Coopers versus Sharpie
On Thanksgiving morning, sitting on a tree limb outside in the back yard was a hawk. Quickly, binos were gathered to observe and identify this lovely visitor. As I focused in on it, I suddenly remembered the challenges associated with raptor identification. I fought the urge to grab the field guide and made myself study the bird as it perched and preened on the limb, reciting to myself the specific things I was seeing - eye color, tail shape, hood pattern, chest streaks, etc. I thought of the Pete Dunne video I saw on Birdsight that indicated you can only really tell the difference between Sharpies and Coopers Hawks by flight pattern. Of course, I reached for the field guide and it flew off. I never got to see the flight pattern as he disappeared behind the trees in a matter of seconds. I was pretty sure I knew what it was, but then I questioned myself. The more I looked into it, the less sure I was. The similarities are amazing! By sheer size and our locale, I was convinced it was a Coopers Hawk - and I still am fairly certain. But in studying these raptors, it sure does challenge ones ability to id them.
Saturday I got the latest WildBird magazine in the mail. (Always, one of my favorite days of the month!) I typically read it cover to cover upon receipt. In this months issue was an article on identifying birds by impression moreso than by field marks. As I read this and pondered my current methods, I realized that I already do this - as I'm sure many birders do - but I never knew how to describe it. Anyway, I practice this method first in any of my identifications. First I classify it into a group based on the general appearance of the bird - kind of like Petersons silhouette method. From there I can make more differentiations and rule out some species. But, once again, the recurring theme in identification that I learn and re-learn 100 times a year is that one must study the bird, watch it for awhile and memorize or sketch particular traits it has BEFORE turning to the field guide. I look forward to the day when I can spend hours in the field perfecting this skill, don't you?
Real Snow This Time!
Today it was a real snow. Not snow showers or snow flurries but an actual accumulating, white all over the ground, snow. Kat and I had a bet on the date of the first "true" snowfall. I lost, she won. Now I owe her a dinner at the Cheesecake Factory!
The Juncos are always fun to watch in the snow as they scratch an opening in the snow covered ground to uncover the strewn about seeds beneath. It reminds me of when I was a youngster and I would go to my grandma's farm and feed the chickens. But in reading this article about the food habits of juncos, I learned about their behavior of "riding a grass stem". I will be sure to watch for that now. I never obsreved them doing that before. The resourcefulness of these beautiful creatures makes me thankful that they share their lives with us. How appropriate for Thanksgiving!
Black Capped or Carolina Chickadee?
I am participating in Project Feederwatch and as I looked through the documentation, the compiler emphasized some of the common misidentifications that occur in Indiana - one being the chickadees. So, I did a little research and found a wonderful site describing the differences and trying to help in distinguising between Carolina chickadee and Black-capped chickadee.
So, I read these clues and got out my Sibley Guide and read all the information on telling the two species apart. Evidently, I have been guilty of naming the chickadees I've seen locally incorrectly. After careful review and study, it appears the chickadees I see most often are indeed Carolina chickadees. Since I was a kid I have always referred to them as Black-capped. Actually, I still wasn't sure even after reading all the available resources and then I went to my birding software program and pulled both birds up side by side and noticed the differences in the cinnamon buff coloring. The chickadees that I observed in the yard match the plumage markings of the Carolina chickadee in the software almost exactly. Now, I find myself wondering if I have ever truly seen a Black-capped chickadee or have misidentified every one I've seen for all these years!
On the subject of chickadees though, it sure seems to have been a good year for them as they are easily the most abundant bird in my yard this fall.
Success!
Moving the feeder at the house turned out to be a fantastic idea. The new location was quickly greeted by many more birds than we had previously. And yes, finally, we have Junco's! (Where have they been? It took them awhile to get here!) I saw one when I was out working on the deck feeding on the ground nowhere near the feeders. But later that afternoon, I spotted them right under the safflower feeder just like last year.
