Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Hudson Mohawk Birds > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Sunday, May 11 at 11:08 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Tree Sparrow,©David Sibley

12 May More Sandpipers at Cox. Grasslands ["Richard Guthrie" ] 11 May Some old friends returning... [David ] 11 May Merlin, Blackpoll Warbler, Orchard Oriole, and other weekend birds [Matthew Medler ] 11 May Re: Solitary Sandpiper [Alan Mapes ] 12 May Solitary Sandpiper ["Clint" ] 11 May Siskins [Alan Mapes ] 11 May Silent Spring Two? ["Kinglet" ] 11 May Round Lake and the Anthony Kill [] 11 May forgot ["Sue Stewart" ] 11 May today ["Sue Stewart" ] 11 May Green Heron ["Don" ] 11 May Wilson's Warblers, Charlton ["jnphotonet" ] 10 May Bobolink - Grafton State Park ["woodygillies" ] 10 May Mohawk Bike Path from RRStation to Lock Rd. ["flipsbliss50" ] 10 May Sora + Orchard Oriole Coxsackie Creek Grasslands ["Richard Guthrie" ] 10 May Birds & Breakfast [Alan Mapes ] 10 May Bethlehem Elm Ave Park Fitness Trail - 5/10/08 - 7:45am [Debra Ferguson ] 10 May Tan Hairy [Priscilla ] 10 May Vischer Ferry, Rotterdam Erie Canal/bike path ["jnphotonet" ] 9 May Re: help ["Kinglet" ] 09 May Vischer Ferry 4-6:30PM ["flipsbliss50" ] 09 May help ["marne_onderdonk" ] 09 May FOS Scarlet Tanager (M&F) ["Diane Steele" ] 09 May Gobbling Down my Seeds [Alan French ] 9 May Re: Help with Bird ID - photo from Vischer's Ferry NP [David ] 09 May Re: Help with Bird ID - photo from Vischer's Ferry NP [Alan Mapes ] 09 May Help with Bird ID - photo from Vischer's Ferry NP ["cpkbh1" ] 09 May Help with Bird ID - photo from Vischer's Ferry NP ["cpkbh1" ] 09 May White Crowned Sparrow ["Frank Conley" ] 9 May Warbler song help ["Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs" ] 9 May Wood thrush + RBN ["lnmp" ] 08 May Whip-poor-will Monitoring Volunteers Wanted [Matthew Medler ] 8 May Re: Help with warbler song [Debra Ferguson ] 8 May Re:white crowned sparrow in East Greenbush [Dodi ] 8 May Re: Help with warbler song [David ] 8 May Re: Help with warbler song ["Penny and Larry Alden" ] 8 May Re: Baby bluebirds question [Priscilla ] 8 May Re: Baby bluebirds question [David ] 8 May FW: Warbler Song - trying again ["Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs" ] 8 May Warbler Song - trying again ["Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs" ] 8 May Help with warbler song ["Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs" ] 8 May Baby bluebirds question [Priscilla ] 08 May White-crowned Sparrows ["grossman.bernard" ] 08 May white crowned sparrow in East Greenbush ["mar315row" ] 07 May A Noisy Morning ["grossman.bernard" ] 7 May Bionic Beak [Will Raup ] 7 May NNYBirds: Bionic Beak [Will Raup ] 7 May HMBC needs field trip leaders ["lnmp" ] 6 May Not so solitary Solitary Sandpipers ["Gerry Colborn" ] 6 May Bethlehem Elm Ave Park fitness trail - Tues. 6:45 pm - same old same old [Debra Ferguson ] 07 May They are arriving fast- Nice Osprey Yesterday ["kernscot" ] 07 May Grafton FOS Birds ["woodygillies" ] Subject: More Sandpipers at Cox. Grasslands From: "Richard Guthrie" <gaeltic AT capital.net> Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 00:07:43 -0400 This afternoon, I had a little time to look around the grasslands some more. In addition to this mornings Greater Yellowlegs (3), Solitary Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (6); and Spotted Sandpiper (3) I was able to add Lesser Yellowlegs (2); and another Solitary Sandpiper. Also, Greene Heron, Sora, and a couple of late (for this particular area) White-throated Sparrows The Orchard Oriole from yesterday was not relocated today. The Savannah Sparrows and Spotted Sandpipers are nesting now, so if entering the area, please be mindful of their presence and be careful to avoid nesting areas. I finally got my hummingbird feeder up at home today and lo and behold, a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird promptly obliged. Rich Guthrie New Baltimore, The Greene County, New York gaeltic AT capital.net http://blogs.timesunion.com/birding/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Some old friends returning... From: David <datrac2000 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 20:43:06 -0700 (PDT) Very active in my neck of the woods today (5/11/08). Highlights include: Grouse drumming (flushed him later accidentally) Bobolinks back Nesting Kestrels in box FOS Hummingbird Numerous Baltimore Orioles- 1 female with nest material; males fighting with each other everywhere. Warblers: Black throated GW, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Chesnut Sided Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Ovenbird, N. Parula, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Black and White Warbler, Blue Winged Warbler. I struggle with flycatchers but had looks at lesser and greater, maybe more if my skills were better. RB Grosbeaks savaging my sunflower feeders. Bluebird babies getting set fledge in a week or so. Misses: Couldn't find an indigo bunting or brown thrasher. Couldn't find a Nashville warbler nor a Black-throated blue warbler. -David (Old Chatham) --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Merlin, Blackpoll