2013 and beyond

It's pretty simple: the most birds seen or heard from one's yard during 2013 will be the "winner". Want in? O.k....then do it despite that.

2013 promises to be a lot less mean but still a carbon-free birding competition, even if slightly less exciting than a MEGA x EPIC hybrid.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Sora story and the one that got away.....


Last night was spent around a campfire playing music around a campfire in Bark River. Over the course of the night a few sips were apparent overhead. A little before two I told my buddy about the yardbird competition and focused on the obsession that is Caleb. I explained the nocturnal mics and the rules for counting birds ending on Silly's story about the Black Oak Sora. I kid you not -- 30 seconds after I finished telling the tail I heard a SORA overhead give a 2-note flight call. I was blown away -- and when Chris said she heard it too I got suspicious. I made her hand over her iPhone to prove she didn't play the call. It was legit, and one of the spookiest things that has ever happened to me. The house is in an old neighborhood, with no wetlands nearby, 10-15 miles inland.

This morning the were 1000 plus Bonaparte's Gulls sitting on the offshore sandbar in perfect light. Probably should have stayed put but a run out to Portage Point produced 3 Little Gulls that would have been visible from the platform....oh well.

nice to have may.

1 comment:

  1. Awesome, Joe. I have had at least 1 more SORA show up on my recordings (though I didn't hear it by ear), and it is a little eye-opening to see how many of them appear to be moving each night. RIBR mentioned thikning he head heard a number over his house the other night too, but since his mic is not up and running he was unable to confirm it.

    Crazy on the LIGU- that would make an incredible yardbird! Heck, with 1000 BOGUs I'd be thinking bigger (BHGU).

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