OK, that’s a title to decipher!
It translates to: Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) via Canadian Association of Retired People (CARP). At least that I think how CARP started out. I just looked it up. They no longer use it as an acronym for reasons explained at their site:
http://www.carp.ca/about-carp/
I picked up on this idea from a newsletter from Bird Studies Canada. (Hey, Canada is closer to se Michigan than the UP!)
http://www.bsc-eoc.org/index.jsp?lang=EN&targetpg=subscription
(You do not need to subscribe. The URL gives links to their programs on the left side. It was just the fastest way to drop a URL for those curious …
Here is a link to the GBBC summary from the CARP site:
http://www.carp.ca/2012/03/23/carp-members-help-increase-bird-count/
I think it is interesting to see what our northern (and southern – in the case of sw Ontario) neighbors experienced on the GBBC.
But actually the main reason I want to send this out is that there was a post to C.A.R.P. members about the GBBC that generated a huge response for GBBC:
http://www.carp.ca/2011/12/08/count-the-birds/
Does anyone know of anything by AARP in a similar vein? I am an AARP member, but do not recall anything. There are so many AARP members in Michigan! I know some are on the birders list. I know some did the GBBC. But I really believe there is a HUGE number of AARP members (the majority!) who have bird feeders and yet do not consider themselves formal birders or are actively involved in activities that promote birding or the conservation of birds. Not only would it be good for GBBC, but having that group become actively involved in this one activity (as a starter) would generate SO much interest in our birding fascination!
Similar to local news outlets, this is another place to create a positive presence for birding! And, all such forums need ambassadors to post occasional notes.
Anyone see anything on GBBC from local news or AARP?
Just wondering … (or is it rambling and wandering?) …
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
2012-03-23: Just keeping up with past posts to MI Birders:
OK, I just cannot refrain from immediacy. Here is what I wrote to MI Birders on March 23:
After doc appointments today in the same area, we visited Dutton Fields to see if the Horned Larks were still there. It has been a long time since I seeded the area figuring out this year we would never see Snow Buntings or Lapland Longspurs. I was very curious about the Horned Larks that seem to love the habitat anyway!
Initially we saw no Horned Larks, but I was quite rewarded and amazed as we arrived to see a small hawk-thing flying towards me. I did have my binocs out and got great looks at a lifer AMERICAN KESTREL! The camera was still stowed at the time and the bird landed no more than 30 feet from me. Beautiful basically reds and blues! Amazing!!!
By the time I got camera in hand, the bird was off again, but stayed in the general area. It kept landing on the white pipes sticking out of the ground. After pursuit, I finally got a few recognizable pics of it. What a great bird! A lifer! We had only seen a live one before with the falconers who present occasionally at birding events
Check it out:
http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/142255056
Do “next” to see white tips on some tail feathers. This detail often seems lacking in bird books.
No, the pics are not the greatest. When I shot the bird, it was at least 75 yards away – a mere speck in my camera view. But I was lucky!
On reflecting on my pics, I need to again thank my mentor Jerry who taught me how to make the best of my pics.
And, then you can go to the next pic to see really horny Horned Larks! Judy and I loved watching his pair for about 15 minutes! Up in the air intimately singing lovely songs within inches of each other, and then back on the ground as if nothing special were happening. Then I guess his posing got to her, and off they went again!
http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/142255074
Finally, I walked to get some new pics at home (really got some good ones of female Downy WP and WB Nuthatch), but my favorite was some birdie plants doing what I suspected the horny larks were doing! Siberian Squilla.
http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/142255076
Any day birding is better than …
After doc appointments today in the same area, we visited Dutton Fields to see if the Horned Larks were still there. It has been a long time since I seeded the area figuring out this year we would never see Snow Buntings or Lapland Longspurs. I was very curious about the Horned Larks that seem to love the habitat anyway!
Initially we saw no Horned Larks, but I was quite rewarded and amazed as we arrived to see a small hawk-thing flying towards me. I did have my binocs out and got great looks at a lifer AMERICAN KESTREL! The camera was still stowed at the time and the bird landed no more than 30 feet from me. Beautiful basically reds and blues! Amazing!!!
By the time I got camera in hand, the bird was off again, but stayed in the general area. It kept landing on the white pipes sticking out of the ground. After pursuit, I finally got a few recognizable pics of it. What a great bird! A lifer! We had only seen a live one before with the falconers who present occasionally at birding events
Check it out:
http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/142255056
Do “next” to see white tips on some tail feathers. This detail often seems lacking in bird books.
