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22 May Hummer photo for Facebook? [Katherine Bouma ] 22 May Wind Farm Raptor Deaths Statistics ["KEN" ] 21 May Anyone watching YCNH's in Homewood Park? ["Kathryn" ] 21 May Re: Good NEWS from Saks (Anniston) [] 21 May Good NEWS from Saks (Anniston) ["Debbie" ] 21 May Canvasback Duck at Guntersville State Park and Osprey in the Guntersville area ["jdgphoto333" ] 21 May Re: purple martin losses [Jon Yoder ] 19 May Lake Guntersville State Park today [Harold Peterson ] 19 May RE: Ruffner this morning - the details... ["Duncan, Scot" ] 19 May Eurasian Collared Doves in SE Huntsville ["star_stuf" ] 18 May RE: Ruffner this morning - the details... [] 18 May RE: New call - Eurasian Collared Dove [] 18 May Re: Com Redpoll still present Friday, May 17 [] 18 May Re: Ruffner this morning - the details... ["Gregory J. Harber" ] 18 May Ruffner this morning - the details... ["scotduncan26" ] 18 May Re: Com Redpoll still present Friday, May 17 [Janice Neitzel ] 18 May Com Redpoll still present Friday, May 17 [] 18 May New call - Eurasian Collared Dove [Bill Rogers ] 18 May Hummingbird Stuff- Longish [] 18 May PS about Migrants NOW at Ruffner Mtn ["Lucy & Bob Duncan" ] 18 May Migrants NOW at Ruffner Mtn ["Lucy & Bob Duncan" ] 18 May Magnolia Warblers [] 17 May Re: Painted Bunting [] 17 May Painted Bunting [] 17 May COMMON REDPOLL continues in Baldwin County ["Howard Horne" ] 16 May More migrants? ["Lucy & Bob Duncan" ] 15 May Re: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) [] 15 May Re: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) [Dana Hamilton ] 15 May RE: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) [] 16 May Deceased loon- Harrison Co ["kittytripp AT ymail.com" ] 15 May Re: loon ["Anne G. Miller" ] 15 May Busy nesting year ["Lawrence" ] 15 May More Baby Birds [] 15 May Re: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) ["esweat1 AT gmail.com"] 15 May Bald Eagle Nest ["rampager9898" ] 15 May Success! [Daniel Prince ] 15 May Re: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) [] 15 May COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) ["Howard Horne" ] 15 May Bald Eagle Nest ["rampager9898" ] 15 May Bald Eagle Nest ["rampager9898" ] 14 May Mississippi Kites ["Jud Johnston" ] 15 May Hey Andrew DI ["Charlie" ] 15 May loon ["pemburung" ] 13 May loon ["pemburung" ] 13 May Re: DI loon ["pemburung" ] 12 May DI loon ["pemburung" ] 12 May Re: No fallout in NW FL ["pemburung" ] 11 May No fallout in NW FL ["Lucy & Bob Duncan" ] 11 May Jackson County Park today- opportunistic Great Blue Heron [Harold Peterson ] 11 May fallout conditions? ["Lucy & Bob Duncan" ] 11 May Baby Kildeer [Bill Rogers ] 11 May weather now ["Lucy & Bob Duncan" ] 11 May Re: Last chance for migrants? [] 10 May Last chance for migrants? ["Lucy & Bob Duncan" ] 10 May White throated sp [] 10 May Bob on Absolutely Alabama [] 10 May RE: help ["Reed, Robert" ] 10 May help [] 8 May Fort Morgan Issues [] 8 May Re: A Kestrel Saved For The Time Being [Mac Walter ] 8 May change of email [Janice Neitzel ] 8 May Re: A Kestrel Saved For The Time Being [Mac Walter ] 8 May Warbling vireo in yard [] 8 May Re: A Kestrel Saved For The Time Being [] 08 May A Kestrel Saved For The Time Being ["Kenneth Wills" ] 7 May accumulation of migrants ["Lucy & Bob Duncan" ] 7 May Ruffner Mtn. this AM (7 May 2013) ["Greg D. Jackson" ] 07 May Plants that attract birds ["barbiesenior" ] 07 May Vulcan Trail is Awesome ["Kenneth Wills" ] 06 May Video of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at the feeder in the rain ["jdgphoto333" ] 6 May Osprey in Huntsville yesterday [Harold Peterson ] 06 May Red-breasted nuthatch at Alabama Veterans Memorial ["suetmaker" ] 6 May purple martin losses [Jon Yoder ] 5 May Re: What is the correct term to use to describe this young male Gro... ["Gregory J. Harber" ] 5 May NW Alabama ramblings [] 5 May Re: What is the correct term to use to describe this young male Gro... [] Subject: Hummer photo for Facebook? From: Katherine Bouma <kathbouma AT bellsouth.net> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 21:16:55 -0500 Hi, Has anyone got a nice hummingbird photo you took in Alabama and would like to lend to the Birmingham Audubon for our Facebook page? It's to lure volunteers to volunteer at a hummingbird, garden project we're beginning in dBirmingham. Thanks! Katherine Bouma Communications Chair. Birmingham Audubon ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Wind Farm Raptor Deaths Statistics From: "KEN" <gm72125 AT bellsouth.net> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 22:15:44 -0000 Hello, Birders - Just picked up this article from another listserv. Cross-posting the article in full, fyi. -Ken Archambault, Homewood, Alabama AP IMPACT: Wind farms gets pass on eagle deaths Updated: Wednesday, 22 May 2013, 6:15 AM CDT Published : Wednesday, 22 May 2013, 6:17 AM CDT CONVERSE COUNTY, Wyo. (AP) — The Obama administration has never fined or prosecuted a wind farm for killing eagles and other protected bird species, shielding the industry from liability and helping keep the scope of the deaths secret, an Associated Press investigation has found. More than 573,000 birds are killed by the country's wind farms each year, including 83,000 hunting birds such as hawks, falcons and eagles, according to an estimate published in March in the peer-reviewed Wildlife Society Bulletin. Each death is federal crime, a charge that the Obama administration has used to prosecute oil companies when birds drown in their waste pits, and power companies when birds are electrocuted by their power lines. No wind energy company has been prosecuted, even those that repeatedly flout the law. Wind power, a pollution-free energy intended to ease global warming, is a cornerstone of President Barack Obama's energy plan. His administration has championed a $1 billion-a-year tax break to the industry that has nearly doubled the amount of wind power in his first term. The large death toll at wind farms shows how the renewable energy rush comes with its own environmental consequences, trade-offs the Obama administration is willing to make in the name of cleaner energy. "It is the rationale that we have to get off of carbon, we have to get off of fossil fuels, that allows them to justify this," said Tom Dougherty, a long-time environmentalist who worked for nearly 20 years for the National Wildlife Federation in the West, until his retirement in 2008. "But at what cost? In this case, the cost is too high." Documents and emails obtained by The Associated Press offer glimpses of the problem: 14 deaths at seven facilities in California, five each in New Mexico and Oregon, one in Washington state and another in Nevada, where an eagle was found with a hole in its neck, exposing the bone. One of the deadliest places in the country for golden eagles is Wyoming, where federal officials said wind farms had killed more than four dozen golden eagles since 2009, predominantly in the southeastern part of the state. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose the figures. Getting precise figures is impossible because many companies aren't required to disclose how many birds they kill. And when they do, experts say, the data can be unreliable. When companies voluntarily report deaths, the Obama administration in many cases refuses to make the information public, saying it belongs to the energy companies or that revealing it would expose trade secrets or implicate ongoing enforcement investigations. Nearly all the birds being killed are protected under federal environmental laws, which prosecutors have used to generate tens of millions of dollars in fines and settlements from businesses, including oil and gas companies, over the past five years. "What it boils down to is this: If you electrocute an eagle, that is bad, but if you chop it to pieces, that is OK," said Tim Eicher, a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforcement agent based in Cody, Wyo. The Fish and Wildlife Service says it is investigating 18 bird-death cases involving wind-power facilities and seven have been referred to the Justice Department. A spokesman for the Justice Department declined to discuss the status of those cases. In its defense, the wind-energy industry points out that more eagles are killed each year by cars, electrocutions and poisoning than by turbines. Dan Ashe, the Fish and Wildlife Service's director, said in an interview Monday with the AP said that his agency always has made clear to wind companies that if they kill birds they would still be liable. "We are not allowing them to do it. They do it," he said of the bird deaths. "And we will successfully prosecute wind companies if they are in significant noncompliance." But by not enforcing the law so far, the administration provides little incentive for companies to build wind farms where there are fewer birds. And while companies already operating turbines are supposed to do all they can to avoid killing birds, in reality there's little they can do once the windmills are spinning. Wind farms are clusters of turbines as tall as 30-story buildings, with spinning rotors the size of jetliners. Flying eagles behave like drivers texting on their cell phones — they don't look up. As they scan for food, they don't notice the industrial turbine blades until it's too late. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, in an interview with the AP before his departure, denied any preferential treatment for wind. Interior Department officials said that criminal prosecution, regardless of the industry, is always a "last resort." "There's still additional work to be done with eagles and other avian species, but we are working on it very hard," Salazar said. "We will get to the right balance." Meanwhile, the Obama administration has proposed a rule that would give wind-energy companies potentially decades of shelter from prosecution for killing eagles. The regulation is currently under review at the White House. The proposal, made at the urging of the wind-energy industry, would allow companies to apply for 30-year permits to kill a set number of bald or golden eagles. Previously, companies were only eligible for five-year permits. "It's basically guaranteeing a black box for 30 years, and they're saying 'trust us for oversight'. This is not the path forward," said Katie Umekubo, a renewable energy attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, who argued in private meetings with the industry and government leaders that the 30-year permit needed an in-depth environmental review. But the eagle rule is not the first time the administration has made concessions for the wind-energy industry. Last year, over objections from some of its own wildlife investigators and biologists, the Interior Department updated its guidelines and provided more cover for wind companies that violate the law. Under both the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the death of a single bird without a permit is illegal. But under the Obama administration's new guidelines, wind-energy companies don't face additional scrutiny until they have a "significant adverse impact" on wildlife or habitat. That rare exception for one industry substantially weakened the government's ability to enforce the law and ignited controversy inside the Interior Department. "U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not do this for the electric utility industry or other industries," Kevin Kritz, a government wildlife biologist in the Rocky Mountain region wrote in internal agency comments in September 2011. "Other industries will want to be judged on a similar standard." The Obama administration, however, repeatedly overruled its own experts. In the end, the wind-energy industry, which was part of the committee that drafted and edited the guidelines, got almost everything it wanted. "Clearly, there was a bias to wind energy in their favor because they are a renewable source of energy, and justifiably so," said Rob Manes, who runs the Kansas office for The Nature Conservancy and who served on the committee. "We need renewable energy in this country." ___ Follow Dina Cappiello on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dinacappiello Contact the Washington investigative team at DCinvestigations(at)ap.org ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Anyone watching YCNH's in Homewood Park? From: "Kathryn" <klo_day AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 21:32:05 -0000 I saw one today and they say two are seen frequently in a tree near the small kids playground/ A construction worker told us that he saw a tree, right next to this one, take down yesterday...... Also a nice Green Heron fishing there today. ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: Good NEWS from Saks (Anniston) From: RubyThroat AT aol.com Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 15:12:25 -0400 (EDT) Debbie and Albirders Thugs and bullies abound in all phases of government, big and small. Good to hear that you stood up to them and stopped the abuse and gross misrepresentation by county officials. In defense of these employees, most are straight dudes and just plain working stiffs like all of us. It is the power-hungry ones that are malicious. Enjoy the birds Debbie. Bob and Martha Sargent Clay, Alabama In a message dated 5/21/2013 12:08:58 P.M. Central Daylight Time, DMCKEN9341 AT AOL.COM writes: Hello Albirders, The non-running vehicles are no longer on the property. 75% of the Privet shurbs are gone. The man claiming to be from the EPA is a Calhoun County Enviromental officer. When he knocked on my door 3 weeks ago he said this is David with the EPA. I just came back from a meeting with the Calhoun County Commissioner for district 4 (Saks). His name is J. D. Hess. I asked him if he would listen to what I have to say without interrupting me, which he did. I found him to be a nice and reasonable man. He stated that he was please with the work we did in our yard. He also stated that he would have a talk with David. No more shrubs or trees are to be cut down including Privet. I am so HAPPY and would like to thanks everyone here for their support and suggestion to help me and God's birds. Debbie (BirdLady) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Good NEWS from Saks (Anniston) From: "Debbie" <DMCKEN9341 AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 17:08:53 -0000 Hello Albirders, The non-running vehicles are no longer on the property. 