Warbler, Orchard Oriole, and other weekend birds From: Matthew Medler <mdm2 AT cornell.edu> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 23:23:15 -0400 I spent a bit of time birding Friday evening, Saturday morning, and again this morning (11 May 2008). Unfortunately, I don't have time to post all the details now, but I did want to share some general thoughts and highlights. I spent Saturday morning walking the length of the trail at the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (as profiled in the HMBC birding guide). There was a lot of bird activity here, dominated by YELLOW WARBLER (26), GRAY CATBIRD (21), WARBLING VIREO (15), BALTIMORE ORIOLE (17), and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS (9). At the same time, I had relatively few migrant songbirds--one NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, one male BLACKPOLL WARBLER (singing), 15 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, and one WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. The most notable bird here, though, was a MERLIN heard vocalizing several times, either from over the river, or from across the river. I've been meaning to post something about the possibility of Merlins nesting here in the Capital District, but I'm afraid that discussion will have to wait for another time. Other birds that caught my attention here were AMERICAN REDSTARTS, a pair of NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS (apparently nesting in one of the old Erie Canal locks), two YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS, one VEERY foraging on the trail, five singing WOOD THRUSHES, three GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHERS, three BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS, three GREEN HERONS, and two singing LEAST FLYCATCHERS. Melanie McCormack and I visited the Niskayuna Railroad Station this morning, and while it was relatively birdy, things were again relatively quiet on the migrant front. We heard a single YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and saw a single WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. I believe that was it in terms of clear migrant songbirds. The dominant migrant group was shorebirds. We noted a few peeps (small shorebirds in the genus Calidris) out on the one remaining mud flat on the river, and eventually realized that there were more than 40 altogether! The birds were distant, but we were able to identify several of them as LEAST SANDPIPERS. There were also single GREATER YELLOWLEGS and LESSER YELLOWLEGS along the river, and a SOLITARY SANDPIPER along the edge of a pond. Near the shorebirds on the river were a pair of lingering GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Also seen along the river, but closer to the railroad station, was an immature BALD EAGLE that I also saw on Friday evening. Finally, we heard an ORCHARD ORIOLE singing from a large tree in one of the largest patches of cattails on the opposite side of Rosendale Road. Oh, and during a very quick stop at the Lisha Kill, we heard a singing NORTHERN PARULA. So, there are some migrants out there, but at least from my experience, not a ton so far... Finally, while at the Log Jam Restaurant near Lake George today, I had two good "listens" of a FISH CROW that flew overhead. Good birding, Matt Medler Niskayuna Subject: Re: Solitary Sandpiper From: Alan Mapes <aamapes AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 22:41:52 -0400 If you had read recent posts on hmbirds, you would have the answer. Solitary is very common in this region during migration. Alan Mapes Clint wrote: > > We think the bird we saw and photographed today at the small fountain > pond in Oakwood Cemetery in Troy was a solitary sandpiper. Please take > a look at the photos and see if you agree. Have they been seen in this > area before? Here are the photos: > > www.catbirdnotes.com/photos/solitary > > Thanks! Clint and Naomi > > Subject: Solitary Sandpiper From: "Clint" <MBQUZKDYJXIH AT spammotel.com> Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 02:29:24 -0000 We think the bird we saw and photographed today at the small fountain pond in Oakwood Cemetery in Troy was a solitary sandpiper. Please take a look at the photos and see if you agree. Have they been seen in this area before? Here are the photos: www.catbirdnotes.com/photos/solitary Thanks! Clint and Naomi Subject: Siskins From: Alan Mapes <aamapes AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 21:22:17 -0400 Had two Pine Siskins at the sunflower feeder today, just for a short time. Seems to fit with a pattern of these guys showing up over the past week or two in the region. Brown Thrasher continues to come to the peanut suet. Alan Mapes Delmar Subject: Silent Spring Two? From: "Kinglet" <kinglet AT adelphia.net> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 21:06:06 -0400 We had a difficult time compiling 80 species yesterday for our Birdathon. Beautiful day but there was little birdsong.... Baltimore Orioles and Warbling Vireos were everywhere, but few warblers. We did manage to find one Nashville, a few Yellows, a single Common Yellowthroat and two Yellow-rumps. I did notice that it is very dry around here - many spots