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3 Jul horned larks ["Christine Kelly" ] 3 Jul Shackleford Bank: L-b.Curl.,M.Godw.,dows,R.Egret,Manx Sh. [Frank Enders ] 2 Jul Thanks- Tampa Bay suggestions [David Snyder ] 2 Jul Re: IPhone app [] 2 Jul Re: IPhone app [Joe Kegley ] 2 Jul Re: IPhone app [Joe Kegley ] 2 Jul Spoonbills and more IOP [] 01 Jul Re: IPhone app [David Bergum ] 01 Jul Wings Over Water [Kent Fiala ] 1 Jul Re: IPhone app ["Juan A. Pons" ] 1 Jul IPhone app [Tommy McDonell ] 1 Jul Re: Dickcissel's ["Buddy Garrett" ] 1 Jul Topsail Island ["Ali Iyoob" ] 1 Jul FW: Least Flycatcher-Raleigh ["Ali Iyoob" ] 1 Jul Least Flycatcher-Raleigh ["Ali Iyoob" ] 1 Jul RE: Birding spots - Tampa Bay area. ["Shelley Rutkin" ] 1 Jul Re: Dickcissel's [Nate Dias ] 1 Jul Fw: Dickcissel habitat and sightings [Paul Serridge ] 1 Jul RE: Dickcissel habitat and sightings; waterbird comments ["Legrand, Harry" ] 1 Jul Re: Birding spots - Tampa Bay area. ["Phil Dickinson" ] 01 Jul Re: Birding spots - Tampa Bay area. [Dennis Burnette ] 1 Jul Birding spots - Tampa Bay area. [David Snyder ] 01 Jul Belated Spoonbills Isle of Palms [David Abbott ] 1 Jul Juvenile Coopers! ["Herbert, Teri Lynn" ] 30 Jun Dickcissel's ["Buddy Garrett" ] 1 Jul 3 spoonbills at sunset beach, nc ["dmcooper2 AT juno.com" ] 30 Jun Dickcissel and Grasshopper Sparrows - Simpsonville SC - Photos [Jeff Lemons ] 30 Jun Thank you for the ID ["Connie W. Hodges" ] 30 Jun Common Loon @ Falls Lake [Matthew Daw ] 30 Jun Re: Please help with ID ["Phil Dickinson" ] 30 Jun Re: Please help with ID ["KC Foggin" ] 30 Jun Please help with ID ["Connie W. Hodges" ] 30 Jun Re: Golden Eagles in Asheville? [Eric Harrold ] 30 Jun Golden Eagles in Asheville? ["James Atkinson" ] 30 Jun Prior report(s) of E. Arctic shorebird breeding conditions may have been exaggerated [Nate Dias ] 30 Jun 9MI.Kites.Meggett.SC ["Cherrie Sneed" ] 29 Jun REMINDER - Spring 2009 Sightings Due for NAB [] 29 Jun Sndhills Game Land ["Ali Iyoob" ] 29 Jun Birding spots near the outerbanks ["Autumn Young" ] 29 Jun Reminder to Submit Spring Bird Reports (March 1 - May 30) [Josh Southern ] 29 Jun RE: Speaking of hummers ["Randy Dunson" ] 29 Jun Re: Speaking of hummers [Nate Dias ] 28 Jun Hilton Pond 06/15/09 (Summer Solstice) ["Bill Hilton Jr." ] 28 Jun Violet-crowned Hummingbird Near Blacksburg, Va [Dwayne Martin ] 28 Jun RE: mystery bird, and location? ["Legrand, Harry" ] 28 Jun mystery bird ["Ali Iyoob" ] 28 Jun FW: eBird Report - Sandhills Game Land , 6/28/09 ["Ali Iyoob" ] 28 Jun Congaree National Park--Woodcock and Redstart [John and Rhonda Grego ] 28 Jun Sunset Spoonbill seen [Randy Climpson ] 28 Jun Roseate Spoonbills, Dare County, N.C. [Wayne Irvin ] 27 Jun Speaking of hummers [Randy Climpson ] 27 Jun Spoonbill No, Cattle Egret Si, at Sunset Beach [Randy Climpson ] 27 Jun Least Bittern and Dickcissels ["Eric Dean" ] 27 Jun White Winged Dove [Connie Shertz ] 26 Jun Spoonbills at Pea Island [jeff lewis ] 26 Jun on the deck ["Barbara Brooks" ] 25 Jun They're back! ["John Fussell" ] 25 Jun RE: Cliff Swallows beginning to nest? [Irvin Pitts ] 24 Jun RE: Roseate spoonbills at Sunset Beach, NC ["Amy" ] 24 Jun Roseate spoonbills at Sunset Beach, NC [] 24 Jun Cliff Swallows beginning to nest? ["John Fussell" ] 24 Jun Spoonbill and Kentucky Warblers [] 24 Jun baby birds [Tommy McDonell ] 23 Jun Re: Hummers?? Who has any?? [Gunnar Engblom ] 23 Jun RE: Hummers?? Who has any?? [Jesse Pope ] 23 Jun RE: Hummers?? Who has any?? ["Sherri Carpenter" ] 23 Jun Re: Hummers?? Who has any?? ["Connie W. Hodges" ] 23 Jun Re: Hummers?? Who has any?? [Marion Clark ] 23 Jun RE: Annual Hummingbird speculation/extrapolation ["Amy" ] 23 Jun Annual Hummingbird speculation/extrapolation [Nate Dias ] 23 Jun RE: Hummers?? Who has any?? ["Amy" ] 23 Jun RE: North Dakota ["Amy" ] 23 Jun Re: Still no hummers here ["Toby Hoffman" ] 23 Jun Savannah Sparrow - Henderson County [Marilyn Westphal ] 23 Jun Dickcissels in Simpsonville, SC [Paul Serridge ] 22 Jun RE: TV Golf Birds [] Subject: horned larks From: "Christine Kelly" <kellych AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 20:07:37 -0400 July 3, 2009- I observed a small flock of 7 horned larks (3 males, 4 females) on Bearwallow Mountain, in northeastern Henderson County, NC. Did not see any juveniles. I have previously observed horned larks here in mid/late May, but have yet to check this site in the month of June. This is a rocky pasture with cattle grazing. I only had a little bit of time to look around and it was approaching noon, so things had quieted down. The rest of the list is short- Eastern bluebird Barn swallow Brown-headed cowbird Chipping sparrow Blue-headed vireo Red-eyed vireo Slate-colored junco Scarlet tanager Eastern wood pewee Chris Kelly Asheville, NCSubject: Shackleford Bank: L-b.Curl.,M.Godw.,dows,R.Egret,Manx Sh. From: Frank Enders <fkenders AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 16:10:55 -0400 My wife and I visited Shackleford Bank at Cape Lookout National Seashore 30 June to 2 July. Usual birds were seen. Marbled Godwit, Reddish Egret, Caspian Tern, Long-billed Curlew, Manx Shearwater, and shorebird roost were high points. We got to the extreme eastern end of Shackleford Bank late (7PM) on 30 June, and set up our tent to house scores of mosquitoes, after we saw some 7 Marbled Godwits with 3 Willets and a Greater Yellowlegs at the eastern edge of the island (as tide was lowering). Wilson's Plover at 7', usual resident here. On 1 July 8 AM, lowering tide, a dark-phase Reddish Egret was actively foraging on a shallows off the Shackleford beach. This was some 1.5 miles west of our camp; and in the area protected by the northwest sand spit protruding from Core Banks. After the egret caught a fish and was attacked by 3 Laughing Gulls, it flew north over Shackleford, probably headed for the soundside marshes where this species is usually seen. Only shorebirds along the beach were several Wilson's Plover, few Willets, flyby oystercatcher and flyby 2 Piping Plover. The shorebird roost described later was not evident. A single Caspian Tern was seen resting on the beach far out there. Other tern species were feeding here and there. A dead black and white shearwater (1-2 weeks rotten, tube-nosed) was found and left in the wrack line, closer to our tent. Audubon's or Manx, who could tell? We also found another dead bird, perhaps a Laughing Gull, dead longer, and with no beak present, very near our tent site. In the early afternoon, a longer walk to about 1.6 miles west of our campground (eastern tip of bank) yielded nothing much. About where the spit of Core Banks ends [a spot favored by boaters to land with their dogs (illegally NOT leashed) and picnics and shelters], one can climb north up the dune of Shackleford and see the pond with the telegraph pole described by Fussell in his book. One may be able to enter this pond with a kayak or shallow-draft motorboat via two tidal creeks, but perhaps only at high tide; I lacked time to try. A Snowy Egret was trying to look like a Reddish Egret in the pond. Usual birds, White Ibis, Cattle Egret, Little Blue Heron, etc. As the tide rose, and we trudged back in the hot sun, we noticed two Long-billed Curlews on the back side of the Shackleford Beach. This was a place we had covered adequately (while my wife picked up seashells) on the way out. But now, not only Wilson's Plover, but also 5 Ruddy Turnstones and perhaps 5 Black-bellied Plover and 8 dowitchers were on the back side of the beach, where rising water was running in to a depression with Salicornia and other sparse "marsh" vegetation. We noticed flock after flock of dows and Black-bellied Plover coming in from the north and northwest to land in the shorebird flat which was rapidly getting covered with the tide. I had climbed the dune to get a better fix on where the flocks were coming from, but saw only two flocks, already over the back dunes when seen. This is the scene described by Fussell for the flats at the east end of the island. He said those flats may be too grown up now, and, indeed, I think they must be(, but a good place for mosquitoes, nevertheless). But, at a high tide (the PM tide being perhaps a foot higher than the AM tide that day), shorebirds come to Shackleford, to use the flats here described. I was surprised to read that Brinkley and Ake found almost no shorebird migrants at Chincoteague this week. Perhaps the two curlews, and even the godwits spent the summer here, but I find it hard to believe that so many dowitchers and Black-bellied Plovers were not migrants. (But, what do I really know?) I think the dowitchers may have been Long-billed. I may have heard them. But, they certainly did not let out the tew-tew-tew of Short-bills, which I usually hear when I encounter dows. Very few of the shorebirds fed. Many of the dowitchers insisted on hopping about on one leg. But some of them eventually did reveal they had two legs. In the end, there were two Long-billed Curlews, basically one at either end of the flock of shorebirds, some 150 feet apart. Maximum count of dowitchers was 90-100, Black-bellied Plovers about 70 (all winter plumage). The curlews flushed up early, and left at once. I was surprised they were so together in flight, as they had been far apart when standing. They zig-zagged to disappear way out over the water, apparently ending up on Core Banks, probably somewhere along the sand spit. The two smaller species dispersed, some to land behind us, and others to try to stay on similar, smaller shorebird flats in front of us, closer to the east end,only to be flushed as we trudged, now somewhat refreshed by the sights, back to our tent. A strong wind (15-20 mph) from the south that afternoon and all night blew away the