75% of the Privet shurbs are gone. The man claiming to be from the EPA is a Calhoun County Enviromental officer. When he knocked on my door 3 weeks ago he said this is David with the EPA. I just came back from a meeting with the Calhoun County Commissioner for district 4 (Saks). His name is J. D. Hess. I asked him if he would listen to what I have to say without interrupting me, which he did. I found him to be a nice and reasonable man. He stated that he was please with the work we did in our yard. He also stated that he would have a talk with David. No more shrubs or trees are to be cut down including Privet. I am so HAPPY and would like to thanks everyone here for their support and suggestion to help me and God's birds. Debbie (BirdLady) PS: This Fall I hope that some of you will come to my backyard for a visit. My Eastern Bluebirds apparently had something to go wrong with their first brood. Now they are nesting in a Bluebird Nestbox in yard. Great-creasted Flycatchers are back along with the Eastern Phoebes. I would like you all to read this this story: Most of you know that we make our own suet. With the European Starlings eating the suet all up in a matter of minutes it leaves the other birds without any. My friend Johhnny started leaving the bowl with the suet mixture on a small table in the backyard. He left it there so the other birds could sit on the rim of the bowl in help themselve to the suet. The E. Starlings did not go to the bowl so it worked out just fine or that what we thought. It lasted for about a day and a half before the E. Starling got into the act of eating from the bowl. I looked out the backdoor and saw 5 E. Starling helping themselve to the suet. The next day Johnny told me to come in looked at a male Summer Tanager sitting on the bowl helping his-self to the suet. I told him no way. I got up in went to the backdoor to see for myself. Sure enough there was a male Summer Tanager eating the suet. I have two cameras but both of them are not working right now. I had borrowed an old camera that I had given one of my son. I went outside to try to get a picture of the S. Tanager eating out of the bowl. With him not knowing me and me not knowing him I knew it would be a difficult task. I sat outside and watched as he kept getting closer and closer to the bowl and me. He made two diving attempt to land on the bowl but was not successful. He then noticed the suet in the suet cage on a small tree in front of me. He landed on a branch, walked over the toward the suet cage and ate some suet right in front of me. He was no more than 6 feet from me. He did this a couple of times. I finally went inside to get cool off. Within a few minutes I looked out the backdoor window and saw that S. Tanager smack in the middle of the bowl eating suet. I did not get that picture but I did get a few of him on a branch. HAPPING BIRDING TO ALL! ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Canvasback Duck at Guntersville State Park and Osprey in the Guntersville area From: "jdgphoto333" <gofish80 AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 17:05:15 -0000 There was a Canvasback Duck in front of the Guntersville State Park camping area. We thought it might be injured and was just stuck there. Another boat passed close to it and it appeared to be OK when it flew off.Canvasback Duck We saw many active Osprey nests in the Guntersville area on channel markers and power towers plus several other Osprey fishing and sitting in trees.Ospery More Osprey photos AT http://gofish.smugmug.com/Nature/Osprey-2013/29541404_f8pgVV#!i=25258696\ 84&k=56kD6Mz Jerry GreenHuntsville [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: purple martin losses From: Jon Yoder <jonyoder57 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 08:11:42 -0500 Here is a follow up on purple martin numbers for my site this year. There is no obvious sign of predation, no snakes, or torn open housing that would suggest a predator. Plus, I have predator guards on all my poles. I have 40 natural gourds with starling resistant entrance holes, and a house with 6 compartments. On a normal year, I would have 32 - 35 cavities filled with active nests. This year I have nests in about 12 cavities, and young in 6 houses. There are some eggs that are actively being brooded, but I think some other nests may be abandoned. So that is 1/3 of my normal numbers. Now, early in the spring, I had normal numbers of returnees. I counted at one point 40 martins back at my site back in March. So my guess is that the cool, wet spring, along with decreased numbers of flying insects may have caused starvation of some of the birds. I think that would probably be worse at established sites, as the birds come back earlier there--I had some in January at my site. There are sites around town that seem to have normal numbers for them, but it is harder to tell if you do not do nest checks, which I do. I would say that most people have less this year than normal, and I believe it is weather related. I have checked the forum of Purple Martin Conservation Association, but don't see specific trends there.....Jon Yoder, Escambia County, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Lake Guntersville State Park today From: Harold Peterson <pinkfloyd137 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 19:43:35 -0700 (PDT) Earlier today we headed down to Lake Guntersville to see the newly reopened campground.  The day use area must have been popular- they were out of the fee envelopes at the entrance.  Not much of a lake breeze, but the water is nice and cool. In the tornado damaged areas of the forest in this part of the park there were numerous Prairie Warblers, a few Blue Grosbeaks, and one bird with a descending song I couldn't identify (not Field Sparrow).  While the April 27 tornadoes were horrible on the whole, it seems nature is making the most of its given circumstances. -Harold Peterson Huntsville, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: RE: Ruffner this morning - the details... From: "Duncan, Scot" <sduncan AT bsc.edu> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 17:04:05 +0000 Larry, Sounds like you had a great hike at WOJ. As for migrants this Sunday morning... I birded Ruffner again and had only 1 transient neotropical migrant, a Magnolia. Without much of any rain last night, there was nothing to keep migrants here or block passage of ones launching from the south. That's my take on it, anyway. ________________________________ From: lgardellabirds AT charter.net [lgardellabirds AT charter.net] Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 9:39 PM To: Duncan, Scot Cc: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [ALBIRDS] Ruffner this morning - the details... Interestingt that you had so many Maggies the same day that I had 3 near my home in Montgomery. There must have been quite a push of the species. Instead of stopping at Ruffner, Andrea and I drove straight to Walls of Jericho for our first visit ever. Arriving so late (after 12:00), we did not expect much. But the overcast skies were good for birding. And it is an amazing place. At the horse ride parking lot, we heard an Ovenbird and a Cerulean. We relocated to the walking trail parking lot and walked down approximately a mile, stopping for birds such as Worm-eating Warbler (one displayed nicely; another sang out of sight), Blue-winged Warblers (2 out of sight); Black-throated Green Warbler (2 out of sight); Hooded (1 of 3 seen); Kentucky (1 out of sight) and singing Scarlet and Summer Tanagers and nesting Yellow-throated Vireos. Andrea and I stopped at Paint Rock Preserve and added Prairie Warblers (4) and Common Yellowthroats for a total of 13 warblers for the day. Will there still be any migrants at Monte Sano tomorrow morning? Larry Gardella On Sat, May 18, 2013 at 12:46 PM, scotduncan26 wrote: Hi all, Sleepless from all the thunderstorms this morning I headed out early to Ruffner Mountain Nature Center to bird the parking lot. After driving through a lightning storm in the short distance from our house, I stepped out at 620 am into drizzle and the parking lot hoping for a flood of migrants that had been grounded with the overnight storms. Instead it was eerily quiet for a long time, with only a brief sighting of a Magnolia Warbler. But with time, more and more migrants moved through the area, usually in small flocks that wouldn't linger enough for me to get any IDs. But at about 7 am, sizeable flocks of migrants began pulsing through the forest edge. Flocks were mostly composed of Red-eyed Vireos, with a few warblers mixed in. The flocks would zip through the canopies, rarely lingering for more than a few moments. Getting IDs was challenging given the poor lighting and their energetic behavior. Their flocking behavior reminded me of mixed species canopy flocks in the tropics, and they surely were behaving thusly a few days/weeks ago before the Gulf crossing. By the time I left after 8 am to go attend BSC's graduation ceremony, the flocks seemed to be slowing down and feeding more consistently in one spot after the next. List of neotropical migrants seen, below: YB Cuckoo 2 Gray-cheeked Thrush 1 Swainson's thrush 1 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 30+ Chestnut-sided Warbler 4+ Blackburnian Warbler 4+ Bay-breasted Warbler 1 Magnolia Warbler 12+ Kentucky Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 No Yellow-rumps or Palms – I think they've finally left! Eastern Wood Pewee RT Hummer 1 Summer tanager 3 RB Grosbeak 1 Indigo Bunting 1 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Eurasian Collared Doves in SE Huntsville From: "star_stuf" <star_stuf AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 17:03:05 -0000 I saw a pair of Eurasian Collared Doves in McGucken Park in SE Huntsville yesterday afternoon around 4:30 PM. They were in the shady area on the pathway by the batting cages. I was jogging through to the greenway and didn't linger, so don't know if there were more. ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: RE: Ruffner this morning - the details... From: lgardellabirds AT charter.net Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 22:39:54 -0400 (EDT) Interestingt that you had so many Maggies the same day that I had 3 near my home in Montgomery. There must have been quite a push of the species. Instead of stopping at Ruffner, Andrea and I drove straight to Walls of Jericho for our first visit ever. Arriving so late (after 12:00), we did not expect much. But the overcast skies were good for birding. And it is an amazing place. At the horse ride parking lot, we heard an Ovenbird and a Cerulean. We relocated to the walking trail parking lot and walked down approximately a mile, stopping for birds such as Worm-eating Warbler (one displayed nicely; another sang out of sight), Blue-winged Warblers (2 out of sight); Black-throated Green Warbler (2 out of sight); Hooded (1 of 3 seen); Kentucky (1 out of sight) and singing Scarlet and Summer Tanagers and nesting Yellow-throated Vireos. Andrea and I stopped at Paint Rock Preserve and added Prairie Warblers (4) and Common Yellowthroats for a total of 13 warblers for the day. Will there still be any migrants at Monte Sano tomorrow morning? Larry Gardella On Sat, May 18, 2013 at 12:46 PM, scotduncan26 wrote: Hi all, Sleepless from all the thunderstorms this morning I headed out early to Ruffner Mountain Nature Center to bird the parking lot. After driving through a lightning storm in the short distance from our house, I stepped out at 620 am into drizzle and the parking lot hoping for a flood of migrants that had been grounded with the overnight storms. Instead it was eerily quiet for a long time, with only a brief sighting of a Magnolia Warbler. But with time, more and more migrants moved through the area, usually in small flocks that wouldn't linger enough for me to get any IDs. But at about 7 am, sizeable flocks of migrants began pulsing through the forest edge. Flocks were mostly composed of Red-eyed Vireos, with a few warblers mixed in. The flocks would zip through the canopies, rarely lingering for more than a few moments. Getting IDs was challenging given the poor lighting and their energetic behavior. Their flocking behavior reminded me of mixed species canopy flocks in the tropics, and they surely were behaving thusly a few days/weeks ago before the Gulf crossing. By the time I left after 8 am to go attend BSC's graduation ceremony, the flocks seemed to be slowing down and feeding more consistently in one spot after the next. List of neotropical migrants seen, below: YB Cuckoo 2 Gray-cheeked Thrush 1 Swainson's thrush 1 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 30+ Chestnut-sided Warbler 4+ Blackburnian Warbler 4+ Bay-breasted Warbler 1 Magnolia Warbler 12+ Kentucky Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 No Yellow-rumps or Palms – I think they've finally left! Eastern Wood Pewee RT Hummer 1 Summer tanager 3 RB Grosbeak 1 Indigo Bunting 1 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: RE: New call - Eurasian Collared Dove From: lgardellabirds AT charter.net Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 22:28:42 -0400 (EDT) Sounds like the alarm note for this species. Larry Gardella Montgomery On Sat, May 18, 2013 at 9:29 AM, Bill Rogers wrote: I heard a new bird sound today.  What I thought was a catbird calling an octave lower than normal turned out to be a Eurasian Collared Dove chasing a Mourning Dove this morning.  Has anyone else noted this call? Secondly, I would like to propose a name change to Collard Dove for the Alabama sub-species. Bill Rogers Florence, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: Com Redpoll still present Friday, May 17 From: janiceneitzel AT ymail.com Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 17:21:44 -0700 (PDT) It appears that the Redpoll has moved on. No sighting of her since early this morning, and I've been watching all day. What a wonderful and exciting experience. And a real pleasure meeting all the birders that made it out to share this special bird with us. Best to all. Janice. Sent from Yahoo! Mail for iPhone [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: Ruffner this morning - the details... From: "Gregory J. Harber" <gharber AT mindspring.