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September 2024

State Line Lookout: Sept. 16

September 16, 2024

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Legendary raptor guy Stiles Thomas, who founded the hawk watches at Mount Peter and Hook Mountain and helped resuscitate the State Line Hawk Watch, always said he circled September 16 on his calendar as a likely Big Day for Broad-winged hawk migration.

My wife Patty and I stopped by State Line Hawk Watch with Stiles' old hawk-watching chair to honor his memory, and to enjoy the banter with birding friends.

Although the raptor counting was slow while we were there -- 78 degrees and no winds -- Una the Peregrine flew to her perch at the hawk watch at one point and posed for pictures for the raptorazzi.
 
We were treated to a Bald Eagle that flew directly overhead.
 
I thought I'd share a few photos, including one of Una and some of her admirers, above. Una is at the lower right in the crowd shot.
 
You can't miss her in the other photo.
 
As usual, she declined to sign autographs, but it was still a Big Day in its own way.
 
(Moe Lehmann kindly shared his Bald Eagle shot. Thanks, Moe!)

 

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Posted by at 07:51 PM | | Comments (0)

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My Next Owl Talk: Thursday!

September 16, 2024

Owl Talk (1)
All about Screech Owls
A talk for the Thielke Arboretum in Glen Rock

Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 pm
   Screech owls are the owl most likely to nest in a backyard, but few people know much about them let alone how to entice them to nest in the backyard. Jim Wright, author of The Screech Owl Companion, from Timber Press, will tell all. Jim thinks the photos alone are worth the price of this entertaining compendium, but see for yourself.
   Jim will be happy to sell and sign copies of his owl book and his other books after the talk.
   The Thielke Arboretum is located at 460 Doremus Ave.
   You can register here:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Posted by at 11:37 AM | | Comments (0)

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Cutting the Phragmites For Better Views

September 16, 2024

The annual Big Sit event at the Celery Farm takes place on Sunday, Oct. 12, where birders take turns sitting on the Pirie Platform and counting how many total species they can see all day long.

IMG_3097The trouble is, the Phragmites in front of the platform have obscured the view of Lake Appert, where many of the birds are seen.

Even if there weren't a Big Sit, those Phrags need to be cut down so folks can see the lake.

I have started cutting the phrags (see photo, above right) but could use more volunteers. I have a cordless weed-whacker and muck boots you can borrow...

 

Posted by at 09:42 AM | | Comments (0)

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Fall Planting 'Open Door' Days

September 13, 2024

FallPlanting Flyer - 9_20-9_22_24-page-001Frank Alcaide and his son Christian have been spearheading the native plant garden on the east side of the Celery Farm. Frank writes:

"It has been a year since Christian and I started volunteering at the Celery Farm Nature Preserve and it has been a wonderful adventure!  We appreciate the opportunity and support.
 
"We are very excited to announce that we will be doing Fall Planting at the East Side Native Garden Sep 20-22 (see flyer, above  Fall Planting at the East Side Native Garden Sep 20-22
 
"We will also host 'Open Door Days' on Sep 21 & 22, 9 am-1 pm to welcome visitors as we add to the variety of flowers that were planted in the spring (see Events Page)."
 
(Thanks, Frank and Christian, and the other terrific volunteers!)
 

Posted by at 10:37 AM | | Comments (0)

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