Under feeders in backyard.Update: as of Saturday, the 25th of Oct., 11 Pine Siskins are the high. Interesting to keep track of them by checking Ethan Kistler's map of Pine Siskin movement in Ohio.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
1st Pine Siskin of the season
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Apparently, from reports from farther north, it is going to be a good bumper crop year for Pine Siskins. Below is one of many to come. Only 1 so far...
Under feeders in backyard.
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Under feeders in backyard.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sparrow banding Sunday at Miami Whitewater
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Last Sunday, Jaime and I went to the annual sparrow banding event put on by the Avian Research and Education Institute at Miami Whitewater Park. Good birds were seen, however no "good" (i.e. LeConte's, Henslow's, or Nelson's Sharptails) sparrows were caught except for Lincoln's.
Sister Marty Dermody was also conducting a Big Sit at the wetlands. There were some good birds on the list when I left.
And, here is a bad photo of a Nelson's Sharptailed Sparrow I found on my comp from years past at MW (my old crappy camera). Look at the pointy tail for which it is named.
And, just for a break from sparrows, here is a female Hairy Woodpecker that was caught out in the fields (?) Love the nictitating membrane!
There were also good butterflies flying around. Here is a Common Buckeye, they were everywhere!
Answer to quiz bird: Alternate form Savannah Sparrow
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Sister Marty Dermody was also conducting a Big Sit at the wetlands. There were some good birds on the list when I left.
Answer at bottom of post.
And, here is a bad photo of a Nelson's Sharptailed Sparrow I found on my comp from years past at MW (my old crappy camera). Look at the pointy tail for which it is named.
And, just for a break from sparrows, here is a female Hairy Woodpecker that was caught out in the fields (?) Love the nictitating membrane!
There were also good butterflies flying around. Here is a Common Buckeye, they were everywhere!
Answer to quiz bird: Alternate form Savannah Sparrow
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Saw-whet Owl banding started
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Visited Mr. Tolford's newly opened Saw-whet Owl banding station in Liberty, IN last night. This is kind of early for this far south, but Project Owlnet requires the project to start on this date. Didn't catch any owls while I was there. I am hoping to be able to go back later in the season when there are some owls, but ol' greedy Dillon still wants his money!!! (I might's well face it, he's the one really getting ahead from my relentless slaving)
Saw-whet from last year at Chillicothe, OH.
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Saw-whet from last year at Chillicothe, OH.Tuesday, July 29, 2008
A day of damselflies
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Last Saturday, I took a walk behind my sister's house on Eight Mile Creek in Anderson Twp., Hamilton Co. Went looking for Odes.
First, I saw many of these, but didn't know what they were
Until I saw it in a wheel
Neon Green, then
Other Odes seen were Variable Dancer and Blue-fronted Dancers. I would not have bee able to ID the damsels on here if it weren't for Bill Hull's help and his wonderful site at http://www.mangoverde.com/ It is definitely worth checking out, as it has audio of birds and pics of birds, odes and lepids from around the world. Tweet
First, I saw many of these, but didn't know what they were
Until I saw it in a wheel
Ebony Jewelwings making love.
I love the males
Neon Green, then
Neon Blue
Also seen was this Powdered Dancer
Other Odes seen were Variable Dancer and Blue-fronted Dancers. I would not have bee able to ID the damsels on here if it weren't for Bill Hull's help and his wonderful site at http://www.mangoverde.com/ It is definitely worth checking out, as it has audio of birds and pics of birds, odes and lepids from around the world. Tweet
Thursday, July 03, 2008
A Po' boys cruise & Birds of Prey Day
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This is the first time that I have ever been in a lock. Pigeons and Barn Swallows were nesting in the cavities of the walls. Plants were growing on the ledges of the lock doors, creating a sort of micro habitat that moves. Below is a picture of a tiger lilly growing on the lock door.
The ride only lasted about an hour and a half, most of which was spent in the locks. It was interesting to see how they work.
After the boat ride, the Clermont Co. Park District's Raptor Day was starting to get going. Susan with Raptor Inc. was 1st up. I always enjoy her enthusiasm. There needs to be more people like her around.
