The Arkansas Birding List

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Recent Postings from
The Arkansas Birding List

Updated on Friday, November 20 at 02:09 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

20 Nov 2nd Selasphorus hummer at F'ville [Joe Neal ]
20 Nov Trumpeter Swans [Robert Herron ]
20 Nov RARE: Rock Wren on Pinnacle Mountain [Dennis Braddy ]
20 Nov Christmas Bird Count in and around Village Creek State Park [Tara Gillanders ]
19 Nov Red Slough Bird Survey - Nov. 19 [David Arbour ]
19 Nov Henslow's Sparrows in Hampton [JOE CAMBRE ]
19 Nov November 2009 - ANHC e-newsltter [Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission ]
19 Nov Sighting: Hummingbird [Gail Northcutt ]
18 Nov SIGHTING: Junco [Larry Witherspoon ]
18 Nov sightings [Alan Gregory ]
18 Nov nothing to do with birds, but some of you might like to attend [Kimberly Smith ]
18 Nov FW: Rusty Blackbird Hot Spot Blitz Year 2 [Kimberly Smith ]
18 Nov RFI: Birding HWY 49. [Donna Haynes ]
17 Nov Re: From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Ivory-billed Woodpecker video [David Luneau ]
17 Nov RFI: Questions about birding in Arkansas Nov.28-30 [michael autin ]
17 Nov From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Ivory-billed Woodpecker video [Barry Haas ]
17 Nov Christmas Bird Counts - dates 2nd round [Leif E Anderson ]
16 Nov SIGHTING; RBA; FOS (Etc.) Rufous Hummingbird [Sara Caulk ]
16 Nov ASCA November Field Trip [Karen Holliday ]
16 Nov Re: feral cat colony [George Hoelzeman ]
16 Nov FOS sightings [Dorothy Cooney ]
16 Nov Re: Recycling for the birds - A comment [jerry davis ]
16 Nov Re: Recycling for the birds [Laura Erickson ]
16 Nov Recycling for the birds [Jeffrey Short ]
16 Nov Re: Pileated problems [Laura Erickson ]
16 Nov Trumpeter Migration question [Joyce Hartmann ]
16 Nov Pileated problems ["Russell, Judy" ]
15 Nov Re: Golden update [Jack and Pam ]
15 Nov Re: Sightings: Mystery Duck at Lake Maumelle, pictures and everything [Jim Dixon ]
15 Nov RARE: Long-tailed Long Gone? [Dennis Braddy ]
15 Nov Re: Help, Wren in the attic [Lynn Nowell ]
15 Nov Fort Smith CBC [Sandy Berger ]
15 Nov Sightings: Mystery Duck at Lake Maumelle, pictures and everything [Jim Dixon ]
15 Nov Sightings: Virginia Rail at Two Rivers Park 11/15/2009 [Jim Dixon ]
15 Nov Help, Wren in the attic [Lynn Nowell ]
15 Nov stray cats [Kimberly Smith ]
15 Nov You never know who you might see at a Razorback game [Sandy Berger ]
14 Nov summer tanager [Abigail Jeneane Darrah ]
14 Nov Brown-headed Nuthatch [Jacque Brown ]
14 Nov RFI: help with bird sound [Jim Dixon ]
14 Nov Frog Bayou [Cheryl Ness ]
14 Nov Re: sho nuf red-bellied Red-bellied [Roselie Overby ]
14 Nov Sightings: Eagle, Yard Birds [Donna Haynes ]
14 Nov feral cat colony ["Graves, Gary" ]
13 Nov FW: New NBTC Website and 2009 Meeting Proceedings [Jeffrey Short ]
13 Nov Drive around Lake Atalanta & the Centerton fish hatchery Friday [Jacque Brown ]
13 Nov Re: feral cat colony [Steve Taylor ]
13 Nov sho nuf red-bellied Red-bellied [Joe Neal ]
13 Nov Needed: Brown-headed Nuthatches [Jacque Brown ]
13 Nov Christmas Bird Counts [Leif E Anderson ]
13 Nov Golden update [Herschel Raney ]
13 Nov Re: Woodpecker movie [David Luneau ]
12 Nov Re: feral cat colony [Larry Witherspoon ]
12 Nov Woodpecker movie [Dorothy Cooney ]
12 Nov Where the Boids Are [Allan Mueller ]
12 Nov Re: feral cat colony ["Popham, James T YD02 USAF AMC 19 CES/CEAN" ]
12 Nov Re: feral cat colony [Jacque Brown ]
12 Nov Re: feral cat colony [Allan Mueller ]
12 Nov Re: feral cat colony [Janine Perlman ]
12 Nov feral cat colony [Don & Judy ]
12 Nov Behavior: Red-headed W.P. [Clark Reames ]
12 Nov FW: RFI: Color Banded Great Egrets, Ardea alba [Kimberly Smith ]
11 Nov Another Yellow Rail rope drag [David Arbour ]
11 Nov Trumpeters at Magness ?? [Daniel Smith ]
11 Nov Re: News Article: A CBC for Kids [David Luneau ]
11 Nov Bill Brazleton [Sandy Berger ]
11 Nov News Article: A CBC for Kids [Jim and Karen Rowe ]
11 Nov need photo of Mississippi Kite in flight [Jim and Karen Rowe ]
10 Nov Red Slough Bird Survey - Nov. 10 [David Arbour ]
10 Nov LINK: Link to photos, Bath At The Lake [Gail Miller ]
10 Nov Boyd Point closed tomorrow (Veterans Day) [Delos McCauley ]
10 Nov Re: LINK: 3000th Arkansas Birder Photo [Arkansas Birder ]
10 Nov LINK: 3000th Arkansas Birder Photo [Arkansas Birder ]
10 Nov sympathy [Sandy Berger ]
10 Nov Re: more from Doug on Razorback Stadium falcons ["Andrew M. Scaboo" ]
9 Nov Re: falcons at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium-F'ville [Delos McCauley ]

Subject: 2nd Selasphorus hummer at F'ville
From: Joe Neal <joeneal AT UARK.EDU>
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:06:11 -0600

Doug James forwarded me an email from Ann Johnson of Farmington (adjacent F'ville) who has an orange hummer coming to her feeder. I went over there this morning and saw a fine male-plumaged Selasphorus (Rufous/Allen's). Problem is, it didn't come often, but I did obtain an image of the throat & head. Johnson is open to visits from birders. She lives at 356 E. Ralston, Farmington (it's the only yellow house along there). Her number is 479-445-2793. There's quite a bit more to this story: she thinks this is the same bird that showed up with ruby-throats in the spring & remained all summer. AND, she also had one in 2008.
Subject: Trumpeter Swans
From: Robert Herron <r2herron AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:32:27 -0600

There are five trumpeter swans at Magness Lake near Heber Springs. Sent from my iPhone from somewhere in the Natural State.
Subject: RARE: Rock Wren on Pinnacle Mountain
From: Dennis Braddy <arkansasbirder AT MAC.COM>
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:59:08 -0600

I'm watching a Rock Wren work the rocky northeast ridge at the Pinnacle Mountain summit. Dennis Braddy Little Rock, Arkansas "Life would be tragic if it weren't funny. - Stephen Hawking Sent from my iPhone
Subject: Christmas Bird Count in and around Village Creek State Park
From: Tara Gillanders <tara.gillanders AT ARKANSAS.GOV>
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:35:56 -0600

Hello everyone, Village Creek State Park near Wynne, Arkansas also participates in the Christmas Bird Count. We have not set our date, but if there is anyone interested in helping us out I would love to have you. Please contact me at tara.gillanders AT arkansas.gov or (870) 238-9406 Sincerely, Tära [cid:image001.gif AT 01CA69C4.A8F86CC0] Tära Gillanders Park Interpreter, C.I.G. Village Creek State Park 201 CR 754 Wynne, AR 72396 (870) 238-9406 tara.gillanders AT arkansas.gov This electronic message transmission contains information from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and is confidential or privileged. The information is intended to be for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please notify us by telephone (870-238-9406) immediately.
Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - Nov. 19
From: David Arbour <arbour AT WINDSTREAM.NET>
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:28:59 -0600

It was mostly clear, mild, and windy on the survey today. 60 species were found. I stayed till dark to look for Short-eared Owls but struck out on them but while standing on Paschal Lane watching for them, had two Am. Bitterns chasing each other and a King Rail calling nearby, so it was worth the wait. Here is my list for today: Gadwall - 1,155 American Wigeon - 39 Mallard - 51 Blue-winged Teal - 14 Northern Shoveler - 64 Northern Pintail - 84 Green-winged Teal - 74 Canvasback - 7 Redhead - 9 Ring-necked Duck - 1,715 Greater Scaup - 2 Lesser Scaup - 1 Hooded Merganser - 5 Ruddy Duck - 118 Pied-billed Grebe - 80 Double-crested Cormorant - 150 American Bittern - 2 Great Blue Heron - 12 Black Vulture - 5 Turkey Vulture - 14 Bald Eagle - 1 adult Northern Harrier - 10 Red-tailed Hawk - 2 American Kestrel - 1 King Rail - 1 Virginia Rail - 3 American Coot - 6,000 Killdeer - 2 Greater Yellowlegs - 2 Least Sandpiper - 9 Long-billed Dowitcher - 35 Wilson's Snipe - 53 Mourning Dove - 8 Belted Kingfisher - 6 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1 Hairy Woodpecker -1 Northern Flicker - 2 Pileated Woodpecker - 1 Eastern Phoebe - 3 Loggerhead Shrike - 2 Blue Jay - 2 American Crow - 6 Fish Crow - 9 Carolina Chickadee - 2 Tufted Titmouse - 1 Carolina Wren - 1 Bewick's Wren - 1 Sedge Wren - 1 Marsh Wren - 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 European Starling - 2 American Pipit - 1 Savannah Sparrow - 9 Fox Sparrow - 2 Song Sparrow - 10 White-throated Sparrow - 8 Northern Cardinal - 3 Red-winged Blackbird - 575 Eastern Meadowlark - 10 Common Grackle - 205 Odonates: Rambur's Forktail Common Green Darner Variegated Meadowhawk Black Saddlebags Good birding! David Arbour De Queen, Arkansas Visit the Red Slough Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/natural-resources/redslough/ Personal Photo Galleries: http://www.pbase.com/sloughbirder
Subject: Henslow's Sparrows in Hampton
From: JOE CAMBRE <jccambre AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:08:14 -0800

