I took my usual loop walk around Star Stanton and Hammond Hills early this morning. High winds and occasional snow flurries. Very few birds. But a couple highlights: a male PURPLE FINCH sang from the top of a spruce. It sang a continuous odd jumble of notes and short phrases, quite unlike the more "typical" song. Suddenly the clouds opened and a brilliant blue sky dawned; the effect was more amazing than a Marie Read photo.
At the large blow-down area along Trail Y-1, I loitered, hoping for to see my favorite bird. He did not disappoint, as, close by, he woke up, blasted out a complete song, then went back to bed. Hint: WINTER WREN. Lastly, I heard the plaintive begging calls of an AMER CROW from a spruce stand. I thought this was a bit early for up there, but I guess not. Steve Fast Brooktondale -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