mosquitoes, and I failed to check possible areas for Black Rail. The marshland I saw did not look good for the species, and the horses eat too much, I think. The next morning, about 7AM, after I dug the boat back to the water, I happened to see a shearwater coming west as if it had come around the eastern end of Shackleford. A naked-eye view at about 70 feet. Long, crooked wings, gliding with shallow turns as it tacked going west to the mouth of the inlet (by which time I had discovered my 8x binoculars). I think it left the bight. The tide was going out fast. At first the shearwater was fairly close to the shore of Shackleford, but later had moved almost to the Core banks shore. Perhaps the shearwater had come in at night, with the wind over Core Banks, or perhaps it had entered the Cape Lookout bight deliberately through the mouth to the west. I am fairly certain this was a Manx Shearwater. I thought the bird was about as long as a Laughing Gull, but with longer wings. I had seen both Audubon's and Manx before, but from a very different vantage point, a fishing boat, rather than from shore (essentially from above rather than below the birds). And, I am not that good at remembering details of i.d. from decade to decade. The size, long-winged shape and gliding action seem to make this bird a Manx. We left by about 10 AM. The channels between Shell Island (national seashore headquarters) and Cape Lookout are dangerous for underpowered boats such as mine. Larger boats seem to be joyriding, with no concern or even realization that the smaller boat has to turn every time to face the wake of the larger boats and receive quarts or gallons of water over the prow. I have run into the same problem on rivers, when I am in a canoe; and, motorboats, almost as small as I have (14',6hp), will run past causing difficulties for any canoers with their lesser wakes. While it is probably illegal, not just inconsiderate, any visitors in small boats should be prepared for 2-3 foot wakes. The 15 mph winds also blew up 2' waves, especially in the area as one first leaves Harker's Island. If one travels during high tide, one might use shallow waters impassible at low tide, to stay away from wakes; but, shoal water often is rougher. And, the channel to Cape Lookout Bight has two channels about midway through the marshlands, with the center almost a big sandbar at low tides. Google maps seem to show the channels, and I do not think the sandbars and channels change that much from year to year. If you use the ferries, that avoids the problem. There seems to be adequate cell phone coverage of the lighthouse and east Shackleford areas, if one needed to call the ferry for an indefinite return trip. Maybe 5-10% of boaters are considerate, so it is no all bad, but I would hate to have to wait (long) for help while capsized or swamped. The traffic was less in September. Perhaps because we avoided all woody vegetation, we found no ticks. Green-headed biting flies were few. There is a tern island just off Shell Island headquarters, where we saw little of the Royal and Sandwich Terns that nest there, but there were some 20 pelicans; the speeding cabin cruisers distracted us from the birds. On Shackleford, 3 of 4 standing Royal Terns carried birdbands. If people want to see Royal and Sandwich Terns up close, there is a group of banders who work the coastal islands. I can give you contact info, if you are willing to go onto an island for a day and help band the birds. (I check my e-mail avery week or month.) The next island out, Morgan Island, seems to be the colony of waders for the area, mainly White Ibis. Frank Enders, Halifax, NC _________________________________________________________________ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290Subject: Thanks- Tampa Bay suggestions From: David Snyder <david.j.snyder AT duke.edu> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 10:27:26 -0400 Subject: Re: IPhone app From: kde AT utk.edu Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 09:14:21 -0400 (EDT) Also note that there are iPhone versions of both the Peterson and National Geographic guides. I've already bugged Russ at Redshank Software asking about a ClipBird app. :-) Dean Edwards Knoxville, TNSubject: Re: IPhone app From: Joe Kegley <ncbirder15 AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 06:30:53 -0400 Oops, I put the wrong url. That is another page I am currently working on but not finished. Here is the review of the IBird Explorer Pro in comparison to other field guides. http://www.wildlifesouth.com/Birding/BirdingFieldGuideReviews.html On Thu, Jul 2, 2009 at 6:26 AM, Joe KegleySubject: Re: IPhone app From: Joe Kegley <ncbirder15 AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 06:26:57 -0400 I found the information in the iBird Explorer Pro software for the iPhone and iTough more comprehensive than most field guides. It includes illustrations, photos, playable bird songs, and range maps for each species. The software also contains foraging/feeding and breeding/nesting info in addition to a lot of other information. The only place it falls short is field mark notations on the illustrations. There are none. If field mark notations are eventually added I believe the software would easily surpass Sibley's or Peterson's. I review the iBird Explorer Pro in comparison with the other popular field guides here. http://www.wildlifesouth.com/Birding/BirdIdentification.html I think it is worth the money. Joe Kegley On Wed, Jul 1, 2009 at 8:34 PM, Tommy McDonellSubject: Spoonbills and more IOP From: <gadflypetrel AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 03:55:30 -0400 (EDT) All Sorry for the lateness but our power was out most of the day; I didn't subscribe to carolinabirds till just now. Wed., June 26 looking into the pools at Goat Isl., from the top of the IOP connecter, east end as seen from westbound shoulder (OKd by MPPD): 12:30 p.m. Mixed group of egrets in wet spot in center of island. 13 Great Egrets 50 Snowy Egrets 21 Tricolored Herons 9 Little Blue Herons 4 Glossy Ibis 1 White Ibis 16 Wood Ibis 4 ROSEATE SPOONBILLs The spoonbills were together among the others clearly visible and there as long as I was (about 20 min.) 2 AMERICAN BLACK DUCK - feeding together, virtually typical of the species (I haven't had the species this late in summer) 2 Mottled Duck Hobcaw impoundment Georgetown (along the Grt. Pee Dee River) - 3 pm 60 Black-neck Stilts (including TWO broods) 1 Greater Yellowlegs 12 Killdeer 6 Calidris sp. David Abbott Mt. Pleasant "There but for the grace of God go I"Subject: Re: IPhone app From: David Bergum <dib AT mac.com> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:29:15 -0500 I love the iBird app! I have an iPod Touch and it is much easier to carry than a field guide and has drawings as well as photos of most birds, songs, range, and lots of information. You can also easily search based on all kinds of criteria if you find a bird that isn't familiar to you. It is easy for example, to browse a list of NC only birds. I have the $20 version (iBird Explorer Plus) and it is just fine. Of course, $10 more is still cheap! Dave On Jul 1, 2009, at 19:34, Tommy McDonell wrote: > Hi. Are there any iPhone users who use the bird application? Is it > worth $29.98? > > Tommy McDonell, Ph.D. > Pinehurst, NC > > Sent from my iPhone David BergumSubject: Wings Over Water From: Kent Fiala <fiala AT ipass.net> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:06:12 -0400 I happened to notice that the Wings Over Water website was recently updated with this year's information. Plenty of time to plan to attend! http://wingsoverwater.org/ -- Kent Fiala Chapel Hill Township, NCSubject: Re: IPhone app From: "Juan A. Pons" <jpons AT wildnaturephoto.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 20:47:49 -0400 Yes, I use it and find it very useful. There are a 8 different versions, some regionals and some with less features that the pro version. You can go here to read more about them. http://www.ibirdexplorer.com/ I use the pro version and I hardly carry a field guide with me into the outdoors. -J --- Juan A. Pons jpons AT wildnaturephoto.com http://wildnaturephoto.com http://wildnaturetours.com Pittsboro, NC On Jul 1, 2009, at 8:34 PM, Tommy McDonell wrote: > Hi. Are there any iPhone users who use the bird application? Is it > worth $29.98? > > Tommy McDonell, Ph.D. > Pinehurst, NC > > Sent from my iPhone >Subject: IPhone app From: Tommy McDonell <tbmcdonell AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 20:34:40 -0400 Hi. Are there any iPhone users who use the bird application? Is it worth $29.98? Tommy McDonell, Ph.D. Pinehurst, NC Sent from my iPhoneSubject: Re: Dickcissel's From: "Buddy Garrett" <medxam AT ec.rr.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 19:24:23 -0400 Mr. Dias is correct, as usual! I was referring to "breeding" Dickcissels. Having grown up in Simpsonville, SC, I am quite familiar with the Standing Springs area. The habitat has certainly changed over the past 63 years, since I birded it, and hunted squirrels and rabbits with my scout master, an excellent birder. Never a Dickcissel was seen. We even made several trips to Townville in the late 40's and early 50's, and nary a Dickcissel was seen. Breeding in that area may be nothing new in Mr. Dias' life, but he was not even a gleam in his father's eye when I was birding in that area. Harry, thanks for your comments. As usual, I think that you are on the mark, as usual. Happy 4th and good birding, Buddy Garrett Charles L "Buddy" Garrett, MD 132 Dockside Drive Jacksonville, NC 28546 910-389-0858 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nate Dias"Subject: Topsail Island From: "Ali Iyoob" <Aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 19:12:25 -0400 I am going to North Topsail Island this weekend for the 4th. As you all know, I am 14 and can't go too far from the hotel. Are there any good birding possibilities of the beach or very close? Ali Iyoob North Raleigh, NC www.flickr.com/photos/longspur http://birdingjournal.blogspot.comSubject: FW: Least Flycatcher-Raleigh From: "Ali Iyoob" <Aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 19:07:46 -0400 I sent this, but it didn't do through. -----Original Message----- From: Ali Iyoob [mailto:Aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 6:49 PM To: 'Carolinabirds' Subject: Least Flycatcher-Raleigh Today I had a LEAST FLYCATCHER at Durant Nature Park. He was actively singing on the edge of the creek about 1/8 mile right of Whale Rocks in an area called Wildflower Meadow. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures, as he was very skittish and flushed every time I got close enough (bad lighting as well). Ali Iyoob North Raleigh, NC www.flickr.com/photos/longspur http://birdingjournal.blogspot.comSubject: Least Flycatcher-Raleigh From: "Ali Iyoob" <Aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 18:49:18 -0400 Today I had a LEAST FLYCATCHER at Durant Nature Park. He was actively singing on the edge of the creek about 1/8 mile right of Whale Rocks in an area called Wildflower Meadow. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures, as he was very skittish and flushed every time I got close enough (bad lighting as well). Ali Iyoob North Raleigh, NC www.flickr.com/photos/longspur http://birdingjournal.blogspot.comSubject: RE: Birding spots - Tampa Bay area. From: "Shelley Rutkin" <shelleyr AT windstream.net> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 18:22:17 -0400 Dave, I get to the Clearwater area a few times a year and have a good friend in Dunedin. We think you have an excellent chance of finding spoonbills at the Pinellas County dump. I saw them there just 4 days ago. My friend who works close by says that this time of year he sees them every time he passes by. Just drive 29th Street immediately south of 118th Ave North in St. Pete. The shoulder is wide and it's safe to stop along the road. On Saturday we saw 7 Roseate Spoonbills there along with a few Black-necked Stilts, a Wood Stork, and other waders. Another spot in north Pinellas that we like is Kapok Park, which has turned out to be reliable for Limpkin. Kapok Park is at 2950 Glen Oak Ave. in Clearwater. Glen Oak Avenue is on the west side of McMullen-Booth Road just north of Drew Street which is a little north of the Bayside Bridge. Have a great trip and let us know if you find your spoonbills. Shelley Rutkin Winston-Salem, NC _____ From: David Snyder [mailto:david.j.snyder AT duke.edu] Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 10:57 AM To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Subject: Birding spots - Tampa Bay area. Hi All- I'll be visiting the Gulf Coast for the first time this weekend. I will be in the area of Palm Harbor, FL with a trip into Clearwater on one day. As I am attending a wedding and won't have more than a few hours free can you recommend some easily reachable sites in this area. What are the chances of seeing Roseate Spoonbills? Thanks, Dave Snyder Range County, NCSubject: Re: Dickcissel's From: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 14:10:09 -0700 (PDT) I take it Buddy's post refers to *breeding* Dickcissels because I have been seeing Dickcissels annually during fall migration for a long time in SC. Often at my feeders... Regarding the recent post of Dickcissels near Simpsonville, SC that Buddy alluded to: Dickcissels breeding in that part of SC is nothing new - for example they have been breeding in small numbers around Townville for the past 20+ years at least. Small breeding groups of Dickcissels have blossomed and then withered off and on for a long time in various parts of SC - including on the coast in Mount Pleasant (at Patriot's Point) way back in the 1980s if memory serves. There is a group of them now in Colleton County, SC but specifics have not been publicized due to site sensitivity / private property issues. Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC ----- Original Message ---- From: Buddy GarrettSubject: Fw: Dickcissel habitat and sightings From: Paul Serridge <paulserridge AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 14:03:47 -0700 (PDT) I agree that it is probably a result of more observers, or more observers willing to communicate. As communication of sightings is now relatively effortless and can be instantaneous the news gets out faster and to more people. I would add to that a possibility that a posting to Carolina Birds stimulates others to report similar sightings, resulting in a cumulative effect.. I checked out the Dickcissels this afternoon at Clear Springs near Simpsonville, SC. Last week I heard and saw 4 or 5 males and a female. Today, over a half hour or so I could find only 2 males. One was on a telephone wire along Scuffletown Rd which borders Scuffletown Rd, the other was in the heart of the development area. Both were singing loudly. Paul Serridge Greenville, SC ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "Legrand, Harry"Subject: RE: Dickcissel habitat and sightings; waterbird comments From: "Legrand, Harry" <harry.legrand AT ncdenr.gov> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 15:56:07 -0400 I think it is likely more observers. The habitat that Dickcissels prefer -- extensive abandoned or weedy fields with some moderately tall and sturdy forbs -- such as sunflowers, wild lettuce, etc., for singing perches -- is probably DECREASING in the Carolinas, as more of that type of habitat is converted to homesites and other development. For example, there have been NO Dickcissels at the south Raleigh site this year, as opposed to several last year, despite the habitat being the same. The same cannot be said for southern waders. Wood Storks are moving north and/or increasing, more sightings of Roseate Spoonbills, more Anhingas, etc. There are more beaver ponds and other open water in the Coastal Plain than 10-30 years ago. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean an increase in birds; it could mean a northward displacement. Ditto for Mississippi Kites, maybe Swallow-tailed Kites. Great Blue Herons are nesting everywhere now, far into the Piedmont and even in the mountains. Actually, I'm surprised that Purple Gallinules (and Common Moorhens) aren't part of this expansion. But, I would think that Purple Gallinule will again be a regular breeder in NC before not many more years (like it was into the 70s), if this trend of southern waterbirds continues. Whether it is global warming, or worsening or loss of habitat farther south, or more beaver activity in the Carolinas producing more open water, etc., I can't separate these factors easily. It could be a combination of all, and other factors. Harry LeGrand NC Natural Heritage Program DENR Division of Natural Resources Planning and Conservation 1601 MSC Raleigh, NC 27699-1601 (919) 715-8697 (work) e-mail: harry.legrand AT ncdenr.gov ----------------------------------------------------- Notice: E-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and therefore may be disclosed to third parties. ________________________________________ From: Buddy Garrett [medxam AT ec.rr.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 11:13 PM To: carolinabirds Subject: Dickcissel's A Question for Harry, Fussel, Derb and all of the other experts on NC Birds- What is reason for all of these recent reports of Dickcissel's in both SC and NC. In my 30+ years of NC birding, they were few and far between until the past few years and especially this year. More observers? Better habitat? Puzzels me! Buddy Charles L "Buddy" Garrett, MD 132 Dockside Drive Jacksonville, NC 28546 910-389-0858 Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.Subject: Re: Birding spots - Tampa Bay area. From: "Phil Dickinson" <pdickins AT triad.rr.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:51:45 -0400 Re: Birding spots - Tampa Bay area.Dave, I lived in Clearwater for many years.
Historically, there was a chance to see Roseate Spoonbills at the eastern end
of Courtney Campbell Causeway (SR 60) by the Tampa Airport. I don't know about
the recent history though. Look in the area of the motel on the southside at
the east end of Davis Beach at low tide.
Closer to Palm Harbor, good birding also can be had at Ed Chestnut Park on US
19 at Lake Tarpon, Honeymoon Island State Park along the nature trail and the
beach edge, at Caldesi Island (short boat ride required), and at the north end
of Clearwater Beach.
Phil Dickinson
Winston-Salem
----- Original Message -----
From: Dennis Burnette
To: David Snyder ; Carolinabirds
Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 11:07 AM
Subject: Re: Birding spots - Tampa Bay area.
Dave,
If you have time for a drive all the way down the peninsula through Pinellas
County, you'll enjoy birding at Ft. DeSoto Park at the south tip of St.
Petersburg. Further south across the Skyline Bridge but also worth a visit is
Myakka River State Park near Sarasota.
Hope this helps.
Dennis
--
Dennis Burnette
Greensboro, NC
Guilford County
deburnette AT triad.rr.com
on 7/1/09 10:56 AM, David Snyder at david.j.snyder AT duke.edu wrote:
Hi All- I'll be visiting the Gulf Coast for the first time this weekend. I
will be in the area of Palm Harbor, FL with a trip into Clearwater on one day.
As I am attending a wedding and won't have more than a few hours free can you
recommend some easily reachable sites in this area. What are the chances of
seeing Roseate Spoonbills?
