Colorado Conservation Birding

Birding and discussion: A conservation-oriented birding blog that emphasizes low-impact birding and sustainable birding practices together with the enjoyment of birds. ****This site has moved to http://secoloradobirding.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Hurricane Katrina

Although I birded today in the lower Arkansas Valley, I will forgo my report on that until tomorrow. While driving, I heard many reports on Hurricane Katrina. I think we are all just starting to take in the astounding devastation wrought by Hurrican Katrina. In addition to the toll of death and injury to humans, many domestic and wild birds and animals are similarly impacted. I will get some links for rescue groups up on this site tomorrow.
SeEtta

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Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Salida Birding 8-29-05

Sorry for late posting, but I have been experiencing some difficulties getting this up on my blog (even did a bunch of basic html and lost it).

As I had a public meeting to attend in Salida, CO on a proposal to submit Brown's Canyon, I stopped a little before and a some after to do a little birding at Sands Lake. There were lots of Wilson's Warblers, a bunch of Yellow Warblers and several Orange-crowned Warblers in the large stands of willows surrouding this small lake and on the shore of the adjacent Arkansas River. Surprisingly I didn't see any Townsend's Warblers, a species that I saw there this time last year but I didn't have a lot of time to search. There was a ubiquitous Western Wood-Pewee working from a tall cottonwood. And the local population of about 20 males, females and immature Great-tailed Grackles, including one juvenile still begging, was on a small island in the lake.

I couldn't do any birding today due to other obligations but will make up for lost time tomorrow.
SeEtta

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Monday, August 29, 2005

Birding in Pueblo 8-28-05

Yesterday (8-28) I did a little birding in Pueblo on the Colorado State Univ of Pueblo. I found a gully which drained some of the campus so it had some wetlands. However, the most birds I saw were 4 female/immature Blue Grosbeak. A House Wren scolded from the reeds. And there were the ubiquitous Western-wood Pewees (2) and Wilson's Warblers. I also saw two Lark Sparrows--the university sits on the edge of short-grass prairie and there is a lot of rabbit-brush there.
SeEtta

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Sunday, August 28, 2005

Arctic National Wildlife Area at risk again!

Gosh, will it never end? A number of conservation groups are sending out alerts that another attempt will be made in September to get drilling authorized in the Arctic National Wildlife Area by attaching it to the Budget Reconciliation Bill (a sneaky way of avoiding a public debate plus using the need to enact this legislation that funds the running of the federal government). The Defenders of Wildlife have a good website explaining this threat. You can see an interactive map of bird species that breed in the Artic in your state and you can take action by sending a message to your Representative and Senators that only takes a minute or two.

Birders have not only a vested interest in protecting birds that use the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge so they can continue seeing and enjoying them, but also a responsibility as birders must be active in protecting and conserving birds and their habitats. So, please take a few minutes to send a message via the easy and quick method provided by Defenders of Wildlife. Thank you.
SeEtta

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Saturday, August 27, 2005

Expanded Code of Ethics

The Ontario (Canada) Field Ornithologists have developed an expanded Code of Ethics that I think adds some important and useful additions to the basic Code published by the American Birding Association (and linked in column on the right):

"As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey a responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.
  • In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

  • The welfare of the birds must come first. Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.
  • Habitat protection. Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.
  • Keep disturbance to a minimum. Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.
  • Rare breeding birds. If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.
  • Rare birds. Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged ; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.
  • Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.. Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.
  • Have proper consideration for other birders. When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders' activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.
  • Increase our knowledge about birds. Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.
  • When birding in other countries, provinces or regions. Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected."
  • SeEtta

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Canon City birding

This morning I birded with two Pueblo birders, Pearle and Clif, who drove up to Canon City to do the eastern section of the Canon City Riverwalk with me. We ran into several active, mixed groups of birds along the approx 1 mile of this section. Following are some of the less common birds we saw:

Plumbeous Vireos-at least 3 (including 1 immature and 1 that was singing)
Orange-crowned Warbler-1 seen by Pearle
Nashville Warbler-1 seen by Clif
MacGillivray's Warbler-1 seen by Pearle and Clif
Wilson's Warblers-many still migrating through
Western Tanager-many still migrating through
and several Black-chinned, Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds (many migrating)

SeEtta

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Can birding really harm birds?

