Unknown smell, shape, and sounds.... in the forest

During the NESRA fall expedition ( October of 2009 ) in the Adirondack Park, myself and the others attending..... experienced more unexplained happenings in the forest. Not a full blown incident, or absolute sighting....but more of the subtle occurences , that can cause you to question yourself, but evidently realize.....that there IS something out of the ordinary happening here, that could be easily missed, if you were not there for the purpose of investigating into this phenomenon.
This location was just a few miles (as the crow flies) away from the summer expedition location, where I (and night opps partner) also experienced some strange nocturnal surrounding movements, sounds, feelings...and a tremendously loud forest floor thud (heard by three of us), and a set of quick knocks and tree crash ( that was captured on audio). Once again, putting out a portable digital audio recorder... payed off, and there were distant (and some closer) sounds recorded, that do not add up to normal nocturnal sounds heard in remote wild forest.
On three different occasions, I heard the sounds of a rapid knocking, like a tree being whacked on randomly, with force. While out on the trail with my night opps partner.... twice .... I picked up this sound with my dish and recorder, to the south. I didn't get this recorded, due to a malfunction in the battery of my minidisc recorder, and me not being as quick to the draw as needed, to start the recorder off of the "pause"mode. The rapid knocks (7-8) and distant howls of a coyote pack on the move...happened at around the same time. I believe the knocks came from the the same general area, each time. The knocks were not heard by our 2 other members back at camp, or by my partner in our night opp position. We did heard the faint sounds of one of the members sounding off (announced) on his didgeridoo, in the hopes it might draw some kind of response from this low frequency blast of sound. We all did sets of woodknocks, and a couple of our own vovalizations, that drew no replies. An overnight recording was in order, setting out the recorder a ways down a path near the shoreline of the pond, a little walk from the camp. The knocks were once again picked up, during a more stranger vocalization...that could have been a Barred Owl...or else a good imitator of one. The sounds recorded were distant, from well across the pond, but still easy to recognize as the same "whacking" I had heard on the night opps. I find it interesting, that these sets of knocks occurred during known (or maybe unknown) nocturnal animal vocalizations. Here is a link to that recorded clip:

http://soundcloud.com/imonacan/ovrnght-10-11-clip-vocalizations-knocks

In addition to this, there was some strange percussive rhythms, that sounded closer, on the near side of the pond and forest. This sounded like wooden wind chimes, or bongos...that I deemed as coming from "forest hippies". It has even been more interesting sharing these sounds with others.... that have put out audio recorders, and have found some comparisons with some startling similarities to the sounds, in several other locations in the eastern and southern portions of the country. Here are the links to those recorded clips:

http://soundcloud.com/imonacan/ovrnght-10-11-clip-knocks

http://soundcloud.com/imonacan/ovrnght-10-11-clip-whooh-knocks

When a fellow NESRA member (Chuck) and local resident of the area, scouted out the basecamp location and seasonal road conditions back into this area....he arrived with several friends, and had heard woodknocks. Everyone noticed a strange (dirty wet dog) kind of unpleasant smell...but Chuck had waited to speak of it.... until his two friends mentioned it, first. It had rained, and was beginning to rain again, so they didn't stay any longer. It had also rained the first day of the expedition, when we all (three of us) noticed this smell again, and well into the evening and early morning hours. The smell came and went, and varied in intensity. It seemed to be coming from the path along the pond, where I recorded the odd sounds, the following night. Chuck had noted that the woodknocks and smell had come from another direction, on the scouting trip from the week before. We could not find a physical source for this smell, during our investigations of the area. Chuck.... a nearby resident, having frequented this area many times before...was unfamiliar with the smell, in regards to it being something natural, that might occur in the fall after or during a rain. So....what smells like a dirty wet dog that needs a bath...out in the forest? Could it be a stray wild dog...or maybe something else?
On the first evening - early morning, the three of us sat under a tarp, and around a table, dodging the occasional drizzle, and just quietly chatting under lights out conditions in the basecamp. The rain stopped and the moon came up behind the clouds, to brighten the sky over the pond. We had all noticed the wet dog smell...again, and I was facing the path where the smells seemed to come from. My eyes were very dark adapted at this point, and I could make out the position of the trees, and the horizon line on the opposite side of the pond. Below the horizon, the closer foliage was too dark to reveal any detail. There was a brighter window, just above through the trees, courtesy of the moonlight and brightening sky background. While staring in that direction...I noticed a dark, rounded top of a shape.... pass through quickly, from left to right. The shape was flatter on the right and more curved on the left, and came to a rounded point on the top. I was certain I saw a glowing red eye on the right (flatter side) of the shape as it passed. It happened in an instant...but I clearly recall what I saw. Chuck caught me still staring at the location, and asked me if I had seen something. I was in a bit of shock.... to be honest, and just trying to collect my thoughts..... making sure I had not drifted off (asleep), or was just imagining things. For some reason, I didn't feel the urge to shout out, or spring out of the chair. I told the two, the description of what I had just seen, and we all took a walk down the trail a ways...still smelling the wet dog smell, but seeing nothing (of course).
What did I see? Well, I definitely saw something, but heard nothing. A Barred Owl comes to mind, and does have orange-red eyes, and a rounded shape to the top of the head. After thinking about this a whole lot....I came to these conclusions:
There was no artificial illumination that was used by any of us...to make an owls eye reflect red, back at me. Whatever glowed red...glowed red on it's own accord...weird, huh?
If it was an owl...after getting a better perspective in the daylight on how far, and how large the shape actually was...it was a damn big owl.
There were other campers in the area, but they were long asleep, and could not have pulled off a stunt like that...without at least being heard. They did not know why we were there, or what we were doing there.
I did a rough sketch the next day of what I saw, in perspective to the trees, horizon, and as much detail in the dark shape...as I could produce with a pen. Unfortunately, I don't draw well (note the field drawing at the top)...but the shape , position of the eye on the shape, and size of the shape compared to the background surroundings...was as accurate as I remembered. I also noted where the horizon began, across the pond, in perspective to my field of view from where I was sitting. We did some measurements the next day, and determined that the top of whatever it was...was at least 8.5 ft off the ground.
We also found a large area of matted down grass, and an unusual tree twist, that was completely twisted off, with the twisted off part...nowhere to be found.
What does this all mean? Well, just what the title of the blog post says. I wish I knew more, but can't wish my life away. Hoping that more answers, and less questions...are in the stars, for the future of these investigations.

