Early December 2013

Its all about weather now.  When we get snow the feeders fill with birds and when it stays mild the birds stay in their preferred habitats.  Last weekend (Dec 7) we had snow and I had many birds on my deck and ground below.  Two birds were notable.  First I saw a small bird on my deck exploring everything except seeds.  He had me puzzled for a while but then as I watched from my window he moved from deck floor to swing which is just outside my window.  As if to say, "take a close look" he moved across the top of the swing not 3 feet from my face.  A yellow-rumped warbler in December is a first for me.  The next bird was a white-crowned sparrow.  No matter how often I see a bird, its always nice to see the first one of the year or one that seems out of place and time.
The weatherman called for up to 4 inches of snow this morning, but instead we have a cold, wet day with no snow.  I'm sure there are some locals getting hit with some snow, but not down in the valley.  So we have very few birds this day.  Can't believe I'm saying this but I think I'm ready to wake up to a snow that takes me on a crisp and crunchy hike at Grand Vue.  Maybe a kinglet or a sapsucker to make the hike noteworthy.  Well, it appears that will have to wait for another day.

October-November 2013

October yielded no notable birds.  Now I'm seeing juncos and other winter birds so the shift changes to feeding stations.  Grand Vue added another feeding station which is located back in the woods.  The station has been very busy.  Anyway, two Saturdays in November are now scheduled, November 16 and 30.  see you at 9:30.

August 24, 2013 Grand Vue

On this bright sunny day I enjoyed the company of one birder as we sought out early moving birds.  We did see our common birds as well as a wood pewee.  I did not notice bluebirds which have been so common.  The bird of the day was I believe a magnolia warbler.  I used the warbler guide to identify a first year, fall female.  This bird was a quick mover with lots of yellow on the throat and stomach.  An eyer ring was distinctive and the wing bars made me lean toward the maggie identification.   It was my first Magnolia at Grandvue.
The next scheduled outings will be the last two Saturdays in September for "warbler weekends". Hopefully we will have an abundance of warblers as difficult as they may be.

Grand Vue Plans - Warbler Weekends

August 10 is our next scheduled walk.  9:30 at the banquet hall.  Also, plans are underway to seek out fall migrating warblers.  Warbler weekends are planned for the last two Saturdays in September.  I look forward to the challenges that these birds will bring at Grand Vue.

July 6 and 20 NEXT BIRDING AT GRANDVUE

Consider yourself invited to come to Grand Vue for a birding activity.  We begin at the main office and walk well maintained trails seeing what the habitat has to offer.  Currently bluebirds are active nesters and many fledglings are out and about.  For our last hike we had two adults and two very interested young birders.  These two girls, grades 2 and 3 were great.  They had great interest, asked good questions, and sought out birds on their bird list.  We will do more to attract young birders and plan activities that are kid and parent friendly.  Birding begins at 9:30.  See you at Grand Vue!

Braxton County and Burnsville Lake

In mid June a friend and I went on a two day fishing trip to Burnsville Lake.  Staying at a campsite at Bulltown Campgrounds was very good.  I recommend the campground.  The fishing however was not  good as the heavy rains preceded our arrival.  Chocolate milk is not the color you want to see in the water when fishing.  None the less we had a great time and saw many birds, barred owl, northern waterthrush, redstarts, yellowthroats, chestnut-sided, and many other warblers and flycatchers.  A highlight was watching a black bear swim the 300 yard width of the lake.