There is not a lot research on the impacts of birding on birds; and what there is tends to be done at very important areas. There are also studies that show negative impacts of "visitors" (including general wildlife watchers as well as birders) such as noted in the following abstracts:

  • "Humans visiting natural areas often disturb wildlife, possibly displacing animals from desirable habitat. To hold ecotourism at acceptable levels refuge managers need to know which species are likely to be affected and which response occurs at different levels of disturbance. Displacement of waterbirds at J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida (U.S.A.), by specific human activities was demonstrated experimentally by Klein in 1993. We assessed the extent of this effect of ecotourism on the distribution of 38 species of waterbirds by surveying birds in plots of known distance from a dike along which wildlife tours occurred. Most resident species were less sensitive to disturbance than were migrants. Migrant ducks were most sensitive when they first arrived, mid-October to mid-December, usually remaining more than 80 m from the drive, even at low levels of human visitation. Herons, egrets. Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), and Anhingas (Anhinga anhinga) were most likely to remain close to areas of high human activity. Shorebirds were displaced at intermediate distance and visitation levels. Mottled Ducks (Anas fulvigula) and several of the ardeids seemed to include two groups differing in behavior, one habituated to humans and one sensitive to disturbance. Public education and changes in management practices are needed to reduce disturbance. Guided tours and low-disturbance zones where people stay in their cars could reduce the negative effects of tourists, especially in the fall when migrants arrive. The number of human visitors may have to be reduced or the wildlife drive closed on certain days during the tourist season." Conservation Biology Volume 9 Issue 6 Page 1454 - December 1995 doi:10.1046/j.1523-1739.1995.09061454.x Effects of Ecotourism on Distribution of Waterbirds in a Wildlife RefugeMary L. Klein, Stephen R. Humphrey, +and H. Franklin Percival
  • "Traditionally, observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife were considered to be 'nonconsumptive' activities because removal of animals from their natural habitats did not occur.... nonconsumptive wildlife recreation was considered relatively benign in terms of its effects on wildlife; today, however, there is a growing recognition that wildlife-viewing recreation can have serious negative impacts on wildlife" (p257) Knight, Richard L. and Kevin J. Gutzwiller, eds. Wildlife and Recreationists. Covelo, California: Island Press, c.1995.
  • "Abstract. This study investigated the influence of recreational trails on breeding bird communities in forest and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems in Boulder County, Colorado during 1994 and 1995. . .Results indicated that composition and abundance of birds were altered adjacent to trails in both grasslands and forest ecosystems. In particular, some species like interior forest species did not occur, or occurred in lower densities, near trails than they occurred at a greater distance from trials; whereas some species, mainly generalists like edge species, were more abundant near trails." INFLUENCE OF RECREATIONAL TRAILS ON BREEDING BIRD COMMUNITIES By Scott G. Miller, Richard L. Knight, and Clinton K. Miller,

SeEtta

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Birding in pj habitat near Canon City on 8-26-05

Canon City is surrounded on 3 sides by pinyon-juniper (pj) dotted foothills. Today I birded some in this habitat to the northwest of town. Here are some of the birds seen:

Phantom Canyon-lower road:
Pinyon Jay-small flock of about 20 or so birds (this is a species of concern)
Juniper Titmouse-1

CR132 on the way to Beaver Creek Wilderness Study and State Wildife Areas--birds were seen from road where it goes thru private property in a canyon area not far up the road
Canyon Wren-1 very songful and inquisitive bird
Rock Wrens-3 (at least one a juvenile being fed by a parent)
Shrub Jays-several
Western Bluebirds--about 10
Say's Phoebe-1 (in same area I have seen one in past years-same bird or offspring maybe?)

SeEtta

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Friday, August 26, 2005

Low-impact Birding

With all the pressure on bird populations and their habitats, from habitat fragmentation and destruction to tower kills, it is imperative that birders develop and practice low-impact birding skills. I have heard it argued that birders help bird conservation by the focus and money they put into birding recreation and I think that is true. But I don't believe that low-impact birding is incompatible with productive and pleasureable birding for all but the most aggressive competitive birders.