A tale of four eclipses

Astronomy is one of my past times. I can't think of anything that caused me to have such a natural rush, and moments of exhilaration in my life....than to witness an eclipse of the sun. I'll start out by saying from experience, that a partial solar eclipse, or a total or partial lunar eclipse...is a breathtaking sight....but does not even come close too... a total solar eclipse. To bask in the moon's shadow during totality, and gaze at the otherwise invisible solar corona, with the covered sun appearing like a large living sunflower in the sky...is something I'll never ever forget, and long to do again. It is easy for me to understand, how this event could have struck fear and awe into ancient cultures, ...that interpreted the meaning of the event, in many different ways. It even started wars, and was interpreted as a warning, or a sign from the gods to attack an enemy.
For someone that says "no big deal"...I will venture to guess that this person has not yet witnessed one, and could never (truthfully) say that, after they did. There are groups of people who chase these events around the globe, and plan their lives around them. I would indeed like to join them, if it was at all possible.
Against the advice of the folks I traveled with to the Philippines , to attend a 10 year reunion in March of 1988.....I booked a flight from Manila to General Santos City. Why would I leave the relative safety of other Americans and many friendly locals, to travel to a region known for violence between the muslim separatist groups, and the Philippine government and military...in addition to the potential for kidnappings of foreigners ? Well, to try to witness my first total solar eclipse, that was scheduled to happen on that day, and blanket the entire southern half of Mindanao, in the temporary darkness of the moon's shadow. My flight was late (very common in the RP), but I did witness the event, from the airport in Gen. Santos, and not from my hotel, like I had originally planned. No matter.... I was hooked, after seeing this...WOW...what a spectacle and atmosphere. What I noticed the most (with my 10x50 binoculars) , was the 2 very large red prominences (top and bottom) projecting off the edge of the eclipsed sun during totality, and the magnificent sight of the solar corona. I was in awe of what I had just witnessed...but needed a dose of reality, from someone. I stayed at the airport, after being told by a friendly Pinoy local, that took in the eclipse with to me.... about the current situation and happenings (kidnappings for ransom , and even beheadings) in the region, even within the normally safer city. Sometimes...things happen for a good reason. I arranged to catch a return flight to Manila, and remained at the airport....and that, was that.
In May of 1994, myself and my young niece were treated to an annular eclipse of the sun, from my (former) backyard in Hamlin, NY. The moon is not close enough or large enough to completely cover the solar disk, so what is left is what is called "the ring of fire". This was a treat to see using eclipse glasses, so not to burn our retinas. Even staring at a small slice of the sun, can do permanent damage to your eyes...so always use protection and caution. The only safe time to view with the naked eye, is during the moments of totality (if during a total eclipse, of course). I would jump at another chance to view an annular eclipse, and hope to have another opportunity. I wish I had been more prepared, and shot a couple photos of this event. We did notice that it did get a bit darker and the temps dropped around 5 degrees, with all the birds going silent on a normal sunny mid spring day. I think that nature fools nature...for the moments during an eclipse.
I had been waiting for another total eclipse, that wasn't on the other end of the planet. I was very disappointed to miss "the big one" in 1991, in Mexico, and had read many reports and seen lots of footage and photos.
I started to plan for the next one, that would take a path through the Caribbean in Feb. of 1998. I just had to make this one...somehow. My first marriage was not at all healthy in the late '90s, and when I told my exwife that I was going on a cruise that would take me around the Carribbean, and either Montserrat or Aruba to attempt to see a total eclipse, the reaction, was at first... negative. She finally approached me, and said "the only way...is if you take me along" . I calmly said "ok", and booked the cruise package and flights almost one year in advance with the Astronomical League, that would be sailing on the Carnival Cruise lines.... MS Fascination .
We arrived in San Juan, PR, to board. This was my first cruise, and I must say I was overwhelmed with the service, food, boat full of friendly happy people, and everything else happening on board with the Astronomical League...that put on some outstanding presentations.
We sailed to US Virgin Islands (where I snorkeled until exhausted), Guadaloupe, Grenada, Caracas ( pre Hugo Venezuela), and finally Aruba. I want to live on a cruise ship, and understand why some folks with lots of $$...almost do. The cruise, ship's crew and service, food, choices, and ports of call...was outstanding. We had the choice, of disembarking with my equipment to view the eclipse from land, on Aruba...or sail back out to sea, and chase the shadow on a mobile cruise ship. I wanted to photograph the event, this time...and decided that I would take it in from land. Surprisingly, the ex Mrs wonderful.... joined me. The Astronomical League had reserved a large grounds, next to the ocean...with beautiful tropical gardens, food, and an unobstructed view of the SW...from which the moons shadow would be racing in from, at us. This all sounded too perfect, maybe? The weather prospects for a clear sky in February, on Aruba...was over an 80% chance. It looked good, until about an hour and a half before the start of the eclipse. After the lot of us (a large field and garden full of eclipse chasers) had set up our scopes, cameras, and viewing areas...it really clouded up, and actually started to sprinkle. It put everyone in a dismal mood, as there was cloud cover from horizon to horizon.
The partial phases of the eclipse began, with the sky still cloudy, but clearing up to our west. About 1o minutes or so before the start of totality...the crescent sun was visible, with the happy cheers of many anxious people...realizing that they were going to see this eclipse, and that the sky gods were again smiling.
I was able to take many photographs during the various partial phases, and during totality. Two of the pictures are here. One, is of the "diamond ring" that is the moment when the first sliver of sun emerges from behind the moon. The other photo being during mid totality, with the corona clearly visible. During totality, it was dark enough to view the two planets (Jupiter and Venus) that were near to the sun... which is another sky bonus, that would only happen and be visible during a total eclipse. The two plus minutes of totality goes quick, and before you know it...it's all over. A report on the event, by the most well know eclipse chaser ...Fred Espenak, is here:

http://www.mreclipse.com/SEreports/TSE1998reports/TSE98Espenak.html

The Fascination fared just as well out to sea, and treated the passengers on board to a stunning view near the smoking gun of the Montserrat volcano, that was still spewing a cloud of post eruption ash into the sky. The advantage to staying aboard the ship....was the mobility of the ship that could dodge the clouds while remaining in the path of the eclipse...which the captain and crew accomplished very well, much to the delight of the many viewers that lined the ship's decks. It was fortunate that both land and sea viewers...had gotten what they had come to see, and then some. When the ship ported again , to pick us up in Oranjestad , Aruba...there were many stories to share at dinner, and though out the last leg of the cruise, that headed back to San Juan. One thing I told myself...is, if I had the privilege to witness another one of these events, that it would be taken in with my naked eyes and senses (the whole experience), and that I would not spend as much of the precious several minutes behind a camera and tripod.
I got that chance again , the following year. I had been looking into another cruise that was put on by North Star expeditions, that was set to sail out out NY City, for 10 days out in the North Atlantic and along the Canadian Maritimes (around Newfoundland). In no shape or manner, could I afford the trip to Europe , or better yet, Turkey...where the best weather chances to view the August 11, 1999 eclipse, was to be had. This cruise aboard the aging "Regal Empress", was my only chance. The eclipse shadow would actually start out in the N. Atlantic in the very early AM, before it raced toward the coast of the British Isles, and though parts of Europe and Asia.
The chances for a clear sky, to have the chance to see this eclipse, had the dimmest prospects on the entire path....giving less than a 30% chance. If nothing else...I would enjoy this cruise with my son, and take in some whale watching and enjoy some sea bird viewing, and the fine foods and ports of call in places I haven't been...and who knows.... we could get lucky.
My son and I took a Greyhound down to NYC, from Rochester (not a recommended form of transportation, after trying this). and arrived at Penn Station, where we caught a cab to the pier and boarded the Regal Empress. It was a beautiful August day, with the sun shining on the city, as we slowly sailed by Manhattan, and made the turn past the south end of island. I remember vividly, the image of the magnificent twin World Trade towers, with the sun gleaming off them. I often watch the camcorder footage I shot that day... to remember the towers, and to all who lost their lives and made sacrifices on that tragic morning, that would take place two years later, after our cruise. Lady Liberty was also a treat to sail by, and the whole NY Harbor scene... was a bonus.
We sailed first to Halifax, NS, and then out to sea to hopefully rendezvous with the rising sun, already eclipsed in the partial phase. Totality would take place with the sun just 15 degrees above the ocean. While in Halifax, we had a weather update from Joe Rao (NYC meteorologist and one of the organizers of the cruise). The weather had a good chance of providing a window of clarity on the morning of the eclipse...and the excitement was building. Could the "ship of fools " be the first to view this eclipse ? Here is a Joe's report on the cruise:

http://www.mreclipse.com/SEreports/TSE1999reports/TSE99Rao.html

We awoke at sea, and most folks had their alarms set...early. The seas were calm, and the sky was clear, accept for a few clouds on the horizon. To view the crescent sun rising over the water, was an experience I won't ever forget (see picture...as seen looking through one of the ship's lifeboats). We all experienced totality around an hour later, with the eclipsed sun looking like a large sunflower hanging over the water. The corona was smaller than the '98 eclipse I witnessed on Aruba....but it seemed alive and moving....what a sight ! I kept my word to myself and just recorded a short video with the camcorder, and took in the rest of the short totality with just my eyes, until the diamond ring flashed , prompting the entire ship to cheer and rejoice at witnessing the event. It turns out that the eclipse chasers were clouded out on land, in Cornwall, UK...and also in some other spots after the shadow made landfall in mainland Europe. It was seen in full by many, in Turkey, and on the Black Sea cruise.
The cruise was again, a pleasure. We still had another 7 days to enjoy Newfoundland and our ports of call and time at sea. Whale and sea bird watching was superb. In addition to be treated to daily watching with Canadian expert Jon Lien (a great guy), we took a whale watching tour around Bird Island, where we witnesses close up views of Humpback and Minke whales, a large Atlantic Puffin colony, and countless other treats. On one warm night, while the ship cruised off the east coast of Newfoundland...the deck was suddenly bombarded with Leach's Storm Petrels...that might have been attracted to the ships lights, and were laying all over the deck. Most of them were stunned after hitting the ship...and woke up and flew off. One that didn't ..I picked up and brought to my cabin, and photographed. The flash woke it up, and I gently carried the bird out (after showing it to my son and his new friends)...and released it.
My son had completely enjoyed this experience....the eclipse, the cruise and food, and the friends he made, and the fact that I just let him live it up and do what he wanted, which was something he was not used to experiencing, at home. When we ported in St. Johns....we were met by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. We boarded a bus, and were driven to a very dark sky site in rural Newfoundland, where we all had a grand time observing the annual Perseid meter shower, under pristine skies and conditions... another bonus that I'll always remember.
Another place that I won't soon forget...was Gros Morne National Park, on the west side of Newfoundland. This park had stunning scenery, along with moose, beaver, and a tour of the fjords from the waterway, that was fabulous...even though we did get wet. I met David Levy (a well know astronomer, with several comets he discovered...named after him, including the one... Shoemaker -Levy, that fragmented and crashed into Jupiter in 1994). David was a great guy to talk to (and humble), and also gave a very interesting presentation..to all, in the ships auditorium. It was a pleasure to have him sign a copy of his book for me.
So....I consider myself pretty damn luck to have witnessed these 4 eclipses. I've seen many partials...but none could hold a candle to what I described here.
When does the next one happen ? ...you might ask. Mark this one down on your calenders...ladies and gentleman. August 21, 2017, the moons shadow will start in the pacific and touch first in Oregon...and cut right across our great land, and end up in S. Carolina, before it moves off into the Atlantic. Here is a link to a website with more details:

http://www.mcglaun.com/eclipse/ECLIPSE2017_main.HTM

You won't want to miss it. Be there, or be square. You know I'll be there in the path...somewhere, no matter where I'm living at the time. I need to show one of these to my wife and daughter.
Well, if you miss that one (Please don't)....there is another crossing the US on April 8, 2024 :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_April_8,_2024

If we are all alive and well, it takes a place right through my area of western NY. Cloud cover might be a problem....but who knows ? We had a great April, this year.

