Whereas the orioles were easy to photograph, the bluebirds were quite timid, refusing to remain still for more than a moment or two and making photo opportunities difficult.

While the orioles nested in the woods to the north, the bluebirds -- at least two mating pairs -- nested in the small woods bordering the southern edge of our property. They made repeated forays to our mulberry tree, appearing to take a single berry and fly back into the woods. Moments later they would reappear on a dead limb of a white ash (as seen in above photo), making a brief stop before flying in for another mulberry.  

We had ample bluebird sightings in our backyard this year. While I was aware they were not around in great numbers, until now I've never realized how shy and retiring they are. Claudia and I have seen more bluebirds during the summer of 2011 than all previous years combined. Maybe it's nature's way of making up for a less than pleasant winter!

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating an incident of leaving the scene of an accident. It occurred during the early morning hours of Monday, Sept 5.

The accident was at 59 Jackson St., at the entrance to a parking lot on Jackson Street just north of Ellicott Street. A lamppost and a stop sign were struck during the incident. The lamppost was destroyed and a stop sign was broken off at the base.

Debris left at the scene indicates the vehicle involved is a blue in color Pontiac.

Persons with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Batavia Police Dispatch at 585-345-6350 or the Batavia Police Confidential Tip Line at 585-345-6370. Persons may also report information via the Suspicious Activity Reporting link on the Batavia Police Department’s website.

UPDATE 7:52 a.m., Wednesday: The female driver has reportedly turned herself in. The investigation is continuing.

Alicia M. Lyons, 31, of 17 1/2 Central Ave., Batavia, is  charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Lyons was allegedly observed scratching the paint of a vehicle parked off of Central Avenue. Lyons was taken into custody by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Timothy Garrick Fitzgerald, 45, of Windsor Drive, North Tonowanda, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to signal lane change and moving from lane unsafely. Fitzgerald was stopped at 9:53 p.m., Friday, in the area of 4016 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Graff.

Sarah White Gilmartin, 35, of Norwalk Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, dazzling headlights and no/insufficient tail lamps. Gilmartin was stopped at 2:10 a.m., Aug. 27, on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy James Diehl.

Russell R. Miles, 43, of 12 Lake St., Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt. Miles was arrested following a report of a disturbance at 12 Lake St. Miles was allegedly involved in the disturbance with a person who was the subject of a stay-away court order. Miles was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Brett A. Simcick, 27, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI. Simcick was stopped by Le Roy Police in the early morning hours Saturday for allegedly failing to stop for a stop sign on Hilltop Drive, Village of Le Roy. Simcick was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Matthew Alvin Johnson, 28, of Prestige Crossing Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana and no plate lamps. Johnson was stopped at 1:46 a.m., Sunday, on Seven Springs Road, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

A 23-year-old woman was injured at 10:30 p.m., Saturday, when she was ejected from the back of the pickup truck she was riding in at Darien Lake State Park.

Deputy Chris Parker, who investigated the accident, said in his report that the driver, Jarrett P. Hayes, 22, of Doyle Road, Baldwinsville, was trying to take a curve at an unreasonable speed.

Hayes was cited for alleged unreasonable speed and reckless driving.

Injured was Ann M. Dale, who was transported by UMMC by private vehicle.

Six other people were in the truck. Nobody else was injured.

The Sheriff's Office reports 10 arrests and 50 citations issued in connection with the Toby Keith concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday.

Raymond J. Kolas, 29, of Four Mile Run, Pittsburgh, Pa., is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a security guard while attempting to enter the concert venue with a false access pass. Kolas was released on $100 pre-arraignment bail to appear Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. in Darien Town Court.

Thomas E. White, 26, of Fitch Road, Ransomville, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the concert grass parking lot.

Adam C. Hellwig, 26, of Olean-Portville Road, Portville, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Andrew J. Whitmire, 25, of Stone Hill Road, Livonia, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a valid ticket.

Robert D. Farnham, 25, of Campbell Blvd., Lockport, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after allegedly causing a disturbance while leaving the concert and then resisting arrest.

Ari J. W. Maio, 26, of Mulberry Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a valid ticket.

Durst J. J. Buchebal , 21, of Clay Street, North East, Pa., is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a small quantity of marijuana.

Adrianne M. Ceglia, 48, of Rapids Road, Lockport, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a security guard inside the concert venue.

Robert L. Burns, 57, of Barbadus Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing and attempting to punch a security guard inside the concert venue.

Joshua M. Carney, 20, of Wescott Street, Buffalo, is charged with false personation and possession with intent to consume alcohol after allegedly lying about his date of birth after being found in possession of alcohol.

The following people received citations for alleged underage drinking.