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 16:14:30 -0500 (GMT-05:00) Hey Scot et al- Jessica Germany called me this morning after reading the note from the Down South Duncans and we arrived there shortly before 9:00 a.m., where we met Stan Hamilton after he descended the road up from the parking lot. Stan reported that there was not much singing or visible (the clouds had rolled in somewhat) and after a small construction project commenced at the pavilion we opted to head back up the road to the top. It was decidedly quiet most of the way, with a Red-eyed Vireo and Hooded Warbler being heard about half-way up the mountain. At the top a family of chickadees alerted us to the presence of a few birds, most of which proved to be more vireos. I did have one really poor (backlit), quick look at a warbler that I would guess to have been a female Blackburnian. On the way back down our luck changed for the better and we heard and or saw the following: the aforementioned Blackburnians (male and female), Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Green and Kentucky Warblers, but we also heard American Redstart, Worm-eating and Hooded Warblers. No sign of the thrushes. Back in the parking lot a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was in the large dead tree by the HQ building and a brilliant male American Goldfinch was in the treetops by the pavilion (above where the feeders are). Thanks to all for posting your sightings so that we could enjoy them before the party ended. Take care, Greg -----Original Message----- From: scotduncan26 Sent: May 18, 2013 12:46 PM To: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [ALBIRDS] Ruffner this morning - the details... Hi all, Sleepless from all the thunderstorms this morning I headed out early to Ruffner Mountain Nature Center to bird the parking lot. After driving through a lightning storm in the short distance from our house, I stepped out at 620 am into drizzle and the parking lot hoping for a flood of migrants that had been grounded with the overnight storms. Instead it was eerily quiet for a long time, with only a brief sighting of a Magnolia Warbler. But with time, more and more migrants moved through the area, usually in small flocks that wouldn't linger enough for me to get any IDs. But at about 7 am, sizeable flocks of migrants began pulsing through the forest edge. Flocks were mostly composed of Red-eyed Vireos, with a few warblers mixed in. The flocks would zip through the canopies, rarely lingering for more than a few moments. Getting IDs was challenging given the poor lighting and their energetic behavior. Their flocking behavior reminded me of mixed species canopy flocks in the tropics, and they surely were behaving thusly a few days/weeks ago before the Gulf crossing. By the time I left after 8 am to go attend BSC's graduation ceremony, the flocks seemed to be slowing down and feeding more consistently in one spot after the next. List of neotropical migrants seen, below: YB Cuckoo 2 Gray-cheeked Thrush 1 Swainson's thrush 1 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 30+ Chestnut-sided Warbler 4+ Blackburnian Warbler 4+ Bay-breasted Warbler 1 Magnolia Warbler 12+ Kentucky Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 No Yellow-rumps or Palms – I think they've finally left! Eastern Wood Pewee RT Hummer 1 Summer tanager 3 RB Grosbeak 1 Indigo Bunting 1 Gregory J. Harber Birmingham, AL gharber AT mindspring.com "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." Tom Robbins ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Ruffner this morning - the details... From: "scotduncan26" <sduncan AT bsc.edu> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 17:46:35 -0000 Hi all, Sleepless from all the thunderstorms this morning I headed out early to Ruffner Mountain Nature Center to bird the parking lot. After driving through a lightning storm in the short distance from our house, I stepped out at 620 am into drizzle and the parking lot hoping for a flood of migrants that had been grounded with the overnight storms. Instead it was eerily quiet for a long time, with only a brief sighting of a Magnolia Warbler. But with time, more and more migrants moved through the area, usually in small flocks that wouldn't linger enough for me to get any IDs. But at about 7 am, sizeable flocks of migrants began pulsing through the forest edge. Flocks were mostly composed of Red-eyed Vireos, with a few warblers mixed in. The flocks would zip through the canopies, rarely lingering for more than a few moments. Getting IDs was challenging given the poor lighting and their energetic behavior. Their flocking behavior reminded me of mixed species canopy flocks in the tropics, and they surely were behaving thusly a few days/weeks ago before the Gulf crossing. By the time I left after 8 am to go attend BSC's graduation ceremony, the flocks seemed to be slowing down and feeding more consistently in one spot after the next. List of neotropical migrants seen, below: YB Cuckoo 2 Gray-cheeked Thrush 1 Swainson's thrush 1 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 30+ Chestnut-sided Warbler 4+ Blackburnian Warbler 4+ Bay-breasted Warbler 1 Magnolia Warbler 12+ Kentucky Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 No Yellow-rumps or Palms – I think they've finally left! Eastern Wood Pewee RT Hummer 1 Summer tanager 3 RB Grosbeak 1 Indigo Bunting 1 ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: Com Redpoll still present Friday, May 17 From: Janice Neitzel <janiceneitzel AT ymail.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 11:30:50 -0500 I saw the Redpoll briefly early 6:20 this morning. But have not seen her since. I'm pretty certain that she's moved on. It's extremely warm today. Janice Sent from my iPhone On May 18, 2013, at 9:49 AM, Swmavocet AT aol.com wrote: > > FYI > > Janice reports the COMMON REDPOLL was still coming to her feeders yesterday on Ft Morgan Road (Baldwin County). She mentioned 1,3, and 6 pm but I'm sure those were not the only times. > > No information so far about today. > > Good luck! > > Steve McConnell > Hartselle, AL > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Com Redpoll still present Friday, May 17 From: Swmavocet AT aol.com Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 10:49:42 -0400 (EDT) FYI Janice reports the COMMON REDPOLL was still coming to her feeders yesterday on Ft Morgan Road (Baldwin County). She mentioned 1,3, and 6 pm but I'm sure those were not the only times. No information so far about today. Good luck! Steve McConnell Hartselle, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: New call - Eurasian Collared Dove From: Bill Rogers <wjrogersportable AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 07:29:41 -0700 (PDT) I heard a new bird sound today.  What I thought was a catbird calling an octave lower than normal turned out to be a Eurasian Collared Dove chasing a Mourning Dove this morning.  Has anyone else noted this call? Secondly, I would like to propose a name change to Collard Dove for the Alabama sub-species. Bill Rogers Florence, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Hummingbird Stuff- Longish From: RubyThroat AT aol.com Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 10:00:36 -0400 (EDT) Albirders This time of year I get many dozens of calls from concerned folks about what has happened to their hummingbirds this year. It's OK to delete this if you wish, it is not critical stuff. First of all, to those that are suddenly seeing almost no hummers at their feeders, this is perfectly normal this time of year. The rush of northbound Ruby-throated hummingbirds is essentially over and those few that you detect at your feeders now are probably breeding birds. Adult males are defending territories attempting to breed with as many females as they can seduce. Females rarely come to feeders now since they are tending nesting duties, incubating eggs and busy feeding mostly on tiny soft-bodied insects. Nectar (sugar water) is not what makes eggs and shells and flesh and bone in babies. When someone says they have a breeding pair, they are actually are seeing a male and a female, but not a "pair". Hummers don't pair. Trust me on this one OK. If you see the male alight on the back of the female and you think he does that "just to keep her warm"...it's time we have a repeat of the birds and bees talk. The dude is actually "jumping her bones" if you will pardon my candor. A common assumption is that the weather in the states has been warmer this winter so hummers did not migrate to the U.S. as early as in the past. My response is just how did those hummers in the tropics know we had a warm winter in the U.S. ? I don't believe they have a weather report down in the tropics for migrating birds. The arrival dates for almost all migratory birds, including hummers, is a product of the calendar and not the weather they might encounter once they get up here. I had two calls yesterday from wonderful folks that informed me that at this time last year they had hundreds at their feeders and that they were refilling ALL their feeders each day. When I sounded surprised (stunned), as them to read me the notes on records they kept. As is usually the case, there were no records only what they remembered from past years. My response is that one cannot always trust our memory in such matters. Make a note now to keep some records of the dates when you see lots of hummers. I predict, based on my experience, that all of us will see an increase the numbers of hummers at our flowers and feeders sometime around the Fourth of July or shortly thereafter. This will be when young hummers are out of the nest and moving slowly southward. That number will soon swell as more babies fledge here and up north, and...as adult males are "cooling down" and no longer hopped up on hormones. They too will be drifting southward toward their wintering grounds. Adult females will soon follow. Since Ruby-throated nest way up into Canada, this southbound migration is a long protracted scenario. Fear not guys, Ruby-throated hummingbirds are one of the most successful neotropical migrant birds that I know. All is well. Watch for sugar on sale at the grocery store and be ready for more hummers starting about the first couple of weeks in July. On a local note, here in soggy Clay, Alabama, we had 7.3 inches of rain last night. Our tiny pond in our little pasture and blackberry patch is now a full blown big lake. Have fun all and stay dry. Bob and Martha Sargent Clay, Alabama [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: PS about Migrants NOW at Ruffner Mtn From: "Lucy & Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 08:10:09 -0500 Scot just called back to say the migrants are moving in flocks: They come and go. A flock moves through and birding is intense, then they move on and there's nothing. A few minutes later, another flock appears for exciting birding, and then it moves on. He doesn't want you to get discouraged if you don't immediately see birds! Lucy From: albirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:albirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Lucy & Bob Duncan Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 7:57 AM To: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [ALBIRDS] Migrants NOW at Ruffner Mtn There is a "river of migrants" at Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham right now (7:50 am). Scot Duncan just called to have me post this. He has "lots of birds" with many Red-eyed Vireos and warblers mixed in. He said it's really exciting birding at Ruffner this morning! Included among those were Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, Kentucky, Magnolias.... Posted for Scot Lucy Duncan Gulf Breeze, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Migrants NOW at Ruffner Mtn From: "Lucy & Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 07:57:28 -0500 There is a "river of migrants" at Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham right now (7:50 am). Scot Duncan just called to have me post this. He has "lots of birds" with many Red-eyed Vireos and warblers mixed in. He said it's really exciting birding at Ruffner this morning! Included among those were Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, Kentucky, Magnolias.... Posted for Scot Lucy Duncan Gulf Breeze, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Magnolia Warblers From: lgardellabirds AT charter.net Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 08:48:58 -0400 (EDT) Some of the Duncans' migrants turned up in my neighborhood at Kathmoor. 3 singing male Magnolia Warblers, one of which I managed even to see well. May 18. There was also a Hooded Warbler, which is not resident in the neighborhood. Larry Gardella Montgomery [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: Painted Bunting From: flite-60863 AT mypacks.net Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 09:53:26 -0500 (GMT-05:00) Hello All- Larry had asked... -----Original Message----- From: lgardellabirds AT charter.net Sent: May 17, 2013 8:40 AM To: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [ALBIRDS] Painted Bunting Is there a better way to start a day? Larry Gardella Montgomery I cannot think of one, Larry, but what might be even better is going back in two months and finding Mr., Mrs and Junior P. Bunting at the same address. On another note, this morning I participated in the CommuteSmart/Regional Planning Commission Bike-to-Work Day and along our route noticed two fledglings flattened by tires. Being a bird is tough - tread lightly, folks. Take care all, Greg ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Painted Bunting From: lgardellabirds AT charter.net Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 09:40:22 -0400 (EDT) Andrea slept in today in honor of her birthday. I left home early enough to have an hour at Rabbit Road (off Weil off Old Selma Road) before work. Before leaving, I played several Painted Bunting songs on xeno canto to get my ear ready to distinguish any Painted Bunting singing from the Blue Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings. I turned off Old Selma Road onto Weil and then turned onto Rabbit Road and started slowly driving down the road. I had gotten just over 0.1 miles when I heard a singing Painted Bunting. I got out of the car and tracked the bird down just before 7:00 a.m. I couldn't get a photo then but managed to get a few bad light photos when I found the bird again near where some folks are building a new house. Is there a better way to start a day? Larry Gardella Montgomery [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: COMMON REDPOLL continues in Baldwin County From: "Howard Horne" <hhorne AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 02:28:14 -0000 Hi All, I just received word from my good friend Janice Neitzel, that their COMMON REDPOLL continues to be regularly seen at the feeders around their home on Fort Morgan Road. Several lucky birders were treated to up-close views of the bird today. As you can imagine, lots of photographs of this spectacular visitor have been made along with many great memories. Folks are welcome to try for the Redpoll. First be aware that there will be a large music festival in the Gulf Shore area starting tomorrow and continuing through the weekend, so traffic may be extremely slow going. You might want to be prepared for long delays if planning to visit on Saturday or Sunday. Here are the directions from my previous ALBirds post: The street address is 10499 on the north or bayside of Fort Morgan Road (this will be on your right when heading west from Gulf Shores). From Highway 59 in Gulf Shores head west on Fort Morgan Road (Hwy 180). The residence is just past (west) of the 11-mile marker and before the Fort