Thanks,
Dave Snyder
Range County, NC
Subject: Re: Birding spots - Tampa Bay area.From: Dennis Burnette <deburnette AT triad.rr.com> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:07:56 -0400 Dave, If you have time for a drive all the way down the peninsula through Pinellas County, you¹ll enjoy birding at Ft. DeSoto Park at the south tip of St. Petersburg. Further south across the Skyline Bridge but also worth a visit is Myakka River State Park near Sarasota. Hope this helps. Dennis -- Dennis Burnette Greensboro, NC Guilford County deburnette AT triad.rr.com on 7/1/09 10:56 AM, David Snyder at david.j.snyder AT duke.edu wrote: > Hi All- I'll be visiting the Gulf Coast for the first time this weekend. I > will be in the area of Palm Harbor, FL with a trip into Clearwater on one day. > As I am attending a wedding and won't have more than a few hours free can you > recommend some easily reachable sites in this area. What are the chances of > seeing Roseate Spoonbills? > > Thanks, > > Dave Snyder > Range County, NC > > >Subject: Birding spots - Tampa Bay area. From: David Snyder <david.j.snyder AT duke.edu> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 10:56:42 -0400 Subject: Belated Spoonbills Isle of Palms From: David Abbott <gadflypetrel AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:43:54 -0400 Sorry for the lateness but our power was out most of the day Wednesday, 24 June 2009--2:30 p.m. Goat Isl., IOP connector, east end as seen from westbound shoulder (OKed by MP PD): Mixed group of egrets in wet spot in center of island. 13 Great Egrets 50 Snowy Egrets 21 Tricolored Herons 9 Little Blue Herons 4 Glossy Ibis 1 White Ibis 4 ROSEATE SPOONBILLs The spoonbills were together among the others clearly visible and there as long as I was (about 20 min.) Hob caw impoundments Georgetown (Gr. Pee Dee River) - 3 pm 60 Black-neck Stilts (including TWO broods) 1 Greater Yellowlegs 12 Killdeer 6 Calidris sp. David Abbott Mt. PleasantSubject: Juvenile Coopers! From: "Herbert, Teri Lynn" <herbertl AT musc.edu> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 09:04:18 -0400 Not exciting for many, but I have a juvenile Cooper's Hawk staking out my front yard bird feeders. Had an adult swoop thru last year and now this morning see a young one on a wire, then on a tree limb on side of front yard. Watching and waiting. TL Herbert James Island, SCSubject: Dickcissel's From: "Buddy Garrett" <medxam AT ec.rr.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:13:02 -0400 A Question for Harry, Fussel, Derb and all of the other experts on NC Birds- What is reason for all of these recent reports of Dickcissel's in both SC and NC. In my 30+ years of NC birding, they were few and far between until the past few years and especially this year. More observers? Better habitat? Puzzels me! Buddy Charles L "Buddy" Garrett, MD 132 Dockside Drive Jacksonville, NC 28546 910-389-0858Subject: 3 spoonbills at sunset beach, nc From: "dmcooper2 AT juno.com" <dmcooper2@juno.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 02:08:35 GMT There were three roseate spoonbills roosting with wood storks in the western portion of Twin Lakes at 2pm today. Sam Cooper Wilmington, NC ____________________________________________________________ Start a Web Site! Hosting for only $3.95/mo. Free setup! http://offers.juno.com/TGL1141/?u=http://www.freeservers.comSubject: Dickcissel and Grasshopper Sparrows - Simpsonville SC - Photos From: Jeff Lemons <birdsalot AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:52:15 -0400 Here is a link to some photos of the Dickcissel in Simpsonville, SC. Last week I saw the bird in some trees near the house. Today the bird was further down on the main road and much less vocal than a week ago. There were still Grasshopper Sparrows and Bobwhite Quail in the area as well. I also saw Grasshopper Sparrows this am at a location in Cowpens, SC. There is a new Bericap plant on Mount Olive Rd. The entrance rd is about a mile long that cuts through an old field that is full of birds. There were several Grasshopper Sparrows, Indigo Bunting and Bobwhite Quail. A few weeks ago, I heard a Willow Flycatcher at the same location. If you are ever traveling up I-85 in SC this is a nice detour. Dickcissel http://photographicmoment.net/p877219967/e3bc9cffb Grasshopper Sparrow http://photographicmoment.net/p1032683209/e2bdebcca Here's a link to Googlemaps showing locations. http://www.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=102391079159949232138.00046d9aaf554e711f180&ll=34.988378,-81.960754&spn=0.792063,1.229095&t=h&z=10 Jeff Lemons Charlotte, NCSubject: Thank you for the ID From: "Connie W. Hodges" <cwatkinshodges AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:25:15 -0700 (PDT) I love those little blue-gray gnatcatchers, especially since now I know what they are!! I looked under a site called VIREO: http://vireo.acnatsci.org/index.html and Cornell, but for some reason I just didn't get the right thing. Thank you all SO much. I got so dizzy trying to follow the little guy from branch to branch to tree, trying to see it's characteristics. It was a good day for me. I saw a great crested flycatcher, too, which I don't see much, and my baby red-bellied woodpeckers. I also saw a broad-winged hawk, ONE hummingbird, and a big ol' great blue heron flew over. Thanks again. Have a great night. ConnieSubject: Common Loon @ Falls Lake From: Matthew Daw <birdboymatt AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:30:42 -0700 (PDT) Hi All,
While birding at Falls Dam today, I found an adult Common Loon in breeding
plumage foraging right of the lake side of the dam.
Matt Daw
Raleigh, NC
Subject: Re: Please help with IDFrom: "Phil Dickinson" <pdickins AT triad.rr.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:31:14 -0400 Your description suggests to me Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, but perhaps someone else has another suggestion. This bird's back is a pale bluish-gray but may look darker depending upon light conditions. Phil Dickinson Winston-Salem ----- Original Message ----- From: "Connie W. Hodges"Subject: Re: Please help with ID From: "KC Foggin" <KCFoggin AT sc.rr.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:16:09 -0400 Have you looked at any photos of a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Connie? I know I've got a few flitting around here this week. K.C. K.C. Foggin Socastee Myrtle Beach SC www.birdforum.net www.pbase.com/kcfoggin/nikon_d50_pages&page=15 ----- Original Message ----- From: Connie W. Hodges To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 4:57 PM Subject: Please help with ID I have seen a bird a couple of times that I could not find out about. It is very, very small---I almost thought it was a hummingbird. It does flit from one branch to another rather fast. From what I can tell, it is dark gray on its back with white on its belly. The tail fans out slightly and has white underneath. It has a long, thin, black beak. Thought of a nuthatch but does not move like one and is even smaller than a brown-headed nuthatch. It was rather friendly. Unfortunately, I have no pictures. Connie Hodges Southern Pines, as ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.13.1/2211 - Release Date: 06/30/09 11:37:00Subject: Please help with ID From: "Connie W. Hodges" <cwatkinshodges AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:57:06 -0700 (PDT)
I have seen a bird a couple of times that I could not find out about. It is
very, very small---I almost thought it was a hummingbird. It does flit from one
branch to another rather fast. From what I can tell, it is dark gray on its
back with white on its belly. The tail fans out slightly and has white
underneath. It has a long, thin, black beak. Thought of a nuthatch but does not
move like one and is even smaller than a brown-headed nuthatch. It was rather
friendly.
Unfortunately, I have no pictures.
Connie Hodges
Southern Pines, as
Subject: Re: Golden Eagles in Asheville?From: Eric Harrold <gentilis03 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:23:10 -0700 (PDT) James - The present-day occurrence of GOEA in the southern and central Appalachians could be an "evolving" issue. Perhaps the most interesting story is Highland Co. Virginia, where credible birders have seen them every month of the year, both recently and historically. An eagle was satellite-tagged up there a couple of years ago, but proved to be a migratory bird that returned to the Maine/Quebec border area.  I have always thought that perhaps that the increase in cattle pasture in the mountains over time might lead to more foraging opportunities on groundhogs, fox squirrels, and cottontails. Certainly in the winter they are present in NW NC and SW VA as indicated by many sitings.  Eric Harrold Windom, MN --- On Tue, 6/30/09, James AtkinsonSubject: Golden Eagles in Asheville? From: "James Atkinson" <jatkin02 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:02:24 -0400 On four separate days over the last week and a half or so I have seen a very large apparent bird of prey --- sometimes a pair --- over north Asheville, NC (in the vicinity of Beaver Lake, Woodfin, Reynolds Mountain). On one occasion an individual flew directly over my house at just above roof level. As I chased after it around the corner I was able quickly to note that it was uniformly very dark underneath --- no apparent gray, white, or speckled wing or belly plumage. Moved too quickly to note details on the tail plumage. As it banked to the left above a stand of trees, I could see that its back and wing tops were dark brown to reddish brown, that it had a yellow beak, and a feathered head and neck.definitely not a black or turkey vulture. Wing beats were slow and the outer primaries flared somewhat up (like jet plane winglets) during portions of the wing stroke. The only bird I can think of that fits this general description is a Golden Eagle, but I can't get a close enough view for long enough to parse out other more definitive markings. Over the past two days I have seen what I think is the same bird --- once by itself and once with another individual --- riding currents above North Asheville. Too high for my 8x40 binoculars to discern anything discrete. Is anyone else seeing these birds in the Asheville area? I can't imagine that Asheville offers much in the way of appropriate habitat for a Golden. Then again, I never thought I would be here either. ---- Other news: (red phase) screech owl fledges in the neighborhood are losing their gray nestling down and day-by-day are becoming more adult-like in appearance. Last night, as they roosted and hunted as a cohort through the elm trees in my front yard, I noticed that the juveniles mostly have stopped using the tremulous descending bounce call and have started . well . screeching. Between all the neighborhood observers I think we have agreed that we are seeing two adults and three fledges all together. The neighborhood cats have noticed. Red-bellied woodpecker nestling has fledged. Saw mom, dad, and the juvie flitting around the upper branches of my backyard trees this morning, mixing it up with couple of interfering cardinals at one point. Grey catbirds and cardinals are eating my ripening raspberries and blueberries. James Atkinson Asheville, NCSubject: Prior report(s) of E. Arctic shorebird breeding conditions may have been exaggerated From: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:26:18 -0700 (PDT)
Some additional info: http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/SHOR.html#1246023063
Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC
Subject: 9MI.Kites.Meggett.SCFrom: "Cherrie Sneed" <sneedwd AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:53:48 -0400 9 Mississippi Kites were soaring over the fields at the end of Church Flats Rd. at Towles Rd. in Meggett, SC about 1PM on June 29 in the heat of the day. This has become a summer ritual in this area, and the kites prefer the heat of the day. Cherrie Dan & Cherrie Sneed St. Pauls Parish Meggett, SC (Southern Coastal Charleston County)Subject: REMINDER - Spring 2009 Sightings Due for NAB From: <kenhblankenship AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:02:02 -0400 (EDT) Hello, Carolina birders. As Josh Southern recently posted, your significant sightings reports for Spring 2009 are now due for the ABA journal "North American Birds" (March 1 - May 30). Please visit the following link to my original post with detailed information: https://lists.duke.edu/sympa/arc/carolinabirds/2009-06/msg00016.html The preferred format for reports is email (either directly in the body of the email or attached as a Word file), but U.S. mail is another option. Thank You, Ken Blankenship Marietta, GA (Cobb County) http://www.wingsoverga.comSubject: Sndhills Game Land From: "Ali Iyoob" <Aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:22:55 -0400 Yes, I was at Sandhills Game Lands. Sorry Ali Iyoob North Raleigh, NC www.flickr.com/photos/longspur http://birdingjournal.blogspot.comSubject: Birding spots near the outerbanks From: "Autumn Young" <ary AT dishmail.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:00:10 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time) Hi Carolina Birders, I will be visiting the Outer banks for a couple of weeks and was hoping to be able to do some birding. I know this isn't exactly the best time of year for birds but as I've never birded around this area I'm hoping to pick up a few lifers. If anyone knows of some good spots around the area I would love to know about them! Thanks for your help, Autumn Young Greenville OHSubject: Reminder to Submit Spring Bird Reports (March 1 - May 30) From: Josh Southern <joshsouthern79 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:20:28 -0400 Dear Carolinabirders, Thanks to everyone who has already submitted their Spring Bird Reports for inclusion in The Chat's "Briefs for the Files." Though the official deadline has passed, I am still accepting reports of spring (Mar 1 -May 30) bird sightings. I'm requesting reports of any unusual bird sightings (uncommon to rare species, rare for season, late or early migrants, rare for location, high number counts, etc.). Basically, I'm interested in any bird sightings you think are "noteworthy." Please note that not all submissions will be included in the 'Briefs' and it's my responsibility to decide which submissions merit inclusion. With all reports, please include the observers' names, the date, and location. I would also appreciate it if you could list the sightings in taxonomic order (i.e. the order birds are listed in field guides, checklists, etc.). For rare or hard-to-identify species, please include details and/or photographs. Also note that, for some of the more unusual sightings, I may ask you to fill out a rare bird report (available here: http://www.carolinabirdclub.org/brc/ ) and submit it to the state's bird records committee. Ken Blankenship, who writes the Southeastern U.S. section of the North American Birds journal, is also asking for reports of noteworthy bird sightings - his email address is kenhblankenship AT comcast.net My email address is joshsouthern79 AT gmail.com. I also accept reports by USPS mail, but prefer email. Thanks, Josh Southern joshsouthern79 AT gmail.com 4100-A Reavis Rd Raleigh, NC 27606 (919) 623-7393Subject: RE: Speaking of hummers From: "Randy Dunson" <trdunson AT nc.rr.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:42:23 -0400 I can speak directly to your point about breeding hummers Nate as I've had a precipitous drop in numbers here over the past 1 1/2 weeks or so. However, with that drop I observed numerous male hummers in their courtship display in their looping, U-shaped dives around the females. Regards, Randy Dunson Hillsborough, NC (just west of...) -----Original Message----- From: Nate Dias [mailto:offshorebirder AT yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 9:05 AM To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Subject: Re: Speaking of hummers To clarify - I wasn't complaining about "hummer reports" in a recent post. I like to hear things like John Fussell's news that he just started seeing post-breeding hummers. I saw my first male of the "fall season" this weekend too. I was sort of griping about the annual "rite of confusion" where some people's speculation snowballs about mythical hummingbird population declines, based on highly limited observations in poor breeding habitat, etc. Part of the problem is some people not distinguishing between breeding hummers and migrating / post breeding wanderers - combined with not really knowing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds' breeding habitat preferences. Also not recognizing the effects of differences in weather, nectar plants, etc. from year to year. Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC ----- Original Message ---- From: Randy ClimpsonSubject: Re: Speaking of hummers From: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:05:03 -0700 (PDT) To clarify - I wasn't complaining about "hummer reports" in a recent post. I like to hear things like John Fussell's news that he just started seeing post-breeding hummers. I saw my first male of the "fall season" this weekend too. I was sort of griping about the annual "rite of confusion" where some people's speculation snowballs about mythical hummingbird population declines, based on highly limited observations in poor breeding habitat, etc. Part of the problem is some people not distinguishing between breeding hummers and migrating / post breeding wanderers - combined with not really knowing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds' breeding habitat preferences. Also not recognizing the effects of differences in weather, nectar plants, etc. from year to year. Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC ----- Original Message ---- From: Randy ClimpsonSubject: Hilton Pond 06/15/09 (Summer Solstice) From: "Bill Hilton Jr." <hilton AT hiltonpond.org> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:40:39 -0400
What better way might there be to spend the longest day of the year
than exploring woods and meadows of the Carolina Piedmont, taking
snapshots of flora and fauna? That's what we did for the recent
Summer Solstice, and we're pleased to share some images in the
current installment of "This Week at Hilton Pond." To view our photo
essay for 15-21 June 2009--complete with info about midsummer
wildflowers, fungi, amphibians, birds, and pollinators, too--visit
http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek090615.html .
After reading the essay, be sure to scroll down for a list of all
birds banded or recaptured during the period, plus some info about
the new EarthTrek citizen science initiative that involves
hummingbirds.
Please also note the special $75 discount for our 2010 hummingbird
expeditions to Costa Rica expires on 1 July, so sign up now to take
advantage of this offer.
Happy Nature Watching!
BILL
--
BILL HILTON JR., Executive Director
Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History
1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA
hilton AT hiltonpond.org, (803) 684-5852, eFax: (503) 218-0845
The mission of Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History is "to
conserve plants, animals, habitats, and other natural components of
the Piedmont Region of the eastern United States through observation,
scientific study, and education for students of all ages. " Please
visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net) at www.hiltonpond.org
and www.rubythroat.org ("Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird
Project").
"Never trust a person too lazy to get up for sunrise or too busy to
watch the sunset."
BHjr.
Subject: Violet-crowned Hummingbird Near Blacksburg, VaFrom: Dwayne Martin <redxbill AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:26:57 -0400 This is from the Virgina listserve. Thinking about going up Wed if it's still there. Dwayne ************* Dwayne Martin Hickory, NC redxbill AT gmail.com http://www.naturalsciences.org/nchummers/ Catawba County Park Ranger Riverbend Park - Conover, NC jdmartin AT catawbacountync.gov http://www.catawbacountync.gov/depts/parks/ From: Via, Jerry Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 2:57 PM Bill Akers and I just visited Huffman House Bed and Breakfast which is owned by Carol and Ron Baker. They noticed on Thursday June 25, a Violet-crowned Hummingbird at their feeder. They forwarded some pictures to us and we spent the morning (Saturday June27th) at their house and observed and photographed the birds on numerous occasions. The bird is an adult in good shape and very comfortable in their yard. It is defending the feeders from the many Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Since it is territorial, I feel that it will stay around a while. We think that this is the first occurrence in Virginia and probably the first time east of Texas. The best way to get to the Huffman House is to drive on 460 west of Blacksburg, Turn right on route 42 at the entrance of Newport, VA. There is a super value mart there. From 460 it is 6.8 miles to the site. You will see a sign that says Huffman on the right and the next right turn is Huffman Store Road. Turn in there and park next to the white store. The birds favorite feeder is the one on the porch on the right side (as you face the house) It also frequents the tree in the front yard on that side of the house which has numerous dead twigs which are its favorite perches. Since this is a bed and breakfast, please be considerate of the grounds and the guests. The website for the Huffman House is www.Thehuffmanhousebandb.com Mike Michael R. Boatwright --Subject: RE: mystery bird, and location? From: "Legrand, Harry" <harry.legrand AT ncdenr.gov> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:57:37 -0400 It's a very young Starling, not long out of the nest. As a reminder to birders out there -- Sandhills Game Land is in North Carolina; Sandhills NWR (National Wildlife Refuge) is in South Carolina. I take it that your list was from NC, though I'm not really sure. Harry LeGrand NC Natural Heritage Program DENR Division of Natural Resources Planning and Conservation 1601 MSC Raleigh, NC 27699-1601 (919) 715-8697 (work) e-mail: harry.legrand AT ncdenr.gov ----------------------------------------------------- Notice: E-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and therefore may be disclosed to third parties. ________________________________________ From: Ali Iyoob [Aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com] Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2009 6:41 PM To: 'Carolinabirds' Subject: mystery bird Hi all, I came across a bird that I couldn't identify today at Prairie Ridge in Raleigh It can be seen at www.flickr.com/photos/longspur . Thanks, Ali Iyoob North Raleigh, NC www.flickr.com/photos/longspur http://birdingjournal.blogspot.com Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.Subject: mystery bird From: "Ali Iyoob" <Aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:41:24 -0400 Hi all, I came across a bird that I couldn't identify today at Prairie Ridge in Raleigh It can be seen at www.flickr.com/photos/longspur . Thanks, Ali Iyoob North Raleigh, NC www.flickr.com/photos/longspur http://birdingjournal.blogspot.comSubject: FW: eBird Report - Sandhills Game Land , 6/28/09 From: "Ali Iyoob" <Aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:58:22 -0400 Today, the Junior Naturalist Club went birding, herping, butterflying, and dragonflying around the Sandhills NWR area. I got a good sampling of the avifauna of the sandhills and managed to get some good pictures of Bobwhite, Parula, Martin, Bachman's Sparrow, and L. shrike. www.flickr.com/photos/longspur Ali Iyoob Raleigh, NC -----Original Message----- From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org [mailto:do-not-reply AT ebird.org] Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2009 5:49 PM To: aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com Subject: eBird Report - Sandhills Game Land , 6/28/09 Location: Sandhills Game Land Observation date: 6/28/09 Number of species: 59 Northern Bobwhite 8 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 3 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 1 Killdeer 2 Mourning Dove 2 Common Nighthawk 1 Chimney Swift 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Red-headed Woodpecker 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Red-cockaded Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Acadian Flycatcher 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Eastern Kingbird 1 Loggerhead Shrike 1 Blue Jay 3 American Crow 1 Fish Crow 1 Purple Martin 5 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3 Barn Swallow 2 Carolina Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown-headed Nuthatch 3 Carolina Wren 1 House Wren 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Eastern Bluebird 4 American Robin 2 Gray Catbird 2 Northern Mockingbird 1 Brown Thrasher 1 European Starling 1 Northern Parula 1 Yellow-throated Warbler 1 Pine Warbler 10 Common Yellowthroat 2 Yellow-breasted Chat 1 Summer Tanager 1 Eastern Towhee 1 Bachman's Sparrow 7 Chipping Sparrow 1 Field Sparrow 2 Northern Cardinal 2 Blue Grosbeak 3 Indigo Bunting 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Eastern Meadowlark 1 Common Grackle 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 2 House Sparrow 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)Subject: Congaree National Park--Woodcock and Redstart From: John and Rhonda Grego <jrgrego AT pop.mindspring.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:08:01 -0400 I was helping out with the North American Butterfly Association count at Congaree National Park today and did some incidental birding along the way. Near the river levee, our group saw American Redstarts, including a male. Robin Carter had always speculated that this would be a good spot for redstart to breed, so it was interesting to come across a pair of them. On the way back (in the substantial Overcup Oak/Laurel Oak flat), we kicked up an American Woodcock only 5 yards away from the road. John Grego Columbia, SCSubject: Sunset Spoonbill seen From: Randy Climpson <rclimpson AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:47:36 -0700 (PDT)
Cruised Twin Lakes today about a half hour before the high tide mark and saw a
single roseate spoonbill among the roosting storks. True to character, he was
roosting in the lower branches. Spotted at the southwest corner of the west
lake by the road, just as Taylor described.
