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25 May BirdNote - last week & the week of May 26, 2013 [Ellen Blackstone ] 25 May CBS Sunday morning segment on birding [Pat Burden ] 24 May Interesting Robin (photo) ["B.G. Sloan" ] 24 May Arizona guiding [Rick Wright ] 24 May Guide for Slate-throated Redstart? [Bob Keener ] 23 May nuthatch courting behaviour [D&Y Bree ] 23 May Re: White-breasted Nuthatch courting? [] 22 May Re: White-breasted Nuthatch courting? [marys1000 ] 22 May Bicycle Birdathon [Dick Cannings ] 22 May Re: White-breasted Nuthatch courting? [] 22 May Birding guide in Costa Rica? [] 22 May Re: Self-drive in South Africa [ ] 21 May Re: White-breasted Nuthatch courting? [D&Y Bree ] 21 May Re: Self-drive in South Africa [] 21 May Interesting Eastern Kingbird photo... ["B.G. Sloan" ] 21 May question for moderators [Gary Felton ] 21 May Re: Self-drive in South Africa [Chuck & Lillian ] 20 May Re: Self-drive in South Africa [] 20 May Self-drive in South Africa [Richard Tkachuck ] 20 May Nuthatch Courting? [] 20 May Re: eating hoopoes [Bill Adams ] 20 May Re: eating hoopoes [Peter Wilkinson ] 20 May eating hoopoes [Rick Wright ] 18 May something about Australia? [Gary Felton ] 18 May BirdNote - last week & the week of May 19, 2013 [Ellen Blackstone ] 17 May junco [Rick Wright ] 16 May Re: Audubon's snowbird [] 16 May My Birding trip back East(Contact me off list please) [john small ] 16 May Re: Audubon's snowbird [Rick Wright ] 16 May Re: Audubon's snowbird [Alvaro Jaramillo ] 16 May Re: Audubon's snowbird ["Tangren, Gerald Vernon" ] 16 May Re: Audubon's snowbird [Rick Wright ] 16 May Re: Audubon's snowbird [Alvaro Jaramillo ] 16 May Audubon's snowbird [Rick Wright ] 15 May macaw genome sequenced [Devorah the Ornithologist ] 14 May Bird Burst in Tok, Alaska [Joyanne Hamilton ] 14 May Birding in Spain RFI [Dennis Burnette ] 13 May Re: Spain - winter months [Richard Carlson ] 13 May Re: Spain - winter months [stephen christopher ] 13 May Dinosaurs and birds [Douglas Carver ] 12 May RFI: First visit to Ireland and England [Jerry Friedman ] 11 May BirdNote - last week & the week of May 12, 2013 [Ellen Blackstone ] 8 May Alphabet Bird Collection (book review) [Devorah the Ornithologist ] 8 May Re: Spain - winter months [Stephen Elliott ] 8 May Spain - winter months [Susan Fogleman ] 6 May Pacific Northwest Migration ["R.D. Everhart" ] 4 May Migration Hot Spots Tonight ["R.D. Everhart" ] 4 May Turkeys and Dinosaurs (photo) ["B.G. Sloan" ] 4 May BirdNote - last week & the week of May 5, 2013 [Ellen Blackstone ] 3 May warblers on the Missouri River [Rick Wright ] 2 May Visiting N.Y. Mid-Hudson area 5-5-13 - 5-17-13 [john small ] 2 May Birding Community E-bulletin - April 2013 [Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore ] 1 May Sorry for the hack [Al Schirmacher ] 1 May Costa Rica Birding and Airport Security [] 30 Apr Heavy Migration Tonight ["R.D. Everhart" ] 30 Apr Another goose nesting on a bridge! ["B.G. Sloan" ] 30 Apr Two Egret species in one photo ["B.G. Sloan" ] 30 Apr Guatemala birding trip spot opening ["Tim Boucher (Ellen Paul)" ] 30 Apr subscribe [Barbara Wilson ] 27 Apr BirdNote - last week & the week of Apr. 28, 2013 [Ellen Blackstone ] 26 Apr Magee Marsh, Ohio: resources for birders [Kenn Kaufman ] 26 Apr Bad News: to all users of worldbirdinfo and the many birds I have come to know [John Penhallurick ] 24 Apr RFI: Pittsburgh birding [donald lewis ] 24 Apr Crazed turkeys ["B.G. Sloan" ] 24 Apr New River Birding & Nature Festival 2013 ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] 22 Apr Re: Birdathon [john small ] 22 Apr Re: Netting to Deter Swallow Nest Building? [Veronica Bowers ] 22 Apr Re: Netting to Deter Swallow Nest Building? [Joseph Morlan ] 22 Apr Netting to Deter Swallow Nest Building? [Joyanne Hamilton ] 20 Apr New page added (Notes on AC Bent) [Jack Daynes ] 20 Apr Re: Is this unusual? [Hilary Powers ] 20 Apr Is this unusual? (Mallard threesome photo) ["B.G. Sloan" ] 20 Apr Fw: Change in your subscription options for the BIRDCHAT list [john small ] 20 Apr Re: Protecting Scope Lens with Screw-In Filter? [Jerry Blinn ] 20 Apr BirdNote, last week and the week of Apr. 21, 2013 [] 19 Apr Hilton Pond 02/13/13 (Hummingbirds in Nicaragua) ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] Subject: BirdNote - last week & the week of May 26, 2013 From: Ellen Blackstone <ellen AT 123IMAGINE.NET> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 10:17:21 -0700 Hello, BirdChatters, Last week, BirdNote aired: * Barn Swallow Splendor http://bit.ly/11lVoXL * Spring Birds Arrive in the Eastern Forest http://bit.ly/10rxN6E * Celebrating 50 Years and One Rare Bird - Audubon campout at Wenas Creek, WA http://bit.ly/18g39Bp * Stand-still Birding - Just blend in... http://bit.ly/127fzum * Restoring Prairies for Grassland Birds - Citizens for Conservation in Illinois http://bit.ly/14NF69c * Skylark - With Aretha Franklin http://bit.ly/18g3yUB * Three Brown Thrushes http://bit.ly/10TMaw3 View the photos and links for next week's shows: http://bit.ly/ZkVCyn ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BirdNote/38299689818 ... or Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BirdNoteRadio ======================================================================= BirdNote is available by podcast: -- http://feeds.feedburner.com/birdnote/OYfP -- http://tinyurl.com/http-ax-itunes-apple-com-us And on StitcherRadio: http://stitcher.com/s/profile.php?fid=18715 You can listen to the mp3, see a photo, read the transcript, and find related resources on the website. http://www.birdnote.org All episodes are in the archive. Search: http://birdnote.org/archive Thanks for listening! Ellen Blackstone, BirdNote BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: CBS Sunday morning segment on birding From: Pat Burden <tallerpat AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 01:59:49 -0400 My favorite show, CBS Sunday morning, will be having a segment on birding and migration this Sunday and from what I can tell, it was filmed at Magee Marsh in Ohio. The show airs from 9-10:30 am. Pat Burden Yale, MI tallerpat AT aol.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Interesting Robin (photo) From: "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 13:51:12 -0700 American Robin with orange-yellowish patch on back. Photo is a bit blurry because the bird was moving quickly on a dark rainy day, but the patch of color was pretty much central on the robin's otherwise dark back: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444 AT N07/8806653529/ Bernie Sloan Highland Park, NJ BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Arizona guiding From: Rick Wright <birdaz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 12:12:18 -0400 A great place to start: http://az-birding.com/ -- Rick Wright Bloomfield, NJ Review Editor, Birding Senior Leader, WINGS http://birdingnewjersey.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Guide for Slate-throated Redstart? From: Bob Keener <keenerb99 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 05:49:59 -0700 Hi All,   I'd be interested in contact info for a bird guide in SE Arizona to look for the STRE recently seen in the Cave Creek Canyon. Any help is appreciated!  --Bob Bob Keener 5207 Heisey Rd Shippensburg, PA 17257 717-532-9723 BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: nuthatch courting behaviour From: D&Y Bree <dbree AT KOS.NET> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 18:43:29 -0400 Still no video on utube - sorry it's a busy time of year - but I will do it and let you know - surprised someone hasn't done it already. But the question has finally prompted me to look at Cornell's Birds of N America Website where there is a little info in this behaviour with a nice line drawing. I don't know if it is proper to re-post something from a website that requires a membership but this line was in there. In the distraction display (see Fig. 6), a nuthatch of either sex spreads its wings and remains in a fixed position while swaying back and forth. This behavior may serve to startle a squirrel when it is very close to the nest (Kilham 1968; Long 1982). From Birds of North America Cornell University website. So the behaviour is certainly known in the scientific literature though no mention was made of this movement at a feeder. David David and Yvette Bree 2410 Victoria Road Carrying Place, ON K0K 1L0 Canada BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: White-breasted Nuthatch courting? From: birding AT AOL.COM Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 11:37:59 -0400 Marie and Chatters, Several replies were sent to me personally. For those interested, it seems that this behaviour is mainly an aggressive or distractive behaviour, sometimes used when attempting to intimidate other birds (although it doesn't seem to be very effective at feeders), or to protect the nest against squirrels. The display that I noticed was not aimed at squirrels, and the only other bird around was another nuthatch. I have to assume that it was not a courtship display, but rather a confrontation over the nest or roosting hole, which was directly above the two birds, and into which the second bird disappeared, after the displaying bird flew off. I assumed it was a courtship display since it was not accompanied by any other signs of aggression. Thanks to everyone who responded, and helped clarify this interesting behaviour. All the best, Ernie Jardine Pickering, Ontario birding AT aol.com www.birdsongidentification.com -----Original Message----- From: marys1000 To: BIRDCHAT Sent: Wed, May 22, 2013 8:43 pm Subject: Re: [BIRDCHAT] White-breasted Nuthatch courting? I;ve seen this too, only a couple of times, on a platform feeder with ther birds. Its sort of amazing both the way he (she?) spread its ings so high and far and then the way it sort of almost swayed around n a circle with its feet stationary like one of those toys. ad no idea what it was doing. Marie Schatz, Oh n 5/21/2013 9:11 PM, D&Y Bree wrote: An interesting behaviour that I have seen twice only, fairly recently and not too far from your location. First was May 2012 when a male? did this display at our backyard feeder (address below). He was displaying at a female cowbird that mostly ignored the nuthatch. The nuthatch did this for about 30 seconds, gave up, dropped his wings, went and got a nut and flew away. The second time was March 17/2013 at a feeder at Presqu'ile Prov Park, when the nuthatch was displaying at a female cardinal, she too seemed to ignore him but dropped to the ground in her normal mode of foraging. As soon as she dropped the nuthatch went to the feeder she had vacated and got a seed and left. Again about a 30 second display. >From these observations I read it as a threat display, trying to intimidate a larger bird - but to no avail. Considering the timing of all three (maybe March is a little early) the behaviour could be helped or triggered by increased Testosterone. Was your bird trying to scare away a rival for a nest hole, or trying to impress the lady? I could see the same move being used for both. I actually have a short video of the first display event, it's quite a graceful and beautiful move by the nuthatch, reminding me of a display by some Bird of Paradise (which I have only seen on TV alas). I have always meant to post the video on utube and ask the Chatters group your exact question - had anyone seen this behaviour before and what it might mean? The limiting factor here is my complete ignorance of how to do that. Maybe I'll pick at it tomorrow. David David and Yvette Bree Carrying Place, ON K0K 1L0 Canada Chatters, Yesterday, I saw a behaviour that I've never seen before or even heard of b= efore. While talking to a couple of birders, I noticed what seemed like loo= se bark on the side of a tree, flapping slowly in the wind. I lifted my bin= oculars and my first impression was, of an artificial cardboard bird, upsid= e down, drifting back and forth in the wind.=20 I then noticed a "real" White-breasted Nuthatch next to this first one, cli= nging to the tree. The male continued this upside down, very rhythmic, back= and forth motion (wings spread and seemingly clinging with one foot), for = 10-15 seconds or so, and then flew off, at which time the female entered a = hole in the tree, just above where she was stationed. Just wondering if anyone else has witnessed this behaviour, or can shed mor= e light on such behaviour. All the best, Ernie Jardine Pickering Ontario birding AT aol.com *************************************************************** BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ rchives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: White-breasted Nuthatch courting? From: marys1000 <marys1000 AT WOH.RR.COM> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:41:05 -0400 I;ve seen this too, only a couple of times, on a platform feeder with other birds. Its sort of amazing both the way he (she?) spread its wings so high and far and then the way it sort of almost swayed around in a circle with its feet stationary like one of those toys. Had no idea what it was doing. Marie Schatz, Oh On 5/21/2013 9:11 PM, D&Y Bree wrote: > An interesting behaviour that I have seen twice only, fairly recently and > not too far from your location. > > First was May 2012 when a male? did this display at our backyard feeder > (address below). He was displaying at a female cowbird that mostly ignored > the nuthatch. The nuthatch did this for about 30 seconds, gave up, dropped > his wings, went and got a nut and flew away. > > The second time was March 17/2013 at a feeder at Presqu'ile Prov Park, when > the nuthatch was displaying at a female cardinal, she too seemed to ignore > him but dropped to the ground in her normal mode of foraging. As soon as she > dropped the nuthatch went to the feeder she had vacated and got a seed and > left. Again about a 30 second display. > > >From these observations I read it as a threat display, trying to intimidate > a larger bird - but to no avail. Considering the timing of all three (maybe > March is a little early) the behaviour could be helped or triggered by > increased Testosterone. Was your bird trying to scare away a rival for a > nest hole, or trying to impress the lady? I could see the same move being > used for both. > > I actually have a short video of the first display event, it's quite a > graceful and beautiful move by the nuthatch, reminding me of a display by > some Bird of Paradise (which I have only seen on TV alas). > > I have always meant to post the video on utube and ask the Chatters group > your exact question - had anyone seen this behaviour before and what it > might mean? The limiting factor here is my complete ignorance of how to do > that. > > Maybe I'll pick at it tomorrow. > > David > > > > David and Yvette Bree > Carrying Place, ON > K0K 1L0 > Canada > Chatters, > > Yesterday, I saw a behaviour that I've never seen before or even heard of b= > efore. While talking to a couple of birders, I noticed what seemed like loo= > se bark on the side of a tree, flapping slowly in the wind. I lifted my bin= > oculars and my first impression was, of an artificial cardboard bird, upsid= > e down, drifting back and forth in the wind.