Beautiful Hawks Raise Young Among Urban Carthage

An appreciated duo of beautiful Red-tailed Hawks living amidst the completely urban scape of Carthage, successfully raised two young this year.

Images courtesy of Greg Green, Omaha Public Works.

The fledglings have left the nest place and have been seen perched in nearby and elsewhere during these mid-days of June. Pesky robins and grackles loudly voice a discordant perspective on the presence of a raptor family in the neighborhood. The hawks are pretty much oblivious to the complaints of the songbirds.

Noted events for these special urban hawks include the first date when they brought twigs to initiate a nest nearly atop a pine tree just north of Izard Street, by the 48th avenue. That date was February 27, 2015. A bit later, the two could be seen perched upon snags of a couple nearby dead trees, keeping a close look upon the place of their future. The tree place was decidedly suitable, as mating activity was observed on March 10th and 14th. The dynamic duo were then homebound as nest cares were necessary, with their breeding legacy focused on a couple of eggs. As parents they gave great care while listening to loud vehicular traffic, emergency vehicle sirens, the early-morning discord of trash haulers and a complete myriad of disphonic sounds. Thankfully no one within the ethnic mix choose to thwart the pair!

The hawks were above it all. During snow, cold and winds, they endured. Early on some mornings, with one of the pair attentive in a tree nearby the nest, their presence was something any bird-watcher could appreciate ... once and again and more times. Some birds in Omaha have press agents, but for the Carthage hawks, they had a watcher, or two, perhaps more, with sufficient attentive interest, and that was enough to know.

Young growing were a glorious sight on some known days in mid-May while crouched or standing at flattened nest, flapping their new wings as appropriate and anticipating a flighty departure. They would soon go away into a new, larger world.

On June 8th, both young had definitely left the nest. A couple of adjacent snag trees had branches where the family could perch. When seen one evening during this time in June, the young looked great as they preened their feathers. On the 15th, one well seen youngster was looking about the hood, while perched atop a house's roof, only a short distance from their now forgotten home of twigs. A fledgling was seen within a block or two of the nest site on the 18th. Both were seen within a half block early on the morning of the 19th. One on a roof and the other perched among the leafy branches of a tree.

It was an undeniably good year for these hawks. They selected a suitable site for a fine nest atop an apartment lot pine. There were no disruptive activities to chase them away. Ample food of various types was available around their foraging range within the city of Omaha. And the young are now grown enough to thrive to continue the hawk's way.

It has been so special to have an opportunity to appreciate and observe hawks dwelling within the neighborhood! Even when they were not seen, just knowing of their presence enough of a because of the vivid reality of a pair of hawks nesting within the block.

Hawks soaring above the streets. One day one of them was seen eating a grackle atop a utility pole on north 49th Street. Conversations here and there have conveyed a appreciation of the mighty birds. How they continue to be a part of the bird life in the area is their choice? They have certainly been a highlight for many past weeks. To be able to see a hawk nest from a home window is certainly something to appreciate, especially while within an urban jungle!

Public Project Blocks Pedestrian Passage at Carthage

A storm-water separation project on the north side of Carthage, Omaha, has been completely blocking public access. Construction at the corners of Hamilton Street and North Saddle Creek has resulted in the removal of the entire street and the sidewalks on both side of the street while a new storm-water line is being installed. Access on the north side of Hamilton had been possible, but as of at least June 3rd, a sidewalk closed sign was put in place. People had been walking past anyway to get to the west, but with mud and a trespass on private property, this is not a suitable travel route.

This situation is completely inhibiting pedestrian traffic into Carthage at this point. Anyone living to the south and southwest would have to walk several blocks just to make forward progress of only a block or two. For example, if a resident of any of the many large apartment complexes along 48th Avenue or 49th Street or 49th Avenue wanted to use public right-of-way get to the coin laundromat on Saddle Creek (at 1479 Saddle Creek Road), a multiple block detour would be required. It would require walking west to 50th Street, north to Charles Street and for a block eastward on this route, then further travel along Saddle Creek Road. It also makes it more difficult to reach the ethnic market along Saddle Creek, further west, not to mention getting to the bus stop eastward at Radial Highway. Similar long detours would be needed to get to other places via a south route.

The lack of access is problematic for pedestrian in multiple ways, as churches, businesses which can lose customers and income, as well as private residences that are not as accessible as they should be.

This is a project of the Omaha Public Works Department as being constructed by Roloff Construction. It is quite troubling that this limitation in access due to construction was not considered by planners. Nor was it mentioned in the public meetings. Suitable options need to be immediately implemented to allow safe pedestrian traffic at this area of the project.

There is no information available on how long this particularly disruptive situation will continue.

Pictures of the setting taken the evening of June 8, 2015

Dirt conditions along Hamilton Street just west of Saddle Creek Road; this dirt will become mud with rain

A pedestrian crossing the construction zone

Another pedestrian within the construction zone

A view of the sidewalk closed signage on Hamilton Street

Another view of the sidewalk on the north side of Hamilton Street; even where the sidewalk is not closed, the construction company cannot keep debris off the public walkway

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Acknowledgement of the situation has been received from Pete Festerson, Omaha City Council, who will have one of his staff work with Public Works and the contractor on this.

There was subsequently nothing done to address this situation. People associated with the work just figured that the residents would have to just wait until the street and sidewalk were replaced with new concrete!

Joys of the Carthage Wrens

A colorful bird house placed for decorative purposes has hung from a great oak tree for many months. It is hanging from a tree branch, near the big window at the back of the house so it can be enjoyed by an elderly mother. The wooden construct provided by a sister.

During the winter any potential residents was far away. As May weather of spring arrived, the song of the House Wren burst forth in a wonderful expression amidst an urban neighborhood. Wrens soon found the house. One kept singing virtues for the pending breeding season. The bubbly song can't be ignored by any sort of a bird aficionado, as its song is readily heard each of these spring days, closely or in another yard among the blocks.

The little songster found the vacant house and so got busy getting it ready for a nest. Twigs were gathered and songs were sung from the branches and other prominent places nearby. Mr. and Mrs. Wren visited, according to an observer with a realized intent. There were additional times of appreciation. The times of songs were not always when the song of the little wren was bubbling forth within the yards of north 49th street, both a bit north and across the block to the east.