Another rare bird...in another province

In 2004, I returned again to the Philippines, to finally marry the girl that I had met and courted for years...much to the delight (and relief) of her family and friends. I asked my fiancee to contact a guide on the next island over (Negros) and arrange a birding trip to try for several species of Babbler, that were endemic to that island. We took a Supercat inter island ferry, and arrived in Dumaguate city. This was the largest city in the southern province of Negros Oriental, and we checked into nice 4 star hotel. The atmosphere was even more laid back, than in Cebu (which was hard.... even for me, to fathom), the the cost of being a tourist was very reasonable , and right up my alley. We traveled on our own, to a resort coastal town called "Bais", where we arranged a tour for whale and dolphin watching. We didn't see any whales, but had a fantastic experience with a pod of over 100 Spinner Dolphins following the boat and leaping out of the water...everywhere, much to our delight. I was even able to do some birding at one of the stops, and saw a male Narcissus Flycatcher (a migrant species from the more northern parts of Asia) that came to the edge of one of the coastal mangroves.
Our guide was Rene, and was "the guy" for birding on Negros Oriental. He picked us up from our hotel in the wee hours, and we drove through the still dark streets of Dumaguate, riding shotgun with my fiancee, on a Habal -Habal (a large motorcycle with an over sized seat). The ride was rough (what did I expect ?) , even for RP standards...the dirt road turned into big rocks, and we decided to walk, the last 2 kilometers, while our guide braved the motocross suicide course, with the habal. We had ascended to a high elevation near the base of one of the smaller peaks of Mt. Talinas, that was still below the famous "Cueros de Negros" (the twin horns at the top of Talinas). From there, it was a grueling hike uphill. We passed a very bad tempered Carabao (Water Buffalo) that surprised me, and was tied to a tree that I wanted to make a pass around. I narrowly escaped with my ass intact (Thank God for a short rope). When we arrived (winded) at the last leg of the hike, up to the cloud forest near the summit, we took a needed rest. Rene pointed out an area where the Negros Striped Babbler is often seen, while foraging at an elevation (only at these elevations) of between 1000 and 1400 meters . To reach this area, it was a steep climb, that at times was almost straight up. My future bride and the Rene showed no hesitation...so up I went, right behind. Finally, Rene pointed out an area of overhanging trees , and we heard the calls of the endemic species. Rene strongly motioned us over... to come quickly. Myself, my fiancee, and Rene...witness a pair of these magnificent montaine birds in the act of mating, right on a tree branch in front of us. I was the first foreigner that Rene had brought up there...to witness this, and it was only the second time for Rene...that had been coming to the mountain, since he was a young teenager. Rene was a former hunter of birds (for food and profit), that has turned into a guide and conservationist of birds, and other species native to the area.
I also got a brief look (and heard the wonderful song of) at another of the endemic rarities...a Flame-templed Babbler. On the decent down the mountain, we got a little banged up. I went down the steepest part like an upside down crab (on all fours), slipping many times, in addition to getting hit on the head and cut by a broken branch, bitten all over by ants, and sported some black and blue ankles, from trying to slow myself down and digging in with my hiking boots. Rene had spotted the very bizarre looking Philippine Frogmouth, a nocturnal species , that was trying to blend in was a branch (looking frozen in place...like a part of the branch). We were very relieved to reach a more gradual descent...and wondered.... how the hell Rene could make the grueling hike and climb , in his bare feet. He told us a story, on how he once (for hire) carried a generator up to the cloud forest summit...so that a German lepidopterist could collect moth species (for study).
Rene took us to his home, that was also a sanctuary for the local wildlife, and a rehabilitation center for several species of fruit bat, that he let me hold and see close up. Being licked all over by a (recovering from injury) giant Gold-crowned flying fox...was a humbling experience.
My hat is off ...always, to Rene....who lead us on a great adventure, and that has taken the lead as a conservationist....in a land where conserving it's precious flora and fauna resources, is a relatively new trend (but is finally catching on). We were treated again, to seeing and hearing many species of birds, herps, bats, insects and butterflies. Not to mention...a tremendous view of the southern part of the province, the city and harbor, and three closet islands...from up at our highest view near the summit.
We returned by ferry, to Cebu...in time for our wedding. We were tired and a bit battered, but satisfied from fresh memories of the experiences, we won't forget.

The story of witnessing... two rare birds

In January of 1999, I found myself once again in the Philippines. What can I say... other than those islands , people, and culture... is a magnet for me.
While there, visiting family in Cebu, I was able to make arrangements (while at the Cebu zoo) to be guided to one of the most protected and pristine areas of old growth forest, left on the island. There is not much of the original forest left (although quite a bit of second growth), and Cebu was almost completely deforested by poor management practices and logging destruction, that escalated after the end of WWII, up until the late '80s. No doubt, the rarest bird in the RP, and one of the rarest on the planet...was the endemic Cebu Flowerpecker, that was thought to be extinct, until rediscovered in a fragmented patch of forest, in 1992. Another rarity and endemic species of Cebu...was the elusive Cebu Black Shama, which was another species I was hoping to see, that sulked within the bamboo thickets of the park. We were driven from the zoo, out of the city.... to the Central Cebu Natl. Park, about 3 hours away, and a place called "Tabunan". Like many drives in the rural areas of the RP ( "the PI " is no longer a politically correct term to use....so I've heard....yawn.), the road was wide enough for one and a half vehicles (or one bus), in very poor condition, and with no guard rails on the steeper mountain roads. After getting one of the rides of my life, and a greater respect for the driver's skills...we arrived in a valley that was surrounded by mountains, with one being the infamous Mt. Manunggal, where the former president Magsaysay (and 25 0thers) had met a tragic end in a plane crash. While the driver parked the vehicle, we were soon greeted by at least a dozen locals from the squatter homesteads, that speckled the hillside. We walked from there (mostly uphill), and around to the adjacent side of the mountain, until we arrived at the forest ranger's station, and home, at the edge of the forest. We were introduced, and chatted... while the ranger's wife and daughter prepared our box lunch, for the trip in. The path into the forest was wet, muddy, and at times very difficult hiking. After an hour plus hike...we arrived at a very crude makeshift platform, that was constructed overlooking the treetop canopy, to a valley below. The bamboo structure was more solid then it appeared, and the two of us were soon sitting comfortable at the top...after we were told by the ranger (the guide and driver stayed behind, back at the ranger's house...a little strange, yes... but it's the RP) that this was the spot , to see the flowerpecker...if we were indeed , lucky. It looked like rain was coming (again), but it held off while we ate, and I scanned the forest treetops intensely , and had brought a recording, of what the bird sounded like (call) , so I could possibly ID it first, by sound. If you've ever birded in the RP, you must have a recording to play in the thick tangles and forests, or you're not going to lure anything out into sight, and probably not see too much... except for the more common birds. The ranger left, and said he'd be back for us in a few hours for us, and wished us a special good luck in spotting the bird. Experienced birders from all over the world, had spent many hours, and even days on the platform...and never saw it. Experience really didn't matter much here...but luck certainly did. Fortunately for us, we were two of the lucky ones...that did. I first heard the call from behind me, and then saw something fly fast onto a branch near the canopy top (just below us). Scanning for a minute or so, I found myself looking at the colorful species, and easily confirmed the sighting by passing the binoculars to my very good friend...that after a short while, was looking at it, also. I got one more quick look, before the bird took off from it's canopy foraging, to another spot farther away and out of view. On our return walk back to the ranger station, we searched the bamboo thicket outskirts, after the ranger (a very talented guy that could mimic the call of the bird) skillfully called out a Black Shama, to the edge of the thicket. The skies finally let go, and we took cover under a large tree. It was another hour before we had the chance to briefly see the shama...that hopped out onto the path for a moment, before skitishly retreating back into the thicket. Wet and tired, I was very pleased to sign out on the log at the ranger station, and date the time I witnessed these rare birds...that many have not seen. I logged in seeing 19 species of birds (11 that were lifers), 2 species of herps, one species of giant fruit bat (flying fox), plus one species of horseshoe bat, and countless new insects and butterflies.