Mother thought it looked like a monkey. It had real silky feathers.
And next, a Hyacinth Macaw from South America. The largest of the macaws and the largest flying parrot species.
And last but certainly not least, Sam the Bald Eagle. Sam is a local celebrity that works for the Cincinnati Reds and even has his own baseball card. Sam is flown before games at Great American Ballpark.
And, just in time for the 4th of July, this nice shot
In between presentations, Jaime and I took a walk in the nearby Crooked Run NP. The insects were better than the birds.
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On June 28th, I took my mother, girlfriend and nephew on an Ohio River cruise aboard BB Riverboat's Mark Twain. My mother always said she wanted to go on a cruise, and this is as close as I can afford, a poor man's cruise if you will. We boarded at the Chilo Lock #34 Park in Chilo.
We all had a good time. At the start of the cruise before boarding, Jaime dropped mother's disposable camera in the river - it was hilarious.
We all had a good time. At the start of the cruise before boarding, Jaime dropped mother's disposable camera in the river - it was hilarious.
This is the first time that I have ever been in a lock. Pigeons and Barn Swallows were nesting in the cavities of the walls. Plants were growing on the ledges of the lock doors, creating a sort of micro habitat that moves. Below is a picture of a tiger lilly growing on the lock door.
The ride only lasted about an hour and a half, most of which was spent in the locks. It was interesting to see how they work.
After the boat ride, the Clermont Co. Park District's Raptor Day was starting to get going. Susan with Raptor Inc. was 1st up. I always enjoy her enthusiasm. There needs to be more people like her around.
Susan with Sylvester. (Click on her blog link above for better and more pics)
Next up was the Cincinnati Zoo's Wings of Wonder Bird Show. Below is a new bird for me, (too bad can't add it to my lifelist) the Spectacled Owl of Central and South America.
Mother thought it looked like a monkey. It had real silky feathers.Next, was a Laughing Kookaburra from Australia. The audience was able to get it going.
And next, a Hyacinth Macaw from South America. The largest of the macaws and the largest flying parrot species.
And last but certainly not least, Sam the Bald Eagle. Sam is a local celebrity that works for the Cincinnati Reds and even has his own baseball card. Sam is flown before games at Great American Ballpark.
And, just in time for the 4th of July, this nice shot
In between presentations, Jaime and I took a walk in the nearby Crooked Run NP. The insects were better than the birds.
Male Blue-fronted Dancer
Banded Hairstreak
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Monday, June 09, 2008
Hard Times
Monday, May 05, 2008
1st Annual Queen City Bird Festival
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Probably the best bird of the day, a breeding plumage male Orchard Oriole.
A very fat (ready to go) White-throated Sparrow (tan stripe) (fat: 5!)
Visitors watching a male Northern Cardinal get banded.
And the cardinal protesting.
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Saturday, May 3rd, Jaime and I attended the 1st Annual Queen City Bird Festival held at the College of Mt. St. Joseph in Delhi, OH. The event was put together by Dr. Jill Russell (prof. at MTSTJ), executive director of The Avian Research and Education Institute (AREI).
The day started out with heavy rain and 25mph winds. It was decided to move the vendors/exhibitors into the small Earth House on the campus. Many local environmental organizations and businesses participated, including Dr. Jon Seymour from Oxbow, Inc, and Susan with raptors from Raptor, Inc. It was too crowded for me to spend much time in the Earth House. It seemed as if the weather would not break, but by noon, the sun came out and the day was nice. This allowed for mist nets to be set up behind the Earth House. Some of the birds below were caught at the new Clifford Bird Observatory which is located in the cemetery behind the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse. Here are a few pictures of birds from that day.
The day started out with heavy rain and 25mph winds. It was decided to move the vendors/exhibitors into the small Earth House on the campus. Many local environmental organizations and businesses participated, including Dr. Jon Seymour from Oxbow, Inc, and Susan with raptors from Raptor, Inc. It was too crowded for me to spend much time in the Earth House. It seemed as if the weather would not break, but by noon, the sun came out and the day was nice. This allowed for mist nets to be set up behind the Earth House. Some of the birds below were caught at the new Clifford Bird Observatory which is located in the cemetery behind the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse. Here are a few pictures of birds from that day.