Twigs of various sorts, as found nearby, were carried into the place. Some too lengthy to fit through the "door" were dropped once the little mite realized there was a limitation on size, due to the diameter of the house entrance. The antics of effort were a joy to watch.

There were numerous days of abbreviated moments of observation, which were something. Wren sounds became an attraction of interest, whenever. This was the situation one day after another as the early days of spring arrived at Carthage. Activity by a little bit of feathered mite about the wonderfully decorated bird house became excitement to appreciate, once and again.

To facilitate the efforts of the active wren, one morning, notably the 12th, the first minutes of the morning were devoted to finding sticks. Those of a suitable size were broken into short pieces which could be of interest to a wren intent on furnishing its house. The twigs were closely placed on one corner the deck in the backyard, within just a few feet of the wren house locale.

With the birds interest, it seemed to be a time for urban renewal to promote the birdly residence. During an evening when the wrens were not about, the work was done. It involved a stepladder, tools and associated necessities. The bird house had to be placed sufficiently for the season. The evenings effort involved moving the house a few inches downward along the branch so it would have a better place of origin. The single wire used to attach the house to the branch was supplemented by a hefty string wrapped multiple times around the house attachment, then anchored to the mighty branch of the oak tree several times to make certain that the house would not fall in any sort of stormy breeze conditions.

The singing wren arrived soon thereafter, flitting into the place with its own intent. It always bounced about the oak branches just prior to darting through the hole of a place it prefers, once and again.

Many of the shortish twigs left upon the deck are gone. The mother of the house mentioned this, as she appreciates having wrens singing and active at a birdhouse of her origin. The wooden construct might have been placed further back in the yard, but the wrens accept the situation. It is all good for multiple residents at the place on North 49th Street.

Late in the evening of May 13, the singing wren arrived to enjoy its house, darting in and out of the place, once clinging upon the bark of the oak, until going once again into the painted house. The bird then took care of necessities and carried out its pellet of excrement for disposal.

The little bird was obviously appreciative again, though in an obtuse manner.

As May goes along, the singing wren continued to be busy in its gathering of material to make a suitable nest within the painted house at the oak tree.

Outside, the wren sings. It is wonderful as appreciated. Giving some attention to the birdly activity, it's obvious that one of them was looking for smaller twigs of a length that could be gotten into the house. Several times the itty-bitty twigs were moved in one manner or another so they could get within. Multiple moves by the wren were obvious. Eventually the force of the little mite turned its cargo in a direction that worked for another addition to the nest box.

While the active bird was doing its best to create a suitable nesting place, another wren was languishing on a nearby branch.

The results are not known but the endeavors are obvious, and certainly appreciated amidst one household.

It would seem that the little house in the yard is a secondary nest, as there is not enough activity to denote it as a primary nest place. Perhaps adding a ready source of food to the setting would help, though it is probably too late for a buffet to make a difference.

Maybe the nesting cardinals would also appreciate some bird food, close to their home in the nearby flowery bush.

Barricade Maintenance Still Slovenly in Carthage

With water and gas line replacement continuing in Carthage, another evening was taken to evaluate the status of barrier lights in the area. The barriers are maintained by River City Barricade, as a contractor for the Metropolitan Utilities District. The following is the status at dusk on May 11th, after one review and then a look again by going back along the same route.

1011 North 49th Street

2 of 2 along the sidewalk not working

1012 North 49th Street

1 of 1 not working

49th and Nicholas streets intersection

2 of 2 okay

1101 North 49th Street

1 of 1 along sidewalk not working

1103 North 49th Street

2 of 2 along sidewalk not working

1104 North 49th Street

1 of 1 along sidewalk not working

1106 North 49th Street

1 of 1 working properly

1108 North 49th Street

1 of 1 not working

1110 North 49th Street

1 of 1 working

There was no sediment barrier properly placed adjacent to the pile of dirt at the east side of the intersection of 49th and Caldwell streets

Most of the barricades now along North 49th Street are associated with holes and areas of removed sidewalk.

4844 Hamilton Street parking lot

2 of 2 not working

4901 Hamilton Street parking lot

1 of 2 not working

4902 Hamilton Street parking lot

3 of 3 not working

4906 Hamilton Street

1 of 1 not working

49th Avenue and Hamilton streets

1 of 4 working with one fallen over and laying in the street

1310 North 49th Avenue

1 of one not working

1308 North 49th Avenue

1 of 1 okay

1304 North 49th Avenue

1 of 2 working properly

49th Avenue and Caldwell streets at west side of intersection

7 of the 9 lights on the smaller barricades were blinking, while only one of three on the larger barricades blinked during the visit

1120 North 49th Avenue

2 of 2 lights blinking in the dusk light

1114 North 49th Avenue

1 of 2 working

1106 North 49th Avenue

light on one barricade blinking

1102 North 49th Avenue

3 of 4 lights blinking

It is obvious that the primary contractor and secondary contractor are not giving sufficient attention to the status of the barricade lights, despite email comments that this would be done. Some lights blink brightly while a few others have a tepid extent of light, though they still weakly blink. The result is a slovenly condition unacceptable for the neighbor residents.

There were slightly more not working than were working properly. More were working along 49th Avenue than 49th Street, likely because they were placed here more recently. Fewer were working at sidewalks associated with a residence, than those within the street.

The following are some visual indications from the work underway at Carthage during May.

These images are from May 5th

Barrier along North 49th Street.

These images are from May 11th. This broken barricade at 49th and Hamilton streets is really useful for the purposes for which it was intended!

Utility work site at the intersection of 49th and Caldwell streets.

This is a video of the work site at the 49th and Caldwell streets intersection.

Screech Owl in a Carthage Pine

Night-time calls of the Eastern Screech-owl have been heard for many years in the Carthage neighborhood of eastern Omaha. This year, the sounds took on a new significance, as they were repeated night-after-night at a particular spot suitable for a person to listen and make notes of their expressive occurrence. While appreciating the subtle and exquisite owl sounds this year, notes were also kept to indicate the date and time when heard.

Attention to the details meant that a timeline of call sounds was compiled which indicates the particular intervals when the resident screech-owl sat among the pine tree branches and called forth into the night. The sounds indicated that it was its territory. It is not known if there was a search for a season's mate, though hopefully there is a pair in the community, and they will find a suitable residence and raise some young owlets! Only the owl knows.

