tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68619302105434771412024-03-05T02:59:22.742-05:00The Flying MulletThe story of a thirty-year old naturalist, her dogs, her family, and her travels. Nature observations, bird watching, and camping pursuits abound. Join me for the adventure!Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848991768076232402noreply@blogger.comBlogger1003125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-29437549373840255642015-12-16T10:00:00.000-05:002015-12-16T10:00:03.026-05:00Ukulele Plucking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a few short weeks of being in Maine I bought a ukulele. A month later, I was performing in my first concert with the Puffin Pluckers. This ragtag group of volunteers and staff that all share two things in common - a love for Hog Island and a good time. We strummed, we sang, we had performances on a boat, in a dining hall, and in the Fish House. The set list was upbeat and the audience was forgiving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hog Island isn't my first time living on a remote island a stone's throw off the coast. Jekyll Island in Georgia will always be my first island living but Hog Island has wiggled its way into my heart and I must admit, I'm looking forward to more ukulele, more singing, and more fun times to be had on the Maine Coast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're interested in learning more about our education programs or want to sign up for camp, check out our website: <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/">hogisland.audubon.org</a>. </span></div>
<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-76369607647707277722015-12-15T07:30:00.000-05:002015-12-15T07:30:00.593-05:00EARLYBIRD gets the worm!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The earlybird does get the worm or at least in this case you save $50 off of Hog Island Audubon Camp registration if you sign up by the end of the day - December 15th. The camp is a life-altering experience that I really do not think you can get anywhere else. Where else can you see puffins with Dr. Steve Kress, walk the trails that Roger Tory Peterson and Alan Cruickshank gave bird walks, have a chance to spend dinner with the likes of Pete Dunne and Scott Weidensaul? Also you get to wake up to the sound of loons calling or lobster boats driving by. The stars are amazing and the darkness is real and engulfing as you walk the silent trails. The rugged beauty of the Maine coast is something everyone should experience so what are you waiting for? There are scholarships if you really need some extra help, otherwise sign up today and save a few dollars! The earlybird will get more than a worm while at camp, I can promise you that!</span><br />
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Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-69526527904029523312015-12-14T17:32:00.000-05:002015-12-14T17:32:43.224-05:00South Carolina Flood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our farm is one of those special places where I always feel at home and I can't wait to visit every year. For the past decade on MLK Day weekend, my friends and I have been spending our time at our river house which sits on the normally quiet Black River in South Carolina. This past year something drastic happened when a rain system dumped a wall of water over the Lowcountry of South Carolina. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black River flooded higher than it's 500 year mark and our house, that sits a good 12 feet off the ground, was found with 2 feet of water in it pretty quickly. Luckily, my dad was home and managed to get all the cars, the boats, the electronics, and some other items out of the house before they were destryoed. The bad news is that the home is now gutted and empty. A shell of our former fun memories linger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's hard to say when we'll have enough money to fix the house but it will happen eventually. At least I hope that it happens before it becomes run down. For now we just have to wait, let it dry, and try to plan for the future. The old farm house didn't even come close to flooding and for now, it's the new place to stay when visiting. Even though I know we were lucky, I'm still sad to know that the water took something away from us that we may not get back.</span></div>
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<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-5604024460572672502015-11-03T10:44:00.002-05:002015-11-03T10:44:55.939-05:00Book Review: Birds of South America: Passerines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">Princeton University Press has put out another great bird guide! <i><a href="http://press.princeton.edu/titles/10596.html" target="_blank">Birds of South America: Passerines</a>,</i> written and illustrated by Ber van Perlo, is a quality guide to a large region. It focuses on the passerines south of Panama and even includes islands of South America. It tops out at 464 pages and is pretty heavy. I would say that the small size however does allow the option of carrying it in the field and certainly, it's good reference guide when learning South American bird families. This book is a companion guide to <i><a href="http://press.princeton.edu/titles/8168.html" target="_blank">Birds of South America: Non-Passerines: Rheas to Woodpeckers</a></i> by Jorge R. Rodriguez Mata, Francisco Erize and Maurice Rumboll.