MIscellaneous Observations - 1989-90
The following are notes kept on life at 12502 Creek Road in Carleton, MI during the 1989-90 period.
31January1989 Michigan
Today the state ended the month of January by basking in 60F temps!!
Temperatures have been in the 40's all week, and the state is 200
degrees above normal for this time of year. But, Alaska has suffered
the past 3 weeks with -60F and -100F windchill factors, and the cold
is headed this way.....
Temperatures have been in the 40's all week, and the state is 200
degrees above normal for this time of year. But, Alaska has suffered
the past 3 weeks with -60F and -100F windchill factors, and the cold
is headed this way.....
05February1989 Backyard (12502 Creek Road, Carleteon, MI)
0900 Hrs. Had a Red-winged Blackbird at the feeder outside the
kitchen window. Female. Three to four Common Grackles were on the ground, and a pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds also there. Out beyond Reggie's house, it sounds like a flock of a couple thousand European Starlings, Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds and Red-winged Blackbirds are gathered.
kitchen window. Female. Three to four Common Grackles were on the ground, and a pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds also there. Out beyond Reggie's house, it sounds like a flock of a couple thousand European Starlings, Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds and Red-winged Blackbirds are gathered.
1000 Hrs. Caught first mouse of the year in mousetrap under sink.
06February1989 Home
The third day of a blistering cold front has temps in the teens during
the day, and windchills at -30F at night. Caught another mouse.
the day, and windchills at -30F at night. Caught another mouse.
07February1989 Home
1930 Hrs. I'm here at the terminal watching a house mouse feeding
on the platform feeder outside the window. It doesn't seem to mind
my presence.
on the platform feeder outside the window. It doesn't seem to mind
my presence.
14February1989 BASF (Wyandotte)
0900 Hrs. The first American Robin of the year is outside the window in the plum tree. May be a resident or Ohio migrant????
18February1989 Home
1500 Hrs. The day is cold (25F) and clear. The birds are out in
force at the feeders. I can see 2 male and 3 female Northern Cardinals out back. Also 3 Tufted Titmice, pair of Black-capped Chickadees at the platform, about a dozen or so Dark-eyed Juncos, 4-5 American Goldfinches, 4-8 House Finches and a pair of Downy Woodpeckers, along with the 2 dozen House Sparrows.
force at the feeders. I can see 2 male and 3 female Northern Cardinals out back. Also 3 Tufted Titmice, pair of Black-capped Chickadees at the platform, about a dozen or so Dark-eyed Juncos, 4-5 American Goldfinches, 4-8 House Finches and a pair of Downy Woodpeckers, along with the 2 dozen House Sparrows.
Today is the first day that I've heard titmice singing this year!
Also, the chickadees are singing, along with the house sparrows
displaying to each other.
Also, the chickadees are singing, along with the house sparrows
displaying to each other.
I cleaned out the wren house in front, and moved the feeders to the
back away from the house. Crocuses, snowdrops, and squill have been
coming up on the north side of the house (driveway). One snowdrop has
opened already... The trees all around have buds (not opening) so
it appears that they have survived last summer's heat.
back away from the house. Crocuses, snowdrops, and squill have been
coming up on the north side of the house (driveway). One snowdrop has
opened already... The trees all around have buds (not opening) so
it appears that they have survived last summer's heat.
20February1989 Home
0700 Hrs. Heard first Northern Cardinals singing of the year. Snowing outside, may get 1-3 inches today.
27February1989 Home
0700 Hrs. Heard Tufted Titmice, Song Sparrows, Downy Woodpeckers, Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals and House Finches singing.
05March1989 Home
1500 Hrs. Had 6 Northern Cardinals at the back feeder. Four males, 2 females. Made Screech Owl box and put it up out front in the dead poplar tree above the bluebird box.
11March1989 Home
1000 Hrs. Temps to reach in the 50's today. My first two crocuses
(yellow) are in bloom out next to the house. Also a couple of
snowdrops blooming. Birds at the feeder: pair of Northern Cardinals, pair of Black-capped Chickadees, American Goldfinches, Dark-eyed Juncos (including the Oregon), pair of Tufted Titmice. House Sparrows are nesting in the box out back of the house along the
creek. Cleaned it out.
(yellow) are in bloom out next to the house. Also a couple of
snowdrops blooming. Birds at the feeder: pair of Northern Cardinals, pair of Black-capped Chickadees, American Goldfinches, Dark-eyed Juncos (including the Oregon), pair of Tufted Titmice. House Sparrows are nesting in the box out back of the house along the
creek. Cleaned it out.
15March1989 Home
0700 Hrs. Heard House Finches singing outside of the house. Also Song Sparrows, Northern Cardinals, Tufted Titmice, Black-capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers.
