Day after arriving home--- WINNER of bird species contest!

The contest is over. I want to post a disclaimer that I did not release any information to any individual  about numbers of birds before the deadline.  The official number posed by Ruth on October 14th after we arrived at home was  377

I have posted both here on the Face book page and on the Blog page for all to see. Thank you for following along and I hope you had a look at our beautiful continent  vicariously, and were tolerant of my writing and stories. It was fun.—Jim


***333 George Landino (9-25-18)  Tie 7th by 43
***344 Pat Richardson - (8-11-18) 6th closest by 33
***352 Diane CooperTied  3rd closest by 25

The number was 377

**392  Therese Strohmer  The WINNER  by 15
Congratulations to Therese.

***394 Laura Wooley Second closest by 17
 **402  Anne Christensen Mervyn Tied 3rd closest by 25
***407  Cheryl Sinigos  5th closest by 30
***420 Rita Jerore  tie 7th by 43

Sat and Sun October 13-14 . Cemetery search in London and the ride home !!!!

"The days dwindle down to a precious few..." That should be the theme for this last entry in the blog for this trip. An especial thanks to those who have followed along  regularly and also to those who could get to it from time to time. The folks in the USA usually numbered slightly over 100 each day, Canada at times was the same but not always. A special thanks to Renate and the folks in the Netherlands who were faithful through out, always posting about 12 readers each day. Spain, Korea, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Russia, Brazil and an "unknown region" (whatever that is) also were regular readers. Many thanks to all of you  That kept me going .

So, on Saturday we were able to visit the cemetery of the burial place of Ruth's great grandfather  and grand mother. The manager of the campground has his grandparents buried there with a HUGE tombstone at the entrance to the park (park founders?) so we chatted about that and about he lady that is the administrator whom he knew as a close friend. When we got to the cemetery wouldn't you know that we arrived 25 minutes after the office closed on Saturday. (Hang in there as there is a happy ending!)

The Section "B" where we first looked

We knew the plot number and section  but there were only section letters. This one was a "B". We walked the entire plot , saw a "Brown" marker but nothing else.  Then went back to the office to see if we could see inside for any clues like a plot map. There was one and while I was scoping it put with my binoculars through the window, a lady came along side the truck and asked if she could help. It was the ADMINISTRATOR, Judy. She was off duty but volunteered to help us. She took us inside ,found the plot, the grave and the neighboring ones (good guide) and said if we needed help more, she would be here.

We returned to the area we were on before and soon found that the marker had fallen from its stand and was lying under about 3 inches of turf, partially hidden. I went to the truck to get a few small tools, and we began to uncover the stone. Gradually the name came into view and finally we uncovered it enough to see it all.

The gravestone of CAROLINE  BROWN Ruth's great grandmother, after removing much cover.

 Ruth was joyous that we (with help) had found the plot. Judy actually came by to see if we had found it, and gave us a little history of how the plots were designed. The family often was buried without markers or in the same area around the larger headstone like this one.

The "Brown" marker on the large gravestone. Caroline's is to the left .

Also next to it was a son who was also buried there.

CHARLES HENRY BROWN was buried here in the  same plot. He was married to Myrtle Adair

That pretty much wrapped it up" at the cemetery for us .Mission Accomplished!

We returned to the trailer and got ready to prepare fort the last day on the road back home to Michigan.

SUNDAY  October 14, 2018. The trip home to USA

The trip home was highlighted by two major points.
1. At the border the officer was very helpful as we did not know that our "GLOBAL" passes that we had gotten before our trip to the Netherlands are also good for passage across the borders to allow us to go through the NEXUS lines. We did not know that. That would have saved about 30-45 minuted that day on the Bluewater bridge while waiting for customs. (and a few other border crossings on this trip.

2. The roads in Michigan are "HORRIBLE". There are stretches of I-69 from Port Huron to Flint that shook the trailer for 40 miles, and anther stretch between Flint and Lansing that did the same. Then on I-96 some of the road is good but again there are stretches that had the  trailer and car shuddering. Time to get our legislature going on this much needed project. Or maybe a citizen referendum?

