If You Can't Beat the Summer Heat: Deal With It

Like a whole lot of people in most of the country, I'm about sick of this unusual and relentless heat wave. I don't have air conditioning and it has been mighty uncomfortable without some relief from 24 hour heat and humidity. So I've gotten really good about complaining. And guess what......it doesn't help.

So I decided I was going birding and I was just going to deal with it. I had low expectations, as the standard thinking out there is that birds are less active in the "heat of the day". There is some truth to this belief but this day would challenge that theory.

I started out with a round-trip tour of locations that provide access to marshes, lakes, farms, forest and other variations in these habitats. I started at the Lorin impoundment that is adjacent to Lake Erie; Medusa Marsh,Willow Point and Pickerel Creek Wildlife Areas that are adjacent to Sandusky Bay; Grasslands, "sky ponds" (flooded farm fields), and seasonal ponds inland in northern Seneca County; and finally Bacon Woods in Vermilion River Reservation on the Vermilion River in Lorain County.

This "circle" at this time of year can produce about 65-70 species of birds. Corn and bean crops are coming into their own, wheat and hay fields are cut, forest song birds are fledged and disbursing, marshes are just beginning to attract southern bound migrant shorebirds and waterfowl are mostly puddle ducks that are emerging from eclipse plumage and barely recognizable by species. For all practical purposes it is a typical hot July, dog days of summer, birding in northern Ohio.

The first third of the day was spent in marshes that produced the regular marsh species, several but expected shorebirds, a few species of waterfowl and a representative smattering of marsh songbirds. The only exceptions were the herons. I found the usual Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets and Green Herons. I didn't find any Black-crowned Night-herons but I found a Snowy Egret at Medusa marsh and later an adult plumage Little Blue Heron on a seasonal pond in Seneca County.

The middle of the day was spent scoping out farm fields, sky ponds and grasslands in Seneca County. I added Stilt Sandipers at the ponds but not much else. A local Peregrine Falcon had shorebirds on alert. At one sky pond I was patiently scoping through a large number of Yellowlegs when I heard a song nearby that is dear to my heart. Just several feet from where I was standing was a singing Grasshopper Sparrow. This is an insect-like song that I rarely hear due to hearing loss. But this song rang loud and true. Hearing the Grasshopper Sparrow song was the highlight of my day. This bird was, incidentally, singing "in the heat of mid day" when songbirds have a reputation for going silent, especially this late in the summer.

I decided to head a few miles south to a mixed grass "prairie," that has been managed as such for several summers on a government subsidy program to encourage nesting grassland  bird species. Here I found another Grasshopper Sparrow gathering insects from on and around the road for feeding babies. The nest was just a few feet off the rarely-traveled Township Road. I got a lot of great pictures, one of which is posted with this blog. I couldn't identify the insects she was carrying which challenges my vision of being the complete naturalist. I doubt that the Grasshopper Sparrow knows the species name either and I'm sure it was of no concern to hungry, growing chicks! Lets just call it...lunch.

The prairie grasses were quiet with a few Eastern Meadowlarks and Red-winged Blackbirds but little else. I happen to be looking down the road when a raptor came into view. It was a beautiful black, gray, and white male Northern Harrier. Of the 13 species of long-winged Harriers worldwide, the Northern Harrier is the only one found in North America. It is a rare and endangered species in Ohio because of the scarcity of grassland habitats they require for nesting. Seeing the male Northern Harrier at the end of July is likely attributed to a breeding pair somewhere in the vicinity of the Seneca County grasslands. Not only was this diurnal raptor a good July sighting but a friendly reminder that listing birds is simply a means to a better understanding of the ecology of which we humans play a large role in shaping.

I decided to tally my list and see where the numbers were compared to expectations. Surprisingly I had 87 species. Over the years I have enjoyed seeing if I could get a hundred or more species in any single day. So the wheels started turning. I decided that 100 species wasn't possible on a hot summer afternoon so I decided to go to Bacon Woods on the Vermilion River and see what forest birds might be around in spite of the heat. I was hoping to break 90 species which is a notable late July day list.