Henslow's Sparrows are back again this year. They have wintered here every year since I discovered then in the early 1990's. They arrive in mid October and depart in later March to mid April. Joe Cambre Hampton, AR (Calhoun CO)
Subject: November 2009 - ANHC e-newsltter
From: Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission <arkansas AT NATURALHERITAGE.ORG>
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:30:51 -0500

Subject: Sighting: Hummingbird
From: Gail Northcutt <northcutt71 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:56:27 +0000

We continue to see what appears to be a young male RT here in Stuttgart. Just saw him at 6:50AM. Gail Northcutt Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel
Subject: SIGHTING: Junco
From: Larry Witherspoon <ldspoon AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:26:51 -0600

Yesterday afternoon (Nov.17) and again today, we saw our FOS Slate-colored Junco. Thanks, Larry Witherspoon
Subject: sightings
From: Alan Gregory <quattro AT WINDSTREAM.NET>
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:54:31 -0600

The lone mute swan continues at lake Harrison and today I saw a ring-billed gull. Its the first sea gull I have ever seen there. There was also an old coot swimming around. alan gregory harrison
Subject: nothing to do with birds, but some of you might like to attend
From: Kimberly Smith <kgsmith AT uark.edu>
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:17:34 -0600

Noted Darwin Scholar to Speak Tomorrow Noted entomologist and Darwin scholar, Dr. Gene Kritsky, will present a public lecture in Giffels Auditorium of Old Main on the University of Arkansas campus starting at 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 19. A professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, his visit is part of the 200th celebration of Charles Darwin birth in 1809 and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book, Origin of Species, in 1859. The title of his presentation is "Darwin's Origin of Species: Its History and Meaning". His lecture is sponsored by the departments of Biological Sciences and Entomology. The talk is free and open to the public. ********************************************************* Kimberly G. Smith University Professor of Biological Sciences Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-575-6359 fax:479-575-4010 email: kgsmith AT uark.edu *********************************************************
Subject: FW: Rusty Blackbird Hot Spot Blitz Year 2
From: Kimberly Smith <kgsmith AT uark.edu>
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:50:57 -0600

FYI - Arkansas is a state of interest.. ********************************************************* Kimberly G. Smith University Professor of Biological Sciences Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-575-6359 fax:479-575-4010 email: kgsmith AT uark.edu ********************************************************* _____ From: Partners In Flight Implementation Committee [mailto:PIFMSC-L AT LISTSERV.uark.edu] On Behalf Of Chris Eberly Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:42 AM To: PIFMSC-L AT LISTSERV.uark.edu Subject: Rusty Blackbird Hot Spot Blitz Year 2 Russ Greenberg and the International Rusty Blackbird Technical Working Group need assistance with the 2nd Rusty Blackbird Hot Spot Blitz, Jan 30-Feb 15, 2010. Please see the info below and in the attached flyer. - Chris Last Year, Birders throughout the country scoured the countryside for wintering Rusty Blackbirds to help us understand their distribution and find important local concentrations (hotspots). We learned a lot (see http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Research/Rus ty_Blackbird/blitz_results.cfm). But there is much more to learn. We want to blitz for several years to both locate more hotspots and determine how stable the already discovered hot spots are from year to year. Already, the information gained is being used to implement research and conservation efforts! With your help.. The "Return of the Rusty Blackbird Blitz" will be bigger and better than the original. See more in the attached announcement, and please pass this along to birding and conservation lists. The Rusty Blackbird Hot spot Blitz YEAr TWO Last Year, Birders throughout the country scoured the countryside for wintering Rusty Blackbirds to help us understand their distribution and find important local concentrations (hotspots). We learned a lot (see http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Research/Rus ty_Blackbird/blitz_results.cfm). But there is much more to learn. We want to blitz for several years to both locate more hotspots and determine how stable the already discovered hot spots are from year to year. Already, the information gained is being used to implement research and conservation efforts! With your help.. The "Return of the Rusty Blackbird Blitz" will be bigger and better than the original. Why a Blitz? The Rusty Blackbird has been steeply declining, with estimates of an 85-99% population drop over the past 40 years. Although the cause for this alarming decline is not known, winter habitat loss and degradation are likely candidates. Rusties are getting scarce and patchy in their winter distribution, making it difficult focus research and management we need to save the species. Collaborating with Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's and National Audubon Society's e-Bird project, we are enlisting the power of the birding public (you!) to help locate local, but predictable wintering concentrations of Rusty Blackbirds. We are mobilizing an all out "blitz" to locate Rusty Blackbirds and create a map of wintering Rusty Blackbird "hot spots" that will help focus research, monitoring and conservation attention.. Who? Birders from all of the Rusties' winter range (see below). And for out- of -range northerners: We will be developing opportunities for you to travel south and hit up critically under-covered states in the core of the Rusties winter range What? During a single 17-day period, volunteers will search for Rusty Blackbirds in any locations and habitats deemed as potentially suitable for wintering Rusty Blackbirds, particularly flocks or concentrations (e.g., dozens or even hundreds of birds). Areas of concentration will be revisited in the future to determine if they are indeed Rusty Blackbird hot spots. When? January 30 thru February 15th, 2010 - when Rusties become easier to find (males sing!) and the population is relatively sedentary. Where? We are focusing on the following states known to comprise the Rusty Blackbird winter range: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (east), Virginia, and West Virginia. How? It's simple! Use whatever you like - your data base of previous sightings, birding intuition, local legend, or local knowledge - to search the most likely places for wintering Rusty Blackbirds. You can go wherever you like, whenever you like, and as often as you like anytime between the dates of 30 January - 15 February 2010. Checking known places is good. Exploring the unknown for new hotspots is even better! We are simply seeking observations on the number of birds present at each location visited, along with very basic habitat information. All you have to do is submit your observations via e-Bird. We will do the rest! (Failure to find Rusties is important information as well). Additional Information: We will soon post additional instructions and information on identification, habitat preferences, etc., on the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center's Rusty Blackbird website: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Research/Rus ty_Blackbird/ Information and instructions will also be available on Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology e-Bird site: ebird.org Text Box: Sponsored by International Rusty Blackbird Technical Working Group, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's and National Audubon Society's eBird BE SURE TO SAVE THE DATES!!! JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 15, 2010
Subject: RFI: Birding HWY 49.
From: Donna Haynes <birdiehaynes AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:16:18 -0800

On Saturady my mom and I will be traveling Hwy 49 from Brinkley to Helena, then north on MS HWY 61 to Tunica. I am not very familiar with this region and would appreciate any tips on good birding locations along this route or and notable sightings recently. Thanks in advance. Donna Haynes West Pulaski Co.
Subject: Re: From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Ivory-billed Woodpecker video
From: David Luneau <mdluneau AT UALR.EDU>
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:23:33 -0600

The video gets your attention at first, assuming you look at the black and white patterns closely enough to see the white trailing edges on the wings. But, the squarish tail, contrast between the light rump and dark tail, and short rounded head eliminate Ivory-bill and match Red-headed quite well. Mike Collins (the subject of the article Barry sent) posts a lot of videos that he has taken from his perch high in a tree in the Pearl River area of SE Louisiana, but I haven't seen any yet that are of IBWOs. But, he spends a lot of time out there... M. David Luneau, Jr. P.E. Associate Professor of Electronics University of Arkansas at Little Rock 2801 S. University Ave. Little Rock, AR 72204 -----Original Message----- From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List [mailto:ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Barry Haas Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 11:41 AM To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: [ARBIRD-L] From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Ivory-billed Woodpecker video Dear ARBIRDers, I came across this story just now and thought others might be interested: http://www.startribune.com/blogs/70275892.html?elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU Enjoy. From the deep woods just west of Little Rock, Barry Haas
Subject: RFI: Questions about birding in Arkansas Nov.28-30
From: michael autin <napkinarmstrong AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:56:16 -0500

I am from Louisville, Kentucky and planning on visiting Arkansas to do some birding over the Thanksgiving weekend as this is the only time I can take off 3 days. I know it probably is not the best time as far as volume of people go, but I was going to try starting on November 28th to go to Holla Bend, then visit the Needmore pine-bluestem restoration area with a side trip in the afternoon to Okay Levee and Millwood Lake dam the following day, and finally a half day at Stuttgart Airport. If anyone has any knowledge of restricted access or scheduled hunts in these areas I would love to know. I also would like to know if there are any other areas that would provide alternatives to these places for sparrows, Western strays(not that I expect to find any), Red-cockaded Woodpecker and best places to possibly find roadrunner. With regards to Needmore I was wondering if the pine-bluestem is being managed still and if there continues to be a healthy population there of the woodpecker. Any info regarding these places and their respective avian residents would be very appreciated. I look forward to visiting and exploring the fascinating wealth of birds in your state at the confluence of so many different biotic regions. Thank you and good birding, Michael Autin Louisville, KY _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/
Subject: From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Ivory-billed Woodpecker video
From: Barry Haas <bhaas AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:40:37 -0600