We drove over 20,000 miles on this trip and, yes there were some roads that were not good, but for main highways to be on the shape they are here in Michigan, was the worst example of bad roads in the USA over all. (We drove  in 20 states).

We arrived safely at 4:00 in the afternoon and are grateful for all the help, prayers, thoughts and wishes of folks at home and on the road.  People are good and treat one another with grace and care.  Thanks to all.

Tomorrow I will announce the winner of the "GUESS THE NUMBER OF BIRDS" contest both here and on Face Book.

Day 192, Fri. Oct. 12, 2018.- Banding birds at Long Point Bird Observatory-Ginseng, asparagus & pumpkins.

Bird feeders at the LPBO at Long Pint Ont.

The night cooled off considerably from the 70’s (F) yesterday to the 40’s this AM. We made sure we took out winter coats and hats and were off to the Observatory and bird banding station. (We used the hats at least.

The parking lot. Important when there is an aoverflow of people.

First stop was the parking lot where we did see; NORTHERN CARDINAL, YELLOW RUMPED WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, many GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLETS, BROWN CREEPER, and  RED BREASTED NUTHATCH. Then we crossed the street to enter the Observatory. It is a utilitarian place with a working “hut”, a gift shop and washroom and a large  residence building (Two story) for the volunteers. The working hut was busy as they had just emptied the mist nets that held the birds netted for banding. They were coming in very fast.  They scan the nets every one half hour. There were only three nets in operation as there were not that many birds as in the Spring, but enough to keep a crew of 9 busy for the morning from sunup to 6 hours later. (They rotated jobs)

Ruth and I watch them identify, weight, measure wing and body  length and fat  and a few other features that would be important to record. It is a fascinating process.

IT is a coordinated effort to measure all the components of the bird.

All sources of date are used to be as accurate as possible.

Length of wing for example.

Weight of bird

How to hold the bird correctly.

Data and the metal bands for each bird size.

The computer tells all information from name to fat content.

One of the birding paths in the Observatory

One of three mist nest that were active that day.

They are about 60 feet long and 10'high.

Ginseng after sorting .It isthen sent to the nearby plant for refining.

Asparagus is big in S Ontario as well

HArvesting the ginseng involves many personnel

About 1/2 of the pumpkin field we saw.

Lots of manpower here ,too.

All the measurements  was all done by a experienced (trained) expert as well as a data recorder who assisted. This allows data put into a computer where  the data is collected. If a bird has previously been caught and identified (here) then it is noted and let go again. If they have already netted the bird today , then it is let go without data collection. It is a fascinating process.

We also took time to talk with our good friend (he lives near here) Hugh Mackenzie, who is the Volunteer Coordinator of the Long Point Bird Observatory and has done this for many years.  Between he and Diane the gift shop hostess , they made the rest of the morning most enjoyable.  There were few other people coming  through on this cool morning.  Diane served coffee, and sold the gift items. We were able to buy a “hoodie” for Ruth and  t-shirt for Jim as well as a few of the new 2019 calendars (all birds of course). One of the birds in the calendar is the MILLIONTH bird banded last year. 

IT was a great morning. The birds we observed there were: RED EYED VIREO, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, PURPLE FINCH, CATBIRD, WHITE BREASTED NUTHATCH, PHILADELPHIA VIREO, BLACK CAPPED CHICKADEE, WILSON’S WARBLER, RUBY CROWNED KINGBIRD, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, MYRTLE WARBLER, TREE SPARROW, MUTE SWAN (4 with 4 young) , KESTREL, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, SWAINSON’S HAWK and a ROBIN.

After our usual lunch we headed back east on route 24 where we had seen them getting ready to harvest the root crop, —GINSENG.  Jim also wanted to get some photos of fields of pumpkins, asparagus, tobacco, and beans .The beans were ready to harvest, as well.

