Ace is the place with the helpful Juncos

 This sweet Dark-eyed Junco spent its breeding season in the greenhouse of our local Ace Hardware. It made a quaint little nest in a pot of flowers. The helpful folks at Ace made a little sign and kept the nest safe , but this Junco wasn’t worried about people. She would land just feet from you if you went in and just watch you. 

She mastered finding her way in and out of the greenhouse without using the main entry way. Observing her back and forth in and out feeding the babies, it was apparent she was a good experienced momma Junco. Those babies were in a very safe spot, protected by the employees and up and away from any predators. In many ways this was a masterful nest location. 

I admire the ability of this Junco to coexist with people so well, in some ways better than I do! Breeding season is mostly over now around here and the birds are quiet. 

Among the buzzing of insects and the faint chips of avian life, it’s August in Upstate New York. Some birds still busy with fledging young but most birds are done breeding altogether. As they prepare for migration or winter in New York , I guess we are all doing the same thing. Most of staying here, some migrating south for the Winter months. 

Another breeding season complete. 

Days of Woodnotes Fading

 

In the muggy days of mid July

bird song begins to dwindle

melodies once heard all day

never ending, like a persistent tune from a fiddle

thrushes voicing still, lyrics of the forest

an anthem of a lush summer grove

accompanied now by cicadas constant humming

A rise and fall, like a tea kettle upon a stove

Savannah sparrows present a verse of reticence

subtly springing over continual insect buzzing

As though a choirman were projecting a brief falsetto

keeping music alive in an ever quiet midsummer meadow

A ceaseless dimming of bird ballads

little reason to warble as July comes to close

in verdurous setting it feels poignantly placid

A descending season of fading woodnotes

Mid July is officially here, which means each day hereafter will be increasingly quiet of birds. Certain species have been long done breeding and have already gotten quiet, but quite a few birds are still singing around here. Albeit, not nearly as constant as they were in May and June. I often dread this time of Summer, because I feel more at peace when the birds are singing. I've come to realize there's a poignant beauty to this time of year. 

It allows one to feel thankful for the birds that haven't yet ceased their singing. If you can find the right place, quiet of humans; there is a true peace to the late July world. It's a transition period, the birds dwindle out and the insects start to get louder. There is peace to be had from sitting in an open meadow in August in mid afternoon and hearing nothing but the subtle buzzing of insects, and perhaps a small breeze through the prairie grasses. 

Summer is not yet over, in fact it feels like it just begun. It's important to remember that though the birds get quiet, there are still plenty of them around. Most species stick around until mid/late September before migrating. So there is plenty of birdwatching to be done, it's a season of working harder to see and identify species. I've enjoyed this season of woodnotes perhaps more than any other before, because I experienced it with my little one. I took him for countless morning walks, in the heat of migration often times getting 40 species or more. He loves being outside and on the move, so Spring and early Summer worked well for me to bird as I carried him or pushed his stroller. 

This worked pretty well because the birds were singing, and I have a good ear for them. Now that the singing is soon to be over, my lists will be much smaller. I often times don't carry my binoculars anymore. I feel its unsafe to try and use them while out alone with my infant son. I'll still be birding no doubt, observing what I can and listening for the little calls and chips as the birds switch to a quieter form of communicating. 

Chlorinator Creek Colony (An attempt to transform a creek into a beaver pond)

 

Chlorinator Creek, a place that is near and dear to me. A stream that runs along a seasonal road, aptly named Chlorinator Rd. This lovely area is very close by to where I live and therefore I walk this road often.

Over the last few years its been evident that beavers are hoping to make a pond out of this stream. Though they have tried and evidently failed. There are at least two old and overgrown lodges, and evidence of dams that for whatever reason failed or perhaps didn't get finished. The beavers now appear to be further down the stream, and pictured above is what I am guessing is their current lodge. 

I am not a biologist, just a lover of wildlife who likes to observe and figure out what's going on out in nature. Therefore, I wonder what the issue is here, why haven't they been successful in turning this stream into a pond? I haven't had much luck researching this. I know that a good dam can be constructed by beavers in around 2 to 3 days, so it would seem if they were determined they'd have this stream transformed by now. 

Either way, in the early Spring it's easy to see old and new evidence of beavers in the area. Trees cut down by beavers, beaver chews on trees that haven't yet fallen down. As for right now the vegetation is quite high, and I can't get good photos of most of it. So I settled for a decent photo of their lodge. 

The water levels in this stream are typically fairly low, that being said it appears you can see an entrance to this lodge, it's likely they engineered it this way so they can get into it from above water when the levels are low, or underwater if levels are high. 

It is a mission of mine to spend time observing them in the early Spring of next year before the vegetation hinders the view of the stream and surrounding area. I have yet to actually lay eyes on a beaver here, but the signs are clear. They are here and trying to some degree to make it their own. 