Bridget A. Kruszka, 20, of Dover Street, Lakeview
Shannon E. Yates, 19, of Garlow Road, Niagara Falls
Jamie L. Skrlin, 19, of Saunders Settlement Road, Lewiston
Jacob A. Piersc, 20, of Seneca Place, Lancaster
A 17-year-old of Meadowbrook Drive, Albion
Lucas J. Hellwig, 20, of Olean-Portville Road, Portville
A 17-year-old of Nash Road, North Tonawanda
A 17-year-old of Walmore Road, Wheatfield
A 17-year-old of Miller Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Saunders Settlement Road, Niagara Falls
A 16-year-old of Center Pine Lane, Williamsville
A 16-year-old of Wood Acres Drive, East Amherst
Joshua M. Cohen, 18, of Valley Brook Lane, East Amherst
A 17-year-old of Driftwood Court, Williamsville
A 17-year-old of Arielle Court, Williamsville
Amira M. Sarkis, 20, of Long Pond Road, Greece
Dominique Estratti, 19, of Northwind Way, Rochester
Sean P. Federow, 19, of Marshall Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of East Rouen Drive, Cheektowaga
Cody D. Mayer, 19, of 5th Street Court, East Bradenton, Fla.
A 16-year-old of South Academy Street, Albion
A 16-year-old of Gilhooly Road, Alexander
Amanda M. Przybylski, 20, of Penora Street, Depew
Lauren M. Berner, 18, of Town Line Road, Lancaster
Karly D. Manges, 19, of Three Rod Road, Alden
A 17-year-old of David Road, Williamsville
A 17-year-old of Deveaux Street, Niagara Falls
A 16-year-old of North Military Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Hermitage Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Isherwood Drive, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of River Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Colin Court, North Tonawanda
A 17-year-old of Switch Road, Stevensville, Ontario, Canada
Jason A. Michaud, 19, of O’Reilly Road, South Wainfleet, Ontario Canada
Brooke M. Lindsay, 20, of Birch Court, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Sean A. G. Parker, 20, of Burnaby Road, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
Casey J. Benson, 20, of Union Street, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Dylan D. Edwards, 19, of Knoll Street, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Joshua R. Feith, 19, of Hwy. 3RR1, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
Landon S. Minor, 18, of Lakeshore Road, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
Sarah L. Pickersgill, 19, of Forest Avenue, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Tage A. Crooks, 19, of Sherk Road, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Jonathan L. Aarts, 20, of Pettit Road, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
Mark A. Kramer, 19, of Stanley Street, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Markie L. M. Peyton, 18, of Clarence Street, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
A 16-year-old of Lakeshore Road, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Saraya A. Madden, 18, of Shamrock Avenue, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
A 17-year-old of Lakeshore Road, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
A 17-year-old of Forks Road, Welland, Ontario, Canada

Here's a press release from The Batavian's news partner WBTA:

This week AM-1490 WBTA & WBTAi.com will air a special presentation marking the 40th anniversary of the Attica Prison Riot.

Listeners in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties are invited to tune into the “Listen Live” stream, Sept. 6-9 for a news series called “Attica at 40: In Our Own Words.”

This series takes a retrospective look at the Attica Prison Riot through the eyes of WBTA correspondents who lived it in 1971. Produced and anchored by WBTA’s Geoff Redick, this 40th anniversary commemorative broadcast takes place as a special feature on Main & Center, beginning at approximately 9:07 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

Former WBTA personalities Rich Funke, Jim Lanigan and Frank Mangefrida recount their experiences at Attica, and in area hospitals following the tragic massacre of prisoners and hostages. The series concludes on Friday, Sept. 9 – the day the riot began – with a special appearance by former WBTA president Bill Brown, offering one of his legendary on-air editorials.

“These men had little idea on September 9th, 1971, that their lives would be forever changed in reporting this story,” said Geoff Redick, WBTA News anchor. “I urge all listeners to find time to listen on AM-1490, or at WBTAi.com, to hear these amazing stories of an American tragedy.”

Full-length interviews with Rich, Jim, Frank and Bill will all be available later at the Local News page on WBTAi.com.

A possible structure fire is reported at 111 State St.

There is smoke in the residence, which is confirmed by a police officer who responded to the alarm.

City Fire Department on scene.

UPDATE 8:20 a.m.: Firefighter: "It looks like it's a piece of clothing on top of a lamp in the bedroom." Later, "The source has been removed to the outside."

UPDATE 8:30 a.m.: City fire back in service.

View Larger Map

Apparently, traffic is moving slowly out of Darien Lake Theme Park following the Toby Keith concert.

A Sheriff's Office's sergeant checked with the deputy on the progress of one grass parking lot and the deputy responded, "They've moved one car length since I've been out here."

"Copy."

"If the rain keeps coming, they might need Noah's Ark to come get 'um," the deputy added.

UPDATE 11:27 p.m.: A Darien fire chief reports that the road is blocked at Sumner and Walker by a truck trying to pull a car out of a ditch. Law enforcement dispatched to the scene.

From kettle korn to pop music there was no end of reasons to be in Oakfield today for the annual Labor Day picnic sponsored by the Oakfield Betterment Committee.

Games, crafts, music, family fun and of course food will all be part of the festivities again Monday starting with a parade at 10 a.m.

If you have trouble viewing the slide show below, click here.

At the top of the ninth inning, the Dwyer Stadium PA announcer played a song by The Doors.