No, the pics are not the greatest. When I shot the bird, it was at least 75 yards away – a mere speck in my camera view. But I was lucky!
On reflecting on my pics, I need to again thank my mentor Jerry who taught me how to make the best of my pics.
And, then you can go to the next pic to see really horny Horned Larks! Judy and I loved watching his pair for about 15 minutes! Up in the air intimately singing lovely songs within inches of each other, and then back on the ground as if nothing special were happening. Then I guess his posing got to her, and off they went again!
http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/142255074
Finally, I walked to get some new pics at home (really got some good ones of female Downy WP and WB Nuthatch), but my favorite was some birdie plants doing what I suspected the horny larks were doing! Siberian Squilla.
http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/142255076
Any day birding is better than …
Friday, March 30, 2012
New post to MI birders
OK, Rob Golda! I just saw a link on your great Hiking Michigan site to my blog!
Damn! And thanks I think! Yes, like everyone you meet, you are trying to make me better! OK, now I am really embarrased that I have not kept my blog up to date!
In my defense, I note I am quite an active participant on the Michigan Birders list administered by the amazing Bruce Bowman. Like Hiking Michigan, the "Birder's List" has grown exponentially in the last couple of years. I forget the numbers, but both of your subscriber lists have more than doubled in that time - I think HM quadrupled! There is a wonderful interest in the outdoors in Michigan facilitated by y'all: - Rob Golda (HM) and Bruce Bowman (birding) - and more people than ever before are joining both forums to learn what natural treasures we have in Michigan and gain an opportunity to experience them.
I came to Michigan from southern California over a decade ago, and guarantee that in such an over-populated space as S. Calif. (even then) there is nothing to compare! There were then, and certainly are now, more people in the Los Angeles/S.Calif. basin alone than the entire population of Michigan! Although southeast Michigan has lost much of the paradise feeling it initially suggested to me through development and housing tracts (I drove thru farmfields less than three miles to reach the Clinton River - Yates Park by the cider mill - with an amazing steelhead fishery! All housing now ... yet the steelhead fishery is getting better thru great management!), the southeast Michigan fore-fathers had enough sense to reserve state and local parks and (especially) Metro Parks as sanctuaries! For about 5 bucks annually, I had access to over 200 DNR access sites where I could launch a boat if I had one. Now for 10 bucks added to our annual vehicle license fee, we can get access to all DNR sites and all state parks!!! As a senior, an annual sticker costs $15 and allows unlimited access to all Metro Parks! Wow! Indeed we are blessed to have open spaces amidst the growing demands and limited opportunities for profits from land! Never take our open spaces for granted lest they disappear! Yes, far less open space thru which to drive than when I arrived, but accessible open natural spaces none-the-less! Michigan is still Paradise considering alternatives!!!
Over the last few months I have not been good at tending my blog. I generally read the "birders list" and respond to things I find interesting before I consider whether thay might be more applicable to a general audience. And perhaps, some birders might indeed have preferred I posted my "rambles" (ramble = a lengthy story) to some other venue. On the other hand, I definitely know from feedback that many birders - especially "newbies" - appreciate my "rambles". I suspect I "gave license" to encourage many "lurkers" (people more shy than I who read the e-mails) to start posting. I am really encouraged that so many new people are posting on the birders list! It is a greatly accepting and very reinforcing forum! I am "hooked" as a birder! And it is really great to see more postings in our local Oakland/Macomb county area than ever before! With the shorter distance, Judy and I have the chance to go see ("chase") new birds.
What I should really do is post my "rambles" on this blog and just post a link on the birders list. I know/knew that. I just get caught up in the moment.
With you, Rob, linking my blog to HM, I really must get better!
Being basically lazy, I cannot do both, so I will strive to post here (on the blog) first and just reference the URL on the birders list. We shall see...
I think I will drop another "ramble" or two from my postings on the birders list here on the blog for now and try to get better.
In any case, Rob, I am sharing with your extended audience! Yes, like everyone you meet, you drive me forward!
BTW, I encourage everyone to share your experiences! Pick any forum! There are lots of folks who will become "activated" when you speak of something local and/or near-and-dear to their hearts! They will learn! You will learn! It's all good!
