It is not too early to start collecting data for OBBAII.
   As if they knew when their safe date began, the ruffed grouse started 
drumming in earnest over the weekend. I heard three individuals on a 1.5 
mile hike. This is the fifth breeding bird block that I have heard or 
flushed multiple birds. Although these numbers are nothing like the grouse-
hunting halcyon days of my youth in the late 70's and early 80's, they are
most certainly a huge improvement over the 90's and 00's. Most blocks
I have spent time in, that have a reasonable amount of habitat, hold
grouse and their numbers appear to increase every year. 
   I also noted some breeding activity in species not expected this early 
or they at least have a later OBBA safe date. It is important to enter 
early activity into OBBA as safe dates are or should be fluid as data is 
collected.
   A pair of crows have built a nest in a conifer, a full 30 days before 
their safe-date, next to the main street in Cadiz in the middle of the
school bus parking lot. As of today, they have not occupied it.
   I noticed a male Wood Duck this morning nervously hugging the bank of a
woodland pond. Since he did not fly, I assumed there was a female in
the area. I could not locate any suitable trees near him and gave up
finding her when she flushed from a hole in the root ball of a down
tree. Also a  full 30 days before safe-date, she was likely scouting
nest sites (Which breeding code should I use for this one?). It is
notable that she was exploring a site that was a foot above the 
ground,this low is unusual but not unheard of. At least it is a short fall 
for her ducklings should she decide to stay.
   I watched a raging battle between male purple finches vying for the 
highest perch to sing from. The birds settled into their territories
and sang for the entire hour I was in the woods. A full 45 days before 
safe date and an uncommon breeder this far south, I will record them only 
if they are present next week.
   Finally, 4 Swamp Sparrows(safe date 5/25) were singing in a large 
swampy area on Tappan Lake this morning. They are easy to observe, 
strongly colored and flashy looking this time of year. A fairly common 
winter resident (5 on CBC), they are likely here to stay or have been 
around all along. Do they warrent a T7 if still there next week or will 
that be a different set flying through?
   For those of you who have muscled your way through this long post, I 
hope this generates some discussion on the concept of safe dates.

Scott Pendleton
 

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