Dear ARBIRDers, I came across this story just now and thought others might be interested: http://www.startribune.com/blogs/70275892.html?elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU Enjoy. From the deep woods just west of Little Rock, Barry Haas
Subject: Christmas Bird Counts - dates 2nd round
From: Leif E Anderson <leanderson AT FS.FED.US>
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:25:38 -0500

Greetings all, It's getting close to the coolest (figuratively & literally) birding of the year. The Christmas Bird Counts are held around the continent (and beyond) from 12/14 through 1/5. Counts have been done for 110 years - the oldest bird database in the world. ANY birding skill level is fine. Any length of time is welcome. Just contact a compiler for details and join in the fun. It's free for feederwatchers and folks under 18. $5 for most unless, the count has a sponsor. If you do more than 4 and can register on-line then it's only $20. All counts can use more volunteers. Please consider doing more than one. Your welcome to contact me for general information - Leanderson AT fs.fed.us 479-284-3150 ext 3151 Dec 14th Hot Springs Village; Lynn Sackett; tlsackett AT sbcglobal.net Sponsored by Hot Springs Village Audubon 14 or 15th North Fork of the Illinois Bayou (near Hector); Dwayne Rambo; drambo AT fs.fed.us; Sponsored by US Forest Service 16th: Crooked Creek (near Harrison); Sally Jo Gibson; sjogibson AT windstream.net 17th: Bayou DeView (near Brinkley); Steve Osborne; jsteveosborne AT gmail.com 18th: Mountain Home; Phillip Hyatt; sedgehead AT gmail.com 19th: Arkadelphia; Dolores Harrington; doloresh AT suddenlink.net or Charles Mills swamp_fox AT mac.com Conway; Martha Johnson; amjohnson AT conwaycorp.net 20th: Fayetteville; Joe Neal; joeneal AT uark.edu; Co-compiler Mike Mlodinow mamlod AT hotmail.com Sponsored by NorthWest AR Audubon Lonoke; Dan Scheiman; birddan AT comcast.net Sponsored by Audubon Society of Central AR 27th: Little Rock; Dan Scheiman; birddan AT comcast.net Sponsored by Audubon Society of Central AR Wappanocca NWR; Dick Preston; dickpreston AT bigriver.net Co-compiler of TN side Van Harris shelbyforester1223 AT bigriver.net Sponsored by TN Ornithological Society 28th: Pine Bluff; Rob Doster; Rob_doster AT fws.gov Sponsored by Three Rivers Audubon Society Jan 1 or 2: Lake Georgia Pacific/ Felsenthal NWR; Leif Anderson; Leanderson AT fs.fed.us 2nd: Fort Smith; Bill Beall; billtoka AT mynewroads.com White River NWR; Keith Sutton; catfishdude AT sbcglobal.net 5th: Holla Bend NWR; Leif Anderson; Leanderson AT fs.fed.us Dates to be set latter: Texarkana; rondokyle AT windstream.net or adkyle AT earthlink.net Big Lake NWR; alreams469 AT msn.com Jonesboro; Jim Bednarz; jbednarz AT astate.edu Buffalo National River (near Buffalo Point on Hwy 65); Magnolia/ Lake Columbia; Sterling Lacy; sterlinglacy AT att.net
Subject: SIGHTING; RBA; FOS (Etc.) Rufous Hummingbird
From: Sara Caulk <sara_caulk AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:49:26 -0800

We had a Rufous hummer at our feeders off and on all day today. I have a photo that's not very good (but certainly good enough for the ID) that was taken thru a dirty double pane glass door and in very poor light. I cropped it and down-sized it to ~80KB if anyone would like me to send it to them. Sara Mt. Sequoyah Faayetteville __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Subject: ASCA November Field Trip
From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1 AT ATT.NET>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:16:15 -0800

This Saturday, Nov. 21, the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA) will conduct our November field trip to Lake Dardanelle. We will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Mayflower commuter lot off I-40 West at Exit 135. We will stop at Taco Bell (across from McDonalds) in Dardanelle at 8:45 a.m. for those in the Russellville area who wish to join us. Our target birds will be ducks, mergansers, gulls, and other waterfowl. Bring scope, water, and snacks. Lunch is on your own. Members may also wish to stop at Holla Bend to look for sparrows and eagles before going home. All level of birders are welcome to join us. If you have any questions, please contact me off-line. The day of the trip, you can reach me at 501-920-3246. Karen Holliday ASCA Field Trip Coordinator Little Rock, AR
Subject: Re: feral cat colony
From: George Hoelzeman <vogel AT GRHSTUDIOS.COM>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:33:02 -0500

> I am sure you have this already, but in case, the Quail have paid a big > price because of the domesticated cat. Don't forget about the Quail. > > Thanks, > > Larry Witherspoon > And Dan Quail > Absolutely! Never forget the Quail . . . George (n. Conway Co. with quail increasing just in time to see a gas well installed)
Subject: FOS sightings
From: Dorothy Cooney <songbird.0514 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:36:04 -0800

Had my FOS A. Goldfinches and RC Kinglets in my yard today. YEAH! Dorothy Cooney Wickes, AR
Subject: Re: Recycling for the birds - A comment
From: jerry davis <jwdavis AT CABLELYNX.COM>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:46:54 -0600

Thanks for sharing, there are some good ideas and some bad ones. One idea I would like to see purged from the human mind is using a water faucet handle, wooden pegs, or any other items on nest boxes as a perches. Birds that use snags and cavities have claws and do not need perches. Perches provide easier access for species like stalings and house sparrows to use the boxes. This does not mean that some will not be able to use boxes without perches, but the elimination of perches helps reduce the problem. You can help cavitiy nesters by putting grooves or notches below the hole for an easier means to catch their claws when they are trying to look around for predators before entering the box. This feature is more important when the front box face wood or other material is smooth. If your box has a perch on it cut it off. The perch idea has been embedded in human minds since kindergarden when students colored pictures of birdhouses with perches on it. Ten million bird houses are year are flooding in from China with perches on them. It is time for responsible nest box managers to eliminate this idea. Jerry W. Davis ----- Original Message ----- From: Jeffrey Short To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 9:08 AM Subject: Recycling for the birds Nov 15 was Nat'l Recycling Day in the US. Dave's Garden had a nice article about how to extend the life of various objects to benefit birds. I'm sure there are some other good ideas among Arbirds. http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2720/ Also, off-topic, I see a day-lily blooming--weird weather! Jeff Short
Subject: Re: Recycling for the birds
From: Laura Erickson <bluejay AT LAURAERICKSON.COM>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:34:04 -0500

Those are great hints. But one caveat: never set out dog or cat fur from any animal that had been treated with Frontline or other insecticidal products. Pet hair ban be a great nesting material, but anything that kills fleas and ticks can also kill baby birds. Best, Laura Erickson On Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 10:08 AM, Jeffrey Short wrote: > Nov 15 was Nat’l Recycling Day in the US. > > > > Dave’s Garden had a nice article about how to extend the life of various > objects to benefit birds. I’m sure there are some other good ideas among > Arbirds… > > > > http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2720/ > > > > > > Also, off-topic, I see a day-lily blooming--weird weather! > > > > Jeff Short > -- -- Laura Erickson Science Editor Cornell Lab of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, NY 14850 607-254-1114 If you've found this information useful, I hope you'll consider supporting our work on behalf of birds and other wildlife. In addition to knowing that you'll be making a difference for conservation, you'll receive our award-winning Living Bird magazine and informative BirdScope newsletter four times a year. We invite you to join our "force for nature." To sign up or watch our video about membership, visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/NetCommunity/membership or call us at 1-800-843-2473. For the love, understanding, and protection of birds There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
Subject: Recycling for the birds
From: Jeffrey Short <bashman AT EARTHLINK.NET>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:08:06 -0600

Nov 15 was Nat'l Recycling Day in the US. Dave's Garden had a nice article about how to extend the life of various objects to benefit birds. I'm sure there are some other good ideas among Arbirds. http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2720/ Also, off-topic, I see a day-lily blooming--weird weather! Jeff Short
Subject: Re: Pileated problems
From: Laura Erickson <bluejay AT LAURAERICKSON.COM>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:45:54 -0500

In the short term, hanging Mylar helium balloons on anything keeps birds at bay--I learned when I was rehabbing that birds are petrified of them--I think it's a combination of their shininess and their unpredictable movements when floating on a 3 or 4-foot string. Longer term, to figure out what drew them there and how to permanently exclude them, check out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's woodpecker damage page here: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/wp_about/index.html Best, Laura Erickson On Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 9:06 AM, Russell, Judy wrote: > *I work with a friend who had a pileated woodpecker peck all the way > through an outside wall, into the bedroom of the residence. Any suggestions > on a deterrent?* > > > -- -- Laura Erickson Science Editor Cornell Lab of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, NY 14850 607-254-1114 If you've found this information useful, I hope you'll consider supporting our work on behalf of birds and other wildlife. In addition to knowing that you'll be making a difference for conservation, you'll receive our award-winning Living Bird magazine and informative BirdScope newsletter four times a year. We invite you to join our "force for nature." To sign up or watch our video about membership, visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/NetCommunity/membership or call us at 1-800-843-2473. For the love, understanding, and protection of birds There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
Subject: Trumpeter Migration question
From: Joyce Hartmann <hart AT ARTELCO.COM>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:38:04 -0600

Noted that the trumpeters have not arrived yet to Magness Lake and their other usual winter spots, but the four collared trumpeter swans in the Boxley Valley have been here quite a while; are they year-round residents or did they just migrate early? Joyce Hartmann Clinton AR hart AT artelco.com www.joycehartmann.com
Subject: Pileated problems
From: "Russell, Judy" <RUSSELL AT ADEQ.STATE.AR.US>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:06:39 -0600