=20 > > I then noticed a "real" White-breasted Nuthatch next to this first one, cli= > nging to the tree. The male continued this upside down, very rhythmic, back= > and forth motion (wings spread and seemingly clinging with one foot), for = > 10-15 seconds or so, and then flew off, at which time the female entered a = > hole in the tree, just above where she was stationed. > > Just wondering if anyone else has witnessed this behaviour, or can shed mor= > e light on such behaviour. > > All the best, > Ernie Jardine > Pickering Ontario > > birding AT aol.com > *************************************************************** > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Bicycle Birdathon From: Dick Cannings <dickcannings AT SHAW.CA> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 15:19:39 -0700 Hi birders: I've just posted a full report on my latest bicycle birdathon from the Okanagan Valley. The "Saddle-Soras" pedalled for 138 km and found 127 species. Read all about it at http://dickcannings.com/2013/05/22/bicycle-birdathon-2013/ good birding! Dick Cannings Penticton, BC BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: White-breasted Nuthatch courting? From: birding AT AOL.COM Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 17:06:31 -0400 Thanks David, This is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to receive. The only reference I could find in Bent was from Francis H. Allen, who mentions a pair of nuthatches who rhythmically wiped their bills, alternately from side to side, like the swinging of a pendulum, a fairly prolonged interruption from their foraging. He said that it seemed to suggest some kind of courtship rite. No spread wings though, such as in the display that both of us have witnessed. It would definitely be interesting to see your video. Maybe this kind of display has a variety of purposes. I would love to hear from some other chatters, in order to fill in the picture a bit more fully. In your case it was definitely an aggressive move. I could be mistaken, but I read mine as more of a courtship display. Thanks again, Ernie Jardine Pickering Ontario birding AT aol.com www.birdsongidentification.com -----Original Message----- From: D&Y Bree To: BIRDCHAT Sent: Tue, May 21, 2013 9:14 pm Subject: Re: [BIRDCHAT] White-breasted Nuthatch courting? An interesting behaviour that I have seen twice only, fairly recently and ot too far from your location. First was May 2012 when a male? did this display at our backyard feeder address below). He was displaying at a female cowbird that mostly ignored he nuthatch. The nuthatch did this for about 30 seconds, gave up, dropped is wings, went and got a nut and flew away. The second time was March 17/2013 at a feeder at Presqu'ile Prov Park, when he nuthatch was displaying at a female cardinal, she too seemed to ignore im but dropped to the ground in her normal mode of foraging. As soon as she ropped the nuthatch went to the feeder she had vacated and got a seed and eft. Again about a 30 second display. From these observations I read it as a threat display, trying to intimidate larger bird - but to no avail. Considering the timing of all three (maybe arch is a little early) the behaviour could be helped or triggered by ncreased Testosterone. Was your bird trying to scare away a rival for a est hole, or trying to impress the lady? I could see the same move being sed for both. I actually have a short video of the first display event, it's quite a raceful and beautiful move by the nuthatch, reminding me of a display by ome Bird of Paradise (which I have only seen on TV alas). I have always meant to post the video on utube and ask the Chatters group our exact question - had anyone seen this behaviour before and what it ight mean? The limiting factor here is my complete ignorance of how to do hat. Maybe I'll pick at it tomorrow. David David and Yvette Bree arrying Place, ON 0K 1L0 anada hatters, Yesterday, I saw a behaviour that I've never seen before or even heard of b= fore. While talking to a couple of birders, I noticed what seemed like loo= e bark on the side of a tree, flapping slowly in the wind. I lifted my bin= culars and my first impression was, of an artificial cardboard bird, upsid= down, drifting back and forth in the wind.=20 I then noticed a "real" White-breasted Nuthatch next to this first one, cli= ging to the tree. The male continued this upside down, very rhythmic, back= and forth motion (wings spread and seemingly clinging with one foot), for = 0-15 seconds or so, and then flew off, at which time the female entered a = ole in the tree, just above where she was stationed. Just wondering if anyone else has witnessed this behaviour, or can shed mor= light on such behaviour. All the best, rnie Jardine ickering Ontario birding AT aol.com ************************************************************** BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ rchives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Birding guide in Costa Rica? From: TAHARRISON AT AOL.COM Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 16:53:08 -0400 Birdchatters, I had the pleasure of birding in Costa Rica with a guide named Indio. His email address and phone number have apparently changed. I have a quick trip to Costa Rica in 2 weeks and am looking for a reputable bird guide. I expect to be available the afternoon of Saturday June 8 and all day Sunday June 9. I will not have a car. I will be staying in San Jose. Thanks for your advice, Tom Harrison Pasadena, CA BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Self-drive in South Africa From: "Gail B. Mackiernan %3Ckatahdinss%40comcast.net%3E" <katahdinss AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 01:57:16 +0000 The B&B in Wakkerstroom is the Weaver's Nest (not Birder's Nest) and it is still going strong -- they cater to birders. When we were there they had a giant pink pig as a pet; she got into the house one morning while we were eating breakfast. Note: you can get a pig to go anywhere if you wave a loaf of bread in front of it! We self-drove all over SA from the Mozambique border to the Karoo and Capetown and had a wonderful time. Like many folks, we rented a VW "combi" (bus) which had 5 sliding windows -- great for places like Kruger where you have to stay in your car most of the time. All arrangements were made over the internet and the roads (with a few exceptions) were great and the birds wonderful. Over 600 species in 21 days. Gail Mackiernan Silver Spring, MD ----- Original Message ----- From: lgardellabirds AT CHARTER.NET To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 9:10:10 PM Subject: Re: [BIRDCHAT] Self-drive in South Africa The Pearl-spotted Owlet's call brought in many birds, including good numbers of Pearl-spotted Owlets. And Wakkerstroom was wonderful. I don't know about Birder's Nest, but Toad Hall Guest House was great. Larry Gardella Montgomery, AL BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: White-breasted Nuthatch courting? From: D&Y Bree <dbree AT KOS.NET> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 21:11:01 -0400 An interesting behaviour that I have seen twice only, fairly recently and not too far from your location. First was May 2012 when a male? did this display at our backyard feeder (address below). He was displaying at a female cowbird that mostly ignored the nuthatch. The nuthatch did this for about 30 seconds, gave up, dropped his wings, went and got a nut and flew away. The second time was March 17/2013 at a feeder at Presqu'ile Prov Park, when the nuthatch was displaying at a female cardinal, she too seemed to ignore him but dropped to the ground in her normal mode of foraging. As soon as she dropped the nuthatch went to the feeder she had vacated and got a seed and left. Again about a 30 second display. From these observations I read it as a threat display, trying to intimidate a larger bird - but to no avail. Considering the timing of all three (maybe March is a little early) the behaviour could be helped or triggered by increased Testosterone. Was your bird trying to scare away a rival for a nest hole, or trying to impress the lady? I could see the same move being used for both. I actually have a short video of the first display event, it's quite a graceful and beautiful move by the nuthatch, reminding me of a display by some Bird of Paradise (which I have only seen on TV alas). I have always meant to post the video on utube and ask the Chatters group your exact question - had anyone seen this behaviour before and what it might mean? The limiting factor here is my complete ignorance of how to do that. Maybe I'll pick at it tomorrow. David David and Yvette Bree Carrying Place, ON K0K 1L0 Canada Chatters, Yesterday, I saw a behaviour that I've never seen before or even heard of b= efore. While talking to a couple of birders, I noticed what seemed like loo= se bark on the side of a tree, flapping slowly in the wind. I lifted my bin= oculars and my first impression was, of an artificial cardboard bird, upsid= e down, drifting back and forth in the wind.=20 I then noticed a "real" White-breasted Nuthatch next to this first one, cli= nging to the tree. The male continued this upside down, very rhythmic, back= and forth motion (wings spread and seemingly clinging with one foot), for = 10-15 seconds or so, and then flew off, at which time the female entered a = hole in the tree, just above where she was stationed. Just wondering if anyone else has witnessed this behaviour, or can shed mor= e light on such behaviour. All the best, Ernie Jardine Pickering Ontario birding AT aol.com *************************************************************** BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Self-drive in South Africa From: lgardellabirds AT CHARTER.NET Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 21:10:10 -0400 The Pearl-spotted Owlet's call brought in many birds, including good numbers of Pearl-spotted Owlets. And Wakkerstroom was wonderful. I don't know about Birder's Nest, but Toad Hall Guest House was great. Larry Gardella Montgomery, AL On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 12:31 PM, Chuck & Lillian wrote: > Richard, > > We self-drove SA back in the 90's for 5 weeks, seeing almost 500 > species, and that was just before the end of a bad 5-year drought. > > We got a Mercedes at first but it was far too small for 4 and luggage, > so switched to a VW bus, which was perfectly fine on all the roads, > dirt and otherwise. The roads were great! Some of the road maps, > procured in-country, were not so great. Accommodations nearly > everywhere ranged from excellent to adequate. We made our reservations > mostly in advance, especially in Kruger NP. We didn't go to any of the > private game parks bordering Kruger. Check out Birder's Nest B&B in > Wakkerstroom, if it's still there. > > Ditto on Patrick Cardwell in Capetown. Inquire with him about a > pelagic, but be aware that seas can be quite rough and boat trips > canceled at last minute. > > Tips: I believe we drove on left side of road. Drivers pass on hill > upslopes at tremendous speeds. Buy a set of bird song tapes, discs, > whatever, then quickly figure out which small owl's call brings out > the mobbers. [I did not discover this until near the end of the trip.] > Take a telescope. Food was great everywhere, although portions were > often enormous, and, I believe, water was safe to drink everywhere. > Hat, sunscreen, layers, the usual. Watch out for dirt roads after it > rains: in much of the country the dirt is clay or calache which, when > wet, immediately sticks to your tires like glue, clogs up the tread, > and your tires become slicks. We encountered the very hardest rain, in > mid-day, I've ever seen anywhere on the planet while driving across > the north side of SA: couldn't see the front end of the car, couldn't > pull off the road, couldn't stay on the road, couldn't go, couldn't > stop. Fortunately it was less than 15 minutes long. > > Good luck, drive safely, be careful and inquire of locals as to what > areas are safe/not safe. We were warned away from downtown Jo-burg. > Chuck Almdale > North Hills, Ca. > > At 10:00 PM 5/20/2013, BIRDCHAT automatic digest system wrote: >> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 16:12:17 -0400 >> From: Richard Tkachuck >> Subject: Self-drive in South Africa >> >> Greetings: Has anyone rented a car in South Africa and did birding on >> their >> own? Any trip reports that might be helpful? In looking at car >> rentals, I >> see sedans. Are the roads good enough for this type of car when >> visiting >> the game parks? Any other tips would be appreciated. We are >> considering >> about a 3-week visit. >> Cheers, >> Richard >> rictkalist AT gmail.com > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Interesting Eastern Kingbird photo... From: "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 13:54:53 -0700 I like how this Eastern Kingbird picture looks more like a painting than a photo, especially the background. Great pose. Minimal processing...slight cropping to remove tree trunk from the left side of the frame: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444 AT N07/8748096386/ Photo taken with my Panasonic pocket camera at 20x zoom, Northside Park, Wheaton, IL. Bernie Sloan Highland Park, NJ BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: question for moderators From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 12:52:31 -0700 Would one of the moderators please contact me. Gary Felton - Kingwood, WV BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Self-drive in South Africa From: Chuck & Lillian <misclists AT ATT.NET> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 10:31:01 -0700 Richard, We self-drove SA back in the 90's for 5 weeks, seeing almost 500 species, and that was just before the end of a bad 5-year drought. We got a Mercedes at first but it was far too small for 4 and luggage, so switched to a VW bus, which was perfectly fine on all the roads, dirt and otherwise. The roads were great! Some of the road maps, procured in-country, were not so great. Accommodations nearly everywhere ranged from excellent to adequate. We made our reservations mostly in advance, especially in Kruger NP. We didn't go to any of the private game parks bordering Kruger. Check out Birder's Nest B&B in Wakkerstroom, if it's still there. Ditto on Patrick Cardwell in Capetown. Inquire with him about a pelagic, but be aware that seas can be quite rough and boat trips canceled at last minute. Tips: I believe we drove on left side of road. Drivers pass on hill upslopes at tremendous speeds. Buy a set of bird song tapes, discs, whatever, then quickly figure out which small owl's call brings out the mobbers. [I did not discover this until near the end of the trip.] Take a telescope. Food was great everywhere, although portions were often enormous, and, I believe, water was safe to drink everywhere. Hat, sunscreen, layers, the usual. Watch out for dirt roads after it rains: in much of the country the dirt is clay or calache which, when wet, immediately sticks to your tires like glue, clogs up the tread, and your tires become slicks. We encountered the very hardest rain, in mid-day, I've ever seen anywhere on the planet while driving across the north side of SA: couldn't see the front end of the car, couldn't pull off the road, couldn't stay on the road, couldn't go, couldn't stop. Fortunately it was less than 15 minutes long. Good luck, drive safely, be careful and inquire of locals as to what areas are safe/not safe. We were warned away from downtown Jo-burg. Chuck Almdale North Hills, Ca. At 10:00 PM 5/20/2013, BIRDCHAT automatic digest system wrote: >Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 16:12:17 -0400 >From: Richard Tkachuck >Subject: Self-drive in South Africa > >Greetings: Has anyone rented a car in South Africa and did birding on their >own? Any trip reports that might be helpful? In looking at car rentals, I >see sedans. Are the roads good enough for this type of car when visiting >the game parks? Any other tips would be appreciated. We are considering >about a 3-week visit. >Cheers, >Richard >rictkalist AT gmail.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Self-drive in South Africa From: rccarl AT PACBELL.NET Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:54:38 -0700 Worked like a charm out of Richards Bay in NE S Africa in 2011. Roads fine in Imfolozi , umkhuze and St. Lucia NP for sedan. Do NOT drive after dark. Birding fantastic but get a local guide often as you can. Patrick Cardwell amazing guide for Capetown area with great B&B stays. BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Self-drive in South Africa From: Richard Tkachuck <rictkalist AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 16:12:17 -0400 Greetings: Has anyone rented a car in South Africa and did birding on their own? Any trip reports that might be helpful? In looking at car rentals, I see sedans. Are the roads good enough for this type of car when visiting the game parks? Any other tips would be appreciated. We are considering about a 3-week visit. Cheers, Richard rictkalist AT gmail.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Nuthatch Courting? From: birding AT AOL.COM Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 13:25:54 -0400 Chatters, Yesterday, I saw a behaviour that I've never seen before or even heard of before. While talking to a couple of birders, I noticed what seemed like loose bark on the side of a tree, flapping slowly in the wind. I lifted my binoculars and my first impression was, of an artificial cardboard bird, upside down, drifting back and forth in the wind. I then noticed a "real" White-breasted Nuthatch next to this first one, clinging to the tree. The male continued this upside down, very rhythmic, back and forth motion (wings spread and seemingly clinging with one foot), for 10-15 seconds or so, and then flew off, at which time the female entered a hole in the tree, just above where she was stationed. Just wondering if anyone else has witnessed this behaviour, or can shed more light on such behaviour. All the best, Ernie Jardine Pickering Ontario birding AT aol.com www.birdsongidentification.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: eating hoopoes From: Bill Adams <oiseaux831 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:43:08 -0400 How to cook a Coot: Put the coot inside a rubber boot. Boil for 6 hours. Throw away the coot and eat the boot. On Mon, May 20, 2013 at 11:19 AM, Peter Wilkinson wrote: > I have been told by a Mallorquin tourist (rather than birding) guide > that they taste horrible, but I rather doubt he was speaking from > personal experience. > > I'm reminded of a recipe for Cormorant (or, as you would say, Great > Cormorant). > > "WHAT TO DO WITH A CORMORANT > > Having shot your cormorant, hold it well away from yourself as you carry > it home; these birds are exceedingly verminous and the lice are not > solely host-specific. Hang by the feet with wire, soak in petrol and set > it on fire. This removes the feathers and kills the lice. > When the smoke has cleared, cut the cormorant down and remove the beak. > Send this to the local Conservancy Board who will, if you are in the > right area, give you 3/6d or sometimes 5/-. > Bury the carcase preferably in a light sandy soil and leave it there > ideally for a fortnight. This is said to improve the flavour by removing > in part, at least, the taste of rotting fish. > Dig up and skin and draw the bird. Place in a strong brine solution for > at least 48 hours. Remove, dry and stuff with whole, unpeeled onions; > the onion skins are supposed to bleach the meat to a small extent, so > that it is very dark brown instead of being entirely black. > Into 2 quarts of seawater, put 2 heaped tablespoons of Chloride of Lime. > Put the cormorant in and gently simmer for a minimum of 6 hours. This > further tenderizes the bird. Remove from cooking liquor and allow to > dry. Meanwhile, mix up a stiff paste of methylated spirit and Madras > curry powder. Spread this paste liberally over the breast of the bird. > Finally, roast in a very hot oven for 3 hours. You will find the result > unbelievable. Throw it away; not even a starving Vulture would eat it!" > > Acknowledgements to > > > http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/general-fishing/249732-recipes-cormorant.html > > where you will find some other super recipes as well! > > Peter > Wheathampstead, Herts, England > > On Mon, 2013-05-20 at 08:11 -0400, Rick Wright wrote: > > We all know that hoopoes smell bad, but what do they taste like? > > > > http://birdaz.com/blog/2013/05/20/none-for-me-thank-you/ > > -- > > Rick Wright > > Bloomfield, NJ > > > > Review Editor, Birding > > Senior Leader, WINGS > > http://birdingnewjersey.com > > > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html > -- Bill Adams Manakin-Sabot, VA "In wilderness is the preservation of life." BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: eating hoopoes From: Peter Wilkinson <pjw42 AT WAITROSE.COM> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 16:19:06 +0100 I have been told by a Mallorquin tourist (rather than birding) guide that they taste horrible, but I rather doubt he was speaking from personal experience. I'm reminded of a recipe for Cormorant (or, as you would say, Great Cormorant). "WHAT TO DO WITH A CORMORANT Having shot your cormorant, hold it well away from yourself as you carry it home; these birds are exceedingly verminous and the lice are not solely host-specific. Hang by the feet with wire, soak in petrol and set it on fire. This removes the feathers and kills the lice. When the smoke has cleared, cut the cormorant down and remove the beak. Send this to the local Conservancy Board who will, if you are in the right area, give you 3/6d or sometimes 5/-. Bury the carcase preferably in a light sandy soil and leave it there ideally for a fortnight. This is said to improve the flavour by removing in part, at least, the taste of rotting fish. Dig up and skin and draw the bird. Place in a strong brine solution for at least 48 hours. Remove, dry and stuff with whole, unpeeled onions; the onion skins are supposed to bleach the meat to a small extent, so that it is very dark brown instead of being entirely black. Into 2 quarts of seawater, put 2 heaped tablespoons of Chloride of Lime. Put the cormorant in and gently simmer for a minimum of 6 hours. This further tenderizes the bird. Remove from cooking liquor and allow to dry. Meanwhile, mix up a stiff paste of methylated spirit and Madras curry powder. Spread this paste liberally over the breast of the bird. Finally, roast in a very hot oven for 3 hours. You will find the result unbelievable. Throw it away; not even a starving Vulture would eat it!" Acknowledgements to http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/general-fishing/249732-recipes-cormorant.html where you will find some other super recipes as well! Peter Wheathampstead, Herts, England On Mon, 2013-05-20 at 08:11 -0400, Rick Wright wrote: > We all know that hoopoes smell bad, but what do they taste like? > > http://birdaz.com/blog/2013/05/20/none-for-me-thank-you/ > -- > Rick Wright > Bloomfield, NJ > > Review Editor, Birding > Senior Leader, WINGS > http://birdingnewjersey.com > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: eating hoopoes From: Rick Wright <birdaz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 08:11:11 -0400 We all know that hoopoes smell bad, but what do they taste like? http://birdaz.com/blog/2013/05/20/none-for-me-thank-you/ -- Rick Wright Bloomfield, NJ Review Editor, Birding Senior Leader, WINGS http://birdingnewjersey.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: something about Australia? From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 20:35:52 -0700 If there is anyone on this list from Australia, would you please contact me directly? I have a question that deals more with logistics than birds.   Gary Felton  -  Kingwood, WV BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: BirdNote - last week & the week of May 19, 2013 From: Ellen Blackstone <ellen AT 123IMAGINE.NET> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 07:26:42 -0700 Hello, BirdChatters, Last week, BirdNote aired: * Birdsongs near Home - Birding, Close at Hand! http://ow.ly/kUYR4 * Salmonberry Bird - Swainson's Thrush http://ow.ly/kV1ZU * Pied-Billed Grebe Nest Construction http://ow.ly/kV2Wv * Black-faced Solitaire - Elusive Singer http://ow.ly/kV4as * Nesting Niches - Layers in the Garden http://ow.ly/kV5kB * Endangered Species Day - Golden-cheeked Warbler http://ow.ly/kV6yY * Unique Chaparral http://bit.ly/14epICs View the photos and links for next week's shows: http://bit.ly/19HXf8r ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BirdNote/38299689818 ... or Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BirdNoteRadio ======================================================================= BirdNote is available by podcast: -- http://feeds.feedburner.com/birdnote/OYfP -- http://tinyurl.com/http-ax-itunes-apple-com-us And on StitcherRadio: http://stitcher.com/s/profile.php?fid=18715 You can listen to the mp3, see a photo, read the transcript, and find related resources on the website. http://www.birdnote.org All episodes are in the archive. Search: http://birdnote.org/archive Thanks for listening! Ellen Blackstone, BirdNote BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: junco From: Rick Wright <birdaz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 17:16:02 -0400 One of the many things to love about juncos is the way that they automatically transform any discussion into a debate about ontology. I think most of us agree that there are juncos that look like the bird in Audubon's painting (and unlike the bird in the engraving for which it served as model). They exist, they are real, they can be detected by human eyes. The point of my note was that while Audubon painted such a bird, he had no framework of thought in which to place it. I don't have a horse in the race (so to speak) when it comes to the metaphysical status of the 'category' to which such birds belong. You can call them a subspecies, a kind, a flavor, a color, a taxon, a population, a group, a sort, a gang -- or you can even oversimplify the matter by calling them all introgressants. And you can most certainly change your opinion over time, as many of the most august authorities have done in print. Great discussion. Thanks! -- Rick Wright Bloomfield, NJ Review Editor, Birding Senior Leader, WINGS http://birdingnewjersey.