that were marshy last year have only the dried remains of last season's cattails and not a drop of moisture - therefore few insects. Perhaps the lack of flying food has pushed the birds to other routes. Is it as quiet elsewhere? Mona Bearor S. Glens Falls Subject: Round Lake and the Anthony Kill From: ScottJStoner AT aol.com Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 20:47:04 EDT Sat afternoon May 10 - the heronry is down from last year - only 15 nests, 13 appeared active. Lost at least 10 since last year - either the tree itself or the nest, but they are gone. Warbling vireo and Balt. oriole, no migrants. Anyone have any info about this colony? **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: forgot From: "Sue Stewart" <stewart51 AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 18:49:23 -0400 S. Bush /Burnt Hills--GreenHeron S. Stewart [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: today From: "Sue Stewart" <stewart51 AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 18:43:49 -0400 BackAcresBurntHills--RBGrosbeak, Bobolink, FieldSparrow, BEKingfisher(LaRue Creek Jenkings Rd), Scotch B-CoopersHa on nest, GrayCatbird, Ovenbird, Sue S [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Green Heron From: "Don" <scoop748 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 15:35:33 -0000 Yesterday my wife and I were driving one of our favorite areas, the Tow Path Rd. Kingsbury along the Old Champlain Canal, my wife got some quick shots of a very elusive Green Heron. Check our site http://arewethereyet-scoop.blogspot.com/ Subject: Wilson's Warblers, Charlton From: "jnphotonet" <jnphotonet AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 13:42:24 -0000 There are 2 Wilson's Warblers hanging out by the small bridge over LaRue Creek on Jenkins Rd. in Charlton. A nice migrant to see as they do not nest in NY, except on very rare occasions. There is a common yellowthroat here but no yellow warblers, so if you see two yellow colored warblers flying around, look for the male Wilson's black cap. This stretch of undeveloped road in Charlton also had this morning: Blue-winged warblers Bobolink Field Sparrow Eastern Towhee Wood thrush Solitary sandpiper 2 common loons flew over, one calling! Jeff Nadler Subject: Bobolink - Grafton State Park From: "woodygillies" <woodygillies AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 23:31:46 -0000 We have a male bobolink in the meadow near the large cattail marsh across from the main entrance to Grafton State Park. My wife spotted the bird this morning while I was at Five Rivers and I heard it calling when I got back early this afternoon. It is the first time we have seen a bobolink on the Rennselaer Plateau. Has anyone ever seen a bobolink at higher elevations in eastern Rennselaer County? Woody Gillies Grafton Subject: Mohawk Bike Path from RRStation to Lock Rd. From: "flipsbliss50" <pseward AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 22:36:29 -0000 Late afternoon walk along the bike path produced these rewards: Ospray (out over the river) These 3 birds within 2 minutes: Baltimore Oriole Rose Breasted Grosbeak Cardinal American Redstart Gold Finch Red Tail Hawk Tufted Titmouse Black Throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Back Cap Chickadee Robins, Robins and more Robins They are out numbering the Redwing Blackbirds I forgot to mention the other day at Vischer Ferry the Canada Geese have had their goslings. Most with 3 but some as many as 6. Very cute. Good Birding Phil Subject: Sora + Orchard Oriole Coxsackie Creek Grasslands From: "Richard Guthrie" <gaeltic AT capital.net> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 17:52:49 -0400 I stopped by the grasslands preserve today for a brief look and listen: Two Sora Rails plus a second yr. Orchard Oriole amongst Yellow Warblers, C. Yellowthroats, R-b. Grosbeaks and a New Baltimore Oriole I'm sure there was more, but I was pressed for time. Rich Guthrie New Baltimore, The Greene County, New York gaeltic AT capital.net http://blogs.timesunion.com/birding/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Birds & Breakfast From: Alan Mapes <aamapes AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 14:34:37 -0400 Folks, More than 40 members took part this morning in the Birds & Breakfast outing at Five Rivers. Groups of birders started at 6, 7 and 8:00 AM. Highlights included : - Wild Turkey (male displaying to two females) - Chimney Swift - Blue-headed Vireo - Red-breasted Nuthatch - Blue-winged, Yellow, Black-throated Green, Pine, Prairie, Ovenbird, Northern & Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellowthroat and Wilson's Warblers - White-crowned Sparrow - Rose-breasted Grosbeak - Baltimore Oriole - Bobolink Photos of the event can be seen at : http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/563371576SjDGrM Alan Mapes Subject: Bethlehem Elm Ave Park Fitness Trail - 5/10/08 - 7:45am From: Debra Ferguson <fergieny AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 08:19:23 -0700 (PDT) Location: Elm Ave Park Fitness Trail Observation date: 5/10/08 Notes: Canada Goose was fly-over. American Goldfinch and Red-winged Blackbird were on Elm Ave. Number of species: 15 Canada Goose