Very nice pool and backyard retreat, Janet!  We put our 16' x 24' above ground pool in 21 years ago and have loved ours and know that you will too. The only bummer is having to close it for the winter and the long wait until the next summer. 

Have a very Happy Birthday, BC!!    

I've been trying to find out the exact location, too, but I guess no one wants to say. 

I'll forward it to you also Dawn.

I'd also be interested in knowing where the site is, what lot we can go in to watch and what the rules of using the parking lot are in.

                                   

Me too-I don't use Paypal either but would like a set.

Wonderful news about Rhea Mae and Tiago's, Stormin, being seen!  

Nice pics, Patti!   Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

Probably molted his white feather.  Hopefully it will grow back white.

Didn't he lose that white feather last year too?

I was looking a few weeks ago to see when the last sighting of Archer was in 2009 and Joyce had tweeted on Oct. 11th that she saw A&B on OCSR that day.

Thanks Kris-I marked it on my chart!

 

As Donna is asking a question, I have one.

Some posts speak of Peregrine Falcons migrating... will "ours"? Or do they stay in ROC for the winter? Why do some go and some stay?

Thanks, Experts!

Last year Beauty stayed the winter and Archer migrated (the last watch report with him in it that I found on a quick look was 09/26).

I was looking a few weeks ago to see when the last sighting of Archer was in 2009 and Joyce had tweeted on Oct. 11th that she saw A&B on OCSR that day.

You're welcome-I thought it sounded like something neat to see!  If Bill feels better, we might come into the city to see this on Sunday.

Flotilla sets off on Erie Canal trip to Rochester
September 14, 2010

A flotilla of vessels on Monday began a weeklong voyage on the Erie Canal to an international canal conference in Rochester.

Among those on hand for the launch in Waterford, Saratoga County, were Rep. Paul Tonko of Amsterdam, New York State Canals Corp. Director Carmella R. Mantello, representatives of the Canal Society of New York State, local officials and canal enthusiasts.

The flotilla's arrival in Rochester on Sunday will coincide with the start of 2010 World Canals Conference.

More than 40 vessels are expected to join the flotilla. Included are historic and working boats from the New York State Canal Corp. fleet, historic tugboats, steamboats, canal boats, and a variety of recreational pleasure craft.

Watercraft are expected to join the group during the seven-day journey along the Erie Canal. Stops will include Lyons, Wayne County, on Friday and Fairport and Pittsford on Saturday. It is expected to be one of the largest gatherings on the Erie Canal since the first flotilla was held in 1825 for the “Wedding of the Waters� at the canal’s opening.

The watercraft from eastern and central New York will meet vessels from western New York at the junction of the Erie Canal and Genesee River in Rochester on Sunday The fleet will proceed north on the Genesee River in a grand parade to Corn Hill Landing for a festive watery salute to officially open the conference.

The World Canals Conference will take place Sept. 20-24 in Rochester. It is expected to draw hundreds of delegates from the United States and 17 other countries to discuss canal-related topics including economic development and tourism along canals and waterways.

New York State Canals Director Mantello said, "The canal staff and I will be excited to meet many of our fellow canal managers and enthusiasts from around the world and to learn and share our knowledge as we celebrate the New York State Canal System's past, present and future at this year's World Canals Conference."

She was beautiful, Carol.  I'm so sorry for your loss.

An article I read on Twitter today about the race:

Birders flock to Muckrace
 
SAVANNAH — At dusk Friday, a steely-eyed line of birders stood at the crest of a hill on the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, overlooking the marsh below.

In the fading light, they peered through their scopes and binoculars hoping to find one last species to add to their tallies.

“I’ve got a sandhill crane,� said one, oblivious to the mosquitoes buzzing her head.

These die-hard bird-watchers are part of the Montezuma Muckrace, a 24-hour competition to spot the most diverse number of species.

“This is our 14th annual Muckrace,� Frank Moses, director of the Montezuma Audubon Center, said. “We’ve got 22 teams out here trying to see as many different birds as they can see.�

The competition began at 7 p.m. Friday and continues until 7 p.m. Saturday. Nearly 70 avid birders are spread throughout the 7,000 acre complex in hopes of catching a glimpse of some migrating birds.

When a team member spots a new bird it’s written on a list. When time runs out on Saturday all the teams will compare lists and the group with the most bird species wins.

Moses said the competition among birders can get pretty stiff, with some teams sitting up in the dark of night to listen for bird calls.

“We’re going to camp at the Audubon Center tonight,� Moses said, motioning to the surrounding members of his team, the NorEgrets. “Some teams will camp out in the middle of the complex to try to get a jump on the rest of us.�

The winning team will receive prizes, but Moses said the real winner in the competition is the refuge.

Through pledges, registration fees and soliciting sponsors, each team will raise money to help improve the wildlife complex.

“Our team has raised over $500 so far,� Moses said. “Through the whole competition we have about $7,000 and we will continue to raise money even after the Muckrace is over.�

This year, Audubon New York and the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands hope to raise $13,000 to help restore a 30-acre wetland on the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area.

During a break from her scope, Jane Graves, president of the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands, gave some insight into the mind of a birder.

“Birders are passionate people,� she said. “We’re always keeping lists – lists of how many birds we see in a year, how many we see in our lifetime – most of the people here do that.�

Graves said migration patterns make September an excellent time to see a wide array of species at the Montezuma refuge.

“It’s a very popular spot for birders,� she said. “Many of the shore birds are migrating from the Arctic to South America.�

Graves said some rare birds have been spotted in the area this week, and many of the birders are hoping to see them.

“The glossy ibis and the little blue heron are rare to be this far upstate, but we’ve seen them around for about four weeks and we’re hoping they stayed around for the Muckrace.