1700 Hrs. Saw male Greater Scaup in creek across the street. River
high after melt-off. American Robins have returned in force this last week. They are all over the place since around the 10th of this month.
Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds are also moving in force this past week.
high after melt-off. American Robins have returned in force this last week. They are all over the place since around the 10th of this month.
Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds are also moving in force this past week.
24March1989 Home
1000 Hrs. Oregon Junco is still around. Song Sparrows singing all
over. Temps to be in the 50's today w/ sunny skies.
over. Temps to be in the 50's today w/ sunny skies.
08April1989 Home
0900 Hrs. Bought 2 yards of woodshavings from 2001 Nursery and put
around trees and flower beds. Bought 3 small blue spruce and 3
arbovitae and planted on lawn next to drive.
around trees and flower beds. Bought 3 small blue spruce and 3
arbovitae and planted on lawn next to drive.
16April1989 Home
1200 Hrs. Bloodroot appearing along the drainage ditch. Leaves only.
Cut grass for first time this year w/ the 170. Changed oil/waxed the tractor.
22April1989 Home
1330 Hrs. Pair of Turkey Vultures circling over Telegraph & Carleton-Rockwood. Bloodroot blooming along the road across from the mail
box. Cut grass.
box. Cut grass.
23April1989 Home
1300 Hrs. Chipping Sparrows singing. One at feeder and out front.
American Robins incubating nest in spruce next to driveway. Yellow-rumped Warbler in birch. Pair of Barn Swallows courting in flight. Toads singing in creek.
American Robins incubating nest in spruce next to driveway. Yellow-rumped Warbler in birch. Pair of Barn Swallows courting in flight. Toads singing in creek.
26April1989 Home
Paul Delinski gave me 5 white pine trees to dig up from his property.
Dug up two small ones and planted along left side of property.
Dug up two small ones and planted along left side of property.
29April1989 Home
Dug up the remaining 3 white pines and planted on property.
1630 Hrs. Saw my first two Eastern Bluebirds!!! Down in creek across
from Paul's house, and in field next to his house. American Tree Sparrows singing down creek rd. Chipping Sparrows still singing out front. Another American Robin nest. This one under the eaves of the carport.
from Paul's house, and in field next to his house. American Tree Sparrows singing down creek rd. Chipping Sparrows still singing out front. Another American Robin nest. This one under the eaves of the carport.
Apr 29, 1989 4:30 PM - 4:35 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: New species only!
5 species
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 2
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 1
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 2
American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) 2 rural Carleton; singing in trees along Creek Rd. At least 2 birds
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
30April1989 Home
1230 Hrs. Checked the owl box in front yard. European Starling nesting in box has 6 glossy light blue eggs. Removed nest and eggs. Eggs just beginning to develop embryos. American Robin nest in carport has 3 large blue eggs. House Wrens are back as of yesterday or today. Singing out front.
12502 Creek Rd, Carleton (Home), Monroe, Michigan, US
Apr 30, 1989 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Yard survey;
3 species
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) 1 singing in front of house
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 6 eggs in Screech owl box
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 3 eggs in carport
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Apr 30, 1989 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Yard survey;
3 species
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) 1 singing in front of house
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 6 eggs in Screech owl box
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 3 eggs in carport
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
01May1989 Monroe High School
1900 Hrs. Gave seminar to 4 people on "Landscaping for Birds".
Lynn Gluvna © Monroe Community Education (phone#243©6789).
Lynn Gluvna © Monroe Community Education (phone#243©6789).
03May1989 Home
1830 Hrs. On my way out the door to my board meeting and I noticed a
male Eastern Bluebird sitting on the overhead wire just above the satellite dish! Sat and watched it for 15 minutes before it flew off.
male Eastern Bluebird sitting on the overhead wire just above the satellite dish! Sat and watched it for 15 minutes before it flew off.
04May1989 Home
0700 Hrs. Checked the bluebird box next to the dish. It has some
grass in it. It appears to be the beginning of a nest.
05May19891 Home
2000 Hrs. Checked the box again. More grass. Can't tell if it is
a bluebird nest, or a sparrow nest. Will wait. Walked to the other
side of the lawn, out front, and saw both the male and female Eastern Bluebird return. Female was up on the wire, and the male went straight to the box. Male did wing©flapping courtship dance. Went into box several times and removed a single blade of grass, and sat w/ grass in its
beak. This went on for a good half-hour. Both flew off before dark.
a bluebird nest, or a sparrow nest. Will wait. Walked to the other
side of the lawn, out front, and saw both the male and female Eastern Bluebird return. Female was up on the wire, and the male went straight to the box. Male did wing©flapping courtship dance. Went into box several times and removed a single blade of grass, and sat w/ grass in its
beak. This went on for a good half-hour. Both flew off before dark.