I arrived at Bacon Woods and it was hot and dead still. There was no breeze and no birds seem to be moving or singing. I was sure I would get to 90 but more than that would be a bonus. I used three techniques to survey the Bacon Woods climax and riparian forest, edges and meadow. Probably the best tool is listening, not just for songs but call notes and non vocal sounds that if you can tune in on them, can work very effectively in finding birds. The second tool is pishing and emulating the Eastern Screech-owl. This can be an effective way to congregate resident birds. And the third tool is knowing what birds reside and nest in this park and where. Although it sounds simple and obvious it helps to know what the possibilities are.

I was greeted by two new birds at the beginning of the trail, a Black-capped Chickadee and an unexpected Northern Parula Warbler. A hundred yards into the woods I heard a call note that led me to an Acadian Flycatcher, then an American Redstart and a foraging Hairy Woodpecker. As I finished the trail through the woods I used the Screech-owl call to attract a Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Wood Pewee, a pair of Scarlet Tanagers and Yellow-throated Vireo. As I walked into the meadow I heard an Eastern Bluebird calling and then in the distance a Wood Thrush. It was wicked hot and humid and yet the birds were way more active and responsive than I expected.

I was playing the song of the Orchard Oriole in the meadow where they nested this year. I got no response. However, a bird that was conspicuously absent during nesting, popped up in response to the singing oriole tape. The bird was a Blue-winged Warbler, one of three I would see on the trail this day. Where were these Warblers earlier in the summer, I wondered. As I entered the woods trail returning to my truck I counted 100 species. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised, not so much with the number but the productivity of birding on a day when it was least expected. As I walked the trail contemplating my day I saw a large bird moving behind leaves high in the tree. I could not see it but patiently waited and sweated, until a young Barred Owl gracefully and silently glided to another lower perch.

Wow, 101! That's pretty cool on a hot day. So I headed down the road home, tired and relieved that a tiring day was drawing to a close. About the time I started fantasizing about a beer and a cold shower, as I approached the freeway ramp, a male Orchard Oriole flew across the road in front of me. It was somehow the perfect ending to a perfect hot and sweaty 102 species summer day. The lesson learned here is this: wildlife and birds have little choice when it comes to what Mother Nature throws at them. If it gets hot and stays hot than birds have only one choice....deal with it. Perhaps we humans have created so many options that we have lost touch with nature at least during the hot dog days of summer.

Himalayas, Tigers & the Taj Mahal, A birding Adventure to Northern India

Himalayas, Tigers, & the Taj Mahal

A Birding Adventure to Northern India

January 7-26, 2012

No single activity has done more to shape who I am than birding internationally. As the Executive Director of the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center and now in retirement I have traveled to 8 destinations in South and Central America, Asia, Africa, Mexico, and Canada over the last 23 years. Those 22 birding experiences have sharpened my values, deepened my appreciation of birds and nature, provided a unique exposure to different people and diverse cultures, and most importantly kept me sincerely humble.

An international birding experience not only provides a window into natural history, but takes you to places not necessarily included in typical glossy tourist brochures. Birding trips are also windows into the real world, real places where people live, work, and raise their families.

After a very successful trip to Southern Ecuador with Tropical Birding this year, I inquired about a great birding destination rich in culture and wilderness and the first recommendation was Northern India. Tropical Birding is a full service international tour company that provides trips all over the world. They focus on birding and I highly recommend them if you have any interest in any of their many destinations throughout the year……especially if you are bird focused.

The Northern India trip is inherently diverse in habitat and population. A country with a billion people is sure to provide a lot more stimulation than just birds. Tropical Birding has developed a superb itinerary around marvelous birding that gives participants the best India has to offer. Here are compelling reasons to consider this or another trip to Northern India:

Mystical Travel

Tropical Birding describes it this way: “India is a mystical country, epitomizing exotic travel. It is a land of striking contrasts, rich heritage and fabulous culture (and culture shock!) and fantastic and varied food.” Their itinerary is designed to “experience India to its fullest and to celebrate its superb wildlife and birding.”  Our Tropical Birding guide will be Sam Woods. We will also have local guides including one throughout our trip. This is an important combination designed to support the notion of leaving India with a sense of the place.

