Eagle Chat, Alaska Birding

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Recent Postings from
Eagle Chat, Alaska Birding

Updated on Wednesday, June 19 at 01:35 AM EST
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

18 Jun Ring-Necked Ducks [Karla Hart ]
18 Jun Sheep Creek morning [Deanna Mac Phail ]
17 Jun mama hummer [alan munro ]
17 Jun Re: Dredge Lakes ["Rudis, Deborah" ]
17 Jun Re: hummers ["Rudis, Deborah" ]
17 Jun Re: hummers [GCI ]
17 Jun Re: hummers [Linda Shaw - NOAA Federal ]
16 Jun hummers [alan munro ]
16 Jun Re: Dredge Lakes [GCI ]
16 Jun W. Tanager [Gwen Baluss ]
16 Jun Rusty blackbird at Mendenhall Campground [Karla Hart ]
13 Jun Re: Bird Walk at Brotherhood Bridge Saturday June 15 8am ["Rudis, Deborah" ]
13 Jun Bird Walk at Brotherhood Bridge Saturday June 15 8am ["bwright1208" ]
11 Jun Sheep Creek [Deanna Mac Phail ]
11 Jun Re: American Redstart ["Rudis, Deborah" ]
10 Jun Re: American Redstart [Gwen Baluss ]
9 Jun American Redstart [Deanna Mac Phail ]
08 Jun Sora, Gustavus. ["spruceak" ]
07 Jun Sora at Duck Creek [Mark Schwan ]
06 Jun Another Tennessee Warbler in Juneau [Mark Schwan ]
6 Jun Audubon Bird Walk at Sandy Beach [Patty Rose ]
1 Jun Fwd: eBird checklist of Juneau Audubon field trip to Moose and Norton Lakes [Deanna Mac Phail ]
31 May Jaegers []
31 May Re: Eaglechat from a moderator ["Michael Fleischhauer" ]
31 May Re: Eaglechat from a moderator [Pat Watt ]
30 May Re: Eaglechat from a moderator [Laurie Craig ]
30 May Re: Eaglechat from a moderator [Mark Schwan ]
30 May Eaglechat from a moderator [Karla Hart ]
30 May Juneau Audubon Saturday birdwalk - Moose Lake [Mark Schwan ]
30 May Partners in Flight V Workshops, Birding Field Trips, Poster Sessions - Snowbird, Utah, August 25 - 28 Register Now While Low Rates Still Available [Steve Holmer ]
30 May leucistic robin in Haines ["barransd" ]
29 May Blue wing teal ["Toi" ]
28 May Chipping Sparrow [Amy Clark Courtney ]
25 May Saturday bird walk review [Mark Schwan ]
23 May Juneau Audubon Saturday Birdwalk [Mark Schwan ]
23 May wandering tattlers ["jeffreysauer2007" ]
22 May Fw: hummingbird banding in Juneau [alan munro ]
22 May banded shorebirds report request [Deanna Mac Phail ]
21 May Re: Where are the Rufous? [Gwen Baluss ]
20 May misc obs from wetlands this A.M. [Mark Schwan ]
20 May Wetlands at noon ["Rudis, Deborah" ]
20 May Re: Where are the Rufous? [alan munro ]
20 May Fwd: Olive-sided Flycatchers: Please report your sightings! ["Rudis, Deborah" ]
20 May Re: Where are the Rufous? [S&R Shaw ]
19 May Re: Where are the Rufous? ["Michael Fleischhauer" ]
19 May Re: Where are the Rufous? [alan munro ]
19 May Re: Where are the Rufous? [Karla Hart ]
20 May Where are the Rufous? ["robert_and_sandra_shaw" ]
19 May Fw: [eBird Alert] Rare Bird Alert for Juneau [Gwen Baluss ]
19 May If you lost a hat at Saturdayâ€™s bird event [Gwen Baluss ]
19 May Talk about happenstance! ["spruceak" ]
18 May Western Tanager [2 Attachments] ["Doug Jones" ]
17 May Re: Hermit thrushes [Laurie Craig ]
17 May Request for Help with Hummingbird Research in SE Alaska []
16 May Re: Hermit thrushes [Deanna Mac Phail ]
16 May Hermit thrushes [GCI ]
15 May Mystery Song (another + update on first) [Matt Goff ]
14 May Varied Thrush? [Matt Goff ]
14 May Red throated loons ["barransd" ]
13 May Small Bright Yellow Bird in My Cherry Tree ["Roxanne Stewart" ]
10 May Re: Kingfisher Pond [Bev ]
9 May Kingfisher Pond []
9 May Re: The warblers are here! ["Rudis, Deborah" ]
9 May Re: Rufus Overload in Haines ["Michael Fleischhauer" ]
09 May Barn Swallows ["lscottranger" ]
09 May The warblers are here! ["lscottranger" ]
8 May Rufus Overload in Haines [Marlena Mooring ]
08 May Caspian Tern [Schempf Family ]
08 May white crowned sparrows & swallows? [Mary Ellen Frank ]
8 May This Saturday - birding event [1 Attachment] [Gwen Baluss ]
7 May arctic terns! [Özgür Keşaplı Didrickson ]
7 May Tree Swallows at the Mendenhall Wetlands ["Rudis, Deborah" ]
7 May Re: Dike trail [do ]
7 May Re: Dike trail [do ]
07 May gold crowns [Andrew and Lauren Smoker ]
05 May Wandering Tattler, Gustavus. ["spruceak" ]

