stopped by the Taughannock Gorge Peregrine eyrie yesterday afternoon. Sadly, the nest ledge was empty. I had just returned from a week in Idaho the night before last and was eager to check on the nest. There had been three tiny chicks and one unhatched egg last week, before I left Ithaca. I suspect that a Great Horned Owl raided the nest, but it’s hard to say for sure. I feel very sad about this. I have a long history with this nest site, reaching back long before they started nesting here again. Here’s a link to an article I wrote for Audubon a few years ago. https://www.audubon.org/news/peregrine-falcons-finally-return-nest-their-most-famous-us-eyrie >
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Date: 5/1/25 8:18 am From: Tim Gallagher <twg3...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Taughannock Peregrines
I stopped by the Taughannock Gorge Peregrine eyrie yesterday afternoon. Sadly, the nest ledge was empty. I had just returned from a week in Idaho the night before last and was eager to check on the nest. There had been three tiny chicks and one unhatched egg last week, before I left Ithaca. I suspect that a Great Horned Owl raided the nest, but it’s hard to say for sure. I feel very sad about this. I have a long history with this nest site, reaching back long before they started nesting here again. Here’s a link to an article I wrote for Audubon a few years ago. https://www.audubon.org/news/peregrine-falcons-finally-return-nest-their-most-famous-us-eyrie
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Date: 5/1/25 8:02 am From: Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <cth4...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Hawthorn Orchard: East Ithaca — May 1, 2025
This morning, I made my first brief visit to the Hawthorn Orchard of the year. Trails that I cleared last year with help from Scott Anthony and some hand pruning by others, seem to be in pretty good shape.
Currently the most open section of trail is accessible at the northeast edge of this Cornell Botanic Gardens Natural Area, just northwest of the Niemand-Robinson Softball Field outfield, behind the Reis Tennis Center. This trail meanders along the northernmost ravine edge trail and parallels opposite the ravine south of Mitchell Street. Optimal trail entrance is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NajEeaX22fP3Qb9x7 and there is another access point from the East Ithaca Recreation Way, approximately here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TajjtreW4zT8qJSm7
Parking access is through the dirt trailer parking lot for the Oxley Equestrian Center. I usually drive down the dirt driveway from the northwest corner of the trailer parking lot and then park in the grass along the side of the road just southwest of the outdoor tennis courts. Here’s a parking spot map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zCSG2TWVfe6CTpax6
I have removed the “Area Closed” signage at all major entrances, with permission from Todd Bittner (Director of Cornell Natural Areas), because the Cornell Deer Management season has ended at this location.
Bird-wise, most of the activity was in the northwest region of hawthorns, which still has a residual pile of cracked corn at the deer baiting area, where dozens of White-throated Sparrows, at least one Eastern Towhee, and other birds were feeding. In this area was a single Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Northern Parula. An early Veery and a Hermit Thrush were found part-way along the easternmost trail near the southeast corner of the main Hawthorn Orchard.
I checked the south floodwater impoundment—which has a cattail and phragmites marsh—for possible Virginia Rail and Sora (seen here in past years), but the entire area had been mowed over in mid-October of last year and is currently not suitable habitat. Hopefully there will be more new reed growth in the coming weeks. It would be nice if Cornell would not mow this marsh in the future. Here is an access point for this marsh (if you view the satellite layer, you can see the extensive mower tracks): https://maps.app.goo.gl/YhXX1RrsfLdcpimu9
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Cornell University, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA
Work: +1 607-254-2418 Mobile: +1 607-351-5740 FAX: +1 607-254-1132
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Date: 5/1/25 4:37 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Montezuma Refuge Pelicans
I am being asked why the white pelicans (5 at last count) are showing up at the Refuge (given their breeding range and migration routes). I obviously don't know, but some possibilities are it's migration time so: Blown off course? Birn with faulty orientation software? Young birds not ready for pair bonding so are checking out their new, big world? Any other ideas? If I had to guess I would say young "teenagers" checking out their world.....I've read where they reach sexual maturity at age 3. Any thoughts and ideas are welcomed. At any rate beautiful birds. Sar
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Date: 4/30/25 8:37 am From: <job121830...> <job121830...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] White Pelicans
This isn't the first time white pelicans have stopped at MNWR as they migrate north. I don't have time to check my records. They won't stay long. Having seen my first pelicans in FL 75 yrs. ago, I always believed pelicans were strictly a southern bird so I was amazed to see them in Yellowstone in Aug.1983.Pelicans do migrate to Canada for the summer as far north as British Columbia & Saskatchewan. You can check their migratory routes.Interesting fact ... pelicans have 3 stomachs.
Fritzie Blizzard Union Springs, NY
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10:11:58 PM EDT, Tom Vawter <atvawter...> wrote:
My friend, colleague, and bird photographer par excellance, Miguel Gil, has posted on Facebook photos of White Pelicans at MNWR Today. Isn’t this far outside their range? Have others seen them? Why are they here?
Tom Vawter--C--
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Date: 4/30/25 4:59 am From: Donna Lee Scott <dls9...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] White Pelicans
White pelicans occur in small numbers in the Cayuga Lake basin and at Montezuma NWR fairly often.