Low-impact birding focusses attention on keeping the welfare of the birds and their habitat first. And low-impact birding is starting to be recognized by those who manage important and sensitive lands as well as a few ecotourism companies who practice true ecotourism (not industrial tourism that cloaks it's greed with empty ecotourism titles).


What is low-impact birding? We will focus on that over the next few days so check back soon.


SeEtta

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Thursday, August 25, 2005

Canon City birding 8-25-05

I stopped by the east end of the Canon City Riverwalk about 4 pm. In the field before the trail I saw 2 juvenile Eastern Phoebes (with their yellow bellies, dipping their tails in phoebe fashion) sharing a fence with 2 Western Kingbirds. The same area produced a number of Blue Grosbeaks (both adult males, females and immatures), migrating Wilson's Warblers, 1 male Downy Woodpecker (on a mullein plant), more than a dozen migrating Western Tanagers and 1 Empid (shorthand for Empidonax flycatcher, a group that is very difficult to identify except by voice).

Down the Riverwalk trail I saw a MacGillivray's Warbler that first by it's "chip" note. Several Western Wood-Pewees fussed with each other. More Wilson's Warblers were moving through including several males with their distinctive small black caps. And I heard the distinctive "bidi, bidi, bidi, bidi" call (that's what it sounds like to me) then saw a White-breasted Nuthatch. When I was joined later by another birder, he saw a Olive-sided Flycatcher.

SeEtta

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Wednesday, August 24, 2005


Canon City area birding 8-24-05-Black & Eastern Phoebes

I didn't go down to the Canon City Riverwalk until this evening as I was going to do my fitness walk that I do in the evening when there are usually fewer birds and thus fewer interruptions so I can get some aerobic effect. But at 6 pm I ran into several small active spots of birds including more movement of migrating Wilson's Warblers and several female hummingbirds. In one of these spots, near the irrigation gates, was a migrating Black Phoebe (during breeding season I do not give specific locations as these are still pretty unusual birds in Colo and breeding birds can abandon nests when disturbed). In that location an Eastern Phoebe flew over but I couldn't see it well enough to tell if it was an juvenile (with yellow belly).

A little further up the Riverwalk I heard burry call that reminded me of a wren but not quite. It was a Plumbeous Vireo, a species whose song I am much more familiar with than this call. I watched it for several minutes as it worked on devouring a grasshopper about a third of its own size. Then a second Plumbeous Vireo flew by with its own grasshopper. Such a good size meal will certainly fuel these birds for their continuing migration.

Today I also refound a juvenile Eastern Phoebe at my friend's farm near Canon City.

And saw this silhouetted Great Blue Heron across the river as pictured above.

SeEtta

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Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Canon City birding 8-23-05

The Canon City Riverwalk was slow for migrating landbirds today both from 7:30-9:30 am and this evening at 6:00-6:30 pm. I covered about 3 linear miles of the Riverwalk which covered all of the eastern section plus both the river and bluff trails on the west section. But there was a good selection of both residents and birds that spend the breeding season here including the following:
Wood Ducks (6 females/immatures, furthest west I have seen indications of breeding by this species); Black-chinned Hummingbird; Broad-tailed Hummingbird; Downey Woodpecker; Western Wood-Pewee (probably some migrants in addition to those that nested or fledged in the area); Blue Jays (wouldn't you know, the birder from Calif who wanted to see this species missed them by just a few days);Black-capped Chickadees; House Wren; Gray Catbird (heard 1 but couldn't get it to show itself); Yellow Warbler (again, probably some that are migrants in addition to local birds); MacGillivray's Warbler (a pretty shy species that is not easily seen); Wilson's Warblers (a few migrants); Western Tanager (still good numbers of migrants, still often found eating fruit); Blue Grosbeak (several up and down the Riverwalk, adult males seen); Lazuli Bunting (1 scraggly looking male); Lesser Goldfinch (many); and American Goldfinch.

