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!

July 1, 2012 Grand Vue

Bluebirds continue to flourish. I think there are birds on 3rd or 4th brood. Observed many young in trees awaiting food from parent birds. Nest box 1 has newly hatched chicks. Only three boxes of my five boxes where utilized by bluebirds but their population is doing well. Grandvue July 1 2012 Yellow throated vireo, Bluebirds in boxes and feeding young ( many), Flicker, Field sparrow,Chipping sparrow,Carolina wren,Cardinals,Common yellowthroat, Crow Wood thrush,Bluejays,Indigo bunting,Robins,Red eyed vireo, Towhee, scarlet tanager, Acadian flycatcher note April-July sitings Louisiana Water Thrush (note multiple sitings over time)

June 13, 2012 Hunnington Beach St. Park, South Carolina

In June I enjoyed some time just south of Myrtle Beach. There Hunnington Beach State Park is always my favorite spot for birding. Many birds not listed but of particular interest include a painted bunting and a brown booby. The painted bunting was at a feeding station. The brown booby is a more interesting story. After spending the better part of a morning birding I was running out of time but I decided to visit the jetty located at the north end of the park. Someone directed me toward the jetty but I quickly observed that the distance to actually walk there was going to prohibit me from actually stepping foot on the jetty. As I returned to my car with binoculars harnessed to my chest I met a couple also with binoculars and several really nice cameras. Us birders kind of stand out among the beach goers so we struck up a short conversation. They too were pressed for time but wanted to visit the jetty where it had been rummored a brown booby had been seen. Now you know you are talking to a birder when that statement is not followed by a multitude of one-liners. I stated that would be a first for me. The gentleman indicated he had seen them before just not in North America. Anyway, I could not find the time to turn and seek the bird of a life time, but I did note that our fishing plans the next day did include the water around the jetty. To make a long story short from our pontoon boat the next day I did observe two large flying birds, one brown, the other with distinct markings that would indicate a brown booby. I had maybe 20 seconds of viewing time. The adult definitely had the white to black "belly" markings of a brown booby. I have made every attempt to find another bird of that size with that distinct black to white transition on the breast of the bird. I am 95% sure that I saw a brown booby. Some other birds: Blue gray knatcatchers,Carolina wren,Mocking bird,Carolina chickadee, Boat Tailed Grackles,Brandts, cormorant,double crested cormorant,Great egrets,Little blue herons, Tricolored herons,Great blues, Red Shouldered Hawks,Red winged black birds,Anhigas, Wood stork and multiple gulls.

May 19, 2012 Grand Vue

I noticed I have neglected to post for quite sometime so let me get caught up. On May 19 I enjoyed a long hike. At one point I called turkeys from two different location. Unknowingly I was also calling in a coyote. I was positioned in such a way that he had to walk up and around a ravine so he was not able to identify me before I saw him. His 5 seconds not but 40 or 50 feet from me proved to be my best view of a healthy adult coyote... fantastic. The birding was good. I believe I have one set of bluebirds on their second brood on this day in May which I think is pretty early. I also located one of the geocaching boxes which I did not disturb. Other birds include: Least flycatcher, Brown thrasher,towhee,Many blue birds one in box,Cowbirds, Field sparrow,Song sparrow,Yellow throats,Flicker,Red bellied,Chipping sparrow, Tree sparrow,Many fledglings,Indigo bunting,Turkey,Peewee,Chickadee,Titmouse,Crow  Grackle,Scarlet tanager,Rose Breasted Grossbeak,Nuthatch,Louisiana water thrush pair Acadian flycatcher,Red tail hawk,robin,starling,purple finch,english sparrow,goldfinch downy,hairy, pileated woodpeckers, Black Throated Green Warblers,Common Yellow Throats, Baltimore Orioles, others

April 22, 2012 Grand Vue

Today's walk yielded many birds. First, blue bird boxes have one nest of 5 young birds and another box has 5 eggs. A coopers hawk flew through staying low to the ground as he came up over the hill toward the large area of mowed grass. Had I not been there I think he would have continued the path toward the area that holds 20 robins consistently. I remember posting last year about the pile of bluebird feathers. Anyway, todays birds: coopers and red tailed hawk, black throated green warbler, white throated sparrows, field, song, and chipping sparrows,cowbirds, white-eyed vereo, heard a turkey, blue birds, jays, crows, robins, cardinals (many nesting sites), towhees, red bellied, downy, and many flickers, maybe a sapsucker, and a bunch more.

