FEBRUARY 22 2014 GRAND VUE SPRING?

It was great to get a Grand Vue day with spring like temperatures.  I have officially switched gears and am now in nest box mode.  I cleaned out 7 bluebird boxes, 2 small boxes, and checked two screech owl boxes.  I saw at least 20 bluebirds today along with turkey vultures, towhees, song sparrows, and all the woodpeckers except the piliated. Also a Cooper's hawk and red tailed hawk. Robins were active..... ah spring is just around the corner.
Mark your calendars for Grand Vue Birding Days:  March 8 is the last bird count beginning at 11:00.
March 22, April 5 and 19.  Meet at the banquet hall at 9:30 and we go from there.

February 16, 2014 BIRD BEHAVIOR at feeding station

I changed things up on my bird feeding this weekend and post an activity about bird behavior.  To begin you must visualize my feeding situation and layout.  I live in Moundsville but on the outskirts.  My house is surrounded by other homes but is 200 yards from the edge of the woods.  I have maintained feeding birds for years and is on the dining list of birds who no doubt know there will be food available: Sunflower, Niger, and Suet.
I live on a hillside so my back door and deck are up high.  In fact my basement door exits directly onto my back yard patio.  I feed from a feeder and suet on my deck.  I also, throw food out under my feeder which is 15 feet below... I cannot see the ground below my feeder leaving those ground dwellers on my basement level mostly unobserved.  Well, this weekend I did not feed on the ground level and only put out seeds on my deck level scattering a great deal across a larger part of the deck.  So if ground dwellers wanted fresh seeds, they would have to come up to the deck.

"Bird count" birds today:  6 cardinals, three nuthatches, 15 house finches, 5 song sparrows, two downy woodpeckers, two red bellied woodpeckers, 8 chickadees, 7 titmice, 5 gold finch, 3 blue jays, 8 starlings, 3 english sparrows, 5 juncos,  two carolina wrens ....... all within ten feet of my window.  It snowed and I had active feeders during this 2 hour observation.

The activity:  Match the birds above to the observation below.

______- one female appeared to have some symptoms of conjunctivitis.  She seemed overly aggressive toward other birds.

______- this species pretty much declined my invitation to the deck and preferred to find seed left over from the week, even though the snow cover made doing so more difficult.  When it did come to the deck, it "hopped" from place to place, never going to the feeder.

______- these two species were first to find my small bucket of sunflower seeds that I kept under my swing, two feet from my widow.  They were the only birds eating from that food source, taking one seed at a time flying elsewhere to eat.

_____ - this species stayed together in a nearby tree, then swarmed the feeders together eating primarily from the suet cakes.

_____- this loud species owned the feeder when it came to feed on sunflower.  Others vacated.

_____- this species "ran" back and forth more than did the others, picking up small leftovers all around the feeding area.

_____- this species was most sedentary, eating from one seated position for the longest time.

_____- observed three species feeding from a small hole on the side of the feeder when the busy feeder did not provide space

_____- this species used its tail more than any other to maintain its position on the suet cakes, primarily.

_____-this species seemed to enjoy the crumbs of suet that landed on the deck as its main course.

Point being, you can identify the bird quite often just by its behavior.

February 8,2014 GRAND VUE Project Feeder Watch

I enjoyed a few hours at Grand Vue for feeder watch.  Nine or ten people just counting birds at the feeders was a great time.  I arrived 45 minutes early to hike in search of birds we probably would not see at a feeder.  Anyway, a difficult 90 minutes of walking yielded no kinglets, no winter wren, and no sapsucker as I had hoped.  As we watched and counted birds at the feeders Scott and I were just talking about not seeing brown creepers in Marshall County when right on que we had one at the base of a tree.  Other than that, a tree sparrow, some white throated sparrows, and other common birds.  The biggest count was 45 juncos.  Anyway, this crisp, cold day was successful.  We do it again in March!  By then it will be time to set up some more walks and get ready for spring.
There has been much talk about other birds this week.  Grebes, mergansers, gulls, peregrine, buffleheads, and other birds along the frozen river are all being talked about.  Also, rumors of a snowy owl in town have my attention.

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.

Birding Planning at Grandvue

I spoke with Rick Vargo and Bill Beatty today to set up a bird banding day at Grandvue. Since Saturdays are difficult to schedule we are looking at two monday possibilities. Monday, January 21 is MLK day. Monday, February 18 is Presidents Day. Both are non-school days and should be available. OK RICK AND BILL, HERE IS THE PLACE TO COMMENT ON SCHEDULING CONCERNS. I know we need favorable weather conditions: NO wind! Also, we need some snow that would bring more birds to the feeding stations. In addition we need to be able to cancel easily should we not have good conditions. Woody 304-830-0757 Bill 304-737-3777 Rick 304-280-6790

Grand Vue December 28, 2012

Today I hiked Grand Vue for about two hours. I set out to map the coordinates for each of all 12 nest boxes. When I first arrived around noon I noted many birds at the feeding stations. A pileated woodpecker as well as downey, hairy, and red bellied all were feeding at suet cakes. Many other birds but I took the time to count 43 mourning doves. I also noted a red breasted nuthatch as well as 3 white breasted nuthatches. After my walk I again counted a large flock of birds, this time 62 cowbirds!

