Bohos at CMU, Isabella Co. - Yes

[Dmcwhir513 at aol.com]

Folks -

Acting on Ryan's post from yesterday (01 FEB 08), Pat Deventer and I cruised 
north from Lansing to look for Bohemian Waxwings on the CMU campus.

On the way up in the drizzle, we had our serendipitous bonus bird in the form 
of a Long-eared Owl flying across the expressway in front of us from one 
planted pine grove to another about 1.5 - 2.0 miles before M46.

On our first waxwing approach, parking in the large lot to the east of the 
Library, we had a small group of Cedars off the NE corner of Brooks Hall (campus 
map is on the web).  We walked around Brooks, then drove a slow cruise around 
the edge of campus.  I'd say we were at Brooks around 0830.

Having seen no more waxwings, we sought caffeine at McD's before checking 
Brooks Hall again around 0915.  This time there was an actively feeding, mixed 
group of waxwings - maybe 200 birds by the time we left - about 40% Bohemian.  
We watched for nearly 30 minutes and had fantastic views.  At one point, we 
were in the center of the three crabs on which they were feeding - birds rustling 
all around us.  Numerous views at 10' or so - constant calling by the Bohos.  
Great comparisons and feeding behavior observations. Both species are simply 
gorgeous birds!  

I would say the flock will deplete the stock of apples at the trees at the NE 
corner of Brooks today, surely by tomorrow sometime.  However, there are 
other trees scattered around campus that still have fruit and these may hold the 
birds for several more days.  They would probably be best found by slow 
cruising and looking / listening for perched flocks.

Thanks to Ryan for posting.  Bird when you can.   - Doug


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