X Red-tailed Hawk X Blue Jay X American Crow X Black-capped Chickadee X American Robin X Gray Catbird X Yellow-rumped Warbler X Ovenbird X Common Yellowthroat X Northern Cardinal X Indigo Bunting X [near fitness station 10/11] Red-winged Blackbird X Common Grackle X American Goldfinch X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) I was also greeted by Cottontail although not "lots" as last time and a pair of white-tailed deer. Deb Ferguson Delmar, NY ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Subject: Tan Hairy From: Priscilla <greenmtbluebird AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 05:51:30 -0700 (PDT) Has anyone ever seen a hairy woodpecker that is about the color of peanut butter where the white usually is?? I thought I was seeing a sapsucker at first, but the markings are that of a hairy. I have seen both a male and female at the suet feeder (which has a peanut butter mixture in it). They look the same color as the food they are eating! Also, "my" bluebird pair have already started work on a second nest - in a box on the other side of the yard. They are together all day, so I assume the one fledgling did not survive as well. Usually the parents disappear for a week or so when the nestlings fledge. Priscilla Leonard Ballston Lake --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Vischer Ferry, Rotterdam Erie Canal/bike path From: "jnphotonet" <jnphotonet AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 01:32:47 -0000 In addition to what Phil posted about Vischer Ferry, I also saw this evening: Northern Waterthrush-1 Common yellowthroat - numerous Eastern kingbird - 3 mink- 2 and earlier on the Rotterdam path along the old Erie canal yellow warbler- more than abundant Am. redstart - several rose-breasted grosbeak Balt. oriole - very abundant osprey warbling vireo greater yellowlegs gray catbird no doubt, the most common bird seen today in abundance was this: http://www.jnphoto.net/yellowwarbler-n3395.jpg Jeff Nadler Subject: Re: help From: "Kinglet" <kinglet AT adelphia.net> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 19:48:56 -0400 I had the same experience at my mom's house-except the carcass was a baby rabbit. Nasty... Mona Bearor So. Glens Falls, NY ----- Original Message ----- From: "marne_onderdonk" To: Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 6:38 PM Subject: [HMBirds] help : Tonight we just returned home and I looked out and saw the crow. It : had something gray and red in the birdbath. Upon getting a better : view with the binocs, it was half a squirrel, hind legs, tail, guts : and all in my birdbath. Of course, the crow flew off and LEFT it : there. : : I don't want to deprive other birds of water but this is a little : too much for me. Should I keep the bath dry for some period of time : or what? Also, I probably need to disinfect it with something? : Bleach and water solution? : : Marne (who isn't particularly squeamish but ICK ICK ICK ICK) : : : ------------------------------------ Subject: Vischer Ferry 4-6:30PM From: "flipsbliss50" <pseward AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 23:41:43 -0000 Left work early, it getting contagious. Here are the notables seen at Vischer Ferry: Yellow Warblers (many) White Crowned Sparrows (2 together) Rose Breasted Grosbeak GBH (6) Gray Cat Birds Baltimore Oriole Yellow Rumps Common Yellowthroat Tree and Barn Swallows Eastern Kingbird Gold Finch White Breasted Nuthatch Phil Subject: help From: "marne_onderdonk" <marne-esq AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 22:38:38 -0000 I love birds of all sorts but this has gotten a little too extreme for me. The last month or so a crow discovered my birdbath. I noticed that rather than having to clean it out every few days, a cleaning and fresh water was required every day. The crow was bringing all kinds of food, I guessed, to help soften or break down in the water. For example, I would find peanuts, peanut shells and even dog biscuits. So I thought this was a pretty smart crow (well, they are smart, right). Tonight we just returned home and I looked out and saw the crow. It had something gray and red in the birdbath. Upon getting a better view with the binocs, it was half a squirrel, hind legs, tail, guts and all in my birdbath. Of course, the crow flew off and LEFT it there. I don't want to deprive other birds of water but this is a little too much for me. Should I keep the bath dry for some period of time or what? Also, I probably need to disinfect it with something? Bleach and water solution? Marne (who isn't particularly squeamish but ICK ICK ICK ICK) Subject: FOS Scarlet Tanager (M&F) From: "Diane Steele" <yankeefloral AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 22:34:17 -0000 This was an unexpected pleasure to have a pair in a tree above my feeders. Subject: Gobbling Down my Seeds From: Alan French <adfrench AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 16:48:31 -0400 A Turkey has been under the feeders much of the afternoon. A bit of a surprise to look out and see her there (not that they are uncommon here - just that I don't recall one under the feeders before). I wonder if she knows how expensive seed has gotten? Clear skies, Alan Upper Washout