Noticeable by their absence have beenYellow-breasted Chats and Common Yellowthroats. More often heard than seen, there have been few of either of these species calling lately and they usually are here through part of September. ???

SeEtta

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Birding-a benign recreation?

Certainly when one compares birding to such other recreational choices as ATV, dirt bike and snowmobile riding, it has a much more limited impact on birds, other wildlife, soils, water and ecosystems. I think such comparisons beg the question. And I think that some birders believe that birding is a totally benign recreational choice. I, and many others not only in Colorado but nationwide, would say otherwise.

I love birding-enough that I do it almost every day. But I think it is important to look realistically at both the costs as well as benefits of those activities in which we are involved. And I think that all recreational activities involve some risk of harm for birds, other wildlife and their habitats.

Sadly, it has been my experience that some birders apparently think that birding is somehow sacrosanct and they become offended when it is suggested that some birders might put their recreational pursuit above the welfare of the birds and their habitats. The reality is otherwise and it only does harm to our chosen recreational pursuit to bury our heads in the sand, pretending every birder always follows ABA Code of Birding Ethics perfectly.

Novice birders often violate these ethics unknowingly. And frankly, I think that those of us who are more experienced, and especially the birding organizations, do an injustice to novice birders by not discussing the common pitfalls we all face. I think a good example of that is not in educating novice birders more about how birding can harm nesting birds. Sure, the Code of Birding Ethics states, "Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies. . . ." But what is "well back"? I think that is difficult to describe and varies according to species and other factors. But there are fairly specific warnings that need to be discussed.

I remember when I first began birding, I had no idea that walking up towards a nest could leave a trail for predators to follow. Even if I didn't walk right up to the nest, I probably created scent trails that led near enough to some nesting birds that might have alerted predators to the eggs or nestlings.

Then there is the issue of staying on trails--I suspect a hot subject. I can't think of one birder that I know who I haven't seen stray off of trails or paths to search for birds. I remember when I went on some of my early birding trips after I had gained some birding skills. One of Colorado's most skilled birders led trips that are best described as "hit and run" birding. The whole purpose was to get as many bird species, especially more rare species, as quickly as possible. Tromping through habitat, including important migratory bird habitat, was the norm for this birder. What we as more experienced birders do when we are birding, especially as field trip leaders, teaches more novice birders how to behave.

If you would like to comment, agree or disagree, click on the "comment" button below. It will open a pop-up comment form.

SeEtta

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Monday, August 22, 2005


Canon City area birding 8-22-05

This poor owl was as you see hanging upside down from a electric wire, apparently electrocuted and still hooked by its talon to that which killed it. It's face is somewhat visible between it's wings. I believe this is a Long-eared Owl, and was near an area where they have been seen this year. You can see that this owl has feathered legs and feet. Long-eared Owls have heavily feathered legs and feet, have a white patch below their bills, have a lot of streaks and barring on their body feathers that are brown with black and white markings with buffy underwings-all consistent with this bird.

There wasn't much happening at the eastern section of Canon City Riverwalk besides many Wilson's Warblers that are still migrating through. I did see 6+ Spotted Sandpipers along the river which is a lot for this area and likely some are migrating through. They are pretty easy to spot with their frequent bobbing action.

I also stopped by Brush Hollow Reservoir which was partially covered with some algae bloom so no boats for a change and few fisherman. There was a very vocal Osprey, several Double-Crested Cormorants, two Great Blue Heron, and a few Pied Grebes aroune the lake. 5+ Spotted Sandpipers that were walking on top of algae, searching for food. A large flock of Chipping Sparrows were flying on the east side through the trees and into the grass and shrubs.

SeEtta

P. S.--If you believe this owl is not a Long-eared, you can note that and why by clicking the "comments" button below--a pop-up screen will open with a comment form.


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Blog update 8-22-05

Since yesterday when I posted this blog address on Cobirds, the Colorado birding listserve fun by Colo Field Ornithologist, 68 "unique" visitors (addresses that had not visited for 3 hours so as to no double count someone who enters the site then comes back in a short period of time) have purviewed this blog. And we have our first "comment" which was a request to join as a member, which is pending the person's confirmation.