Subject: Ring-Necked Ducks
From: Karla Hart <AlaskaBirder AT gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:19:20 -0800

Duck and beaver watching at big pond in Mendenhall Campground. Couple of male ring-necked ducks and at least one female. Don't see any chicks with them. Sibley Range map shows as migration. Do they breed here? Karla Hart Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------
Subject: Sheep Creek morning
From: Deanna Mac Phail <deanna.macphail AT gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:25:47 -0800

It was a damp walk, until about 8:30. In spite of my 5:50 am start, just a short distance from the trailhead I was passed by three runners and two dogs. The trail is well-vegetated and that includes nettles. All the usual bird suspects: Yellow, Wilson's, Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, Townsend's Warblers; Am. Redstart, Warbling Vireo, etc. Recent reports from other birders not withstanding, I was able to once again avoid having to deal with any sign of MacGillivray's Warbler. When the sun came out around 9 am, I decided it was time to turn around and head for the shade.
Subject: mama hummer
From: alan munro <armunro AT gci.net>
Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:56:25 -0800

Great for all those getting feeders! For a number of years now we have had a female nest and raise her brood near the Douglas Island-facing side of our house--in town--then her wee ones would come and drink--but not so this year--so perhaps mamma just isn't alive anymore?? We do miss her. Alan
Subject: Re: Dredge Lakes
From: "Rudis, Deborah" <deborah_rudis AT fws.gov>
Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:57:36 -0800

oops - another phone msg wo/my name. Deb Rudis (again) Juneau On Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 6:54 PM, GCI wrote: > ** > > > Missed the group as i hiked in from the bridge lot. Redstarts were > abundant Sat am near Moose Lk. 4 probable first year males having an > altercation in the cottonwoods. 2 adult plumage males later. lots of > singing. great views of a no.waterthrush in swampy area at end of Moose Lk. > Nice morning! > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Jun 16, 2013, at 12:55 PM, Gwen Baluss wrote: > > > > At Montana Cr Rd, Community Garden this morning. Sang distinctly for a > long time, but was well concealed in conifers so I never saw it. > Also heard N. Waterthrush and C. Yellowthroat from the marsh. > > > > > -- Deborah D. Rudis Environmental Contaminants Specialist/Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Juneau Field Office 3000 Vintage Blvd #201 Juneau, Alaska 99801 o 907.780.1183 c 907.723.9981 deborah_rudis AT fws.gov
Subject: Re: hummers
From: "Rudis, Deborah" <deborah_rudis AT fws.gov>
Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:41:46 -0800

Oh - sorry my phone does not identify me as to where that last hummer report came from! Deb Rudis River rd Juneau On Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 8:36 AM, GCI wrote: > ** > > > A couple females are now coming to our feeder & columbines after a few wks > absence. > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Jun 17, 2013, at 8:29 AM, Linda Shaw - NOAA Federal < > linda.shaw AT noaa.gov> wrote: > > > > Sorry to hear that Alan. We still have an adult male and female hummer > feeding regularly from our feeders in the Back Loop area as of yesterday. > Linda > > > On Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 10:39 PM, alan munro wrote: > >> ** >> >> >> ** >> Humming birds seem to have abandoned our feeder this year and none seen >> feeding now for more than ten days--never had this happen in past years so >> have to wonder what is happening? Alan >> >> > > -- Deborah D. Rudis Environmental Contaminants Specialist/Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Juneau Field Office 3000 Vintage Blvd #201 Juneau, Alaska 99801 o 907.780.1183 c 907.723.9981 deborah_rudis AT fws.gov
Subject: Re: hummers
From: GCI <akwildlife AT gci.net>
Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:36:09 -0800

A couple females are now coming to our feeder & columbines after a few wks absence. Sent from my iPhone On Jun 17, 2013, at 8:29 AM, Linda Shaw - NOAA Federal wrote: > Sorry to hear that Alan. We still have an adult male and female hummer feeding regularly from our feeders in the Back Loop area as of yesterday. Linda > > > On Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 10:39 PM, alan munro wrote: >> >> >> Humming birds seem to have abandoned our feeder this year and none seen feeding now for more than ten days--never had this happen in past years so have to wonder what is happening? Alan > >
Subject: Re: hummers
From: Linda Shaw - NOAA Federal <linda.shaw AT noaa.gov>
Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:29:02 -0800