- "Dr. Bob"
Damn! And thanks I think! Yes, like everyone you meet, you are trying to make me better! OK, now I am really embarrased that I have not kept my blog up to date!
In my defense, I note I am quite an active participant on the Michigan Birders list administered by the amazing Bruce Bowman. Like Hiking Michigan, the "Birder's List" has grown exponentially in the last couple of years. I forget the numbers, but both of your subscriber lists have more than doubled in that time - I think HM quadrupled! There is a wonderful interest in the outdoors in Michigan facilitated by y'all: - Rob Golda (HM) and Bruce Bowman (birding) - and more people than ever before are joining both forums to learn what natural treasures we have in Michigan and gain an opportunity to experience them.
I came to Michigan from southern California over a decade ago, and guarantee that in such an over-populated space as S. Calif. (even then) there is nothing to compare! There were then, and certainly are now, more people in the Los Angeles/S.Calif. basin alone than the entire population of Michigan! Although southeast Michigan has lost much of the paradise feeling it initially suggested to me through development and housing tracts (I drove thru farmfields less than three miles to reach the Clinton River - Yates Park by the cider mill - with an amazing steelhead fishery! All housing now ... yet the steelhead fishery is getting better thru great management!), the southeast Michigan fore-fathers had enough sense to reserve state and local parks and (especially) Metro Parks as sanctuaries! For about 5 bucks annually, I had access to over 200 DNR access sites where I could launch a boat if I had one. Now for 10 bucks added to our annual vehicle license fee, we can get access to all DNR sites and all state parks!!! As a senior, an annual sticker costs $15 and allows unlimited access to all Metro Parks! Wow! Indeed we are blessed to have open spaces amidst the growing demands and limited opportunities for profits from land! Never take our open spaces for granted lest they disappear! Yes, far less open space thru which to drive than when I arrived, but accessible open natural spaces none-the-less! Michigan is still Paradise considering alternatives!!!
Over the last few months I have not been good at tending my blog. I generally read the "birders list" and respond to things I find interesting before I consider whether thay might be more applicable to a general audience. And perhaps, some birders might indeed have preferred I posted my "rambles" (ramble = a lengthy story) to some other venue. On the other hand, I definitely know from feedback that many birders - especially "newbies" - appreciate my "rambles". I suspect I "gave license" to encourage many "lurkers" (people more shy than I who read the e-mails) to start posting. I am really encouraged that so many new people are posting on the birders list! It is a greatly accepting and very reinforcing forum! I am "hooked" as a birder! And it is really great to see more postings in our local Oakland/Macomb county area than ever before! With the shorter distance, Judy and I have the chance to go see ("chase") new birds.
What I should really do is post my "rambles" on this blog and just post a link on the birders list. I know/knew that. I just get caught up in the moment.
With you, Rob, linking my blog to HM, I really must get better!
Being basically lazy, I cannot do both, so I will strive to post here (on the blog) first and just reference the URL on the birders list. We shall see...
I think I will drop another "ramble" or two from my postings on the birders list here on the blog for now and try to get better.
In any case, Rob, I am sharing with your extended audience! Yes, like everyone you meet, you drive me forward!
BTW, I encourage everyone to share your experiences! Pick any forum! There are lots of folks who will become "activated" when you speak of something local and/or near-and-dear to their hearts! They will learn! You will learn! It's all good!
- "Dr. Bob"
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Bird and bee - 2012-03-13
Yesterday I saw my first ever Bluebird here at Streamwood – a new record after more than a dozen years! I did get a few pics; they were not great but confirmed a positive ID.
Judy and I had a great walk! Besides the bluebirds, I shot pics of Crocus and Snow Drops. As I was working on the pics tonight (quite fast as I tend to do things …), in one pic, I saw a bee working the Snow Drops. WOW! It seems really early for bees, but this is a weird winter!
(BTW - I had posted this to a listserv and incorrectly ID'ed the flower as Lily of the Valley - I always really appreciate feedback! Thanks, Joyce!)
Anyway, I think my shot of a Robin is one of my best so I am not embarrassed about posting. It’s different. See: http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/142050028
Do “previous” to see the bee and a few more pics from yesterday.
Gotta love this “winter spring”! This week looks like great weather for birding!