One side of the road here is very much wooded, and the other side more open but dense with vegetation perfect for songbirds. Wildflowers border the side of the road, different varieties in different stages of Spring and Summer. This road is really only used as a short cut by locals, other than a few houses downstream closer to the village, this is an ideal location for beavers. The road itself sits up high enough from the creek that flooding wouldn't be a serious concern. There would likely be no reason to manage a successful dam here. It's out on a quiet road surrounded by wilderness. 

I wish them all the success and hope to observe some real activity here. As someone who avidly birdwatches this road, who knows exactly where to expect each species in what location along the road; I can honestly say that a beaver pond would bring some change to that. It would be welcome change, and a potential to draw some different species here to breed. I think the existing birds that breed on this road would still remain. 

Along with birds, there is plenty of wildlife to be seen here. Squirrels making a ruckus in the trees, chipmunks making sounds that confuse me for the chips of a songbird. Raccoons occasionally cross the road, and deer are often passing through. I have found the occasional garter snake sunning on the warm gravel and of course the glowing presence of the eastern red-spotted newts. 

These newts are common especially around beaver ponds. They prefer to lay their eggs in beaver ponds for the reason that most of the time there aren't any fish around to cause a threat. Eastern Newts start their life in water as larvae, then they grow in juveniles and set out in a terrestrial stage of life. They roam around and are often right out in the open in their bright orange coloration. The reason being they are poisonous to mammals, including humans. If eaten they will make a predator very sick and even possibly kill them. It has been this way for some time I imagine because they sure strut around like they know they aren't likely to be messed with. They do however get eaten by other invertebrates such as birds who aren't effected by the poison. 

During their juvenile stage, they wander far distances, finding new water sources. They typically stay in this terrestrial stage for two or three years. Then they pick a water source and in they go, as they become adults and therefore become fully aquatic. Some populations however, have adapted so they stay in the terrestrial phase for their whole lives, only entering the water to breed. 

If your living in upstate New York, chances are you've encountered these bright colored newts. They are a fascinating creature and one wonderful example of a species that thrives in an ecosystem created by beavers. 

Maine (Away from the crowds, a quiet road of serenity)

 I don't believe I'll ever understand folks that vacation just to shop and stay in crowded places. I work in a crowded summer destination for many, and its quite a test of my patience. I notice even when I'm out of town somewhere, I don't enjoy anything with a crowd. 

Upon arrival in Maine, I began searching for a good quiet road to walk down. The next morning, me and my little son set out on this road to see about finding some birds. 

A rewarding clearing offered a view complete with a Common Loon, though it dove before I could get a better photo. Back home a loon isn't all that uncommon during the winter and migration months, but nothing beats a loon in breeding plumage in its breeding grounds. A while later on the way back we were blessed with this loon's vocalizations. A sound that carries a hint of eeriness and a whole world's worth of serenity. 

Around a bend I heard the familiar raspy song of a Great-crested Flycatcher. This is a species I haven't had the luck of seeing much this year, so when this one offered a pose I gladly snapped a photo. A simple bird, but arguably the most unique in it's family in the north east. A medium sized bird with a subtle yellow color on the breast and the personality of something much larger. This species is one that I am always excited to observe. 

Awhile later I saw a flash of orange in a tree, and of course I had to stop and look. To my surprise, this bright colored male Baltimore Oriole flew down and appeared to be feeding on something. I captured a few halfway decent photos. 

It's a peaceful feeling being out on a gorgeous seldom traveled road, just me and my son. Hundreds of miles away from work, bills and stress. It's these moments that I think back on, that make a trip all the more special. We had a wonderful time elsewhere, but when I travel somewhere new;  I always make it a point to find somewhere quiet to explore. Quiet of people, and boisterous with the sounds of wildlife. 

The next morning was a rainy one. I sat on the porch of the inn, and me and Colter watched the traffic going by. As a big truck roared through spraying a mist much like the spindrift of an ocean wave, Colter intently watched it pass. The big trucks tend to grab his attention. In that moment I watched him, so full of curiosity and wonder. I wish I myself could see the world the way he sees it. 

As the rain fell I took in those few minutes on the porch with him. Preparing to drive back home to a busy few weeks of work. I took a snapshot with my mind, so that when I'm gone from home I can put myself there. Just me and him, watching the wet world pass us by.  

Flooded Park in New Hampshire ( 7/7/23 not the same floods going on now)

  On our first evening away, we checked out a park that had a beach. Upon arriving, we noted signs that said there had been flooding. As we made our way down the hill the brook was decently high. Once the lake came into view it definitely looked a little flooded but I didn't realize quite how badly until we got to this point where the road disappeared under the water. Only to reappear off in the distance (pictured above). 