Sorry to hear that Alan. We still have an adult male and female hummer feeding regularly from our feeders in the Back Loop area as of yesterday. Linda On Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 10:39 PM, alan munro wrote: > ** > > > ** > Humming birds seem to have abandoned our feeder this year and none seen > feeding now for more than ten days--never had this happen in past years so > have to wonder what is happening? Alan > > >
Subject: hummers
From: alan munro <armunro AT gci.net>
Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:39:55 -0800

Humming birds seem to have abandoned our feeder this year and none seen feeding now for more than ten days--never had this happen in past years so have to wonder what is happening? Alan
Subject: Re: Dredge Lakes
From: GCI <akwildlife AT gci.net>
Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:54:04 -0800

Missed the group as i hiked in from the bridge lot. Redstarts were abundant Sat am near Moose Lk. 4 probable first year males having an altercation in the cottonwoods. 2 adult plumage males later. lots of singing. great views of a no.waterthrush in swampy area at end of Moose Lk. Nice morning! Sent from my iPhone On Jun 16, 2013, at 12:55 PM, Gwen Baluss wrote: > At Montana Cr Rd, Community Garden this morning. Sang distinctly for a long time, but was well concealed in conifers so I never saw it. > Also heard N. Waterthrush and C. Yellowthroat from the marsh. > > > >
Subject: W. Tanager
From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:55:19 -0700 (PDT)

At Montana Cr Rd, Community Garden this morning. Sang distinctly for a long time, but was well concealed in conifers so I never saw it. Also heard N. Waterthrush and C. Yellowthroat from the marsh.
Subject: Rusty blackbird at Mendenhall Campground
From: Karla Hart <AlaskaBirder AT gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:58:05 -0800

Mendenhall Campground - Saw a Rusty Blackbird at the pond across from the bench looking out at Glacier yesterday about noon. It was perched on a short alder near the culvert under the campground road, then flew away to the right shore when you have your back to the glacier. Clear good look, not in birding mode and didn't think to post yesterday. Karla Hart Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------
Subject: Re: Bird Walk at Brotherhood Bridge Saturday June 15 8am
From: "Rudis, Deborah" <deborah_rudis AT fws.gov>
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:45:44 -0800

BTW - mosquitoes are pretty wicked on Back Loop so be prepared! See you there. -deb On Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 10:36 PM, bwright1208 wrote: > ** > > > Juneau Audubon Society bird walk June 15 at 8am at Brotherhood Bridge. > Brenda Wright, leader. Free and open to the public, beginners welcome, no > dogs please. > Extra binoculars will be available. more information available at > www.juneau-audubon-society.org > > Brotherhood bridge is at 10 mile Glacier Highway, just north of Safeway. > Hope you can join us. > Brenda > > >
Subject: Bird Walk at Brotherhood Bridge Saturday June 15 8am
From: "bwright1208" <bewright AT gci.net>
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:36:05 -0000

Juneau Audubon Society bird walk June 15 at 8am at Brotherhood Bridge. Brenda Wright, leader. Free and open to the public, beginners welcome, no dogs please. Extra binoculars will be available. more information available at www.juneau-audubon-society.org Brotherhood bridge is at 10 mile Glacier Highway, just north of Safeway. Hope you can join us. Brenda ------------------------------------
Subject: Sheep Creek
From: Deanna Mac Phail <deanna.macphail AT gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:50:45 -0800

You just couldn't ask for a prettier day to be up Sheep Creek. Had just 19 species, but high numbers of most and everybody was singing all day. Got lucky with a Gray-cheeked Thrush about 1 pm and videoed it with sound. Alas, MacGillivray's was nowhere to be seen or heard.
Subject: Re: American Redstart
From: "Rudis, Deborah" <deborah_rudis AT fws.gov>
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:12:27 -0800

Heard a western tanager this am, song coming from the property next door to us on River Rd. It would be between our 2 houses, that is the first 2 houses on the right side of the road. -Deb Rudis On Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 9:32 AM, Gwen Baluss wrote: > ** > > > There has also been an adult AMRE over between Moose and Norton. Multiple > reports of Tennessee warb in that vicinity as well but I've not heard it > myself. > > > > >
Subject: Re: American Redstart
From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:32:32 -0700 (PDT)

There has also been an adult AMRE over between Moose and Norton. Multiple reports of Tennessee warb in that vicinity as well but I've not heard it myself.Â >________________________________ > From: Deanna Mac Phail >To: "eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com" >Sent: Sunday, June 9, 2013 10:51 AM >Subject: [Eaglechat] American Redstart > > > >Â >A first year male singing & foraging near the northwest corner of Moose Lake this morning. Â Almost got a photo! > > >
Subject: American Redstart
From: Deanna Mac Phail <deanna.macphail AT gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2013 10:51:53 -0800

A first year male singing & foraging near the northwest corner of Moose Lake this morning. Almost got a photo!
Subject: Sora, Gustavus.
From: "spruceak" <spruceak AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 08 Jun 2013 03:37:30 -0000