Notes on the sounds of the screech owl were kept from mid-March through early April when the usual sounds no longer occurred.

The sound of this owl was quite obvious as heard above the din and dissonance of urban Omaha. This particular bird was most active after midnight and for the next few hours, based upon what was heard.

This owl was obviously cognizant of the ambient sounds of the neighborhood. The bird was quiet when there where noises associated with vehicular traffic, planes or helicopters flying above, barking dogs, loud resident voices and other sorts of obtrusive noise. The tempo of the calls would decrease when noises were pervasive, i.e., there would be a longer interlude between the calls.

Weather was also an influence. When there were thunderstorms, the owl was silent until after the rain was gone.

The owl obviously liked its spot in the pine tree, as there were multiple nights when it was vocal multiple times. Early in the season, the little owl would vocalize once and then again, and then there would be an interlude of silence. Then the sound of the owl would occur again when it returned to a roost of choice and convey its calls some more times. The owl would vocalize once and then there was a period of time when nothing was heard. Then the calls occurred again in a similar routine. Where it went elsewhere is not known because my listening was done indoors from a comfortable spot.

During the early hours when heard, the expressions of the owl were quick and brief, the duration notably just ten minutes or less, as ten minutes was the shortest time span considered for the timeline of the owl sounds.

Near the end of March, the little owl with its vocal expressions happened about every 30-40 seconds for a time of more than an hour, as considered.

On March 26th, as the bird vocalized from 4:35 to 4:45 a.m., the notes seemed to have less vibrato and was abbreviated a couple of times. The voice also seemed to have less volume. The difference was significant enough that there was a personal thought that it was maybe a different bird?

During the night of March 28th, the owl sounded off for one hour and 20 minutes. This was the longest duration at this locale during the entire time of when records were kept.

As dawn approached on one night, the sounds of the owl were less than regular, and less strident. The owl sounds seemed to not be as loud as it had typically been earlier in the night.

Of course, the screech owl knows nothing about all of this. It continues to survive in the manner of which it knows best. Continue on screech owl!

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The Eastern Screech-owl was not heard again until the morning of May 12th at 2:25 a.m. It was in its usual tree and only vocalized for a few minutes.

Utility District Slovenly With Carthage Project

The Metropolitan Utilities District has been doing a slovenly job while replacing a gas line in the Carthage neighborhood of east Omaha.

Issues do not concern the gas line work, but the associated measures needed to ensure public safety and retain values appreciated by the residents.

Especially problematic has been the lack of working lights on barricades, placement of proper barriers for holes in the streets, notice of street closures and spreading of dirt on streets and sidewalks.

In order to document instances of these issues, time on two recent evenings was spent to evaluate the situation. The following items only represent the status on recent days, while these conditions have been present for the past two or three weeks.

March 6, Friday Evening

• 1011 North 49th Street: light on one of the two barricades on the sidewalk not working
  
• northwest corner of 49th and Nicholas streets: one barricade light not working at a deep hole where a flimsy plastic barrier was the only thing in place to inhibit any possible accidents for vehicles or pedestrians that could fall into the hole
  
• 1109 North 49th Street: lights on two barricades on the sidewalk not working
  
• 1111 North 49th Street: lights on two barricades not working
  
• 49th and Caldwell Streets at the southeast corner: light on barricade not working
  
• general area at 49th and Hamilton streets: nine lights on barricades not working, with one barricade fallen to the ground, and another covered with a paper sack
  
• southwest corner of 50th Avenue and Hamilton streets: light on one barricade not working, and another light not working on barricade to southeast
  
• 1309 North 49th Avenue: light on one barricade not working
  

Overall, there were at least 19 barricades with nonworking lights. These conditions continued throughout the weekend.

March 9, Monday Evening

• 1011 North 49th Street: light on one barricade along the sidewalk not working
  
• northwest corner of 49th and Nicholas Street: two no working at street excavation
  
• 1101 North 49th Street: light on one barricade along the sidewalk not working
  
• 1103 North 49th Street: light on one barricade along the sidewalk not working
  
• 1109 North 49th Street: light on two barricades along the sidewalk not working
  
• 1111 North 49th Street: light on two barricades along the sidewalk not working
  
• southeast corner of 49th and Caldwell streets: light on one barricade not working; this is a site where after doing an excavation, the remaining dirt was just shoved into a treed area and into a pile, with no effort to shape the dirt to conform to the adjacent terrain
  
• 1301 North 49th Street: light on one barricade not working
  
• general area of 49th and Hamilton streets: lights on eight barricades not working; one barricade was lying on the ground; an extent of 49th street, which has been reopened, is a dirty mess and will be a muddy mess with the next precipitation
  
• 48th Avenue and Hamilton Street: one barricade with the light broken off; light on three barricades not working; one barricade fallen to the ground; and a safety hazard, a ca. ten foot hole with no barrier fence surrounding it to help ensure an attention to be safe to avoid falling into the hole, either by vehicles or pedestrians ... a cement barrier should have been suitably placed at the site to ensure safety for traffic
  
• 4906 Hamilton Street: light on one barricade not working
  
• 50th Avenue and Hamilton streets: light on one barricade not working
  
• 1309 North 49th Avenue: light on two barricades not working
  
• 1205 North 49th Avenue: light on one barricade not working
  
• 1109 North 49th Avenue: light on four barricades not working
  

During this foray, there were at least 30 barricades where the light was not working.

Hamilton Street remains closed to all traffic in either direction. There has been no found indication or notice to the residents of the neighborhood that this street closure would occur, nor any details on how long this thoroughfare street would remain closed.

March 10, Tuesday Evening

There were fewer barricades present because the repair work on some of the sidewalks had been completed.

• northwest corner of 49th and Nicholas street; two of eight barricade lights not working
  
• southeast corner of 49th and Caldwell: one of one barricade light not working
  
• 1310 North 49th Street: one of one barricade light not working
  
• 49th and Hamilton streets area: three barricade lights not working; one barricade light covered with a sack; one barricade fallen over; light on one large street barricade not working
  
• 48th Avenue and Hamilton streets: light on one barricade broken; lights on two other barricades not working
  
• 4844 Hamilton Street: two of four barricade lights not working
  
• 4906 Hamilton Street: two of seven barricade lights not working
  
• 4912 Hamilton Street: one of three barricade lights not working
  
• 4916 Hamilton Street: one of one barricade light not working
  
• 50th Avenue and Hamilton Streets: one of four barricade lights not working
  
• 1205 North 49th Avenue: two of three barricade lights not working
  
• 1109 North 49th Avenue: five of five barricade lights not working
  
• 1107 North 49th Avenue: one of three barricade lights not working
  

Slovenly conditions continued, with about 25 lights not working or simply broken.