We had one fly up the lake by Lansing Station Rd a few years ago.
Donna Scott
Kendal at Ithaca-377
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 29, 2025, at 10:27 PM, Kate T. Finn <midwifinn...> wrote:
We once saw a dozen or more sequential murmerations of white pelicans in groups of 125-250, 500-1000 meters high above the Columbia River, Portland Oregon, and moving northward. Incredible sighting.
On Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 10:11 PM Tom Vawter <atvawter...><mailto:<atvawter...>> wrote:
My friend, colleague, and bird photographer par excellance, Miguel Gil, has posted on Facebook photos of White Pelicans at MNWR Today. Isn’t this far outside their range? Have others seen them? Why are they here?
Date: 4/29/25 7:27 pm From: Kate T. Finn <midwifinn...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] White Pelicans
We once saw a dozen or more sequential murmerations of white pelicans in
groups of 125-250, 500-1000 meters high above the Columbia River, Portland
Oregon, and moving northward. Incredible sighting.
On Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 10:11 PM Tom Vawter <atvawter...> wrote:
Date: 4/29/25 7:11 pm From: Tom Vawter <atvawter...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] White Pelicans
My friend, colleague, and bird photographer par excellance, Miguel Gil, has
posted on Facebook photos of White Pelicans at MNWR Today. Isn’t this far
outside their range? Have others seen them? Why are they here?
Tom Vawter
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Start your May Day with the Thursday Birding Meetup! We'll be gathering at the Cornell Arboretum (near the Sculpture Garden) at 7:00 am. Bird with us until around 8:30 am, or peel off earlier to go to work or other activities. If your schedule permits, please do join us for coffee/breakfast afterward. We decide as a group where we'll go after we're finished with our birding for the morning. Birders of all levels are very welcome to participate. Hope to see you there!
Shelley Page *she/they/ki*
313-550-1437 261 Coddington Road Apt. B Ithaca, New York 14850
https://uuma.zoom.us/j/2065380867 "All that you touch you Change. All that you Change changes you. The only lasting truth is Change. God is Change." Octavia Butler, The Parable of the Sower
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Date: 4/29/25 6:33 am From: Kevin J. Cummings <kjc39...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Blue-winged Warbler
Hi all,
My first Blue-winged Warbler of the year showed up in the yard this morning (Dryden), to join the Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers that arrived a week ago.
Kevin
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Date: 4/29/25 6:11 am From: b_clise <b_clise...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Carolina Wren vs. Chipmunk
We have a carolina wren nesting on the back of our house (a first for my yard), above our stone patio. We usually have plenty of chipmunk traffic but not this year. That feisty wren has been dive bombing them, scolding them, chasing them off, and yesterday actually had a face to face standoff. The wren stood its ground and each time the chippy poked his head out, the wren stood tall and lunged forward at it. In fact it actually waited there for it to reappear. I'm certain this drama will continue.Barbara CliseKing FerrySent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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Date: 4/28/25 9:01 am From: Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <cth4...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] This Friday: Hope is the Thing with Feathers — Ithaca College Concert
For those interested, this Friday, May 2 at 6:00pm, ornithologist Stephen W. Kress will present a pre-concert lecture about Arctic Terns at the Hockett Recital Hall at Ithaca College.
Immediately following, at 7:00pm in Ford Hall, is the premier of the Hope is the Thing with Feathers concert.
On Friday May 2 (2025) in Ford Hall at 7 pm, Ithaca College presents an evening of music inspired by birds, myth and nature. The shared program features Contemporary Chamber Ensemble (CCE) and Treble Chorus.
Conducted by Christopher Coletti and Ho-Yin Kwok, CCE selections include John Luther Adams' delicate Wood Thrush and Leo Brouwer's powerful Los Negros Brujos Se Divierten.
In the second half of the program, Treble Chorus, conducted by Sean Linfors, is joined by soprano Rachel Schutz, tenor Omar Najmi and string faculty (Faran, Kwok, Armbrust, Hesselink and Jarvis) to present the world premiere of Sally McCune's dramatic Stella Maris, Stella Caeli, Sterna Paradisaea.
A semi-staged work with text by Orkney poet Yvonne Gray, the 30-minute cantata celebrates the Arctic Tern, an adept but now threatened survivor in a rapidly changing world. The production features choreography by Amy O'Brien and projections by Ben Robinson.
A pre-concert talk on Arctic Terns will be offered by world-renowned ornithologist Stephen W. Kress at 6 pm in Hockett Recital Hall.
Not to be missed!
Friday, 5/2/2025
6:00pm | Hockett Recital Hall Pre-concert talk with ornithologist Stephen W. Kress on Arctic Terns
7:00pm | Ford Hall Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and Treble Chorale
Sincerely,
Chris T-H
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K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell University, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA
Work: +1 607-254-2418 Mobile: +1 607-351-5740 FAX: +1 607-254-1132
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Date: 4/28/25 8:49 am From: Laura Stenzler <lms9...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Fwd: eBird -- Shindagin Hollow SF--Shindagin Hollow Rd. pavement end -- Apr 28, 2025
A relatively slow morning at Shindagin this morning.