Ditto- thanks, Mark. I went out to the Old Duck Pond at Gustavus this evening and, lo and behold, a Sora responded immediately to a call and came close-though it would not linger in the open. As so often happens in the bird world, as Juneau goes, so does Gustavus, and vice versa! Bruce Paige Gustavus spruceak AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------
Subject: Sora at Duck Creek
From: Mark Schwan <aukebay AT gci.net>
Date: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:31:12 -0800

There is a Sora at the Duck Creek restoration area at Nancy Street in the Mendenhall Valley. I got a nice look when it emerged from the vegetation after I played the whinnie call. There was a Sora in this same location last summer. Mark Schwan Sent from my iPad ------------------------------------
Subject: Another Tennessee Warbler in Juneau
From: Mark Schwan <aukebay AT gci.net>
Date: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:42:38 -0800

This afternoon there was a Tennessee Warbler in the glacier forelands, specifically, where the Old River Trail intersects with the Moose Lake Trail. The bird was quite vocal and was really mixing up its song, so it was fun to hear. Seems to be a pretty good year for this species in Juneau. Oh, sections of the trails into that spot were flooded. Mark Schwan Sent from my iPad ------------------------------------
Subject: Audubon Bird Walk at Sandy Beach
From: Patty Rose <p_rose_raven AT yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2013 12:02:21 -0700 (PDT)

The Audubon Bird Walk this Saturday, June 8, will be at Sandy Beach. I will be leading the walk. We will meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot near the picnic shelters. The walk is scheduled from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. and is an easy 1.5 miles. We will expect to see many species of woodland birds, including flycatchers, thrushes, warblers, and sparrows. Unusual birds seen at this location recently include Tennessee warbler and warbling vireo. For those who are not familiar with the area, Sandy Beach is on Douglas Island. From the mainland, cross the Juneau-Douglas bridge and head south. At the Douglas townsite, head downhill toward the water. The park is located at the south end of the waterfront road, past the skating arena and the boat harbor. I hope you can join us! Patty Rose
Subject: Fwd: eBird checklist of Juneau Audubon field trip to Moose and Norton Lakes
From: Deanna Mac Phail <deanna.macphail AT gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2013 14:01:12 -0800

A fine turnout this morning for our Audubon walk, and thankfully a break in the weather http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14307010 Moose & Norton Lakes area, Mendenhall Forelands, Juneau County, Alaska, US ( Map ) Date and Effort Edit Date and Effort Sat Jun 01, 2013 8:00 AMProtocol:TravelingParty Size:15Duration:2 hour(s), 15 minute(s)Distance:2.5 mile(s)Observers:Gus van VlietComments:Juneau Audubon Field Trip led by Gus van Vliet Species Review List Edit Species List 30 species total 2 Canada Goose (occidentalis/fulva) Review Delete X Mallard Review Delete 1 Ring-necked Duck Review Delete 1 Spotted Sandpiper Review Delete 4 Herring Gull Review Delete 4 Arctic Tern Review Delete 1 Western Wood-Pewee Review Delete 3 Warbling Vireo Review Delete 1 Steller's Jay Review Delete 2 Common Raven Review Delete 20 Tree Swallow Review Delete 20 Violet-green Swallow Review Delete 20 Bank Swallow Review Delete 1 Cliff Swallow Review Delete 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch Review Delete 1 Pacific Wren Review Delete 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet Review Delete 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet Review Delete 3 Hermit Thrush Review Delete 3 American Robin Review Delete 9 Varied Thrush Review Delete 1 Northern Waterthrush Review Delete 6 Orange-crowned Warbler Review Delete 4 Yellow Warbler Review Delete 7 Yellow-rumped Warbler Review Delete 4 Townsend's Warbler Review Delete 1 Song Sparrow Review Delete 2 Dark-eyed Junco Review Delete 2 Red-winged Blackbird Review Delete 3 Pine Siskin Review Delete
Subject: Jaegers
From: llammak AT yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 21:42:20 -0800

I saw two jaegers interacting with Arctic Terns today over Mendenhall Lake. The terns chased the jaegers away. I missed some of the interaction but I suspect there was some mutual chasing. I believe the jaegers were parasitic, so does a coworker who got a better look. Has anyone else seen jaegers over Mendenhall Lake, this year or any other year? Laurie Lamm Juneau ------------------------------------
Subject: Re: Eaglechat from a moderator
From: "Michael Fleischhauer" <bigshaheen46 AT gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 09:53:58 -0800