Current NestBoxes at Grand Vue

There are currently 12 boxes at Grand Vue: 3 small "wren or chickadee" size, 7 Bluebird Boxes, 2 large "screech owl" size boxes. BOX LOCATIONS: Box locations at grand vue Box 1. Latitude: 39.94369143, Longitude: -80.72934645 Box 2 Latitude: 39.94578066, Longitude: -80.73084882 Box 3 Latitude: 39.94838793, Longitude: -80.73332308 Box 4 Latitude: 39.94863822, Longitude: -80.73407837 Box 5 Latitude: 39.94696871, Longitude: -80.73525955 Box 6 small Latitude: 39.94492067, Longitude: -80.73686888 Box 7 large Latitude: 39.94724171, Longitude: -80.73674155 Box 8 Latitude: 39.9467033, Longitude: -80.73768561 Box 9 Latitude: 39.9491796, Longitude: -80.73823672 Box 10 small Latitude: 39.9515627, Longitude: -80.73837242 Box 11 large latitude: 39.95084308, Longitude: -80.73748251 Box 12 Latitude: 39.95034737, Longitude: -80.73759089

DECEMBER 15, 2012 Grand Vue Birds

Before hanging nest boxes I saw a red tail hawk flying very low to the ground coming over the ridge directly behind the conference center. He was definitely on the hunt. After hanging nest boxes I took note of the activity at the feeding stations. There were so many birds it was difficult to get a count but here is my best effort at most counted in a single count by species at 2:50: House Finch (58 some could have been purple finches), Carolina Chickadee (15), Titmouse (12), Gold Finch (21), House Sparrows (8), WB Nuthatch (6), Mourning Dove (8), Junco (2), Red Bellied Woodpecker (2), Downey Woodpecker (1), Cardinal (4), Blue Jay (3),

DECEMBER 15, 2012 Grand Vue Owl Nest Boxes

This day began sunny and ended quite gray. I called Jim Asplund to assist with the hanging of two large nest boxes and two more bluebird boxes at Grand Vue. I carried tools and boxes in a back pack and Jim volunteered to carry the ladder and nest box. One box was hung close to a large clearing that remains un-mowed. I am hoping to get one of the following birds as an occupant: Kestrel (would be great but unlikely), Screech Owl, Flicker, Hairy, Red-Bellied, or Pileated Woodpecker. An interesting note: When the screech owl box was hung Jim and I looked at our bird apps with regard to nesting habits. We then listened to the various calls of the screech owl. We were pleased that shortly thereafter we could hear the whinny call of an owl certainly within 100 yards of the nest box placement. Indeed these owls are on territory and active even at 2:00 on this overcast afternoon.

December 1, 2012 Grandvue

Grandvue has added to their feeding station. In fact they now have three stations with more than twenty feeders. This will make for great birding this winter. Hopefully we can get people interested and involved in observation and seed donations. Today was a beautiful day, mid 50s, sunny. I observed the following counts by species (most at one time): Goldfinch 15, house finch 12, C. Chickadee 7, Titmouse 9, Hairy Woodpecker 2, Downy Woodpecker 1, Cardinal 2, Blue Jay 2, Song Sparrow 3, Red Bellied Woodpecker 1,

Grandvue has placed a feeding station by the banquet hall. I encourage everyone to support this endeavor and hope it leads to new and better birding opportunities. Grand Vue feeding station.   Most in one observation together by species Sept 15, 2012. 11:50-12:05 Gold finch 10, House finch 5, Mourning dove 4, Red bellied wp 1Tree above, C. Chickadee 3, White breasted nuthatch 2, bluejay 2, English sparrow 2, Sept 30, 2012  6:00-6:10  most feeders empty 4 chickadees, 1 mourning dove, 5 gold finch, 2  breasted nut hatch, 2 red bellied woodpecker, 2 titmouse,

August 1, 2012 Grand Vue

It was "raptor night" on this nice evening at Grand Vue. Ann and I went for a walk. My first bird was a Coopers Hawk sailing over the ridge behind the reception hall. All nest boxes are empty. I did hear a few bluebirds but numbers were not abundantly observed. Many Song, Chipping, and Field Sparrows as well as all the commoners. As we walked we saw or heard pileated, red bellied, and hairy woodpeckers as well as many flickers. Of note on this walk were the three Broadwinged Hawks. I heard them first in an area common for peewees and not until I saw one of these young buteos did I discover that I encountered something a bit out of the ordinary. They moved from tree to tree and seemed to be going in our same direction for a portion of our walk. I also saw and heard the acadian flycatcher again. Good walk on a beautiful evening and Ann enjoyed the scenery as well.

July 22, 2012 Grand Vue

Went off trail on this beautiful evening. I wanted to revisit the location that held a Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher in the ravine toward Sun Valley. I was joined by Jim for this walk and we began our hike behind the reception hall as usual. This time the ridge held the following: Very young bluebirds in box #1,Kingbird,Scarlet Tanager, Many adult and juvenile bluebirds, cedar waxwings, YELLOW THROATED WARBLER, indigo buntings, common yellow throat, field sparrows, chipping sparrows, blue jays, chickadees, titmouse, peewee, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, chimney swifts, carolina wren, and many other common birds. The yellow throated warbler was a fun bird to watch. Eating knats that swarmed overhead he gave us a great show within 15-20 feet. As we went down through the ravine the habitat changed. Wood Thrush were everywhere including a fledgling that was just off the nest. Finally at the base of the ravine we called a water thrush and the bird immediately responded and continued to move about in the thick foliage. He was more difficult to see compared to my earlier observations (see other posts). And this time I only saw one bird. I attribute this behavior to possible nest location. I'm guessing the female was on nest somewhere close. The acadian flycatcher called in as well so they too were nesting. Along the ridge as we climbed we also heard turkeys again. Though we did not see them the sound indicated a hen moving her brood along ahead of us. Finally a pileated woodpecker swooped in and moved about. The pileated is an amazing flyer through some of the thickest growth for a bird that size. GOOD BIRDING DAY!