Woodknocks, woodpeckers, a boreal bog, and blackflies

From the early '90s, until just a few years ago...I was on a quest to see all of the boreal species of birds that can be found, and breed in NY state. They are a specialty of the Adirondack region...where there is boreal forest and bog habitat . I keep a bird life list database of species seen, from both N. America and abroad...as birding has always been a passion, and a good form of relaxation, that goes together naturally with a road trip and camping...which are also things I am very fond of.
There was one species that had eluded me (American Three-toed Woodpecker) , and was very difficult to locate in the field...despite going often into the right habitats and following the Northern NY bird list postings, that often provided up to date info on recent sightings of the species...which was quite rare. Why didn't I just travel further north into Canada, or to the northern mid west in the US to see make it easier to locate.... with abundant boreal habitat ? Well, I wanted to see it here, in NY State, where it was at the southern extremes of it's known range, located in isolated pockets of boreal bog habitat. One of the places that the bird was sighted, and had easy access to...was in Hamilton Co. , in the Adirondack Park. It was a preserve that was purchased and maintained by the Nature Conservancy (of whom I am an avid supporter), and had road access to a foot trail that led into the bog...that was located in between several small mountains, and hills. It was a beautiful and isolated spot, with just a few cottages on the seasonal dirt road, that was miles from the nearest town. In May of 2005, there were many reports of a female 3-toed that was being seen , associating with another boreal woodpecker species (Black-backed), that is a bit more common. I spent almost a week camping in the area, and made numerous trips to the bog, often in the company of many other birders...that were waiting out in the hopes of spotting this elusive bird. There was one morning, that the constructed board walk into the bog...was so crowded, that there was no more room to set up a scope and scan. I waited it out until late afternoon, and found myself with one other group of birders...an older man with his entire family. The man had on white rubber knee boots, and had a very unpleasant surly attitude when I got a little closer , and tried to speak with him. He gave me the vibes that he would have much more success...if me, and everyone else (but him, and his family) left. I figured out quickly.... by his boots, and attitude...that he had intentions of tromping off the boardwalk (where you are supposed to stay) , and into the bog searching for the bird. The rare plant life and protected species in this bog, does not fare well to foot traffic....thus, the reason why the boardwalk was constructed. Before I walked away, I reminded him of the dangers (falling through and drowning) of walking on sphagnum moss and bog, and the fragile rare flora and fauna he would trample. I decided to go to the other end of the boardwalk, but remained there (not out of spite) until late afternoon. The next morning, I ran into several other birders....that , yes... saw the 3-toed an hour after I left, the day before. I went home not seeing the species, and a bit discouraged, but looking forward to another chance, sometime.
In June of 2007, a former park ranger that lives in the closest town to the bog, sent me a heads up email, after reading my posts on the list from the previous season. He had seen the female, and also a male 3-Toed, still in association with a pair of Black-back WPs....the day before. I made some spur of the moment arrangements to travel, after work, and reached the dirt road and tiny parking area just after dark. I cooked up a little supper, and took a stroll down the road, and noticed no one was up there yet( in the couple cottages) during my walk. I decided to sleep in my vehicle, and hike into the bog at first light. At around 4 am, I was awoken by a rather loud sound, that had startled me. I was laying in my sleeping bag, with the rear window cracked enough to hear outside. A short time later, I heard a loud sharp "crack", that sounded like a ball being hit off a bat, or wood striking wood kind of sound. I went for my sidearm, to have at the ready...thinking this might have been someone close in the forest, behind my vehicle. While doing this, I heard a fainter two knock set of the same sound...that seemed to come from down in the bog, behind my vehicle. I slowly sat up, thinking "what's going on here....who could be walking around doing this chopping , at 4 in the morning". I then heard another clear sharp "crack" knock just behind my vehicle, that I estimate was no further than 100 feet away...if that. I went into my backpack for my audio recording gear, but by the time I got it assembled... the knocking had stopped. This event, later caused me to Google search woodknocks, and was the beginnings of me associating that incident, with possible sasquatch activity, that had been reported throughout the Adirondack Park. I eventually filed a report with several organizations. While one group published the report, the other did not...but did have an investigator, phone me.
I eventually joined the group that published my report (NESRA), and seemed to take it with a serious, but friendly approach. The next morning, I was up and onto the bog trail at first light, and recorded some Pileated Woodpecker drumming (that was Not what I heard knocking in the overnight), and a fantastic Winter Wren chorus. When I reached the boardwalk, I first spotted the pair of Black-backs in a large dead tree...and then, much to my delight...was a female Am. 3-toed just a few yards from me, foraging on a smaller tamarack tree next to the boardwalk. I got a good look, but the bird flew off out into the bog, and I wanted another look. When I walked out further and came into the open out of the trees...something large crashed through the trees on the east side of the bog, and I could hear the sounds of breaking limbs as it moved up the hill out of the bog. All went silent, and I continued to search for the 3-Toed, which I never did relocate. What ever crashed through the trees seemed large, by sound. It could have been a moose, or a bear, or a deer. I never got a visual on anything, while looking with my binoculars, and later with my spotting scope. I never walked around to investigate the area, that would have been a great spot to search for tracks. I was now getting assaulted....by swarms of Blackflies. I had a head net, and put it on. By the time I realized what was happening.... it was too late, and decided to get out of the bog, after I saw the blood running down my legs and neck. When I reached my vehicle, the flies in the air and around my head were almost gone, but there were still many biting my neck under the mesh, and my wrists and ankles (I had long sleeved clothes on). I drove home sporting a very swollen bite collar, on my neck, ankles, and wrists...with a few of the cursed buggers still in the truck (and going for me) that followed me in. It felt good that I had finally gotten a look at the Three-toed WP, and pulled over in the town , to check out my wounds, and grab some breakfast. The waitress gave me "the look", and probably knew I was one of those folks from "not around here" that didn't know enough to stay out of those places, during the blackfly season. As the Brits might say, ...I was quite a bloody mess. As far as what could have possibly done the wood on wood sounding knocks...well, it probably wasn't a person, but I can't really rule it out 100%. It wasn't a forest animal, because it would have needed hands, and could not hold a knocker with paws or hooves....right?. It wasn't a woodpecker...at night. Trees don't (to my knowledge) make that sound on their own, on a calm still night in the spring. So, what does that leave...for sources ?? Whatever it was that crashed through the trees, and out of the bog that early morning...I'll probably never know.