We did that and here are some photos of that time. (See above)

After supper we went back too the Observatory for some attempted banding of OWLS. We waited for about 30 minutes but no one showed up, so we went back to Trillium Sort and our trailer.

Tomorrow we head for London Ont. to do some cemetery research of Ruth’s family…”The Brown’s”  (Henry and Caroline) who lived in London,Ont. in the 19th Century after coming from England.

Day 191 Thur. Oct 11, 2018 A drive to Niagara Falls , then Lake Erie.

Niagara River below the falls

Niagara Falls Canada

 

First Bridge over the Niagara River

The lodging in Niagara Falls Can.

"Maid of the Mist" on the niagara R.below the falls.

Ruth got her wish. as she stated. “As long as we are going through Buffalo on the way to Lake Erie, why not detour  a bit to Niagara Falls?” Ok, that’s sound reasonable  so we made two plans. (The underlying reason here is to get some photographs of the Falls). So we did that. (The last time we drove through Buffalo in October with the trailer …it snowed while crossing the bridge (2-3 inches)— UGH!)

It looked quite auspicious as we started out in a steady rain until we got passed Rochester, NY heading east.  The wind was SW at our quarter so the ride was less than smooth. Then it let up, the sun threatened to shine and the roads became dry.  So we would try for Niagara Falls. (The alternate plan was to drive on through).

The customs crossing into Canada was quick as they had us get out of the truck, asked a few questions, as we waited for them to check the passports. (We had to park in a special zone for RVs and busses.) they were back in 3 minutes and we were on our way. (no inspection of the trailer.)

We drove a circle; over, around and under the Rainbow Bridge and headed for the Niagara Parkway south, where the parking lots were located just beside the “Horseshoe Falls”. Lot “A” was first and we found the entrance (not easy to see) where “Devon” took care of us and our money. He was a sports broadcasting major at St Catherine’s U. and had worked parking, all season. He took a semester off to work.

Ruth got her wish to see the Falls one more time.

A long view of the American Falls

The American Falls

The Canadian "Horseshoe  Falls"

A major coup for us was the shuttle. As we had to park at the end of the lot with the truck and trailer, it was a very long walk, about 3/4 mile.  The shuttle and Bob the driver gave us a private ride to the entrance of the Visitor center which was only short walk. That was a great help.

The Visitor  Center has two levels and afford you a very close vista of the Horseshoe Falls and a good distant one of the American Falls. We got as many shots as we wanted and were awed by the immense power that is provided by the falls. The roar is deafening.  There are no crowds but a steady movement of people along the rails over the falls. Not the summer crowds that can be stifling.  (see photos)

We returned to the truck by the shuttle and Bob’s hospitality. I pointed the truck out of town by the”back way” avoiding the downtown streets and the heavy stop and go.

I had mapped that route and it worked perfectly until we came to place where we were suppose to turn but no found street name posted (construction) . So, as not to miss the turn we turned …into a dead end street! We made the turn around in an apartment building complex and found that  the NEXT road was the turning place.

From there it was a SW route to Port Rowan taking 5 different roads in the process.  This is mostly flat country with many farms and woodlots along the way. This part of the Canadian Province is where tobacco is grown (It is all cut and stored now), and it is also one of the nations largest producers of GINSENG. We have come at the time they are harvesting the crop. All the sun covers  must be taken off before the crop is harvested and I will have more on that tomorrow and some photos.  There were workers in many of the fields getting things ready.  They have expanded the production  of ginseng closer to this campground. It is a crop that takes much from the soil so it cannot be grown a second time in the same spot. They keep moving the fields they use. Gensing takes 5 years to grow a crop.

We got settled in our camping spot by “Sherry” who with her husband runs the campground. There are very few ‘temporary campers’ as it is about 95% seasonal campers.

Tomorrow we will head for Long Point Bird Observatory  just down the road a few ‘klicks’, which was the reason for coming here. It banded its MILLIONTH bird this summer, which is quite remarkable. They are still banding  migrants so we should see some birds and learn many things.

