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Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus

10,000 Birds

Any day of birding in New York State that includes a sighting of a Vesper Sparrow is a better-then-average day. The precipitous plunge of Vesper Sparrow populations has been largely because of changing land use practices. The Vesper Sparrow is named for its tendency to sing in the evening, right before the end of the day.

Sparrows 165
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In Search of New York’s Breeding Birds

10,000 Birds

In addition to the Veery I saw or heard a pair of Yellow-billed Cuckoos , some cooperative Eastern Kingbirds , Swamp Sparrows , Warbling Vireos , Wood Thrush , Cedar Waxwings , a Worm-eating Warbler , and, well, you get the idea: it was awesome! Grasshopper Sparrows don’t seem to sing terribly loudly but their song carries a long way.

Breeding 152
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The Summer Doldrums

10,000 Birds

Nothing is quite as much of a downer to a birder than the summer doldrums. Migration hasn’t really kicked in, the breeders aren’t tied to breeding territories any more, and it is hot and sweaty outside. Sparrows are missing; wood-warblers vamoose. Uncomfortable weather and a lack of birds make birders grumpy.

Downers 164
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Hey, What About the Great Auk?

10,000 Birds

In 1952, at least in the US, no one wanted to be a Debbie Downer. Then a little later there was a spot of bother with DDT, but we pulled out of that one ok, with a toolbox that would surely stand us in good stead if we only had the will to use it – legislation and literature, captive breeding programs, nest platforms.

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A Birder’s Guide To…INDOCTRINATION

10,000 Birds

4) For the sake of keeping it real…if you are the breed of birder that is in possession of a very poor set of social skills… maybe you should just send any prospective birders my way instead. No one, aside from your therapist, wants to spend time with a Debbie Downer. 5) Have a sense of humor. 9) Watch your language!