June 8,2013 OFF TRAIL HIKE - Waterthrush NEST

     I think the talk about our off trail hike and the threat of rain may have scared some people off.  There were no takers on our Saturday walk down into the ravine.  So I walked alone, which is never a bad thing.  My intent was to show new habitat and in so doing new birds, namely the Louisiana Waterthrush. I've observed these birds on many occasions and they quickly became one of my favored birds. I've even tried locating nests but timing and the difficulty of doing so seem impossible. I remember the first time I saw this bird.  I was at the Middle Creek School parking lot observing the heron rookery.  The waterthrush's song got my attention as it sang on a branch.  Its three long introductory notes to me sounded like a song sparrow but the visual had me stumped.  It looked more like an ovenbird.  Scott Shallaway helped me make the identification.  Since then I am more vigilant in finding both the Louisiana and Northern Waterthrush.
    So my vigilance took me down into a deep ravine.  Its not a long walk, just a steep one.  I followed the stream bed for about five minutes and heard the call note of a waterthrush so I stopped.  Soon I had a visual on one bird with a beak full of insects.  Within a minute I watched the bird make its way up the steep bank maybe twenty feet up near the top where the grass and roots created an overhang in some sturdy ground.  There she disappeared for a moment feeding her nest of chicks.
   I climbed the bank, took some pictures (posted) and then sat and observed the calling, fanned-tail bobbing, singing, and feeding behavior of this pair of Waterthrush.  The climb was nearly impossible as muddy conditions made for bad footing.  I noted that the bird that watched me climb was extremely wary of approaching the nest.  The other bird was quick to enter, feed and leave but the first bird took along time to make its way back.
   So much time was spent observing this activity that I ran out of time to continue the long ravine hike.  So I simply made my way back up the hill toward the banquet hall.  Before leaving I also observed an Acadian Flycatcher on nest and the constant perseek of its partner in the tree near the waterthrush.  It was already a good nest day. Had I continued down stream I probably would have encountered a pileated woodpecker family.  I hear them in this ravine constantly.
   As I checked nest boxes I encountered new bluebird eggs, tree swallow young quickly changing, and also a busy Baltimore Oriole nest.  So what a day at Grand Vue!  June is prime time for nesting and fledgling activity and as such, prime time to take hikes to places seldom seen.

Next birding hike is scheduled for Saturday, June 8 at Grand Vue.  However, as advertised this walk will not be the typical walk on the trails.  Weather permitting we will hike a steep grade down into a ravine and small stream bed.  I hope to find some species that are not so common.  Anyway, meet me at the banquet hall at 9:30 and wear your good hiking shoes. See you at Grand Vue!!

May 18 and 27 2013 (Grand Vue and North Carolina)

I'm sitting in a beautiful backyard visiting friends in Matthews NC in Charlotte.  The yard is made nice not only by the pool and patio area but as much so by the maturing trees and vast landscaping.  This vegetation  and feeding stations bring in birds.  So the air is full of the sounds from the three best mimics, mocking bird, catbird, and brown thrasher. The song sparrow and robin make their presence Also, blue jays cardinals, house and gold finches, Carolina wren, chicadee and titmouse.  They are non stop companions this and every morning.

May 18 at Grand Vue was of interest to me.  Nesting season is in full force.  Again I had an up close view of the tree swallow.  Cedar waxwings are back. Also I located a flicker nest and an oriole nest located at the bottom of the pathway from the newly seeded area to the lower trail.  I watched the female enter and exit multiple times.  In addition the bluebird boxes have now completed the first brood and I'm sure I will see round two happen.
My Grand Vue only list is now up to 57 species.  Its funny I had to add great blue heron and black vulture.  The black vulture was a good bird to add but the heron was a "fly over".  The lists have been popular.

MAY 11 2013 GRAND VUE WALK YIELDS GOOD BIRDS

We've had a lot of rain and fairly severe weather. That resulted in no takers for our hike today on this overcast and cool morning.  However, those same conditions result in many birds being forced out of the air, their flights grounded or at least delayed.  So it was actually a perfect day for birding.  So I added to my Grand Vue list today the following birds: Chestnut-sided Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and Yellow-throated Warbler.  I also saw Indigo Bunting, Eastern Wood-pewee, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-throated Vireo and much activity at the nest boxes.  My list now includes 53 species all seen at Grand Vue.  I took some pictures of the young birds in two bluebird nests and the eggs in the tree swallow nest posting several to this blog.  Grand vue looked great and really there was no rain, just wet conditions.
I'm not available for the next two weeks so birding is on your own....... but often that yields best results.  Until June 8, enjoy the sights, sounds, and birds of Spring.  Remember we are scheduled to do an off trail hike.

MAY 11, 2013 Grand Vue Birding

Our next birding hike is Saturday, May 11, 2013.  We meet rain or shine at the banquet hall and go from there.  Dress for the weather and plan to see Bluebird chicks and tree swallow eggs.  Who knows what the next walk will yield so bring your birding challenge checklists or pick one up in the main office.  See you at Grand Vue!

"OFF TRAIL" Bird Hike at Grand Vue on June 8

June 8            9:30-11:30    Banquet Hall

On this day Woody will lead a group to  explore new habitat.  With several people using the “BIG Challenge Birding List” we have to seek out some of those more difficult birds.  So, beginning at the banquet hall at 9:30 we will go off trail moving down into the ravine where we will find steep banks,  small creeks, mature trees, and deep leave matter.  This change in habitat should result in finding several species that one would never see up on the ridges.  Several flycatchers and warblers, in particular  Northern and Louisiana Water Thrush are much more common in these remote locations.