Road, Glenville Subject: Re: Help with Bird ID - photo from Vischer's Ferry NP From: David <datrac2000 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 13:04:05 -0700 (PDT) ? First-year male Baltimore Oriole... they don't get breeding plumage. Did you see the underparts? cpkbh1 wrote: Hi folks, Yesterday, I took this photo at VSNP and am having a lot of trouble getting ID on the bird. Any help would be appreciated. The bird was flitting around in a tree near a male Baltimore Oriole and was about the same size. http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2550145580065162350EXNmlr? vhost=good-times thanks in advance for any help. Ken H. --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Help with Bird ID - photo from Vischer's Ferry NP From: Alan Mapes <aamapes AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 16:02:18 -0400 Ken - this is a puzzle. It's an oriole, but the greenish color made me thing Orchard Oriole at first. A look at the books, however, lead me to look at the colored outer tail feathers. That and the black head make it an immature male Baltimore, I think. What do others think? Thanks for sharing the photo. Alan Mapes cpkbh1 wrote: > > Hi folks, > Yesterday, I took this photo at VSNP and am having a lot of trouble > getting ID on the bird. Any help would be appreciated. > The bird was flitting around in a tree near a male Baltimore Oriole and > was about the same size. > http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2550145580065162350EXNmlr? > > vhost=good-times > thanks in advance for any help. > Ken H. > > Subject: Help with Bird ID - photo from Vischer's Ferry NP From: "cpkbh1" <cpkbh1 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 19:44:30 -0000 Hi folks, Yesterday, I took this photo at VSNP and am having a lot of trouble getting ID on the bird. Any help would be appreciated. The bird was flitting around in a tree near a male Baltimore Oriole and was about the same size. http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2550145580065162350EXNmlr? vhost=good-times thanks in advance for any help. Ken H. Subject: Help with Bird ID - photo from Vischer's Ferry NP From: "cpkbh1" <cpkbh1 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 19:44:29 -0000 Hi folks, Yesterday, I took this photo at VSNP and am having a lot of trouble getting ID on the bird. Any help would be appreciated. The bird was flitting around in a tree near a male Baltimore Oriole and was about the same size. http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2550145580065162350EXNmlr? vhost=good-times thanks in advance for any help. Ken H. Subject: White Crowned Sparrow From: "Frank Conley" <fjconl AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 17:17:09 -0000 My wife spotted a first time visitor to our feeder in Troy yesterday, a White-crowned sparrow. Other visitors this week include White Breasted Nuthatch, Brown Headed cowbird, gray catbird, house finch, gold finch and cardinals. Subject: Warbler song help From: "Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs" <wbu AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 10:16:50 -0400 Thanks to everyone in the readership that first of all remained patient with me while I got a sound file out there for you, and secondly who contributed to the discussion. I enjoyed the discussion string immensely, the thought process, the questions posed, the ruled-out, the possibilities, the ruling-in. Seems you all reached an agreement that it was a Yellow-rumped. They are common around here and now it's my responsibility to go track it down (after the mom's day weekend). I've posted the discussion string in the Comment section of the post: http://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com/the_zen_birdfeeder/2008/05/need-help-w ith.html If the above hyperlink is truncated by this message, just go to http://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com and scroll down to the "Need Help." post and click Comments to view. Thanks again to all! Nancy Castillo [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Wood thrush + RBN From: "lnmp" <lnmp AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 08:22:02 -0400 A Wood Thrush was singing in my backyard (or somewhere just beyond it) this morning. Such a beautiful, mesmerizing song - I always find it hard to pull myself away! :) I also heard a Red-Breasted Nuthatch. I haven't seen them here as much as I used to, for some reason. Ellen Colonie [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Whip-poor-will Monitoring Volunteers Wanted From: Matthew Medler <mdm2 AT cornell.edu> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 23:54:00 -0400 Dear HMBirders, The New York State Ornithological Association (NYSOA) is once again coordinating a Whip-poor-will monitoring project in New York as part of the regional Northeast Nightjar Survey project. Last year, New York volunteers surveyed more routes and counted more Whip-poor-wills than participants in any other state in the Northeast. For a summary of last year's efforts, visit the NYSOA web site at: http://www.nybirds.org/ Most of last year's volunteers will be covering their routes again this year, but we are in need of a few new volunteers