1st Bird of the day, Tufted Titmouse.
Female Eastern Towhee
Probably the best bird of the day, a breeding plumage male Orchard Oriole.
A very fat (ready to go) White-throated Sparrow (tan stripe) (fat: 5!)
Visitors watching a male Northern Cardinal get banded.
And the cardinal protesting.Even with all the rain, they had 86 participants! Nice number considering the weather. Again, the Russells are to be commended for taking the lead in educating our youth.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Queen City Bird Festival
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News of the upcoming 1st Annual Queen City Bird Festival on Saturday, May 3rd has made it to the Cincinnati Enquirer - Inaugural festival will celebrate the return of migratory birds.
I will be attending. This is what Cincy needs. The Russells are taking the lead to educate our youth about nature. Tweet
I will be attending. This is what Cincy needs. The Russells are taking the lead to educate our youth about nature. Tweet
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Love this bird!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Spring has Sprung
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It is nice to finally see some nice weather. It is amazing how mother nature can lift ones' soul from the gutters. If only more people would look to nature instead of ...
This Great Egret was on the flooded Ohio River banks in New Richmond, OH. Many breeding plumaged Bonaparte's Gulls were flying down the river as well.
This Great Egret was on the flooded Ohio River banks in New Richmond, OH. Many breeding plumaged Bonaparte's Gulls were flying down the river as well.At Home, Red-shouldered Hawks were flying and screaming above me -
and the Spring Beauties are blooming in the backyard.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Grebes at East Fork
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Spent a cold winter, I mean spring day looking for birds in the flooded surroundings of East Fork State Park. Saw some OK birds.
Horned Grebe in Winter Plumage
1 Eastern Phoebe
~10 Red-breasted Mergansers
2 Common Mergansers
~4 Common Loons calling and in breeding plumage
~10 Ruddy Ducks
~20 Horned Grebes
1 EARED GREBE
~10 Pied-billed Grebes
2 GB Herons
Mallards
Ring-necked Ducks
Lesser Scaup
TONS of Buffleheads
1 Northern Shoveler male sleeping
Canada Geese
The Grebes and Buffleheads were swimming in the flooded parking lots at the beach.
Horned Grebe in Winter PlumageEared Grebe - this bird was different in profile than the nearby Horned Grebe. It got close enough to me that I could see in my scope the yellow plumes by the eye, but my camera's batteries died. This bird was molting. It had the high peek above eye and dark tip to bill. (the pic looks better on my camera than here for some reason)
Never seen an Eared Grebe before, so this would be a lifebird.
TweetMonday, March 03, 2008
5th Annual Adams County Amish Bird Symposium
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Jaime and I attended the Adams County Amish Bird Symposium Saturday, March 1st after missing it last year. We had a good time overall. Wonderful speakers and good food.
Chris Bedel from the Cincinnati Museum Center's Edge of Appalachia gave the introduction. Robert Schlabach, a member of the Holmes Co. Amish Community, was the first speaker. It is always interesting listening to the stories of the Amish birders. The one thing from his speech that stuck out in my mind was his comment that "If you stay out long enough, all the birds will come to you" or something like that. I got to thinking about that statement. We, as in most birders, aren't as connected to nature as we would like to be. With the Internet, fancy birding gadgets, etc., our birding time is usually minimal. When we do go out, we usually hit all of the proven spots looking for good birds. Makes me wonder what good birds are going unnoticed right under our noses?
Other speakers included:
Dr. Geoffrey E. Hill, Scharnagel Professor of Biology at Auburn University of Alabama. His presentation was based on his book Ivorybill Hunters - The Search for Proof in a Flooded Wilderness, which recounts a recent POSSIBLE encounter with an Ivory-billed in the panhandle of Florida while doing other ornithological work in the area. Dr. Hill showed video that while not 100% conclusive, was none the less intriguing. I am of one that still believes .