The spoonbill appeared to be a second year bird, based on Sibley's renditions.
It was pinker than a first-year should be and lacked the black coloring of the
adult on the head as well as the deeper pink on or near the shoulders. Neck and
head were all greyish-white, bill generally greyish but with some pink edging
on the interior. Had my scope on him from only 50 feet and saw him real up
close and personal. Nice treat.
Thanks to everyone who alerted us. Life lister for me--first for a long time.
Altogether it was a good weekend at Twin Lakes, having seen the somewhat
unusual cattle egret yesterday roosting on the east lake. He wasn't there
today.
Amy....check the tide tables in the paper or on internet before you go to look
and try to get there near high tide...Tubbs Inlet tide schedule should do it. I
believe the wading birds generally forage during low tides and roost during the
high tide cycle. Should be best time to spot it. Looks like its hanging around
for a while.
--Randy Climpson
Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Subject: Roseate Spoonbills, Dare County, N.C.From: Wayne Irvin <ephstop AT mindspring.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:27:22 -0400 I spoke with Jeff Lewis (Dare County, NC) a few minutes ago and he asked me to alert the birding community to 2 Roseate Spoonbills he noted, within the last hour, foraging in South Pond, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The birds were in the northwest corner of the pond, near the maintenance building. For the uninformed birders who might wish to attempt to see these out- of-range spectacular waders, South Pond is "off-limits" and the public is not allowed access to this part of the Refuge. The spoonbills are currently in a location where they can be seen from NC 12. A tripod- mounted 'scope is a necessity and morning sunlight provides the best viewing conditions. Wayne Irvin 145 Riding Lane Southern Pines, Moore County, NC 910 695 7269Subject: Speaking of hummers From: Randy Climpson <rclimpson AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:51:17 -0700 (PDT)
Saw at least three at one feeder this evening...finally returned after almost a
month's hiatus. Looked like at least one was juvenile. OK, Nate, mea culpa.
--Randy Climpson
Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Subject: Spoonbill No, Cattle Egret Si, at Sunset BeachFrom: Randy Climpson <rclimpson AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:48:03 -0700 (PDT)
Have yet to find the spoonbill but will keep checking. Was out at high tide
this morning around 10:30...peaking about noon..and checking out early roosting
of storks and egrets. They were just starting to amass. At the egret roost on
the east bank of the east twin lake, spotted a solitary cattle egret in full
orange regalia among 20-30 snowies and greats. First one I've seen roosting
here in several years. Nothing but storks at the stork roost at opposite end.
Miscellaneous:
Heard a new species for South Carolina was spotted earlier this week which had
also set a migration record for its species...first to migrate all the way to
South America for regeneration purposes. The species is common in many of the
states, but was discovered for the first time in SC this past week--i.e., the
Rufous-faced Governor Bird (Governitus Infidelis), a type of game bird [sic].
OK, folks, I know it's an obvious and bad joke, but I couldn't resist. I
apologize in advance to any Gamecocks and others who lack peculiar senses of
humor and take offense.
--Randy Climpson
Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Subject: Least Bittern and DickcisselsFrom: "Eric Dean" <wolfpackdeans AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:14:33 -0400 Hi all,
Had a Least Bittern at the WTP wetlands (Wayne Co, NC) this morning.
Also several Common Moorhens and lots of Pied-billed Grebe young. At Cherry
Hospital the Dickcissels continue despite one of the nesting fields having
been mowed. There were 3 singing males near the road.
Eric
Eric & Celia Dean
112 Armstrong Dr
Goldsboro NC 27530
919-736-7264 (home)
919-920-1542 (cell)
wolfpackdeans AT bellsouth.net
http://my.att.net/p/PWP-xantus
"....I realized that if I had to choose, I would rather have birds than
airplanes." Charles Lindbergh
Subject: White Winged DoveFrom: Connie Shertz <ladydocent AT mindspring.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:27:49 -0400 Greetings Birders, Last year we were very fortunate to host a White Winged Dove at our feeders for a few days in August at our home on Topsail Island. He has showed up again! He has been here for a couple of days enjoying our bird seed along with hundreds of House Finches and Red Winged Blackbirds. Happy Birding! Connie Shertz ladydocent AT mindspring.com Raleigh and North Topsail Beach, NCSubject: Spoonbills at Pea Island From: jeff lewis <jlewis_obx AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:54:00 -0700 (PDT)
Neal Moore and Lee Yoder called to report 2 Roseate Spoonbills in North Pond at
Pea Island this morning. The birds were last seen near the pump house on the
west side of the impoundment.
Jeff Lewis
Manteo, NC
Subject: on the deckFrom: "Barbara Brooks" <brooksba1 AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:45:15 -0400 puttering around on the deck and drinking coffe, i swear that i heard a Louisana waterthrush. is this possible. was also serenaded by the wood thrush. have had male hummer but he has been replaced by a female. they both love the bee balm. went to the pond the other day and only canadas and mute swans and blue grosbeck and heard a field sparrow. yellow billed cuckoos have also returned, only heard. barb brooks NE Orange co. brooksba1 AT verizon.netSubject: They're back! From: "John Fussell" <jfuss AT clis.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:40:04 -0400 I just walked out my front door and heard an altercation up around the trumpetcreeper flowers, sounds I haven't heard here in weeks. The first hummingbirds are back. It's "fall". John Fussell Morehead City, NC jfuss AT clis.comSubject: RE: Cliff Swallows beginning to nest? From: Irvin Pitts <ipitts AT scprt.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:18:03 -0400 John: I find your observations interesting. I've known cliff swallows to nest in South Carolina since the mid-to-late 1980's but can't personally recollect a time of finding nests away from water and always assumed that proximity to riverbank mud/clay was important. I've also wondered about cliff swallow interactions with barn swallows in terms of displacement but don't know of any studies. Irvin Pitts Resource Management Chief SC State Park Service Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism 1205 Pendleton Street Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 734-0153 ipitts AT scprt.com Shaping & Sharing a Better South Carolina -----Original Message----- From: John Fussell [mailto:jfuss AT clis.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:01 PM To: carolinabirds Subject: Cliff Swallows beginning to nest? In recent years, numerous Cliff Swallows have nested on the walls of the Hampton Inn, at Havelock (NC). This spring, I observed no activity here, and eventually quit looking. Today, I pulled in and was surprised to see about 75 Cliff Swallows on the walls of the building, and at least 2 complete nests and a couple of nests under construction. (There are also several nests under the nearby US 70 bridges.) What is noteworthy is that some new construction/ground disturbance is now going on right next to the motel, and there is a lot of muddy clay now available (and which would not have been available a few weeks ago). Did these birds just recently begin nesting, and at least in part because this muddy clay has become available? I definitely plan to check this out again. Adding to the strangeness....a couple of times while I was there, all the birds would take off as if response to some major disturbance and fly around for about 10 minutes before coming back. However, I did not observe anything that should have caused such a level of disturbance. John Fussell Morehead City, NC jfuss AT clis.comSubject: RE: Roseate spoonbills at Sunset Beach, NC From: "Amy" <amyw AT fsow.org> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:42:41 -0400 Lucky you! I was down there last Friday evening and carefully scanned the wood storks in those trees in the hopes of spotting a spoonbill, but no luck. What time did you see them? Wonder if I was too early. I was there at about 6:30pm and, unfortunately, I couldn't wait for very long (around 20 minutes), as I had to get back home. Sigh... Amy Williamson -----Original Message----- From: piephofft AT aol.com [mailto:piephofft AT aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:05 PM To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Subject: Roseate spoonbills at Sunset Beach, NC Folks, This evening I got my personal daily state high count of ROSEATE SPOONBILLS when I saw two birds at the SW corner of the west lake of the Twin Lakes at Sunset Beach (Right by the road, NC 179). Look in the tall pine grove at that corner among the dozens of WOOD STORKS. Taylor Piephoff Charlotte, NC PiephoffT AT aol.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.90/2200 - Release Date: 06/24/09 12:49:00Subject: Roseate spoonbills at Sunset Beach, NC From: piephofft AT aol.com Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:04:39 -0400 Folks, This evening I got my personal daily state high count of ROSEATE SPOONBILLS when I saw two birds at the SW corner of the west lake of the Twin Lakes at Sunset Beach (Right by the road, NC 179). Look in the tall pine grove at that corner among the dozens of WOOD STORKS. Taylor Piephoff Charlotte, NC PiephoffT AT aol.comSubject: Cliff Swallows beginning to nest? From: "John Fussell" <jfuss AT clis.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:01:07 -0400 In recent years, numerous Cliff Swallows have nested on the walls of the Hampton Inn, at Havelock (NC). This spring, I observed no activity here, and eventually quit looking. Today, I pulled in and was surprised to see about 75 Cliff Swallows on the walls of the building, and at least 2 complete nests and a couple of nests under construction. (There are also several nests under the nearby US 70 bridges.) What is noteworthy is that some new construction/ground disturbance is now going on right next to the motel, and there is a lot of muddy clay now available (and which would not have been available a few weeks ago). Did these birds just recently begin nesting, and at least in part because this muddy clay has become available? I definitely plan to check this out again. Adding to the strangeness....a couple of times while I was there, all the birds would take off as if response to some major disturbance and fly around for about 10 minutes before coming back. However, I did not observe anything that should have caused such a level of disturbance. John Fussell Morehead City, NC jfuss AT clis.comSubject: Spoonbill and Kentucky Warblers From: <bobmax1 AT charter.net> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:52:51 -0700 Thanks to Nate Dias post, we were able to see the Roseate Spoonbill at Mt Pleasant SC Last Sat., and today with Nates directions, Judy, Jack Peachy and I had two Kentucky Warblers in Frances Marion National Forese out from Mc Clellanville, S. C. Bob Maxwell bobmax1 AT charter.netSubject: baby birds From: Tommy McDonell <tbmcdonell AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:20:06 -0400 Hi. How long do baby birds stay in the nest before they go flying off? We have a bird and four baby birds who are in a nest of a dead plant hanging near our front door. (The plant wasn't dead to start with but all of a sudden one day when we went to water it the bird flew out. So we stopped watering and sure enough there they were. Alas, I am not tall enough to see it. I can see the mother flying to the little birds barely from the living room window. But I can't see the babies, I can just hear them. Tommy Tommy McDonell, Ph.D. tbmcdonell AT gmail.com Online tutoring and Art http://tommypaints.blogspot.com tbmcdonell AT gmail.com Pinehurst, NCSubject: Re: Hummers?? Who has any?? From: Gunnar Engblom <gengblom AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:35:48 -0500 Hi Saw the topic and wasn't going to respond, but when for once I could almost be on topic...