But, my favorite weekend visitor was one I had been trying to lure to the feeders all summer. The Red Bellied Woodpecker lives in a snag in the woods by the house. I see them flying overhead a lot during the summer but never had one come to the feeder station...UNTIL YESTERDAY! I used to get these guys at my feeders frequently where I used to live but in 9 months at this house, had not been able to get them here. I attribute this directly to the move of the feeders. Now if I could just get the Pileated to come to my suet feeder! I see a couple that live deeper in the woods that come to the edge periodically and feed off of some of the lower snags. Maybe they will grace us with their presence and I can get a picture. They are fairly common here but one still can't help but stop and marvel at these creatures when confronted with their size and presence.
The red shouldered hawk is still around in the woods. His calls were noticeable further back in the woods and I see him occasionally soaring over the neighborhood when I am coming home from work, but haven't seen him perched in his favorite tree in the back yard for a couple of weeks now. Too bad because I would love for him to catch the chipmunk that is hanging out in the flower beds munching on the lilly bulbs.
The first snow
Brrrr...Central Indiana had their first snow of the year yesterday. Oh none of it stuck to the ground, but snow showers were present throughout the day. This was followed by a cold front that had the Indiana thermometers plummeting to an unseasonable temperature in the low 20's.
There are still no signs of juncos at the house yet. Talked to a lady at work who said she has had juncos at her feeder since late October. What did arrive behind the most recent cold front was a horde of house sparrows. I had not seen that many house sparrows so far at this house but there are tons of them here now. I was reminded of the fact that, although abundant here, and often considered a nuisance bird for occupying bluebird nests, house sparrows are an endangered species in some parts of the world. In fact, one was recently killed for toppling dominos in the Netherlands which will probably result in prosecution.
I don't mind the house sparrows so much - I like them better than starlings! But isn't it funny how some birds get a bad rap. How our value system places one species more desirable than another? I try not to be like that, particularly in birding and try to stop myself from comments like, "Oh, it's just a Robin", or "It's only a house finch", or even, "Nothing there except Canada Geese." Shouldn't we embrace all birds of all species for the gifts they give us, whether common or not?
Moving the Feeder
While watching the feeders in my alone time on Sunday, it occurred to me that for the winter birds, it makes sense to relocate my feeders to the front or side of my yard where they will be better protected from wind and they also will be more near cover. Hopefully this would serve two purposes. First, being near cover will increase the opportunity for the less brazen birds to come to the feeders. Secondly, maybe the birds I see on the side of the house that never come to the feeders in my back yard, will come to them if relocated, thereby enahancing my birding pleasure!! Now the hard part...where to move them?
Doing a little research on the subject has not really helped me learn anything I didn't already know. None of the articles seem to address my biggest issue! Where can I put it so I don't have to rearrange all the furniture in my living room? Let's face it! This is a dilemma. LOL.
All joking aside, I have trouble visualizing these sorts of things. I have made a drawing and what I decided on looks good on paper. But, will it translate to the "optimum birdfeeding experience"? The yard has a hill - not just a slight one but a fairly steep one. (I hate mowing that thing! - but I digress) Thinking of walking on the hillside in a foot of snow is certainly not a pleasant thought. I'd love to see pictures if anyone has any ideas on how to place birding stations on hillsides.
There are mice in my basement. First they attacked the birdseed. I secured all of that, but I forgot about the suet cakes on the shelf. The little varmints bit a hole through the plastic and ate a piece out of them! This is war! If they aren't careful, I'll release the cats down there! :-)
Winter birding in the midwest - what's one to do?
I start to feel this way every November, usually about 2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Most of the fall migrants have passed through for the season, the leaves are almost all gone from the trees, the wind blows with a little more bite than it had last month. Winter birding season - UGH!