(We did! So see tomorrow!)

Day 190, Wed., Oct 10, 2018--Back to Montezuma NWR , this time with a birding "buddy".

I wondered how the name "Montezuma" came to be for this NWR and so I looked it up to see where it originated. Actually the northern end of the NWR is the Montezuma Swamp and the Refuge took its name from that... BUT...

"The Finger Lakes Region was formed by the melting glaciers of the last glacial period, over ten thousand years ago. The northern and southern ends of the lakes gradually developed into extensive marshes. First the Algonquin Indians and later the Cayugas of the Iroquois Nation were the earliest known inhabitants to reap the rewards of the bountiful life in the marsh. The name "Montezuma" was first used in 1806 when Dr. Peter Clark named his hilltop home "Montezuma" after the palace of the Aztec Emperor Montezuma in Mexico City. Eventually the Marsh, the Village, and the Refuge all acquired the name."

We all learned from that one.

It would be redundant to repeat the travel to and in the Refuge, but suffice to say we did not stay as long as previously, but we did identify more birds.  We identified 37 species today , many of the same ones, including the BALD EAGLE.
 

Like the Rails, the Herons use the cattails as cover when seeking food. This is a a Great Blue Heron. It also shields the sunlight from their shadows.

We were privileged today to have a passenger go with us,  whom we met on the Visitors Center deck while watching the birds in the Pool by the Center.  She was 'Carina' and very fine lady from Rochester (by way of FL and Sweden), who was alone. Ruth asked her if she would like to travel around the Refuge with us. "Yes" she said and we were on our way. She was a good birder and living in Florida for many years had access to and took advantage of, the many venues for birds there. It was a fun time as we exchanged information about what we did and did not know about birds. Little things that we take for granted we would point out, as the difference in the molting of the birds that they must go through to survive, as feather get worn out and some are lost each year.

Carina had a good eye for birds and was alert to their location and movement. It was fun for us to share and I know she enjoyed the time we spent that morning and early afternoon.

We did see 37 species that afternoon and she, too, recorded the birds on her electronic notepad as we  moved slowly along the Refuge road.  Ruth writes them first before we use the computer. A few times we would get out the scope for a better look at a bird, especially ones we did not immediately identify. This Wood Duck was one.

A Wood Duck in the reeds. (Male)

After saying 'goodbye' to Carina, we put all our equipment back in place and headed for home by way of the grocery store this time in Seneca Falls. (The town with no more falls --see last nights blog).

A few words about the Erie Canal are in order as we have crossed it more than 7 times this week. We did visit lock # 27 at Geneva as you might remember. Here is a brief summary of the canal that runs from the Hudson River to Lake Erie. It made New York City what it is today!
 

Where the Flint River flows into the Canal at Lock #27.

Lock #27 at Geneva NY

Looking upstream (toward the Hudson River) at Geneva NY

 "The canal was first proposed in the 1780s, then re-proposed in 1807. A survey was authorized, funded, and executed in 1808. Proponents of the project gradually wore down opponents; its construction began in 1817. The canal has 34 numbered locks starting with Black Rock Lock and ending downstream with the Troy Federal Lock. Both are owned by the federal government.  It has an elevation difference of about 565 feet (172 m). It opened on October 26, 1825. (Think Niagara Falls drop of 176 feet)
In a time when bulk goods were limited to pack animals (a 250-pound (113 kg) maximum), and there were no railways, water was the most cost-effective way to ship bulk goods.
The canal was denigrated by its political opponents as "Clinton's Folly"  or "Clinton's Big Ditch".  It was the first transportation system between the Eastern Seaboard and the western interior of the United States that did not require portage.
It was faster than carts pulled by draft animals and cut transport costs by about 95%. The canal gave New York City's port an incomparable advantage over all other U.S. port cities and ushered in the state's 19th century political and cultural ascendancy."