Morgan RV Park. There are 2 small mailboxes with signs for Sandy Shores and Private Property. Pull in the driveway right before the mailboxes. There will be a large oak tree on the left hand side with several feeders and a shed down on the right (the house will be on the left). Park out of the way in the general area of the large oak and walk down to the shed. There will be a flat box feeder where the Redpoll is being seen. Many, many thanks to Janice and family for allowing visitors the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful bird! Good Luck, Howard Horne Mobile, AL ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: More migrants? From: "Lucy & Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 08:43:24 -0500 Hi all, After having been shut down for a while, whatever birds are left in Yucatan and Central America had the opportunity to head north overnight and will have it again tonight. Winds have gone around to generally SE in the southern Gulf. That means if any are aloft, E. TX and LA should be the landfall but the upper level winds this a.m. have not yet been posted and could have a more SW component in the northern Gulf. However, rain is not a factor in the area and any flyovers will probably keep going. I wouldn't mind being at Dauphin Is. this afternoon, but after a successful chase for the Common Redpoll over in Baldwin County yesterday, yard work demands attention. Bob Duncan Gulf Breeze in the w. Panhandle [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) From: lgardellabirds AT charter.net Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 22:55:53 -0400 (EDT) Good for you! My life Common Redpoll was the one at Dauphin Island in 1994 (not 84)! Larry Gardella Montgomery, AL On Wed, May 15, 2013 at 9:35 PM, Dana Hamilton wrote: Howard, Janice, Al-birders, Many thanks to Janice Neitzel for her hospitality this afternoon. Stan and I arrived about 1:45 p.m. and the bird appeared at the feeder within a few minutes. Venetia Friend, Janice, Stan and I had beautiful views of the Common Redpoll feeding. This was a life bird for Stan and me. Also, thanks to Howard Horne for the "heads up" about the bird. Stan and I also went down to Fort Morgan briefly. Birding there was pretty slow, but we did have nice views of a Grey Kingbird perched on the pylons just west of the houses. Good birding, Dana Hamilton Irondale Al Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2013, at 7:40 AM, "Howard Horne" < hhorne AT earthlink.net > wrote: > Hi all, > A COMMON REDPOLL is being seen at the home of Janice Neitzel on Fort > Morgan Road. The bird was first seen yesterday and continues this > morning at a feeder in their yard. Photographs have been obtained. > Janice is allowing visitors to try for the bird. There is no need to > call prior to visiting. > Here are the directions: > The street address is 10499 on the north or bayside of Fort Morgan > Road (this will be on your right when heading west from Gulf Shores). > From Highway 59 in Gulf Shores head west on Fort Morgan Road (Hwy > 180). The residence is just past (west) of the 11-mile marker and > before the Fort Morgan RV Park. There are 2 small mailboxes with signs > for Sandy Shores and Private Property. Pull in the driveway right > before the mailboxes. There will be a large oak tree on the left hand > side with several feeders and a shed down on the right (the house will > be on the left). Park out of the way in the general area of the large > oak and walk down to the shed. There will be a flat box feeder where > the Redpoll is being seen. > Many thanks to Janice for allowing folks to try for the bird! > Good Birding and Good Luck, > Howard Horne Mobile, AL > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) From: Dana Hamilton <stan_dana_h AT bellsouth.net> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 21:35:55 -0500 Howard, Janice, Al-birders, Many thanks to Janice Neitzel for her hospitality this afternoon. Stan and I arrived about 1:45 p.m. and the bird appeared at the feeder within a few minutes. Venetia Friend, Janice, Stan and I had beautiful views of the Common Redpoll feeding. This was a life bird for Stan and me. Also, thanks to Howard Horne for the "heads up" about the bird. Stan and I also went down to Fort Morgan briefly. Birding there was pretty slow, but we did have nice views of a Grey Kingbird perched on the pylons just west of the houses. Good birding, Dana Hamilton Irondale Al Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2013, at 7:40 AM, "Howard Horne" wrote: > Hi all, > > A COMMON REDPOLL is being seen at the home of Janice Neitzel on Fort Morgan Road. The bird was first seen yesterday and continues this morning at a feeder in their yard. Photographs have been obtained. > > Janice is allowing visitors to try for the bird. There is no need to call prior to visiting. > > Here are the directions: > > The street address is 10499 on the north or bayside of Fort Morgan Road (this will be on your right when heading west from Gulf Shores). From Highway 59 in Gulf Shores head west on Fort Morgan Road (Hwy 180). The residence is just past (west) of the 11-mile marker and before the Fort Morgan RV Park. There are 2 small mailboxes with signs for Sandy Shores and Private Property. Pull in the driveway right before the mailboxes. There will be a large oak tree on the left hand side with several feeders and a shed down on the right (the house will be on the left). Park out of the way in the general area of the large oak and walk down to the shed. There will be a flat box feeder where the Redpoll is being seen. > > Many thanks to Janice for allowing folks to try for the bird! > > Good Birding and Good Luck, > > Howard Horne > Mobile, AL > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: RE: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) From: lgardellabirds AT charter.net Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 21:40:24 -0400 (EDT) Considerably later than the late April Common Redpoll from Dauphin Island in 1984. Larry Gardella Montogmery, AL On Wed, May 15, 2013 at 7:40 AM, Howard Horne wrote: Hi all, A COMMON REDPOLL is being seen at the home of Janice Neitzel on Fort Morgan Road. The bird was first seen yesterday and continues this morning at a feeder in their yard. Photographs have been obtained. Janice is allowing visitors to try for the bird. There is no need to call prior to visiting. Here are the directions: The street address is 10499 on the north or bayside of Fort Morgan Road (this will be on your right when heading west from Gulf Shores). From Highway 59 in Gulf Shores head west on Fort Morgan Road (Hwy 180). The residence is just past (west) of the 11-mile marker and before the Fort Morgan RV Park. There are 2 small mailboxes with signs for Sandy Shores and Private Property. Pull in the driveway right before the mailboxes. There will be a large oak tree on the left hand side with several feeders and a shed down on the right (the house will be on the left). Park out of the way in the general area of the large oak and walk down to the shed. There will be a flat box feeder where the Redpoll is being seen. Many thanks to Janice for allowing folks to try for the bird! Good Birding and Good Luck, Howard Horne Mobile, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Deceased loon- Harrison Co From: "kittytripp AT ymail.com" <kittymarimba@gmail.com> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 00:37:23 -0000 I know its not AL but with the talk about the Pelican Loon I thought I would post the pic of the loon I found on the beach in Harrison Co MS 2 weeks ago. Very sad, and very unusual as I am used to turtles, terns and gulls but never anything like this... ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: loon From: "Anne G. Miller" <amiller_1 AT bellsouth.net> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 19:21:38 -0500 Andrew—I have some serious concerns about the Common Loon you have been seeing on or near Pelican Island recently. It is not normal for a loon to come ashore, and I suspect that it is growing weaker from some kind of toxicity—possibly lead poisoning. Here is some relevant information from Cornell’s Birds of North America Online (I have highlighted key points in red): Common Loon Lead Poisoning (Pb). Lead poisoning through ingestion of Pb fishing sinkers, which loons apparently mistake as pebbles they use for grit, is an important cause of breeding adult mortality throughout eastern Canada and the US. Lead poisoning affects nerve impulse transmission with clinical signs such as head-shaking, gaping, wing and eye droop. Chronic toxicosis has been associated with immunosuppression, and decreased weight, body fat, and muscle mass (Sidor et al 2003, M. Pokras, pers. com.). Other in-field diagnostic symptoms include green feces, disorientation, and lethargy causing less frequent dives in depth and duration, increased occurrence in shallow waters and frequent bouts of beaching with progression of condition (K. Taylor, pers. com.). Lethargic behaviors may predispose lead-poisoned loons to boat collisions (Miconi et al. 2000). Toxic effects well documented and confirm a direct link between ingestion of fishing tackle and mortality (McIntyre 1988, McNicholl 1988, Ensor et al. 1993, Pokras and Chafel 1992,Franson et al. 1993, Pokras et al. 1993, Poppenga et al. 1993, Scheuhammer and Norris 1996, Miconi et al. 2000, Franson et al. 2003, Sidor et al. 2003, Meyer 2006). I Behavior Locomotion Walking, Hopping, Climbing, Etc. Rarely observed on land, except for copulation, nest-building or tending, ritual defecation, during or after conspecific conflicts, or when ill or injured. Because feet are located so far aft, they are unable to walk on land, but instead propel themselves forward using their feet and if rushed, wings. Loons that have been disoriented or confused during a storm have been observed shuffling along highways and roads. In some instances, they have navigated > 1 km. Newborn chicks can walk upright on land, but lose this ability by around week 3. Timing Of Migration Spring Generally Mar–Jun; timing varies slightly but is remarkably synchronous throughout range. Spring migration independent of mate because pair bonds do not persist beyond the breeding season (DCE). Spring arrival to nesting lakes depends largely on the timing of ice-out. While some individuals arrive in the southern periphery of their range in mid- to late March (i.e., Washington, sw. Michigan, and s. New England), loons generally begin moving en masse in early to mid-April along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Recommended Citation Evers, David C., James D. Paruk, Judith W. Mcintyre and Jack F. Barr. 2010. Common Loon (Gavia immer), The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America Online:http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/313 doi:10.2173/bna.313 I tried to post this earlier, but I’m not sure it got through. Without intervention, I fear this bird may be doomed. If it is lead poisoning, the condition can be treated with chelation therapy, if the poisoning is not too far advanced. Loons can be dangerous to handle, and have to have special cushioning, as they cannot support their body weight on land. I’m not sure whether the Environmental Studies Center has experience with loons. If you decide to try to rescue this bird, please contact me, and I’ll try to put you in touch with the closest rehab center that is used to caring for loons. It would probably be a good idea to check with the Sea Lab, too, and see if they have a protocol for rescuing stranded loons. Anne G. Miller 980 Shades Crest Road Birmingham, AL 35226 205-902-1389 (cell) www.reunitewildlife.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Busy nesting year From: "Lawrence" <ctyrd109 AT bellsouth.net> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 19:23:24 -0000 Hi Ya'll To date we have had one nest of bluebirds and one nest of Phoebes fledge. Chipping sparrow is sitting on eggs in a nest on our pergola arbor. Two nesting boxes are occupied with Tufted Titmice and Chickadees. I saw a Brown Thrasher gathering nesting material. Wrens are around but as yet nest is not located. Larry Knorr, NW Chilton County ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: More Baby Birds From: RubyThroat AT aol.com Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 14:21:08 -0400 (EDT) Albirders Today we documented a pair of Tree Swallows feeding dependent young in one of our Purple Martin gourds. This is the second brood in this same gourd this season. The other babies fledged sometime early in the season. Tree Swallows nested here last summer and raised two broods. We have had no nesting Purple Martins in a least a dozen or more years. A European Starling nest in one of the gourds has failed again this year. This time, the gourd, with some assistance, found it's way to the ground with the opening face down. Tough luck Starlings! With mixed emotions, Martha and I found a pair of House Wrens feeding two babies and still APPARENTLY incubating three more eggs. This is in one of our Bluebird boxes very close to our home. Their song and rattling vocalizations are loud and very easy to identify. We hope to document the babies by banding them in a week or so. We have newly fledged White-breasted and Brown-headed Nuthatches feeding, with parents, at Martha's Marvelous Suet. Also, today we witness Blue Jays (2) carry food to a nest some 60-70 feet up in a tall pine. The nearby nesting American Crows have fledged at least two youngsters who are now perched in our side yard and harassing their parents with loud begging calls and wide open yellow-gaped mouths. It appears that the two parent birds are trying desperately to wean them away on their own. Anyone needing Downy Woodpeckers already trained to eat suet and sugar water can contact me privately. Also, we are offering free ground squirrels to anyone who wants them. This is a "you pick" sort of deal. We have more than we can possibly eat this season. I love this time of year when the birds are once again reproducing their own kind. Bob and Martha Sargent Clay, Alabama [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) From: "esweat1 AT gmail.com"<esweat1@gmail.com> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 12:33:08 -0500 Wow great find!! Eve Grant, Al Sent from my MOTOROLA ATRIXâ„¢ 2 on AT&T -----Original message----- From: RubyThroat AT aol.com To: hhorne AT earthlink.net, albirds AT yahoogroups.com Cc: mizrubythroat AT aol.com Sent: Wed, May 15, 2013 12:56:39 GMT+00:00 Subject: Re: [ALBIRDS] COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) Howard and Albirders This is positively an awesome find! Janice and Steve are not only great photographers, they have the best bird yard on the whole peninsula. Best of all, drum roll please...........they are just wonderful people! Bob Sargent Clay, Alabama In a message dated 5/15/2013 7:40:22 A.M. Central Daylight Time, hhorne AT earthlink.net writes: Hi all, A COMMON REDPOLL is being seen at the home of Janice Neitzel on Fort Morgan Road. The bird was first seen yesterday and continues this morning at a feeder in their yard. Photographs have been obtained. Janice is allowing visitors to try for the bird. There is no need to call prior to visiting. Here are the directions: The street address is 10499 on the north or bayside of Fort Morgan Road (this will be on your right when heading west from Gulf Shores). From Highway 59 in Gulf Shores head west on Fort Morgan Road (Hwy 180). The residence is just past (west) of the 11-mile marker and before the Fort Morgan RV Park. There are 2 small mailboxes with signs for Sandy Shores and Private Property. Pull in the driveway right before the mailboxes. There will be a large oak tree on the left hand side with several feeders and a shed down on the right (the house will be on the left). Park out of the way in the general area of the large oak and walk down to the shed. There will be a flat box feeder where the Redpoll is being seen. Many thanks to Janice for allowing folks to try for the bird! Good Birding and Good Luck, Howard Horne Mobile, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Bald Eagle Nest From: "rampager9898" <rampager9898 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 16:02:02 -0000 If anyone is planning a trip to Walter F George Dam any time soon check out the Bald Eagle Nest about 3/4 mile south of the dam on the Alabama side. The nest is easily seen from the water about 100 yards south of the cable. You should be able to to see it from the bank if you go down to the water south of the bathrooms near the main wood line. Will be in large Pine tree. Also there are quite a few osprey hanging around as well. Steve ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Success! From: Daniel Prince <dhwty8 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 10:30:17 -0500 After 2 mockingbird nests were overtaken by predators, we've had 3 successful Cardinal fledglings right outside our Window - a few pictures attached. . . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) From: RubyThroat AT aol.com Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 08:55:51 -0400 (EDT) Howard and Albirders This is positively an awesome find! Janice and Steve are not only great photographers, they have the best bird yard on the whole peninsula. Best of all, drum roll please...........they are just wonderful people! Bob Sargent Clay, Alabama In a message dated 5/15/2013 7:40:22 A.M. Central Daylight Time, hhorne AT earthlink.net writes: Hi all, A COMMON REDPOLL is being seen at the home of Janice Neitzel on Fort Morgan Road. The bird was first seen yesterday and continues this morning at a feeder in their yard. Photographs have been obtained. Janice is allowing visitors to try for the bird. There is no need to call prior to visiting. Here are the directions: The street address is 10499 on the north or bayside of Fort Morgan Road (this will be on your right when heading west from Gulf Shores). From Highway 59 in Gulf Shores head west on Fort Morgan Road (Hwy 180). The residence is just past (west) of the 11-mile marker and before the Fort Morgan RV Park. There are 2 small mailboxes with signs for Sandy Shores and Private Property. Pull in the driveway right before the mailboxes. There will be a large oak tree on the left hand side with several feeders and a shed down on the right (the house will be on the left). Park out of the way in the general area of the large oak and walk down to the shed. There will be a flat box feeder where the Redpoll is being seen. Many thanks to Janice for allowing folks to try for the bird! Good Birding and Good Luck, Howard Horne Mobile, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: COMMON REDPOLL!!! on Fort Morgan Road (Baldwin County) From: "Howard Horne" <hhorne AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 12:40:19 -0000 Hi all, A COMMON REDPOLL is being seen at the home of Janice Neitzel on Fort Morgan Road. The bird was first seen yesterday and continues this morning at a feeder in their yard. Photographs have been obtained. Janice is allowing visitors to try for the bird. There is no need to call prior to visiting. Here are the directions: The street address is 10499 on the north or bayside of Fort Morgan Road (this will be on your right when heading west from Gulf Shores). From Highway 59 in Gulf Shores head west on Fort Morgan Road (Hwy 180). The residence is just past (west) of the 11-mile marker and before the Fort Morgan RV Park. There are 2 small mailboxes with signs for Sandy Shores and Private Property. Pull in the driveway right before the mailboxes. There will be a large oak tree on the left hand side with several feeders and a shed down on the right (the house will be on the left). Park out of the way in the general area of the large oak and walk down to the shed. There will be a flat box feeder where the Redpoll is being seen. Many thanks to Janice for allowing folks to try for the bird! Good Birding and Good Luck, Howard Horne Mobile, AL ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Bald Eagle Nest From: "rampager9898" <rampager9898 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 04:14:35 -0000 If anyone is planning a trip to Walter F George Dam any time soon check out the Bald Eagle Nest about 3/4 mile south of the dam on the Alabama side. The nest is easily seen from the water about 100 yards south of the cable. You should be able to to see it from the bank if you go down to the water south of the bathrooms near the main wood line. Will be in large Pine tree. Also there are quite a few osprey hanging around as well. Steve ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Bald Eagle Nest From: "rampager9898" <rampager9898 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 04:11:21 -0000 If anyone is planning a trip to Walter F George Dam any time soon check out the Bald Eagle Nest about 3/4 mile south of the dam on the Alabama side. The nest is easily seen from the water about 100 yards south of the cable. You should be able to to see it from the bank if you go down to the water south of the bathrooms near the main wood line. Will be in large Pine tree. Also there are quite a few osprey hanging around as well. Steve ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Mississippi Kites From: "Jud Johnston" <rivendell AT tds.net> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 22:25:54 -0500 Sylvia and I saw six Mississippi kites feeding today over the large fields just north of the Warrior River bridge on the Western bypass of Tuscaloosa-Northport. We found a flock of 30+ here in the fall a couple of years ago, so I guess they use this spot going both ways. Jud Johnston Waynesboro, TN [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Hey Andrew DI From: "Charlie" <charleskennedy AT centurytel.net> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 02:40:08 -0000 Just read your loon post. Don't know what you might be drinkin' or smokin' but how about sending me some of it. C. Kennedy Greenville ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: loon From: "pemburung" <pemburung AT naturetravelspecialists.com> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 00:58:43 -0000 Joy! Pelican loon (yes, I know, what's a pelican loon, ha ha) still going, saw it on the beach and later feeding quite happily. On the beach it just sat there and looked at my - and another couple of passers by - with no apparent concern at all. No twitching, no sharp movement, no nothing except a lazy lifting of the head to look. And speaking of looking, he's looking pretty sharp in near complete breeding plumage - just a bit of head molt to go. So the white belly I saw yesterday was something else(but still sad) but not the pelican loon. Yay! Andrew DI. ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: loon From: "pemburung" <pemburung AT naturetravelspecialists.com> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 17:46:58 -0000 Well having no sooner posted yesterday's good news email about the loon when bad news strikes - I found the Pelican loon dead this morning. So sad for such a magnificent bird, especially one that tried as hard as he did. No cheers, Andrew DI ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: DI loon From: "pemburung" <pemburung AT naturetravelspecialists.com> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 00:26:08 -0000 Well, seems we have two beach loons. Talked to Laura, one of the banders of our sandpipers and dunlins mentioned in an earlier post, and she saw the funny foot loon this morning in Pelican Bay, after seeing the West End bird earlier. Neither bird could have got to the other end of the island without flying, so there are two birds. I have to say I didn't see the rear extending leg on the bird at West End. Thinking about it, assumed a wing problem due to no flying. But like most seabirds, loons have to paddler-race across the water to get airborne. If one leg isn't working, then the paddle-race probably can't be done, even if you can fly. And no take-off means no flying. But still, the good news is that the Pelican bird is still around, so the WE bird also may have a good, if sedentary future. Andrew DI --- In albirds AT yahoogroups.com, "pemburung" wrote: > > Albirders, I know some of you saw the loon that appeared to be injured, as it was up on the public beach and one wing looked wrong, early last month on Dauphin. It may have been in March in fact. I also saw it hunting in one of the shallow ponds further along Pelican, and was seen in the gulf as well, just offshore. Today I saw a loon hunting in a very shallow pond on west end, so shallow that virtually its entire body was out, and dowitchers were foraging nearby. A little later on it was out on the sand. Must be the same bird, so it seems to be getting on OK. Not sure why it hauls out onto the sand; maybe it's more vulnerable to predatory fish or dolphins as it can't fly, and certainly couldn't swim fast enough to escape. But happily it is surviving. > > As many of you know there's a banding program being undertaken on west end for western (that's pretty much finished) and semipalmated sandpipers and dunlins. Dunlin and semis have a green coded flag on the upper left leg and a red band lower; on the right upper leg they have a metal band and 3 color bands lower. Westerns are opposite; the flag and red band are on the right leg, and the metal and 3 colors on the left. If you see them you can report them direct to Jessica Henkel: jhenkel AT ..., or if down the road when this post is long hidden and you don't know the email, to me, and I'll pass it along. I saw 2 banded Dunlin and 2 banded semis today. > > Andrew > DI > ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: DI loon From: "pemburung" <pemburung AT naturetravelspecialists.com> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 17:14:43 -0000 Albirders, I know some of you saw the loon that appeared to be injured, as it was up on the public beach and one wing looked wrong, early last month on Dauphin. It may have been in March in fact. I also saw it hunting in one of the shallow ponds further along Pelican, and was seen in the gulf as well, just offshore. Today I saw a loon hunting in a very shallow pond on west end, so shallow that virtually its entire body was out, and dowitchers were foraging nearby. A little later on it was out on the sand. Must be the same bird, so it seems to be getting on OK. Not sure why it hauls out onto the sand; maybe it's more vulnerable to predatory fish or dolphins as it can't fly, and certainly couldn't swim fast enough to escape. But happily it is surviving. As many of you know there's a banding program being undertaken on west end for western (that's pretty much finished) and semipalmated sandpipers and dunlins. Dunlin and semis have a green coded flag on the upper left leg and a red band lower; on the right upper leg they have a metal band and 3 color bands lower. Westerns are opposite; the flag and red band are on the right leg, and the metal and 3 colors on the left. If you see them you can report them direct to Jessica Henkel: jhenkel AT tulane.edu, or if down the road when this post is long hidden and you don't know the email, to me, and I'll pass it along. I saw 2 banded Dunlin and 2 banded semis today. Andrew DI ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: No fallout in NW FL From: "pemburung" <pemburung AT naturetravelspecialists.com> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 01:45:02 -0000 Well, it seems it's so long and thanks for all the fish for 2013. Andrew DI --- In albirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Lucy & Bob Duncan" wrote: > > Hi all, > > > > There were no apparent incoming migrants in Gulf Breeze > today. The SW winds forecast by the NOAA Marine Forecast did not > materialize. Andrew Haffenden reported two heavy movements of R. E.Vireos at > Dauphin Is., but no other species involved. Whatever was migrating north > must have passed to the west of NW FL. Hopefully, it's not over yet but it > sure looks like it. > > > > Bob Duncan > > > > Gulf Breeze in the w. Panhandle > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: No fallout in NW FL From: "Lucy & Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 18:56:43 -0500 Hi all, There were no apparent incoming migrants in Gulf Breeze today. The SW winds forecast by the NOAA Marine Forecast did not materialize. Andrew Haffenden reported two heavy movements of R. E.Vireos at Dauphin Is., but no other species involved. Whatever was migrating north must have passed to the west of NW FL. Hopefully, it's not over yet but it sure looks like it. Bob Duncan Gulf Breeze in the w. Panhandle [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Jackson County Park today- opportunistic Great Blue Heron From: Harold Peterson <pinkfloyd137 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 16:18:50 -0700 (PDT) This afternoon we took my one year old to Jackson County Park in Scottsboro.  Next to the water there were some kids feeding the ducks.  A Great Blue Heron was waiting near where the bread landed in the water, quite close to the kids.  Whenever a fish would swim up for a "free" snack, the heron would grab it.  We saw it catch four large fish in at most five minutes. Birds in the park were par for the course, including a Downy Woodpecker nest.  The flowers were spectacular- rhododendrons are at peak bloom and presenting a wide range of colors.  