Usually in winter, I do a lot of waterfowl birding - at least until the lakes freeze over in January. Also, here in Indiana, going to Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area is a must see to witness thousands of migrating sand hill cranes. I have gone every year for several years and I still get the feeling of exhilaration as I walk from the parking lot to the viewing platform and hear the piercing sounds of their cooing and cackling. Then to get to the platform and look out at the thousands of birds is truly an awe inspiring experience.
The days get colder and darker during December. Of course there are always visitors to the feeder stations in the yard, but the variety of species is so much smaller. Last winter I read a book called "Birds of Winter" and it talked about using the winter to really study the behavior habits of birds and to practice looking for distinctive markings on each bird and trying to pick up on subleties within the species. So, that is one goal I have for this year to alleviate the normal winter birding doldrums.
Another winter activity that I am going to participate in this year is the 106th annual Christmas Bird Count. Many birders participate every year and make it an annual event! I've only done this by myself in the past, but this year, I have an accomplice! (Thanks, Kat!) We are just now in the planning phase but I am looking forward to making this the most fun holiday tradition in which I partake. Certainly, it will be the most anticipated.
January and February will be the times for studying the birds and trying to identify their unique characteristics. The weather here can be pretty ugly this time of year. But, for dreamers out there, with the necesary financial resources, there is a Winter Bird Festival in Morro Bay, CA. No way I can afford to go this year, but, hey, it's good to know there are options for us folks stuck in the dead of winter!
Are bluebirds wintering at my house?
When I saw the pair of bluebirds in my back yard over the weekend, I couldn't help but wonder if they were going to winter at my house. Their behavior was more of scouting in nature rather than just feeding. Not really being familiar with Bluebird migration, I decided to do a little research and it appears that they are not necessarily heavy migrants. In fact, it appears that Bluebirds migrate little in areas of mild climate and seem to only venture as far southward as needed in order to find abundant food.
I remember when first moving to this house, as I was watching the movers unload the truck, a couple of bluebirds were sitting on the driveway. This was early March and I can't help but wonder if these little guys I saw Saturday are the same ones that spent the spring in my woods. Maybe they will migrate southward to warmer areas once the snow hits, or maybe they'll be content foraging on the berries in the woods and supplement their diet with the seed smorgasboard at my feeders!
Sunday was a blustery day in Indiana - during the night Saturday at 3 AM I was awakened by a huge thunderstorm and howling winds. I hoped it would stop by daylight so I could see what might arrive behind the front at the woods in the back of my house. I was not disappointed. As I got out of the car after returning from the hardware store, the trees were filled with bird song. I grabbed the bino's and was immediately blessed with a flock of cedar waxwings swaying in the windy treetops. I counted 9 of them. Then I scoured the trees for other newbies. A pair of eastern bluebirds actuall came to my feeder! One sat on top while the other ate safflower. I saw tons of starlings and of course the winter finches had arrived. I saw one Common Redpoll - a first for my yard list! There were the usual suspects, crows, blue jays, cardinals, goldfinches, housefinches, house sparrows, a couple of downy woody's and a pileated. By this time I had to finally go and unload the car. Still no juncos at my place yet!
A Fresh Start
Trying a new twist on my old blog, one that addresses more of my interests and gives us more to write about and talk about. Wish me luck!
The indigo bunting - one of my favorite birds! I remember being serenaded by one last year at Conner Prairie. He was on a limb directly overhead and continually sang his song over and over while I was eating an ice cream cone. They say the male indigo bunting mates with up to 30 males in the breeding season! Quite a virile bird! One after my own heart! LOL
WNBA Notes
The Fever had their strongest defensive outing of the season and Tamika finally played with a little mean streak. The result - an easy Fever win setting up a key match-up with New York Saturday at Conseco. Fever/Sac Recap
Hoosier Hoops of Note
The Indiana Senior All Stars barely beat the Indiana Junior All Stars in their first warm-up prior to the annual border battle with the Kentucky stars. STORY
WNBA Notes
The Fever are now 3-0 on the preseason after Tuesday nights victory at Washington. Fever/Mystics Recap This was the last preseason game for the Fever and they now fine tune their game before opening the regular season May 21 against New York.