Please be advised should you choose to take this hiking adventure, wear hiking apparel.  The hike down into the ravine isn’t so bad but the walk back up to Grand Vue is quite the work-out.  If we see birds this hike could take as long as two hours.

 Of course everyone is welcome to come and form a group to walk the traditional trail loop, looking at the progress made by bluebirds, orioles, sparrows, and other birds not yet seen.

SEE YOU AT GRAND VUE!

MAY 4 AND 5, 2013 Birding Group at Grand Vue

On Saturday, May 4 I met with five others and enjoyed a great day with perfect weather.  The orioles continue to be vocal and abundant.  The American Redstarts are in high numbers this year as we saw many birds in many different locations.  In addition we added tree swallows to our lists.  In fact, a pair of swallows is using the bluebird box on the post behind the banquet hall.  I was hoping for swallows as I placed two boxes too close together for bluebirds to build nests in both. With 80 birds on the list I now have 47 birds observed.  Of note I have yet to see the elusive house sparrow at Grand Vue, ha ha!

On Sunday, May 5 I returned for an evening walk.  I have been considering an off trail day with those who want to explore other habitats.  So I walked down into a ravine.  It paid off with more good birds.  More Redstarts and a catbird were the first birds.  I added Wood Thrush and Rose Breasted Gross Beak.  But my favorite birds were two seperate pairs of Louisiana Water Thrush.  This was the primary intent for my hike.  The habitat was classic water thrush; steep banks, lots of leaves, heavy shade, and a small creek.  Once in the ravine I simply followed the creek bed searching for waterthrush.  As I walked a bird flew straight at me with the direct flight of a water thrush.  Picture steep banks to either side, me on a rock in the creek bed, and a water thrush flying straight at me.  The bird landed but 15-20 feet away, bobbing its tail constantly as it foraged for food.  I struggle with identifying Louisiana and Northern Water Thrush so I used my app on my iphone.  After seeing the reaction to the audio I knew I was looking at a Louisiana!  After staying for a good 15 minutes I left that pair behind only to find another pair 15 minutes down streem.  I really enjoyed the hike and vowed to invite others to do the same.  I took 2 hours to complete the walk but time well spent indeed.

Next birding events at Grand Vue - May 4 and 11 at 9:30.

See you at Grand Vue!

April 27, 2013 GRAND VUIE

     We enjoyed a perfect morning at Grand Vue.  Upon arrival I was greeted by 20+ gold finch at the feeding station.  True, this is not uncommon but with the addition of bright yellow plumage it is notable.  Indeed this was a "rush" of gold finch.  Also noted was the phoebe singing behind the conference center.  This week Rick texted a great picture of a rose breasted gross-beak feeding at the window feeder though I did not see or hear him today.

      At 9:30 I met up with Tom, Dave, and Sam and spent some time at the feeding station before moving onto the trails.  We looked over the birding challenge checklists and I carried my "big" challenge list from last week. Near the end of our 90 min walk we were joined by the lady from the state of Washington.  She attended previously but I can not remember her name.

   The walk was productive.  Bluebird boxes are all in varying stages.  One has 5 eggs, three have 4 eggs, one had 2 eggs, and one completed nest had no eggs.  Two boxes are not occupied. I could add to my Grand Vue checklist the following species:  Redstart, Baltimore Oriole, more brown thrashers, Wood Thrush, and Barn Swallow.  After three visits to Grand Vue I have recorded 35 of the 80 species listed.  Many fairly common birds have yet to be checked.  The elusive house sparrow has yet to be seen!  I hope to see more warblers....its all in the timing.

NEXT BIRDING DAY - APRIL 27 - 9:30

See you at Grand Vue!

April 22, 2013

On Sunday, April 21, 2013 I enjoyed a long walk.  Earlier I produced three birding lists to be used by guests at Grand Vue.  One list is a "Lite Challenge" with common birds that could be seen in a long walk.  I also did  "Medium and Big Challenge" Lists for long term birders.  The big challenge list covers the span of April to October and is quite extensive.  It includes migrating warblers.
I was told that yellow rumped warblers were sited but I was not able to find them.  In under two hours I was able to get 28 species on my Big Challenge list including a female red-winged blackbird, phoebe, and three brown thrashers.
This week I lead another outing.  Hopefully some folks show up and we make gains on the bird list.  I am noting some nesting activity to make entry into the breeding bird atlas which I have been neglecting.  More to follow, hopefully some warblers.