Judy and I had a great walk! Besides the bluebirds, I shot pics of Crocus and Snow Drops. As I was working on the pics tonight (quite fast as I tend to do things …), in one pic, I saw a bee working the Snow Drops. WOW! It seems really early for bees, but this is a weird winter!
(BTW - I had posted this to a listserv and incorrectly ID'ed the flower as Lily of the Valley - I always really appreciate feedback! Thanks, Joyce!)
Anyway, I think my shot of a Robin is one of my best so I am not embarrassed about posting. It’s different. See: http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/142050028
Do “previous” to see the bee and a few more pics from yesterday.
Gotta love this “winter spring”! This week looks like great weather for birding!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Summer Fall Winter Spring - 2012-02-10
OK, I just "rambled" on the Michigan birders list. With great personal lazy drivers, I repost it here. Geez! I just have to "reuse"
Begin post:
OK, I miss-spoke about “Spring sprung” broken. We did have one more wonderful day of “winter spring”. Now, I really suspect Spring really sprang and our wonderful false Spring will now be broken in the following days bringing the jet stream down upon us from the north. (I suspect all local birders know Judy and I are “fair weather birders” so we will “hibernate” for awhile…) Judy coined a new word for the winter we have had so far: “uncomplainable”. Cool!
Today was a beautiful day in high 30’s with wind chills in the high 20’s and Judy and I went to Stoney Creek Nature Center to “hang out” and watch the feeders. We planned no big walks, just wanted to see birds,.
With about an hour of observation, we again saw and photographed the Pine Siskins (feisty birds – they “win” over goldilocks at thistle feeders – see pics) and the Common Redpolls (pics). We saw several Juncos and both Downy and Hairy WP as well as many other birds. Great winter stuff!!! Wonderful!
Note: Y’all should visit your local Nature Centers for fun and warm birding at their feeders!!! Forget the walks! At least as far as I have seen, most birds are around feeder areas! No, not the “best birds” who, albeit displaced, know how to “make it” here in winter, but if you want to see lots of cool birds, some area around a place with feeders is best.
Then we went to Winter Cove (the whole parking lot was open again vs. the last time we went here) and saw two Coopers Hawks and two Eastern Bluebirds! Huh? - Bluebirds? Spring!? OK. Now I need to give up on “land birds” and think about the wading birds as possible harbingers of Spring! Hey, you can’t wade in a frozen pond! (See, I am learning!) Really, what IS the true birdie sign of spring in Michigan? And, do not say Robins, or Red-winged Blackbirds (my former choice) or even Bluebirds or Sandhill Cranes! And do not get too fancy (like the Clay-colored Sparrow). SO WHAT IS the birdie harbinger of Spring in SE Michigan? Please, “Come on back Good Buddies”!
I am not sure about summer and fall, but seeing winter and spring birds in the same day was just SO cool!
Now back to winter that as I predicted in my last note was about to “fall” upon us! In “summery” (sic), how often can one see spring Bluebirds and winter Redpolls and Pine Siskins in the same day?
The obscure ref in the subject of the e-mail was to a phrase I remember from my childhood. I remember Mom talking about “Princess Summerfall Winterspring”. Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Tyler. I think I might have seen Howdy Doody on some occasions but it really made no huge impression, but I have remembered that name after all these years. Interesting that today re-triggered the memory.
See my PBase (URL below) for winter and spring birds in the same day.
I don’t know, I just remember Mom’s words. I certainly do not remember why, but I guess it must have been an important moment for her when I was a kid (I assume we shared something important!) , just as like why today was an important moment for me seeing special winter birds at the same time as I got FOY spring bluebirds. It all comes back sometime. I always really think Mom was the reason why I appreciated Nature and the outdoors to begin with! God bless you and the memories I have of you Mom!
Just thinking/rambling: if I could think of anything especially wonderful to do with kids in our area, I would certainly take them to Kensington Metro Park to hand feeding birds near the Nature Center area. In California we had the ocean where Mom liked to go. Yet with all the wonders and treasures of the ocean, I never had a lighter than air being light on my hand! (Geez! Y’all do not know what you miss ….!), I suspect nothing would have compared with a flighty weightless being landing on your hand. Never mind, it is not seasonal, I just went off into another ramble … Point here is half of a memory of a childhood princess triggered today …
I put the pics on my PBase site: Oh, just click around … and enjoy …
http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/141414346
Do “next” for a total of 4 new pics.
