Pilgrimage

 

It was a thrill for me, finally visiting the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

I've enjoyed their publications, admired their work and used their birding apps for years.

We took the early morning bird walk in Sapsucker Woods. There were 25 of us, led by an expert from the local bird club. It was a beautiful morning although breezy, and in autumn there are fewer birds around.

Still, even on this slow day, we saw among others, a bald eagle, kingfisher, red bellied woodpeckers, red winged blackbirds, wood ducks, and some lucky people caught a glimpse of the northern shrike (butcher bird) a rarity here that got the birding experts excited. John saw it; I was looking elsewhere, darn.

The newly remodeled visitor center was magnificent...

 

A glass, multi-level building with beautiful views of the pond and woods. It was fun seeing my favorite Cornell Lab Feeder Watch Live cam . Check it out!

 

In the afternoon, we took a two hour narrated "eco tour" up Cayuga Lake.

It was fascinating learning about the long history and geology of the area. The architecture in Ithaca is wonderful, and I loved seeing the historic homes along the lake and hearing all the stories.

So-- it was a great but exhausting day. After the boat trip, we got take out food at the giant Wegmans grocery store and headed back to our cottage on the hill, rather than fight the Saturday night crowds down on the Ithaca Commons. 

The weather made an abrupt about face last night. It is pouring rain today, so inside activities on the agenda.