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Audubon's snowbird From: lgardellabirds AT CHARTER.NET Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 21:37:39 -0400 What do you mean "without repeated infusons.?" In his 1996 sparrow book, Rising does not recognize Cassiar as a subspecies but as an intergrade. Byers, Curson and Olsson a year earlier said of cismontanus that it intergrades with hyemalis and oreganus. Larry Gardella Montgomery, AL On Thu, May 16, 2013 at 12:14 PM, Rick Wright wrote: > Alvaro, > > Did you look at the painting reproduced on the N-YHS website? > http://www.nyhistory.org/node/30300 > Unlike the smudgy bird in the engraving reproduced in my note, the > lower > bird in the painting is to my eye clearly a Cassiar junco and not a > slate-colored; most LA birds are slate-coloreds, of course. > > As to whether cismontanus should be accorded subspecific rank, it all > depends on what the meaning of "is" is. Ironically, Dwight didn't > think so, > even as he coined the name, but Miller argues that though the > population > must have had its origin in a series of hybrid pairings, it persists > as a > 'stabilized' and geographically definable phenotype without repeated > infusions from either "pure" slate-colored or "pure" Oregon-type > birds. > (Unless I misread HBW, doesn't Rising take the same view there?) > > Best, > > r > > > > > -- > Rick Wright > Bloomfield, NJ > > Review Editor, Birding > Senior Leader, WINGS > http://birdingnewjersey.com > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: My Birding trip back East(Contact me off list please) From: john small <joutandabout AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 15:56:04 -0700 For the past 2 weeks I've been on a little vacation back east Mid Hudson N.Y. area. Unfortunately transportation plans for me driven to different places to any serious birding fell through. But however, whenever I was able to be taken to places, I did see some decent bird signings. I will post them off list when I return home next week.   Good Birding John Small Town Of Newburgh, N.Y.(Temporarly) BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Audubon's snowbird From: Rick Wright <birdaz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 17:43:31 -0400 Yes, I'd hate to stake anything of value on the firm identification of the bird in Audubon's painting, but I did run across the street and look at the lectotype of cismontanus afterwards. ;) Best, r On Thu, May 16, 2013 at 5:24 PM, Alvaro Jaramillo wrote: > Rick > > I saw the nicer image, but given that even in the field deciding when you > are looking at a Cassiar Junco, or not is tough and problematic. How can we > do that from an old painting? My point is that it is 50-50 what this could > be, and it is a painting not a photograph and even photographs can deceive, > so my personal opinion is that it's a stretch that this could actually be a > painting of a Cassiar Junco. It may look like one, but is it one? I think > it > is jumping to a conclusion and this is why imagery as the type of a species > or form (as used to happen long ago) is so problematic versus the type > being > a specimen curated in a museum. > I bet Jim Rising could go either way on this one, I remember > chatting about it with him many moons ago. Subspecies are very subjective, > still I find it very difficult and unsatisfying to name one that is > intermediate in geography and look from two adjacent forms, why not just > call this the zone of intergradation? > > Take care, > > Alvaro > > Alvaro Jaramillo > alvaro AT alvarosadventures.com > www.alvarosadventures.com > > -----Original Message----- > From: National Birding Hotline Cooperative (Chat Line) > [mailto:BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Rick Wright > Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 10:14 AM > To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU > Subject: Re: [BIRDCHAT] Audubon's snowbird > > Alvaro, > > Did you look at the painting reproduced on the N-YHS website? > http://www.nyhistory.org/node/30300 > Unlike the smudgy bird in the engraving reproduced in my note, the lower > bird in the painting is to my eye clearly a Cassiar junco and not a > slate-colored; most LA birds are slate-coloreds, of course. > > As to whether cismontanus should be accorded subspecific rank, it all > depends on what the meaning of "is" is. Ironically, Dwight didn't think so, > even as he coined the name, but Miller argues that though the population > must have had its origin in a series of hybrid pairings, it persists as a > 'stabilized' and geographically definable phenotype without repeated > infusions from either "pure" slate-colored or "pure" Oregon-type birds. > (Unless I misread HBW, doesn't Rising take the same view there?) > > Best, > > r > > > > > -- > Rick Wright > Bloomfield, NJ > > Review Editor, Birding > Senior Leader, WINGS > http://birdingnewjersey.com > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html > > -- Rick Wright Bloomfield, NJ Review Editor, Birding Senior Leader, WINGS http://birdingnewjersey.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Audubon's snowbird From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao AT COASTSIDE.NET> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 14:24:13 -0700 Rick I saw the nicer image, but given that even in the field deciding when you are looking at a Cassiar Junco, or not is tough and problematic. How can we do that from an old painting? My point is that it is 50-50 what this could be, and it is a painting not a photograph and even photographs can deceive, so my personal opinion is that it's a stretch that this could actually be a painting of a Cassiar Junco. It may look like one, but is it one? I think it is jumping to a conclusion and this is why imagery as the type of a species or form (as used to happen long ago) is so problematic versus the type being a specimen curated in a museum. I bet Jim Rising could go either way on this one, I remember chatting about it with him many moons ago. Subspecies are very subjective, still I find it very difficult and unsatisfying to name one that is intermediate in geography and look from two adjacent forms, why not just call this the zone of intergradation? Take care, Alvaro Alvaro Jaramillo alvaro AT alvarosadventures.com www.alvarosadventures.com -----Original Message----- From: National Birding Hotline Cooperative (Chat Line) [mailto:BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Rick Wright Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 10:14 AM To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU Subject: Re: [BIRDCHAT] Audubon's snowbird Alvaro, Did you look at the painting reproduced on the N-YHS website? http://www.nyhistory.org/node/30300 Unlike the smudgy bird in the engraving reproduced in my note, the lower bird in the painting is to my eye clearly a Cassiar junco and not a slate-colored; most LA birds are slate-coloreds, of course. As to whether cismontanus should be accorded subspecific rank, it all depends on what the meaning of "is" is. Ironically, Dwight didn't think so, even as he coined the name, but Miller argues that though the population must have had its origin in a series of hybrid pairings, it persists as a 'stabilized' and geographically definable phenotype without repeated infusions from either "pure" slate-colored or "pure" Oregon-type birds. (Unless I misread HBW, doesn't Rising take the same view there?) Best, r -- Rick Wright Bloomfield, NJ Review Editor, Birding Senior Leader, WINGS http://birdingnewjersey.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Audubon's snowbird From: "Tangren, Gerald Vernon" <tangren AT WSU.EDU> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 19:15:17 +0000 In California forty years ago, before the juncos were lumped, we were taught you separated Oregon from slate-colored by the shape of the hood, which would mean we were labeling these birds Oregon. Lumping them gave us the capability to call them what they are -- Jerry WA State University-Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center Wenatchee, WA 509-663-8181 x 231 USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 7a (during the current phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation) http://www.tfrec.wsu.edu/pages/webdev/Favorites ³It¹s folks knowing so much that ain¹t so.² - Henry Wheeler Shaw On 5/16/13 10:14 AM, "Rick Wright" wrote: >Alvaro, > >Did you look at the painting reproduced on the N-YHS website? >http://www.nyhistory.org/node/30300 >Unlike the smudgy bird in the engraving reproduced in my note, the lower >bird in the painting is to my eye clearly a Cassiar junco and not a >slate-colored; most LA birds are slate-coloreds, of course. > >As to whether cismontanus should be accorded subspecific rank, it all >depends on what the meaning of "is" is. Ironically, Dwight didn't think >so, >even as he coined the name, but Miller argues that though the population >must have had its origin in a series of hybrid pairings, it persists as a >'stabilized' and geographically definable phenotype without repeated >infusions from either "pure" slate-colored or "pure" Oregon-type birds. >(Unless I misread HBW, doesn't Rising take the same view there?) > >Best, > >r > > > > >-- >Rick Wright >Bloomfield, NJ > >Review Editor, Birding >Senior Leader, WINGS >http://birdingnewjersey.com > >BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ >Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Audubon's snowbird From: Rick Wright <birdaz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 13:14:04 -0400 Alvaro, Did you look at the painting reproduced on the N-YHS website? http://www.nyhistory.org/node/30300 Unlike the smudgy bird in the engraving reproduced in my note, the lower bird in the painting is to my eye clearly a Cassiar junco and not a slate-colored; most LA birds are slate-coloreds, of course. As to whether cismontanus should be accorded subspecific rank, it all depends on what the meaning of "is" is. Ironically, Dwight didn't think so, even as he coined the name, but Miller argues that though the population must have had its origin in a series of hybrid pairings, it persists as a 'stabilized' and geographically definable phenotype without repeated infusions from either "pure" slate-colored or "pure" Oregon-type birds. (Unless I misread HBW, doesn't Rising take the same view there?) Best, r -- Rick Wright Bloomfield, NJ Review Editor, Birding Senior Leader, WINGS http://birdingnewjersey.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Audubon's snowbird From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao AT COASTSIDE.NET> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 09:49:10 -0700 Rick Aren't most juncos in Louisiana classic Slate-colored? Why does this have to be a Cassiar Junco, rather than a poorly colored Slate-colored? I guess I am not convinced. For those not into juncos, the Cassiar Junco is a bird that has been given a name ("cismontanus") and usually is considered a subspecies within the Slate-colored Junco group. In fact it is an intergrade between Slate-colored and Oregon juncos, and thus should probably not be considered a proper subspecies (intergrades, and clines in morphology are not allowed as subspecies). From Jasper, Alberta on north you can start seeing these intermediate guys during the breeding season; they are highly variable as you would expect for an intermediate population. Alvaro Alvaro Jaramillo alvaro AT alvarosadventures.com www.alvarosadventures.com -----Original Message----- From: National Birding Hotline Cooperative (Chat Line) [mailto:BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Rick Wright Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 8:58 AM To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU Subject: [BIRDCHAT] Audubon's snowbird The New-York Historical Society's Audubon show is hanging for another three days. Not only has it taught me a lot about the artist, but I learned a bit about the birds, too, including a real eye-opener in the junco arena: http://birdaz.com/blog/2013/05/16/avant-la-lettre-what-is-audubons-snow-bird / -- Rick Wright Bloomfield, NJ Review Editor, Birding Senior Leader, WINGS http://birdingnewjersey.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Audubon's snowbird From: Rick Wright <birdaz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 11:58:08 -0400 The New-York Historical Society's Audubon show is hanging for another three days. Not only has it taught me a lot about the artist, but I learned a bit about the birds, too, including a real eye-opener in the junco arena: http://birdaz.com/blog/2013/05/16/avant-la-lettre-what-is-audubons-snow-bird/ -- Rick Wright Bloomfield, NJ Review Editor, Birding Senior Leader, WINGS http://birdingnewjersey.