It was worth the trip just to see them. -Harold Peterson Huntsville, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: fallout conditions? From: "Lucy & Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 09:24:42 -0500 The upper level readings at AT 2600ft have come in, SW 15 mph at Slidell, LA. Birds may very well be vectoring in our direction. Cross your fingers. Bob [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Baby Kildeer From: Bill Rogers <wjrogersportable AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 06:22:08 -0700 (PDT) I always love to see baby Kildeer.  Like bumblebees on stilts.  There were two in the rock landscaping at Olive Garden last night. Bill Rogers Florence, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: weather now From: "Lucy & Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 07:27:17 -0500 Hi, Although the rain is in the right place for fallout on the AL - NW FL coasts, moving ENE toward NW FL, winds at the mouth of the river (MS) are NE 12 mph 7 a.m. Drat! They're supposed to be SW! Maybe later. Bob Duncan Gulf Breeze in the w. Panhandle [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: Last chance for migrants? From: RubyThroat AT aol.com Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 06:46:42 -0400 (EDT) Bob Thanks again for this update on the chances of more birds here in the late phase of spring migration. I hope anyone along the Alabama coast will report in what they might find. Our yard in the Birmingham area has grown quiet of late. Good birding guys. Bob Sargent Clay, Alabama In a message dated 5/10/2013 9:51:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time, town_point AT bellsouth.net writes: Hi folks, Conditions are right for whatever birds are left in Yucatan and Central America to leave tonight. Looks like the vector will be toward the LA coast, but a slight shift to the east could give AL & NW FL birds. Rain is predicted along the AL - NW FL coast mid-morning on SW winds, just the right time if it in fact the rain develops, to give us a fallout. Surface winds and probably winds aloft at around 2600 ft could very well vector them our way, if any are left to come in. Our latest substantial fallout for Gulf Breeze is May 12. Winds shifting to NW & N Sat. night should put down any birds aloft. Some warblers came in this afternoon in Gulf Breeze. Is it too late for more birds? The weekend shall tell! Happy birding, Bob Duncan Gulf Breeze, in the w. Panhandle [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Last chance for migrants? From: "Lucy & Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 21:51:02 -0500 Hi folks, Conditions are right for whatever birds are left in Yucatan and Central America to leave tonight. Looks like the vector will be toward the LA coast, but a slight shift to the east could give AL & NW FL birds. Rain is predicted along the AL - NW FL coast mid-morning on SW winds, just the right time if it in fact the rain develops, to give us a fallout. Surface winds and probably winds aloft at around 2600 ft could very well vector them our way, if any are left to come in. Our latest substantial fallout for Gulf Breeze is May 12. Winds shifting to NW & N Sat. night should put down any birds aloft. Some warblers came in this afternoon in Gulf Breeze. Is it too late for more birds? The weekend shall tell! Happy birding, Bob Duncan Gulf Breeze, in the w. Panhandle [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: White throated sp From: jjoal AT att.net Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 13:32:11 -0500 Greetings:a white throated sp has been around for 3 days now. It seems late? Singing yellow-rumps and lots of rosé breasted grosbeaks and siskins yet!!!Good birding,Lorna West ,Opelika Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Bob on Absolutely Alabama From: ekelleyteacher AT bellsouth.net Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 10:54:59 -0700 (PDT) I am watching at 6:00 and 10:30 tonight for our favorite bird bander on Fox 6. Sent from Yahoo! Mail for iPhone [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: RE: help From: "Reed, Robert" <robert.reed AT psc.alabama.gov> Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 09:11:14 -0500 Neither have I. The last thing I received was at 4:28 Wednesday afternoon. On the fifth day, God created the birds of the air and said that it was good; and He blessed them. Bob Robert E. (Bob) Reed Colonel, Field Artillery, Retired Past President Editor, The Yellowhammer Alabama Ornithological Society 88838 Tallassee Highway Tallassee, Alabama 36078 334-283-5886 Home 334-242-2698 Work 334-242-0717 Fax robert.reed AT psc.alabama.gov This email (and attachments if any) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this email is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return email and destroy all copies of the email (and attachments if any). From: albirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:albirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of annmiller520 AT aol.com Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 8:02 AM To: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [ALBIRDS] help I have not received an e-mail from Albirds for two days. Is it me or them? Ann Miller [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: help From: annmiller520 AT aol.com Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 09:01:53 -0400 (EDT) I have not received an e-mail from Albirds for two days. Is it me or them? Ann Miller [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Fort Morgan Issues From: RubyThroat AT aol.com Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 14:44:48 -0400 (EDT) Mac and All In past years, the top of the batteries have had little or no work done on them. The root system in the trees atop the batteries is now being credited with causing the leaks that occur. This may or may not be the problem. If it is the leak problem, then I'm not opposed to taking the trees from the top of the batteries. However, I would like some EXPERT opinion what is involved and why this has not been done in the past despite other managers recommending removal of the trees. It is my understanding that there was a lead covering on top of these structures. If true, that came as a surprise to one of the past managers at the Fort and may have involved the EPA HASMAT being involved. Someone with more talent than I may wish to find out about this item since it will be a problem again if that lead "shield" is penetrated or punctured. In the case of mosquitoes, spraying for them will not help the attendance at the Fort. The discomfort time with mosquitoes and no-see-ums is very early a very late. Since Mr. Hill now lives on the Fort, he may find them a problem if he is out at dusk. Like the Cottonmouth that bit him, common sense tells us all to put on insect repellent and use proper caution when in the wooded areas at the Fort, and when out very early or very late. The main problem for visitors coming to the Fort is, in my opinion, the militant conflict and attitude between Fort personnel and those who come to visit as birders and observers that come to see the bird banding operations. The ill-fated and stupid burning of the Middle Ground was a tragedy for all that come as bird lovers in my opinion. True to form, the predicted "greening up" of the burned out areas did not come back quickly as put forth by the AHC publicity department as stated to the public and to the news media. In all candor, I think that under the current management at the Fort and by the Commission, the goal is to attempt to make Fort Morgan a sea of grass to be cut regularly and to eliminate migratory bird habitat. Our 25 years or so of birding and banding at the Fort has greatly enhanced visitation at this isolated old Fort. Birders and banders here are friends and not enemies. I find that the recent burn episode was really the first major volley fired across our bow in a renewed effort to make Fort Morgan into a grassy park at the expense of the stopover bird habitat. Perhaps the AHC Director can provide us some insights into what exactly is the major plan for the Fort. I fully expect that in our absence, there will be a continuing "chipping away" of the bird attracting habitat that has made this such a special place. I feel certain that Mr. Hill reads all of these reports on Albirds through some of his sources. As I have learned, almost anyone is allowed on Albirds. Having said that, Brian has lead a sheltered life compared to what he is experiencing at Fort Morgan. I do feel that his selection to be the Director at the Fort was not well thought out based on his previous narrow scope of experience that he brings to this job at the Fort. I feel sure that Mr. Hill would not resent anyone doing an Internet Search in order to learn about the body of his work at a Historic Home Site in lovely Trenton, New Jersey. As a paying guests at Fort Morgan, we could easily lose the opportunity to band birds at this special place. I see the reported camp fire discoveries on the Fort as probably the being done by fisherman at night. I cannot imagine transients or vandals or any birders as the being the ones who spent the night in these snake and mosquito infested areas at night. I also feel that any attempt to lay these camp fire episodes at the feet of birders is a misleading effort, if that were to be the case. I had promised myself that I would not fan the flames on this burn episode at the Fort. I will continue to make every effort to communicate with Brian Hill in an effort to keep this grand old site stable and open to the public. Finally, please observe the parking area restriction at Fort Morgan, and help keep the place free of trash. If you wish to comment on the situation at the Fort the Director, Mr. Brian Hill, will almost certainly be glad to hear your comments and suggestions. Civil discussions are almost always useful. I do not pretend to be the voice for those that come to Fort Morgan for whatever reason. I am however gravely concerned about the discord that exists between the management and those in the birding/banding community. Respectfully Bob Sargent The Hummer/Bird Study Group In a message dated 5/8/2013 11:59:29 A.M. Central Daylight Time, macwalter AT comcast.net writes: Hi Bob,the way I see it, yes someone needs to go over Brian's head. He is clearly a recipe for disaster. We all know that. The question in my mind is who needs to be the spokesman. I have heard that you like me can be very passionate about your beliefs and as my wife never hesitates to say. Let me,meaning her do the talking. My sense is that it is CRITICAL to keep A clear head to bargain from the high ground. I was speaking to a local birder Mike Jordan who is very well educated and he mentioned some guy from Florida who is way up in the bird etc. community who is well respected. Maybe someone like him on board would help. Also mike told me that Brian wants to start spraying for Mosquitos and as you know they being at the bottom of the food chain would have disastrous results to the ecology. Brian has to be reined in before it is too late. Also he wants to clear off the trees etc. from on top the battery and if not careful you will have big erosion issues. This guy has not a clue of the valuable resource he controls. Also the people above him need to educated to see the broader view, not just the historical relevance of the fort itself. I wish this was a national park, not run by the poorest state in the union. By the way you might want to speak to mike Jordan, he is a good and knowledgable guy. Best of luck and health, be back down in July. Mac Walter 410-719-0607-h 410-913-1730-c _macwalter.com_ (http://macwalter.com/) On May 8, 2013, at 9:56 AM, _RubyThroat AT aol.com_ (mailto:RubyThroat AT aol.com) wrote: Mac I'm a bit paranoid having spoke with Brian Hill and having a feel for what he hopes to do at the Fort. He wants mowed grassy areas "much like Gettysburg" in his words. He has alienated the birding community which only compounds the problem since they openly voice objections to his actions. Efforts to meet him halfway appear less than successful so far. Despite my reservations, I will likely start going over his head and try reasoning with his two immediate superiors this month. One is a long time friend, but the Director Mr. White is an unknown factor for me. Be safe my friend and think of me when our are letting your guitar speak for your talent. I've been listening to "Cousins" this morning as I worked on an article before dawn. God Bless Bob In a message dated 5/8/2013 9:45:19 A.M. Central Daylight Time, _macwalter AT comcast.net_ (mailto:macwalter AT comcast.net) writes: Hi Bob, My sense is that it is a as you say a fisherman who makes himself a meal as he is fishing. I don't think anyone is actually camping out though. The fire pit was done by someone who knows good field craft but I guess it raises the fear in me that someone would deliberately set fire to the area, or by mistake. There have been an awful lot of fires down here in the past few years. Mac Walter 410-719-0607-h 410-913-1730-c _macwalter.com_ (http://macwalter.com/) = [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: A Kestrel Saved For The Time Being From: Mac Walter <macwalter AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 11:58:37 -0500 Hi Bob,the way I see it, yes someone needs to go over Brian's head. He is clearly a recipe for disaster. We all know that. The question in my mind is who needs to be the spokesman. I have heard that you like me can be very passionate about your beliefs and as my wife never hesitates to say. Let me,meaning her do the talking. My sense is that it is CRITICAL to keep A clear head to bargain from the high ground. I was speaking to a local birder Mike Jordan who is very well educated and he mentioned some guy from Florida who is way up in the bird etc. community who is well respected. Maybe someone like him on board would help. Also mike told me that Brian wants to start spraying for Mosquitos and as you know they being at the bottom of the food chain would have disastrous results to the ecology. Brian has to be reined in before it is too late. Also he wants to clear off the trees etc. from on top the battery and if not careful you will have big erosion issues. This guy has not a clue of the valuable resource he controls. Also the people above him need to educated to see the broader view, not just the historical relevance of the fort itself. I wish this was a national park, not run by the poorest state in the union. By the way you might want to speak to mike Jordan, he is a good and knowledgable guy. Best of luck and health, be back down in July. Mac Walter 410-719-0607-h 410-913-1730-c macwalter.com On May 8, 2013, at 9:56 AM, RubyThroat AT aol.com wrote: > Mac > I'm a bit paranoid having spoke with Brian Hill and having a feel for what he hopes to do at the Fort. He wants mowed grassy areas "much like Gettysburg" in his words. He has alienated the birding community which only compounds the problem since they openly voice objections to his actions. > > Efforts to meet him halfway appear less than successful so far. Despite my reservations, I will likely start going over his head and try reasoning with his two immediate superiors this month. One is a long time friend, but the Director Mr. White is an unknown factor for me. > > Be safe my friend and think of me when our are letting your guitar speak for your talent. I've been listening to "Cousins" this morning as I worked on an article before dawn. > > God Bless > Bob > > In a message dated 5/8/2013 9:45:19 A.M. Central Daylight Time, macwalter AT comcast.net writes: > Hi Bob, > My sense is that it is a as you say a fisherman who makes himself a meal as he is fishing. I don't think anyone is actually camping out though. The fire pit was done by someone who knows good field craft but I guess it raises the fear in me that someone would deliberately set fire to the area, or by mistake. There have been an awful lot of fires down here in the past few years. > > Mac Walter > 410-719-0607-h > 410-913-1730-c > macwalter.