Begin post:
OK, I miss-spoke about “Spring sprung” broken. We did have one more wonderful day of “winter spring”. Now, I really suspect Spring really sprang and our wonderful false Spring will now be broken in the following days bringing the jet stream down upon us from the north. (I suspect all local birders know Judy and I are “fair weather birders” so we will “hibernate” for awhile…) Judy coined a new word for the winter we have had so far: “uncomplainable”. Cool!
Today was a beautiful day in high 30’s with wind chills in the high 20’s and Judy and I went to Stoney Creek Nature Center to “hang out” and watch the feeders. We planned no big walks, just wanted to see birds,.
With about an hour of observation, we again saw and photographed the Pine Siskins (feisty birds – they “win” over goldilocks at thistle feeders – see pics) and the Common Redpolls (pics). We saw several Juncos and both Downy and Hairy WP as well as many other birds. Great winter stuff!!! Wonderful!
Note: Y’all should visit your local Nature Centers for fun and warm birding at their feeders!!! Forget the walks! At least as far as I have seen, most birds are around feeder areas! No, not the “best birds” who, albeit displaced, know how to “make it” here in winter, but if you want to see lots of cool birds, some area around a place with feeders is best.
Then we went to Winter Cove (the whole parking lot was open again vs. the last time we went here) and saw two Coopers Hawks and two Eastern Bluebirds! Huh? - Bluebirds? Spring!? OK. Now I need to give up on “land birds” and think about the wading birds as possible harbingers of Spring! Hey, you can’t wade in a frozen pond! (See, I am learning!) Really, what IS the true birdie sign of spring in Michigan? And, do not say Robins, or Red-winged Blackbirds (my former choice) or even Bluebirds or Sandhill Cranes! And do not get too fancy (like the Clay-colored Sparrow). SO WHAT IS the birdie harbinger of Spring in SE Michigan? Please, “Come on back Good Buddies”!
I am not sure about summer and fall, but seeing winter and spring birds in the same day was just SO cool!
Now back to winter that as I predicted in my last note was about to “fall” upon us! In “summery” (sic), how often can one see spring Bluebirds and winter Redpolls and Pine Siskins in the same day?
The obscure ref in the subject of the e-mail was to a phrase I remember from my childhood. I remember Mom talking about “Princess Summerfall Winterspring”. Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Tyler. I think I might have seen Howdy Doody on some occasions but it really made no huge impression, but I have remembered that name after all these years. Interesting that today re-triggered the memory.
See my PBase (URL below) for winter and spring birds in the same day.
I don’t know, I just remember Mom’s words. I certainly do not remember why, but I guess it must have been an important moment for her when I was a kid (I assume we shared something important!) , just as like why today was an important moment for me seeing special winter birds at the same time as I got FOY spring bluebirds. It all comes back sometime. I always really think Mom was the reason why I appreciated Nature and the outdoors to begin with! God bless you and the memories I have of you Mom!
Just thinking/rambling: if I could think of anything especially wonderful to do with kids in our area, I would certainly take them to Kensington Metro Park to hand feeding birds near the Nature Center area. In California we had the ocean where Mom liked to go. Yet with all the wonders and treasures of the ocean, I never had a lighter than air being light on my hand! (Geez! Y’all do not know what you miss ….!), I suspect nothing would have compared with a flighty weightless being landing on your hand. Never mind, it is not seasonal, I just went off into another ramble … Point here is half of a memory of a childhood princess triggered today …
I put the pics on my PBase site: Oh, just click around … and enjoy …
http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/141414346
Do “next” for a total of 4 new pics.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Recent stuff - Spring sprang and now springing Spring broken?
I posted this on the Michigan Birder's list. I copy it here. I really no longer have the energy to generate more than one "ramble" at a time, and wanted to thank Mich birders for their help. Yes, I often "ramble" on the Mich birders (a very accepting forum!) and ignore my blog ...
Many great days recently! My indicator of spring – the Red-winged Blackbird – appeared twice. Yes, Allen I really appreciated your note to me (relative to robins and my spring RWBB indicator) about your sighting of so many RWBB at Erie Marsh this January and I see some postings on the list about RWBB recently and so maybe I need to revise my spring indicator. So, maybe – like Robins – some RWBB hang around. Or is this a weird year? So if not Robins, RWBB, Bluebirds (Stoney recently and Kensington most years), Sandhill Cranes (most recently at Stoney and I am sure Kensington as in most years) and the Kinglets and “butter butts” also being reported this year, what bird is the true indicator of Spring?