(a hummer that is...) ok...go for it.... I will probably get banned for this... (becaue of ENVY!) BUT, I just recently photographed a male of the world´s most spectacular hummer Marvelous Spatuletail on a feeder!!! Enjoy. http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birdingperu/blog/index.php/marvelous-spatuletail-on-a-feeder/ Saludos Gunnar Engblom Peru Follow me on www.twitter.com/kolibrix http://www.facebook.com/people/Gunnar-Engblom/555333572Subject: RE: Hummers?? Who has any?? From: Jesse Pope <highcountrybirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:43:38 -0700 (PDT) Same here. We have kept nectar consumption data on Grandfather for the past four years with some pretty consistent increases and decreases in nectar consumption throughout the year. We document how much nectar we offer everyday and how much we discard from feeders we re-fill. This doesn't account for insects, wind, bears, or other potential nectar consumers. We usually don't have too many insects at the feeders though, compared to what I see other places. Anyway, we have definitely seen a decrease this year from any of the past four years data. In the past three years we are offering somewhere around 40-50 ounces of nectar per day. This year we are offering 15-20 ounces. Also, we do a very short minute or two observation of the feeders and document how many hummers we see at any one time. In the past documented years we were having 10+ birds by around the 21st of May, and that trend continues until mid-June when the numbers start to decrease. This year we have not had more than 4 birds at the feeders at a time. We believe (not proven yet), thanks to Dwayne Martin's preliminary banding data and my personal observations, that our hummers only have one brood per year and that starts to occur around the last week of June on Grandfather at 4600ft and above. Then Bee Balm starts to bloom usually around the first of July, and our nectar consumption doesn't start picking back up again until late July and early August. That of course is when the young birds start to visit the feeders. We always see our most birds in mid-August(20-30 birds), and they will start heading out by the third week up here. By the second week of September, we may have one or two hanging around. That's usually when we start keeping our eyes out for any unusual migrating hummers. We've had two show up over the past four years in either the last week of September or first week of October. I know this subject is being beat to death on this listserve and beyond (as usual), and lots of people have many different interpretations of what is going on. I just wanted to share some data from our little project that I thought would interest some of you. Thanks. Jesse Pope Grandfather Mountain Chief Naturalist P.O Box 129 Linville, NC 28646 828-733-4326 www.grandfather.com --- On Tue, 6/23/09, Sherri CarpenterSubject: RE: Hummers?? Who has any?? From: "Sherri Carpenter" <sherric AT charter.net> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:50:04 -0400 We have an average of 4 - 6 at a time at the feeders, but right now I see more in the bee balm. And it seems like we're seeing mostly males - are the females perhaps sitting on eggs? We've not had "swarms" of them this spring like we have had in previous years, but we have always had a period of decreased sightings at some point in the summer, that we have attributed to nesting and/or natural foods available. Sherri Carpenter Roxboro, NC (20 miles north of Durham) -----Original Message----- From: G. Gillam [mailto:poco211 AT embarqmail.com] Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 4:56 PM To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Subject: Hummers?? Who has any?? Hi Birders: Was wondering if anyone has hummers or as many as in the past. I rarely see or hear them in my yard. I saw an earlier posting so would like to know if anyone has seen any improvements in their areas. I saw and heard a few earlier in the spring but now tis rare. I miss the little visitors! Ginny Gillam Edenton, NC (n-eastern NC)Subject: Re: Hummers?? Who has any?? From: "Connie W. Hodges" <cwatkinshodges AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:07:36 -0700 (PDT) Woo Hoo! I staked out my HB feeder and for the first time in ?? I saw a female ruby throat early, early this morning. I saw the male later on at about 11 a.m.; however, have not seen them since. Connie Southern Pines, NC Moore County --- On Mon, 6/22/09, Carol WilliamsonSubject: Re: Hummers?? Who has any?? From: Marion Clark <mclark66 AT sc.rr.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:36:58 -0400 Hi, all! Here on a dry, oak-hickory hilltop, with a smattering of old-growth longleaf pines (former turpentine trees) and some younger loblollies, 11 miles west of the Statehouse in Columbia, we have the usual one/ two pairs of hummers for the Summer. We have many, many more during Spring migration and even more in August, at the end of the nesting season. The only over-wintering hummer of any kind, anywhere was an immature female Calliope, which was here 28 Dec 2003-30 March 2004. Cheers! +Marion Clark Thrushwood, Lexington, SC ---- "G. Gillam"Subject: RE: Annual Hummingbird speculation/extrapolation From: "Amy" <amyw AT fsow.org> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:15:48 -0400 I'm assuming that what I've seen here in Wilmington versus up in Caldwell
Co, NC is normal: the coastal area is not a particularly attractive nesting
area for the hummers, but a good summer/fall feeding spot, thus I see
virtually none in the spring and early summer and then they show up in July
and stay--some even through the winter. On the other hand, at my cabin in
Caldwell Co it's forested with mountain streams nearby and clearly there is
nesting going on. There were lots of juveniles among the crowd of hummers
in my Rose of Sharon trees and feeders there last July. They leave from
that site when it gets cold and the insects and flowers disappear.
Amy Williamson
Wilmington, NC
-----Original Message-----
From: Nate Dias [mailto:offshorebirder AT yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:56 AM
To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu
Subject: Annual Hummingbird speculation/extrapolation
Each year there seem to be posts on Carolinabirds to the effect of "The
Ruby-throated Hummingbird scene is different in my neighborhood this year,
and I'm seeing a few similar posts from elsewhere - is something afoot; are
they in trouble in the Carolinas?" -- The short answer is: no, don't
worry.
For understandable reasons, some people tend to extrapolate limited null
observations from their Hummingbird feeders or urban/suburban micro-habitat
onto a much wider area and a variety of habitats - to wonder if the regional
population is declining or having a bad breeding year. This is something of
a false comparison, in other words.
People also seem eager to directly equate feeder use with the number of
local Hummingbirds, which can be a mistake in some cases. Keep in mind that
in many areas during good rain years there are significantly more
wildflowers (and some kinds of insects) available, and many plants bloom
longer, which reduces the importance of sugar water feeders to the hummers.
Just ask all the Hummingbird Hotspot Hosts in Arizona - their bigger totals
and very long species lists occur in dry years, when less wild food is
available.
* This doesn't mean that hummers will not use feeders a good bit during wet
years - feeder "supersites" in or beside good wooded habitat have good
numbers of Ruby-throats year in and year out it seems.
At any rate: people in many *suburban* areas of the Carolinas should almost
expect the absence of RT Hummingbirds at the end of May, in June and early
July - when the hummers will be breeding in suitable habitat. And much of
suburbia in the Carolinas isn't great breeding habitat for Ruby-throated
Hummingbirds, due to things like a lack of suitable cover, no bodies of
water (RT Hummers like to nest over or near water), limited amount of nectar
plants, etc.
Thus, many people in suburbia only see them in migration or as postbreeding
visitors, which can mean March-late May and late July-early November. Then
wintering ones...
People in suburbia that live near good hummer breeding habitat might also
see varying amounts of hummers from year to year, as rainfall and other
conditions differ. In dry years with reduced nectar sources, the hummers
might have to use feeders farther from their nest more. But in good
rainfall years maybe there is enough nectar close at hand not to need
feeders very much, when the feeders are on the edge of their foraging range.
More info at:
http://plants.usda.gov/pollinators/Ruby-throated_hummingbird.pdf
http://www2.myfwc.com/bba/docs/bba_RTHU.pdf
http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/vtcritters/animals.cfm?cat=Birds&species=ru
by%20throated%20hummingbird
http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Diversity/Digest%20Articles/hummers.htm
And last, but not least: http://www.rubythroat.org/RTHUMain.html
Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC
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05:54:00
Subject: Annual Hummingbird speculation/extrapolationFrom: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:55:32 -0700 (PDT)
Each year there seem to be posts on Carolinabirds to the effect of "The
Ruby-throated Hummingbird scene is different in my neighborhood this year, and
I'm seeing a few similar posts from elsewhere - is something afoot; are they in
trouble in the Carolinas?" -- The short answer is: no, don't worry.
For understandable reasons, some people tend to extrapolate limited null
observations from their Hummingbird feeders or urban/suburban micro-habitat
onto a much wider area and a variety of habitats - to wonder if the regional
population is declining or having a bad breeding year. This is something of a
false comparison, in other words.
People also seem eager to directly equate feeder use with the number of local
Hummingbirds, which can be a mistake in some cases. Keep in mind that in many
areas during good rain years there are significantly more wildflowers (and some
kinds of insects) available, and many plants bloom longer, which reduces the
importance of sugar water feeders to the hummers. Just ask all the Hummingbird
Hotspot Hosts in Arizona - their bigger totals and very long species lists
occur in dry years, when less wild food is available.