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">First, let me say how glad I was to see a new book out covering South America. Second, I LOVE that they included range maps beside each bird species description. I also love that the plates are beside the descriptions and everything is so concise and easy to read. Some of the older guides I have of South America tend to keep the plates separate from the descriptions or the range maps are not easily found or non-existant. I just like it all together and this book hits that square on the head.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">The range maps are small and the fact that everything is so tightly packed into the pages may make it hard to read for those with eyesight issues but for me it's perfect. My only criticism with the book is the illustrations. I find them a little pale, a little wispy but they are detailed and I believe it's more of a style preference than a problem. Other than that small fact, I think this is a handy guide but you don't have to take my word for it, give it a gander yourself on this <a href="http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/s10596.pdf" target="_blank">sample page</a>.</span></span></div>
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This review copy was provided by Princeton University Press.</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i></i></span>Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-50192623787666828252015-10-30T12:14:00.002-04:002015-10-30T12:14:31.007-04:00Migration and Monhegan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my fondest memories of this past summer was the night we spent with campers on <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/living-wind-fall-migration-and-monhegan-island" target="_blank">Monhegan Island</a>. Monhegan sits far our in the Gulf of Maine and it a perfect land beacon for migranting birds as they travel south. We hiked up to a open hillside for sunrise and watched the migrant show at it's best. Flyover warblers, shorebirds, and raptors graced the skies above and a few even landed for closer inspection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We watched raptors diving over the Monhegan forests and heard Bobolinks calling high in the sky. We were even given great views of a couple of Whimbrels that made repeated flyovers that morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course the main attraction was after sunrise when we hiked the Monhegan trails in search of migrants busily feeding on trees and bush. We were able to identify 19 species of wood-warblers that day in addition to seeing three species of vireos in one binocular field of view! In addition, we had a rare Black-crowned Night Heron at the Ice Pond and so many Merlins you couldn't count them all. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prairie Warbler on Monhegan taken by Tom Johnson</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're thinking about joining the <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/" target="_blank">Hog Island Audubon Camp</a> on Monhegan next year, you're in luck! We have two weeks of migration camp with two different sets of prices. The first session will be a lower price as we will just do a day trip to Monhegan. The second session of <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/living-wind-fall-migration-and-monhegan-island" target="_blank">Living on the Wind: Migration and Monhegan</a> will be higher in price but will include an overnight on the island and a chance to see this sunrise birding firsthand! Of course spaces are limited and we are selling out fast. I hope you'll consider joining us next summer. </span>Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-12343454697202909632015-10-13T19:37:00.002-04:002015-10-13T19:37:56.635-04:00Road Scholar Sessions<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5npIns-zNAUCTJ0PjBtP3PoV1X1rAbhyphenhyphenKyyN783P2hd1jP1F9fUsQ6mUKfggoesCWOGxd089Bc3BbgC10MTyAIT3FJHyscqi_knjFZgrOZ_vpAh2Tk_0wSOLSzx0niVJnKWKLM0VYWU/s1600/21357392355_bb556d8ec6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5npIns-zNAUCTJ0PjBtP3PoV1X1rAbhyphenhyphenKyyN783P2hd1jP1F9fUsQ6mUKfggoesCWOGxd089Bc3BbgC10MTyAIT3FJHyscqi_knjFZgrOZ_vpAh2Tk_0wSOLSzx0niVJnKWKLM0VYWU/s320/21357392355_bb556d8ec6_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Removing lobster industry debris from Eastern Egg Rock</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This September I had the pleasure to work with a great group of Road Scholar students at <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/" target="_blank">Hog Island Audubon Camp</a>. During the week-long camp they removed exotic vegetation, picked up miles of shoreline trash, and improved seabird habitat.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary removing debris on Eastern Egg Rock</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're looking for a fun week of service and you should consider signing up for the Hog Island Audubon Camp's <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/maine-seabird-biology-and-conservation" target="_blank">Road Scholar sessions</a> - there are two, one in the spring and one in the fall. If you come to camp I can guarantee that you'll make a difference for nesting seabirds and you'll meet some new friends along the way.</span></div>