Birds

The best of Northern India birding is possible by visiting the country’s National Parks. We will spend quality time in Corbett National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park and take boat trip on the Chambal River. Some of the birds we will likely see include; Painted and Black-necked Storks, Indian Skimmer, Great Thick-knee, Spotted Owlet, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, and Spot-billed Duck.  Along the way we may see Mugger Crocodiles, Gharial and Gangetic River Dolphins. Our group can expect to see more than 400 species of birds, representing a cross section of Asian avifauna.

Himalaya Mountains

A personal favorite of mine is a chance to see the Himalaya Mountains and learn more about their influence on India’s birds.  From Nanai Tal, nestled in the Himalayan Foothills we will have an opportunity to view from a distance one of planet Earth’s most striking natural and awesome features.

Bengal Tigers: “ghosts of the forest”

Finding and observing wild cats varies from easy to nearly impossible. African Lions, Cheetahs, and Leopards are common but many wild cats are rare, elusive and sometimes inaccessible. Bengal Tigers are rare, local, endangered and declining. There are 3,500 Bengal Tigers remaining in the world. I can’t imagine that anyone wouldn’t want to see this magnificent, iconic animal. Sadly my great grandchildren may only see these animals in zoos.

Tigers are awesome predators with immense power. They have the strength to take down a one-ton Guar (bison) and the agility and speed to catch a peacock in flight. Our group will travel to Bandhavgarh National Park. There we will spend 5 days searching for Tigers in Jeeps and on elephants. We may also see chital, sambar and langurs along our quest for the phantoms of the forest.

Nizamuddin Puri Kalinga Uktal Express

This is, at least in my mind, this is the equivalent of the fabled “Orient Express”. The Uktal Express is an overnight train that will take us from Umaria to Bandhavgarh National Park where we will search for Tigers. I’ll let you imagine this experience: crowded with travelers and families, air conditioned sleeper cars rocking and swaying along its route. I t doesn’t get any more exotic than this.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal may be the most famous structure in the world and one of 7 wonders of the world. We will have a guided tour of this unique tribute to a queen. This magnificent palace “will exceed your greatest expectations. Its beauty, serenity, and symmetry are legendary, and with good reason”. This visit is so important to this trip that a whole day is dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage and culture of India.

Chambal River tour & travel by rickshaw

Getting there is half the fun. Every really good birding trip is enhanced by travel. Searching for Tigers on elephants gets my attention. But this tour includes a classic river trip that is usually both relaxing and productive. Even more intriguing is traveling around national parks by rickshaw. Some National Parks are closed to motorized travel and therefore rickshaws will be provided to tour at least one such park.

The Northern India Tour is a customized tour provided by Tropical Birding and created for my selected group. I am limiting this trip to 8 participants. A possible benefit to traveling with a state-side leader is providing some continuity from departure to return to the U.S. Our group will travel together and most of the participants will have traveled with me in the past. We always strive to have good group chemistry and I work hard to make sure everyone is comfortable and getting the most of their experience throughout. Birding, traveling and experiencing natural history should be fun and I am proud to say that this is a high priority with my custom tours.

If you are interested in participating in this adventure and would like more information to see if this trip fits your needs and budget you can contact me at vireo100@sbcglobal.net  I can provide more literature provided by Tropical Birding and will answer any questions or concerns about my custom tour. I can also hook you up with former participants who will give you and objective view of other tours we have taken.

Tropical Birding offers this same tour at different times and these tours are open to anyone interested. I recommend you visit their website info@tropicalbirding.com and check out their global birding opportunities.

Securing Ohio's Wildlife Heritage One Stamp At A Time

I write about birds and birding and often mention Ohio's Wildlife Areas which I frequent often. A little background might be in order here. Preserves, Wildlife Refuges, Wildlife Management Areas and protected Wilderness Areas are great places to enjoy nature and bird watching. These places provide real natural experiences, inspiration and concern. Americans have benefited from a country that values its natural resources and provides protection and controlled access to wild places within our communities, states and around our nation.