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: macaw genome sequenced From: Devorah the Ornithologist <birdologist AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 19:42:04 +0100 hi everyone, i thought you might enjoy reading a little about the scarlet macaw genome project, and how it contributes to our knowledge of the conservation and biology of parrots and other birds, and to our knowledge of human health: http://gu.com/p/3fneh/tw and as a bonus, you can also see photographs of scarlet macaw chromosomes! cheers, -- GrrlScientist Devorah Bennu, PhD birdologist AT gmail.com http://gplus.to/grrlscientist http://www.grrlscientist.net/ http://twitter.com/GrrlScientist http://www.guardian.co.uk/grrlscientist http://www.scilogs.com/maniraptora/ The most valuable service you can perform is to think independently BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Bird Burst in Tok, Alaska From: Joyanne Hamilton <innoko_bird AT ME.COM> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 20:19:42 -0800 Hi Folks, I'm a subscriber to the BorealBird listserv in Alaska. There has been a lot of comment about the bursting of songbirds just in the last couple of days int he Tok, Alaska area. Bird reporters say that the birds are so thick on the highways you can barely drive through them. Junco's, White-crowned Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows are mentioned. All report that this migration is highly irregular. So if any of you experts want to take a quick flight to check this out, now's the time. Just wanted you folks to know what's going on at the northern end of 2013 migration. Updates from Shageluk: Our weather has been unseasonably cold. We have had daily lows of 17* and highs around 45-50*. My students and I have observed: Tundra Swans Sandhill Cranes Canadian Geese White-fronted Geese Yellow-crowned Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Tree Swallows I saw 2 Cliff Swallows on our power lines yesterday, VERY early for them. Today we saw a HUGE flock of Snow Geese fly low over our village. Our little Kindergarteners were out on the ball court playing in the melting snow. You could hear them squeal loudly at the sight. One of them hollered out to me, "Jo-ey! Jo-ey! I just saw a HUNREN Geese!" I said, "I know! I'm watching them, too!" and NO AMERICAN ROBINS. We shall see if the isotherm theory holds out! Joyanne Hamilton Shageluk, Alaska on the Innoko River BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Birding in Spain RFI From: Dennis Burnette <deburnette AT TRIAD.RR.COM> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 12:07:34 -0400 Bird Chatters, I have been following with interest the thread on the best time for birding in Spain. I expect to have an opportunity to visit my daughter in Spain in 2014, and I believe that I'll be able to choose the month of my visit. I hope to spend about 10 days there, some of which I will be able to allocate for birding. I have begun planning my visit and accumulating information. It will be my first time in Spain. Although my daughter is in Madrid, I intend to travel to other parts of the country to combine sight-seeing with birding. I have birded in the UK and in northwestern Europe (Denmark, northern Germany, Switzerland) several times, so I have seen most of the common species in those parts of the world. I've never been in southern Europe. Any advice regarding locations and timing in Spain will be much appreciated. -- Dennis Burnette Greensboro, NC deburnette AT triad.rr.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Spain - winter months From: Richard Carlson <rccarl AT PACBELL.NET> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 13:23:02 -0700 Don't forget Donana National park near Seville.   Richard Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Tucson, AZ & Lake Tahoe, CA rccarl AT pacbell.net Tucson 520-760-4935 Tahoe 530-581-0624 Cell 650-280-2965 ________________________________ From: stephen christopher To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 10:22 AM Subject: Re: [BIRDCHAT] Spain - winter months Hi Susan You're considering an excellent time.  Rather than trekking for hours in the Pyrenees in Spring or Summer, Wintering Wallcreeper are available quite easily along the coast near Barcelona (and 20 minutes from my house!) between mid-November and the end of February. Flocks of both Little and Great Bustards, along with Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, are also quite a spectacle in the Steppes at this time and another very popular resident, the bone-eating Lammergeier (or Bearded Vulture), presides over the Pyrenees where high-altitude breeders such as Alpine Accentor and (White-winged) Snowfinch drop to accessible heights. I've sent you an email with more details. Al the best Stephen Christopher (Barcelona, Spain) On 8 May 2013, at 18:45, Stephen Elliott wrote: > Hello Susan Late Feb- mid March is good if you are particularly looking for Wallcreeper in the Pyrenees foothills , however May would be the better time for migrants and displaying Great and Little Bustards etc.. It also depends where you are planning to visit; let me know when you are closer to making a decision and I should be able to send you details of what you will see and the best sites. > > Regards > > Steve > > <") >  ( \ >  / |`` > >> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 11:06:20 -0400 >> From: sfogleman AT ROADRUNNER.COM >> Subject: [BIRDCHAT] Spain - winter months >> To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU >> >> Fellow Chatters, >> >> >> >> What, in your opinions, is the best time of year to bird in Spain? >> >> >> >> I am considering travelling there next winter, and would be grateful for any >> advice those of you with experience birding in that country might provide. >> >> >> >> Thanks in advance. >> >> >> >> Susan Fogleman >> >> Campton NH >> >> >> BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ >> Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Spain - winter months From: stephen christopher <s.christopher22 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 19:22:03 +0200 Hi Susan You're considering an excellent time. Rather than trekking for hours in the Pyrenees in Spring or Summer, Wintering Wallcreeper are available quite easily along the coast near Barcelona (and 20 minutes from my house!) between mid-November and the end of February. Flocks of both Little and Great Bustards, along with Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, are also quite a spectacle in the Steppes at this time and another very popular resident, the bone-eating Lammergeier (or Bearded Vulture), presides over the Pyrenees where high-altitude breeders such as Alpine Accentor and (White-winged) Snowfinch drop to accessible heights. I've sent you an email with more details. Al the best Stephen Christopher (Barcelona, Spain) On 8 May 2013, at 18:45, Stephen Elliott wrote: > Hello Susan Late Feb- mid March is good if you are particularly looking for Wallcreeper in the Pyrenees foothills , however May would be the better time for migrants and displaying Great and Little Bustards etc.. It also depends where you are planning to visit; let me know when you are closer to making a decision and I should be able to send you details of what you will see and the best sites. > > Regards > > Steve > > <") > ( \ > / |`` > >> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 11:06:20 -0400 >> From: sfogleman AT ROADRUNNER.COM >> Subject: [BIRDCHAT] Spain - winter months >> To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU >> >> Fellow Chatters, >> >> >> >> What, in your opinions, is the best time of year to bird in Spain? >> >> >> >> I am considering travelling there next winter, and would be grateful for any >> advice those of you with experience birding in that country might provide. >> >> >> >> Thanks in advance. >> >> >> >> Susan Fogleman >> >> Campton NH >> >> >> BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ >> Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Dinosaurs and birds From: Douglas Carver <dhmcarver AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 09:28:47 -0600 A schematic from the wonderful folks at xkcd -- I thought the list would appreciate it: http://xkcd.com/1211/ Douglas Carver Albuquerque, NM -- Dilexi iustitiam et odivi iniquitatem, propterea morior in exilio. (I have loved justice and hated iniquity, therefore I die in exile.) -- the last words of Saint Pope Gregory VII (d. 1085) BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: RFI: First visit to Ireland and England From: Jerry Friedman <jerry_friedman AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 09:39:00 -0700 It looks as if I may be going to Ireland and England--probably southern England, and Wales is possible--for the first time this summer, probably in early August, and will have a morning or two for birding.  Does anyone have any suggestions for adding to my quite short European list?  Would I do better by going earlier in the summer, if possible?  I'm not any more interested in rarities than I am in common birds.  I don't have any target birds except singing Eurasian Skylark.  Well, some other well-known singers (Common Nightingale, Song Thrush, Blackcap) would be nice too. How important would it be to drive myself in the two countries? Jerry Friedman Espanola, New Mexico BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: BirdNote - last week & the week of May 12, 2013 From: Ellen Blackstone <ellen AT 123IMAGINE.NET> Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 08:49:32 -0700 Hello, BirdChatters, Check out the series of dueling sandpipers in our Sights & Sounds Gallery! Photos by Gregg Thompson. http://bit.ly/15yRKwl ---------------------------- Last week, BirdNote aired: * The Comical Voice of the Willow Ptarmigan http://ow.ly/kHa0W * American Robins - Exceptional Singers http://ow.ly/kHaAI * Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory - Celebrates International Migratory Bird Day (w/a gorgeous photo of a Ferruginous Hawk!) http://ow.ly/kHfyX * Welcome to the Macaulay Library - With Linda Macaulay & Gerrit Vyn http://ow.ly/kHeSU * Swallows Return to Nest http://ow.ly/kHfoC * Savor the Sight of Migrating Birds http://ow.ly/kHfVD * World of Warblers http://ow.ly/kHgac View the photos and links for next week's shows: http://bit.ly/YB49uB ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BirdNote/38299689818 ... or Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BirdNoteRadio ======================================================================= BirdNote is available by podcast: -- http://feeds.feedburner.com/birdnote/OYfP -- http://tinyurl.com/http-ax-itunes-apple-com-us And on StitcherRadio: http://stitcher.com/s/profile.php?fid=18715 You can listen to the mp3, see a photo, read the transcript, and find related resources on the website. http://www.birdnote.org All episodes are in the archive. Search: http://birdnote.org/archive Thanks for listening! Ellen Blackstone, BirdNote BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Alphabet Bird Collection (book review) From: Devorah the Ornithologist <birdologist AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 20:06:48 +0100 Alphabet Bird Collection (book review) hello everyone, since i was a judge selecting the shortlist for the Royal Society's Young People's Science Book Awards, i've been reading a lot of children's books. today, i reviewed one of these books that might appeal to birders, their children and also to local libraries. my review can be read here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/grrlscientist/2013/may/08/1 cheers, -- GrrlScientist Devorah Bennu, PhD birdologist AT gmail.com http://gplus.to/grrlscientist http://www.grrlscientist.net/ http://twitter.com/GrrlScientist http://www.guardian.co.uk/grrlscientist http://www.scilogs.com/maniraptora/ The most valuable service you can perform is to think independently BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Spain - winter months From: Stephen Elliott <steve_elliott2000 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 16:45:01 +0000 Hello Susan Late Feb- mid March is good if you are particularly looking for Wallcreeper in the Pyrenees foothills , however May would be the better time for migrants and displaying Great and Little Bustards etc.. It also depends where you are planning to visit; let me know when you are closer to making a decision and I should be able to send you details of what you will see and the best sites. Regards Steve <") ( \ / |`` > Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 11:06:20 -0400 > From: sfogleman AT ROADRUNNER.COM > Subject: [BIRDCHAT] Spain - winter months > To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU > > Fellow Chatters, > > > > What, in your opinions, is the best time of year to bird in Spain? > > > > I am considering travelling there next winter, and would be grateful for any > advice those of you with experience birding in that country might provide. > > > > Thanks in advance. > > > > Susan Fogleman > > Campton NH > > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Spain - winter months From: Susan Fogleman <sfogleman AT ROADRUNNER.COM> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 11:06:20 -0400 Fellow Chatters, What, in your opinions, is the best time of year to bird in Spain? I am considering travelling there next winter, and would be grateful for any advice those of you with experience birding in that country might provide. Thanks in advance. Susan Fogleman Campton NH BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Pacific Northwest Migration From: "R.D. Everhart" <everhart AT BLACK-HOLE.COM> Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 08:53:56 -0500 Just so I'm not accused of ignoring the western part of the U.S. when I post about migration, I checked out a couple of radar images for the Pacific Northwest this morning and it looks like a pretty good landing of birds along the coast from Portland, OR to Vancouver, BC. I've posted some images from this morning showing the dawn landing: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspopt.com Thanks to Ann Nightingale form the link to the U Wash. radar. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Migration Hot Spots Tonight From: "R.D. Everhart" <everhart AT BLACK-HOLE.COM> Date: Sat, 4 May 2013 23:35:35 -0500 It looks like 2 areas are experiencing heavier migration than most of the eastern U.S.. South Texas and Wisconsin are really lit up on radar. Images from approximately 11:30 pm are posted at: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com The large weather system that has been causing all this unusual weather is finally falling apart so migration for the next week should pick up in those areas where it has been held back. If you're in the areas that got snow (14+ inches in some parts of MN and WI) keep your feeders full, including hummingbird feeders. Keep looking up, Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Turkeys and Dinosaurs (photo) From: "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 4 May 2013 10:01:09 -0700 Sometimes Wild Turkeys remind me of dinosaurs. I think the turkey in this photo could have been in the cast of the movie "Jurassic Park".  :-)   There's something about the low light levels that give the bird a reptilian look. Photo taken from my deck:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444 AT N07/8706120642/   Bernie Sloan Highland Park, NJ BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: BirdNote - last week & the week of May 5, 2013 From: Ellen Blackstone <ellen AT 123IMAGINE.NET> Date: Sat, 4 May 2013 07:35:41 -0700 Hello, BirdChatters, Last week, BirdNote aired: * Sunning with Doves http://ow.ly/kus1H * Voices and Vocabularies - Cardinals' Duet http://ow.ly/kus8i (Amazing photo!) * A Chicago Building Manager Shows the Way - More about Chicago Bird Collision Monitors http://ow.ly/kusC3 * Night Voices - Nightjars http://ow.ly/kutpq * Monitoring the Health of Coastal Raptors -- Featuring Dan Varland in search of "V/V," A Peregrine Falcon on the WA Coast http://ow.ly/kutxQ * Peacocks in India http://ow.ly/kuu7S * Long-billed Curlew - Singing over the Grassland http://bit.ly/108JHO7 View the photos and links for next week's shows: http://bit.ly/18C8zlY ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BirdNote/38299689818 ... or Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BirdNoteRadio ======================================================================= BirdNote is available by podcast: -- http://feeds.feedburner.com/birdnote/OYfP -- http://tinyurl.com/http-ax-itunes-apple-com-us And on StitcherRadio: http://stitcher.com/s/profile.php?fid=18715 You can listen to the mp3, see a photo, read the transcript, and find related resources on the website. http://www.birdnote.org All episodes are in the archive. Search: http://birdnote.org/archive Thanks for listening! Ellen Blackstone, BirdNote BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: warblers on the Missouri River From: Rick Wright <birdaz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 May 2013 09:45:28 -0400 Early birds on the river: http://birdaz.com/blog/2013/05/03/warblers-on-the-missouri/ -- Rick Wright Bloomfield, NJ Review Editor, Birding Senior Leader, WINGS http://birdingnewjersey.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Visiting N.Y. Mid-Hudson area 5-5-13 - 5-17-13 From: john small <joutandabout AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 2 May 2013 19:49:31 -0700 Good Evening Birdchatters whom reside in the Orange County N.Y. area. I will be arriving tomorrow( Friday night 5-4-13, and will be spending the next 2 weeks in the Newburgh and Cornwall area. My target life birds will be Red Bellied Woodpecker, Wild Turkey, maybe Purple Martin, and Golden Winged Warbler. I also hoping to possibly get down to the New Jersey area, and pick up Carolina Chickadee. Are there any King Rails in the area? I will to get access to computer to see if I get any responses from any birdchatters. I will be taking my cell phone with me. My cell phone no. is: (310)-781-0675. Hope to hear from someone.   Good Birding Sincerely John Small Torrance, CA  BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Birding Community E-bulletin - April 2013 From: Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore <barb620 AT THEWORLD.COM> Date: Thu, 2 May 2013 08:00:27 -0400 The April 2013 issue of the Birding Community E-bulletin is now available the web, covering news and issues relevant to birders. Please share with birders you know! Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA barb620 AT theworld.com * * * This Birding Community E-bulletin is designed for active and concerned birders, those dedicated to the joys of birding and the protection of birds and their habitats. This issue is sponsored by the producers of superb quality birding binoculars and scopes, Carl Zeiss Sport Optics: www.zeiss.com/SPORTS You can access this issue and the archive of past E-bulletins on the website of the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA): http://refugeassociation.org/news/birding-bulletin/ The April 2013 edition includes the following topics: RARITY FOCUS - Gray Heron in eastern Newfoundland WHOOPING CRANE SHOOTING CASES - in separate incidents and legal cases, two sentenced TEXAS WHOOPING CRANE DECISION - TCEQ cannot approve or grant new water permits IZEMBEK ROAD MESS PERSISTS - re-opening the Service's exhaustive analysis IBA NEWS: MORE BLACK-CAPPED PETRELS FOUND - good and bad news CERULEAN WARBLER MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES - new downloadable management guidelines BIRDS AND BEES: NEONICOTINOIDS - effects on birds and other wildlife RAT TALES FROM ANACAPA ISLAND - rats were devastating the island's birdlife ACCESS MATTERS: RARE BIRDS, ACCESSIBLE BIRDS - adopt a policy BOOK NOTES: BONES AND MORE - THE UNFEATHERED BIRD (Princeton, 2013) TIP OF THE MONTH: PLAN FOR IMBD - second Saturday in May in the U.S. and Canad CUBAN BULLFINCH CASE SENTENCING - light sentence in case from October 2012 - - - - - - - - You can access past E-bulletins on the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) website: http://refugeassociation.org/news/birding-bulletin/ If you wish to receive the bulletin or have any friends or co-workers who want to get onto the monthly E-bulletin mailing list, have them contact either: Wayne R. Petersen Director Massachusetts Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program Mass Audubon wpetersen-at-massaudubon.org Paul J. Baicich Great Birding Projects paul.baicich-at-verizon.net If you wish to distribute all or parts of any of the monthly Birding Community E-bulletins, they simply request that you mention the source of any material used. (Include a URL for the E-bulletin archives, if possible.) The Birding Community E-bulletin never lends or sells their recipient list. BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Sorry for the hack From: Al Schirmacher <alschirmacher AT LIVE.COM> Date: Wed, 1 May 2013 15:54:13 -0500 My apologies for the unsolicited gunk you received from my email this afternoon. Please do not open it! Passwords have been changed, system scanned, history deleted, strong words spoken (at least, as strong as an evangelical minister becomes); the problem should be resolved. I now return you to the birds. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Costa Rica Birding and Airport Security From: birding AT AOL.COM Date: Wed, 1 May 2013 17:31:20 -0400 Chatters, I recently returned from a 2 week birding trip to Costa Rica with 5 of my birding friends. First I would highly recommend Costa Rica Gateway, if you're thinking of Costa Rica as a birding destination. Everything worked like clockwork. All accomodation was terrific (La Selva Biological Reserve is not a resort, rather an educational centre, but still quite acceptable), and transportation between lodges was always waiting and ready to go. They have many options and custom tours. Briefly, our first stop (as well as our last) was the beautiful Hotel Bougainvillea, just outside San Jose, with its magnificent gardens (great for birding).My favourite bird was the Chestnut-capped Brush-finch. Next morning, off to the Hotel Punta Leona for 3 nights (a large complex on the Pacific Ocean, which is near the Carara Reserve, and a Tarcoles River tour was included). Scarlet Macaws are quite common here (I saw none at Carara). We next travelled to the Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve, down the coast, but up 7000 ft. (cold at night), where we stayed for 2 nights. The Collared Redstart entertained us on the lounge deck before dinner, and we had great looks at 3 Spotted Wood-Quail, during a guided hike. Next the La Selva Research Station for 3 nights. Very hot and humid after Savegre. Lots of great birds including the Snowy Cotinga, White-whiskered Puffbird, Chestnut-colored Woodpecker and of course the Honeycreepers. Finally, off to Rancho Naturalista in the Caribbean foothills for 3 nights, one of my favourite destinations (I've stayed there twice before and the Erb family are tremendous hosts and hostesses. The daughter Lisa, now manages Rancho.). Lisa took us to one of her spots where we saw the Green Ibis and a Sunbittern feeding its young at the nest, among other sightings. Last night back to Hotel Bougainvillea. We saw over 200 species, during a trip that was not listing or target inspired, where we used guides on and off rather than every waking minute. Someone more focussed, and using guides every day, I'm sure could have had a list well over 300 birds. We also spent a good deal of time photographing and recording the birds as we went. I may be naive, and lacking in forethought, but I got a real going-over by the security at San Jose airport on our departure. Batteries (9 volt, AA and AAA) were spotted in my backpack. That meant that all the contents were emptied and examined piece by piece, and my backpack was run through a second time. Several of the batteries were confiscated (not all), and the blunt-ended tiny folding knife combo which holds my keychain was confiscated as well (later on the plane to be served a meal with a knife 9 in long). All this while two tall young men were occupied unwinding reels of fishing line, which was also disallowed from being taken onboard. I have to admit that I had put my batteries in my checked luggage on the way down, but overlooked putting them back for the return trip. I won't forget the next time, as much to avoid the hassle as for "keeping" my batteries. Next week, off to Point Pelee. All the best, Ernie Jardine Pickering Ontario Birding AT aol.com www.birdsongidentification.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Heavy Migration Tonight From: "R.D. Everhart" <everhart AT BLACK-HOLE.COM> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:52:08 -0500 Radar is indicating heavy movement everywhere in the eastern U.S. south of a cold front moving across the upper midwest. I have posted a radar image here: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Everyone south of the front should notice a significant change in the birds present in their area by tomorrow morning. Good Birding, Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN (north of the cold front...) BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Another goose nesting on a bridge! From: "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:08:38 -0700 I've been reporting on a Canada Goose sitting on a nest about 25 feet above ground on a concrete bridge abutment on the railroad bridge that crosses the Raritan River between Highland Park and New Brunswick in New Jersey.   Today I was checking out the Route 18 highway bridge over the Raritan River, looking for Cliff Swallows (there are a couple of old Cliff Swallow nests on this bridge). Then I saw a Canada Goose sitting on a nest on the bridge about 35-40 feet above the river, right below the traffic lanes:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444 AT N07/8697355916/   Guess Canadas nesting on bridges are more common than I thought! :-)   By the way, the railroad bridge Canada Geese apparently had a nesting failure a couple of weeks ago. When I walked by one day, both of the geese were grazing on the ground with no goslings, and there was nesting debris all over the place under the bridge. Then, on Sunday, 4/21, the female was back on the nest, and she's been there every day since.   Bernie Sloan Highland Park, NJ BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Two Egret species in one photo From: "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:23:58 -0700 Only the second Snowy Egret I've ever seen, and the first time I've ever photographed two egret species in the same photo! Snowy Egret on left. Great Egret on right. Gives you a good idea of size differential and distinguishing features. Snowy has dark bill, Great has yellow. Snowy has dark legs and yellow feet, Great has black legs and feet. Photo taken in Johnson Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444 AT N07/8696959634/   Bernie Sloan Highland Park, NJ BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Guatemala birding trip spot opening From: "Tim Boucher (Ellen Paul)" <tboucher AT GEOCITIES.COM> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:27:38 -0500 Hi all Three of us are planning to do a long weekend birding trip to Guatemala (over the Presidents' Day weekend of 2014), specifically to look for Horned Guan (by climbing the volcano) and Pink-headed Warbler the next day - and we are looking for a fourth person to come with us (to share a room). If you are interested, please contact me, and I can send you expected costs of the trip (we are using a local guiding company). One thing to note - you need to be in good shape for this trip - the walk up the volcano is pretty tough! See: http://10000birds.com/getting-the-guan.htm You could also easily do this as apart of a longer trip - either before or after - or both! (we will be birding near lake Atitlan). Unfortunately we don't have the vacation time for longer! Thanks Tim Boucher Bethesda, MD BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: subscribe From: Barbara Wilson <bherrick AT BUFFALO.EDU> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:46:23 -0400 BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: BirdNote - last week & the week of Apr. 28, 2013 From: Ellen Blackstone <ellen AT 123IMAGINE.