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<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-65829528994810127852015-08-28T18:14:00.002-04:002015-08-28T18:14:46.188-04:00Hog Island Family Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/" target="_blank">Hog Island Audubon Camp</a> host a lovely week for families each August. Next summer there will be two sessions! The week is filled with outside activities to keep the kids engaged and the parents excited as well. Between boat trips and craft projects, the camp strives to have something for everyone. On many days there are optionals where the campers can select which activity appeals to them most. These range from Pond Study to Squid Dissection.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spotting an Osprey on the Shakedown Cruise</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">There are a couple of boat trips sprinkled in the week and this year all the campers had the chance to see Puffins! This is late in the season for puffins but enough were still around to delight all the attendees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the best activities and involves the whole camp is the Inter-tidal Exploration. This involves everything from seining to rock scrambling. The evening is capped with a delectable exotic periwinkle snack cooked over an open fire on the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On depature the campers are surprised by our "puffins" that sing and dance on the dock as the Snow Goose takes them back to shore. The mix of grandparents, parents, kids, instructors, and volunteers make this a special week not to be forgotten. Next year <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/" target="_blank">the camp</a> is expanding to include 13 year-old campers. One session will be 8-12 year-olds and the second will be 8-13 year-olds. If you have kids, this should be on your bucket list. It will be a week to never forget!</span></div>
<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-9489278924184983752015-08-18T17:43:00.002-04:002015-08-18T17:46:15.823-04:00Puffins with Steve Kress<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eastern Egg Rock, ME</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Steve Kress, founder of <a href="http://projectpuffin.audubon.org/" target="_blank">Project Puffin</a>, calls you up and asks if you want to join him for a boat ride to Eastern Egg Rock the answer is always yes. The opportunity to see puffins with Steve seemed a little surreal. Recently arrived to <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/" target="_blank">Hog Island</a>, I was happy to find my Friday afternoon in company of a great ornithologist on a trip to see the species he brought back to the Maine coast.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rose and Steve share a laugh.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We headed out to Eastern Egg Rock with great weather, calm seas, and a high tide. We were going to pick up Rose Borzik, who has been working with Project Puffin for over 20 years. We scooped her up from the dingy and circled the island in such of the sea parrot. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atlantic Puffin, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><i>Fratercula arctica</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Puffins can be a little hard to see in August but we were in luck as one flew right at the boat and landed a mere 30 feet away. The Atlantic Puffin is a silly looking football-shaped bird with a colorful beak and a tuxedo suit. Our puffin had a mouth full of fish and seaweed and casually watched us, diving sporadically until it decided it had its full investigation satisfied.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the only puffin of the trip but it was a perfect specimen that gave us wonderful looks as we idled in the boat. Our trip was smooth on the return and the sun gave a hint of setting as it brightly lit up the Queen Mary on Hog Island. A great welcome to Maine and my life on Hog Island!</span></div>
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<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-35264673977493968322015-04-22T14:43:00.000-04:002015-04-22T14:43:00.445-04:00Hands-on Bird Science<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/hands-bird-science" target="_blank">Hands-on Bird Science</a></i> is probably the most exciting session of Hog Island Audubon Camp, in my personal opinion. You take Scott Weidensaul and a stellar team of ornithologists with backgrounds in bird-song recording, bird-banding, and museum specimen preparation and you not just watch but learn how to get "hands-on" with birds. This is a great session for naturalists of all levels, educators, volunteer bird-banders, and just anyone that wants to learn about birds in a "hands-on" fashion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, in case you didn't know, Hog Island is all across the social media platforms. Find the camp on <a href="https://twitter.com/Hog_Island" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/hogislandaudubon/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PuffinProject" target="_blank">Youtube</a>!</span></div>
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<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-91246815691818309482015-04-17T13:57:00.001-04:002015-04-17T13:57:35.332-04:00Breaking Into Birding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/breaking-birding" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWJr3kMW7SrFA0jcsL2SuTHAHuSlHN9dtMHrgCt7NJRd9-eKavwezUHJfergDOhYavAt0JD0RpoY04Q-K5I0x2U5qc-TUBqk8WEtz-9fmTQzreATOCCDZbMSrwWo0XhSxvlSJVE322Tc/s1600/BIB.