I agree with Laurie. This has been a wonderful experience for us as well. Michael Fleischhauer ----- Original Message ----- From: Laurie Craig To: Karla Hart Cc: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups. com Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 10:21 PM Subject: Re: [Eaglechat] Eaglechat from a moderator Karla, Thank you for honoring Nina with the recognition of what she started that all of us continue to enjoy. Laurie Craig Sent from my iPad On May 30, 2013, at 8:24 PM, Karla Hart wrote: Gwen Balus and I were discussing replies to Eaglechat and that with private replies to interesting observations and questions, the rest of the list is missing out on some valuable or at least interesting discussion. When you are responding to a particular inquiry or comment with bird or birding relevant information - please consider using reply all so that the Eaglechat list can see your response. This is an opportunity for a moment of reflection on birders gone. Eaglechat was created by Nina Mollett in the spring of 1999 to increase communication between birders. It was, to the best of my knowledge, the first public birding list serve in Alaska and the success served as inspiration for founding of other lists around the state. Nina passed away, far too young and soon, in 2006. With her, she kept forever the ownership of and password for making changes to Eaglechat, beyond approving or denying membership. Gwen Balus, Bev Agler and I are presently the moderators of Eaglechat. Basically, we approve (or disapprove) new member requests in an effort to keep off-topic posts and spam from the list. Today there are 237 members (though quite a few show they are "bouncing") and almost 6,000 posts since April 1999! Karla Hart
Subject: Re: Eaglechat from a moderator
From: Pat Watt <callipygia600 AT aol.com>
Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 06:00:37 -0800

Thank you the information. I had no idea. New to Juneau in 2008, I quickly learned about Eaglechat, and the messages on it are the one thing I read every morning. I do appreciate everybody's posts more than I can express. Sent from my iPhone On May 30, 2013, at 10:21 PM, Laurie Craig wrote: > Karla, > > Thank you for honoring Nina with the recognition of what she started that all of us continue to enjoy. > > Laurie Craig > > Sent from my iPad > > On May 30, 2013, at 8:24 PM, Karla Hart wrote: > >> >> Gwen Balus and I were discussing replies to Eaglechat and that with private replies to interesting observations and questions, the rest of the list is missing out on some valuable or at least interesting discussion. >> >> When you are responding to a particular inquiry or comment with bird or birding relevant information - please consider using reply all so that the Eaglechat list can see your response. >> >> This is an opportunity for a moment of reflection on birders gone. Eaglechat was created by Nina Mollett in the spring of 1999 to increase communication between birders. It was, to the best of my knowledge, the first public birding list serve in Alaska and the success served as inspiration for founding of other lists around the state. Nina passed away, far too young and soon, in 2006. With her, she kept forever the ownership of and password for making changes to Eaglechat, beyond approving or denying membership. >> >> Gwen Balus, Bev Agler and I are presently the moderators of Eaglechat. Basically, we approve (or disapprove) new member requests in an effort to keep off-topic posts and spam from the list. >> >> Today there are 237 members (though quite a few show they are "bouncing") and almost 6,000 posts since April 1999! >> >> Karla Hart > >
Subject: Re: Eaglechat from a moderator
From: Laurie Craig <lauriecraig AT gci.net>
Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 22:21:22 -0800

Karla, Thank you for honoring Nina with the recognition of what she started that all of us continue to enjoy. Laurie Craig Sent from my iPad On May 30, 2013, at 8:24 PM, Karla Hart wrote: > Gwen Balus and I were discussing replies to Eaglechat and that with private replies to interesting observations and questions, the rest of the list is missing out on some valuable or at least interesting discussion. > > When you are responding to a particular inquiry or comment with bird or birding relevant information - please consider using reply all so that the Eaglechat list can see your response. > > This is an opportunity for a moment of reflection on birders gone. Eaglechat was created by Nina Mollett in the spring of 1999 to increase communication between birders. It was, to the best of my knowledge, the first public birding list serve in Alaska and the success served as inspiration for founding of other lists around the state. Nina passed away, far too young and soon, in 2006. With her, she kept forever the ownership of and password for making changes to Eaglechat, beyond approving or denying membership. > > Gwen Balus, Bev Agler and I are presently the moderators of Eaglechat. Basically, we approve (or disapprove) new member requests in an effort to keep off-topic posts and spam from the list. > > Today there are 237 members (though quite a few show they are "bouncing") and almost 6,000 posts since April 1999! > > Karla Hart > > > >
Subject: Re: Eaglechat from a moderator
From: Mark Schwan <aukebay AT gci.net>
Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 20:48:23 -0800

Here is a reply all . . . . Rich Gordon reported two Wilson's Phalaropes at the mouth of Duck Creek and adjacent Mendenhall River earlier this evening. Just a heads up. Mark Schwan ----- Original Message ----- From: Karla Hart To: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups. com Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 8:24 PM Subject: [Eaglechat] Eaglechat from a moderator Gwen Balus and I were discussing replies to Eaglechat and that with private replies to interesting observations and questions, the rest of the list is missing out on some valuable or at least interesting discussion. When you are responding to a particular inquiry or comment with bird or birding relevant information - please consider using reply all so that the Eaglechat list can see your response. This is an opportunity for a moment of reflection on birders gone. Eaglechat was created by Nina Mollett in the spring of 1999 to increase communication between birders. It was, to the best of my knowledge, the first public birding list serve in Alaska and the success served as inspiration for founding of other lists around the state. Nina passed away, far too young and soon, in 2006. With her, she kept forever the ownership of and password for making changes to Eaglechat, beyond approving or denying membership. Gwen Balus, Bev Agler and I are presently the moderators of Eaglechat. Basically, we approve (or disapprove) new member requests in an effort to keep off-topic posts and spam from the list. Today there are 237 members (though quite a few show they are "bouncing") and almost 6,000 posts since April 1999! Karla Hart
Subject: Eaglechat from a moderator
From: Karla Hart <AlaskaBirder AT gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 20:24:11 -0800