This is possible because of local, state and national policies. These areas are protected for preservation, conservation and often for wildlife consumption. However natural places are protected and for whatever reasons, it is far better than the alternatives that loom over this system year to year and generation to generation. There is pressure to "make better use of these places". There are better technologies that make mineral rights to these places more economically attractive and extraction not only feasible but profitable. American industry is ready and willing to serve American consumer needs even at the expense of what could become the lesser priority. Americans have always and will continue to set our collective values and priorities.......perhaps by mandate or by disinterest.

Ohio is a great State. It is rich in culture and natural heritage. These are tough economic times. Ohio, like many other Great Lakes States, is working through and making changes to recover its vitality and self esteem. Ohio needs jobs, industry, better schools and a vibrant housing market to make Ohio what it historically has been.

Since Ohio was settled it has been largely altered for the sake of progress. We have destroyed 95% of the State's wetlands. We have turned contiguous climax forest into farmland and populated the rest of the state with a workforce for industry. Now we see even more changes necessary as we move into the 21st Century, especially if we are to resume what we started long ago.

All of us need to consider Ohio's natural resources and assess where we are, and what we want these natural resources to be like for future generations. Now, when things look the worst, may be the best time to strike a mandate that will leave our legacy as rich as those before us.

I want to state two things I believe to be true. First, Ohio Department of Natural Resources has done a stellar job for many years, with the Ohio public support to insure that the natural places we have are still protected. Likewise local governments and agencies and private and public trusts have made Ohio's natural heritage more rich and local. Secondly, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife deserves tremendous credit for its management and conservation practices which have benefited all Ohioans. But it is important to understand that this success story was funded almost entirely by Ohio sportsmen through the taxes they pay on hunting and fishing equipment and licencing fees levied by the Division of Wildlife.

Hunting and fishing in Ohio is and has been on a steady decline for years. This is due largely to Ohio's industrialization. And it is no surprise that there is real concern about where natural places and wildlife management will go as younger generations have shown a lack of interest in hunting, fishing, nature activities and other endeavors that were once a cornerstone of our society. This downward trend is evident in ODNR and Ohio Division of Wildlife operations throughout the State and it has gone from concerning to a potentially serious problem.......for Ohio's wildlife heritage.

The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp: "Investing today in tomorrow's Wild Ohio"

This September I will be attending an annual Wildlife Diversity Partner's Meeting sponsored by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. These meetings are intended to bring together Ohio professionals and citizens to review Division programs and to receive input on these and other initiatives. It is also to rally support to grow the sales and revenues received by the Division of Wildlife for The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp. This is an important step taken by the Division of Wildlife. The assembeled group represent a growing population of citizens that use the Wildlife Areas managed by the Division. The dilemma is that hunters and fishermen (sportsmen) pay for the Division and other users do not. This disparity creates problems in the existing system.

It makes sense to me. The Ohio Division of Wildlife wants to serve all Ohioans but there is nothing in place to equitably levy each user. To maintain Ohio Wildlife Areas at any acceptable standard will require more revenue.....a lot more revenue. We are assured that the the Division is working on creating funding sources that relieve the pressure on a declining hunting and fishing audience and revenues. It is a very tough row to hoe. If you haven't heard, Ohio is beyond broke and "taxes" is a four-lettered word.

The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp was introduced with resounding failure in the 1970's. It was resurrected 2 years ago. The sale of stamps was about $20,000 last year. And at $15 a stamp that's about 3,000 stamps sold. I think this is respectable because many of those stamps were sold hand-to-hand in the field, at events and festivals, and with very little promotion to the general public. It is, however, far short of its potential considering the number of birders alone that could be Stamp purchasers.  It is important to know that the Ohio Division of Wildlife has no delusions that the stamp program will float the Division's budget. It is, however, a tangible way for the agency to measure up the size, interest and commitment of non-consumptive wildlife enthusiast support for their programs and management areas.

The Wildlife Legacy Stamp is important. Even $20,000 is significant as the other revenues shrink. If this is the way to measure interest, attendance and commitment of birders who make up a large portion of this non-consumptive use, then the Stamp program can only succeed. This is an opportunity for the non-consumptive community, to educate policy makers that have forever looked for support from sportsmen alone.