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you remember the spark bird that turned you from casual observer to birdwatcher? Mine was a group of birds - warblers. It occurred in the spring of 2007 at Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands. Something about identifying the birds felt so perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you know someone that has an interest in birds but isn't a full-fledged birder yet then I have a place that is sure to spark their love of birding. <i><a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/breaking-birding" target="_blank">Breaking Into Birding</a></i> is a new session at <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/" target="_blank">Hog Island Audubon Camp</a> that is purposely geared towards beginners. We promise to delight the senses, show people beautiful birds, and hopefully find them that spark bird that changes their life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No experience is necessary and we have world-class instructors there to guide you every inch of the way. You will see Atlantic Puffins on Egg Rock and nesting <a href="http://explore.org/live-cams/player/osprey-nest" target="_blank">Ospreys on Hog Island</a>. The food is fresh and local, while the accommodations are rustic Maine cabins. Be a part of Hog Island history and let us row you ashore. There's only 8 spots left, so register today!</span></div>
Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-45390476597538577482015-03-16T09:00:00.000-04:002015-03-16T09:00:08.963-04:00Horses in the Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many young kids dream of owning a horse but I wasn't in that camp. I preferred running through the woods and playing basketball with the boys than riding horses. We had a horse named Strawberry and though she was kind, she didn't feel like mine. My father would have us train her and it felt more like work than fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though I never really liked horses I did come to learn to appreciate them for their intelligence, their sheer size, and their good looks. Last week I waxed poetic about cows and even though horses don't quite create the same feelings in my heart, I still think they are beautiful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was especially fond of these horses as they rolled in the snow and galloped around like it was summer. This day was particularly cold but they didn't seem to mind it one bit. These horses were big and well fed. They seemed to like the company as I sat idling in my car snapping photos. But I didn't come out in the freezing temperatures to look at horses so I said my goodbyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though my trip was mostly to relocate a Snow Owl and Gryfalcon (which I dipped on both!) I was given the consolation prize of a field of turkeys. These Wild Turkeys were a welcome sight and new for the year list! Andy is only ahead of me by two for the year so I hope that means the tide is turning!</span></div>
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<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-51243285707480919292015-03-13T08:00:00.000-04:002015-03-13T08:00:11.865-04:00New York Big Lifer Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week was an exceptional bird week or I should say bird day. Sunday I went birding with the Cayuga Bird Club. At Myer's Park I saw my lifer Surf Scoter and Red-necked Grebe. Then we searched the agricultural fields where we found my lifer Lapland Longspur. I even snagged that photo above with the spur showing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After leaving the Horned Larks and Snow Buntings we headed north where we we were able to pick out two Trumpeter Swans from the Tundra Swans by the Lock Dam all the way north bordering Montezuma Wildlife Refuge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We circled the lake and unsuccessfully did not find any interesting raptors near Seybolt Road but we had one more big trick in our bag - the Ithaca Yacht Club. A Tufted Duck has been lingering around the yacht club and we had killer looks. We also spotted the little Pied-billed Grebe above staying close to shore. Mixed in the rafts were Common Loons, Red-throated Loons, Ruddy Duck, and countless Redheads and Scaup species.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The big day came to an end as we watched a family of Tundra Swan drift out towards the middle of Cayuga Lake. I had one last glance at the Tufted and called it a day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Year Birds:</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Red-necked Grebe"]" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Red-necked Grebe - Lifer</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Surf Scoter"]" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Surf Scoter - Lifer</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Lapland Longspur"]" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Lapland Longspur - Lifer</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Trumpeter Swan"]" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Trumpeter Swan - Lifer</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Tufted Duck"]" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Tufted Duck - Lifer</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Common Loon"]" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Common Loon</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Ruddy Duck"]" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; border-left: 1px solid #000000; border-right: 1px solid #000000; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Ruddy Duck</td></tr>