March 11, Wednesday Evening

• 1011 North 49th Street: noticed that the concrete delivery truck washed out its chute and left the mess along the street curb after its delivery of concrete for the sidewalk repair
  
• northeast corner of 49th and Nicholas: three of eight barricade lights not working
  
• southeast corner of 49th and Caldwell Street: one of one barricade light not working; there are also two sheets of plywood and another piece of wood that have been left behind by the workers and are nothing more than trash along the street
  
• 1310 North 49th Street: one of one barricade light not working
  
• 49th and Hamilton streets: one of four barricade lights not working; four of five barricade lights not working; five of nine barricade lights not working; for the large street barricades, two of the three lights were not working
  
• 48th Avenue and Hamilton streets: three of six barricade lights not working; two of eight barricade lights not working; there is still no barrier around the big hole in the street
  
• 4844 Hamilton Street: one of four barricade lights not working; there are also two 4x4 holes with a ca. eight foot depth which have no barrier fence
  
• 4906 Hamilton Street: three of six barricade lights not working; there is also a ca. 10x10 hole with a ca. eight foot depth without a barrier fence
  
• 4912 Hamilton Street: one of three barricade lights not working
  
• 4916 Hamilton Street; one of one barricade light not working
  
• 50th Avenue and Hamilton streets: one of four barricade lights not working
  
• 1205 North 49th Avenue: two of three barricade lights not working
  
• 1109 North 49th Avenue: four of four barricade lights not working
  
• 1107 North 49th Avenue: one of one barricade light not working
  

There were about 36 busted or non-working lights, so conditions have worsened. What is even worse, there are multiple deep holes where there are safety concerns since there are no barrier fences being used.

The Metropolitan Utilities District is responsible for suitably indicating hazards and avoiding safety issues, as it is their wok site, and hey have hired a company to be responsible for the condition of the barricades. MUD is obviously doing a slovenly job, and this is despite having informed workers at the site about the situation. Any communications were a waste of time, because nothing changed.

This is no way for a company to deal with residents of a neighborhood.

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Subsequent to the second outing, details were once again sent to the chairman of the board for the Metropolitan Utilities District, as well as to the mayor of Omaha and press outlets.

A reply was soon received from a vice-president of MUD, that the barricade light outage situation would be dealt with, with particular focus on getting them into working order.

Conditions did improve, with many unworking lights changed and/or broken barricades replaced. And thankfully, the work was beginning to wrap-up and crews were leaving Carthage to go to some other neighbor to disrupt the setting as they are wont to do!

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March 24-25th: P.M. and A.M. Visit

It had been some time since taking a look at the barricade and barrier conditions, so an evening visit was first made. The dark of night had not descended enough to be certain on the working condition of the lights, so a pre-dawn visit was made Wednesday.

This is a summary of findings:

49th and Nicholas

street repair done but sidewalk being fixed - lights on seven barricades working, and it was also working on the one fallen to the ground

49th and Caldwell

sediment barriers properly working but the light on the barricade is not blinking

49th and Hamilton Streets

south hole: three lights working, with one barricade having fallen over

hole at intersection: lights on three standing barricades working, with two barricades having fallen over; the plastic barrier fence was half fallen over

at hole along sidewalk to east along Hamilton Street, there were six barricades with the light on one not working

48th Avenue and Hamilton Streets

one barricade fallen over; eight others were working, as placed around two large piles of dirt and concrete rubble unnecessarily placed in the street

4914 Hamilton Street

lights on two of three barricades working

4920 Hamilton Street

one of two barricade lights working

4951 Hamilton Street sidewalk

one of one light not working

corner of 50th Avenue and Hamilton streets

two of six barricade lights not working

near 50th and Hamilton streets

two of two lights working

The intersection of 49th and Hamilton Streets was not yet closed, as apparently the rainy Tuesday delayed the work. Once blocked, it was projected to be closed for a week.

The rain did make the thrown about dirt a muddy mess. It had to be removed from shoes several times, and some is still crusty on my soles.

April Situation

Utility work continues in the Carthage neighborhood. And the slovenly work by a contractor for the Metropolitan Utilities District is still obvious.

Another look at the barricade situation was done during early night on April 4th.

These are the particulars...

1009 North 49th Street: three lights of four on barricades working at the hole in the street

49th and Nicholas Street: seven working with one laying on the ground

The barricade lights along the sidewalk area of 1102 to 1106 North 49th Street were all working.

At 1108 North 49th Street, there were plastic cones in place where elsewhere there were barricades with lights. It was the same at 1110 North 49th Street. The reason for this difference is not known.

At 49th and Caldwell streets there were five barricades, with two working, one not working and two useless as they were fallen upon the ground.

Next upon the route of the early night at 1302 North 49th Street there are two places, with three working at one and one of two working at the second place.

To the east, about 48th Avenue and Hamilton streets, at the corner eight of nine lights on the barricades were blinking in the night time. To the west on the south side of the block, just one of four lights were working. On the north side of Hamilton, four of four barricade lights were operational.

Westward along Hamilton street, at the southwest corner of the 49th street intersection, five of five barricade lights worked. At 4916 Hamilton, five of six lights were working at a deep barricaded hole.

At the southwest corner of 49th Avenue and Hamilton Street, four of five lights worked.

At 50th Avenue and Hamilton Street, there were nine barricades with seven working, one not working and one useless on the ground.

The final locale viewed was along north 49th Avenue. At the 1316 address, there were five barricades, but only two were suitably working.

There are a few places where straw on the dirt indicates that the work is done, and something was put in place to get grass reestablished.

Indications of Spring in the Carthage Neighborhood

After a quick drive to Carter Lake and Levi Carter Park, an early morning Saturday outing ended where it usually does. The bird-feeder was refilled, as it has been on some many recent days since their was a alternative feed mix. Once changed, — though the hungry birds don't ask — they obviously prefer that an ample amount of food be available. Their antics are obvious, a backyard distance from the house window.