We ended the day with one washer load of socks, sweats and sweatshirts (Sounds like all Jim's?) and a supper of LO's from the wonderful meal out earlier this week.

Tomorrow we will head for Niagara Falls for a short stop to take (hopefully) some photos and then finish the day camping at Port Rowan on Lake Erie.   That will be close to the Long Point Bird Observatory. Four more days left in the trip.

Day 189, Tues. Oct. 9, 2018-- The 'disappearing' falls at Seneca Falls, NY. More birds!

It came about by design.  There were falls in Seneca Falls until 1915. We'll let an article from the local newspaper three years ago tell the history.

“There were 116 businesses and 60 homes in that area when the state put out a demolition contract in the fall of 1914 to take it all out, To make the canal navigable for the modern, state-of-the-art barges, they had to flood this area to create a heavy-duty body of water.

There was nearly 50 feet of drop around Seneca Falls, rapids which had been somewhat tamed by a smaller, five-lock canal  built in 1815, around which the town’s commerce grew up. Once the demolition contract was made and the Barge Canal’s creation was inevitable, about two dozen homeowners had their houses moved up the hill, drawn by horses, to other parts of the village. Until Tanya Warren of the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry started tracing their origins last year, no one had ever made a list of which houses started their life in the Flats. Those who own those homes will receive plaques to place on them for the centennial at a community center reception on Aug. 12."

 Gould Pumps was at one time the world's largest hydraulic pump manufacturer in the  world.  They are still in business today after Mr. Chisdale Holly started it in the mid 1800's. Th surrounding lands after the Revolutionary War were divided up into plats for the veterans and the north end of Cayuga Lake was given to the members of the Cayuga tribe who also fought in the war.

Seneca Falls played a prominent role in the Women's Rights Movement.  Elizabeth Cady Stanton, one of the organizers of the 1848 Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention and recognized as "the philosopher and chief publicist of the radical wing of the 19th century women's rights rights movement", lived in Seneca Falls from 1847 to 1863. Amelia Bloomer, popularized a dress reform in her newspaper, The Lily, which became known as bloomers, a design believed to be influenced by native women of the area. Abolitionist causes against slavery were popular in Seneca Falls. 

 

One of the plants that helps balance the refuge food is bloodwort seen here.

The other ingredients are the 'emergent' plants like cattails.

Near the NWR are many Osprey nests on the power poles.

Thousands of geese each day come and go from the refuge.

We did not spend the day there, but were back on Montezuma NWR seeking more birds. We did just that, and by afternoon on this hot day it seemed the Canadian Gees and other birds, mainly waterfowl, were finding the cooler spots for the day.It reached 87 F today while we were out there.  

We didn't add any new birds to the list today as we saw about 10 fewer species than yesterday. There were some good conversations with folks from Chicago (who wanted to move to NC), and another group from Georgia.  

After the NWR drive, we did head out to find some ice cream and celebrate , but were not able to find a spot on the road all the way past Lyons where we had been yesterday, but so as not to be on a "wild goose chase",  Ruth turned that ride into a photographers moment by getting some color shots and some more of the apple orchards, They are intriguing!

We did drive through Waterloo,  NY on the way back.  It is next to Seneca Falls. Waterloo is the home of the Memorial Day idea. They were celebrating it in 1866 well before it officially became a Federal Holiday  in 1971.  They honored the Civil War veterans right after the war. That was much earlier when it had been called Decoration Day

Lake Cayuga named after the native tribe.

Waterloo, birthplace of Memorial day

Ruth stopped in for some meds.

Our day ended with a dinner of homemade "mac and cheese". Ruth admits she is getting better at that, but cannot come close to her sister Mar's recipe.  (It is the best).

Tomorrow we do not need a full laundry but some socks and sweatpants, just enough to get home in five days. So that will suffice and we will use one of the two washers here in the Park.   We will see you tomorrow our last full day in the USA until we get home. There are 4 days in Ontario during  which we hope to include Niagara Falls, Long Point  bid observatory and London, Ontario  where Ruth will do some genealogy on grave sites.