12502 Creek Rd, Carleton (Home), Monroe, Michigan, US
May 5, 1989 8:00 PM - 8:10 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Yard survey
1 species
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 2 1st pair nesting in box at new home. Entered box and are starting grass nest
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
May 5, 1989 8:00 PM - 8:10 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Yard survey
1 species
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 2 1st pair nesting in box at new home. Entered box and are starting grass nest
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
06May1989 Home
0800 Hrs. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (male) at feeder out back. On ground shuffling through the debris. Pair of White-Crowned Sparrows are out there, also. Three Blue Jays on feeder. Song Sparrow at feeder. Female Eastern Bluebird at the box, w/ grass in her beak!! She stayed moments, and flew off. Common Grackles (3) out front. American Goldfinches and Tufted Titmouse at platform feeder here in front.
1000 Hrs. The bluebirds are actively building a nest in the bluebird
box. Female is doing most of the building!!!
White-Crowned Sparrows are singing "zer©zi©zi©zwiip" out back.
Black-capped Chickadees are at window feeder. As are Tufted Titmice.
box. Female is doing most of the building!!!
White-Crowned Sparrows are singing "zer©zi©zi©zwiip" out back.
Black-capped Chickadees are at window feeder. As are Tufted Titmice.
12502 Creek Rd, Carleton (Home), Monroe, Michigan, US
May 6, 1989 8:00 AM - 8:05 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Yard survey;
9 species
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 3
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 1
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 4
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) 2
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1 male
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
May 6, 1989 8:00 AM - 8:05 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Yard survey;
9 species
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 3
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 1
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 4
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) 2
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1 male
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
07May1989 Home
1100 Hrs. Eastern Bluebirds still building nest. A few minutes ago, they had a confrontation w/ a pair of House Sparrows trying to get into the nest box. The bluebirds were able to chase them away. I checked the nest box. Nest is fine grasses in a bowl-shaped nest.
1300 Hrs. A White-crowned Sparrow and Tufted Titmouse are at the platform feeder. A female White-throated Sparrow just flew in (her cap is tan w/ black stripes, and a faded throat patch.
08May1989 Home
0700 Hrs. White-throated Sparrows singing outside. Pair at feeder.
Eastern Bluebirds at box. Peach trees in bloom.
Eastern Bluebirds at box. Peach trees in bloom.
10May1989 Home
1900 Hrs. 5 White-throated Sparrows at platform feeder. Barb Krolak from Monroe Evening News came out and interviewed me for an article on Landscaping for the Birds.
12May1989 Pt. Pelee
ESBA outing to Pt. Pelee saw overcast skies, cold weather and rain all
day. We saw 86 spp. total, including American Pipit, Carolina Wren, and a Ruff (possible Reeve). Shorebirds included Pectoral, Least, Dunlin, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. Warblers included Yellow, Palm, Myrtle, and Magnolia. White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows dominated. The group also saw lots of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Brown Thrasher, and 3 White-tailed Deer.
day. We saw 86 spp. total, including American Pipit, Carolina Wren, and a Ruff (possible Reeve). Shorebirds included Pectoral, Least, Dunlin, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. Warblers included Yellow, Palm, Myrtle, and Magnolia. White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows dominated. The group also saw lots of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Brown Thrasher, and 3 White-tailed Deer.
Point Pelee National Park (general location), Essex, Ontario, CA
May 12, 1989 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Erie Shores Birding Association; Historical sighting; 86 species reported. My notes show only the following:
16 species
Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) 1
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 1
Ruff (Calidris pugnax) 1 Bird ID'd as a female (Reeve); Yellowleg sized, orange legs (not yellow); scaly back feathers
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) 1
Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) 1
Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) 1
American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) 1
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 1
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 1
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 1
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
May 12, 1989 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Erie Shores Birding Association; Historical sighting; 86 species reported. My notes show only the following:
16 species
Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) 1
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 1
Ruff (Calidris pugnax) 1 Bird ID'd as a female (Reeve); Yellowleg sized, orange legs (not yellow); scaly back feathers
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) 1
Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) 1
Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) 1
American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) 1
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 1
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 1
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 1
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
14May1989 Home
0700 Hrs. Black-throated Green Warbler heard, RB Grosbeak, Field
Sparrows, Wood Thrush all heard. Saw Brown Thrasher up the road.
Sparrows, Wood Thrush all heard. Saw Brown Thrasher up the road.
12502 Creek Rd, Carleton (Home), Monroe, Michigan, US
May 14, 1989 7:00 AM - 7:06 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Yard survey
5 species
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) 1
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) 1
Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) 1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
May 14, 1989 7:00 AM - 7:06 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Yard survey
5 species
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) 1
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) 1
Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) 1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
18May1989 Home
1600 Hrs. Heard Gray Catbird across the street in woods. Checked the
Eastern Bluebird nest; there are TWO eggs (as of yesterday or today?).