When a recently arrived robin took a drink of stagnant water, that did not seem right. Robins are particularly indicative of what they want. This includes clean water, as seen in the neighborhood and at midtown Omaha parks. This one bird was looking for a drink, and its option was not particularly attractive.

Some attentive time was required to get water into the bird bath. The process included filling a container and carrying three of them out back, with the first one needed to flush the winter scum away to make sure the bowl was clean. The fresh water was used to flush the bird-bath, the there was a flurry of finger action to scrub away the winter's accumulation of brownish scrum. The more water was used to fill the thing, during this first of the season, overall cleansing.

With clean water, a robin, once again or another, and perhaps a thirsty squirrel, as well as other local birds can drink from this bird-bath. There is no putrid water here, that might convey languid attention and worthless concern.

Food and water are essential for all sorts of wild birds. At Carthage, despite it being an urban place, each of the three essentials occur in a manner to help them survive.

The geese were flying overhead today in their typical seasonal skeins. Their calls were a bird moment or two for this day. That expressive Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to be attentive to his chosen place a bit of a ways away among the street trees. It is a wonderful time to enjoy the many sorts of birds now present in Nebraska.

Birds of the Carthage Neighborhood of Omaha

Carthage is a neighborhood of a few square blocks within the completely urban setting of eastern Omaha. On its east side is Northwest Radial Highway. Its western extent is 50th street. The south side boundary is Cuming Street and its northern edge is Hamilton Street.

There are lots of houses and apartment buildings, but the trees provide habitat for a variety of wild birds. The location is also significant as it is a hilltop area which various birds fly over during some times during the year.

Having been attentive to bird life within this space since May 2003, it became obvious on March 4, 2014 that the day's sightings were the 500th time that an observation was denoted. Some of the notations kept in a database were for one species, but there also has been attention given to noting all the birds on some days, typically during a walk-about the blocks, listening and watching. The tally has always been fewer than 20 species, and most typically about 15 or so.

Typical urban species are regularly seen. Several Northern Cardinals are singing now, and robins are starting to arrive. Blue Jays can always be heard. A Red-bellied Woodpecker has prepared a nesting cavity in recent weeks, being boisterous about it. Hopefully the European Starlings will not appropriate this place.

There have been several unexpected occurrences. Most of these have occurred at the grassy lot just south of 49th and Hamilton Street. Notable observations here have been two Bald Eagles, as reported by the bird-watching guy at the adjacent convenience mart. Other times, they have been seen soaring above. Personally, it was exciting to see a Lark Sparrow and an Eastern Meadowlark at the same habitat place. The barren parking lot to the east was the site where a Killdeer was noted in March 2011. It was an unexpected sight to see a Rough-legged Hawk, flying just above the tree-tops, early in the morning of February 24, 2011.

Keeping records on a regular basis, indicates the rare occurrence of a Red-Winged Blackbird in the backyard in March and May 2012. There are always the American Crows to appreciate, especially when they gather during the winter-time months. The Carolina Wren has been intermittent in its occurrence, and given particular attention because of its expressive call.

During the night hours, the Eastern Screech-Owl can be heard outside the house window. It has only been seen once or twice, but its voice is typically heard. The Great Horned Owl has only been seen on rare occasions, only heard in November. It occurs to a regular extent elsewhere in midtown.

This tally indicates the birdlife to enjoy by being attentive to a particular place, on a regular basis. There are birds everywhere, and these are those species known for one particular neighborhood in Omaha. Numbers given in this table are summary of the number counted for the year. There are many more details that might be considered, especially in regards to time of occurrence, distinct counts, etc. from the 1,885 individual records of observation associated with 78 species.

Common Name	2003	2004	2005	2006	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014
Greater White-fronted Goose	- -	- -	- -	- -	185	- -	- -	45	- -	- -	- -
Snow Goose	0	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	255	660	1200	1050	- -
Cackling Goose	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	4	20	- -	- -
Canada Goose	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	7	645	842	37	- -
Domestic Chicken	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	10	- -	- -
American White Pelican	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	7	- -	- -	- -
Double-crested Cormorant	- -	- -	- -	- -	5	- -	- -	- -	129	71	- -
Great Blue Heron	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	3	- -
Turkey Vulture	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	3	3	12	27	- -	- -
Bald Eagle	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	3	1
Sharp-shinned Hawk	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	2	- -
Cooper's Hawk	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	1	9	3	8	11	- -
Broad-winged Hawk	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	10	- -	2	- -
Red-tailed Hawk	- -	- -	1	1	- -	- -	2	2	8	10	3
Rough-legged Hawk	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -
American Kestrel	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	1	- -
Killdeer	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -
Franklin's Gull	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	100	- -	11	- -
Ring-billed Gull	- -	- -	- -	- -	260	100	65	412	661	694	- -
Mourning Dove	26	2	- -	- -	2	3	16	33	46	51	2
Eastern Screech-Owl	1	1	- -	- -	- -	5	3	6	11	3	2
Great Horned Owl	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
Common Nighthawk	229	- -	- -	- -	- -	37	78	93	28	965	- -
Chimney Swift	41	- -	- -	- -	5	33	38	246	77	74	- -
Ruby-throated Hummingbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
Red-bellied Woodpecker	1	- -	- -	- -	1	1	14	11	16	21	7
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
Downy Woodpecker	4	1	- -	- -	0	3	8	16	25	23	3
Hairy Woodpecker	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	2	5	- -
Northern Flicker	2	- -	- -	- -	0	3	10	21	17	21	1
Western Kingbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
Eastern Kingbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	13	1	- -
Warbling Vireo	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	1	2	- -	- -
Red-eyed Vireo	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	2	1	- -
Blue Jay	3	- -	2	- -	0	5	42	35	37	77	10
American Crow	275	125	10	2	201	160	163	913	501	1662	711
Purple Martin	- -	- -	- -	- -	450	- -	500	2085	430	725	- -
Barn Swallow	5	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	6	2	- -	- -
Black-capped Chickadee	5	- -	1	- -	- -	6	17	36	56	68	7
Red-breasted Nuthatch	- -	- -	- -	- -	6	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
White-breasted Nuthatch	1	1	- -	- -	1	1	16	18	27	31	8
Brown Creeper	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	2	2	8	2	- -
Carolina Wren	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	1	2	- -
House Wren	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	4	11	14	5	- -
Golden-crowned Kinglet	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	4	1	- -	- -	- -
Ruby-crowned Kinglet	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	4	- -	1	- -
Swainson's Thrush	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
American Robin	49	- -	- -	- -	6	5	79	196	87	314	5
Gray Catbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	7	- -
Brown Thrasher	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	1	2	3	- -
Cedar Waxwing	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	7	7	9	- -	- -
Tennessee Warbler	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	3	3	- -	- -	- -
Orange-crowned Warbler	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
Nashville Warbler	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -	- -
Yellow Warbler	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	3	1	- -	1	- -
Yellow-rumped Warbler	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	5	2	8	- -
American Redstart	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -	- -
Ovenbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
Spotted Towhee	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -
American Tree Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -
Chipping Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	5	11	8	10	- -
Lark Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	- -
Fox Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
Lincoln's Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
White-throated Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	2	- -	6	- -
White-crowned Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -
Dark-eyed Junco	9	7	2	0	7	17	55	45	92	91	14
Northern Cardinal	8	4	4	0	5	7	32	36	56	93	17
Rose-breasted Grosbeak	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
Red-winged Blackbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	- -
Eastern Meadowlark	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	2	- -
Common Grackle	67	- -	- -	- -	4	7	70	143	351	284	- -
Brown-headed Cowbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	9	- -	4	3	- -
Baltimore Oriole	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	2	5	4	- -
Purple Finch	2	4	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
House Finch	8	- -	- -	- -	- -	3	21	38	35	54	3
American Goldfinch	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	5	12	18	25	- -
House Sparrow	46	40	- -	0	4	4	153	177	445	664	77

