Life List Bird: Great Crested Flycatcher
I swear, I've been trying to get a good look at this bird for five years now--ever since I first heard that distinctive "Peeeeehp! Peeeeehp! Peeeeehp!" coming from the treeline. I was pretty sure it was a flycatcher, as I'd had an occasional glimpse of that yellow tummy. It was maddening to know he was there, be able to see the movement among the trees, and yet still not be able to see the darned bird!
All that changed today, as the whole family of flycatchers was out and around, and I was fortunate enough to grab the camera, slap it on the tripod, point it in the general direction of the trees, and sit quietly and wait. Sure enough, there they were, flitting amongst the branches of the hemlocks. Slowly I pointed the camera, focused, and started snapping.
Seriously, how could you not love a face like that? After half a decade of trying, I can finally add the Great Crested Flycatcher to my life list. And I've got the photos to prove it!
See you by those rewarding feeders,
Mrs. CCA
Cornell Ornithology Laboratory: Inside Birding
Cornell Ornithology Laboratory: All About Birding
Comments
CCA,
Great photos. Caused me to research Flycatchers and was surprised to see some live in my area of Florida, including the Great Crested Flycatcher. Haven't seen one yet however.
Yesterday, while cutting wood pieces for my current Bird Hanger (birdhouses), I mis-cut two important pieces. Some day, I'll learn how to read a ruler correctly! LOL. In my frustration, I decided to jump into my Lear Jet and fly up to Hyannis. (not a real jet but one on my computer flight simulator). Well, anyway, I landed at Hyannis/Barnstable Muni-Boardman/Polando Field. Wow! what a name for an airport. Let's just call it HYA.
So today, while I'm still frustrated over having to re-cut my wood pieces, I'm going to take a small airplane and fly a round-robin flight around the Cape Cod Coast line North to Provinetown, then back down the bay side, and over to the Cape Cod Canal to Woods Hole and back to HYA. Maybe by that time, I'll be in the mood to start cutting new wood.
Have a nice day.
Cheers,
Harry "Gipper" Morris
Posted by: Harry "Gipper" Morris | July 25, 2010 9:11 AM
Hi Harry,
Ah flight sims... My first was for my first computer - a Timex 1000 with 2k of RAM. At last check MS Flight Sim X is all the rage. My how times have changed.
Lately, Mrs CCA and I have been fussing with Google Earth (http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=google+earth+street+view&aq=1&aqi=g3g-s1g6&aql=&oq=google+earth&gs_rfai=CH_7qbr5MTL6xNIvwygStuq25CgAAAKoEBU_QmtuN&fp=9e799b00e0811e37). We especially like the "Street View".
Thanks for your readership and comments!
CCA
Posted by: CapeCodAlan
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July 25, 2010 5:49 PM
Good morning CCA.
SHOP TALK
I have a board measuring 12"x12"x.625" thick. I need to cut a mitre on one edge that has an acute angle of 19.5 degrees. How would you make the cut?
Cheers,
Harry "Gipper" Morris
Posted by: Harry "Gipper" Morris | July 26, 2010 9:19 AM
Hi Harry,
That's a real poser... A 1' by 1' piece of stock poses a real problem when it comes kickback. If you don't have a large table saw with a sled and stout hold downs (or a radial arm saw with strong hold downs) I'd turn to a band saw and a hand plane. If that's not an option, I'd fall back on good old elbow grease. I'd make a hand saw fence/guide by ripping a length of 2X6 at 19.5 degrees and then clamping that to the 5/8" stock and cutting wide. That would be finished off with a plane.
Thanks for the comment/question!
CCA
Posted by: CapeCodAlan
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July 26, 2010 2:03 PM
Thanks CCA
I built a home-made, slanted 'fence' per-say, to fit the angle I need, and clamped it to the band-saw table. It only works partially. I have not tried the 'rough-saw/plane' method. That may be the only way to get the desired results. Your thoughts have been very helpful and proves to me, the challenge is real. Thanks.
Cheers,
Harry "Gipper" Morris
Posted by: Harry "Gipper" Morris | July 26, 2010 3:26 PM
Hi Harry,
Yes, these kinds of cuts can be both difficult and dangerous. Kickbacks are no fun. You might be able to set up a fence and use a Skil saw... But still, the wood would have to be very firmly secured.
Thanks again,
Alan
Posted by: CapeCodAlan
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July 26, 2010 5:07 PM
Good Evening CCA.
Today I spent most of the time rebuilding the home-made fence. Now, I can adjust the band-saw table tilt to any angle I desire. It is pretty accurate, although not perfect. But it does the job I need. I agree caution is extremely important. I feed the final piece through the blade using only a fingernail. That's how close to the blade I am.
Cheers,
Harry "Gipper" Morris
Posted by: Harry "Gipper" Morris | July 28, 2010 6:49 PM
Hi Harry,
STOP!!! You said, "I feed the final piece through the blade using only a fingernail."
STOP!!!
On a band saw your fingers should never get within 3" to the blade. (http://woodworking.about.com/od/safetyfirst/p/BandSawSafety.htm).
I moderate two boatbuilding forums and about a year ago I had the awful task of communicating with a man who had just sawed off about 3/8" of his thumb. He was in a state of shock. He even sent a picture of the damage done - right thru the nail.
Please... Use a sacrificial push stick or find another way... You're a great commenter and I'd hate to lose you to a saw injury.
Sincerely,
CCA
Posted by: CapeCodAlan
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July 29, 2010 12:38 PM
Good Evening CCA.
I chuckle at your story of the fellow that cut off part of his finger with a saw. Not that it's funny, but about that many months ago, I was gingerly sawing away and not paying attention. Luckily, I had long fingernails that day because all of a sudden, I felt this "zap" thingy on my hand. After shutting the band-saw off, I looked at my hand and my thumbnail had this cute little perfect groove carved right out in the middle of the thumbnail. Needless to say, since then, I've been more alert to where my fingers are as I cut wood with the band-saw.
Your advice is well given, and well received.
Cheers,
Harry "Gipper" Morris
Posted by: Harry "Gipper" Morris | July 29, 2010 5:31 PM