Gave a Bluebird Workshop to Cub Scout Pak 522 of Carleton at VFW Hall
on Carleton-Rockwood Rd.
Eastern Bluebird nest; there are TWO eggs (as of yesterday or today?).
Gave a Bluebird Workshop to Cub Scout Pak 522 of Carleton at VFW Hall
on Carleton-Rockwood Rd.
21May1989 Home
1800 Hrs. Got home from Bois Blanc Isle. Checked the box and found
FIVE eggs. I'm assuming that eggs were laid one a day since Wednesday.
So this would be day five of incubation.
FIVE eggs. I'm assuming that eggs were laid one a day since Wednesday.
So this would be day five of incubation.
22May1989 Home
Planted corn in the garden. Also planted sunflower seeds after roto©
tilling. Did not water the gardens, as I spent the rest of the day
cutting grass.
tilling. Did not water the gardens, as I spent the rest of the day
cutting grass.
25May1989 Home
0530 Hrs. Heavy thundershowers poured through the area this morning.
The first real rain this month. Call it day one for the corn. The
bluebird eggs are at about day 9 of incubation. I think the male (at
least) is getting more tolerant of my presence. It landed on the wire
above me as I checked the box this evening. More t-showers came this
evening. Not as much rain as this morning....
The first real rain this month. Call it day one for the corn. The
bluebird eggs are at about day 9 of incubation. I think the male (at
least) is getting more tolerant of my presence. It landed on the wire
above me as I checked the box this evening. More t-showers came this
evening. Not as much rain as this morning....
30May1989 Home
Watered trees today for three hours. Hot and muggy and dry? Big
mistake. T-showers came thru the area at about 8pm and dropped almost two inches of water on SE Michigan. It poured all night, leaving the creek across the street a torrent, as water levels are up to the road.
More rain expected today and tomorrow.
mistake. T-showers came thru the area at about 8pm and dropped almost two inches of water on SE Michigan. It poured all night, leaving the creek across the street a torrent, as water levels are up to the road.
More rain expected today and tomorrow.
03Jun1989 SE Michigan
Got 1.7" of rain today, which actually brought us above average for
rainfall this year. Everything is soaked, as we've gotten almost 4-5"
of rain in the last three days.
rainfall this year. Everything is soaked, as we've gotten almost 4-5"
of rain in the last three days.
04Jun1989 Home
0900 Hrs. Checked the bluebird box, and found two chicks!
12502 Creek Rd, Carleton (Home), Monroe, Michigan, US
Jun 4, 1989 9:00 AM - 9:05 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Yard Survey; Had 4.5" rain in the past 3 days.
1 species
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 4 1 male and 3 chicks in nest box
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Jun 4, 1989 9:00 AM - 9:05 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Yard Survey; Had 4.5" rain in the past 3 days.
1 species
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 4 1 male and 3 chicks in nest box
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
05Jun1989 Home
1700 Hrs. Checked the box, and now 4 chicks have hatched.
07Jun1989 Home
07Jun1989 Home
1800 Hrs. Four of five eggs have hatched as of today. Chicks growing
quickly.
quickly.
11Jun1989 Home
0900 Hrs. Found Taffy run over by a car outside the house this
morning. Buried her under the Hawthorn out back.
morning. Buried her under the Hawthorn out back.
19Jun1989 Home
1730 Hrs. Got 0.5" of rain this evening. The end of the property is
under water and the ditch out back has overflowed its banks. The water
is gushing thru the culvert and sounds like a waterfall.
under water and the ditch out back has overflowed its banks. The water
is gushing thru the culvert and sounds like a waterfall.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
30Apr1990 Home
1800 Hrs. There are 4 Bluebird eggs in the nest as of the 28th. Both
male and female have been in the area since March 18th. A male bluebird was found beheaded in the other box on Good Friday. Sparrows were seen in and out of the box that morning. Chipping Sparrows back as of the 29th. House wrens back as of the 29th.
male and female have been in the area since March 18th. A male bluebird was found beheaded in the other box on Good Friday. Sparrows were seen in and out of the box that morning. Chipping Sparrows back as of the 29th. House wrens back as of the 29th.
28MAY1990 Home
Bluebird eggs did not hatch. Removed. Bluebirds have started a second
nest in the other box.
30MAY 1990 Home
Bluebirds have two eggs in new nest.
31May1990 Home
Bluebirds have 5 eggs in nest. Countdown is now.
12Jun1990 Home
First egg hatching.
13Jun1990 Home
Four of five eggs hatched. PARENTS feeding young.