I work with a friend who had a pileated woodpecker peck all the way through an outside wall, into the bedroom of the residence. Any suggestions on a deterrent?
Subject: Re: Golden update
From: Jack and Pam <jackstewart_us AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:30:31 -0800

This Friday, November 13, four of us hiked the Webb Creek valley that boarders our land and the Buffalo National River. Pam was walking first through a mix of old field and cedar when a spine tingling screech erupted just ahead of us. My first thought was wild hogs as we have been having troubles with them here this year. Instead, we saw a Great Blue Heron frantically flapping through the trees and hot behind was a large bird. So large in fact I took it to be a Bald Eagle. The Heron evaded its pursuer by staying low in the trees while the predator twisted and turned just over our heads. It was then that we were able to see clearly that the heron was attempting to evade a first year Golden Eagle. The chase and escape took place so close to our little group that we were in a bit of shock. In 14 years here this is only the second Golden Eagle I've observed from our property. That doesn't mean much because, figuring that I'm not dumber than a hummingbird, I try to migrate out of here in the winter so there might be more Golden Eagles in the area. Jack ________________________________ From: Herschel Raney To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Fri, November 13, 2009 7:41:11 AM Subject: Golden update I went on the Ozark wildlife camera site last year to see what the story was with the reported Golden Eagles. Last year in February and after there were two first year Golden Eagles in that valley and one stayed until mid-April. This year, it is now the second week of November and there are two second year Golden Eagles there daily starting this past week. Will see if other first years show or full adults over the winter. Unclear whether this is a pair of eagles that has just returned to a reliable food source or whether Golden's are truly a common wintering event in many Ozark valleys. And have specific drainages that they return to every year. Granted, not every valley has such a hefty and steady supply of meat. But Bob Barber, when he was living in Jasper in the winter, reported movements of Golden Eagles down the valley of the Buffalo River each year. And it seems to me he was reporting mostly adults. Since I see these birds so rarely in the state, other than the Holla Bend annual visitors, it is interesting. The Trumpeter Swans have not returned yet to this Stone county manmade lake that is incidentally, quite a bit larger than the Magness lake watershed. Herschel Raney Conway AR
Subject: Re: Sightings: Mystery Duck at Lake Maumelle, pictures and everything
From: Jim Dixon <jamesdixonlr AT ATT.NET>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:00:57 -0600

The consensus is a Long-tailed Duck, perhaps not a picture perfect example of one but probably not a hybrid. Jim Dixon Little Rock, AR www.JamesDixon.us Jim Dixon wrote: > I was at Loon Point this morning about 10 AM. As I was leaving, this > bird flew in and I got some looks at him/her in the scope and these > poor pictures. I guessing he or she is a hybrid of some sort. If its > not too far fetched, I can some similarities with a female Long-tailed > Duck - the dark auriculars, dark scapulars, white undertail coverts > and flanks, the dark bill although that seems a bit large. Here were > nearby Horned Grebes and this bird seemed larger but not as big as a > Common Loon. > > http://jamesdixon.us/?page_id=4&g2_itemId=3478 > http://jamesdixon.us/?page_id=4&g2_itemId=3475 > http://jamesdixon.us/?page_id=4&g2_itemId=3469 > http://jamesdixon.us/?page_id=4&g2_itemId=3472 > http://jamesdixon.us/?page_id=4&g2_itemId=3466 > > Thanks in advance > >
Subject: RARE: Long-tailed Long Gone?
From: Dennis Braddy <arkansasbirder AT MAC.COM>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:23:23 -0600

I just scoped Lake Maumelle for the Long-tailed Duck Jim Dixon photographed this morning. No luck. Dennis Braddy Little Rock, Arkansas "Life would be tragic if it weren't funny. - Stephen Hawking Sent from my iPhone
Subject: Re: Help, Wren in the attic
From: Lynn Nowell <lnowell AT CENTURYTEL.NET>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:09:39 -0600

About 30 minutes after discovering the wren I checked again, and didn't see it. And have checked 3 more times. So I hope waiting the 30 mins gave time it to find a way out. I was inclined to encourage the bird into the house, ( I have a walk in attic) and then encourage it out or net it. Glad I didn't have to do that. I image it made it's way out the same way it came in, however that was. Thanks to all who responded. I have a vent that turns as it lets warm air escape from the attic, and it may have large enough gaps to allow a small bird in, but only when not turning. Do birds sometimes enter through this type of vent. ( ball or turbin shaped vent about 15 inches in diameter) Lynn northern Lonoke County ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lynn Nowell" To: Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:49 AM Subject: Help, Wren in the attic >I have a wren in the attic, trying desparately to get out. I don't know > how it got in, but I will have a time netting it because there is so > little flooring in the attic. > > Options, open the door to the house and catch it inside. (I have done this > more than once with bluebirds that have found their way down the chimney, > and they didn't seem to get hurt, but were very frightened.) > > Or > > Wait it out and wish for the best. > > Any other suggestions? > > I may contact some of you directly as the list can take a bit of time, I > hope you don't mind. > > > Lynn > Northern Lonoke county >
Subject: Fort Smith CBC
From: Sandy Berger <fsbirdlady AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:39:52 -0800

Fort Smith's cbc will be January 2, 2010. Sandy B. FS, AR
Subject: Sightings: Mystery Duck at Lake Maumelle, pictures and everything
From: Jim Dixon <jamesdixonlr AT ATT.NET>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:32:27 -0600

I was at Loon Point this morning about 10 AM. As I was leaving, this bird flew in and I got some looks at him/her in the scope and these poor pictures. I guessing he or she is a hybrid of some sort. If its not too far fetched, I can some similarities with a female Long-tailed Duck - the dark auriculars, dark scapulars, white undertail coverts and flanks, the dark bill although that seems a bit large. Here were nearby Horned Grebes and this bird seemed larger but not as big as a Common Loon. http://jamesdixon.us/?page_id=4&g2_itemId=3478 http://jamesdixon.us/?page_id=4&g2_itemId=3475 http://jamesdixon.us/?page_id=4&g2_itemId=3469 http://jamesdixon.us/?page_id=4&g2_itemId=3472 http://jamesdixon.us/?page_id=4&g2_itemId=3466 Thanks in advance -- Jim Dixon Little Rock, AR www.JamesDixon.us
Subject: Sightings: Virginia Rail at Two Rivers Park 11/15/2009
From: Jim Dixon <jamesdixonlr AT ATT.NET>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:55:40 -0600

I heard a Virginia Rail in the back water at the start of the main trail at TRP Sunday morning. He sounded about 10-15 away in the tall grass and cattails to the south of the trail. He responded to clapping. -- Jim Dixon Little Rock, AR www.JamesDixon.us
Subject: Help, Wren in the attic
From: Lynn Nowell <lnowell AT CENTURYTEL.NET>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:49:16 -0600

I have a wren in the attic, trying desparately to get out. I don't know how it got in, but I will have a time netting it because there is so little flooring in the attic. Options, open the door to the house and catch it inside. (I have done this more than once with bluebirds that have found their way down the chimney, and they didn't seem to get hurt, but were very frightened.) Or Wait it out and wish for the best. Any other suggestions? I may contact some of you directly as the list can take a bit of time, I hope you don't mind. Lynn Northern Lonoke county
Subject: stray cats
From: Kimberly Smith <kgsmith AT uark.edu>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:53:13 -0600

they have strayed too far... :-) that thread is over.. Thanks for your interest.... ********************************************************* Kimberly G. Smith University Professor of Biological Sciences Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-575-6359 fax: 479-575-4010 email: kgsmith AT uark.edu
Subject: You never know who you might see at a Razorback game
From: Sandy Berger <fsbirdlady AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:36:56 -0800

So we get in the gates at 4:30, get a bite to eat, and make our way to the nosebleed seats. There, at the top of the stadium, is Dr. Doug James. He and his wife were at the game to check on the status of the falcons roosting there. We had a nice chat and confirmed the falcons were indeed Kestrels. Poor birds. Every time the fireworks went off, off they'd go from their roosts. It seems they are roosting in seperate stadium lights. Sandy B. FS, AR
Subject: summer tanager
From: Abigail Jeneane Darrah <adarrah AT UARK.EDU>
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:50:28 -0600

I heard a summer tanager this evening while I was running up Mt. Sequoyah. I was quite surprised! -Abby Darrah Fayetteville
Subject: Brown-headed Nuthatch
From: Jacque Brown <bluebird2 AT COX.NET>
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:53:00 -0500

Thank you to the people who offered suggestions. Well, I got up fairly early today and headed for the Pine- Bluestem area south of Waldron by Needmore to try my luck. I wasn't able to venture far from the car because I neglected to take my BRIGHT ORANGE VEST. Deer hunters were camped up and down Buffalo Road. Guns were a blazing. The forest was strangly quiet of any birds. I kid you not the only birds I saw or heard today were out front of peoples homes. No nuthatches today. So I looks like we will need to try a plan B strategy. I will confer with David Oakley and see what he wants to do. Joe may want to join us, too . -- Jacque Brown Centerton Benton, Co AR, bluebird2 AT cox.net
Subject: RFI: help with bird sound
From: Jim Dixon <jamesdixonlr AT ATT.NET>
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:48:27 -0600

I've been hearing this bird lately, several times around Lake Maumelle so I think he's common. He does a rapid, slightly descending, "dear, dear, dear" which take 1 - 2 seconds and repeats often. It is reminiscent of the Greater Yellowlegs but its the wrong time of year and these are in woody areas. I have no proof but I got the impression of a small perching bird. Any suggestions? thanks -- Jim Dixon Little Rock, AR www.JamesDixon.us
Subject: Frog Bayou
From: Cheryl Ness <cherylness AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:14:23 -0600