Laura
Laura Stenzler
<lms9...>
Begin forwarded message:
From: Laura Stenzler <lms9...>
Date: April 28, 2025 at 11:47:52 AM EDT
To: Laura Stenzler <lms9...>
Subject: eBird -- Shindagin Hollow SF--Shindagin Hollow Rd. pavement end -- Apr 28, 2025
Shindagin Hollow SF--Shindagin Hollow Rd. pavement end
Apr 28, 2025
9:06 AM
Traveling
1.67 miles
75 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 3.2.2 Build 3.2.21
1 Wild Turkey
1 Mourning Dove
1 Solitary Sandpiper
1 Great Blue Heron
2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
3 Northern Flicker
1 Eastern Phoebe
1 Blue-headed Vireo
4 Blue Jay
1 American Crow
1 Common Raven
3 Black-capped Chickadee
2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 Brown Creeper
1 Winter Wren
7 American Robin
2 Purple Finch
2 American Goldfinch
2 Dark-eyed Junco
2 Song Sparrow
4 Eastern Towhee
6 Red-winged Blackbird
1 Brown-headed Cowbird
1 Common Grackle
8 Ovenbird
1 Black-and-white Warbler
1 Common Yellowthroat
1 Black-throated Blue Warbler
4 Black-throated Green Warbler
Number of Taxa: 30
Laura
Laura Stenzler
<lms9...>
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Date: 4/28/25 8:42 am From: Marie P. Read <mpr5...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Green Herons at Arboretum & cool Blue Jay behavior
Delights from my walk around the Cornell Botanic Gardens Arboretum this morning were:
Two Green Herons - one seen perched in tree next to pond, flushed into flight by a Great Blue Heron landing, then two Green Herons seen flying together over and around the pond area.
Singing Baltimore Oriole.
Small flock of Blue Jays flying tightly and noisily together, then landing and doing their bobbing displays, per Birds of the World "Elaborate Social Display".
Later, on Mt Pleasant Road, a flock of around 20 uncharacteristically silent Blue Jays flying north.
Ah...Spring!
Marie
Marie Read Wildlife Photography
452 Ringwood Road
Freeville NY 13068 USA
e-mail <mpr5...>
Website: http://www.marieread.com AUTHOR of:
Mastering Bird Photography: The Art, Craft, and Technique of Photographing Birds and Their Behavior
Date: 4/28/25 7:39 am From: Deb Grantham <dgg3...> Subject: RE:[cayugabirds-l] Mon Am Salt Point+ 40 species
Wow!
I started hearing Carolina wrens here a few days ago. Iradell Road near 96, town of Ithaca.
Deb
From: <bounce-128749443-83565122...> <bounce-128749443-83565122...> On Behalf Of Christopher Sperry
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 10:24 AM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Mon Am Salt Point+ 40 species
A rich morning with 40 species starting at:
Salt Point with lots of Warbling Vireos, Grackles, Chipping Sparrows, House Wrens, as well as Hooded and Common Mergansers, Bluebirds, Catbirds, Goldfinch, Tree Swallows, plus Doney, Red Bellied, Flicker, Piliated, American Crow, Song Sparrows, House Sparrows, Osprey, Mallard, Canada Geese, Mourning Dove, Chickadee, Titmouse, Starlings, Red Winged Blackbirds, Blue Jays, Cormorants, Kingfisher, Robins, and Cardinals. Merlin claimed a Brown Trasher, Common Loon and Ruby Crowned Kinglet.
Then at Edward Cliffs initial field we added Towhee, Brown Headed Cowbirds, Common Yellowthroat, and Fish Crow with Merlin claiming Vesper Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Willet, and American Pipit.
Ended at Stewart Park Swan Pond where we added Carolina Wren, House Finch, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vultures, Wood Ducks and a pair of immature bald Eagles.
Date: 4/28/25 7:34 am From: Jane Frances Bunker <jfb324...> Subject: RE:[cayugabirds-l] Mon Am Salt Point+ 40 species
That is impressive!
And the FOY Baltimore Oriole in my yard in Ellis Hollow. 😊
Jane
From: <bounce-128749443-90604053...> <bounce-128749443-90604053...> On Behalf Of Christopher Sperry
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 10:24 AM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Mon Am Salt Point+ 40 species
A rich morning with 40 species starting at:
Salt Point with lots of Warbling Vireos, Grackles, Chipping Sparrows, House Wrens, as well as Hooded and Common Mergansers, Bluebirds, Catbirds, Goldfinch, Tree Swallows, plus Doney, Red Bellied, Flicker, Piliated, American Crow, Song Sparrows, House Sparrows, Osprey, Mallard, Canada Geese, Mourning Dove, Chickadee, Titmouse, Starlings, Red Winged Blackbirds, Blue Jays, Cormorants, Kingfisher, Robins, and Cardinals. Merlin claimed a Brown Trasher, Common Loon and Ruby Crowned Kinglet.