At Holland Ponds we were rewarded with the sighting (and backlit pics) of American Widgeon male and female. (Thanks listers! We rarely go there in winter). This is only the second time we ever saw a Widgeon and never so close! As we were walking the main road to Waterfowl Pond to see the ducks, four Red-winged Blackbirds (“tik”, “chuck”, or whatever the familiar sound issuing forth) flew overhead. Huh? Spring?
The next day a RWBB appeared on my deck! Spring! Geez, it was 50 degrees – could have been spring! There were a few more back in the woods making beautiful “here I am” noises at Streamwood. Silly birds…
And at Holland Ponds, I heard some other weird noises – short whistles! Seemed like the older bird-watching couple across the pond was whistling, but the noise did not seem to come from them. From my books, I learned Widgeons make a whistle. Interesting. It was sure strange! Geez, I sure would love to see a Fulvous Whistling Duck (not in Michigan) just to be able to say I saw one! It is in the books and its name sticks in my memory and just rolls off the tongue enough to make it so fascinating! Well anyway, I think I heard a whistling duck (Widgeon), but not the unrelated Whistling Duck. Or was it just the older couple on the other side throwing their whistles and messing with me? We later saw them walking back to their car holding hands. That sight was a true treasure and a lasting memory of a beautiful day birding!
Also while I was watching the Widgeons, I heard some new sounds. Mallards for sure, but very weird - Judy pointed me to the source and I managed to get a few pics of a male Mallard pushing a female under water while biting her neck. First time we ever saw that. Quick!!! Ah, spring! (Is this the time they DO that? What’s the gestation?)
At Stoney Creek Nature Center, we were lucky to get two Common Redpolls (male and female) and a Pine Siskin – both FOY for us. Again, thanks to the list for steering us there! By chance (binocs are good for people too!) we saw my former best bass tournament fishing buddy Terry across from the observation deck where we started and called him over to the Nature Center. He has now traded his bass boat for optics and is hooked on birding. It sure makes sense! Fishing and birding are not so different – seeking, finding, capturing (pics). Both are addictive! And, it is a heck of a lot cheaper considering the amount of gas the 250 hp engines on a bass boat eat, and also more convenient considering that you can “bird” anywhere at any time! It is cool that Terry is now birding! Anyway, the siskin and redpolls were “lifers” for Terry.
On another recent day, while walking the Stoney Creek West Branch Trails, we were fortunate to meet up with Kevin again. On the phone while I asked about the last location of my nemesis PIWO, he had asked me if we saw the Barred Owl. No, I said. I knew exactly where it was supposed to be, and we looked and did not see it as we had walked by. After we met up with Kevin (Thanks, Kevin for meeting us there!), we looked with “new eyes” on the same tree. There it was! It looks like a “bump on a log”! The streaking on the owl’s breast blends perfectly with the bark pattern of the tree! A beautiful “bump on a log”! Go see:
http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/141279901 (do “next” for one more pic)
Anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone for reporting your sightings and to pass along a new “ramble” of the brief spring we enjoyed. I suspect from the weather reports I may finally be able to get “doing” what I need to do at home instead of impulsively birding every nice day. (Hey, in Michigan in winter we take any great day as an opportunity!)
Well, if the brief “Spring spring” is rewound and winter cometh, then bring on more Redpolls, Siskins, and Crossbills – and a few Lapland Longspurs would be nice as well! That would be wonderful! And, for sure the Snowy Owls are amazing! Let’s hope they find food and stay healthy!
BTW, I am going to repost this on my blog. I notice I never posted anything since last summer. “Doing” sure beats blogging… and as much as I would like, it seems harder as I age to do both. I sure heartily applaud the people who can do both!!!
Many great days recently! My indicator of spring – the Red-winged Blackbird – appeared twice. Yes, Allen I really appreciated your note to me (relative to robins and my spring RWBB indicator) about your sighting of so many RWBB at Erie Marsh this January and I see some postings on the list about RWBB recently and so maybe I need to revise my spring indicator. So, maybe – like Robins – some RWBB hang around. Or is this a weird year? So if not Robins, RWBB, Bluebirds (Stoney recently and Kensington most years), Sandhill Cranes (most recently at Stoney and I am sure Kensington as in most years) and the Kinglets and “butter butts” also being reported this year, what bird is the true indicator of Spring?