April Happenings and Update - April 22, 2013

Well, I have neglected to post for quite some time.  Spring has a later start this year as I compare notes from last year.  There were eggs in nest boxes in march last year but not this year.  None the less there is much activity and 5 of 7 boxes now have eggs.
I have been helping with birding at Grand Vue.  Two Saturdays a month I lead birding outings.  So far only one scheduled day had no shows.  April 6 was a chilly day and three people showed up.  We walked a slow pace noting common birds.  Bluebirds, pileated woodpecker, and towhees were notable.  Afterwards we enjoyed lunch at the golf shop with Scott Shalaway and Grand Vue personnel.  Rick Vargo showed nest boxes being made from old cedar signs.

March 30, 2013 Grand Vue

I was scheduled to do a birding identification session at Grand Vue but on this very nice morning there were no participants.  So after a brief wait I took a quick hike.  I noted three pairs of bluebirds, downy, hairy, red bellied, and pileated wood peckers.  Also, Towhees are back in town as I saw three males.  Field Sparrows and Song Sparrows are also in abundance.  Bird pairs everywhere, titmouse, chickadees, cardinals, all the woodpeckers and many more.  Spring is springing!

March 9,2013 Grand Vue Birding Event

Grand Vue scheduled an intro to birding session for anyone interested.  I volunteered to lead a quick basic bird identification discussion followed by hike.  We had 9 individuals show up in addition to myself and Liz from Grand Vue.  Four participants were Boy Scouts.  Warm temperatures and clear skies led to an enjoyable walk.  It was blue bird day!  I saw at least 10 different birds but the number could have been much higher. At two separate boxes birds were observed entering and exiting.  If this  is an indicator we could be looking at an outstanding year for blue birds at Grand Vue.  We are scheduled to do this again on the last Saturday of the month.  By then I'm sure we will find nesting material in most boxes.  After our walk we did a feeder watch bird count with Scott Shalaway.

February 23, 2013 GRAND VUE

With the weather breaking I anticipated seeing bluebirds on my walk at 10:00.  However, no bluebird sitings were made.  None the less I enjoyed my hike, cleaned out the nest boxes, and did manage to see 4 turkeys that I have observed on multiple occasions.  Hopefully these birds will have a relatively dry spring nesting season.  They were big, healthy looking birds. I could not note any activity at the owl nest boxes.  In fact my after dark attempts to get owls to vocalize yielded nothing earlier in the week.
 
Upon my arrival at the park I met a group of boys participating in the scouting program.  Before their participation in the orienteering program they picked up binoculars and bird lists and were very engaged in the identification of birds at the feeder.  Hopefully we can see some of them return on the 9th for our next scheduled bird count and hike.

I did note the high numbers of woodpeckers as I ended my hike at noon.  Pairs of Downy, Hairy, and Red Bellied woodpeckers were moving about the suet locations.  In fact a third bird joined the Downy and Hairy pairs.  My day continued with basketball.  The Maryland Terrapins, West Lib women and West Lib men all winning.  It doesn't get any better than that!

Grand Vue February 10, 2013

While much of the northeast is trying to dig out of a severe snow storm we were fortunate to have reasonably nice weather today.  With temperatures near the 50 degrees mark I spent a lot of time at Grandvue.  I visited the ravine by the office building but did not locate a winter wren ... again.  However the day was not lost as I saw 4 turkeys and 6 male bluebirds.  There was increased vocalization from many birds as I heard bluebirds, cardinals, song sparrows, chickadees, titmice, all singing territorial like songs.  The feeders were typical with note given to the 37 mourning doves observed at one time.    I also note that I saw my first flicker of the year at my suet on my deck. After the Grand Vue hike I went to the Ohio River where I watched two ring billed gulls and 5 canadian geese.  Many song sparrows by the river as well.  It was a good day!

Grand Vue, Saturday, January 12, 2013

An unusually warm weekend led to a long walk and several good birds. First I want to journal that I had a dozen redpolls at my feeder at my house last Thursday. Grand Vue on Saturday yielded the following: 7 blue birds, a red tailed hawk,many usuals at the feeding stations, and reports of redpolls earlier in the week. I hiked all the way down to the stream and located a winter wren. He responded to audio and came within 15 feet. On the way back up the hill I saw a red fox as well. No sign of any activity at my owl boxes.