Laurel Marsh Loop: Manchester, CT (4/19)

April 19th was one of the first times I got out this spring to bird. I got up early and drove out to the Laurel Marsh Loop in Manchester. I'm not sure who owns this property but its actually very nice. And its been one of my favorites this year.

Being early spring, the morning was pretty cool. I decided to hike the big loop and started out over the bridge. Just on the other side of the river was several clusters of daffodils which were absolutely beautiful in the morning sun. I hiked down the trail as it wound around the marsh. The trees were still mostly bare but this allowed the Trout Lilly to thrive on the ridge.

The hike was nice and I saw lots of birds but they were mostly our common winter residents. I did happen upon one Brown Thrasher though and he allowed me the opportunity to take some pictures. After the thrasher flew away, I continued to hike around the loop. The trail led under the highway (where I was watched by a pair of Canada Geese) before it started back toward the parking lot. I completed the loop in about 2 hours and before I got in the car to head home I spotted a kettle of Turkey Vultures migrating northward.

Birds: Northern Cardinal, Northern Flicker, American Robin, Song Sparrow, Common Grackle, Blue Jay, American Goldfinch, Brown-headed Cowbird, White-throated Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Red Wing Blackbird, Mallard, Tree Swallow, Carolina Wren, Brown Thrasher, Tufted Titmouse, Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Black-capped Chickadee, Killdeer, Downy Woodpecker, Turkey Vulture, European Starling

In Memorium (6/16)

On June 16th my aunt, Cindy Corrente, passed away after a long illness. My heart goes out to her entire family but especially my Dad and his parents.

Land Conservation for Birds

A couple weeks back I ran into this article in the Hartford Courant. Biologist Robert J. Craig has just compiled seven years of data of his bird sightings in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Through his research he was able to map the density of birds during each season.

That in itself isn't that unique. Citizen groups like the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the National Audubon Society have been doing this for years. The difference is that Craig uses his data to make the case for what type of land should be conserved. Since the density of birds in winter is highest in the coastal forests, Craig suggests that we devote most or all of our limited conservation funds in this region.

The article presents a contrary viewpoint in the case of the Grasshopper Sparrow. This species depends on grassland habitat. If Craig's conservation plan was adopted most of this habitat type in Southern New England's would vanish. And so would the Grasshopper Sparrow. But, since this species is common elsewhere in the US, this would be an unfortunate but acceptable loss.

While I don't think that this is unreasonable, I believe that Craig's theory has many issues. First, if just the coastal woodlands are to be protected, what would happen to the areas which migrating birds use to rest and refuel as they journey north? How about the human aspect of the issue? I certainly wouldn't want to live in an area of the state devoid of all conservation land. With no place to hike, bird, swim, etc. life would be a lot less fun. And lastly, I think that Craig's assessment is extremely myopic in that it considers only birds for land conservation. What happens to the other organisms (turtles, butterflies, mammals, snakes, etc.) that depend on different habitat types to survive. They may not be as photogenic as the birds but they must be considered in any land conservation decisions.

I welcome your comments on this interesting subject.

Race Photo

I looked thru the photos from the race on Pratt & Whitney's internal web site and I found this one of me. It was taken at the end of the race and I'm really struggling to finish.

Race Results

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was this past Saturday and it was fantastic. Again, this was my first ever organized race so I was a bit nervous at the start. Luckily for me it was cool on that morning not this oppressive heat we're having now. The race started slowly with everyone in the back of the pack essentially walking the first 1/4 mile or so until the runners spread out a bit. Other than that, I ran every step of the way and finished the 5K (3.1 mile) course in an official time of 33:43. Of the approximately 1500 runners who chose to wear the timing chip (there were reportedly 4000 runners overall) I finished 1018. That means I only have 1000 runners to pass to get into the top 20 next year. :]

After the run, I stuck around and participated in the 4K walk with my Dad. The whole event was a lot of fun with vendor tents set up everywhere giving out food and gifts. But I was struck by how many people there who lost a loved one to the disease. There were also many survivors who ran the race. Once I realized that the light pink shirts were for those women still battling the disease it was a bit overwhelming.

This entire experience really helped the healing process for me. It was good to be out with people who were grieving a loss just like me. And through the generous donations of my friends I was able to raise $1,110.00 to help this great foundation. If you feel like making a donation, my personal page will be up through the end of the month. Thanks for your support.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Instead of my regular posting about nature, I'm writing today to ask for your help. On Saturday I'm participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure here in CT. For those of you who haven't heard of this organization, it is dedicated to helping eradicate breast cancer through education, awareness, and research.

For those of you who know me, or have somehow stumbled across this blog, you'll know that I just recently lost my Mom to this horrible disease (read the story behind the organization and tell me that you don't get choked up). And in the months since her passing I have gotten away from some of the things she taught me. Mom used to volunteer whenever she was asked and some of my favorite memories are working side by side with her on some good cause. So, when I heard about this race, it just hit me that this was something that I should do.

Now I'm not a small man and its been a while since I ran any sort of major distance. So, three miles is really going to be a challenge for me. But, my fiance and I have been running at the local track and I have gotten up to two miles with no problem. I really hope to run the entire three miles in honor of my Mom.

If you read this and would consider sponsoring me, I'd really appreciate it. My Mom would volunteer whenever she was asked but she refused to "beg for money". Well, maybe it's tacky. But after I'm gone no one will remember. But the money just may make a difference in the world. Thanks.

Here's a link to my personal page on the race web site.

http://rfcc.convio.net/site/TR/Race/General?pg=personal&fr_id=1030&fr_id=1030&px=1180049