With winter waning, the local birds are appreciating the food. House Sparrows especially appreciate the buffet in the back yard. It took some time to convey that one bird mix was not suitable, but another bird-mix option meant that many birds flew in and appreciated the seed mix at the bird feeder. A chunk of change has been spent to provide winter residents a buffet. There is also another back yard where birds in this neighborhood can get something to eat, over on 50th Avenue, just south of Izard Street. It's well kept and has more than one feeding station for hungry birds to enjoy during the cold months of the year.

The domestic chickens are now gone. A "hawk" did take one while the small bunch was cared for by a family along north 49th Street. They no longer have these birds in their backyard.

There will be more exciting bird views in Carthage, and that is because birds fly about, and its only because of watchers, that their significance is known. If there is one pertinent point, bird watching certainly means that a person's view is kept to the sky!

Details of One Sort or Another

With a bunch of records to ponder, the following details have been wrought from the database, for presentation purposes.

Geese are especially prominent along the Missouri River valley, and that includes the Carthage hills just to the west.

Snow Goose Numbers Date: Number Seen 03/06/2012: 1200 03/07/2011: 250 03/11/2011: 225 03/15/2010: 85 03/15/2010: 85 03/23/2013: 850 11/19/2010: 25 11/22/2013: 200 11/22/2011: 100 11/22/2010: 25 11/23/2010: 35 12/04/2011: 85

Canada Goose Numbers Date: Number Seen 02/25/2012: 280 02/26/2012: 450 03/06/2010: 7 03/07/2013: 29 03/06/2012: 35 03/10/2011: 65 06/03/2013: 8 (local birds flying about) 11/20/2011: 500 12/04/2011: 80 12/28/2012: 77 There are only two instances when the Greater White-fronted Goose has been seen here (observed numbers: 185 and 45); and three instances of Cackling Goose, with counts of 10 and 10 on two February dates in 2012, and 4 on a date in December 2011.

Crows are an especially expressive bird at Carthage. There has been crow court on the north side. They have gathered in the morning and in the evening, especially during winter-time months. Fewer of them occur during the warm months, and though they might not be as pervasive, they still indicate their presence in one significant manner or another. They are regularly seen flying above the streets, but are also appreciated when they decide to stop for a time opon the tree-top branches of the big trees here. Their expressiveness has meant some particular attention to their occurrence.

These are the 118 records of known occurrence for these fine, vividly black, and notably expressive birds at Carthage. The tally is listed according to the day of the year, as indicated by Julian date.

Date: Number of Crows; Species Notation

¶ 01/01/2013: 56; going southward from ca. 4:00 p.m. to 4:15; a couple landed and lingered for a bit of time

¶ 01/02/2012: 4

¶ 01/05/2011: 225; at least this number seen, with others probably already gone past; flying southerly about 3:30 p.m.

¶ 01/06/2014: 1

¶ 01/08/2012: 35; generally about in the treetops during dusk

¶ 01/08/2014: 200; swirling about in the dark above 49th and Hamilton streets at 6:50 p.m.; nearly two hours after sunset

¶ 01/09/2014: 220; at 7 p.m. sitting in the upper treetops of four deciduous trees at 48th avenue and Caldwell street; not roosting here on 11th

¶ 01/10/2009: 2; in the neighborhood

¶ 01/17/2013: 4; loud black birds vocal while lurking about the block

¶ 01/17/2004: 125; counted during walk-about

¶ 01/18/2011: 11; in the early daytime

¶ 01/20/2012: 96; flying northward above the trees ca. 5:15 p.m.

¶ 01/21/2013: 2; during mid-afternoon

¶ 01/27/2013: 3; circa 4:30 p.m., preening atop the prominent snags

¶ 01/27/2012: 2; going southerly in the evening

¶ 01/28/2011: 35; early morning

¶ 02/01/2011: 3; flying southerly about mid-afternoon while outside shoveling snow

¶ 02/02/2010: 2

¶ 02/08/2012: 116; flying north, northwest at 7 a.m.

¶ 02/09/2011: 21; in the treetops in the first morning

¶ 02/09/2013: 2; later in the morning, crowing about the block

¶ 02/11/2013: 21; going southward at the treetops; ca. 5:35 to 5:40 p.m.

¶ 02/11/2014: 215; perched among the local trees or flying southward ca. 5:45 p.m.