I buy the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp because I want my vote to count. Look at me. I'm a potential constituent. Get me involved and together maybe we can work on even more successful projects mutually beneficial to everyone. We might even raise and eyebrow or two from sportsmen, many of which have little interest in acknowledging birders on any account.

I buy a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Annual Migratory Bird Hunting & Conservation Stamp too. I buy it because I appreciate and use our National Wildlife Refuges. It would be a dismal existence without Ohio Wildlife Areas and National Wildlife Refuges. I hope sportsmen will buy an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp for the same reason: voluntary.

I encourage you to cast your vote for the Division of Wildlife and for Ohio's wildlife areas by buying an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp this year and every year. If you do so and help make this Stamp program a continuing success I believe you and I will be setting up an opportunity to set the course for Ohio Wildlife management policies for future generations. Find a way to display your stamp and encourage others to purchase them and display them too.

Many Ohioans have demonstrated that they value natural places and the wildlife that resides within. It is important to preserve Ohio's hunting and fishing heritage. It is equally important to preserve the non-consumptive users passion for these wildlife areas too. It is most important that everyone share in the funding of the Ohio Division of Wildlife. I feel my obligation and contribution is far greater and worthy than the $15 stamp.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife has served Sportsmen and conservation well. They have lived up to a mandate. Change is always difficult but it's time to set a a more inclusive course that will serve all Ohioans in the future. It will take more than a stamp but it always does to grow a legacy. Visit The Ohio Division of Wildlife Website: http://www.wildohio.com/ to find out a whole lot of information about the Division of Wildlife including an on line process to purchase your Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp. Informed decisions are usually good decisions.

The Joy of a July Marsh

 I visited Lorain impondment near the Black River to see if any shorebirds might have dropped in on this leg of their fall migration. Yes, it's that time already. In fact, there were a number of migrant shorebirds present on Ohio's north coast even late in June.

There was some shorebird variety. There have been Three Dunlin at this location all summer and they are most likely non-breeding individuals. In all species there are always some non-breeding birds for a wide range of reasons. There were Lesser Yellowlegs and Least Sandpipers all of which are early fall migrants from the far northern breeding areas. Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers are shorebirds that bred at the this artificial wetland in Lorain County.

Baby Killdeer are cute as a button in their own right. They are an unmistakable spitting image of their parents. They are little plover fuzz balls with disproportionately long legs. They only have one stripe around the neck when they are hatched but the second ring will appear when fuzz turns to feathers. There are usually 3-5 siblings that feed themselves but are guarded and tended by both parents for 40 days before they are completely on their own.

Baby Spotted Sandpipers aren't all that commonly seen even though this species is a common local nester. For starters, the fledglings don't stay little very long. They will take flight 16 to 18 days from hatching. The fledglings I took pictures of today will be flying in two weeks. Fuzz to flier in a couple of weeks is hard to comprehend.

Spotted Sandpipers only have one brood. However the story gets a little dicey as the females frequently have two or more clutches but with different males. There are 3-5 eggs and typically 4 eggs per clutch. This Spotted Sandpiper brood is an early clutch and incubated by dad. Later clutches are incubated by both the male and the female. The adult pictured here in the blog is a male and his job is guarding and supervising. Baby Spotties are grazers from the get go.

As soon as the downy babies dry after hatching, they leave the nest. The coolest thing about baby Spotted Sandpipers is that they are born with the same gate as their parents. Birders familiar with this sandpiper know that it drops it's butt when it walks making the bird have a bobbing motion. Try to imagine three fuzzballs with long legs bobbing their way out of the nest just like their parents. It is a thing that can only evoke a smile and a chuckle. It looks a bit like dryer lint bouncing along a mudflat.

There are a lot of ducklings and goslings around many marshes these summer days. I included a picture of baby American Coots chasing mom or dad (could be either) around for a meal. Baby Coots have to be fed by their parents for the first month of their lives, and babies will be so no more, and independent in 8 weeks.