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Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-17703782723538742892015-03-11T08:30:00.000-04:002015-03-11T08:30:00.708-04:00A To-do about a TUDU<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally after a month of near misses I saw the Tufted Duck on Cayuga Lake. This TUDU doesn't have an impressive tuft but he was sleek with that jet black back and white-flanked side. He was also very busy chasing Scuap for a hand-out. I watched him successfully steal two meals in just a few minutes time. Luckily for me, this lifer chase wasn't a very long one and though I did have to work for it, the prize was only sweeter.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tufted Duck on Cayuga Lake, New York</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tufted Ducks are rare Eurasian visitors but Cayuga Lake has a habit of getting one or two every winter. The first one reported was in a large raft of ducks off of Hog's Hole near downtown Ithaca. I searched a couple of times there but the flock was huge and without a scope I felt a little like I was searching for a needle in the haystack. This time around the location was only slightly farther away at the Ithaca Yacht Club and merely a short walk down to the water's edge. I was with the Cayuga Bird Club field trip and for the first 5 minutes we couldn't find it. I wandered out to the edge of the point and found it for the whole group. We were all on it moments later and spent the next 20 minutes watching it feed and chase and then we moved on as birders do to the next bird. I'll give more details soon (in the Friday update) about the bird trip. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I finally succumbed to the cold, I gave the Tufted Duck one last glance with my glass and said goodbyes. It's always nice to see a lifer and it was even better shared with a large group of like-minded individuals celebrating the rarities of life. Good luck TUDU - may you find your way safely when spring comes.</span><br />
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Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-53450515964496577512015-03-09T15:09:00.001-04:002015-03-09T15:09:57.443-04:00Cows in the Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a love for cows, especially the black and white variety that remind me of my childhood. My grandfather let us name the new calves each summer and help feed them by tossing them watermelon rinds off the back of the pickup truck. Now that I am in upstate New York I expected to see cows more often but it's been so cold that I think many have been shut away in the barns. On this bright and sunny day the cows were out and my heart stopped when I saw this young black and white beauty against the barn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cows always seem to be curious in our actions. They pause and watch us full-on. There's no sideways glancing or feigned interest. They turn their bodies and heads and look at you. Usually after awhile they go back to feeding or walking or chewing their cud but it's that moment when you and a cow lock eyes that always speaks to me. Did I mention that I love cows?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On this almost balmy winter day I was happy to share some moments with the local cattle. Size each other up and make mental notes. I know the cows don't nearly care as much about me as I care about them. No cow-blogging going on about the human in the blue CR-V staring down the field of cows. But it's a shared moment with another animal and I enjoy those.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks black-and-white cows for sharing space, locking eyes, and making me remember my sweet childhood riding in the back of that beat up Ford pickup. My summers were spent riding in truck beds, fishing with cane poles, and feeding cows. I think it made me a better person. For sure, it made me stop and appreciate the every day.</span></div>
<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-88885179028999446802015-03-06T08:00:00.000-05:002015-03-10T21:26:24.922-04:00Winter Birding Around Cayuga Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The past week was a breakthrough with a few more year birds to add to the list. After two weeks of temperatures hovering around zero and no new birds I was beginning to get a little itchy. This is my first year living in a truly cold winter (who knew Colorado had mild winters!) and my cabin fever was setting in. Spring can't come fast enough for New York! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To my surprise last Saturday was sunny, in the 20s and perfect for birding. My first stop was Myer's Park where I found Common Goldeneye by the skyfull. Redhead and Common Mergansers were in large number as well. No new birds at Myer's but the sheer number of duck species was great as I reached double digits before leaving to the next stop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After getting a brief look at a lifer White-winged Scoter in flight with the Goldeneyes I decided to try for another lifer - the Lapland Longspur.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I headed to County Line Road but there was some type of hunting activity going on with dogs and men in trucks at every stop. I wasn't too surprised to find the usual birds to be gone but I did find a Horned Lark that gave me a discerning eye as I slowly drove by. With the dip on the longspur I decided to just keep heading north and go to Long Point State Park. There I found Tundra Swans, Bald Eagles, and a few land birds in the neighboring communities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feeling invigorated, I headed north to Union Springs where I found the pond teeming with Canada Geese, American Widgeon, Gadwall, and a new year bird - Horned Grebe. You can see the little Horned Grebe in the photo above - just a wisp of a bird in all those geese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point I had made the whole length of Cayuga Lake so instead of backtracking I merely decided to loop over the top and search for both the Gryfalcon and the recent Snowy Owls. I scanned