Hi everyone! Sandy Berger and I birded the Frog Bayou area today. 2 Ruddy Ducks were a life bird for me. We found 3 Leconte's Sparrows. I was able to get within 3 feet of a very cooperative one. They are so beautiful. The most numerous birds were sparrows, mostly Savannah and Song. We tried to call out some rails, but were only able to severely annoy a Marsh Wren! Take care, Cheryl Childers Fort Smith, AR
Subject: Re: sho nuf red-bellied Red-bellied
From: Roselie Overby <birdergirl_2000 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:23:39 -0800

It is amazing how red the belly is when those new feathers come in. I used to see it when I had woodpeckers feeding from a hanging suet cake basket in TX. Nothing seems to understand how to use that here although birds including the red-bellied wp will eat the "suet" mix from a dish on my patio table. Roselie Overby Oak Grove, LA --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Joe Neal wrote: From: Joe Neal Subject: [ARBIRD-L] sho nuf red-bellied Red-bellied To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Date: Friday, November 13, 2009, 4:04 PM Those of you on the front lines of presenting bird programs with slides or powerpoint know that if you show a Red-bellied Woodpecker the students all know what it is: Red-headed Woodpecker! ...but...a sho nuf very red-bellied Red-bellied Woodpecker has been coming to my feeder here in Fayetteville. I collected an image today. Not so great, since I digiscoped it through my woefully unwashed front window, but there's no doubt about what it is and wow, what a truly red belly it is/has. I'll be glad to share the image (send me an off-list email...or write your name & address on a $20...).
Subject: Sightings: Eagle, Yard Birds
From: Donna Haynes <birdiehaynes AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:22:00 -0600

The tally of Yard Birds this morning is a fantastic 28 species at noon! The most spectacular was the immature Bald Eagle that did a flyover! I think I nearly fainted, as it was flying just above tree level. No optics needed for this one. This is the second I've seen from my yard, the other back in Febuary and was soaring very high! Other notables were the FOS flock of Cedar Waxwings, a Red-shouldered Hawk perched in the oak, FOS Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler,Eastern Pheobe and a European Starling which I very rarely see in my yard. We're off to take Lincoln to Cooks Landing, hope it's as birdie there as at the house. Donna Haynes West Pulaski Co.
Subject: feral cat colony
From: "Graves, Gary" <GRAVESG AT SI.EDU>
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:34:50 -0500

Outdoor house cats (feral or otherwise) are highly efficient bird killers. Although accurate estimates of the yearly carnage are difficult to obtain, there is no dispute in scientific circles that the carnage is staggering (somewhere between 100 million and 1 billion birds each year in the USA). If you own a cat, keep it indoors. Feral house cats, no matter how cute, have no natural place in North American ecosystems (domestic cats are derived from Felis silvestris, which is widely distributed in the Old World from Europe and Africa eastward to China). There is no way to sugar coat the issue...feral cat colonies should be removed ASAP. Gary Graves
Subject: FW: New NBTC Website and 2009 Meeting Proceedings
From: Jeffrey Short <bashman AT EARTHLINK.NET>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:45:24 -0600

FYI Jeff Short From: Bird conservation list for Department of Defense/Partners in Flight [mailto:DODPIF-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Chris Eberly Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 10:11 AM To: DODPIF-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Fw: New NBTC Website and 2009 Meeting Proceedings Here is information on the National Bobwhite Technical Committee (NBTC) about their updated website. The NBTC has grown from a southeast focus to a range-wide effort, and partnerships with other conservation groups (like PIF) is improving conservation actions for everyone. There is a lot of good information available here. - Chris -------- Original Message -------- NBTC Members and Associates: The new and improved NBTC website is up and running and can be accessed at http://www.bobwhitetech.org/. Please take a look and bookmark the new site as your source of NBTC and NBCI news and information. Hopefully you will notice significant additions and improvements from the old SEQSG website. The â€œNewsâ€ section highlights significant events and milestones for the NBTC and the NBCI over the past few years. Youâ€™ll see from the News articles that the NBTC and NBCI are moving forward at a pace unlike anything weâ€™ve experienced in the history of the organization! Significant advances in research, partnerships, recent grant awards, habitat restoration, and bobwhite conservation planning are all highlighted in the various News articles. Also on the website on the â€œPublications and Linksâ€ page, youâ€™ll find the Proceedings from the Joint Meeting of the Southeast Quail Study Group and Southeast Partners in Flight (2009 Meeting Proceedings). This is a large file, not suitable for e-mail distribution, so the website is the primary distribution point for the Proceedings. I do have a limited number of CDâ€™s that can be mailed to anyone who wishes to have a copy or has trouble downloading the file from the website. Special thanks are due Tom Dailey, NBTC Chair-Elect, and Don McKenzie, NBCI Coordinator, for compiling the News items included on the website and to Judy Barnes, SCDNR Farm Bill/Ag Liaison Biologist, for compiling and editing the 2009 meeting proceedings. Great job and thanks! The website will always be a work in progress as new information becomes available. In the meantime, if you spot obvious errors or omissions or if you encounter broken links on the site, please bring those to the attention of me or Tom Dailey ( Tom.Dailey AT mdc.mo.gov). If you wish to receive a CD of the Proceedings, please contact me directly at the e-mail below rather than responding through the Listserve. Donâ€™t forget â€“ the 2010 NBTC Meeting will be held August 3-6, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Wichita, Kansas. More information will be forthcoming on the website. Hope to see you in Wichita! Billy Billy Dukes Chair â€“ National Bobwhite Technical Committee Small Game Project Supervisor - SCDNR P.O. Box 167 Columbia, SC 29202 (803) 734-3939 (ph) (803) 734-3691 (fax) DukesB AT dnr.sc.gov
Subject: Drive around Lake Atalanta & the Centerton fish hatchery Friday
From: Jacque Brown <bluebird2 AT COX.NET>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:46:39 -0600

I was in the area today so I took a short trip and drove around Lake Atalanta, Not as many ducks as I would have thought. There was about 8 Bufflehead, a pair of Gadwalls and 1 Lesser Scaup male among the resident birds. The Ross' Goose is still alive and well and this year there is a Lesser Snow Goose, too. The Centerton fish hatchery still has 300 + Coots and 1 Bufflehead. I saw a flock of 7 ducks take off as I drove in the gate but i couldn't tell what kind. There are still some shorebirds, Least Sandpipers and Snipe mostly but not as many kinds or numbers as last weekend. -- Jacque Brown Centerton Benton, Co AR, bluebird2 AT cox.net
Subject: Re: feral cat colony
From: Steve Taylor <stevertaylor AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:57:27 -0800

Judith, What a horrible notion. Here in midtown Little Rock, well-fed "outdoor" cats have killed mourning doves, robins, cardinals, blue jays, young squirrels, chipmunks and a baby cottontail in my yard, often near birdfeeders, this year. The situation got so bad that I quit filling the feeders a few months ago to slow down the carnage, and the cats don't come so often. But neither do the birds. I can't imagine the damage a colony of feral cats would do to the birds, including prized game birds such as turkeys and quail, and small mammals in the surrounding area. Thanks to everyone here who's offering evidence to show why it's a bad idea. -- ST
Subject: sho nuf red-bellied Red-bellied
From: Joe Neal <joeneal AT UARK.EDU>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:04:12 -0600

Those of you on the front lines of presenting bird programs with slides or powerpoint know that if you show a Red-bellied Woodpecker the students all know what it is: Red-headed Woodpecker! ...but...a sho nuf very red-bellied Red-bellied Woodpecker has been coming to my feeder here in Fayetteville. I collected an image today. Not so great, since I digiscoped it through my woefully unwashed front window, but there's no doubt about what it is and wow, what a truly red belly it is/has. I'll be glad to share the image (send me an off-list email...or write your name & address on a $20...).
Subject: Needed: Brown-headed Nuthatches
From: Jacque Brown <bluebird2 AT COX.NET>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:49:44 -0500

Hi ARBIRDers, I would like to find out if anyone has Brown-headed Nuthatches closer to where I live in NW AR than Waldron. We have it on good authority that we would have a good chance of getting them near Waldron but the last trip there we missed them because we were distracted by a Bachman's Sparrow and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. This would be a life bird but we would like a shorter trip if possible. We would also like to be able to photograph one. So if you have one at your feeders or know of a roadside rest stop that they frequent we would really appreciate a chance to get this bird. Jacque Brown Centerton Benton, Co AR, bluebird2 AT cox.net
Subject: Christmas Bird Counts
From: Leif E Anderson <leanderson AT FS.FED.US>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:02:59 -0500