Having seen 2 of the 3 preseason games, I will offer my observations on the team thus far:
Guard Play - Kelly Miller adds a lot to the team with quickness and outside shooting. Unfortunately, the other guards on the roster don't appear to have improved. Niele Ivey continues to lose quickness and cannot guard WNBA caliber point guards. Coretta Brown seems intent on improving her defensive game but still struggles with ball handling and passing. The Fever staff have resorted to playing Deana Jackson at off guard and Miller at the point. Teams that press the Fever and wear down Miller should have success.
Frontcourt - Tamika Catchings looks better than ever. Watching her play, you just cannot believe the athleticism and ability she possesses. If anything, she looks a little quicker and has improved her outside shooting. She still tends to try to do too much sometimes and makes silly fouls. Natalie Williams has added some weight and appears to be slower than previous seasons. But, she eats up space in the lane and positions herself well for rebounds. Ebony Hoffman may need to improve her conditioning. She also often seems lost on the floor as she is adjusting to the pro game and the new offense and defenses. A definite work in progress. Kelly Rasmussen and Deana Jackson have been superb in the preseason doing whatever is necessary to help the team win. Jackson can slash to the bucket in ways that the Fever had never had a player do before. (other than Catchings) Rasmussen has shown to be the consummate pro - passing, hitting the open shot, just taking what the defense gives her and guarding the opponents small forward effectively. Unfortunately, Astou Ndiaye-Diatta has not been able to play yet due to injuries so an evaluation on the center position is sketchy at best. Ndiaye-Diatta is counted on to provide depth in the post and will be needed if the Fever are to be successful. Kelly Schumacher looks to be in better physical condition after playing in Turkey but her natural basketball instincts are still a half step slower than most WNBA 6'4" players and she becomes a defensive liability under the basket.
Coaching: It's apparent when watching this team the involvement that assistant coach Lin Dunn has in strategizing. Brian Winters is realizing that there is a lot more coaching that needs to occur at this level than there is at the NBA level and is adjusting. In the huddles I have seen Dunn set up out of bounds plays and defensive plays with Winters standing by listening and observing. Dunn is smart though, when Winters spoke up once she listened, erased the board and re-diagramed a play that was effective and I saw her reach over and shake Winters hand and pat him on the back. They seem to have a good chemistry.
Overall: The team has definitely improved. They are quicker and much better offensively with the addition of Miller and Jackson. They are better coached and display more energy under the new staff. The coaches seem intent on rushing Ebony Hoffman into the mix which I don't understand - they have started her 2 games although she only played 11 minutes. The depth in the post and the ability for a ball handling guard to emerge are the keys to this team really contending this year. Best case scenario, Ndiaye-Diatta becomes a defensive post presence, Hoffman catches on quickly and gets in shape, Brown becomes the point guard presence the team needs and they knock off Detroit for the Eastern Conference Championship. Worst case scenario - they rely on Schumacher and Ivey to provide depth, Hoffman plays like a rookie all season, and they bow out in the first round of the playoffs.
College Notes
Sue Gunter resigned from LSU due to ongoing health issues. One of the classiest coaches of our time. She fought discrimination because of her sexuality and built a powerhouse program. Pokey Chatman was named as her successor.
Indiana coach Kathi Bennett was selected to coach the Big Ten (11) Foreign Tour Team. STORY
WNBA Notes
Former Fever guard Nikki McCray signed with Phoenix yesterday. Story
Glad to see the Fever's Natalie Williams come out of the closet! She is listed as one of the celebrities for an upcoming voyage on Olivia Cruises. Nice picture of her in the Olivia brochure that arrived at my house this weekend. Way to go Nat!!