in the Gryfalcon territory but came up with only 2 Red-tailed Hawks, 1 Rough-legged Hawk, and a very spritely Sharp-shinned Hawk that attacked a large flock of European Starlings. The Sharpie came up empty and then an American Crow pecked the top of its head as it flew by. It was interesting to watch the whole scene unfold. Hunger was setting in as I headed to the Snowy Owl fields and I got a little mixed up and only later realized I didn't go far enough East to see the Snowy that was sitting in a field all day. A lifer left for another day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, great birding on Saturday and though I dipped on both a Snowy and an Eastern Screech-owl on Sunday it was a pleasant birding weekend. I was finally able to emerge from the house and get outside (though in only brief moments). This weekend I plan to bird with the Cayuga Bird Club on Sunday and hopefully find a few target species. Wish me luck!</span></div>
<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-44180148926571648792015-03-03T08:30:00.000-05:002015-03-04T12:28:20.957-05:00Amish in New York<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to <a href="http://amishamerica.com/" target="_blank">Amish American website</a>, New York state has the 5th largest Amish population in the country. As I drive into the agricultural lands surrounding Ithaca I have encountered a few horse/buggy signs but it wasn't until Sunday that I spotted my first signs of Amish life as many people were heading home from church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The roads were fairly empty on this blustery winter day and it seemed that I passed more horse-driven rides than cars. In the 1940's I have read that there was little Amish presence in the Empire State but things have changed. Now the population is above 13,000 people in 96 church districts. I can understand the appeal - agricultural land for the plenty and at a lower cost than land in Pennsylvania Dutch country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mission on Sunday was to find a Snowy Owl and though I did criss-cross the country roads sharing spaces with the Amish, I didn't find an owl. I did find a herd of deer feeding and a nice flock of Snow Buntings and Horned Larks. I guess there's always next time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll admit I had my heat on and my windows up except for times of scanning fields for the elusive white owl. I wonder how the Amish keep warm in a black rectangular buggy? I probably will never know first hand but I bet it requires warm clothes and a short commute.</span></div>
<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-58891525109062846682015-02-27T08:00:00.000-05:002015-02-27T08:00:10.739-05:00Spring Field Ornithology<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite my birding pursuits, I actually have never taken an ornithology class. That will change this spring as I am excited to attend the <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/sfo" target="_blank">Spring Field Ornithology</a> course hosted by the <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/" target="_blank">Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a>. Wednesday evening lectures will be taught by <a href="http://projectpuffin.audubon.org/" target="_blank">Project Puffin</a>'s very own - Stephen Kress and various guest speakers. Steve has taught this course for over 30 years. Topics cover everything from birding the Cayuga Lake Basin to bird song identification to bird behavior. There's still time to sign up if you live in the area and want to brush up on your birding skills.</span><br />
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Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-63790182812757240882015-02-23T09:00:00.000-05:002015-02-23T18:02:12.680-05:00Virunga<iframe frameborder="0" height="409" src="http://virungamovie.com/player/" width="557"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You should watch Virunga for its breathtaking natural beauty and its heart-wrenching story. I was captivated by the scenery and then held in suspense by the stories of the people. Their dedication to conservation and the wildlife in this park is unparalleled. Virunga is streaming on Netflix or you can learn more at their <a href="http://virungamovie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</span>Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-65383774373105666092015-02-20T08:46:00.001-05:002015-02-21T13:58:06.354-05:00When Will Winter End<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The temperatures never hit double digits and so my GBBC weekend had birding attempts but mostly misses. Luckily I had a dear friend, Hewy, to keep me company on this freezing weekend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We searched the snowy fields for Snowy Owl, we attempted 2 trips to see Short-eared Owls but all our owl chasing was hindered by blinding snow and slippery roads. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did successfully find Hewy a lifer Tundra Swan and Redhead. We also had a nice walk around the pond in Sapsucker Woods. Despite our losses we still drank celebratory beers and warmed up inside for most of Sunday. I wish I had more birds and better weather but there's always next time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was my first full week of no new year birds. Hopefully something that doesn't become a regular occurrence. I'm going to venture out this weekend if the snows aren't too much and look for interesting birds in the remaining non-frozen water. Even the pond at the Lab of O. was no bigger than a swimming pool by week's end. </span></div>
