BANDING DEC 3 2017: All 3 species present (including Hepburn's)

[Rosyfinch]

Nancy Cox of the banding team writes (DEC 7):

Hi Ken,

The team newly banded 39 Rosy-Finches.  There were 31 Blacks, 6 Brown-capped, and 2 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches (one interior and one Hepburn's).  Two more Brown-capped were recaptured that were originally banded last winter.

There is fresh snow up on the Sandias today.  It will be interesting to see how many more are seen in the future.  We won't be banding any more until January.  Rio Grande Bird Research will be holding its annual meeting this weekend and then we have the Christmas Bird Count season after that.

Nancy

[JustHereForTheBird]

Hi guys. I’m thinking of coming there the week of the 17th. Is Sandia Crest open during the week for viewing?

Thanks so much

Sent from my iPhone

Robert

On Dec 8, 2017, at 4:44 AM, Rosyfinch [via Sandia Crest Birding FORUM] <[hidden email]> wrote:

Nancy Cox of the banding team writes (DEC 7):

Hi Ken,

The team newly banded 39 Rosy-Finches.  There were 31 Blacks, 6 Brown-capped, and 2 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches (one interior and one Hepburn's).  Two more Brown-capped were recaptured that were originally banded last winter.

There is fresh snow up on the Sandias today.  It will be interesting to see how many more are seen in the future.  We won't be banding any more until January.  Rio Grande Bird Research will be holding its annual meeting this weekend and then we have the Christmas Bird Count season after that.

Nancy

---

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NAML

[Rosyfinch]

Hi, Robert--

The Crest House is undergoing a change in ownership. It has been open on
weekends after 10 AM depending upon availability of staff and road
access, but I have not heard of any plans to open on weekdays. (*SEE UPDATE BELOW)

As Nancy Cox mentioned, there will not be any more weekend banding until January.

The Crest House Facebook Page is still active. You might address your
question about current and planned operating hours at that site. I also
posted a query about operating hours:

https://www.facebook.com/SandiaCrestHouse/?ref=br_rs

In any event, the lower feeder may be viewed from the lower parking lot
on the east side of Sandia Crest House. Bring hull-less sunflower seed
(or Patio Mix) in case it has not been filled, as there are no direct
responsibilities for maintaining the feeders in the absence of a feeding
program coordinator. The local Audubon Society (CNMAS) is addressing
this issue and may be working on a solution. Simply drive up and park at
the first lot on the left. If the restaurant/gift store is open (after
10 AM) you may view the deck feeders from inside.

You probably know that the tram does not run to Sandia Crest, but to the
ski area at Sandia Peak, separated from Sandia Crest by a rather dangerous hike of over a mile in
(expected) deep snow. Sandia Peak does NOT have any rosy-finch feeders.

I am copying others who may be able to better answer your question. I
request they also provide me with a copy of their response so I may post
on the Sandia Crest Birding FORUM

Good luck, and let me know about your experience!

Ken

*UPDATE FROM NANCY & STEVE COX: (DEC 8):

Crest House hours will be 11 - 4 and probably only on Saturdays and Sundays.  

All 3 species were seen this morning.   Road close to the top is icy in spots.  Snow is melting rapidly.

Nancy and Steve

[NewMexiKen]

Update from Namcy Cox:

Crest House hours will be 11 - 4 and probably only on Saturdays and Sundays.   

All 3 species were seen this morning.   Road close to the top is icy in spots.  Snow is melting rapidly. 

Nancy and Steve

On 12/8/2017 1:31 PM, JustHereForTheBird [via Sandia Crest Birding FORUM] wrote:

Hi guys. I’m thinking of coming there the week of the 17th. Is Sandia Crest open during the week for viewing?

Thanks so much

Sent from my iPhone

Robert

On Dec 8, 2017, at 4:44 AM, Rosyfinch [via Sandia Crest Birding FORUM] <[hidden email]> wrote:

Nancy Cox of the banding team writes (DEC 7):

Hi Ken,

The team newly banded 39 Rosy-Finches.  There were 31 Blacks, 6 Brown-capped, and 2 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches (one interior and one Hepburn's).  Two more Brown-capped were recaptured that were originally banded last winter.