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2013 09:04:40 -0700 Hello, BirdChatters, Last week, BirdNote aired: * First Songster of the Day - And Often the Last! The American Robin http://ow.ly/kfXQM * Celebrate the Earth - April 22, Earth Day, 2013 http://ow.ly/kfYe1 * A Virginia Rail on Michigan Avenue - What?! http://ow.ly/kfYqS * Bird Rehabilitation at Willowbrook Center http://ow.ly/kfZaN * Waking to Howler Monkeys - With Roger Melendez http://ow.ly/kg0Sx * Turkey Calling - Which is the real thing? http://ow.ly/kg0Y6 * Cactus Wren Nest Orientation http://ow.ly/kg15t View the photos and links for next week's shows: http://bit.ly/ZOjmsu ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BirdNote/38299689818 ... or Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BirdNoteRadio ======================================================================= BirdNote is available by podcast: -- http://feeds.feedburner.com/birdnote/OYfP -- http://tinyurl.com/http-ax-itunes-apple-com-us And on StitcherRadio: http://stitcher.com/s/profile.php?fid=18715 You can listen to the mp3, see a photo, read the transcript, and find related resources on the website. http://www.birdnote.org All episodes are in the archive. Search: http://birdnote.org/archive Thanks for listening! Ellen Blackstone, BirdNote BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Magee Marsh, Ohio: resources for birders From: Kenn Kaufman <kenn AT KAUFMANFIELDGUIDES.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:22:07 +0000 Within the last couple of decades, the area centered on Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ohio, has gained recognition as one of the finest places in North America to witness spring migration. This stretch of the Lake Erie shoreline just east of Toledo has several key areas of stopover habitat, and so many northbound birds pause there in spring that opportunities for viewing and photography are outstanding - especially from the end of April through the third week of May, with exceptional numbers of warblers and other songbird migrants. For birders considering a visit, here are some helpful sources of information. If you haven't heard of the area at all, there's an overview in this feature article that I wrote for Birding, the magazine of the American Birding Association, in 2010: http://www.aba.org/birding/v42n1p38.pdf The Black Swamp Bird Observatory ( http://www.bsbo.org/ ), which has its headquarters at the entrance to Magee Marsh, maintains a series of "birding pages" with many kinds of information for birders; the link is here: http://www.bsbo.org/birding/ Links from the "birding pages" include directions and maps for local birding sites. The single most famous local site is the boardwalk at Magee Marsh. This boardwalk winds for almost a mile through a small woodlot between the marshes and Lake Erie, and great concentrations of migrants can be seen along its length and along the edges of the adjacent parking lot. For easy communication about the locations of birds on the boardwalk, numbers are etched into the railing, so that birders can report things like "The Golden-winged Warbler is being seen at #14." To find these numbers, it's a good idea to carry a map that shows their locations; you can pick up such a map at Black Swamp Bird Observatory, or print out your own from this link: http://www.bsbo.org/birding/pdf/magee_marsh_boardwalk_map_and_text.pdf An overview map of Magee Marsh can be printed out from this link: http://www.bsbo.org/birding/pdf/Magee_Marsh_Map.pdf During the migration season, especially in late spring, some friends and I study the weather and try to predict which days will be best for seeing migrants. We post these predictions, along with reports on recent sightings, on this blog: http://cranecreekbirding.blogspot.com/ The Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) runs a springtime bird festival called "The Biggest Week in American Birding," scheduled for May 3-12 this year. This festival actually has the effect of reducing the crowds on the Magee boardwalk, since we hand out maps and directions to many other local sites, and run field trips all over a three-county surrounding area. For anyone coming to bird in the area, even if they're not registered for the festival, there is a wealth of information to be found in the Biggest Week Visitors' Guide. Printed copies of the Guide can be picked up at many sites throughout n.w. Ohio, but it's also viewable online at http://issuu.com/presspublications/docs/americanbirding2013new It's worthwhile to consider registering for the Biggest Week ( http://www.biggestweekinamericanbirding.com/ ) even if you're not interested in any of the workshops, field trips, or programs; registration entitles you to various discounts at local restaurants and other businesses, and gives you free access to some fun social events. You can also sign up to follow the Biggest Week on Twitter and have up-to-the-minute bird sightings sent straight to your smartphone. If you are coming to the area for birding, please stop at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (just north of Ohio State Route 2 at the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area) for information and birding maps, and to check out the book store and "window on wildlife." BSBO works year-round to promote research, education, and conservation throughout Ohio and the surrounding regions, and it's a good organization for birders to know. Kenn Kaufman Oak Harbor, Ohio BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Bad News: to all users of worldbirdinfo and the many birds I have come to know From: John Penhallurick <jpenhall AT BIGPOND.NET.AU> Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:13:40 +1000 Hi all, I received some bad news on Thursday 14 February when I was diagnosed with bulbar-onset Motor Neurone Disease. This is a terminal disease with no known cures. Some good news that I received from Prof Kiernen in Sydney, Australia's leading authority on MND was that the trend at the onset tended to continue throughout the disease:that is, if you deterioriated significanlty in the first six months, you could expect that trend to continue. Since the trend from onset with me had been gradual, I was told I could expect that to continue. The thing that saddens and worries me most, after saying goodbye to my wife, daughters and granddaughter, and having to give up my ambition to get to 8000 birds, is that a month after I die, my website will disappear. Since it is on a commercial site,once payment stops, the website will be taken down. Can anyone (perhaps in particular someone at a university) off a website, where worldbirdinfo could remain.I will continue to work on it for as long as I am able. I expect it's too much to expect that someone would be willing to continue working this massive project? Dr John Penhallurick 86 Bingley Cres Fraser A.C.T. 2615 Australia email:jpenhall AT bigpond.net.au Phone: Home (612) 62585428 Mobile:0408585426 sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt Aeneid Book 1,line 462 "The world is a world of tears, and the burdens of mortality touch the heart." Magna est veritas et praevalet Vulgate, Book of Edras The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but can not do at all, or can not so well do, for themselves-in their separate, and individual capacities. Abraham Lincoln "It's good to look beyond the bounds of accepted ideas" James Peebles,Princeton University Please visit my website: http://www.worldbirdinfo.net Please visit my blog: http://jpenhall.wordpress.com/2011/04/02/john-penhalluricks-blog-1-evidence- that-the-ipccs-case-is-a-fraud/ BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: RFI: Pittsburgh birding From: donald lewis <donlewis AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:42:10 -0700 I will be in downtown Pittsburgh next month for a convention and have one day (a Thursday) to bird and maybe the preceding evening. My nemesis bird is Philadelphia Vireo. eBird has very few postings for the Pittsburgh area. Can anyone suggest the best place to look for the nemesis? As a left coaster I will, of course, also very much enjoy a good sampling of eastern warblers but it's that nemesis I'd really like to see. In addition, I've never seen or heard a Woodcock or Eastern Whip-poor-will. If anyone can suggest a good spot to try in the evening or early AM, I'd very much appreciate it. Hillman State Park for Whip-poor-will? Imperial Grasslands for Woodcock? eBird records suggest these two spots but there may be others, better, closer?? All suggestions would be very welcome. Don Lewis Lafayette, CA BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Crazed turkeys From: "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:43:57 -0700 There was a flock of four male Wild Turkeys running around through our woods all afternoon the other day. Sprinting. Trotting. Rarely walking. Seems like every time I looked out the window I saw them running in one direction or another. Occasionally they would stop and forage, getting along amicably. Then a fight would break out. I'm thinking that maybe these birds are siblings (there was a hen with five poults here late last summer) and they are not quite sure how to interact with each other now that the hormones are kicking in? They were moving around so much that I could only get one decent photo. Here's three of them. The two on the left had just chased away the one on the right. Photo taken from my deck: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444 AT N07/8673203232/ In addition to photographing birds and wildflowers, I really enjoy photographing fish, which can be pretty challenging. Anyone know what species of fish these are? Maybe an inch long. Buell Brook, Johnson Park (Highland Park, NJ). Maybe 100 feet from the Raritan River: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444 AT N07/8669094091/ Bernie Sloan Highland Park, NJ BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: New River Birding & Nature Festival 2013 From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:20:02 -0400 There are still a few spots open for all or part of the week-long New River Birding & Nature Festival in Fayette County, West Virginia. Bird Watcher's Digest calls this one of the top birding festivals; professional guides from around the country lead field trips and give lectures that are bound to expand your understanding of and appreciation for wild birds. The 11th annual event will be 29 April-4 May 2013. For details please see http://www.birding-wv.com Happy (Mountaineer) Nature Watching! BILL P.S. Please "Like" our new Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HiltonPond for timely updates on nature topics. ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA office & cell (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 ================== BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Birdathon From: john small <joutandabout AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:46:18 -0700 OK Dave, 4 different locations !st at my own residence 1 Anna's Hummingbird(female) at my hummingbird feeder. Then on my way to start my area(s) starting with Downtown Torrance, I saw 2 Eurasian Collared Doves( I normally count this introduced species, but don't count Rock Pigeons, Starlings, or House Sparrows).    Downtown Torrance was virtually a no migrant zone Location 1   Birds seen   Western Gull  4 Gull Sp. 6 Allens Hummingbird20 (2 seen 18 heard) Common Crow 50 Western Scrub Jay 1 ( This species is seriously low numbers in my area) Mourning Dove 1 (heard only) Mockingbird 1 seen, 2 heard Swallow sp 2 (They were flying too high to be correctly identified) House Finch 30 Orange Crowned Warbler 1   Species seen at location 1: 10    The next location was a little better bird wise Former L.A. County Health Center on Carson St.   