Still .... a mystery sound

Like many others that do audio recording in the field, I have developed a growing collection of unknown mystery sounds. I try with all my resources available, to identify the sound or call, so it can be filed away in the known sounds category...and used for future reference, should it show up again on mine, or any other researchers recording.
In September of 2008, myself and two old friends, camped out on state forest lands in Steuben Co., NY, near the Canisteo River valley. We found a spot used by fisherman, next to a large pond. I parked the vehicle, and we unloaded, gathered our gear, and trail blazed around the pond to find a very nice secluded spot in the woods, that was still within view and easy walk to the pond. We lazed by the pond, ate a lot, and I made some audio recordings (soundscapes) of the insects, frogs and bird life around the pond. Here is one of those recordings:

http://soundcloud.com/imonacan/cameronsf-087

The night sky was very dark, and the late summer Milky Way was easy to reveal. The best sky I have seen all year ! As an added treat, the ISS (International space station) came into view and moved almost right overhead before disappearing in front of us low on the horizon ...super luck and unexpected !
In the overnight, while the last two of us awake were preparing to get into our tents and turn in, we heard a lower pitched moaning call, that came from the opposite side of the pond. I scrambled to try to record it...but the call ended before I got the recorder started. Another example of a missed opportunity...because I didn't have a recorder on...All of the time. Several hours later, I woke up and heard the same moaning call again. This time, I got the last part (4 separate moans) of the vocalizations recorded. The recorded clip starts out immediately during one of these moans (each, lasting just over a second, in length), and then the others are heard, with the space in between the sounds...relatively, the same. Also, there is a higher pitched type of squeak, in between the 1st and 2nd moans. Unfortunately, my camping buddy (the infamous Floodman) let go with a smokers cough, during the 2nd moan....so be ready for that, if you decide to listen. Here is the clip:

http://soundcloud.com/imonacan/mystery-sounds-bud-cough

Ok, here is what we knew was around us, that night..... Barred Owl, GH Owl, WT Deer, and a family of Beaver, on the pond. No people, other than us...were there. I have not matched up these sounds with any of those (or any known) critters...although, I could be missing something, and that's why other opinions are always welcome and encouraged. Barred Owl has been on my mind...but I can say that I've never heard one produce that kind of sound, before.
One of my fellow NESRA investigators, provided me with the following clip (the moaning call of a Bull Moose)...that was interesting, and matched up... the closet, to anything that I've been able to find, yet. Here is that clip for comparison:

http://www.rnltruckrepairs.com/ihuntbc/sounds/moose1.wav

Was my recorded clip, a more distant moose call ? The characteristics of the sounds are similar, but I'm not yet 100% convinced. When I ask some associates I know, that are lifetime residents of the Finger Lakes and southerntier region of western NY.....about their opinion.... if it is possible that moose could now inhabit that region...they just laugh. But they also laugh when I talk to them about sasquatch roaming the forests in NY (or elsewhere)...so, who knows? I think it's possible that this could be a moose call. Moose have wandered and breed much further south than the Adirondack Park, in NY...and also east and south into the New England states. There is no current data to support that they are present , however.... in western NY. I think it is also possible that these sounds could have been distorted over the warmer pond air currents...making it all the more tricky for ID, and possibly a distorted one note call variation of a Barred Owl. Maybe, this is something else, that I have no idea, or reference too...yet.
Opinions on these short moaning calls , are welcome...and that's the reason I'm blogging it. I probably won't stop asking for opinions, until I find out what made these sounds.

The value of audio field recordings...an opinion

I think that unknown sounds recorded in the field, do hold some value...for not just the listeners and recordists, at present...but possibly for the future, of the research and investigation into the sasquatch phenomenon. I have to agree with the general opinion of the BF community...that it doesn't offer any indisputable solid proof, and should be considered as "trace evidence". There seems to be a lot more of these recordings collected, than any good photographic or video evidence. If we can't see and witness what's making the howls, screams, chatter, strange speech like sounds, grunts, whistles, mimic like sounds, pops, percussion, and wood knocks in areas that have a history of strange activity and sightings....then how we do know it's squatch ? I hate to answer a question with another question...but, than...what exactly is this.... that IS making these sounds out in the woods and remote forests? This is one of the things.... that I aim, to try and find out.
Putting out an audio recorder, and leaving it out for the overnight...has given me the most results, so far. This was not my idea, but one I adopted from the success of other researchers that have come up with some very interesting unknown vocalizations, using this method. It makes sense to me , that a creature (whether known ones or an unknown) is going to open up and act more natural and vocalize in it's habitat...when I'm not around, and it feels the need to watch me, instead of going about it's normal business. I've been working on methods to record for longer periods of time, and know there are others that have been successful at this.
Sharing any interesting results of the recordings, seems to be even more tricky, than actually doing the recording, itself. There is some interest on the forums, and I have tried to make an effort to find others that want to share, and encourage the recordists that are still in the shadows...to come forward and share. I've had limited success within the community. Sometimes it seems to me, that groups of folks share within their own friendly circles. I guess this is just human nature, and it's unfortunately...the way it is. I'm just as guilty of doing the same thing now...off the public eye, with others that I've met on various forums, although I've shared everything I thought was interesting, to this point. If you share too much, and speak openly about your true experiences (especially if you've had a couple, close together)... it seems you are up for a credibility check...by folks that are somehow capable, of judging others field experiences, from behind their computer screens....amazing stuff. I watched a group from Michigan share some very highly produced field recordings, that unfortunately.... ended up getting to be a really ugly mess. I don't care why it got ugly, and who was at fault, for whatever reasons.... as the history of most of that fiasco ... predates me in the forum community. I am only interested in the recordings themselves, and don't believe they are going away, anytime soon...although the folks that put up the recordings, seem to have taken a break from the spotlight, for now. These recordings could possibly hold value for the future, and I am not accepting any verdict of them being deemed a hoax...quite yet. We'll just have to wait, and see. I can't help but think, that the whole rather unpleasant scene, from what just started out as a link to a website, for listening and reading.... did not in anyway... encourage others to share field recordings, on forums.
What is this so called value that I speak of, anyway? Comparisons to known animal and human sounds, is all we have right now. We also have comparisons to each others unknown field recorded sounds. If the same unknown (yet to be identified sound) has been recorded in NY, and also in NC, Ohio, and Texas...for example, then that makes it all the more interesting...for me... in my mind. Proof of squatch running around out there...no....proof of Something unknown out there...yes. Could it be a known animal in all these locales, making the similar... unknown vocals ?...maybe....how about the wood knocks and percussive sounds?...not likely.
If and when, the holy grail squatch remains are ever found (providing, the right people find them)...they will tell us what this creature is, and finally be the accepted proof needed, to end this mystery, and force mainstream science to acknowledge the existence of the creature that so many people have witnessed. So what would be the next step ? Big game hunters (private or govnt sponsored) out to capture a live one, for study?....good luck, to you. Will this change the way science thinks, and the theories on primate, human, and hominid evolution, and life as we know it? Well, first..... it would help, to be able to observe and study a live one. How could you ever hope to protect something, that you really don't know diddly.... about, what it's doing out there ? What troubles me...is after the dust settles, and the big hype dies down.....that these remains still won't tell us much about the vocalizations it made while it was alive, and if it can knock on trees and push them over, make percussive sounds, mimic other animals and humans and machines. Maybe (just maybe)... the audio recordings will hold more of a value (to everyone) at that time. A library of unknown sounds and vocals, as a database....noting the geographic location, time, and circumstances during the recording.
So, while you're out there searching for ye pot of gold, and that indisputable proof that the creature does exist....what will it hurt to put out an audio recorder, and just walk away?
Blogs are created to express one's opinions...and of course ....these, are just mine.