¶ 02/12/2013: 75; going past ca. 7 a.m. towards the north

¶ 02/14/2013: 68; gathered two yards over in early morning

¶ 02/15/2013: 69; flying northward between 7:05 and 7:20 a.m.; some landed and lingered for a few minutes in same tree as yesterday

¶ 02/16/2013: 2; perched in the treetops ca. 4 p.m.

¶ 02/17/2011: 85; at least this number gathered in the evening

¶ 02/19/2014: 20; perched around in the treetops at 6 p.m.

¶ 02/19/2012: 20; heard at dawn without actual sighting, so numbers present inadequate

¶ 02/20/2013: 79; flying past in a couple of minutes prior to 7 a.m.

¶ 02/21/2011: 200; perched in tree tops and coursing on the brisk, evening winds

¶ 02/24/2012: 50; flying southward at 6 p.m.

¶ 02/25/2012: 17; northward bound

¶ 02/28/2014: 45; flock perched in treetop at 49th and Izard until scared away by resident at corner

¶ 03/01/2013: 130; flying past ca. 6:45 to 7 a.m.

¶ 02/29/2012: 19; milling about at dusk

¶ 03/02/2013: 275; flying southerly from 5:45 to 6:10 p.m.

¶ 03/03/2011: 52; gathered at dusk

¶ 03/04/2014: 10; going northward at first light

¶ 03/06/2010: 35; going southward in the evening

¶ 03/07/2013: 230; flying southward from 6:05 to ca. 6:20 p.m.

¶ 03/07/2011: 1; readily heard

¶ 03/07/2012: 2

¶ 03/08/2013: 11; flying southward ca. 5:00 p.m.

¶ 03/10/2013: 2; about in the earlier morning

¶ 03/11/2013: 377; flying southward at dusk; mostly from 7:10 to 7:30 p.m., daylight savings time; first heard in the morning going northerly at 7 a.m.; mostly clear skies, with no wind

¶ 03/13/2010: 10; flowing southward above the neighborhood

¶ 03/13/2013: 28; numbers noted from 19:10 to 19:30 at the residence

¶ 03/15/2011: 2; during evening stroll

¶ 03/18/2013: 40; going southerly at 7:30 p.m.

¶ 03/26/2013: 12; flying northerly shortly after 7 a.m.

¶ 03/31/2013: 2; quiet at the end of the block

¶ 04/05/2010: 1; heard at the first light of the spring dawn

¶ 04/07/2013: 1; in yard across street, chasing something

¶ 04/13/2012: 1

¶ 04/25/2012: 1; heard out the window

¶ 04/28/2013: 1; probably nesting down the block in conifer at Cuming Street

¶ 05/01/2012: 1

¶ 05/05/2013: 2; at 49th and Cuming Street

¶ 05/08/2012: 1; walking around on the block

¶ 05/12/2012: 1; easily heard about when the sun is rising

¶ 05/27/2012: 2

¶ 05/28/2012: 3; adults and dependent young

¶ 06/04/2012: 2

¶ 06/12/2003: 1; winging along the way

¶ 06/22/2012: 2; eating common grackle nestlings in conifer by the house; commotion heard

¶ 07/07/2012: 2

¶ 07/12/2011: 2

¶ 07/16/2003: 1; heard while on the bike ride about

¶ 07/25/2011: 2

¶ 08/02/2013: 1; heard through the window of the dungeon

¶ 08/04/2012: 2; crows scattered about the neighborhood

¶ 08/17/2009: 1

¶ 08/20/2011: 3; in the latter afternoon

¶ 09/08/2013: 1; heard to the west

¶ 09/20/2011: 1; alone in the evening

¶ 09/26/2013: 1; transient at the convenience store on the north side

¶ 10/03/2010: 5

¶ 10/08/2009: 2; seen outside

¶ 10/08/2013: 1; flying southward in strong winds under cloudy skies

¶ 10/10/2011: 2

¶ 10/10/2012: 1; heard in the immediate neighborhood

¶ 10/14/2013: 6; flying westerly on the south side

¶ 10/14/2012: 2

¶ 10/18/2012: 2; heard in the latter morning

¶ 10/19/2010: 2; on the north side walking about a parking lot there

¶ 10/20/2011: 2; readily heard and two seen

¶ 10/21/2009: 3; on roof of apartment on Hamilton Street

¶ 10/20/2012: 3; congregating in the treetops

¶ 10/28/2012: 2; 5 flying past at the end of the day

¶ 11/01/2011: 1; 4 on east side at pre-dawn

¶ 11/11/2009: 95; in three trees on 49th street; the time outdoors led to a neighborhood gathering to put the street light bulb back in place, which included an errant dog from the corner house on the block

¶ 11/13/2012: 11; cawing about minutes before sunrise

¶ 11/16/2013: 23; flying northward about 7 a.m.

¶ 11/20/2012: 22; flying over at dawn

¶ 11/22/2011: 2; heard

¶ 11/26/2013: 12; noted being blown southward while getting newspaper from front porch at 4:38 p.m.

¶ 11/30/2003: 45; in treetops to east of 900 North 49th feeder

¶ 12/02/2010: 7; flying northward in latter afternoon

¶ 12/02/2008: 107; flying southward in small bunches over Carthage at 16:00

¶ 12/02/2012: 4

¶ 12/03/2005: 2; bothering a local red-tailed hawk

¶ 12/05/2010: 11; flying southward

¶ 12/07/2005: 8; 900 block of north 49th street

¶ 12/07/2011: 2; at dawn

¶ 12/09/2011: 245; flying northward just before dawn

¶ 12/13/2013: 75; flock whirling about at the north side at 5:55 p.m., in the dark skies long after sunset which was at 4:55 p.m.

¶ 12/13/2003: 3

¶ 12/17/2010: 44; flying over the neighborhood at first light

¶ 12/17/2009: 57; flying northward at sunrise

¶ 12/18/2003: 225; in dusk-time trees about 900 north block

¶ 12/19/2008: 94; during 1600 hour

¶ 12/24/2006: 2; winging along

¶ 12/27/2012: 102; flying southeast from 4:05 to 4:25 p.m.

¶ 12/29/2011: 3; a few noted from what is a pre-roost gathering in the area

¶ 12/30/2010: 45; evening gathering in the treetops

¶ 12/31/2010: 1; heard

The next addition to the list of birds for this neighborhood might be a colorful warbler, or some other species being obscure during their intermittent presence. Brown Creepers have been seen here, though there is a great demand to actually record their occurrence. With this tally, there has to be some attentive, knowledgeable watcher that can convey something new for Carthage. My eyes are already pealed, with attentive observation to observe some new bit of bird life appreciating this particular neighborhood.