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: change of email From: Janice Neitzel <janiceneitzel AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 11:04:56 -0400 (EDT) My email has been compromised/hacked, I'm sincerely sorry for the spam that's been sent in my name. I'm no longer using my aol or yahoo accounts as of today. I'd still like to receive mail from albirds, only at new email: janiceneitzel1 AT gmail.com If you or anyone with albirds receives mail from (me) from aol or yahoo, do not open. Again, I apologize for any spam. Janice. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: A Kestrel Saved For The Time Being From: Mac Walter <macwalter AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 09:12:34 -0500 Hi Bob You are so right about over ambitious planning and development. Unfortunately so long as we live in an expansionist economy it will only get worse. As an aside I spent the past week at the fort as the ferry was down and had a wonderful week of birds. The best I have ever had down here. Sadly I play my last gig today and start my long drive back to Maryland. I hope to get up north a few hours to shorten my day tomorrow. As an aside as I was walking the stable area the other day I came across a camp fire someone had set in the path. It was well done but disturbing nonetheless. There has been a lot of wind of late. I considered reporting it to Brian but fear if I do he will shut down the area to birders etc in the afternoon when conditions are best. As it is that old man who drives around in the pickup looks for any excuse to say the park is closed even when I am clearly walking back to my car and nowhere near the fort. It used to be I could go up park and walk pretty much anywhere with no hassles. Damned annoying I must say. I wish they would offer a year pass you could put on your windshield and be done with all this crap. Mac Walter 410-719-0607-h 410-913-1730-c macwalter.com On May 8, 2013, at 7:37 AM, RubyThroat AT aol.com wrote: > Albirders > Ken, great report amigo. > > The grassy sides of the airport, and the Pinson Valley area were once > choice areas for both Dickcissels and Bobolinks during migration. When I first > started birding, Paul Franklin, Martha and I, Mike and Suzanne Owen > regularly birded out that way and saw both species. The prime grasslands where we > saw these birds is now mostly covered by the Industrial Park. > > Many/some of those huge factory type buildings are now sitting empty, or > have had a long history of business failures and new owners. The promise of > lots of new jobs and assistance with taxpayers dollars seems to be less > than projected at the time the land was changed forever. In my opinion, it > is a sad commentary on the total disregard of the downside of poorly planned > development projects. I feel sure the decisions made by the development > boards were thought at the time to be a great idea. Pardon my backward look > at what was once a very special bit of grassland habitat now gone > forever. Please forgive my down attitude this morning regarding the mindless > destruction of bird habitat. I liken it the obsession with the mowing at Fort > Morgan. > > Enough. > > Here at our place in Clay, Alabama today, we are once again hosting > hundreds of Pine Siskins, American Goldfinches and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Life > is good guys. > > Bob Sargent > Clay, Alabama > > > In a message dated 5/7/2013 9:10:06 P.M. Central Daylight Time, > Memontei AT aol.com writes: > > Hello all, > > When I read Greg Jackson's albird report (from today May 7)that the tall > grass area at the West End of the Birmingham Airport was being mowed, I > decided to take a break and go see the bobolinks and other species before the > mowers temporarily degraded one of the best places for grassland birds in > Jefferson County. When I arived in the early afternoon, the mowers were not > present and the mowing had stopped at the marshy hedgerow ditch that bisets > the area into an eastern and western half. In the uncut western half of the > area, I was lucky enough to see 7 bobolinks sitting on the powerlines > along with a dicksisel. That was the first dicksisel of the season for me and > the first ever in Jefferson County. I also saw a solitary sandpiper probing > the mud puddles in the road (I guess shorbirds take what they can get > between the tropics and the taiga). The local grassland poster birds, > meadowlarks, were busy foraging in the cut grass areas. > > While birding I started hearing a kestrel which is not supprising > considering one or more have been hanging out in this area all winter. I spotted > the kestrel on a power pole being bombed by very large crows. The kestrel > started to fly away and I noticed it was missing feathers from the center of > it tail. I wonder if the crows or something else did this? Subsequently, it > looked like the crows litteraly knocked the little kestrel to the ground. > Normally I would not interfere, but the kestrel is a declining species so I > felt an obligation to save the kestrel. I waded across flooded grass to > scare the crows away which gave the kestrel time to get off the ground and > head for a low bush in the tree line. I was not in a position to try to take > in an injured bird especially without eye protection, but hopefully the > kestrel will survive it missing feathers, crows etc. and go on back north or > better yet breed here. > > If you want to visit the area before the mowers force grassland migrants > to keep going to the pastures of Sand Mountain, you might want to do it > quick. The grasslands as the West End of the Birmingham Airport can be accessed > by following the map at this Air Cargo Link > http://www.flybirmingham.com/aircargo-cargo.html > As you drive down Air Cargo Road you will see grave roads to your right > which access the grassland. I have considered that some of us conservationist > should talk to the airport managers about when to mow, but they have been > so bird phobic in relation to Canada Geese at East Lake I am not sure if we > could approach them about attracting more birds to the airport. By the way > what is the best time to mow? Late winter? I would imagine everything does > not need to be mowed at once as well. If not for the airport we will need > this information for Limestone Park. > > Enjoy and Conserve the Creation, > Ken Wills > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Warbling vireo in yard From: jjoal AT att.net Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 07:55:02 -0500 Greetings:A warbling vireo show himself this am . There was no prominent black eye line,broad white over eye, no wing bars,the thin pale line in eye stopped short of bill. Good birding ,Lorna West,Opelika Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: A Kestrel Saved For The Time Being From: RubyThroat AT aol.com Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 08:37:34 -0400 (EDT) Albirders Ken, great report amigo. The grassy sides of the airport, and the Pinson Valley area were once choice areas for both Dickcissels and Bobolinks during migration. When I first started birding, Paul Franklin, Martha and I, Mike and Suzanne Owen regularly birded out that way and saw both species. The prime grasslands where we saw these birds is now mostly covered by the Industrial Park. Many/some of those huge factory type buildings are now sitting empty, or have had a long history of business failures and new owners. The promise of lots of new jobs and assistance with taxpayers dollars seems to be less than projected at the time the land was changed forever. In my opinion, it is a sad commentary on the total disregard of the downside of poorly planned development projects. I feel sure the decisions made by the development boards were thought at the time to be a great idea. Pardon my backward look at what was once a very special bit of grassland habitat now gone forever. Please forgive my down attitude this morning regarding the mindless destruction of bird habitat. I liken it the obsession with the mowing at Fort Morgan. Enough. Here at our place in Clay, Alabama today, we are once again hosting hundreds of Pine Siskins, American Goldfinches and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Life is good guys. Bob Sargent Clay, Alabama In a message dated 5/7/2013 9:10:06 P.M. Central Daylight Time, Memontei AT aol.com writes: Hello all, When I read Greg Jackson's albird report (from today May 7)that the tall grass area at the West End of the Birmingham Airport was being mowed, I decided to take a break and go see the bobolinks and other species before the mowers temporarily degraded one of the best places for grassland birds in Jefferson County. When I arived in the early afternoon, the mowers were not present and the mowing had stopped at the marshy hedgerow ditch that bisets the area into an eastern and western half. In the uncut western half of the area, I was lucky enough to see 7 bobolinks sitting on the powerlines along with a dicksisel. That was the first dicksisel of the season for me and the first ever in Jefferson County. I also saw a solitary sandpiper probing the mud puddles in the road (I guess shorbirds take what they can get between the tropics and the taiga). The local grassland poster birds, meadowlarks, were busy foraging in the cut grass areas. While birding I started hearing a kestrel which is not supprising considering one or more have been hanging out in this area all winter. I spotted the kestrel on a power pole being bombed by very large crows. The kestrel started to fly away and I noticed it was missing feathers from the center of it tail. I wonder if the crows or something else did this? Subsequently, it looked like the crows litteraly knocked the little kestrel to the ground. Normally I would not interfere, but the kestrel is a declining species so I felt an obligation to save the kestrel. I waded across flooded grass to scare the crows away which gave the kestrel time to get off the ground and head for a low bush in the tree line. I was not in a position to try to take in an injured bird especially without eye protection, but hopefully the kestrel will survive it missing feathers, crows etc. and go on back north or better yet breed here. If you want to visit the area before the mowers force grassland migrants to keep going to the pastures of Sand Mountain, you might want to do it quick. The grasslands as the West End of the Birmingham Airport can be accessed by following the map at this Air Cargo Link http://www.flybirmingham.com/aircargo-cargo.html As you drive down Air Cargo Road you will see grave roads to your right which access the grassland. I have considered that some of us conservationist should talk to the airport managers about when to mow, but they have been so bird phobic in relation to Canada Geese at East Lake I am not sure if we could approach them about attracting more birds to the airport. By the way what is the best time to mow? Late winter? I would imagine everything does not need to be mowed at once as well. If not for the airport we will need this information for Limestone Park. Enjoy and Conserve the Creation, Ken Wills [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: A Kestrel Saved For The Time Being From: "Kenneth Wills" <Memontei AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 08 May 2013 02:10:02 -0000 Hello all, When I read Greg Jackson's albird report (from today May 7)that the tall grass area at the West End of the Birmingham Airport was being mowed, I decided to take a break and go see the bobolinks and other species before the mowers temporarily degraded one of the best places for grassland birds in Jefferson County. When I arived in the early afternoon, the mowers were not present and the mowing had stopped at the marshy hedgerow ditch that bisets the area into an eastern and western half. In the uncut western half of the area, I was lucky enough to see 7 bobolinks sitting on the powerlines along with a dicksisel. That was the first dicksisel of the season for me and the first ever in Jefferson County. I also saw a solitary sandpiper probing the mud puddles in the road (I guess shorbirds take what they can get between the tropics and the taiga). The local grassland poster birds, meadowlarks, were busy foraging in the cut grass areas. While birding I started hearing a kestrel which is not supprising considering one or more have been hanging out in this area all winter. I spotted the kestrel on a power pole being bombed by very large crows. The kestrel started to fly away and I noticed it was missing feathers from the center of it tail. I wonder if the crows or something else did this? Subsequently, it looked like the crows litteraly knocked the little kestrel to the ground. Normally I would not interfere, but the kestrel is a declining species so I felt an obligation to save the kestrel. I waded across flooded grass to scare the crows away which gave the kestrel time to get off the ground and head for a low bush in the tree line. I was not in a position to try to take in an injured bird especially without eye protection, but hopefully the kestrel will survive it missing feathers, crows etc. and go on back north or better yet breed here. If you want to visit the area before the mowers force grassland migrants to keep going to the pastures of Sand Mountain, you might want to do it quick. The grasslands as the West End of the Birmingham Airport can be accessed by following the map at this Air Cargo Link http://www.flybirmingham.com/aircargo-cargo.html As you drive down Air Cargo Road you will see grave roads to your right which access the grassland. I have considered that some of us conservationist should talk to the airport managers about when to mow, but they have been so bird phobic in relation to Canada Geese at East Lake