* This doesn't mean that hummers will not use feeders a good bit during wet
years - feeder "supersites" in or beside good wooded habitat have good numbers
of Ruby-throats year in and year out it seems.
At any rate: people in many *suburban* areas of the Carolinas should almost
expect the absence of RT Hummingbirds at the end of May, in June and early July
- when the hummers will be breeding in suitable habitat. And much of suburbia
in the Carolinas isn't great breeding habitat for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds,
due to things like a lack of suitable cover, no bodies of water (RT Hummers
like to nest over or near water), limited amount of nectar plants, etc.
Thus, many people in suburbia only see them in migration or as postbreeding
visitors, which can mean March-late May and late July-early November. Then
wintering ones...
People in suburbia that live near good hummer breeding habitat might also see
varying amounts of hummers from year to year, as rainfall and other conditions
differ. In dry years with reduced nectar sources, the hummers might have to use
feeders farther from their nest more. But in good rainfall years maybe there is
enough nectar close at hand not to need feeders very much, when the feeders are
on the edge of their foraging range.
More info at:
http://plants.usda.gov/pollinators/Ruby-throated_hummingbird.pdf
http://www2.myfwc.com/bba/docs/bba_RTHU.pdf
http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/vtcritters/animals.cfm?cat=Birds&species=ruby%20throated%20hummingbird
http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Diversity/Digest%20Articles/hummers.htm
And last, but not least: http://www.rubythroat.org/RTHUMain.html
Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC
Subject: RE: Hummers?? Who has any??From: "Amy" <amyw AT fsow.org> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:11:59 -0400 I've only had an occasional male so far this month here in Wilmington. Last July up near Wilson Creek (Caldwell Co) I had over thirty in my yard--thanks to two feeders and blooming Rose of Sharon trees. I'll be going back up there soon to see if they're still there in large numbers. Amy Williamson Wilmington, NC -----Original Message----- From: Jesse Pope [mailto:highcountrybirder AT yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 8:02 PM To: G. Gillam; Dwayne Martin Cc: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Subject: Re: Hummers?? Who has any?? Grandfather Mountain started out very slow this year, but they have started picking up the past two weeks. We finally have out all our feeders, no where near Dwayne's 30, but our 8 feeders are still a handful to keep filled in late July! Same goes for my house in Newland, before last week I only had one or two at a time. I'm now up to 3-4 birds at a time. That's a good number for the two feeders at my house in the middle of the woods!! I've never seen more than that here. Jesse Pope Grandfather Mountain Chief Naturalist P.O Box 129 Linville, NC 28646 828-733-4326 www.grandfather.com --- On Mon, 6/22/09, Dwayne MartinSubject: RE: North Dakota From: "Amy" <amyw AT fsow.org> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:08:00 -0400 When I'm feeling ho-hum about seeing the same feeder visitors day after day,
I remember that people email this listserve requesting probable sites for
Brown-headed Nuthatches. I've got a gazillion-nesting was quite successful
around here this year! Same goes for all of my residents.
Amy Williamson
Wilmington, NC
PS. It's been quite a Loggerhead Shrike year for me! I'd already seen
pairs twice this spring-at Ft Fisher SHS and behind the Harris Teeter at
Hanover Center, and a few days ago I found another in Oyster Bay beside the
IW and Whiskey Creek while out riding my bicycle.
_____
From: Linda Kolb [mailto:rapahana4 AT hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 2:38 AM
To: Bird list
Subject: North Dakota
Just got back from an ABA conference in North Dakota with my mom.....Holy
gimmmmmy...I think I added 17 birds to my life list and the conference saw
168 species. If I ever have to go into witness protection they can send me
to ND. I don't think anyone will find me in all that country.
It was so beautiful, the people were great and the ABA did a great job.
We saw everything from Bairds sparrows to "dancing" grouse and everything in
between. A few funny things did happen. On one our field trips the bus
driver got our big huge bus buried up to its axels in mud. I thought for
sure we were never going to get out of the Turtle Mountains. Birders are
an amazing group, we just got off the bus, left it stuck (after trying a
fruitless push or two) with the driver and told him to call us when it was
out, we were going to go birding!!! Hours later and some amazing things
being done by a one ton tow truck and we were back on the road to find more
birds.
On another day we were sitting as a group and eating lunch and I looked
over and said to mom...Hey look at that mockingbird...the table kept eating
and then i went to the local leader and said "Hey Dan did you see the
mockingbird?" He said "The what???!!!" i said the mocking bird...I thought
the man was going to come unglued. MOCKINGBIRD???? At this point I was
getting the idea this was something exciting...As it turns out it might even
be the FIRST documented sighting in that county for the northern
mockingbird. just goes to show ya....what we take for an every day "oh just
another" bird can really make someone else's day. I think it was the
"conference bird" and i spotted it!!!
Anyway I am glad to be home. Thank you Mom for a great time that we shared
together. Everyone should go and see North Dakota, but when you think how
pretty it is just think 100+ inches of snow and 40 below wind chill!!!
happy birding,
linda Kolb
Seneca, SC
"There will be dogs. Also, Judy will be there, and Janis, too. Maybe they
will sing a duet about roadtrips. But mostly there will be dogs--come rain
or come shine." Peter Horst
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06:15:00
Subject: Re: Still no hummers hereFrom: "Toby Hoffman" <tobyh AT sc.rr.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:59:31 -0400 Complete darth in Columbia SC Tis why I joined the club - Saw one a month ago way up in Prosperity on Lake Murray waterfront. Anyone studied relationship with Monarch migratory and nesting grounds? Theworld.org (NPR) did an horrific story on the devastation of the Monarch breeding grounds in central America - last fall. 25 minute documentary. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Terrence & Barbara Logue"Subject: Savannah Sparrow - Henderson County From: Marilyn Westphal <mjwestph AT unca.edu> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:29:54 -0400 This morning on my way to work I stopped to check on the field on Butler Farm Road where there are a bunch of Grasshopper Sparrows, and lo and behold there was a Savannah Sparrow sitting up on the fence singing away. This is our ace in the hole field for late departing Savannah Sparrows on the spring count, so if they are going to stay anywhere down this far south in the mountains this is probably it. Had another late Savannah Sparrow in the VanWingerden field a few weeks ago, but haven't heard that one for a while, so maybe it finally left. Wayne Forsythe had a very late Savannah Sparrow on Hooper Lane several years ago, too. Maybe this is another species edging south. I was checking the G-hopper field to see if it had been mowed. All of the fields around it had been mowed, but that one remained unscathed. Guess the sparrows have worked out the best location to stay and nest. That's where the Savannah was, too. By the way, the Bobolinks are still in the field off Warlick Rd in Henderson County. Last I looked that one hadn't been mowed yet either, but haven't looked for a week or so. Those birds seem to stay on whether the field is mowed or not, so they must have a secret nesting spot that doesn't get cut because they have been there for many years now, although they all seem to have moved to the top of the hill and way in the back a long way from the road. You can still hear them, though, and that white back on a black body is unmistakable. Marilyn -- Marilyn Westphal Environmental Quality Institute University of North Carolina at Asheville One University Hts Asheville, NC 28804 phone: 828/251-6823 email: mjwestph AT unca.eduSubject: Dickcissels in Simpsonville, SC From: Paul Serridge <paulserridge AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:26:19 -0700 (PDT) Simon Harvey reported Dickcissels in the Clear Springs subdivision in Simpsonville on Sunday and again on Monday afternoon. I went there this morning around 7.30 and found 4 males and 1 female. The number of males is an estimate as I may have seen any individual male more than once. They were easy to find because of their habit of singing their distinctive song from exposed perches. Other birds this morning: Grasshopper, Field and Chipping Sparrows; Blue Grosbeak, Orchard Oriole and a Bobwhite Quail (heard and then seen flying close to the ground). The entrance to the Clear Springs subdivision is off Scuffletown Rd just south of the junction with Clear Spring Rd. (4 miles south of Woodruff Rd). Development appears to have halted some time ago and there is only one house built. Park near that house and search in the tree / bushes near the house and in the surrounding grassy / weedy areas. The Dickcissels respond very well to pishing. Take sun protection - there is absolutely no shade. Good luck, Paul Serridge Greenville, SCSubject: RE: TV Golf Birds From: rclimpson AT yahoo.com Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:04:36 -0700 (PDT)
I think they're still dubbing prerecorded sounds.
Yes, it is true the networks have dubbed bird sounds into the background sound
for a long time. At one point, they were too dumb about it for their own good
and, as one of you pointed out, broadcast some songs of birds that didn't have
a chance of being indigent to the area where the golf was being played. It was
pretty obvious what they were doing to any minimally bird-knowledgeable person
who paid attention. Finally, someone called them out on it and they generally
use feasible birds now.
They were also having the same recording playing over and over and over again
all day long...whatever bird was singing was on opera steroids. They're still
doing this, evidently. The U.S. Open coverage this week was very suspicious in
this regard. One day they had the duty red-wing, yesterday the duty peewee, and
today the duty wood thrush. Funny how they always have one particular bird each
day that is incessant in it's singing--it sings all day long, practically
without pause, and always hangs out at the main booth (you hear it no matter
what part of the course is being covered by walk-around commentators).
I've never heard any bird sing as long as they do on TV without taking a break
or moving on after a reasonable period of time. Even my mockingbirds and house
finches shut up for a while now and then. On the other hand, maybe they take
their breaks during the commercials? If the network birds are real, they need a
union!
Oh well, at least they give us a different bird each day to break the
monotony...somewhat, anyway. Yesterday I got so sick of hearing the peewee
that, after a while, I found myself yelling at the TV; "Shut up with the
peewee, already!" At least they aren't playing the ubiquitous "screee" of the
red-tailed hawk you always hear in movies even when they're showing a vulture,
eagle, or any generic hawk.
--Randy Climpson
Ocean Isle Beach, NC
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