Gwen Balus and I were discussing replies to Eaglechat and that with private replies to interesting observations and questions, the rest of the list is missing out on some valuable or at least interesting discussion. When you are responding to a particular inquiry or comment with bird or birding relevant information - please consider using reply all so that the Eaglechat list can see your response. This is an opportunity for a moment of reflection on birders gone. Eaglechat was created by Nina Mollett in the spring of 1999 to increase communication between birders. It was, to the best of my knowledge, the first public birding list serve in Alaska and the success served as inspiration for founding of other lists around the state. Nina passed away, far too young and soon, in 2006. With her, she kept forever the ownership of and password for making changes to Eaglechat, beyond approving or denying membership. Gwen Balus, Bev Agler and I are presently the moderators of Eaglechat. Basically, we approve (or disapprove) new member requests in an effort to keep off-topic posts and spam from the list. Today there are 237 members (though quite a few show they are "bouncing") and almost 6,000 posts since April 1999! Karla Hart
Subject: Juneau Audubon Saturday birdwalk - Moose Lake
From: Mark Schwan <aukebay AT gci.net>
Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 13:30:55 -0800

This Saturday's Juneau Audubon birdwalk, June 1, will be at Moose Lake in the Mendenhall Glacier forelands area. People should meet at 8a.m. in the parking lot next to the Mendenhall River bridge on the Back Loop Rd. The walk is scheduled to last about 2 hours. This is a great time to bird this area, as there are several species that can often be found there that are uncommon in the region. The schedule lists me, Mark Schwan, as the leader for this walk. I need to be away from town this weekend so I am unable to go on the walk. I apologize for this. However, Gus van Vliet has offered to lead this walk, so that is great. In airline terminology, you should think of this as a free upgrade. Enjoy the walk, and I wish I could be there. Mark Schwan
Subject: Partners in Flight V Workshops, Birding Field Trips, Poster Sessions - Snowbird, Utah, August 25 - 28 Register Now While Low Rates Still Available
From: Steve Holmer <sholmer AT abcbirds.org>
Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 13:33:19 -0700

Partners in Flight V Workshops, Birding Field Trips, Poster Sessions - Snowbird, Utah, August 25 - 28 Register Now While Low Rates Still Available Register online now to join the fun and be a part of the premier bird conservation strategy opportunity for all the Americas. Be a part of the solution for migratory birds, go birding in spectacular Utah, socialize with colleagues, and share your work at the poster sessions. See www.PIFV.org for more information and to register online at a reduced rate. Steve Holmer Senior Policy Advisor American Bird Conservancy & Director, Bird Conservation Alliance 202-234-7181 ext. 216 sholmer AT abcbirds.org Skype: sholmerabc www.abcbirds.org, www.birdconservationalliance.org, ABC on Facebook, ABC Videos [cid:image001.jpg AT 01CE5D53.64F61280]
Subject: leucistic robin in Haines
From: "barransd" <barransd AT yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 01:51:20 -0000

Glassed a leucistic robin at about 26 mile Haines Hwy on Sunday May 26. Very white back, mottled black/white head and mottled orange white breast. ------------------------------------
Subject: Blue wing teal
From: "Toi" <tazmans AT gci.net>
Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 05:19:37 -0000

Got several nice shots on some Blue wing teal in the pond at the Eagle beach picnic area. Here is one of them. Ron http://upload.pbase.com/tazman0895/image/150479817/original ------------------------------------
Subject: Chipping Sparrow
From: Amy Clark Courtney <avianblue15 AT hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 20:31:11 -0800

Hello all,I was just at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center and trails, looking for the Blue-winged Teal Mark Schwan reported. While I had no luck finding the BWTE, I did find a Chipping Sparrow. After following a mechanical trill that didn't sound too DEJU-ish, I saw the fellow singing on a spruce tree. I only saw his front and head, but he had a bold rufous crown and black eyeline over a white face.It is such a gorgeous evening for a bird walk right now! Amy Courtney
Subject: Saturday bird walk review
From: Mark Schwan <aukebay AT gci.net>
Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 16:01:24 -0800