Then at Edward Cliffs initial field we added Towhee, Brown Headed Cowbirds, Common Yellowthroat, and Fish Crow with Merlin claiming Vesper Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Willet, and American Pipit.
Ended at Stewart Park Swan Pond where we added Carolina Wren, House Finch, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vultures, Wood Ducks and a pair of immature bald Eagles.
Date: 4/28/25 7:24 am From: Christopher Sperry <csperry...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Mon Am Salt Point+ 40 species
A rich morning with 40 species starting at:
Salt Point with lots of Warbling Vireos, Grackles, Chipping Sparrows, House Wrens, as well as Hooded and Common Mergansers, Bluebirds, Catbirds, Goldfinch, Tree Swallows, plus Doney, Red Bellied, Flicker, Piliated, American Crow, Song Sparrows, House Sparrows, Osprey, Mallard, Canada Geese, Mourning Dove, Chickadee, Titmouse, Starlings, Red Winged Blackbirds, Blue Jays, Cormorants, Kingfisher, Robins, and Cardinals. Merlin claimed a Brown Trasher, Common Loon and Ruby Crowned Kinglet.
Then at Edward Cliffs initial field we added Towhee, Brown Headed Cowbirds, Common Yellowthroat, and Fish Crow with Merlin claiming Vesper Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Willet, and American Pipit.
Ended at Stewart Park Swan Pond where we added Carolina Wren, House Finch, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vultures, Wood Ducks and a pair of immature bald Eagles.
Chris Sperry and Karin Suskin
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Date: 4/27/25 12:03 pm From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] "Transformation" Interpretive Walk at Montezuma Refuge 05/03/2025
Transformation As Earth orbits the Sun, its Northern Hemisphere leans in more deeply toward its parent star, triggering a marvelous alchemy at the planet's surface. Energy that has its source deep in the star's core now finds expression as leaf and flower, bird and beast, invertebrate and fungi, turtle and toad, fish and frog. Join New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer, Pete Saracino, as we explore myriad examples of this wonderful alchemy unfolding. Walks are free and begin at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 10am. Length of walk depends on what we encounter and where we linger, but you can leave as it fits your schedule. Binoculars, appropriate dress and sunscreen are recommended. All ages welcomed. No pets please. Hope to see you there! Pete Saracino/Montezuma Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer
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Date: 4/27/25 11:09 am From: Eveline V. Ferretti <ef15...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] snow geese in Ringwood Rd. (Rt 13 side) area?
Hello friends,
Are snow geese still in the area? (I haven't made it up to Montezuma NWR yet). I ask because my husband, my neighbor, and now I have seen a couple of what we believe are snow geese visiting on the field across our house (just off of Ringwood Rd in Freeville, NY), in our pond (same location) and the farm pond that is just down the road from us. In fact, one is still sitting on the edge of our small pond, having spent some time dabbling, then after hopping onto the bank, grooming itself, and now seemingly resting/asleep in the cool but sunny spring air as I type.
It's a dark adult; I'll venture to call it a Lesser Snow Goose, due to its rather loudly pink (veering towards bright sockeye salmon colored) bill base.
Might anyone else in living in this area have seen these visitors as well? I've lived out here for decades now, and this would be the first.
Eveline (Ferretti)
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Date: 4/26/25 6:58 am From: Thomas Hoebbel Photography <tomhoebbel...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Shindagan Shakedown
Holly and I went to Shindagin forest this morning and observed so many migrants. It was glorious.
Black Throated Green warbler black throated blue ovenbird common yellowthroat black and white warbler ruby crowned kinglet Solitary sandpiper least flycatcher crow raven blue jay song sparrow northern flicker American robin chickadee Towhee rose breasted grosbeak blue headed vireo american goldfinch great blue heron downy flicker mourning dove Cowbird winter wren red bellied yellow bellied sapsucker red winged blackbirds
Merlin picked up Swamp Sparrow, Marsh wren and brown creeper, but I didn't hear those.
Merlin also id'd Bobolinks at our home on Burns rd, so I will go confirm those this morning
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thomas Hoebbel Photo~Video www.TH-Photo.com <http://www.th-photo.com/> linktr.ee/thomashoebbelphotography 607-351-5154 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Date: 4/24/25 7:16 am From: Carol Keeler <carolk441...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Catbird
A catbird just showed up on the jelly feeder. I had an oriole a few days ago but I think it was just passing through. I’ve had two pairs of purple finches coming regularly to my feeders. Yea! Migration is happening.
Sent from my iPhone
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All were observed from my yard on Searsburg Rd in Trumansburg, from
Sunday- today, and all are considered a “first of year” observation for
me. Spring is finally sprung?
-4/20/25
1) return of the bats!
-4/21/25
2) Chipping Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows return, both singing from dawn to
dusk!
-4/22/25
3) Northern House Wren started singing (new to me name!) yesterday
4) Grey Tree Frogs trilling during the day
-4/23/25
5) Heard/saw all of the above again today, as well as:
6) Green frogs singing AND American toads trilling alongside the peepers.
Currently at 8:45 pm
7) Sapsuckers drumming earlier today
8) Bluebirds about 1/2 done with the first nest of the year!