Found the seventh of our children's names today.

Much corn is now being cut. Big corn country.

We took some photos at Simpleaars orchards, near Lyons

There was some color , but the maples are missing.

Day 188, Monday Oct. 8, 2018, --Many birds at Montezuma NWR near Seneca Falls, NY

SENECA FALLS NY. That should ring a bell with history buffs, or especially with women who promote women's rights. Yes,  it was the home of the Women's movement waaaaay back before women had the right to vote. Some great names and memorials in that Women's Hall of Fame there.  The National Women's Hall of Fame is an American institution created in 1969 by a group of people in Seneca Falls, New York, the location of the 1848 women's rights convention.

Sign on the street near the Building.

But, that was anther story. We drove to the Montezuma NWR, a few miles from Seneca Falls. As we drove in the main entrance, a huge pond, (that had been plowed for access for many sources of food) that was quite filled with Canadian Geese, and many other species of shorebirds and waterfowl. I'll name them later.  We studied that pond for fully 45 minutes trying to separate the species. and we did sort them out.

Moving to the parking lot and entering the Visitor's Center the ranger "Jackie" was on the deck that overlooked the rest of the pool (I'll call it that although there was as much earth as water. ** See explanation below)) with a telescope and she was pointing out a number of birds for visitors.  We got our binoculars going and soon discovered some species that were-quite surprising as we had never been in on a fall migration and seen the birds going south. We were excited.
After some minutes we checked in at the visitors desk and headed down the three mile loop that surrounds that pools on the Refuge.
 

The pool by the Visitor's Center where the birds gather for food

A close up of the Visitor Center pool.

This called the "Main Pool" and the drive is mainly around it.

This Refuge, like many but maybe more so, is a coordinated effort between the Fish and Wildlife Service, (Feds), the NY State Dept, of Wildlife conservation, Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy, private landowners, and special interest groups.  By mid November the waterfowl numbers will peak with 50,000 Geese, and 100,000 ducks.
 In managing the refuge  the pools Are kept at about one and one half feet deep. This can fluctuate but the idea is to have it yield 1/3 water, 1/3 emergent plants (cattails), and one third submerged aquatics (bladderwort). This provides the proper balance for the wildlife and organisms. The birds can rest, nest, feed, and rear their young here.

Usually Snow Geese are long gone by now. This one could be hurt.

I show this for when they come down to land one of them will break formation and dive. The rest follow. (C. Geese)

This Great Blue Heron was feeding all during our lunch .

We struggled with identifying this Common Gallinue as it was between adolescent and adult in plumage.

Geese landing is  fun to watch as the wings come out and the feet drop.

But, today it was the shorebirds that we were interested in as well as the SNOW GEESE that were still in the NWR. As we drove along we saw these especially; KILLDEER, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, GREEN  and
 BLUE WINGED TEAL, BALD EAGLE, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, WOOD DUCK, SHORT BILLED DOWITCHER, PIED BILLED GREBE, COOT, AMERICAN WIDGEON, SWAMP SPARROW, COMMON GALLINUE, GADWALL, BLACK DUCK, RED BELLIED WOODPECKER, WHITE RUMPED SANDPIPER, GREAT EGRET, HERRING GULL, BLACK BELLIED PLOVER and RED TAILED HAWK.  There were  a few other we often see. There were 37 bird species in all.

A few flowers are left and the trees are getting their color.

Looks like Hibiscus?...No///Mallow!

Lake Cayuga at Seneca Falls NY

A good flower and deadhead mixture  At Montezuma NWR

A Bald Eagle sculpture te Montezuma NWR. Large pool is behind.

Downtown of Naplolean's downfall. Waterloo NY.

IT was a great day and we ended by driving home by the American Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls on Beautiful Cayuga Lake, one of the great Finger Lakes of New York State. Tomorrow we will redo this, but see the Falls  and the Women's Hall of Fame.