Greetings all, It's getting close to the coolest (figuratively & literally) birding of the year. The Christmas Bird Counts are held around the continent (and beyond) from 12/14 through 1/5. Counts have been done for 110 years - the oldest bird database in the world. ANY birding skill level is fine. Any length of time is welcome. Just contact a compiler for details and join in the fun. It's free for feederwatchers and folks under 18. $5 for most unless, the count has a sponsor. If you do more than 4 and can register on-line then it's only $20. All counts can use more volunteers. Please consider doing more than one. Your welcome to contact me for general information - Leanderson AT fs.fed.us 479-284-3150 ext 3151 Dec 14th Hot Springs Village; Lynn Sackett; tlsackett AT sbcglobal.net Sponsored by Hot Springs Village Audubon 14 or 15th North Fork of the Illinois Bayou (near Hector); Dwayne Rambo; drambo AT fs.fed.us; Sponsored by US Forest Service 16th: Crooked Creek (near Harrison); Sally Jo Gibson; dlgibson563 AT yahoo.com ? 17th: Bayou DeView (near Brinkley); Steve Osborne; jsteveosborne AT gmail.com 18th: Mountain Home; Phillip Hyatt; sedgehead AT gmail.com 19th: Arkadelphia; Dolores Harrington; doloresh AT suddenlink.net or Charles Mills swamp_fox AT mac.com Conway; Martha Johnson; amjohnson AT conwaycorp.net Fort Smith; Bill Beall; billtoka AT mynewroads.com 20th: Fayetteville; Joe Neal; joeneal AT uark.edu; Co-compiler Mike Mlodinow mamlod AT hotmail.com Sponsored by NorthWest AR Audubon Lonoke; Dan Scheiman; birddan AT comcast.net Sponsored by Audubon Society of Central AR 27th: Little Rock; Dan Scheiman; birddan AT comcast.net Sponsored by Audubon Society of Central AR Wappanocca NWR; Dick Preston; dickpreston AT bigriver.net Co-compiler of TN side Van Harris shelbyforester1223 AT bigriver.net Sponsored by TN Ornithological Society 28th: Pine Bluff; Rob Doster; Rob_doster AT calcarius AT comcast.net Sponsored by Three Rivers Audubon Society Jan 1 or 2: Lake Georgia Pacific/ Felsenthal NWR; Leif Anderson; Leanderson AT fs.fed.us 2nd: White River NWR; Keith Sutton; catfishdude AT sbcglobal.net 5th: Holla Bend NWR; Leif Anderson; Leanderson AT fs.fed.us Dates to be set latter: Texarkana; rondokyle AT windstream.net or adkyle AT earthlink.net Big Lake NWR; alreams469 AT msn.com Jonesboro; Jim Bednarz; jbednarz AT astate.edu Buffalo National River (near Buffalo Point on Hwy 65); Magnolia/ Lake Columbia; Sterling Lacy; sterlinglacy AT att.net
Subject: Golden update
From: Herschel Raney <herschel.raney AT CONWAYCORP.NET>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:41:11 -0600

I went on the Ozark wildlife camera site last year to see what the story was with the reported Golden Eagles. Last year in February and after there were two first year Golden Eagles in that valley and one stayed until mid-April. This year, it is now the second week of November and there are two second year Golden Eagles there daily starting this past week. Will see if other first years show or full adults over the winter. Unclear whether this is a pair of eagles that has just returned to a reliable food source or whether Golden's are truly a common wintering event in many Ozark valleys. And have specific drainages that they return to every year. Granted, not every valley has such a hefty and steady supply of meat. But Bob Barber, when he was living in Jasper in the winter, reported movements of Golden Eagles down the valley of the Buffalo River each year. And it seems to me he was reporting mostly adults. Since I see these birds so rarely in the state, other than the Holla Bend annual visitors, it is interesting. The Trumpeter Swans have not returned yet to this Stone county manmade lake that is incidentally, quite a bit larger than the Magness lake watershed. Herschel Raney Conway AR
Subject: Re: Woodpecker movie
From: David Luneau <mdluneau AT UALR.EDU>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:07:32 -0600

Woodpecker, a movie by Alex Karpovsky, has several fictional characters, one of whom is quite obsessed with searching for IBWOs. The characters are colorful and interesting, if not a little pathetic. It does mix some real people and happenings in with the fictional parts. I found it to be quite funny - well worth watching. M. David Luneau, Jr. P.E. Associate Professor of Electronics University of Arkansas at Little Rock 2801 S. University Ave. Little Rock, AR 72204 _____ From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List [mailto:ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Dorothy Cooney Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 8:36 PM To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: [ARBIRD-L] Woodpecker movie Out of curiosity, has anyone seen the DVD "Woodpecker", sort of about the search for the IBWO? Dorothy Cooney Wickes, AR
Subject: Re: feral cat colony
From: Larry Witherspoon <ldspoon AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:58:29 -0600

I am sure you have this already, but in case, the Quail have paid a big price because of the domesticated cat. Don't forget about the Quail. Thanks, Larry Witherspoon And Dan Quail
Subject: Woodpecker movie
From: Dorothy Cooney <songbird.0514 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:35:53 -0800

Out of curiosity, has anyone seen the DVD "Woodpecker", sort of about the search for the IBWO? Dorothy Cooney Wickes, AR
Subject: Where the Boids Are
From: Allan Mueller <akcmueller AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:19:36 -0600

Check this out. file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Allan/My%20Documents/My%20Music/iTunes/iTunes%20Music/Podcasts/For%20the%20Birds/Where%20the%20Boids%20Are.mov -- Allan Mueller 20 Moseley Lane Conway, AR 72032 501-327-8952 Be sincere, even if you don't mean it...
Subject: Re: feral cat colony
From: "Popham, James T YD02 USAF AMC 19 CES/CEAN" <james.popham AT LITTLEROCK.AF.MIL>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:09:41 -0600

You can also go to ABC's "Cats Indoors" web site at http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/index.html -----Original Message----- From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List [mailto:ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Janine Perlman Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 3:27 PM To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: feral cat colony Judith, Thank you so much for your advocacy for wildlife and---yes---for cats! Here's a website with lots of information about why feral cat colonies don't serve their intended purposes and are unmitigated disasters: http://www.tnrrealitycheck.com/basicInfo.asp Thanks again, Janine Perlman Alexander Mt., Saline Co. ----- Original Message ----- From: Don & Judy To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:36 AM Subject: feral cat colony A Really Bad Idea This morning I received a call from someone associated with the animal shelter regarding establishing a feral cat colony on rural property. Their plan was to neuter the cats & release them into an old barn on their land. The caller asked my opinion & indicated a sincere interest in reading any articles or messages as to why it was a really bad idea. I explained very clearly why & offered to forward anything this listserve might have to offer. I will also include Ted William's "Felines Fatales" [Incite/ Sep-Oct Audubon] if I can find the link. In addition, if someone could provide a list of ground-nesting birds that use the fields, woods & streams of NW Arkansas, I will also forward that to this group of people. I can provide the AAS species list, but I think the list of ground nesters would have an even greater impact since most people just haven't a clue that anything but turkeys nest on the ground here. Thank you all !!!! Judith Ninestone, County Carroll NW AR
Subject: Re: feral cat colony
From: Jacque Brown <bluebird2 AT COX.NET>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:47:26 -0500

It's not just ground nesters but ground feeders. When I lived in Texas I had one cat that was an outdoor cat. However in winter he was an indoor cat because we found he could put a pretty good dent in the over wintering birds at our house in a short time. I found 8 winter Pine Warblers dead and in pieces in the garage one day that hadn't been there the day before. Jacque Brown, Centerton ---- Janine Perlman wrote: ============= Judith, Thank you so much for your advocacy for wildlife and---yes---for cats! Here's a website with lots of information about why feral cat colonies don't serve their intended purposes and are unmitigated disasters: http://www.tnrrealitycheck.com/basicInfo.asp Thanks again, Janine Perlman Alexander Mt., Saline Co. ----- Original Message ----- From: Don & Judy To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:36 AM Subject: feral cat colony A Really Bad Idea This morning I received a call from someone associated with the animal shelter regarding establishing a feral cat colony on rural property. Their plan was to neuter the cats & release them into an old barn on their land. The caller asked my opinion & indicated a sincere interest in reading any articles or messages as to why it was a really bad idea. I explained very clearly why & offered to forward anything this listserve might have to offer. I will also include Ted William's "Felines Fatales" [Incite/ Sep-Oct Audubon] if I can find the link. In addition, if someone could provide a list of ground-nesting birds that use the fields, woods & streams of NW Arkansas, I will also forward that to this group of people. I can provide the AAS species list, but I think the list of ground nesters would have an even greater impact since most people just haven't a clue that anything but turkeys nest on the ground here. Thank you all !!!! Judith Ninestone, County Carroll NW AR -- Jacque Brown Centerton Benton, Co AR, bluebird2 AT cox.net
Subject: Re: feral cat colony
From: Allan Mueller <akcmueller AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:26:31 -0600

Judy, You can direct them to the American Bird Conservancy "Cats Indoors" web site http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/index.html Neuter and release is a very bad idea and does not work. It just gets more and more cats into the predator population. Allan Mueller On Thu, Nov 12, 2009 at 10:36 AM, Don & Judy wrote: > *A Really Bad Idea* > This morning I received a call from someone associated with the animal > shelter regarding establishing a feral cat colony on rural property. Their > plan was to neuter the cats & release them into an old barn on their > land. The caller asked my opinion & indicated a sincere interest in reading > any articles or messages as to why it was a really bad idea. I explained > very clearly why & offered to forward anything this listserve might have to > offer. I will also include Ted William's "Felines Fatales" [Incite/ Sep-Oct > Audubon] if I can find the link. > In addition, if someone could provide a list of ground-nesting birds that > use the fields, woods & streams of NW Arkansas, I will also forward that to > this group of people. I can provide the AAS species list, but I think the > list of ground nesters would have an even greater impact since most people > just haven't a clue that anything but turkeys nest on the ground here. > > Thank you all !!!! > > Judith > Ninestone, County Carroll > NW AR > -- Allan Mueller 20 Moseley Lane Conway, AR 72032 501-327-8952 Be sincere, even if you don't mean it...
Subject: Re: feral cat colony
From: Janine Perlman <jpandjf AT SWBELL.NET>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:26:56 -0600