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Thursday Birding Meetup continues tomorrow at Freese Road. Meet at the community gardens (navigate to 135 Freese Road) 7am until you need to leave or decide to join us for breakfast afterwards :-).
Suan
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Date: 4/23/25 7:46 am From: Astrid Jirka <astrid...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] juvenile eagles
Hi everyone - There were 3 juvenile bald eagles hanging around the Treman Marina yesterday afternoon. Amazing!
*Astrid Jirka* Director of Tourism Initiatives ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Discover Cayuga Lake - "Tourism with a Mission" www.discovercayugalake.org <http://discovercayugalake.org/> Tompkins Center for History & Culture, Suite 303 607-327-LAKE (5253)
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Date: 4/23/25 7:16 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] 🌎 STAND UP for the Endangered Species Act this Earth Day
From the folks at the International Crane Foundation, but certainly a MAJOR
concern for lovers of endangered species everywhere.
Please consider contacting your elected representatives.
Pete Saracino
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: International Crane Foundation <info...>
Date: Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 5:30 PM
Subject: 🌎 STAND UP for the Endangered Species Act this Earth Day
To: <petersaracino...>
Last week, the Trump Administration proposed a rule change that would
profoundly weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the most important law
for protecting and conserving threatened plants and animals in our country. We
believe this change would be catastrophic for Endangered Whooping Cranes,
as well as countless other species, and their habitats.
Signed into law in 1973—the same year as the International Crane Foundation
was established—the ESA is a keystone of conservation success. It is
credited with saving 99 percent of the species it protects, like the
Endangered Whooping Crane, which was part of the first cohort of species
protected by the law.
Despite its overwhelming success and public support, the ESA has been
sharply criticized by those who want to increase mining, drilling, and
other land and water resources development that could negatively impact the
habitat requirements for endangered species.
In a rule proposed last week by the U.S. Departments of the Interior and
Commerce, the administration seeks to redefine a single word in the ESA—
“harm”—to mean direct mortality only and not include loss of habitat. This
would rescind the regulatory definition of harm and completely alter what
it means to harm imperiled plants and animals.
The proposed new definition of “harm” states that species are protected
only from intentional killing or injury, such as through hunting or
trapping, and not from the degradation or loss of habitat that plants and
animals need to survive. By emphasizing that harm must be intentional, the
change also allows for killing or injury to endangered plants and animals
by those who did not purposely seek to cause harm. Further, this change
could result in the loss of our ability to effectively site energy
resources, such as large transmission lines, to accommodate endangered
species' migratory pathways.
In the 1940s, only 21 Whooping Cranes remained in the wild due to
unregulated hunting and massive habitat loss. Today, there are more than
690 wild Whooping Cranes, largely due to these vital legal protections and
reintroduction efforts, such as those we lead today. However, the species
remains endangered and still needs our help and legal protections.
With this proposed order, freshwater diversions, wetland drainage, land
development, powerline collisions, and other disturbances at key nesting,
feeding, and roosting sites are expected to increase with this proposed
order. Additionally, we are concerned about proposals that may create
infinite loopholes and legal escapes for anyone who shoots a crane, by
allowing them to claim they didn’t mean to do it and requiring proof beyond
a reasonable doubt that the shooting was intentional, which can be
challenging to establish.
The International Crane Foundation is dedicated to protecting Whooping
Cranes and the wetlands they depend on. Now, we need your help to secure
their future and the future of many other species.
I have been seeing a pair of Osprey interacting pretty frequently from
Maxie's Supper Club parking lot (North end of same block) while on breaks.
Haven't seen nest material yet, but will keep an eye out, thanks for the tip
On Mon, Apr 21, 2025, 8:27 PM Misao Johnson <misaosj...> wrote:
Date: 4/21/25 5:27 pm From: Misao Johnson <misaosj...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Possible osprey's nest?
Just before 4pm today, I was driving on South Meadow Street headed north. Just past Agway on the left there's a Chinese Restaurant called Jade Garden and I saw an Osprey land inside a tall brown box-like structure on top of a long pole. It isn't a regular Osprey platform, it is deeper and you cannot see inside the box-like structure from the street, but the Osprey definitely landed inside it. Unfortunately I was driving and couldn't take a photo of the structure, but it was brownish-tan structure on top of a pole with a blue(?) stripe.
I never noticed an Osprey on this part of S. Meadow Street before so I just thought I would mention it.
Misao Johnson
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When posting sightings, please include something about the location, such as the town. --Marty
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From: <bounce-128737308-3494012...> <bounce-128737308-3494012...> on behalf of James Gaffney <jgaffne2...>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 3:36:40 PM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Siskins
We have at least 15 pine siskins at our feeders today joining our purple finches, gold finches, and resident junco, etc. also white throated sparrow the few days with fox sparrow this morning. Unfortunately, a male purple finch was found under a kitchen window with a small feather stuck to the glass above it. What a beautiful bird
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We have at least 15 pine siskins at our feeders today joining our purple finches, gold finches, and resident junco, etc. also white throated sparrow the few days with fox sparrow this morning. Unfortunately, a male purple finch was found under a kitchen window with a small feather stuck to the glass above it. What a beautiful bird
Sent from my iPhone
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The Towhee was yesterday actually, way down south here in Owego. Also had about 4 or 6 flickers at a time here recently, stabbing away at our lawn. Not sure that it qualifies as a 'guttering' (apparently the collective noun for them!), but we've never had so many at once.