<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-71095223165584935382015-02-18T11:00:00.000-05:002015-02-18T11:00:04.571-05:00Hog Island Audubon Camp<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>This island is so beautiful it really makes my heart ache!</i></div>
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<i>Why, it seems to me God's own heaven</i></div>
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- Mabel Loomis Todd</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/" target="_blank">Hog Island Audubon Camp</a> has been on my wishlist of destinations for many years now. Roger Tory Peterson, Allan Cruickshank, Rachel Carson, Scott Weidensaul, Kenn Kaufman, and many more have spent time there, taught classes there, been a part of <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/legacy-hog-island" target="_blank">birding history</a>, and now I get to add my name to the distinguished list.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Stephen Kress</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In college I was interested in everything and nothing. Two semesters I volunteered at a banding station but then like the wind my attention went elsewhere. Years later I taught "Ornithology" classes but I mostly was trying to get kids to appreciate the biology of birds and the fact that they exist. I couldn't identify flycatchers or gulls but I was somehow qualified to take kids in the woods to a pond that had Black-crowned Night Herons and Wood Storks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The real birding came later. In 2007 I started working at Green Cay Nature Center and I immersed myself in identifying spring migrants. I was hooked on warblers like an addiction and it hasn't stopped since. Now my vacations consist of birding trips and my work is once again back in the world of birds.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Stephen Kress</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This summer I will be working and living at the <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/" target="_blank">Hog Island Audubon Camp</a> as the Program Manager. I won't be an instructor but more of a director of people as they go from boats to dining halls to cabins. I also plan to do a lot of birding and really delve into the allure of The Hog.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Stephen Kress</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If Hog Island is on your wish list, why don't you join me? We still have openings for a few of the sessions. I think the <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/hands-bird-science" target="_blank">Hands-on Bird Science</a> led by Scott Weidensaul is going to be especially interesting. Bird banding, songbird recording, taxidermy, you name it! Or for those beginner birders try <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/breaking-birding" target="_blank">Breaking Into Birding</a>. We have something for all walks of life. If you're an educator we have <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/sharing-nature-educator-s-week" target="_blank">Educator's Week</a> or if you're just a birding fan we have <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/joy-birding" target="_blank">Joy of Birding</a> or <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/field-ornithology" target="_blank">Field Ornithology</a>. The best part - this is a summer camp for adults. For many of us, that's something that feels right, that feels nostalgic. Why not go to <a href="http://hogisland.audubon.org/registration" target="_blank">camp</a> this summer? I'm going to be there, I hope you join me!</span>Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-79522263978405519552015-02-14T10:00:00.000-05:002015-02-16T22:00:43.584-05:00Valentine For My Valentine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was younger, public displays of affection were the last thing I ever wanted to do. Perhaps it was because I lived in the rural South where such things could and did cause harm. I was lucky, the worse thing ever done to me was my car was scratched and ketchup was left on my door handles. My crime was that I held hands for a second outside the confines of my privacy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now many things in the world have changed and though old habits are hard to break, I do have more bravery, less fear, and more to look forward to as the world changes for the better. So today, I interrupt the normal schedule of natural history and birding tales to send a little valentine to my valentine. </span></div>
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<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-86013112907873479222015-02-13T09:00:00.000-05:002015-02-13T09:00:05.864-05:00Cayuga Bird Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past Saturday the forecast was snowy, so it was with no great surprise that only the Cayuga Bird Club guide and myself showed up for the morning outing. Luckily, the weather held for most of the day and we had a wonderful day of birding. We found an Iceland Gull mixed in with the Herring and Ring-billed Gulls at East Shore Park. At Myer's Park and Salt Point we had over 30 Tundra Swans. Next we traveled to search for longspurs but came up empty. We did manage to find one long Snow Bunting mixed in a Horned Lark flock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Union Springs we found Gadwall and American Widgeon to add to our day. We continued north finding more swans and ducks. Most of the north end of Cayuga Lake was frozen but by the dam we did see some open water with Common Mergansers and more