At Holland Ponds we were rewarded with the sighting (and backlit pics) of American Widgeon male and female. (Thanks listers! We rarely go there in winter). This is only the second time we ever saw a Widgeon and never so close! As we were walking the main road to Waterfowl Pond to see the ducks, four Red-winged Blackbirds (“tik”, “chuck”, or whatever the familiar sound issuing forth) flew overhead. Huh? Spring?
The next day a RWBB appeared on my deck! Spring! Geez, it was 50 degrees – could have been spring! There were a few more back in the woods making beautiful “here I am” noises at Streamwood. Silly birds…
And at Holland Ponds, I heard some other weird noises – short whistles! Seemed like the older bird-watching couple across the pond was whistling, but the noise did not seem to come from them. From my books, I learned Widgeons make a whistle. Interesting. It was sure strange! Geez, I sure would love to see a Fulvous Whistling Duck (not in Michigan) just to be able to say I saw one! It is in the books and its name sticks in my memory and just rolls off the tongue enough to make it so fascinating! Well anyway, I think I heard a whistling duck (Widgeon), but not the unrelated Whistling Duck. Or was it just the older couple on the other side throwing their whistles and messing with me? We later saw them walking back to their car holding hands. That sight was a true treasure and a lasting memory of a beautiful day birding!
Also while I was watching the Widgeons, I heard some new sounds. Mallards for sure, but very weird - Judy pointed me to the source and I managed to get a few pics of a male Mallard pushing a female under water while biting her neck. First time we ever saw that. Quick!!! Ah, spring! (Is this the time they DO that? What’s the gestation?)
At Stoney Creek Nature Center, we were lucky to get two Common Redpolls (male and female) and a Pine Siskin – both FOY for us. Again, thanks to the list for steering us there! By chance (binocs are good for people too!) we saw my former best bass tournament fishing buddy Terry across from the observation deck where we started and called him over to the Nature Center. He has now traded his bass boat for optics and is hooked on birding. It sure makes sense! Fishing and birding are not so different – seeking, finding, capturing (pics). Both are addictive! And, it is a heck of a lot cheaper considering the amount of gas the 250 hp engines on a bass boat eat, and also more convenient considering that you can “bird” anywhere at any time! It is cool that Terry is now birding! Anyway, the siskin and redpolls were “lifers” for Terry.
On another recent day, while walking the Stoney Creek West Branch Trails, we were fortunate to meet up with Kevin again. On the phone while I asked about the last location of my nemesis PIWO, he had asked me if we saw the Barred Owl. No, I said. I knew exactly where it was supposed to be, and we looked and did not see it as we had walked by. After we met up with Kevin (Thanks, Kevin for meeting us there!), we looked with “new eyes” on the same tree. There it was! It looks like a “bump on a log”! The streaking on the owl’s breast blends perfectly with the bark pattern of the tree! A beautiful “bump on a log”! Go see:
http://www.pbase.com/doctorbass/image/141279901 (do “next” for one more pic)
Anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone for reporting your sightings and to pass along a new “ramble” of the brief spring we enjoyed. I suspect from the weather reports I may finally be able to get “doing” what I need to do at home instead of impulsively birding every nice day. (Hey, in Michigan in winter we take any great day as an opportunity!)
Well, if the brief “Spring spring” is rewound and winter cometh, then bring on more Redpolls, Siskins, and Crossbills – and a few Lapland Longspurs would be nice as well! That would be wonderful! And, for sure the Snowy Owls are amazing! Let’s hope they find food and stay healthy!
BTW, I am going to repost this on my blog. I notice I never posted anything since last summer. “Doing” sure beats blogging… and as much as I would like, it seems harder as I age to do both. I sure heartily applaud the people who can do both!!!
2011 Recap
Placeholder! I want to recap our last year.
Lots of stuff to post! Been busy "doing" and not posting. This has been a mild winter in Michigan, so we have been still "doing". I suspect winter will soon be upon us and I wil have time to catch up.
Lots of stuff to post! Been busy "doing" and not posting. This has been a mild winter in Michigan, so we have been still "doing". I suspect winter will soon be upon us and I wil have time to catch up.
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