Seattle coach Anne Donovan is stressing defense in the Storm's training camp. STORY
Over Coffee
Nell Fortner took over for Joe Ciampi at Auburn. What a mistake! I'm amazed how Fortner continues to skate by in the basketball community despite her obvious lack of coaching ability. She would have been wiser to take one of the other jobs instead of a high profile one like Auburn. Playing in the tough SEC she will get constant ass whippings trying to compete with the elite coaches in the country like Pat Summit, Andy Landers, Carolyn Peck and others. Anyone who has watched Fortner coach knows she is unable to create mismatches, cannot dissect a defense and is poor at identifying her own teams strengths and weaknesses. Poor Auburn! In talking with some of the Fever players, they have no respect whatsoever for Fortner's ability and feel her ineptness kept them from reaching the playoffs last year. I also saw a quote from Alicia Thompson who was not happy with Fortner convincing her to not retire and then cutting her on the day before the season started so she was unable to catch on with another team. So, the watch at Auburn begins! How long until the Auburn AD realizes she is in over her head and finds a suitable replacement? Hopefully, not so long that the Auburn program is left in a shambles that is irreparable.
Take care!
Dar
Big Ten (11) Notes
Erika Valek and Shereka Wright of Purdue will continue to be teammates in the WNBA. STORY
A nice article on Illinois' Cindy Dallas and her selection in the second round of the WNBA draft by San Antonio. Dallas Story
A total of 7 Big Ten (11) athletes were selected in the WNBA draft. STORY
For those who might have missed it, Northwestern replaced former Butler coach June Olkowski with Colgate coach Beth Combs. STORY
WNBA Notes
While some WNBA franchises are struggling, the Indiana Fever continue to thrive picking up a 6 year sponsorship agreement with Galyans. STORY
Over Coffee
Well the draft has come and gone. The Fever selected Ebony Hoffman with their first round pick. Evidently this surprised the experts as much as it did me. Nancy Lieberman gave the Fever the lowest grade on her draft analysis. Draft Grades However, in looking at the Fever roster and the trade that got them here we can look at the situation more objectively. Charlotte essentially got Nicole Powell and Kelly Mazzante with the Fever picks involved in the trade. Indiana got Ebony Hoffman and Kelly Miller. So, is there a big difference between Miller and Mazzante? We don't know yet since Miller has been unable to play significant minutes at the pro level on the Charlotte roster. Let's say this turns out to be a slight advantage to the Fever or, at worst, a wash. That leaves Nicole Powell versus Ebony Hoffman. While Powell is a great talent, I don't think she is the player the Fever needed since they already have Tamika Catchings and Deana Jackson. No, a post player fits their needs. The Fever brass have tried to spin this as that they had their eye on Hoffman the whole time - evidently seeing something in her that the other scouts and organizations did not. So, had the Fever held on to the 3rd pick they would have had their choice of any post player in the draft. Nicole Ohlde and Vanessa Hayden were the highest ones selected. Vanessa would have fit the Fever's team but with the recent foot injury she probably would not play until late summer. I've never been a fan of Ohlde because of her frailness around the basket. So, all in all, I think the Fever did well. A 6'2" post player that weighs 210 pounds does add an air of strength to the team that they have lacked. The wild card in this deal that will determine who helped their team the most is Kelly Miller. If she starts, averages double figures and extends the defense of the opponent with her long range shooting then it'll be a success for the Fever. As it turns out, this will probably be a win-win scenario for both Charlotte and Indiana.
One thing is for sure! The Fever have put Kelly Schumacher on notice! This is her make or break year. It's time for the 6'4" center from UCONN to finally step up and reach her potential or be content to lose her minutes to Hoffman, Astou Ndiaye-Diatta, or rookie Ieva Kublina. Schu has the tools, she just needs to be more aggressive!