There is fresh snow up on the Sandias today.  It will be interesting to see how many more are seen in the future.  We won't be banding any more until January.  Rio Grande Bird Research will be holding its annual meeting this weekend and then we have the Christmas Bird Count season after that.

Nancy

---

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:

http://sandia-crest-birding-forum.3149816.n2.nabble.com/BANDING-DEC-3-2017-All-3-species-present-including-Hepburn-s-tp7572989.html

To start a new topic under Rosy-Finch Observations and Banding Reports CURRENT (2016-Present), email [hidden email]
To unsubscribe from Sandia Crest Birding FORUM, click here.
NAML

---

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:

http://sandia-crest-birding-forum.3149816.n2.nabble.com/BANDING-DEC-3-2017-All-3-species-present-including-Hepburn-s-tp7572989p7572990.html

To start a new topic under Rosy-Finch Observations and Banding Reports CURRENT (2016-Present), email [hidden email]
To unsubscribe from Sandia Crest Birding FORUM, click here.
NAML

[Rosyfinch]

UPDATE FROM NANCY & STEVE COX (DEC 8):

Crest House hours will be 11 - 4 and probably only on Saturdays and Sundays.   

All 3 species were seen this morning.   Road close to the top is icy in spots.  Snow is melting rapidly. 

Nancy and Steve

On 12/8/2017 6:46 PM, Ken & Mary Lou wrote:

Hi, Robert--

The Crest House is undergoing a change in ownership. It has been open on weekends after 10 AM depending upon availability of staff and road access, but I have not heard of any plans to open on weekdays. As Nancy Cox mentioned, there will not be any more weekend banding until January.

The Crest House Facebook Page is still active. You might address your question about current and planned operating hours at that site. I also posted a query about operating hours:

https://www.facebook.com/SandiaCrestHouse/?ref=br_rs

In any event, the lower feeder may be viewed from the lower parking lot on the east side of Sandia Crest House. Bring hull-less sunflower seed (or Patio Mix) in case it has not been filled, as there are no direct responsibilities for maintaining the feeders in the absence of a feeding program coordinator. The local Audubon Society (CNMAS) is addressing this issue and may be working on a solution. Simply drive up and park at the first lot on the left. If the restaurant/gift store is open (after 10 AM) you may view the deck feeders from inside.

You probably know that the tram does not run to Sandia Crest, but to the ski area at Sandia Peak, a rather dangerous hike of over a mile in (expected) deep snow. Sandia Peak does NOT have any rosy-finch feeders.

I am copying others who may be able to better answer your question. I request they also provide me with a copy of their response so I may post on the Sandia Crest Birding FORUM

On 12/8/2017 1:31 PM, JustHereForTheBird [via Sandia Crest Birding FORUM] wrote:

Hi guys. I’m thinking of coming there the week of the 17th. Is Sandia Crest open during the week for viewing?

Thanks so much

Sent from my iPhone

Robert

On Dec 8, 2017, at 4:44 AM, Rosyfinch [via Sandia Crest Birding FORUM] <[hidden email]> wrote:

Nancy Cox of the banding team writes (DEC 7):

Hi Ken,

The team newly banded 39 Rosy-Finches.  There were 31 Blacks, 6 Brown-capped, and 2 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches (one interior and one Hepburn's).  Two more Brown-capped were recaptured that were originally banded last winter.

There is fresh snow up on the Sandias today.  It will be interesting to see how many more are seen in the future.  We won't be banding any more until January.  Rio Grande Bird Research will be holding its annual meeting this weekend and then we have the Christmas Bird Count season after that.

Nancy

---

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:

http://sandia-crest-birding-forum.3149816.n2.nabble.com/BANDING-DEC-3-2017-All-3-species-present-including-Hepburn-s-tp7572989.html

To start a new topic under Rosy-Finch Observations and Banding Reports CURRENT (2016-Present), email [hidden email]
To unsubscribe from Sandia Crest Birding FORUM, click here.
NAML

---

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:

http://sandia-crest-birding-forum.3149816.n2.nabble.com/BANDING-DEC-3-2017-All-3-species-present-including-Hepburn-s-tp7572989p7572990.html

To start a new topic under Rosy-Finch Observations and Banding Reports CURRENT (2016-Present), email [hidden email]
To unsubscribe from Sandia Crest Birding FORUM, click here.
NAML