swans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided to see if we had any luck finding a Snowy Owl at the Fingerlakes Airport but came up empty. The snow was deep and not a bird was seen. We found a nice raft of Ring-necked Ducks near Sheldrake. As we traveled back south we found a perching Bald Eagle by the lakeshore. It gave us wonderful looks and obliged for photos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stopped for lunch at Glenwood Pines where we had a great breakfast burger. They were also serving a PB&J burger but we weren't brave enough to give it a go. Next time! The birds were plentiful enough to make the day fun and the company was wonderful as Suan provided me with lots of entertaining history of the Cayuga Lake Basin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final stop was where it all started - the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where we tried one last time for a Redpoll but found only the usual suspects of Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and Mourning Doves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the year list I was able to add Iceland Gull and American Widgeon. An additional weekend visit to East Shore Park also added Hooded Merganser. My total is up to 92 for the year. Andy broke 100 with an American Woodcock in Tennessee. I hope I'm not doomed to playing catch-up all year. </span></div>
<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-18471386580602611632015-02-11T08:30:00.000-05:002015-02-11T08:30:01.913-05:00Great Backyard Bird Count 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you signed up for <a href="http://gbbc.birdcount.org/" target="_blank">The Great Backyard Bird Count</a>? Click on the linked photo above to get started. Basically you have the President's Day weekend to get busy birding - even if for only 15 minutes you can participate! The 18th annual count is taking place February 13 through 16. Enter your sightings at <a href="http://www.birdcount.org/">www.BirdCount.org</a>. The information gathered by tens of thousands of volunteers helps track changes in bird populations on a massive scale. The <a href="http://gbbc.birdcount.org/" target="_blank">GBBC</a> is a joint project of the <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/" target="_blank">Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a> and the <a href="http://www.audubon.org/" target="_blank">National Audubon Society</a> with partner <a href="http://www.bsc-eoc.org/" target="_blank">Bird Studies Canada</a>. Give the birds a Valentine and count them this weekend!</span></div>
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Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-50069035206340251072015-02-09T08:30:00.000-05:002015-02-09T08:30:01.416-05:00Hog's Hole<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hog's Hole is a wetland area and shoreline area in Alan H Treman State Marine Park on Cayuga Lake, in Ithaca, New York. I've spent some time there scanning the rafts of Redheads and scaups looking for a Tufted Duck. Without a scope it was like looking for a needle in the haystack and unfortunately, I struck out three times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hog's Hole is such an interesting name and I learned from some internet sleuthing that it was named for a transient man named Hoggie that once camped out in that area. Ithaca has a fairly infamous homeless population with multiple encampments around the city known today as The Jungle, The Jungle II and even The Jungle III. I like birding but I also like learning about the history of the area. Every place I've lived as been so different and interesting. I look forward to learning more and hopefully picking up some good birds in the process.</span></div>
Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6861930210543477141.post-56951970085519649972015-02-06T08:30:00.000-05:002015-02-06T08:30:02.383-05:00Birding Competition Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday update: The past weekend gave me an uptick of 2 birds to put me at 89. I spent Saturday afternoon birding around the Long Point Winery area of Cayuga Lake. I first went in search of longspurs but only found Snow Buntings and Horned Larks. This is when I really wish I had a scope to scan with!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Down by Cayuga Lake I found the usual suspects including Redheads, Common Mergansers, and even two Tundra Swans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the sun was setting and deer came out to feed I had a calling Common Raven overhead which was bird #88. It was heading for the trees, perhaps to roost for the evening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next came the Northern Harrier over the vineyards and surround fields. Year bird number #89! I stayed around in the single digits to wait to glimpse the Short-eared Owl again. It came as the sun was setting and the light almost too dim to take a photo. The best show I managed was the one above of the Short-eared hunting over the vineyard. A few minutes after this it hit the ground with prey in foot. A great way to end the day and head home to warm up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Sunday I tried for an Eastern Screech-owl that's roosting nearby but it was a no-go after an hour of waiting and searching. I'll be back little owl if the weather improves! Until then, I hope to go on a Cayuga Bird Club outing this coming weekend and pick up a few more birds. There are some winter birds around I'd love to pick up like Redpoll, Pine Sisken, and Snowy Owl. Wish me luck!</span></div>
<br />Eva Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561155123769747061noreply@blogger.com0