I understand the uproar in Minnesota over their teams inability to land Lindsay Whalen. It is so similar to the situation here in Indiana when Stephanie White was drafted by Charlotte even though everyone knew it was best for the WNBA and this franchise for her to come to Indiana. So, I empathize with Minnesota fans, but it isn't the first time this has happened and it won't be the last. In Connecticut they may never get over seeing Diana Taurasi in a Phoenix uniform.
Reluctantly, I renewed my Fever season tickets. The organization called me and asked why I wasn't renewing. I gave them my reasons - non-season ticket holding people being allowed to sit in our section, the poor basketball decisions I felt were being made by Krauskopf, the hiring of a male coach, etc. Then, two days later, I received another call - this one from current Fever player Stephanie White. She talked to me candidly about those situations, it was interesting to see her insights as well, but she sold me on the fact that as former players, if we don't support the current regime then it will surely mean the end of the league. I agree and so I sent them my $1200 check - and I'm glad I did.
Peace!
Dar
WNBA Notes
The Indiana Fever have stated they will look for front court help in Saturday's draft. Article I guess I would hope for Rebekkah Brunson from Georgetown. I only hope they do not select Nicole Ohlde. They have a player just like her already in Kelly Schumacher. I would hope they would go for more athleticism. Here's Annie Myers article breaking down the post prospects. Myers article
WNBA Notes
Mock Draft:
Well, here it is! My mock draft of the WNBA draft this Saturday (1st round) This is actually very fun to do and I enjoy all the "what if" scenarios. Here goes!
1. PHOENIX - Diana Taurasi (Connecticut)
2. WASHINGTON - Alana Beard (Duke)
3. CHARLOTTE - Nicole Powell (Stanford)
4. CONNECTICUT - Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota)
5. NEW YORK - Vanessa Hayden (Florida)
6. SEATTLE - Nicole Ohlde (Kansas State)
7. MINNESOTA - Rebekkah Brunson (Georgetown)
8. PHOENIX - Christi Thomas (Georgia)
9. INDIANA - Kelly Mazzante (Penn State)
10. SACREMENTO - Chandi Jones (Houston)
11. DETROIT - Shemeka Christon (Arkansas)
12. LOS ANGELES - Iciss Tillis (Duke)
13. DETROIT - Shereka Wright (Purdue)
NCAA Tournament Notes
The Big Ten (11) has 3 teams in the Sweet 16. Purdue, Penn State and Minnesota all advanced. Michigan State and Ohio State both were eliminated. The Big Ten (11) ties the SEC and the Big East for the honor of most conference teams in the Sweet 16 as Tennessee, Georgia and Vandy all made it for the SEC and Notre Dame, UCONN and Boston college represent the Big East. Nine of the 16 are from these 3 power conferences of women's basketball. Here's a link to the updated bracket showing upcoming games and tip off times.
BRACKET
Looking ahead, the Sunday games have more intrigue to me. The Tennessee/Baylor match-up, Duke/LA Tech, and BC/Minnesota are games I am looking forward to watching! Not to say the Saturday games aren't compelling. Texas/LSU and Purdue/Georgia will be very interesting to see.
WNBA Notes
The Fever made a really good acquisition yesterday signing center Astou Ndiaye-Diatta to a 2004 contract. The jury is out on whether she can return to the form she displayed prior to giving birth to triplets, but if she can, she can definitely help this team. STORY
Draft Notes:
Rebecca Lobo has listed her top ten WNBA prospects.
REBECCA LOBO PROSPECT TRACKER
1. Diana Taurasi, UConn
2. Alana Beard, Duke
3. Nicole Powell, Stanford
4. Chandi Jones, Houston
5. Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota
6. Kelly Mazzante, Penn State
7. Nicole Ohlde, Kansas State
8. Vanessa Hayden, Florida
9. Shemeka Christon, Arkansas
10. Rebekkah Brunson, Georgetown
Stay tuned for my 2004 draft predictions - coming in future posts.
Have a great day! PEACE !