Hummingbird enthusiast/researcher and author of Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America - (Peterson Field Guide Series) Sheri L. Williamson from the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory. Always nice to see the diversity of hummer species.
Ohio Bird Photographer Brian Zwiebel , whose work is outstanding and who also shined an interesting light on some little known shorebird behaviors.
Last and certainly not least, Jenifer Brumfield - Young Ohio Artist/illustrator, Author, Naturalist, Bird Tour Guide, Educator, etc., etc. I remember seeing her posts on the Ohio-birds listserv when I started birding. I was surprised at the time to learn that there were other "kids" involved in birding. Nice to know there are more people around my age that thinks exactly like I do. She is doing great things with the inner city youth of Cleveland. Tweet
Chris Bedel from the Cincinnati Museum Center's Edge of Appalachia gave the introduction. Robert Schlabach, a member of the Holmes Co. Amish Community, was the first speaker. It is always interesting listening to the stories of the Amish birders. The one thing from his speech that stuck out in my mind was his comment that "If you stay out long enough, all the birds will come to you" or something like that. I got to thinking about that statement. We, as in most birders, aren't as connected to nature as we would like to be. With the Internet, fancy birding gadgets, etc., our birding time is usually minimal. When we do go out, we usually hit all of the proven spots looking for good birds. Makes me wonder what good birds are going unnoticed right under our noses?
Other speakers included:
Dr. Geoffrey E. Hill, Scharnagel Professor of Biology at Auburn University of Alabama. His presentation was based on his book Ivorybill Hunters - The Search for Proof in a Flooded Wilderness, which recounts a recent POSSIBLE encounter with an Ivory-billed in the panhandle of Florida while doing other ornithological work in the area. Dr. Hill showed video that while not 100% conclusive, was none the less intriguing. I am of one that still believes .
Hummingbird enthusiast/researcher and author of Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America - (Peterson Field Guide Series) Sheri L. Williamson from the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory. Always nice to see the diversity of hummer species.
Ohio Bird Photographer Brian Zwiebel , whose work is outstanding and who also shined an interesting light on some little known shorebird behaviors.
Last and certainly not least, Jenifer Brumfield - Young Ohio Artist/illustrator, Author, Naturalist, Bird Tour Guide, Educator, etc., etc. I remember seeing her posts on the Ohio-birds listserv when I started birding. I was surprised at the time to learn that there were other "kids" involved in birding. Nice to know there are more people around my age that thinks exactly like I do. She is doing great things with the inner city youth of Cleveland. Tweet
Monday, February 25, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Finally, A NEW Camera!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Great Backyard Bird Count
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Participated in the GBBC sponsored by Audubon and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I did my backyard with a small walk around my neighborhood.
Friday totals:
(Not in order)
Pileated Woodpecker - 1
American Goldfinch - 50
Purple Finch - 2
Blue Jay - 6
Carolina Wren - 1
Mourning Dove - 15
Northern Cardinal - 10
Starling - 20
Song Sparrow - 2
DE Junco - 2 only
White-throated Sparrow - 5
American Tree Sparrow - 3
House Finch - 5
Tufted Titmouse - 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2
Carolina Chickadee - 5
Downy Woodpecker - 2
Hairy Woodpecker - 1
YS Flicker - 1
American Robin - 5
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
House Sparrow - 2
Red-winged Blackbird - 1
Saturday added :
Common Grackle - 1
Sunday added:
Killdeer - 1
Canada Goose - 2
Friday totals:
(Not in order)
Pileated Woodpecker - 1
American Goldfinch - 50
Purple Finch - 2
Blue Jay - 6
Carolina Wren - 1
Mourning Dove - 15
Northern Cardinal - 10
Starling - 20
Song Sparrow - 2
DE Junco - 2 only
White-throated Sparrow - 5
American Tree Sparrow - 3
House Finch - 5
Tufted Titmouse - 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2
Carolina Chickadee - 5
Downy Woodpecker - 2
Hairy Woodpecker - 1
YS Flicker - 1
American Robin - 5
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
House Sparrow - 2
Red-winged Blackbird - 1
Saturday added :
Common Grackle - 1
Sunday added:
Killdeer - 1
Canada Goose - 2
One of the 2 male and 6 female purple finches at the feeders.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Bird Profiles
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Can you guess what bird this is by profile?