I am not sure if we could approach them about attracting more birds to the airport. By the way what is the best time to mow? Late winter? I would imagine everything does not need to be mowed at once as well. If not for the airport we will need this information for Limestone Park. Enjoy and Conserve the Creation, Ken Wills ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: accumulation of migrants From: "Lucy & Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net> Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 20:15:19 -0500 Hi all, Neotropical migrants continue to accumulate at our home in Gulf Breeze in the western Panhandle. The system of squally weather of a few days ago plus NW & W winds have birds dropping down and feeding voraciously in our yard. Today Lucy and I logged 62 species in the neighborhood, 28 Neotropical migrants, of which 11 were warblers (best Golden-winged, Bay-breasted, & Blackburnian). Abundant are Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Red-eyed Vireos, and one singing Black-whiskered Vireo. Good numbers of thrushes and tanagers as well. Several Baltimore Orioles were in the oaks around the yard, and one finally condescended to visit our suet, seed and fruit feeders. This spring is a complete contrast to last spring, which was a migration non-event. So far 31 species of warblers have been reported to us in the western Panhandle. Not bad. The numbers of Gray-cheeked, Veery and Swainson's Thrushes is impressive. Don't we hate to see it end!! Bob Duncan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Ruffner Mtn. this AM (7 May 2013) From: "Greg D. Jackson" <g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net> Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 12:48:57 -0500 AL Birders: Stan Hamilton and I birded a few hours at Ruffner Mtn. this morning. This has become one of my favorite places to bird in recent years; in my opinion when it is "on" no place in the Birmingham area can touch it for woodland migrants. It was so this morning, and we were immersed in transient birds in multiple areas. We birded the parking lot area from 0550 to 0745, then worked the ridge. Stan had to leave about 0915, and I continued birding on the ridge for another hour or so. In the gloomy fog at dawn, Stan had a fly-over Great Egret, potentially adding another species to the Ruffner list. Non-resident birds in the park this morning included: BW Hawk 1 YB Cuckoo 1 RT Hummingbird 1 GC Flycatcher 2 E. Kingbird 3 White-eyed (3), Yellow-throated (1), and Red-eyed (40) vireos House Wren 2 BG Gnatcatcher 3 Swainson's (1) and Wood (4) thrushes G. Catbird 7 Cedar Waxwing 25 Warblers (20 species): Worm-eating (1), Blue-winged (1), Black-and-white (5), Tennessee (25), Orange-crowned (1, late), Kentucky (1), Hooded (3), Am. Redstart (2), Cape May (3 males), Cerulean (1 fem.), Magnolia (4), Bay-breasted (3 males), Blackburnian (3), Yellow (1), Chestnut-sided (5), Blackpoll (22), Palm (4), Pine (2, resident but included here), Yellow-rumped (25), Black-throated Green (4) WT Sparrow 2 Summer (12) and Scarlet (30) tanagers Rose-breasted Grosbeak 25 Indigo Bunting 20 Baltimore Oriole 15 Potentially the best bird of the morning had to be "let go"; a very likely BT Blue Warbler female provided only a fleeting rear view near the fire tower, insufficient for the level of scarceness here. I briefly stopped by the airport on the way home, hoping the rains had knocked down a few shorebirds, only to find the shorebird spot being weed-whacked by a team of workers (great timing!). The usual birds were about, and a few Bobolinks were still in the unmowed portions of the fields. It was a wonderful and productive morning to bird in Birmingham, something we don't get to say nearly enough! Greg Greg D. Jackson Birmingham, AL g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Plants that attract birds From: "barbiesenior" <barbiesenior AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 07 May 2013 16:57:29 -0000 I've been doing some reading on the internet about bushes and small trees that attract birds yet provide some privacy between neighbors, and if y'all don't mind, I'd like to ask what are some of your favorites and/or recommendations. I had let the cherry laurel trees and other natural vegetation grow up along the back fence, and it was perfect for privacy and attracting birds. Alabama Power hired the Whack and Hack Tree Company who came through my neighborhood and clear cut to the ground everything under the power lines. I need help with what to replant that would be maintenance free, not grow too tall, yet give me some privacy and attract birds. Thanks for your help! Sharon Kirby Jefferson County, Alabama ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Vulcan Trail is Awesome From: "Kenneth Wills" <Memontei AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 07 May 2013 00:36:04 -0000 Hello all, Today, I could not take my lunchbreak bird walk until until around 1:30 today so I was not optomistic about what I would find although I hoped the cold cloudy weather would keep the migrants active. My hopes were realized. As soon as I stepped out of the car at the Vulcan Trail parking lot I was greeted by a lot of warblers singing. As I was looking at a chestnut sized warbler, I heard the unmistakeable song of a black throated blue warbler. I had hoped to see or hear a blue winged warbler (a fairly common species that has alluded me so far this year), but I will take the rarer black throated blue warbler any day. The bird was down the slope from the trail, and this migrant did not respond to a recording (evidently some migrants respond and others don't) so I never saw the bird. I was distracted by all the other migrant activity and unfortunately lost track of the bird. Vulcan Trail has really been producing some good birds this spring and in the mid day when us working folks have time to do week day birding. Besides the black throated blue warbler, in the span of 45 minutes todays migrants included American Redstart, common yelowthroat, palm warbler, magnolia warbler, wood thrush, scarlet tanger and orchard oriole. Last week others saw Baltimore Orioles more than one at this location. Earlier in the spring I picked up cerulean warbler, ovenbird, Tennessee Warbler and several other species along the trail. I am sure the highly fragmented exotic plant chocked forests along Vulcan Trail are not great for forest interior nesting species, but migrants seem to like the old hardwood overstory just fine. I would imagine species bottleneck into this area of undeveloped north slope between the businesses on the top of the Red Mountain and the houses on the mid to lower north slopes. A similar phenomena may occur in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on the toe of the south side of the mountain. If you have not tried it, the Vulcan Rail-Trail parking lot is located on 20th Street South just north of Vulcan Park which occupies the top of Red Mountain in this area. Get out and enjoy the Creation, Ken Wills ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Video of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at the feeder in the rain From: "jdgphoto333" <gofish80 AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 06 May 2013 17:02:24 -0000 These birds are very aggressive when at the feeder. Video made with the Nikon 1 V2 and Nikon 70-200 mm f/2.8 VRII lens. http://gofish.smugmug.com/Nature/Yard-birds-and-water-feature/27546289_ZzgzxX#!i=2496400946&k=hSsR8rc Jerry Green Huntsville ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Osprey in Huntsville yesterday From: Harold Peterson <pinkfloyd137 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 09:53:38 -0700 (PDT) Yesterday afternoon I had an Osprey flying over Aldridge Creek in Jones Family Park in southeast Huntsville.  Either the creek is so high that the Osprey thought it was a regular river, or the Tennessee River is too high for it to safely fish in. -Harold Peterson Huntsville, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Red-breasted nuthatch at Alabama Veterans Memorial From: "suetmaker" <parowan AT southernco.com> Date: Mon, 06 May 2013 16:50:05 -0000 I heard a red-breasted nuthatch calling while at the Alabama Veterans Memorial off I-459 in Birmingham yesterday. It has been quite a "winter" for these birds in the Birmingham area. I have had them at six locations this year around Birmingham. Prior to this winter, I think I have only had a total of two here over twenty years. And I am not even birding much these days! Pelham Rowan Birmingham ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: purple martin losses From: Jon Yoder <jonyoder57 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 09:13:35 -0500 Hi from Escambia county, AL. * *I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a steep decline in purple martin numbers this year. I might have some kind of predator, but usually I have a thriving colony of 30 pairs of purple martins that divide up my 32 gourds and 6 hole house with hardly a room to spare. I do regular nest checks this time of year, and as of right now, I only have about 7 active nests. This morning, I found one nest with all of the young dead. I guess it could be weather related, due to the cold weather, but I don't have a good feeling. If there was an owl or hawk that was getting them, I think I should see some sign of predation, but there has been none. And no sign of snakes either...But this is the time of year that things should be bustling, and it is strangely silent...not much nest building going on....and even not a lot of early morning gathering as they divide up all the nests....I just wanted to know what others are experiencing..Jon Yoder [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: What is the correct term to use to describe this young male Gro... From: "Gregory J. Harber" <gharber AT mindspring.com> Date: Sun, 5 May 2013 20:30:56 -0500 (GMT-05:00) Hello All- When I saw Jerry's question I thought to myself, "Bob Sargent will know the answer to this." Then I saw Jerry's photo and I thought to myself, "The answer is 'beautiful.'" Thanks to you both. Take care all, Greg -----Original Message----- From: RubyThroat AT aol.com Sent: May 5, 2013 4:01 PM To: gofish80 AT comcast.net, albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [ALBIRDS] What is the correct term to use to describe this young male Gro... Jerry In banding terms this is called a Second Year Male. It hatched in the year 2012. Good luck. Bob Sargent In a message dated 5/5/2013 3:53:40 P.M. Central Daylight Time, gofish80 AT comcast.net writes: Is this bird called juvenile, 1st year male or something else? Young male Grosbeak <_http://gofish.smugmug.com/Nature/Yard-birds-and-water-feature/i-4x95xW2\ /0/L/Grosbeak%201%201May2013-L.jpg_ (http://gofish.smugmug.com/Nature/Yard-birds-and-water-feature/i-4x95xW2/0/L/Grosbeak%201%201May2013-L.jpg) > Jerry GreenHuntsville [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Gregory J. Harber Birmingham, AL gharber AT mindspring.com "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." Tom Robbins ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: NW Alabama ramblings From: TNbarredowl AT aol.com Date: Sun, 5 May 2013 19:36:29 -0400 (EDT) Matt Crunk and I visited several sites here in nw Alabama earlier today. At Wheeler Dam, we stood in light drizzle and watched a LARGE flock of swallows feeding over Wilson Reservoir...as far as we could see toward The Point was a swarm of swallows. All birds seen close to the dam were Cliff and Barn, but judging from similar flocks seen later at The Sinks and Marthaler Pond, all species were likely present. We estimated 1000 birds at Wheeler, but that was probably way to low. There was also a large group of Sterna terns in the same stretch of river, Close birds included both Forster's and Common. I counted 178 unidentified Sterna, 8 Forster's and 3 Common. Four female Red-breasted Mergansers near shore at the fishing area were nice to see this time of year. As the rain stopped (temporarily) we went to the Red Bank area to try for migrants and marsh birds. We had no success with either. We did find several Yellow Warblers in the area, but they are probably local breeders in these willow ponds. Two flooded fields yielded 8 Little Blue Herons, 2 Snowy Egrets and a female Northern Harrier. We then went to Town Creek Marsh and found the usual 6 AW Pelicans. One each Common and Forster's Terns were feeding in the area. We tried call playback for rails and bitterns at the marsh, but only succeeded with on responding Sora. We then headed to the Sinks and there met winter. The rain picked up and the temperature dropped. If I didn't know it was May 5, I would have been watching for snow. I don't have a thermometer on my truck, but we guessed about 40 degrees. Despite the cold rain, we scanned the ponds. Of the lingering ducks, we found only Lesser Scaup (5), Gadwall (3), Blue-winged Teal (18) and Northern Shoveler (1). Another swarm of swallows yielded all species, but most were Purple Martin, Barn and Cliff Swallow (estimated 200 each). Shorebirds included 24 Semipalmated Plovers, 1 Greater and 54 Lesser Yellowlegs, 2 Spotted, 4 Semipalmated, 150 Least, 1 White-rumped and 3 Pectoral Sandpiper and one colorful Short-billed Dowitcher. Six Snowy Egrets were also nice to see. Marthaler had few shorebirds and the Black-necked Stilt seen Thursday was not found. Another swallow storm yielded all species, again mostly Purple Martin (200), Barn (500) and Cliff (500) Swallows. Ten Bobolink were feeding with some Red-winged Blackbirds in the field. We then headed across the river and went by Church Pond, Key Cave and Oakland area. Not much at any of these locations but we did see one pair and one solo Bobwhite in the area and got lucky when a Grasshopper Sparrow sat on the fence along Gunwaleford Road near the Florence Sports Complex (raining too much when we were at Key Cave NWR).. Maybe when all this rain stops on Tuesday, we will be able to find some migrant warblers around here. I plan to try. Damien Simbeck Killen, AL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: What is the correct term to use to describe this young male Gro... From: RubyThroat AT aol.com Date: Sun, 5 May 2013 17:01:15 -0400 (EDT) Jerry In banding terms this is called a Second Year Male. It hatched in the year 2012. Good luck. Bob Sargent In a message dated 5/5/2013 3:53:40 P.M. Central Daylight Time, gofish80 AT comcast.net writes: Is this bird called juvenile, 1st year male or something else? Young male Grosbeak <_http://gofish.smugmug.com/Nature/Yard-birds-and-water-feature/i-4x95xW2\ /0/L/Grosbeak%201%201May2013-L.jpg_ (http://gofish.smugmug.com/Nature/Yard-birds-and-water-feature/i-4x95xW2/0/L/Grosbeak%201%201May2013-L.jpg) > Jerry GreenHuntsville [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service.