We had a great morning at Eagle Beach with the Juneau Audubon Saturday walk. We had a nice turnout, around 23 people and the weather was terrific. The number of shorebirds was not high but what we lacked in quantity we made up for it in species diversity. And given the date, we were lucky to have the birds that we did. After beating the flats for almost two hours, a few of us birded the upland area behind the picnic area, and were rewarded for our efforts. Species highlights included: 2 Brant lingering out in Lynn Canal, one breeding-plumaged American Golden-Plover, which made two visiting Texans very happy; one Red Knot, nearly 30 Black-bellied Plovers; all the common sandpipers and a few Baird's Sandpipers. On the upland side, we had plenty of warbler activity, including a Tennessee Warbler, and male American Redstart. Just before the walk, several of us heard a Warbling Vireo, and one birder spotted a Northern Flicker cruising past the picnic area. I reckon the bird of the morning was a Say's Phoebe, found flitting around near the shores of Eagle River. This bird was found after many folks had left and I wish more of the group could have seen that bird, as they are quite rare here.. Thanks to all Mark Schwan
Subject: Juneau Audubon Saturday Birdwalk
From: Mark Schwan <aukebay AT gci.net>
Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 17:06:44 -0800

This Saturday, May 25, the Juneau Audubon birdwalk is out at the Eagle Beach State Recreation Area. We will meet at 8 a.m. at the day-use picnic area on the north side of Eagle River. We will plan for a couple of hours but play it by ear regarding birds and weather. People are free to defect from the group at any time. The weather forecast for Saturday, at this time, isn't bad, so we will keep our fingers crossed. The extremely low tide requires more wandering of the tideflat, so we will evaluate once on site. If the beach flats don't appear to be productive, we could shift to upland birds and maybe walk through the campground area or spend a little time on one of the nearby river trails, in addition to wandering the immediate area behind the picnic tables. There are lots of options. Given I might want to stay out there longer, unless it is birdless, I probably will want to take my own car, but some of you might consider carpooling. Take care and hope to see a few of you on Saturday. Mark Schwan
Subject: wandering tattlers
From: "jeffreysauer2007" <Jeffreysauer AT hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 06:56:25 -0000

The wandering tattlers have been showing up the last few days on the rocky beach at Minnie Field beach access (near where old glacier meets lena loop ). This evening (Wed) there were several and they were vocalizing a lot. Jeff Sauer ------------------------------------
Subject: Fw: hummingbird banding in Juneau
From: alan munro <armunro AT gci.net>
Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 16:42:25 -0800

Thanks Bruce--Done. Alan ----- Original Message ----- From: Peterjohn, Bruce To: alan munro Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 3:50 AM Subject: Re: hummingbird banding in Juneau Good Morning, Alan: Feel free to forward our email communication to the Eaglechat birding group. If anyone in the Juneau area has questions, they should feel free to contact me. Bruce Bruce Peterjohn Chief, BBL USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Rd. Laurel, MD 20708 phone: (301) 497-5646 On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 6:11 PM, alan munro wrote: Thank you Bruce for your professional information. I'm just one elderly person in Juneau interested in birds and there are many others of all ages. Though not as active as I once was, I still try to maintain a high level of interest. There are likely other birders in Juneau who know of Fred Bassett's valuable work and actually I may be the only one who did not. Bruce, thank you kindly for timely and useful reply. In closing perhaps it would be a good thing to send our conversation to the our Eaglechat birding group, if you agree with that action please let me know? Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Alan R. Munro ----- Original Message ----- From: Peterjohn, Bruce To: alan munro Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 5:56 AM Subject: Re: hummingbird banding in Juneau Good Morning, Alan: Fred Bassett is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable hummingbird banders in North America, so he is very well qualified to conduct these banding activities. In 2013, he has proposed to increase the banding effort of Rufous Hummingbirds across southeast Alaska, a region where there is only one active hummingbird bander at this time. Based on a very small number of band recoveries, there is some evidence to suggest that hummingbirds from the northern portion of their breeding range are the birds that are most likely to appear in the southeastern US during winter. For example, a Rufous Hummingbird banded near Tallahassee, FL was recaptured the following summer near Chenaga Bay, AK, which to date is the longest documented migration by any hummingbird. Fred wants to increase the numbers of banded Rufous Hummingbirds in southeastern Alaska with the hope that some of these birds will be caught by the network of winter hummingbird banders in the southeastern US or as migrants passing through their normal range in the western US. Fred is a respectful and very experienced bander who always shows great concern for the welfare of the hummingbirds that he bands. I know Fred personally and have no problems vouching for his experience and abilities as a hummingbird bander. Whether or not the Juneau bird group wishes to participate with Fred's research is entirely your decision. I suggest that you contact Fred directly with your questions about his hummingbird banding activities and proposed research in Alaska. Banding is really the only method available to track the movements of hummingbirds, and we are just at the beginning of understanding the movement patterns of this group of birds which is why the BBL has approved of Fred's proposed research project. Hope this information is helpful. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions or need additional information. Bruce Bruce Peterjohn Chief, BBL USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Rd. Laurel, MD 20708 phone: (301) 497-5646 ************************************ From: alan munro Date: Fri, May 17, 2013 at 7:23 PM Subject: hummingdird banding Juneau To: BBL AT usgs.gov The Juneau bird group is asked to participate with this survey. Please comment. ARM I am a hummingbird bander who will be doing migration research on hummingbirds in SE Alaska in June. I am looking for hummingbird hosts with good numbers of hummers who will allow me to band at their homes in Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Haines. If you would like to see your special birds up close, please contact me directly at fhound AT aol.com or (334) 868-9658. Thanks Fred Fred Bassett 1520 Katrina Place Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 868-9658 http://hummingbirdresearch.net/
Subject: banded shorebirds report request
From: Deanna Mac Phail <deanna.macphail AT gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 08:55:12 -0800