Judith, Thank you so much for your advocacy for wildlife and---yes---for cats! Here's a website with lots of information about why feral cat colonies don't serve their intended purposes and are unmitigated disasters: http://www.tnrrealitycheck.com/basicInfo.asp Thanks again, Janine Perlman Alexander Mt., Saline Co. ----- Original Message ----- From: Don & Judy To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:36 AM Subject: feral cat colony A Really Bad Idea This morning I received a call from someone associated with the animal shelter regarding establishing a feral cat colony on rural property. Their plan was to neuter the cats & release them into an old barn on their land. The caller asked my opinion & indicated a sincere interest in reading any articles or messages as to why it was a really bad idea. I explained very clearly why & offered to forward anything this listserve might have to offer. I will also include Ted William's "Felines Fatales" [Incite/ Sep-Oct Audubon] if I can find the link. In addition, if someone could provide a list of ground-nesting birds that use the fields, woods & streams of NW Arkansas, I will also forward that to this group of people. I can provide the AAS species list, but I think the list of ground nesters would have an even greater impact since most people just haven't a clue that anything but turkeys nest on the ground here. Thank you all !!!! Judith Ninestone, County Carroll NW AR
Subject: feral cat colony
From: Don & Judy <waterfall AT HBEARK.COM>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:36:46 -0600

A Really Bad Idea This morning I received a call from someone associated with the animal shelter regarding establishing a feral cat colony on rural property. Their plan was to neuter the cats & release them into an old barn on their land. The caller asked my opinion & indicated a sincere interest in reading any articles or messages as to why it was a really bad idea. I explained very clearly why & offered to forward anything this listserve might have to offer. I will also include Ted William's "Felines Fatales" [Incite/ Sep-Oct Audubon] if I can find the link. In addition, if someone could provide a list of ground-nesting birds that use the fields, woods & streams of NW Arkansas, I will also forward that to this group of people. I can provide the AAS species list, but I think the list of ground nesters would have an even greater impact since most people just haven't a clue that anything but turkeys nest on the ground here. Thank you all !!!! Judith Ninestone, County Carroll NW AR
Subject: Behavior: Red-headed W.P.
From: Clark Reames <creames AT FS.FED.US>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:04:18 -0600

I was sitting at my computer yesterday when I heard a pecking noise outside. When I looked, it was a red-headed woodpecker working on a little wren house under the eave of the front porch. After he made a couple of visits, I decided to investigate thinking he was widening the hole out. I felt that even if he widened the hole, the box was still too small for him to get into. The box showed no sign of being damaged. When I opened the side panel of the box, several acorns (post oak) fell out on the ground and I could see the box was full of them with lots of bark chunks stacked on top. Not being familiar with this behavior, I looked it up and found out that red-headeds are known for caching food and covering it with bark. I will let him keeps his pantry over the winter but after that, I will have to clean him out and make room for more nesting. (I put his spilled acorns back in the box). Clark in Paris, AR
Subject: FW: RFI: Color Banded Great Egrets, Ardea alba
From: Kimberly Smith <kgsmith AT uark.edu>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:23:20 -0600

Start checking those egrets.... ********************************************************* Kimberly G. Smith University Professor of Biological Sciences Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-575-6359 (note new phone number) fax:479-575-4010 email: kgsmith AT uark.edu ********************************************************* -----Original Message----- From: Bulletin Board for Ornithologists working with Neotropical Birds [mailto:NEOORN-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH) Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:22 AM To: NEOORN-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: [NEOORN-L] RFI: Color Banded Great Egrets, Ardea alba This week we got a report of a color banded Great Egret, Ardea alba, in Fort Mill SC and learned it had been banded more than 500 miles due north on the Great Lakes. Chip Weseloh of the Canadian Wildlife Service subsequently asked me to post the following info. Please send questions or comments directly to Chip. "The Canadian Wildlife Service has colour-banded more than 1,200 young-of-the-year Great Egrets on four colonies in the Great Lakes Basin since 2000. All birds have been fitted with at least one red leg band with white alpha numerics. Reports of these birds have come from the southeastern United States and Cuba, with one report from the Azores Islands. PLEASE check all Great Egrets seen during the winter; our winter reports have been very few for the number of birds banded. Sightings should be reported to the federal Bird Banding Laboratory and to Chip Weseloh at " More info about the Fort Mill sighting and a photo of what to look for in the way of color banded Great Egrets is included at the end of my current "This Week at Hilton Pond" installment at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek091101.html ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA (803) 684-5852 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org ==================
Subject: Another Yellow Rail rope drag
From: David Arbour <arbour AT WINDSTREAM.NET>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:24:17 -0600

If there is enough interest, Berlin Heck and I can conduct another public Yellow Rail rope drag at Red Slough on Sunday Nov. 29th. If you are interested, contact me off list. David Arbour De Queen, Arkansas Visit the Red Slough Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/natural-resources/redslough/ Personal Photo Galleries: http://www.pbase.com/sloughbirder
Subject: Trumpeters at Magness ??
From: Daniel Smith <dansmith AT ARTELCO.COM>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:55:19 -0600

Has anyone observed trumpeters at Magness Lake yet this year? A school field trip depends on this information. Dan Smith Clinton
Subject: Re: News Article: A CBC for Kids
From: David Luneau <mdluneau AT UALR.EDU>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:32:21 -0800

Great idea! Is anyone planning any CBCs for kids in Arkansas? Speaking of CBCs. Are there any dates published yet for this year's Arkansas CBCs? M. David Luneau, Jr. P.E. Associate Professor of Electronics University of Arkansas at Little Rock 2801 S. University Ave. Little Rock, AR 72204 _____ From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List [mailto:ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Jim and Karen Rowe Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:51 AM To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: [ARBIRD-L] News Article: A CBC for Kids A Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for Kids! by Tom Russert Every year for over a century, Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) have been celebrated across America during the holiday season. Unfortunately, young kids with their families are not easily included in this important, yet somewhat rigorous citizen science effort, one that can actually last 24 hours. To respond to this situation, an experimental half-day "CBC for Kids" was created two years ago, using some of the basic ingredients of the grand old Audubon CBC tradition. The objective has been to have fun and potentially create a farm team of birders and conservationists for the future of birding and to encourage families to enjoy nature together. It is a wonderfully simple, healthy, holiday celebration for almost any school, youth group, or community. The project has been spearheaded through Sonoma Birding (in northern California) with a half day of birding followed by a brown bag lunch and species tabulation celebration. Last year ten teams of six kids (age 8-14) each worked with experienced adult birders in assigned areas with unique habitats and a common bird list. The event doubled in size from the first year. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and help sustain the great tradition of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, now more than a century old. The event is already taking hold in several new locations in the U.S. and Canada. For more information contact the founder, Tom Russert, at sonomabirding AT gmail.com . You can also examine a package of helpful "to do" hints for your own CBC for Kids by clicking here and adopt them to your specific needs. For related information see : http://www.sonomabirding.org/blogsection/Events_New/ http://www.birdeducation.org/ Karen Rowe
Subject: Bill Brazleton
From: Sandy Berger <fsbirdlady AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:42:33 -0800

There will be a memorial service for Bill sometime in December. I will send more info when I get it. Sandy B. FS, AR
Subject: News Article: A CBC for Kids
From: Jim and Karen Rowe <rollingrfarm AT ROCKETMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:50:41 -0800

A Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for Kids! by Tom Russert Every year for over a century, Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) have been celebrated across America during the holiday season. Unfortunately, young kids with their families are not easily included in this important, yet somewhat rigorous citizen science effort, one that can actually last 24 hours. To respond to this situation, an experimental half-day "CBC for Kids" was created two years ago, using some of the basic ingredients of the grand old Audubon CBC tradition. The objective has been to have fun and potentially create a farm team of birders and conservationists for the future of birding and to encourage families to enjoy nature together. It is a wonderfully simple, healthy, holiday celebration for almost any school, youth group, or community. The project has been spearheaded through Sonoma Birding (in northern California) with a half day of birding followed by a brown bag lunch and species tabulation celebration. Last year ten teams of six kids (age 8-14) each worked with experienced adult birders in assigned areas with unique habitats and a common bird list. The event doubled in size from the first year. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and help sustain the great tradition of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, now more than a century old. The event is already taking hold in several new locations in the U.S. and Canada. For more information contact the founder, Tom Russert, at sonomabirding AT gmail.com. You can also examine a package of helpful "to do" hints for your own CBC for Kids by clicking here and adopt them to your specific needs. For related information see : http://www.sonomabirding.org/blogsection/Events_New/ http://www.birdeducation.org/ Karen Rowe
Subject: need photo of Mississippi Kite in flight
From: Jim and Karen Rowe <rollingrfarm AT ROCKETMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:59:27 -0800

Hello: AGFC's Fisheries Division is developing a "Little Rock Fisheries" poster and it will show some of the skyline of LIttle Rock and the sky over the Arkansas River. The artist would like to draw some Mississippi kites in flight over the River and city and needs photographs of soaring and/or flying Mississippi Kites (MIKI). I have sent him a number of good photos of perched MIKI that I have found but cannot find photos of soaring or flying MIKI. If you have photos that fit the bill, can you send them to me at work at: krowe AT agfc.state.ar.us ? The artist will be drawing and sketching MIKI using the photos and will not actually be using the photos in the poster. Thanks in anvance for your help with this project. Karen Rowe Bird Conservation Program Coordinator AGFC
Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - Nov. 10
From: David Arbour <arbour AT WINDSTREAM.NET>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:22:01 -0600