We couldn't find the beach, which confused me because when I looked it up it was clear they had one here at one point. Later back at the hotel I looked it up and it was clear to see that not only was the beach underwater, so was the large parking area for it. Only then did I realize quite how drastic the flooding was. This was on Friday the 7th, I can only imagine it's flooded even higher now after the torrential rain New England has received these last few days. 

Yesterday we drove through New Hampshire and Vermont on the way back home. It was evident the amount of rain was severe but we were blessed that our route didn't take us anywhere near the worst of it. On the news later once we were home, I saw just how absolutely devastating the flooding has been in Vermont and the New England Region. I drove along some wild rivers on the way home yesterday, but I had no intention of stopping for photos. My only focus was to get us safely away from any high waters. 

At the flooded park on Friday, this was about the only decent photo of a bird I got. A very vocal Killdeer, I assume we were close to a nest or perhaps young, as it's pretty late in the season now. She was flying ahead of us trying to distract us, where we were headed I'm sure was away from wherever her young were. We made sure to circle wide on the way back so as not to cause anymore stress.

Mockingbird at the Inn (Welcome to New Hampshire)

 

Among the bustling noise of passing traffic, a warm breeze and a light drizzle of rain; quite a few birds seem to be singing.... Or is it just one bird? 

This Northern Mockingbird has been perched a top this telephone pole since we got to the hotel around 4 PM. When we first arrived he was doing a mean song sparrow impression. A little while ago I went out and took this short video. He does his best white-breasted nuthatch among others. 

Throughout much of the Southern United States, and apparently some of the Northeastern US as well, Northern Mockingbirds are very common. So much so that a lot of people don't really like them. I've always had a soft spot for this species so incredibly full of personality. I could listen to a mockingbird doing impressions all day long, in fact I'd rather watch that than a stand up comedians impressions. 

Mockingbirds can not only imitate tons of different bird songs, they can also imitate specific species chirps. Among bird noises, they can also imitate artificial noises, such as car horns, alarms or phone ringtones. They are also known to sing at night, which is no doubt part of the reason they irritate some folks. These birds can learn up to 200 different bird songs in their lifetime. 

In a small city near the state line, where folks come to buy liquor with no sales tax; there's so much more to be seen here. Mockingbirds in the busy areas, chimney swifts flying over down town. Mourning doves nesting above the hotel entrance. Even an occasional great-horned owl hunts in the down town area. So while most folks walk down the sidewalk looking in the shop windows, I'm looking up and all around at the wildlife around. 

Beaver Valley Colony ( Kits in the Lodge)

 An adult beaver appears in the water, carrying vegetation back to the den for the kits inside. As the beaver gets close, it suddenly dives under water to enter the lodge from underwater. A cunning adaptation of the beaver is to make their entrances underwater, so that most predators wouldn't have a chance to get in. A few moments later the noises of the kits can be heard as they get excited at the sight of food. 

After the first three weeks of age, beaver kits begin to eat soft vegetation, gradually working their way up to the rough verdure an adult would eat. I have heard the kits a few times now at this location, a soft humming often mixed with the chatter of adults. Beavers don't seem to make much vocalization when they are out and about, but inside the lodge is a different story. Interestingly enough, with all the mud packed and heavy layers of branches it takes to have a strong lodge, it is much easier to hear the activity coming from inside than one might think. 

This is the lodge of the Beaver Valley Colony. In my limited observation over a few weeks time, it appears there are at least two adults and a number of kits in the lodge. It is a possibility that last years kits could still be hanging around at this time, but I have never seen more than two adults here at a time. One frustrating thing about beavers is that they are tough to tell apart. Typically, there are no unusual markings or characteristics on an adult beaver that would make it easy to tell apart, other than maybe size and bulk. Adult beavers typically weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, males weighing more than females. That however, is not always the case; thus it can be difficult to say for certain a number of adult beavers in any given location. Unless they were all out swimming at the same time. 

Beaver Valley Colony is located in an area of moderate foot traffic. There are often people around the pond; fishing, picnicking, sometimes even tent camping. These beavers seem to be fairly well acclimated to people, exhibiting caution and the occasional tale slap if they feel someone is too close. The amount of traffic in the area, I feel will directly impact the timing of teaching the kits to swim. 

On a humid and hot day, in the early days of Summer; one can imagine it might be pretty warm inside a lodge. The answer to this I do not know, and I cannot seem to find much research to indicate what the conditions inside a lodge are when its particularly warm out. It is easy to find information on how warm they stay during the cold weather, but that's a discussion I will save for another time. 

July has only just begun, marked by the blooming of the tiger lilies. Buttercups still dominate the roadside ditches as song sparrows begin to sing less. A lot of natural noise can still be heard in the wild areas of upstate New York. Soon the birds will halt their singing, making only little chip calls as they prepare for migration or winter; perhaps both. Breeding season will soon be over for the majority of wildlife, as they will have raised their young past the crucial and delicate stages. The dog days have only just begun, and in the world of a beaver there is still much to be done.