The morning after any Birdathon is fraught with frustration and bitterness, as avian species not observed the previous day suddenly appear, gleefully rubbing my face in the fact they evaded detection. Despite this dread, I woke in early morning after the Birdathon 2013 enjoying the morning chorus near the southwestern corner of Sunshine Pond; luckily,
Birdathon 2013: Ending the Day at Sunshine Pond
Time is running out. Reaching the dead period of mid-afternoon, the chances of producing a stellar bird list for my first Birdathon in two years is decreasing rapidly with every passing moment. Birds no longer sing with the fervor of the early morning hours, leaving visual identification of new species my most important chance of
Birdathon 2013: Adventures in Filtering at Deer Pond Outlet Stream
The worst thing about crossing a beaver dam in the Adirondacks is that sometimes you just do not know what you are going to find on the other end. Sometimes the conditions are obvious from the other side, but often it is not. This is the case when I cross a beaver dam (point #13
Birdathon 2013: Beavers Foil My Birding Plans in the Pepperbox Wilderness
Beavers. They ruined my Birdathon experience this year. Well, ruined may be strong a word, foiled is probably better. Those industrious rodents are either boon or bane while birding (and bushwhacking) within Adirondack forests. Their ponds, created often by damming streams, provide ample habitat for many species of birds. Long after the beavers’ departure and
Birdathon 2013: A Cold Start to the Big Day at Cropsey Pond
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! Waking from a deep sleep, it takes me a few seconds to recognize the mechanical screech of my radio’s alarm. Scrambling in the dark, I find my GPS, my compass, my hat and about everything else other than the radio. My hand finally connects with the small radio and I switch off the alarm,
Birdathon 2013: Descending Through Regenerating Blowdown to Cropsey Pond
With the climbing from Raven Lake Road over, only the descent through regenerating blowdown remains on my bushwhack to Cropsey Pond. From Cropsey, my birding trek through the eastern Pepperbox Wilderness for the Birdathon on the following day should yield a vast array of bird species. Or so I am hoping.
Birdathon 2013: Climbing with a Cold Towards Cropsey Pond in the Pepperbox Wilderness
For the first time in two years, I return to Cropsey Pond in the Pepperbox Wilderness for the Audubon Society’s Birdathon, a 24-hour long contest to observe as many bird species as possible. Despite a serious head cold, a long climb from Raven Lake Road over a small rise is the only thing standing between me and the small, remote pond.
Frostbite Overnight 2013: Saying Farewell to the Chickens at Hoxie Gorge
The second and last day of the Frostbite Overnight starts with a shocking surprise when a sudden and loud noise echoes within the Hoxie Gorge lean-to. After recovering from sudden awaking, we eat breakfast, say good-bye to the chickens and hike out to our vehicle the same way we came in. On the way home, we stop at the Eureka store in Binghamton before returning to Syracuse under the typical blue skies.
Frostbite Overnight 2013: Exploring Hoxie Gorge State Forest
After hiking into Hoxie Gorge for a shortened Frostbite Overnight, we find ourselves faced with the task of amusing ourselves for the rest of the afternoon. Although the five resident chickens at the lean-to provide an interesting distraction, we also engage in a little exploring, a gear show and tell and the always highly anticipated Happy Hour. As the day draws to a close, we end up sharing the lean-to with some interesting visitors.
Frostbite Overnight 2013: Chickening out at Hoxie Gorge Lean-to
This year’s Frostbite Overnight, an annual early spring hiking adventure, contains many firsts. This year’s trip lives up to its name by being only a single overnight, instead of the usual two. The destination is Hoxie Gorge, a state forest near Cortland, instead of somewhere in the Catskills State Park. And unlike no other trip, we share a lean-to shelter with a bunch of chickens. It has to be read to be believed.
