Date: 4/28/25 3:55 am From: Andrew Consler <a.consler330...> Subject: [GeneseeBirds-L] Conesus Inlet - Some Interesting Observations
Hi all, A short visit to the Conesus Inlet Sunday evening resulted in some great birding! My wife and I walked down to the middle boardwalk and parked ourselves there for about half an hour, and came up with 28 species in that time. Checklist in eBird for full details.
Towards dusk, I observed a pair of Osprey. There had been a single bird present earlier. I am wondering if there is, or will be, a nest around somewhere. Of course, eagles were present too. Of the three I saw, one looked like a 3rd year bird, the others maybe 1 or 2 year old birds. One of the nights surprises was one of the young eagles giving extended chase to a Great Blue Heron. I could not tell if there was a fish or something involved, but it made for quite a show.
We were not able to locate Virginia Rails, though I am sure there are some in there. In previous years I have done great at both West side boardwalks. There were however, multiple call Common Gallinule within about 50yds of us.
The highlight of the night was at least two Sandhill Cranes. These birds were calling across the marsh from us, maybe 200 or 300yds away (probably closer to E. Swamp Rd). Mind you, the call was unmistakable to both of us. Hopefully eBird will accept the record. A brief perusal of eBird records showed multiple observations in Apr, May, and even one in June with the most recent being 2022. Given there is favorable habitat I should think nesting is well within the realm of possibilities for these birds. I plan to get out again and try to find them.
Spring has sprung, get out birding! Andrew Consler