to ensure that as many route as possible are covered again. There are currently three uncovered routes in or adjacent to the Hudson-Mohawk region: North Easton (Washington County) Crescent (Saratoga County) Fairfield (Herkimer County) If you are interested in doing a Whip-poor-will survey, and would like to learn more about what is involved, and whether there is an available route near you, check out this page: http://www.nybirds.org/ProjWhip_Volunteers.htm And, to see where these routes are located, and how many birds there were on them last year, see: http://www.nybirds.org/ProjWhip.htm#Results I hope some of you will consider participating in this year's monitoring efforts. This project is helping gather valuable trend information for this species, which has not been previously covered by other monitoring efforts. Plus, it can be a great excuse to get out and hear a Whip-poor-will, or one of the 20 other species that last year's volunteers heard at night. If you are interested in volunteering, or would like to learn more information, please feel free to e-mail me. Thanks, Matt Matt Medler Niskayuna Subject: Re: Help with warbler song From: Debra Ferguson <fergieny AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 19:48:43 -0700 (PDT) Had time to listen to Stokes warbler sound files. Sounds like this bird, especially about half-way thru the yellow-rumped file. You guys are good. Deb --- On Thu, 5/8/08, David wrote: From: David Subject: Re: [HMBirds] Help with warbler song To: "Penny and Larry Alden" , hmbirds AT yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, May 8, 2008, 10:01 PM Yellow rumped warbler Penny and Larry Alden wrote: I can tell you what it's not, and that's a Black-throated Blue. Unfortunately, I can't be of much more help, since the source of the song escapes me. Maybe a Yellow-rumped Warbler? C'mon out there, HMbirders. This is a good challenge. Don't get confused by the goldfinches twittering in the foreground. Larry Alden ----- Original Message ----- From: Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs To: hmbirds AT yahoogroups .com Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 10:24 AM Subject: [HMBirds] Help with warbler song My mystery warbler is back, singing away. I recorded the song last year, and have attached the file that has 4 good repetitions. Always 6-7 notes, zoo-zoo-zoo- zoo-zoo-zoo- zee. http://wildbirdsunl imited.typepad. com/2.wav My guess is Black-throated Blue, which we do have in our area, and does nest here we believe (1300 ft elevation, Adk foothills). I hear the call all summer long. I would appreciate the opinions of group members. Thanks (again) in advance. Nancy Castillo Providence NY [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------ --------- --------- --- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Subject: Re:white crowned sparrow in East Greenbush From: Dodi <dodipicaflor AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 22:25:53 -0400 I saw one today as well in Malta! -- Best Regards, Dodi Subject: Re: Help with warbler song From: David <datrac2000 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 19:01:38 -0700 (PDT) Yellow rumped warbler Penny and Larry Alden wrote: I can tell you what it's not, and that's a Black-throated Blue. Unfortunately, I can't be of much more help, since the source of the song escapes me. Maybe a Yellow-rumped Warbler? C'mon out there, HMbirders. This is a good challenge. Don't get confused by the goldfinches twittering in the foreground. Larry Alden ----- Original Message ----- From: Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs To: hmbirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 10:24 AM Subject: [HMBirds] Help with warbler song My mystery warbler is back, singing away. I recorded the song last year, and have attached the file that has 4 good repetitions. Always 6-7 notes, zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo-zee. http://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com/2.wav My guess is Black-throated Blue, which we do have in our area, and does nest here we believe (1300 ft elevation, Adk foothills). I hear the call all summer long. I would appreciate the opinions of group members. Thanks (again) in advance. Nancy Castillo Providence NY [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Help with warbler song From: "Penny and Larry Alden" <overlook AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:43:20 -0400 I can tell you what it's not, and that's a Black-throated Blue. Unfortunately, I can't be of much more help, since the source of the song escapes me. Maybe a Yellow-rumped Warbler? C'mon out there, HMbirders. This is a good challenge. Don't get confused by the goldfinches twittering in the foreground. Larry Alden ----- Original Message ----- From: Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs To: hmbirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 10:24 AM Subject: [HMBirds] Help with warbler song My mystery warbler is back, singing away. I recorded the song last year, and have attached the file that has 4 good repetitions. Always 6-7 notes, zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo-zee. http://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com/2.wav