Liz
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Date: 4/21/25 8:54 am From: Christopher T. Tessaglia-Hymes <cth4...> Subject: ADMIN :Re: [cayugabirds-l] Trump Seeks Increased Logging of Finger Lakes National Forest - New York Almanack
As far as I could infer, this article is not misinformative and is far from fear-mongering (outside of one interpretation of the term “regime”)—unless these Executive Orders are in fact considered fear-mongering, in and of themselves.
In general, let’s keep discussions specific to bird sightings, with only limited further informational discussions about actual potential negative impacts to bird habitat in the immediate Finger Lakes area.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Chris T-H
Chris Tessaglia-Hymes
Listowner, Cayugabirds-L
On Apr 21, 2025, at 08:22, Dave Nutter <nutter.dave...> wrote:
Hi John,
I hope all is well at Kestrel Haven.
The article seemed pretty straightforward, quoting an executive order and talking about the national forest. A 25% increase in logging seems substantial. Changing all regulations toward that single goal also seems off from the multi-purpose function of national forests. What was the misinformation?
Thanks
- - Dave Nutter
On Apr 20, 2025, at 3:20 PM, John Gregoire <johnandsuegregoire...> wrote:
This article is irresponsible and loaded with misinformation and should be corrected or taken down. I explained via a comment on the original post'
Chris, suggest you take this fear mongering piece down or publish original comments. This Trump hating stuff needs to cease. The Biden hate was pablum compared to what we see now.
On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 3:11 PM Regi Teasley <rltcayuga...><mailto:<rltcayuga...>> wrote:
Birders,
Take note. And be ready.
Date: 4/21/25 5:23 am From: Dave Nutter <nutter.dave...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Trump Seeks Increased Logging of Finger Lakes National Forest - New York Almanack
Date: 4/20/25 5:55 pm From: <cayugabirds.wispy238...> Subject: Re: [Possible phishing attempt] Re: [cayugabirds-l] Trump Seeks Increased Logging of Finger Lakes National Forest - New York Almanack
Which parts of the story can you specifically refute?
On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 15:20, John Gregoire <[<johnandsuegregoire...>](mailto:On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 15:20, John Gregoire <<a href=)> wrote:
> This email failed anti-phishing checks when it was received by SimpleLogin, be careful with its content. More info on [anti-phishing measure](https://simplelogin.io/docs/getting-started/anti-phishing/)
>
> This article is irresponsible and loaded with misinformation and should be corrected or taken down. I explained via a comment on the original post'
>
> Chris, suggest you take this fear mongering piece down or publish original comments. This Trump hating stuff needs to cease. The Biden hate was pablum compared to what we see now.
>
> On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 3:11 PM Regi Teasley < <rltcayuga...> wrote:
>
>> Birders,
>> Take note. And be ready.
>>
>> https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2025/04/finger-lakes-national-forest/ >> Regi
>> ___________
>> Protect what is left, recover what is lost of the fair earth.
>> William Morris, “Art and the Beauty of the Earth.” 1881
>>
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>>
>> ARCHIVES:
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>> 2) surfbirds_DOT_com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds
>> 3) aba_DOT_org/birding-news/
>>
>> Please submit your observations to eBird:
>> ebird_DOT_org/content/ebird/
>>
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Date: 4/20/25 2:54 pm From: Regi Teasley <rltcayuga...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Trump Seeks Increased Logging of Finger Lakes National Forest - New York Almanack
Marie, for the past three winters, I have been on Ochlockonee Bay, FL (flows into Gulf of Mexico) mid-January through March. The Yellow-rumped Warblers are abundant. They are often at the suet feeder, but they also visit the hummingbird feeder! At first, I thought they were drinking the rain water that collects in the cavities intended for jelly, but no. They are at the small holes where they can access the syrup. I have never had a hummingbird at that feeder, but the Yellow-rumps do compete with the Red-bellied Woodpeckers who also enjoy the syrup. I keep the syrup level high so the Yellow-rumps can reach it. (I am assuming their tongues are shorter.)
Holly
Date: 4/20/25 12:20 pm From: John Gregoire <johnandsuegregoire...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Trump Seeks Increased Logging of Finger Lakes National Forest - New York Almanack
This article is irresponsible and loaded with misinformation and should be
corrected or taken down. I explained via a comment on the original post'
Chris, suggest you take this fear mongering piece down or publish
original comments. This Trump hating stuff needs to cease. The Biden hate
was pablum compared to what we see now.
On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 3:11 PM Regi Teasley <rltcayuga...> wrote:
> Birders,
> Take note. And be ready.
>
> https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2025/04/finger-lakes-national-forest/ > Regi
> ___________
> Protect what is left, recover what is lost of the fair earth.