I have had to spend some more time learning about operating the site and the add-ons--the site statistics add-on and the comments add-on (add-on's are just sorta like small software additions to the basics provided by the blog host). Blogging has it's own unique terminology, a little of which I have learned.

SeEtta

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Sunday, August 21, 2005

Canon City birding on 8-21-05

I looked for the Forster's Tern again today but did not see it. Since Canon City and the surrounding area has only a few ponds in addition to the Arkansas River, we don't get many gulls or terns. Many of the gulls and terns we do get do not stay long so I was not surprised that the Forster's was not where I saw it yesterday.

I birded the eastern half of the Canon City Riverwalk again today. I ran into a birder from California who is doing a birding trip through here. After birding Pueblo tomorrow, he will head up through Colo Springs then west on H24 to begin his way back home. He was pleased to have seen an Eastern Kingbird. Though common here, this is near the limit of their westerly range. He wanted to see Blue Jays but I haven't heard any on the Riverwalk for awhile. Maybe he will see one in Pueblo tomorrow. It is always interesting to run into birders from other areas. The birds they want to see may be common in our area, though not always there when someone is looking for them.

I saw 2 Olive-sided Flycatchers. This is a bird of conservation concern. They breed in old-growth confinerous forests and some in deciduous andmixed aspen/conifer forests according to the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. So I am always pleased to see these birds.

SeEtta
Canon City

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Canon City area birding on 8-20-05
Following are a some more notable birds (those not real common or just migrating through) that I saw while birding yesterday in the Canon City, Colorado area. Many Western Tanagers continue their migration through here. I find a lot of them gorging themselves for their trip on both native and non-native fruits including wild plum and Russian Olive fruit. Wilson Warblers also continue to move in, now including males with the females and immatures that I have seen this past week.

There were 3 Chimney Swifts flying above the Canon City Riverwalk. Though not a common species here, I have seen fewer this summer than in past years. I was able to find 2 Green Herons (considered a rarity along the front range, but they are in any area that is well traveled by many others and not any more disturbable by birders than other users of the area as noted below--so at this point I feel comfortable posting location) on a pond on the Canon City Riverwalk. Sadly as I watched one, I noticed something hit the water. The heron jumped back and emitted a squack. When it happened again I realized there were some teenagers laughing as they apparently had skipped some rocks at the heron and thought it was funny to startle it. They left before I could say anything to them.

I checked out several areas in Florence but it was pretty quiet. I did see a Wild Turkey hen with 8 good sized young. This area is seeing a lot of housing development so there is less habitat for Wild Turkeys. In fact, there is a Great Blue Heron nesting colony in this area that I am concerned will lose their nesting area as someone bought the property next to the heronry and are building on it.

I also found a Forster's Tern in the Canon City area on private property. Though unusual in this area, they are fairly common in other front range Colo areas. Also on private property near Canon City I saw a juvenile Eastern Phoebe whose yellow belly was quite bright (maybe just good sunlight on it or just more yellow than many).

SeEtta


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Saturday, August 20, 2005

Hello birders. This is hopefully the beginning of a interesting, enjoyable and educational blog on birding in Colorado.

Colorado Birding is a conservation-oriented blog that emphasizes sustainability in birding practices. Birders can enjoy the recreation of birding without compromising the welfare of birds or their habitats.

While there are a number of listserves, websites and organizations that promote "listing" (maintaining life/year/state/county/etc lists of birds seen or heard) as the way to enjoy birds, this blog will focus on the enjoyment of observing and learning about birds with or without keeping a formal bird list. And it will encourage birding in a manner that is consistent with conservation of birds and their habitats. Civil dialogue is not only allowed but advocated.

Birders of all stages of experience are welcome to join. The basic rules are:
  1. Civil discourse is required
  2. No profanity, no "flaming" or other inappropriate interactions
  3. Postings of bird sightings are welcome but do not post exact locations of very rare birds or those who are very sensitive to disturbance (if in doubt, post the bird sighting without the location and ask if posting the location could be detrimental to the bird or its habitat.
  4. Read and always follow the American Bird Associations's Code of Birding Ethics located at http://www.americanbirding.org/abaethics.htm
This site is fledged

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