Northern Cardinal Dates Date: Number ¶ 01/01/2013: 2 ¶ 01/02/2012: 3 ¶ 01/10/2009: 2 ¶ 01/13/2012: 2 ¶ 01/15/2013: 2 ¶ 01/16/2014: 2 ¶ 01/17/2004: 2 ¶ 01/18/2014: 2 ¶ 01/20/2012: 2 ¶ 01/21/2013: 2 ¶ 01/27/2013: 3 ¶ 01/28/2012: 1 ¶ 01/29/2010: 2 ¶ 02/02/2004: 2 ¶ 02/05/2010: 4 ¶ 02/06/2014: 2 ¶ 02/08/2012: 1 ¶ 02/09/2013: 3 ¶ 02/13/2012: 6 ¶ 02/16/2013: 3 ¶ 02/19/2014: 3 ¶ 02/19/2012: 2 ¶ 02/21/2010: 2 ¶ 02/26/2011: 2 ¶ 02/27/2011: 2 ¶ 02/28/2014: 4 ¶ 03/04/2014: 4 ¶ 03/05/2013: 3 ¶ 03/07/2011: 2 ¶ 03/08/2013: 3 ¶ 03/07/2012: 2 ¶ 03/10/2011: 1 ¶ 03/10/2013: 6 ¶ 03/12/2010: 1 ¶ 03/13/2008: 2 ¶ 03/16/2011: 2 ¶ 03/19/2010: 2 ¶ 03/20/2013: 2 ¶ 03/25/2008: 3 ¶ 03/31/2013: 6

¶ 04/05/2010: 3 ¶ 04/07/2013: 4 ¶ 04/08/2011: 1 ¶ 04/12/2013: 3 ¶ 04/13/2012: 2 ¶ 04/28/2013: 4 ¶ 04/28/2011: 2 ¶ 05/01/2011: 2 ¶ 05/01/2012: 2 ¶ 05/03/2011: 2 ¶ 05/06/2013: 2 ¶ 05/20/2011: 1 ¶ 05/22/2010: 2 ¶ 05/26/2013: 4 ¶ 05/27/2012: 2 ¶ 06/03/2003: 3 ¶ 06/06/2013: 4 ¶ 06/06/2012: 3 ¶ 06/11/2009: 1 ¶ 06/12/2003: 1 ¶ 06/15/2013: 3 ¶ 06/22/2012: 2 ¶ 06/25/2003: 2 ¶ 07/07/2012: 1 ¶ 07/12/2011: 1 ¶ 07/13/2010: 2 ¶ 07/16/2003: 1 ¶ 07/19/2012: 1 ¶ 07/21/2013: 9 ¶ 07/22/2010: 1 ¶ 08/03/2013: 4 ¶ 08/03/2012: 2 ¶ 08/09/2011: 2 ¶ 08/12/2011: 2 ¶ 08/17/2009: 1 ¶ 08/24/2010: 2 ¶ 08/29/2013: 4 ¶ 09/08/2013: 3 ¶ 09/14/2012: 2 ¶ 09/15/2011: 2 ¶ 09/22/2009: 1 ¶ 09/24/2013: 3

¶ 10/11/2012: 1 ¶ 10/13/2011: 1 ¶ 10/13/2013: 2 ¶ 10/20/2012: 2 ¶ 10/31/2011: 2 ¶ 11/02/2010: 2 ¶ 11/10/2010: 3 ¶ 11/11/2010: 2 ¶ 11/13/2012: 2 ¶ 11/17/2013: 2 ¶ 11/23/2013: 2 ¶ 11/22/2012: 2 ¶ 11/24/2012: 4 ¶ 11/30/2013: 1 ¶ 11/29/2012: 2 ¶ 12/02/2012: 3 ¶ 12/04/2011: 1 ¶ 12/05/2010: 2 ¶ 12/05/2012: 2 ¶ 12/07/2005: 4 ¶ 12/07/2013: 2 ¶ 12/08/2009: 1 ¶ 12/11/2011: 6 ¶ 12/14/2009: 1 ¶ 12/15/2013: 2 ¶ 12/15/2003: 1 ¶ 12/26/2012: 2 ¶ 12/29/2011: 2 The stacatto song of this expressive, little red bird is only slightly less appreciated than the "hello" greeting of the Black-capped Chickadee. Both are permanent residents.

These are details for one more occurrent species, the diminutive and so quiet Brown Creeper. It occurs more often than it has been seen.

Creeper Times

Date: Number; Species Notation

¶ 01/07/2009: 1; in the back yard

¶ 01/08/2013: 1; creeper going up oak tree bark in back yard

¶ 02/26/2011: 1; up the pine tree out front

¶ 04/21/2013: 1; on the maple in the back yard

¶ 10/08/2012: 1; going up and then up again on the bark of the backyard oak tree

¶ 10/14/2012: 1; going up the back yard oak tree

¶ 10/23/2012: 1; on the back-yard oak tree; then downy woodpecker arrived

¶ 10/31/2010: 2; in the back yard of 900 block north

¶ 11/22/2012: 1

¶ 11/24/2012: 1; up oak trunk outside the window

¶ 11/25/2012: 1; in the morning on the oak tree

¶ 11/29/2012: 1; going up the backyard oak tree

¶ 12/04/2011: 1; noted in neighbors conifer while seeing if the newspaper had arrived yet, after 8 a.m. on the weekend

¶ 12/05/2012: 1; on trunk of back-yard oak tree

As this bit of scribbling came to an end on a Sunday evening, it seemed appropriate to be outside, once again. The sky was partly blue. There was a chorus of a few crows — mostly to the west — and a lesser number of robins chirping. Not to be ignored were the squirrel antics, partly on the ground and otherwise on the utility wires strung along the back-side of the property lots, with a particular pole seeming to indicates the animal's boundary. A cardinal has claimed the back side of the yard, as conveyed by its steady song. It was a perfect evening to linger and listen, east of the big metallic star prominent in the west.

Spring-time bird activity was enjoyed, once again.