> William Morris, “Art and the Beauty of the Earth.” 1881
>
>
>
> --
>
> (copy & paste any URL below, then modify any text "_DOT_" to a period ".")
>
> Cayugabirds-L List Info:
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>
> ARCHIVES:
> 1) mail-archive_DOT_com/cayugabirds-l@cornell_DOT_edu/maillist_DOT_html
> 2) surfbirds_DOT_com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds
> 3) aba_DOT_org/birding-news/
>
> Please submit your observations to eBird:
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Date: 4/20/25 12:11 pm From: Regi Teasley <rltcayuga...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Trump Seeks Increased Logging of Finger Lakes National Forest - New York Almanack
Date: 4/20/25 7:22 am From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] "Transformation" Guided Interpretive Walk this Saturday (4/26) at Montezuma Refuge
Description "Transformation" As Earth orbits the Sun, its Northern Hemisphere leans in more deeply toward its parent star, triggering a marvelous alchemy at the planet's surface. Energy that has its source deep in the star's core now finds expression as leaf and flower, bird and beast, invertebrate and fungi, turtle and toad, fish and frog. Join New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer, Pete Saracino, as we explore myriad examples of this wonderful alchemy unfolding. Walks are free and begin at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 10am. Length of walk depends on what we encounter and where we linger, but you can leave as it fits your schedule. Binoculars, appropriate dress and sunscreen are recommended. All ages welcomed. No pets please. Hope to see you there! Pete Saracino/Refuge Volunteer Naturalist/New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer
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A recording of last week's Cayuga Bird Club presentation by author Diane Ackerman, "Wings and Waves: Adventures with Albatrosses and Whales from Japan to Patagonia", is now available at https://youtu.be/tE2strYd9Aw
Suan
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I've seen a Yellow-rumped Warbler eating suet in the middle of winter once, so what you saw doesn't surprise me. Mind you, it was -40 when I saw my suet-eating warbler, so it would have been overjoyed to find any High-Energy source of food.
Wesley
________________________________
From: <bounce-128733681-3494022...> <bounce-128733681-3494022...> on behalf of Marie P. Read <mpr5...>
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 18:31
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Yellow-rumped Warbler eating suet!
A Yellow-rumped Warbler in my yard just now, eating a few scraps of suet from the suet feeder before moving on. First I've ever seen that happen. Anyone else?
Marie
Marie Read Wildlife Photography
452 Ringwood Road
Freeville NY 13068 USA
Date: 4/18/25 3:40 pm From: Joel D. Baines <jdb11...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Chipping sparrow
In Lansing: First chipper at the feeder this afternoon, and a revisit of some purple finches over the last few days...only males so far.
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: <bounce-128733681-92932511...> <bounce-128733681-92932511...> on behalf of Marie P. Read <mpr5...>
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 6:31:06 PM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Yellow-rumped Warbler eating suet!
A Yellow-rumped Warbler in my yard just now, eating a few scraps of suet from the suet feeder before moving on. First I've ever seen that happen. Anyone else?
Marie
Marie Read Wildlife Photography
452 Ringwood Road
Freeville NY 13068 USA
Date: 4/18/25 3:31 pm From: Marie P. Read <mpr5...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Yellow-rumped Warbler eating suet!
A Yellow-rumped Warbler in my yard just now, eating a few scraps of suet from the suet feeder before moving on. First I've ever seen that happen. Anyone else?
Marie
Marie Read Wildlife Photography
452 Ringwood Road
Freeville NY 13068 USA
Date: 4/18/25 7:44 am From: Marie P. Read <mpr5...> Subject: Re:[cayugabirds-l] (Blue-headed) Vireo AND Brown Thrasher
I can add a Brown Thrasher to my list of new arrivals here this morning!
M
Marie Read
452 Ringwood Road
Freeville NY 13068 USA
________________________________
From: <bounce-128732412-5851667...> <bounce-128732412-5851667...> on behalf of Marie P. Read <mpr5...>
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 8:51 AM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] (Blue-headed) Vireo
Heard singing briefly from my Ringwood Road woods this morning, a vireo, presumably Blue-headed although I didn't see it.
And new in the yard, multiple Purple Finches, one Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Towhee male, and a pair of E. bluebirds checking out the nest box!
Love this time of year!
Marie
"Where there's a will there's a way!"
"Embrace the journey"
"And the truth shall set you free"
"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do" Goethe
"So walk on air against your better judgement Seamus Heaney
________________________________
From: <bounce-128732283-93376038...> <bounce-128732283-93376038...> on behalf of Laura J. Heisey <ljh2...>
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 8:31:29 AM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Brown Thrasher in Newfield
Finally! A few days later than Id expected, but very welcome all the same.
Date: 4/18/25 5:59 am From: Joel D. Baines <jdb11...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Rc kinglet
Three rc kinglets appeared in our yard in Lansing this morning with one flashing his ruby-colored crown!
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: <bounce-128732412-92932511...> <bounce-128732412-92932511...> on behalf of Marie P. Read <mpr5...>
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 8:51:47 AM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: [cayugabirds-l] (Blue-headed) Vireo
Heard singing briefly from my Ringwood Road woods this morning, a vireo, presumably Blue-headed although I didn't see it.