This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end

Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end
No safety or surprise, the end
I'll never look into your eyes...again

For the Auburn Doubledays, it could have been a sign that the Muckdog's 4-1 lead could withstand any offensive assault. It could have been a reference to the final game of the season.

Or, perhaps, a dirge for the final game of the Batavia Muckdogs. Ever.

It's too soon to say, and nobody really knows, whether there will be a 2012 campaign of professional baseball in Batavia, but at least the Muckdogs gave the faithful something to cheer about on a cloudy Sunday in September.

The Muckdogs close out 2011 with a record 37-38, good enough for fourth place in the Pickney Division of the NYPL (a storied baseball league founded in Batavia), but leaving them eight games out of first place.

Vance Albitz, scrappy shortstop who played his college ball in San Diego but went undrafted despite twice being named defensive player of the year, helped lead the Muckdogs to victory with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI.

DH Jeremy Lee Patton, another first-year player, finished out the season with a .293 average after banging out two hits.

The win went to Javier Enrique Avendano (1-2) and Danny Miranda picked up his 15th save even though he surrendered two hits and run.

Miranda was helped out by two crucial Doubleday base running blunders.

Bryce Ortega, who should have been out at second except for a throwing error by second baseman Garrett Wittels, tried to advance to third. Ortega's decision to race for third was questionable with his team down by three runs. But with third baseman Daniel Stienstra busy retrieving Wittels' errant throw, maybe worth the gamble.

Stienstra grabbed the ball and was able to flip it to Miranda, charging toward the bag, and Miranda applied a tag with Ortega still two feet from the base (though some fans on the third-base side said the tag was never made).

When Russell Moldenhauer doubled to center, Matthew Skole scored and Moldenhauer, perhaps feeling greedy, tried to stretch his double into a triple. He was, as the say, out by a mile.

And that, my friend, was the end.

If you have trouble viewing the slide show below, click here.

Throughut the summer there was no shortage of colorful songbirds around our home. The orioles were among the first arrivals, showing up when the apple tree blossomed. They busied themselves searching the small white blooms for food, flitting from branch to branch in their quest for tiny insects.

Perched at the very top of the tree, this oriole took time to preen.

Looking for bugs

Casting a wary eye

Belting out a few notes

Multiple mating pairs nested in the small woods along the northern edge of our property. Their pleasant song was often heard anytime during the daylight hours. 

A person is reportedly unconscious after being assaulted by an assailant at the Crooked Creek Driving Range on Sumner Road, Darien.

The location is near Darien Lake Performing Arts Center where there is a Toby Keith concert tonight.

Law enforcement and Darien fire and ambulance in route.

Law enforcement is called to Darien Lake Theme Park in response to a complaint of a patron cutting a stuffed animal at a ring-toss game on the Midway. The stuffing is supposedly "all over the Midway" and the man refuses to heed the directives of security.

A fight is reported on The Hill across from the employee entrance of Darien Lake Theme Park off Sumner Road, Darien. The address is 1516 Sumner Road.

As many as 50 people are said to be involved.

Sheriff's deputies and State Troopers responding.

A 3-year-old child is suffering seizures after being struck in the head with a football. A Mercy Flight helicopter is called to Pavilion High School, where the Pavilion Fire Department is going to set up a landing zone.

UPDATE 5:26 p.m.: The patient is stabilized, so the child will be transported by ground ambulance to a hospital and Mercy Flight is canceled.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: An ambulance is transporting the child, accompanied by the mother, to Strong Memorial Hospital.

A driver said he blacked out before his car struck a tree at the intersection of Cockram Road and Transit Road, Town of Elba, at 6:04 p.m., Saturday.

The driver, Eric J. Harter, 36, of South Byron, was transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello wrote in his report that alcohol may be a factor in the accident and charges are pending.

Harter was westbound on Cockram when his truck proceeded through the intersection at Transit Road. His truck struck a stand of trees.

Byron and South Byron responded to the scene and extricated Harter from his truck. Elba fire police handled traffic control.

A woman said she suffered a diabetic issue, causing her to rear end the car of a Batavia resident who had stopped for a red light on Lewiston Road at 8:03 p.m., Friday.Two

Two people suffered minor injuries in the accident and needed to be transported to UMMC for treatment, according to the Sheriff's Office report.

Cited for allegedly following too closely was Mary A. Acomb, 31, of Dewey Ave., Batavia.

Acomb's 2008 Chevy sedan struck a 2007 Toyota sedan driven by Frank J. D'Angelo, 53, of South Main Road, Batavia.

D'Angelo was stopped at the intersection of Lewiston and Park roads when his Toyota was struck. He was not injured, nor was Acomb.

Reportedly injured where Mona L. Adams, 33, and Diana L. Sheehan, 30.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Brad Mazur.

(initial report)

Marc Bzduch took his sons -- Dante, Devyn and Alexandre -- out for some early morning fishing at Dewitt Park. Bzduch said they arrived at the lake at 5:30 a.m., but it was raining, so they sat in his truck for about 45 minutes waiting for it to clear.