My guess is Black-throated Blue, which we do have in our area, and does nest here we believe (1300 ft elevation, Adk foothills). I hear the call all summer long. I would appreciate the opinions of group members. Thanks (again) in advance. Nancy Castillo Providence NY [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Baby bluebirds question From: Priscilla <greenmtbluebird AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 11:13:24 -0700 (PDT) Thanks for the reply, David. I just returned from running errands and found that the nestling is dead. It was much smaller than the one that fledged so I suspected its chances of survival were not good, even it it managed to leave the nest. I will clean out the nesting box this afternoon and hope the next brood will be healthier. Priscilla David wrote: The bird will fledge (if healthy)... the parents will stop feeding the nestling to encourage the baby to take wing. BBs are excellent parents, not to worry. -David (Old Chatham) Priscilla wrote: The saga continues on the first brood of the season....Yesterday the larger of the 2 nestlings fledged. Today the remaining nestling is just sitting there, not eating, not checking out the exit as he/she had been doing when his sibling was there with him. The parents come back from time to time, but can't seem to get a stir out of the nestling. Is there anything I should or could be doing? Do wildlife rehabilitators get involved with nestlings? On a happier note, 2 male rose-breasted grosbeaks dined at the feeders this morning and the hummingbirds are back. Priscilla Leonard Ballston Lake --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Baby bluebirds question From: David <datrac2000 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 10:18:20 -0700 (PDT) The bird will fledge (if healthy)... the parents will stop feeding the nestling to encourage the baby to take wing. BBs are excellent parents, not to worry. -David (Old Chatham) Priscilla wrote: The saga continues on the first brood of the season....Yesterday the larger of the 2 nestlings fledged. Today the remaining nestling is just sitting there, not eating, not checking out the exit as he/she had been doing when his sibling was there with him. The parents come back from time to time, but can't seem to get a stir out of the nestling. Is there anything I should or could be doing? Do wildlife rehabilitators get involved with nestlings? On a happier note, 2 male rose-breasted grosbeaks dined at the feeders this morning and the hummingbirds are back. Priscilla Leonard Ballston Lake --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FW: Warbler Song - trying again From: "Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs" <wbu AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 11:25:41 -0400 Geez, I'm a mess. Here's the link to the blog post: http://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com/the_zen_birdfeeder/2008/05/need-help-w ith.html _____ From: hmbirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:hmbirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 11:18 AM To: hmbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [HMBirds] Warbler Song - trying again I hearing that the file isn't accessible. Please try it through my blog. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Nancy C. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Warbler Song - trying again From: "Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs" <wbu AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 11:18:20 -0400 I hearing that the file isn't accessible. Please try it through my blog. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Nancy C. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Help with warbler song From: "Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs" <wbu AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 10:24:37 -0400 My mystery warbler is back, singing away. I recorded the song last year, and have attached the file that has 4 good repetitions. Always 6-7 notes, zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo-zee. http://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com/2.wav My guess is Black-throated Blue, which we do have in our area, and does nest here we believe (1300 ft elevation, Adk foothills). I hear the call all summer long. I would appreciate the opinions of group members. Thanks (again) in advance. Nancy Castillo Providence NY [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Baby bluebirds question From: Priscilla <greenmtbluebird AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 07:25:28 -0700 (PDT) The saga continues on the first brood of the season....Yesterday the larger of the 2 nestlings fledged. Today the remaining nestling is just sitting there, not eating, not checking out the exit as he/she had been doing when his sibling was there with him. The parents come back from time to time, but can't seem to get a stir out of the nestling. Is there anything I should or could be doing? Do wildlife rehabilitators get involved with nestlings? On a happier note, 2 male rose-breasted grosbeaks dined at the feeders this morning and the hummingbirds are back. Priscilla Leonard Ballston Lake --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: White-crowned Sparrows From: "grossman.bernard" <grossman.bernard AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 12:45:46 -0000 White-crowned sparrows are seen in this area primarily during migration. They are very common in the west. Subject: white crowned sparrow in East Greenbush From: "mar315row" <mar315row AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 12:18:24 -0000 Today, May 8, I saw a gray-breasted bird with a startling pattern of heavy black and white stripes on its head and a yellowish beak. Later I heard its song and call similar to that described in a bird book: two whistles and a buzzy trilly sound following. Looking at its purported range, I was surprised to find one here. Has anyone else seen/heard one? Subject: A Noisy Morning From: "grossman.bernard" <grossman.bernard AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 17:17:56 -0000 I was awaken to a lot of bird noise this morning including wood thrush and great crest flycatcher calls; a pair of male yellow-bellied sapsuckers loudly banging away on a couple of resonant objects; and both a house and carolina wren calling Subject: Bionic Beak From: Will Raup <Hoaryredpoll AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 09:24:27 -0400 In case you missed it, there is an article on CNN.com about a Bald Eagle that had the top part of its beak shot off and the efforts to get it fit with a 'bionic beak'. There is also video on You Tube, the link included below. Warning, if you don't like injured animals, this one is tough. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy_-VjOR_Jo Will Raup Albany, NY _________________________________________________________________ Stay in touch when you're away with Windows Live Messenger. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_messenger_052008 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NNYBirds: Bionic Beak From: Will Raup <Hoaryredpoll AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 09:24:27 -0400 In case you missed it, there is an article on CNN.com about a Bald Eagle that had the top part of its beak shot off and the efforts to get it fit with a 'bionic beak'. There is also video on You Tube, the link included below. Warning, if you don't like injured animals, this one is tough. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy_-VjOR_Jo Will Raup Albany, NY _________________________________________________________________ Stay in touch when you're away with Windows Live Messenger. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_messenger_052008 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: HMBC needs field trip leaders From: "lnmp" <lnmp AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 08:27:09 -0400 The Hudson Mohawk Bird Club is looking for volunteers to lead field trips in July and August (and beyond!). You don't have to be an expert birder; the eyes and ears of the group assist the leader in finding the birds. Please help the Club continue to offer a field trip program this summer. Also: Many of you attended Neil Gifford's excellent program on the birds of the Pine Bush Preserve earlier this week. Neil has graciously offered to lead a Pine Bush field trip in early July; however, the Club needs an HMBC field trip leader to accompany the group. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Donna Zimmerman, Field Trips Committee Chair, at 869-6624. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Not so solitary Solitary Sandpipers From: "Gerry Colborn" <gcolborn AT nycap.rr.com> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 23:10:31 -0400 The Solitary Sandpiper contingent on my pond has risen to 10 birds, joined by Lesser Yellowlegs, Killdeer and 2 Spotted Sandpipers. Gerry Colborn Cohoes and Rensselaerville. -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 5334 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bethlehem Elm Ave Park fitness trail - Tues. 6:45 pm - same old same old From: Debra Ferguson <fergieny AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 19:30:40 -0700 (PDT) Still nothing too interesting :-( ... I'll keep looking. Hairy Woodpecker (drumming in the fading light) Blue Jay Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse American Robin Gray Catbird Song Sparrow Northern Cardinal Common Grackle Cottontail :-) - lots Deb Ferguson Delmar, NY ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Subject: They are arriving fast- Nice Osprey Yesterday From: "kernscot" <kernscot AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 01:31:42 -0000 We now have beautiful Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at the feeders, and an osprey near Beaver Dam east of Spencertown. Warblers: Yellow, Yellow- throat, Black and White, Chestnut-sided,Blue-winged,and Prairie. Baltimore Oriole this afternoon. Nancy Kern Austerlitz Subject: Grafton FOS Birds From: "woodygillies" <woodygillies AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 00:58:30 -0000 I spent some time weeding the garden outside my home this morning and id the following fos birds in Grafton, NY: Ovenbird Chestnut-sided Warbler Baltimore Oriole Ruby-throated Hummingbird plus two Least Flycatchers in Grafton State Park.