video: rare peregrine falcon sighting & small vs big lure for fishing?

What lure fires up a Bass to bite? Today, I do a mini challenge to see what the fish are attracted to – a small or a big crankbait, both are by Bagley brand. Crankbaits emulate a scurrying fish when being retrieved in the water. I really like Bagley brand lures because they come in bright neon colors. They almost belong in a Mardi Gras parade! And it is a parade for me when I catch a fish :)

Plus, while I am on the river, I am pleasantly surprised by the presence of a rare endangered bird. It is a sighting of a Peregrine Falcon! You may not know it but I am an aspiring birdwatcher. (I have a bunch of bird feeders outside my window. And I like to see if I can name the birds that visit my deck.)

In my neck of the woods, Peregrine Falcons used to flourish before industrialization, living on the towering cliffs of the Hudson River and the Delaware Water Gap. Then, Peregrines were threatened due to heavy use of pesticides, like DDT, that seeped into the rivers, and drinking water, making their eggs so brittle that babies would not survive. Thankfully, DDT was banned in the 1970s and Peregrine Falcon populations are healthier and returning.

The falcon that I see is very big and fluffy, because it is a female, and females are much bigger than the males. In the distance, if you listen carefully, you can hear the babies. I am blessed to capture her on video perched, while drinking water from the river, and in flight.

Check out my short video, and let me know what you think.

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video: hold a giant bass and eagle sighting!

While Canoeing recently, I experience two wonders. I catch and hold a giant 5 pound Bass (and release). And then, I am so glad I have my binoculars because I’m blessed with a sighting of majestic bald Eagles. The eagles had created an enormous nest as they are soon-to-be parents of baby eagles :)

Happy Memorial Weekend Everybody!

video: canoeing in search of the loon

 

While canoeing in the Upstate New York, I made a short video about my search of the elusive Loon bird. During the trip, I also visit an Outdoor Store, go Camping, and do some Fishing. Plus, I catch a new fish, my first Chub. Check it out and Enjoy!

Have you ever heard a Loon call?

The following gear I used in this video:
Fenwick Eagle Spinning 2-piece rod
https://amzn.to/2N7D9R2
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod 6′ 6″ (TRS66MF2)
https://amzn.to/2NCxXHE
Daiwa Procyon EX Spinning Reel 3000
https://amzn.to/2tCZgX7
Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament 8lb Low Vis Green
https://amzn.to/2Kdd8BM
Frabill Power Stow Net 20×24 Hoop 36in Sliding Handle
https://amzn.to/2LqiUwv
Aqua Bound Sting Ray Hybrid 2-Piece Kayak Paddle
https://amzn.to/2q7sWK3
Crocs black
https://amzn.to/2D3tZBL
Sony RX100 20.2 MP Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor
https://amzn.to/2PNJTUW
GoPro Hero 6
https://amzn.to/2LtDADG

sketch: mockingbird

I see a variety of birds out the window when they are on the bird feeder. I recognize most of the kinds of birds that visit, but there is a new one this year that I have never seen before. It is rather elagant, longer and more slender than most songbirds, and it actually is staying around most of the winter. So I call him “my bird”. Interestingly, he is not afraid of me when I approach. After many searches in guides, I finally know what it is – A Northern Mockingbird. I also learn that mockingbirds are omnivorous, which means they enjoy eating insects in addition to seeds. They are known for their elaborate collection of vocalizations.

My drawing is dedicated to him. It won’t be long before the warm spring weather will bring plenty of food for him to eat elsewhere. Maybe he will sing one more song before he flies away.

sketch: titmouse

I like to observe different birds that come to the feeder. During the recent Nor’easter (the 4th snowstorm of the season), birds come in large numbers to the deck in need of rest and sustenance. Bird feeders are a lifeline for winter birds. Essentially, birds need to consume nearly half their own weight per day to make it through a cold winter day.

This is my drawing of Titmouse, one of the birds that visits me. It is a small yet handsome songbird with its pointy head crest. Titmouse is a funny name. Somebody must have been tipsy when they named the bird.

drawing: blue jay

The Blue Jay is a clever North American bird. Although the population of Blue Jays in the eastern US declined after industrialization, they eventually adapted and learned to survive in urban environments. They even expanded their range throughout the midwest. Without even seeing a Blue Jay, their loud squawking is recognizable. Blue Jays are omnivorous, mostly consisting of nuts, seeds and fruit in their diet, they also can eat insects and sometimes rodents.

My birdfeeders are not big enough for the Blue Jay, but sometimes they make a cameo appearance. When they do, it is treat to see them.

Happy Easter and Happy Passover all !