April 19, 2012 Coopers Rock

While at the PLA conference at Lakeview I made two stops at Coopers Rock. I did not find the stand of virgin pines that Bill Beatty spoke of but I do need to find that location in hopes of seeing a black burnian warbler. Oh well, another day. I was able to see black throated greens and a black throated blue. Also on the list today was black and white warbler and brown creeper. I identified all by sound before making a visual except the brown creeper. Coopers rock is a good warbler spot and I plan more attempts at seeing a variety of warblers especially the curilean warbler.

March 28,2012 Grandvue

Just a quick note to record two nest sitings. First the nest box now has two bluebird eggs. Two other boxes have bluebird nest activity. Also I located a flicker nest. I will try to make breeding bird atlas entries this week. Chipping sparrows are also back along with all the usuals listed previously.

March 15, 2012 Grand Vue WARM

We have had nice weather. Summer-like temperatures and sunny days prevail. The forecast calls for more of the same with record highs a good possibility. This early start to spring is leading to some early bird activity. One box at Grand Vue already has a nearly completed nest. I will monitor for eggs. Todays walk resulted in at least five male bluebird sitings. Also I'm now seeing many field sparrows, Towhees, and other typical birds. Grandvue has an abundance of wood peckers that I hope to observe in nesting behavior this year. In addition I saw my first Northern Flicker of the year today.

Grand Vue March 3, 2012 short hike

Though the sun was shining and temperatures were up near 50 degrees, the wind was prohibitive today. I did mange to se three singing bluebirds. Also I want to note that last week I saw 6 or more field sparrows. That is the first time I can recall seeing this bird in February. Not much more to report today.

February 20, 2012 Grand Vue long hike

Two days ago I hiked, hung my repaired bird house, and observed much spring like behavior in birds. So I blocked in some time for Monday beginning at 9:30.I took a long hike on this Presidents Day. It was a bright sunny day and temperatures in the high 40s, maybe even 50s. My extended hike lasted more than 4 hours this time as I went off trail and off the banquet hall ridge ending up all the way down by Sun Valley. There is a stream there at the base of the ravine, a very steep one at that. I followed the stream and varying elevations around the back side of the ridge. First, I noted bluebirds which are a constant at Grand Vue now. As I walked the rough hillside many birds were active. Infact they were singing and making every effort to bring Spring on at a rapid pace. Pileated, Downy, Hairy, RB Woodpeckers, WB Nuthatches, song sparrows, Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, Titmice, all reacted to the audio from my ipad. I hoped to see Kinglets again but did not. The best birds today were the Turkeys. I was well above them about half way up the hillside when I spooked a bunch of Turkeys. They were probably 100 yards away. My first reaction to their burst into the trees was, "Wow thats a lot of birds". Even in the trees they were still below me. They echoed through the ravine. I guessed 30 or 40 at the time but second guessed myself on that number. I sat and observed them in the trees. Through binoculars I counted nearly 20 birds. I watched them make their calls and one by one return to the ground. I advanced and the Turkeys remained behind, so I thought. At one point I sat and called in the pileated and other woodpeckers as well as a carolina wren. The turkeys moved up the ridgeline and were maybe 30 or 40 yards below me moving up from behind rocks and logs. I simply sat and watched 55 birds go by pretty much in single file. Impressive birds and an impressive sight. Maybe this will be a good year for Turkeys.
The bluebirds were plentiful. When I returned to the top of the ridge near the banquet hall I watched 6 or 7 birds at a time. The males already in bight colors and the audio from the ipad made them very active. I think there are more bluebirds than ever. I wonder how many fledged from my boxes.

Feb 5 2012 Grandview hike

Nest box report: I observed all boxes noting one had been vandalized. I took the pieces home to be repaired. Also deer mice now have a tight nest in box number 4.

I enjoyed a two hour hike at grandvue in 48 degree temperatures. Now that's winter! The bird of the day was the golden crowned kinglet. The location was the exact sme spot I noted seeing them last winter. I heard them before I saw them.
Other birds: pileated, red bellied, hairy, Downey, bluejay, crow, bluebirds, Carolina wren, titmouse, cardinal, Song sparrow, And other commons. I hiked all the way to the bottom and noted good habitat for waterthrush to be checked in may or June.