Location 2   Birds Seen:   Western Gull 2 Gull sp. (Too high to identify) 6 Downy Woodpecker 2 (1 male, 1 female) Common Raven 5 Common Crow 5  (Western Tanager 1)             Hyphenated birds, best birds seen at location (Nashville Warbler 1) (Hooded Oriole (Young male) 1) (Red Breasted Nuthatch 3( 1 seen 2 heard) Bushtits 50 House Finch 20 Black Phoebe 2 Lesser Goldfinch 1   Species seen at location 2: 13     Torrance Park: Another no migrant zone   Location 3   Birds seen   Western Gull 2 Gull Sp. 2 Coopers Hawk 1 Allens Hummingbird 10 (Mostly females) Anna's Hummingbird 1 Male) Common Raven 6 Common Crows 10 Bushtits 50 House Finches 30 Black Phoebe 10 Lesser Goldfinch 3  Cedar Waxwings: Heard only, was unable locate for count      Species seen at location 3: 12     Finally I traveled to last location 4 at dusk at abandoned Santa Fe RR tracks on Van Ness Ave, just north of Del Amo Blvd for possible sightings/listening for Great Horned/Barn Owls. Neither happened   Birds seen/heard   Swallow Sp. 6 ( It was too dark to identify) Killdeer 1 (Briefly Heard) Mockingbird 1 (heard)   Birds seen/heard location 4: 3     Notes: Lack of migrants very puzzling for this year. Not even Yellow Rumps,and or Townsends. sighting only 1 Orange Crowned was really unusual. I some what disappointed, this being my Birdathon area, and I was by myself too. I was unable to get to Wilson Park. Maybe Bob Shanman can possibly cover that area when he does his Birdathon on Friday (4-26-13)   Birdathon: Torrance, CA general area Participants: 1 (John Small)   Signing Off John     --- On Thu, 4/18/13, David Quadhamer wrote: From: David Quadhamer Subject: Birdathon To: "joutandabout AT yahoo.com" Date: Thursday, April 18, 2013, 11:19 PM Hi John, Thanks for helping with the birdathon. You're covering some good areas. Can you email me your bird list when you have time to compile it? David BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Netting to Deter Swallow Nest Building? From: Veronica Bowers <vlbowers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:22:22 -0700 Netting is the least desirable means of excluding swallows and inherently dangerous. I am intimately involved in the case Joe is referring to (see our website for details about this atrocity: www.nativesongbirdcare.org as well as our facebook page). Netting is a common application because it is inexpensive, but in addition to being a hazard to the swallows, it is requires constant maintenance. It loosens quickly and must be tightened, it is prone to tearing and developing wholes. Per our state transportation agency, the agency that caused this ordeal in SonomaCounty, California, netting is not a desirable method for excluding swallows. I'm not sure this listserve allows attachments, but I have two papers published about effective alternate methods for excluding swallows from structures (ironically, the studies were conducted in part by our transportation department!). If you would like a copy of the papers, I'd be happy to forward them to you. Just let me know. And finally, if review the information on our website and feel compelled to sign the petition asking to have the netting removed from the bridge Joe is referring to, we would be most grateful for your support. Veronica -- Veronica Bowers, Director Native Songbird Care & Conservation Sebastopol, CA www.nativesongbirdcare.org (707) 484-6502 Board Member, California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators www.CCWR.org On Mon, Apr 22, 2013 at 2:47 PM, Joseph Morlan wrote: > Be very careful with that netting. It can cause swallows to get tangled > inside the nets and die. This is happening now in California where a > contractor for the transportation department installed netting under a > bridge to discourage swallows from nesting. > > http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130418/articles/130419486 > > http://www.goldengateaudubon.org/blog-posts/caltrans-versus-cliff-swallows/ > > The correct way to deal with the "problem" is to apply non-stick > Teflon-like paint to the area where you want to discourage the swallows. > The mud will not stick to that surface. > > > On Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:52:56 -0800, Joyanne Hamilton > wrote: > > >Hello, > > > >My school district just ordered this product to put on around our school > eaves. > > > >Easy Gardener 6050 DeerBlock 7-by-100-Foot Netting > > > >I don't think this is going to prevent the swallows from nesting. What > are your thoughts? > >I think they're going to find it a lovely place to build a swingy nest > are my thoughts. > > > >Thanks for the help. > > > >Joyanne Hamilton > >Innoko River School > >Shageluk, Alaska > > > >BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > >Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html > -- > Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA > "It turns out we're very good at not seeing things" - Jack Hitt > > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ > Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html > BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Netting to Deter Swallow Nest Building? From: Joseph Morlan <jmorlan AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:47:00 -0700 Be very careful with that netting. It can cause swallows to get tangled inside the nets and die. This is happening now in California where a contractor for the transportation department installed netting under a bridge to discourage swallows from nesting. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130418/articles/130419486 http://www.goldengateaudubon.org/blog-posts/caltrans-versus-cliff-swallows/ The correct way to deal with the "problem" is to apply non-stick Teflon-like paint to the area where you want to discourage the swallows. The mud will not stick to that surface. On Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:52:56 -0800, Joyanne Hamilton wrote: >Hello, > >My school district just ordered this product to put on around our school eaves. > >Easy Gardener 6050 DeerBlock 7-by-100-Foot Netting > >I don't think this is going to prevent the swallows from nesting. What are your thoughts? >I think they're going to find it a lovely place to build a swingy nest are my thoughts. > >Thanks for the help. > >Joyanne Hamilton >Innoko River School >Shageluk, Alaska > >BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ >Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html -- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA "It turns out we're very good at not seeing things" - Jack Hitt BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Netting to Deter Swallow Nest Building? From: Joyanne Hamilton <innoko_bird AT ME.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:52:56 -0800 Hello, My school district just ordered this product to put on around our school eaves. Easy Gardener 6050 DeerBlock 7-by-100-Foot Netting I don't think this is going to prevent the swallows from nesting. What are your thoughts? I think they're going to find it a lovely place to build a swingy nest are my thoughts. Thanks for the help. Joyanne Hamilton Innoko River School Shageluk, Alaska BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: New page added (Notes on AC Bent) From: Jack Daynes <jc_daynes AT SPAMCOP.NET> Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2013 20:59:22 -0700 (Previously this was a PDF. Now I've given it a web page) I’ve been enjoying reading the collection of books known as Bent’s Life Histories. These works form a set of 26 books that were produced starting in 1919 and ending 1968 and provide detailed accounts on the birdlife of every North American species. These books are the result of many contributors with whom Arthur Cleveland Bent collaborated. When he passed away in 1954, some of these collaborators completed the final two volumes (4 books) of this great work ... The rest of the story at: http://www.shadetree-imaging.com/News/BentsWhosWho.aspx -- -- Jack -- ================================== Wildlife Photography with Emphasis on Birds ================================== 858-442-1907 Poway, California (San Diego Co.) N 32° 57' W 117° 04' At 508' Elevation ================================== BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Is this unusual? From: Hilary Powers <hilary AT POWERSEDIT.COM> Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:27:15 -0700 On 4/20/2013 5:52 PM, B.G. Sloan wrote: > Is it unusual to see two Mallard males together with a single female > at this time of year (i.e., breeding/nesting season)? There was not > the slightest bit of antagonism between the two males, and the female > seemed comfortable with them. Most of the other Mallard males around > here are constantly in combat with rivals. Those who are not fighting > are hanging out in male-only groups (i.e., no females). Dunno - but I saw something even weirder today: a Mallard drake facing off with a White King Pigeon. The pigeon was on the ground between two big rocks, and the duck was trying to nip it. Whenever the duck got within range, however, the pigeon used its wings as clubs (like a swan) - trying to smack the duck upside the head and sometimes succeeding. This kept up for several minutes, then the duck wandered off like it really wasn't interested after all. The pigeon stayed put, so I couldn't see what it was protecting. A nest, perhaps - but do ducks raid nests? Do pigeons fight to protect them? -- - Hilary Powers - hilary AT powersedit.com - Oakland CA - - Freelance copyediting and developmental editing - - "Making Word Work for You" - www.the-efa.org/res/booklets.php - - The edit you want - online, on time, and on target - - Needle Felting: www.SalamanderFeltworks.com or www.SalFelt.com - BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Is this unusual? (Mallard threesome photo) From: "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:52:44 -0700 Is it unusual to see two Mallard males together with a single female at this time of year (i.e., breeding/nesting season)? There was not the slightest bit of antagonism between the two males, and the female seemed comfortable with them. Most of the other Mallard males around here are constantly in combat with rivals. Those who are not fighting are hanging out in male-only groups (i.e., no females).   Here's a photo:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444 AT N07/8666405746/   Bernie Sloan Highland Park, NJ BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Fw: Change in your subscription options for the BIRDCHAT list From: john small <joutandabout AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:46:58 -0700 Hi, I thought you all would to review this.   Sicerely Good Birding John Small --- On Sat, 4/20/13, LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU wrote: From: LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU Subject: Change in your subscription options for the BIRDCHAT list To: joutandabout AT YAHOO.COM Cc: "Chuck Otte" , "Dave Rintoul" , "Laurie Larson" , "Chuck Otte" Date: Saturday, April 20, 2013, 5:11 AM Sat, 20 Apr 2013 07:11:23 Chuck Otte has just altered your subscription options for the BIRDCHAT list  as per the "SET BIRDCHAT ACK  REPRO" command. For more information about  subscription options, send a  "QUERY BIRDCHAT" command to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU. BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Re: Protecting Scope Lens with Screw-In Filter? From: Jerry Blinn <support AT AVISYS.NET> Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:39:01 -0600 Had you asked this question on a camera web site, it would have resulted in an interminable thread, lasting well into the next decade. Let's hope that doesn't happen here. Suffice to say, when it comes to camera lenses, there are multiple opinions --- some say the "UV" filter could or will damage the quality of the image, and others who say that a well made filter will have no adverse effect on the optics and could save the lens from serious damage in the event of an accident. I have an ~opinion~, and it's just that. I use lens caps and lens hoods. I'm careful with my equipment and I insure the most expensive. I put no filters on lenses. In 60 years as a serious photographer and scope user, I have never damaged an optic. However, observing the condition of some photographers' and birders' equipment, I'd guess they would be well served by additional protection. Jerry Jerry Blinn Perceptive Systems Placitas, NM 505-867-6255 jerry AT avisys.net Web Site: http://www.avisys.net BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: BirdNote, last week and the week of Apr. 21, 2013 From: ellen AT 123IMAGINE.NET Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2013 08:23:54 -0700 Hello, BirdChatters, Last week, BirdNote aired: * Northern Mockingbird http://ow.ly/k2yDn * A Rainbow of Bee-eaters - Birding in Ghana http://ow.ly/k2zsJ * Chicago Volunteers Rescue Birds http://ow.ly/k2zA2 * Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival http://bit.ly/Z4rfdm * High Island - Migration on the Gulf http://bit.ly/174lxKu * The Lost Bird Project http://bit.ly/10ixBZA * Probing with Sandpipers http://bit.ly/13jIOG9 View the photos and links for next week's shows: http://bit.ly/ZyeFmp ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BirdNote/38299689818 ... or Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BirdNoteRadio ======================================================================= BirdNote is available by podcast: -- http://feeds.feedburner.com/birdnote/OYfP -- http://tinyurl.com/http-ax-itunes-apple-com-us And on StitcherRadio: http://stitcher.com/s/profile.php?fid=18715 You can listen to the mp3, see a photo, read the transcript, and find related resources on the website. http://www.birdnote.org All episodes are in the archive. Search: http://birdnote.org/archive Thanks for listening! Ellen Blackstone, BirdNote BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html Subject: Hilton Pond 02/13/13 (Hummingbirds in Nicaragua) From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:26:41 -0400 Although it took a LONG time (no excuses here, but illness, travel, and banding birds when i returned to Hilton Pond slowed me down a lot!), I just finished my on-line summary of February's Operation RubyThroat hummingbird expedition to Nicaragua. It's a comprehensive report with lots of photos of tropical flora and fauna, so it may take a while to access. Since it's formatted to be compatible with your iPad, Kindle, or other tablet, you might want to download and consume it at your leisure. The report's now posted as the 13-24 Feb 2013 installment of "This Week at Hilton Pond." See http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek130213.html As always I include a list of birds banded or recaptured at Hilton Pond, in this case just for 13 February. Happy Nature Watching! BILL P.S. Please "Like" our new Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HiltonPond for timely updates on nature topics. ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA office & cell (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 ================== BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksbirds.org/birdchat/ Archives: http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/birdchat.html