Central Westchester Audubon Society
	Elmsford, Greenburgh, Harrison, Purchase, Rye, Rye Brook, Port Chester and White Plains
	P.O. Box 359, White Plains, NY 10602 email: cwas@centralwestchesteraudubon.org

Seen and Heard

Handsome Male Graces Local Backyard
One day toward the end of September Barbara H. called to say that she thought there was a Black- throated Blue warbler in her backyard. We rushed over with our binoculars to view this most unusual guest. There he was, at the brushy perimeter of the yard, strutting about with his white pocket handkerchief tucked debonairly in his wing. We stayed to observe this male for more than an hour as he went from brush to tree branch to patio edge seeking out seeds and hawking for insects. The Black-throated Blue remained in the yard for much of the afternoon - a long layover in his migratory flight to Central America. What a privilege it was to observe closely his behavior over an extended period, taking note of all his field marks: dark blue back and head, black face and throat contrasting with the snowy white belly, and white wing patch - a handsome rake indeed!

A Birding Treat in Dutchess County
On a beautiful Saturday in early October a group of us visited John Ferone to bird the fields and forest edges near his home on land owned by his friend, Farmer Andrews. We had long and spectacular views of Red-tailed Hawks, with the sun lighting up their red tails as they banked in a cloudless sky. A Northern Harrier, similarly lit by the sun, cruised over the field and kept our binoculars occupied for several minutes. For most of the walk our sightings were meager but towards the end of the morning we came to a "hot spot" of trees and brush and quickly sighted an Eastern Phoebe, a pair of Eastern Meadowlarks, a Palm Warbler with its characteristic tail wagging and a pair of Eastern Bluebirds. John remarked that the bluebirds stay around all winter. How lucky for him.
With his characteristic hospitality, John provided us with a luscious lunch and Farmer Andrews came by to regale us with some of his best jokes. All in all, this was a very special outing.

---JSA

Programs

Raptors in the Rafters
Thursday, November 21, 2002
7:00 PM in the Gym
Church St. School
295 Church St., White Plains
Speaker: Jim Eyring

Hawks,Owls and Falcons, too.
They'll all be in the school gym
Waiting for you.
Come learn about these birds of prey.
Watch them fly
Get out of their way!
You'll learn all about these interesting creatures
With feathers and talons
And fascinating features.

Once again, master falconer, Jim Eyring of Pace University, will delight one and all with his troop of flying raptors. Please join us for this exciting presentation. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the program.

Adventures in the Field

Following are suggested nature programs provided by Westchester County at Cranberry Lake (CR) 428-1005, Read Sanctuary (RE) 967-8270, and Marshlands Conservancy (MA) 835-4466.

Nov. 9, 10AM: An Introduction to the Winter Ducks at Read. Possibilities include Canvasbacks, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Cormorants, Mergansers, Buffleheads and more. Last year there were as many as 6,000 ducks on the lake. Bring binoculars. Leader will have a scope. There will be Winter Duck Walks on Nov. 16, 23, & 30 as well. RE

Nov. 10, 2PM: The Land Remembers. Whether through forces of nature or the choices of humans, changes in the landscape have the ability to reveal history to us. Come discover. MA

Nov. 16, 2PM: Weeds and Seeds, CR

Nov. 17, 2PM: Life History of the White-tailed Deer. MA

Nov. 23, 11AM: Cranberry Big Trees. CR

Dec. 7, 1PM: "Animal Adaptations." Learn about animals and the different adaptations they use for survival in winter. CR

Dec. 7, 1PM: "The Art of Winter Bouquets." Flowers during the winter time still have beauty, although they have no petals. From Sedum to Black-eyed Susan, many flower heads still remain in the park. Make a bouquet from these wonderful flowers, for use as a centerpiece or just to admire. RE

Dec. 8, 2PM: "Tour of the Jay Family Cemetery." In celebration of Jay's 257th birthday, come visit this historic spot. MA

Dec. 14, Noon: "Endangered Wildlife." Anthony Cogswell, a wildlife educator at the Bronx Zoo, will speak about the endangered wildlife around us, as well as in other pats of the world. Come see different animal skins, skulls, and much more. CR

Dec. 14, 10AM: "The Other Christmas Duck." Take a walk out to the lake and see our winter duck population. Binoculars provided if needed. RE

Dec. 21, 1PM: "Animal Ornaments Workshop." Choose from one of the four animal forms and make a holiday animal ornament. Pre-registration required; fee $5. CR

Dec. 28, 10AM: "Hibernation." Find out why we can't see reptiles and amphibians during these cold winter months. Indoor presentation with live animals. CR

Also of Interest

Through Nov. 30, 10AM to 5PM: Marshlands Photography Exhibit. MA

Sunday, December 22: Bronx Westchester Bird Count There is no particular meeting place for this event. Different groups of volunteers start at various locations throughout southern Westchester and the Bronx and canvas their area for birds. For more information, call the Count Compiler: Michael Bochnik at 237-9331.

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