New Hairy Woodpecker Longevity Record set at Kestrel Haven

This morning we netted a Hairy Woodpecker that we banded as an adult in 1995. The
band was quite worn. The bird is now over 16 years of age. He represents a new age
record for that species! He was released with the hope that we see him again next
year.

This is our fifth longevity record. Others have been American Goldfinch at over 9
years of age, Chipping Sparrow at over 7 years, Eastern Kingbird at 10 years 1 month
and, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher at 5 years 2 months.

The banders aren't getting any younger either.

J&S

West Nile Virus update

Remember this bug? This was the big fear and project for many in the early 2000s. While it continues it was largely overshadowed by H1N1. One mainstay of the West Nile literature was that it incorrectly attributed the rapid spread of the disease to birds as the prime vectors!

Recent DNA research (Johns Hopkins) has shown that the Culex tarsalis mosquitoes transmitted the disease themselves! The insects travel up to 2.5 miles/day and interbreed. This allows them to cover enough area to carry the virus cross-country.

Birds are filing a class action suit for defamation. ;-)

In our banding world it has been closed for rain, rain, rain, wind and today - snow!
John

Spring has Sprung and then leaked away

19 April 2010

After several weeks of overly warm weather, it is snowing this morning. We took advantage of the warmth to set nets but have been able to band on only one day since!

The website has been brought up to date and several new links added. We hope you enjoy using this service. Let us know what you think and if you find any errors, please let us know.

If you have sightings new to the county or area lists, please document them and let us know soonest. The posted lists are the most accurate and comprehensive currently available for Schuyler.

John and Sue

Schuyler (Watkins Glen) Christmas Bird Count

Received the compilation yesterday. Only we two plus three others covered the
circle
with the following 4,922 birds of 63 spp. Volunteers for next year welcome! I
forget
the date but this CBC has a very long history. Count week birds were unavailable.

C.Loon 1
DC Cormorant 5 (count high)
GB Heron 1
Tundra Swan 2
C.Goose 1,282
Mallard 222
Black 19
Gadwall 16 (new high)
GW Teal 1
Redhead 13
Ring-necked 3
Bufflehead 18
Oldsquaw (long-tailed) 1
Ruddy 3
C. Merg 1
Hooded Merg 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's 1
Red-tailed 15
Rough-legged 1
Merlin 1 (2nd time on CBC) At Watkins Glen Community Center
A.Kestrel 1 (photo on Schuyler sign previously sent)
Turkey 10
R.Grouse 2
Coot 166
Herring Gull 10
RB Gull 357
R.Pigeon 271
M. Dove 131
GH Owl 2
Red-bellied WP 18
YB Sapsucker 1
Downy 33
Hairy 9
Flicker 3
Pileated 4
Horned Lark 4
Blue Jay 63
A.Crow 322
Raven 17 (new high)
BC Chickadee 138
E.Tufted Titmouse 31
WB Nuthatch 24
RB Nuthatch 3
Brown creeper 1
C.Wren 4
Mockingbird 1
Robin 10
E. Bluebird 18
Cedar Waxwing 67
Starling 1,147
E. Meadowlark 1
C.Grackle 1
BH Cowbird 20
Cardinal 36
A. Tree Sparrow 45
WT Sparrow 17
Junco 55
Snow Bunting 6
House Finch 63
A.Goldfinch 64
House Sparrow 136

Vicky's Terrific!

Many thanks to Vicky for creating this blog and enhancing our website! She's a whiz!

We'll attempt to add some articles and photos as we get comfortable with this process.

John and Sue

Welcome !

Welcome to the new Kestrel Haven Breaking News BLOG !