It was mostly clear and warm on the bird survey today. Duck numbers are way down since duck season opened this past weekend. Highlights today included an American Avocet in unit 30 along with other shorebirds and several Greater Scaup in unit 40S. Here is a list of all found today: Wood Duck - 6 Gadwall - 475 American Wigeon - 80 Mallard - 46 Blue-winged Teal - 4 Northern Shoveler - 64 Northern Pintail - 129 Green-winged Teal - 285 Canvasback - 1 Redhead - 9 Ring-necked Duck - 935 Greater Scaup - 4 Lesser Scaup - 2 Ruddy Duck - 133 Pied-billed Grebe - 57 Double-crested Cormorant - 70 Great Blue Heron - 15 Black Vulture - 28 Turkey Vulture - 35 Bald Eagle - 1 Northern Harrier - 5 Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 Red-shouldered Hawk - 1 Red-tailed Hawk - 5 American Kestrel - 1 Virginia Rail - 2 American Coot - 1900 Killdeer - 86 American Avocet - 1 Greater Yellowlegs - 12 Least Sandpiper - 6 Dunlin - 1 Long-billed Dowitcher - 35 Wilson's Snipe - 20 Belted Kingfisher - 7 Downy Woodpecker - 2 Hairy Woodpecker - 1 Northern Flicker - 1 Eastern Phoebe - 10 Loggerhead Shrike - 1 Blue Jay - 1 American Crow - 16 Fish Crow - 10 Carolina Chickadee - 4 Carolina Wren - 4 House Wren - 1 Marsh Wren - 7 Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 2 Eastern Bluebird - 6 Northern Mockingbird - 1 Brown Thrasher - 1 European Starling - 15 American Pipit - 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler - 2 Field Sparrow - 2 Vesper Sparrow - 1 Savannah Sparrow - 13 Fox Sparrow - 7 Song Sparrow - 15 Lincoln's Sparrow - 1 Swamp Sparrow - 3 White-throated Sparrow - 3 White-crowned Sparrow - 2 Dark-eyed Junco - 2 Northern Cardinal - 11 Red-winged Blackbird - 65 Eastern Meadowlark - 10 Common Grackle - 17 American Goldfinch - 13 Odonates: Familiar Bluet Common Green Darner Eastern Pondhawk Variegated Meadowhawk Black Saddlebags Red Saddlebags Herps: American Alligator Red-eared Slider Southern Leopard Frog Good Birding! David Arbour De Queen, Arkansas Visit the Red Slough Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/natural-resources/redslough/ Personal Photo Galleries: http://www.pbase.com/sloughbirder
Subject: LINK: Link to photos, Bath At The Lake
From: Gail Miller <gail.miller AT CONWAYCORP.NET>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:57:17 -0600

This 'bathing hole' attracted, all in the same 'bath water', Eastern Bluebirds, Pine Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers. A very fun show to watch! Photo gallery at: http://www.pbase.com/gnmimiller/bath_at_the_lake Gail in Conway
Subject: Boyd Point closed tomorrow (Veterans Day)
From: Delos McCauley <edelos AT CABLELYNX.COM>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:19:05 -0600

Note subject. Late yesterday at Boyd Point I saw a female Goldeneye and because of distance and contrast, I was not able to tell if it was a Barrow's or Common. It flew before I could ID it so I went back this morning. It has been hanging out with Hooded Mergansers in the pond with the grebes. I was able to get good views this morning and it is definitely a Common Goldeneye (triangular shaped head and yellow tipped black bill). That is a new bird this year for Boyd Point, but I had my hopes up for a Barrow's. Also saw my first male Buffleheads this morning. Delos McCauley Pine Bluff
Subject: Re: LINK: 3000th Arkansas Birder Photo
From: Arkansas Birder <arkansasbirder AT MAC.COM>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:25:40 -0600

The following link to the New Guest Photos album should work better. Dennis Braddy Little Rock, AR http://www.arkansasbirder.net "I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell." - Harry Truman (no keyword) Conservation, habitat, behavior, distribution, abundance, migration, feeders, birdhouses, ... SIGHTINGS: Bird sightings (not rare), day lists, surveys, yard birds, trip reports FOS: First of season sightings RARE: Rare bird sightings (rare or rarer in AAS Field List) INFO: Spontaneous emissions of information on topics not covered elsewhere RFI: Requests for information (general, ARBIRD-L, bird identification, optics, subscriber polls) LINK: Links to photos, websites FOW: Fellowship of the Wings ANNOUNCEMENT: Announcements of field trips, meetings
Subject: LINK: 3000th Arkansas Birder Photo
From: Arkansas Birder <arkansasbirder AT MAC.COM>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:18:04 -0600

Ron Howard submitted a photo of a Golden-crowned Kinglet which is the 3000th photograph in the Arkansas Birder archives. This is quite a milestone for Arkansas Birder and for all the local birder-photographers who have generously contributed their work. Thank you all. You can see Ron's kinglet and many other bird photos in the New Guest Photos album. Dennis Braddy Little Rock, AR http://www.arkansasbirder.net "I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell." - Harry Truman (no keyword) Conservation, habitat, behavior, distribution, abundance, migration, feeders, birdhouses, ... SIGHTINGS: Bird sightings (not rare), day lists, surveys, yard birds, trip reports FOS: First of season sightings RARE: Rare bird sightings (rare or rarer in AAS Field List) INFO: Spontaneous emissions of information on topics not covered elsewhere RFI: Requests for information (general, ARBIRD-L, bird identification, optics, subscriber polls) LINK: Links to photos, websites FOW: Fellowship of the Wings ANNOUNCEMENT: Announcements of field trips, meetings
Subject: sympathy
From: Sandy Berger <fsbirdlady AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:43:02 -0800

Bill Brazleton passed away this afternoon. His family are on their way here. No funeral plans have been made yet. I will pass on more information when I receive it. Sandy B. FS, AR
Subject: Re: more from Doug on Razorback Stadium falcons
From: "Andrew M. Scaboo" <ascaboo AT UARK.EDU>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:23:16 -0600

I'd just like to comment on the buddy-buddy interaction, outside of the breeding season, between the American Kestrels Doug James reported. I noticed the same behavior between two American Kestrels that have been hanging around Woolsey Wet Prairie for the last couple months. During October, I observed the birds side-by-side perched, hunting, and what I would call playing around in mid-air. I thought maybe it was an adult training a juvenile, but the markings seemed to be adult for both. The last few times (last week) I observed the birds on opposite ends of the Prairie, as if they've had enough of each other. Andrew ******************************************** Andrew M. Scaboo Graduate Research Assistant Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences University of Arkansas 115 Plant Science Building Fayetteville, AR 72701 Phone: (479)-575-2109 Fax: (479)-575-7465 Email: ascaboo AT uark.edu ******************************************** On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 5:55 PM, Joe Neal wrote: > Here's a note from Doug with more details about the falcon situation at > Razorback Stadium here in F'Ville: > > "From Doug in NY: > Here I am at a hotel in NY City with more details concerning my falcon > sightings at the stadium. First I must say I was not there on those > two night football games when peregrines were reported. All I can > report is what Elizabeth and I found. Yesterday, Nov. 6, at sundown we > went looking at the stadium, getting there about 4:45 or maybe 5:00 > pm, staying to nearly 5:45. I told Elizabeth we should drive to the > top of the Union parking garage to get a good view of the stadium and > no less than the first level she cried "there are two birds atop the > battery of lights." We looked with binoculars and there they were two > falcons, American Kestrel, size side by side atop the top row of one > of the towers of batteries of light used for night games. They flew > from light tower to light tower as a duet. I've never observed such a > buddy-buddy > interaction between Kestrels outside the breeding season. When they > freshly alighted we saw the tail bobbing at first that Kestrels do. > They also flew out in sort of fly catching behavior and exhibited the > very rapid wing beat of a Kestrel. > > I emphasize all these size and behavioral characteristics of the > Kestrel because the dim light at sundown prevented seeing any plumage > marks. They kept flying around as buddies, which I've never seen > Peregrines do as well as the tail bobbing. As darkness came one of the > birds entered the hemispherical aluminum shade that covered the light > bulb. Actually it was more than hemispherical--more like how a overcup > oak covers its acorn--but anyway too small a space for a Peregrine. It > never came out. I concluded it roosted overnight there, which is OK > for a cavity roosting bird like the Kestrel, but not right for an open > site rooster such as the Peregrine. The other bird disappeared behind > the superstructure of the floodlight battery so we did not know where > it roosted. > > Even though the lights have not been illuminated since the night game > seven days ago the Kestrels seemed to be interested in gleaning > insects attracted to and still on the light covers. The birds also > exhibited some fly out and back fly catching activity suggesting that > as darkness came some of the nocturnal moths roosting there were > taking flight. > > As a final comment, I've found over the years that Kestrels > consistently occur at the stadium in all seasons. It is the place I go > on campus if I want the Ornithology Class to see a Kestrel." >
Subject: Re: falcons at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium-F'ville
From: Delos McCauley <edelos AT CABLELYNX.COM>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 22:28:25 -0600

Karen has expressed my feeling as well. I saw these birds at the Georgia game. I did have my binoculars with me and saw what I thought were the markings of a juvenile Peregrine Falcon, stripped breast and mustache, but these are also the markings of the American Kestrel. Thank you Doug for checking this out. Next time I will be able to devote more time to the game and not as much time identifying these birds. Delos McCauley Pine Bluff On Nov 9, 2009, at 5:00 PM, Kk Hart wrote: > I appreciate the insight to the falcons at Reynolds Stadium. I'll > accept that they could be kestrels...we didn't see them > perched...hence no visible tail behavior and of course couldn't see > their topside. We could see the sideburns as they swooped. They > were certainly extremely robust kestrels. (do birds develop the > Freshman 15?) I'll admit their behavior was odd for peregrines but > due to the obvious stress level with thousands of screaming people > in their perch site, we wrote that off to their duress. They were > not visible at the last day game but hopefully will be there this > Sat. evening. Based on Joe's suggestions, we'll look for more > distinctive marks. Glad to hear that people don't affect them too > adversely. Whatever their ID, I hope they cheer the Hogs to another > win. Karen Hart hartwnkkk AT aol.com

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