So get out to your local wetland and see whats going on. I think the more you know about the life histories of these marsh birds the more you will come to appreciate the business of life and the joy of July.

Race Day Holiday Weekend

This blog is about the middle of somewhere. It is somewhat of a digression, but the story behind the title is in perfect harmony with the heart of the "middle of nowhere." This writing is about horses, Thoroughbred Racing and some concentric "winning circles". The story is about having a dream, setting goals, resolve, hard work and ultimately great accomplishment.

The story begins with a young "tomboy" who spent hours pretending to be a horse; "running" on hands and knees all around the house, bucking and jumping as if free in the wild. The tomboy grew up with a Mother and sister that share her love of horses. The tomboy evolved into a beautiful girl that looks anything like one that would "run on her knees." Mother and daughters continue to keep horses and spend warm Ohio summers, trail riding whenever they can squeeze the time.

The tomboy wasn't happy enough to just have horses. She couldn't be the horse she tried to be as a kid, but she wanted to run like the wind and there is no better way to feel the wind than atop a thoroughbred racing horse, trained and running with all it's power and energy. Amanda was determined to be a jockey.

The dream began a long time ago, I suppose, but it took years to become a reality. The tomboy took her talents to the corporate world where she is a tenured executive secretary and administrative assistant. Thanks to the Company, that admires their employee's accomplishments and were flexible with her schedule, Amanda has proven her value in the Board room and on the race track.

In 2006 Amanda started galloping horses at Thistledown Race track in Cleveland. In 2007 she started racing as a jockey and quickly proved her legitimacy with wins and placing well on, perhaps, not the greatest rides at the track. Amanda's spring summer and fall schedule starts with going to the track virtually every morning and working horses, continued with a full corporate workday, and racing part time in the evenings and on weekends. She works very hard.

As love and life would have it, Amanda met Francisco at the track and they married. Francisco is a race horse trainer that works very hard at preparing horses to win and remain healthy and vibrant. They both started their professional horse racing careers with a dream, resolve, and hard work. Now, as it should be, they have set new goals to sharpen their shared dream even further.

So the July 4th weekend, 2011 was an opportunity for me to go to Thistledown and watch Amanda race and Francisco work. I enjoy floating around the track taking pictures of family going about the business of racing. July 1st Amanda had three races. Her second race, six furlongs, was on a good horse named Klassi Berti. Amanda rode a great race and Klassi Berti ran just as well. It was a beautiful experience to watch a whole lot of hard work and sacrifice come to fruition in a race. With that said, racing is often a sport of disappointment, rigorous training and absolute commitment.

It's not hard to imagine the dangers inherent to thoroughbred racing. It is an unforgiving sport. Thoroughbred horses are big, powerful and spirited. Amanda and Francisco are keenly aware that they could be dumped while exercising or racing. Every race starts in the starting gate. In this confined space for just a few seconds there is horse, a jockey and an experienced starter who's job is to prepare the horse to launch from the starting gate. Seven or more horses launched from a confined space and speeding down a race track has trouble written all over it. From start to finish this is a dangerous, hazardous environment that very, very few dare undertake. Injury is common and sometimes life threatening and career ending. Each race is followed closely by an ambulance.

But July 1st and three races were safe and uneventful for all, and resulted in a win and two more respectable finishes. The real winners are Francisco and Amanda. Amanda is doing what she loves and to the very best of her many capabilities. Francisco is doing the same. That they are successful in this sport is a credit to their talents and skills.

So what does this racing story have to do with the middle of nowhere? It is an example that is worth emulating. All of us need to have dreams and a plan to make them a reality. It isn't always easy, perhaps never. But if you want to enjoy the places in the middle of nowhere and you want get the most those experiences you need to invest time, energy and preparation to enjoy them to the fullest.

I wasn't happy saying I have visited Yellowstone National Park. I wasn't happy with watching birds and listing them. Amanda wouldn't be happy watching a thoroughbred race and we all should follow her lead in having the resolve, taking the time, and making the commitment necessary to be in the race and winning more than just a few. I am proud to be continuously inspired by my daughter, the tomboy that ran on her knees.