(A nice skill to have honed in!)
I see other birders complaining about their cameras and skills, but all I can say is at least one can ID the birds in the pictures! Again, If anyone would like to contribute to my new camera fund please email me. Pic taken at Washington Twp. Park on date above.
Answer: Merlin
TweetFriday, December 07, 2007
Ohio Bird Conservation Symposium
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The day didn’t start off on a good note. About one hour into our trip to Deer Creek State Park in Mt. Sterling, OH, for the 1st ever Ohio Bird Conservation Symposium (sponsored jointly by the Ohio Ornithological Society and The Nature Conservancy) the car I was riding in blew its engine. After about a five hour delay and a bit of money later, we were off again. We arrived at the lodge a little late and the evening festivities have already begun. Running on no sleep from a previous night’s work, I was exhausted. Luckily, others were still arriving after us.
Friday night, Jaime and I met with Scott Weidensaul and got our copy of Return to Wild America signed. That night, we took a trip to near Chillicothe, OH to see the Saw-whet Owl banding setup of Kelly Williams-Sieg.
Saturday consisted of speakers speaking on various topics relating to bird conservation. The speakers were all wonderfully knowledgeable and interesting. Many topics were covered and not just birds were discussed, as everyone knows that everything is connected in the web of life. It just goes to show what can be done when everyone works together to accomplish goals in bird conservation. It also shows what work still needs to be done in Ohio. I especially enjoyed the keynote speaker Scott Weidensaul who discussed his book Return to Wild America. It almost brought me to tears. I forgot my camera in the room that day, and didn’t want to miss any presentations to go back and get it. Also that night, Jaime put in money to a raffle to win me a carved wood decoy of a Blue-winged teal made by Tim and Laura Dornan, and by golly she won it. It really is very nice!
I had a very wonderful time; it was a very nice & needed break from the wheels. For a more detailed account, please see the President of the Ohio Ornithological Society - Jim McCormac’s blog and The Cerulean, the newsletter of the OOS. Tweet
Nov. 30th-Dec 2nd
The day didn’t start off on a good note. About one hour into our trip to Deer Creek State Park in Mt. Sterling, OH, for the 1st ever Ohio Bird Conservation Symposium (sponsored jointly by the Ohio Ornithological Society and The Nature Conservancy) the car I was riding in blew its engine. After about a five hour delay and a bit of money later, we were off again. We arrived at the lodge a little late and the evening festivities have already begun. Running on no sleep from a previous night’s work, I was exhausted. Luckily, others were still arriving after us.
Friday night, Jaime and I met with Scott Weidensaul and got our copy of Return to Wild America signed. That night, we took a trip to near Chillicothe, OH to see the Saw-whet Owl banding setup of Kelly Williams-Sieg.
Saturday consisted of speakers speaking on various topics relating to bird conservation. The speakers were all wonderfully knowledgeable and interesting. Many topics were covered and not just birds were discussed, as everyone knows that everything is connected in the web of life. It just goes to show what can be done when everyone works together to accomplish goals in bird conservation. It also shows what work still needs to be done in Ohio. I especially enjoyed the keynote speaker Scott Weidensaul who discussed his book Return to Wild America. It almost brought me to tears. I forgot my camera in the room that day, and didn’t want to miss any presentations to go back and get it. Also that night, Jaime put in money to a raffle to win me a carved wood decoy of a Blue-winged teal made by Tim and Laura Dornan, and by golly she won it. It really is very nice!
I had a very wonderful time; it was a very nice & needed break from the wheels. For a more detailed account, please see the President of the Ohio Ornithological Society - Jim McCormac’s blog and The Cerulean, the newsletter of the OOS. Tweet
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