And new in the yard, multiple Purple Finches, one Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Towhee male, and a pair of E. bluebirds checking out the nest box!
Love this time of year!
Marie
Date: 4/18/25 5:52 am From: Marie P. Read <mpr5...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] (Blue-headed) Vireo
Heard singing briefly from my Ringwood Road woods this morning, a vireo, presumably Blue-headed although I didn't see it.
And new in the yard, multiple Purple Finches, one Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Towhee male, and a pair of E. bluebirds checking out the nest box!
Love this time of year!
Marie
Date: 4/17/25 12:00 pm From: Peter Saracino <petersaracino...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Winter Into Spring Interpretive Walk Continues this Saturday at Refuge
Folks it's a great day for an early spring hike this Saturday (4/19) to see things like swelling buds of silver and red maples, and rosettes of biennieal plants that have braved the cold winter months while holding a space/place till Spring, and wild chives offering their pungent greenery, and recently returned cavity nesters like martins and tree swallows and wood ducks, not to mention robins and redwings and grackles and song sparrows and phoebes and cardinals and cranes and tundra swans and osprey and eagles and even maybe a great horned owl...well, ya just never know. Hope to see you there. 10 am at Visitor Center. Sar
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Date: 4/17/25 4:15 am From: Donna Lee Scott <dls9...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Pine Warbler
I just had a lone Pine Siskin at my feeders!
Earlier I had a red fox & a male mallard at feeders
& in the night, an almost all white skunk!
Donna Scott
Kendal at Ithaca-377
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 16, 2025, at 4:04 PM, Htva Waxwing <waxwing...> wrote:
No Pine Warbler yet, but yesterday had a male Purple Finch and a Pine Siskin at my feeder here at Alder Pond, near Mecklenberg.
Ken Haas
KennethHaasPhotos.com
Sent from my iPad
On Apr 16, 2025, at 1:53 PM, madonna stallmann <madonnaoftheprairie...> wrote:
We've had a pine warbler visiting our suet feeder several times this past week.
💐 Madonna
On Wed, Apr 16, 2025, 1:51 PM Annette Nadeau <anadeau336...><mailto:<anadeau336...>> wrote:
There's a male Pine Warbler foraging under my feeders this afternoon here in Trumansburg. Poor little guy.
Date: 4/16/25 6:24 am From: Suan Hsi Yong <suan.yong...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Thursday Birding Meetup @ Myers Park tomorrow
Thursday Birding Meetup continues tomorrow 7am at Myers Park, meet near the spit. Morning will start off cold (close to freezing) with a light breeze, but clear with the sun hopefully warming things up quickly.
Suan
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Date: 4/15/25 12:24 pm From: Suan Hsi Yong <suan.yong...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Bird Walk at the Seneca Meadows Wetland Preserve
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Leff, Fred <fred.leff...>
Saturday April 19, 2025. Bird Walk in Seneca County. We will be meeting by 8:45 AM at the Seneca Meadows Education Center at 1977 NYS Route 414 in Waterloo, NY 13165. Then we will drive (carpooling if desired) to the Seneca Meadows Wetland Preserve: Location: 1712 Black Brook Road in Seneca Falls, NY 13148 at 9:00 AM. We will see decent number of waterfowl, raptors, including a potential breeding pair of Bald Eagles, possible herons/egrets, and relatively early migrant songbirds. We will walk about 3 miles in 3 hours. Some of the trails are very wet, so please wear waterproof boots. Please reply by Thursday 4/17 by email <fred.leff...> or call/text to 315) 956-0462. Optional: If there is any interest, we will bird at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and possibly other sites in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.
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Date: 4/14/25 7:32 am From: Robyn Bailey <rb644...> Subject: RE: [cayugabirds-l] Size of Acreage needed to host ground nesting birds?
Just to add to what others have said, it’s important to keep in mind that there are plenty of common ground-nesting birds that might be in a meadow that are not as elusive as Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks, etc. Consider the Killdeer, Wild Turkey, and Song Sparrow as examples of a few such species that would be affected by the mowing of smaller parcels. So I wouldn’t say you don’t need to be concerned about disturbing ground-nesting birds at all on smaller parcels, even in your backyard.
Take care,
Robyn Bailey
NestWatch Project Leader
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
From: <bounce-128720786-15067888...> <bounce-128720786-15067888...> On Behalf Of <tess...>
Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2025 4:10 PM
To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <CAYUGABIRDS-L...>
Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Size of Acreage needed to host ground nesting birds?
On 4/12/2025 12:54 PM, madonna stallmann wrote:
Hello Bird Brains! 😁
I recently finished a class about meadow restoration. The instructor made a statement about ground nesting birds that I had not heard before. It goes like this: "If you don't have acreage of 18 or more acres, you don't need to be concerned about disturbing ground nesting birds while conducting restoration activities (ie. mowing)." I was unable to ask for a study reference before the class ended. Is there anyone out there who can verify the instructor's statement? OR Do you know where I might find information that will verify the amount of undisturbed meadow acreage that ground nesting birds require to establish a nesting site?