From: "Stevan Hawkins" Subject: [texbirds] Requesting reports of Peru Banded Shorebirds Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 11:24:13 -0500 TexBirders: David Sarkozi approved posting the request below from a bird bander who works on shorebirds in Peru. Good luck! Steve Stevan Hawkins San Antonio TX ************************************************************************ Forwarding request for sightings reports of Shorebirds banded in Peru: (see bottom of email for where to send reports) Dear everyone, We hope all of you are more than well. As we are in the middle of the northwards migration, we would like you to know a little more about our actual work with shorebirds in Peru. After 2 years of fieldwork in Paracas National Reserve, we have banded 1680 shorebirds, between semipalmated and western sandpipers, sanderlings and semipalmated plover. The 90% of our captures were semipalmated and western sandpipers. But we also have banded (2) red knots and few ruddy turnstones. We use an incoloy band in the right tarsus and a yellow flag with red letters in the left leg. Currently we are just waiting to see if anyone in the northern hemisphere is seeing these individuals at any time and at any point. It would be very exciting for us to have any resighting, and we collaborate with: www.bandedbirds.org , but you can also feel free to contact me directly if you see any of our marked individuals. We are going to start another field campaign this coming October which will last until March 2014. So we hope to continue gathering as much data as possible. Thank you very much for your time and please feel free to distribute this flyer (attached) to anyone interested in shorebirds conservation. Warmest regards, Eveling -- BSc. Eveling Tavera Fernandez, Coordinadora Programa de Anillamiento CORBIDI (PAC) CORBIDI - Sta Rita 105 of 202, Huertos de San Antonio Surco. Lima 33 - Peru Tel: (51-1) 3441701 Cel: (51-1) 975 598232 **** Para mayor información sobre el Programa de Anillamiento de Aves en Peru por favor visite: www.corbidi.org **** **** For more information about the Banding Program in Peru please visit: www.corbidi.org ****
Subject: Re: Where are the Rufous?
From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 14:39:55 -0700 (PDT)

Interestingly, I have observed more at my feeder this year ( Juneau Valley). There is concern about Rufous hummingbirds in various bird conservation plans, because they could be affected by potential climate change, pesticide use on the winter range, etc. All I can say for sure is that they are tough little buggers to track.Â I think sometimes theyÂ do move off the feeders to other food sources and just don't use the feeders as much later in the spring and early summer. Plus the females right now are perhaps not as active sitting on nests.Â Keep those feeders up and CLEAN Â though; hopefully you will be surprised by a wave of young birds later in the summer. If anybody wants to know how many birds they really have at their feeder, licensed Â bander Fred Bassett will be in Juneau June 6-8 safetly catching birds, attaching Â tiny bands and releasing them as part of a research project., If you are willing to volunteer your yard please contact him atÂ Fred Bassett fhound AT aol.com (334) 868-9658 Http://Hummingbirdresearch.net From: robert_and_sandra_shaw >To: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com >Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 7:39 PM >Subject: [Eaglechat] Where are the Rufous? > >Â >Last year we noticed reduced numbers of Rufous at our feeders than normal but this year is way worse. We started out with 4 to 5 males and a couple of females in April, and early May and now we are only seeing 1 male Rufous, possibly 2, although we think its the same bird going to the front and back feeders. We suspect the earlier numbers were just making a stop on their way north (we hope) but it still doesnt explain only seeing 1 Rufous as compared to prior years. I was born and raised in Juneau and cant remember ever seeing so few. No females are being seen. Is anyone else in Juneau noticing reduced numbers of Rufous at their feeders? Best regards, Robert and Sandra Shaw > > >
Subject: misc obs from wetlands this A.M.
From: Mark Schwan <aukebay AT gci.net>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:27:26 -0800

Following up on Deb's posting, I was out on the wetlands around the morning's high tide and it was pretty cool; beautiful conditions and lots of birds, and still many shorebirds. A real highlight was the more than 300 American Golden-Plovers with lots of Pectoral Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers mixed throughout. Also, several times I heard the rolling "pulip" call of an Upland Sandpiper. One time it was so loud it I thought the bird was right over my head, but, alas I could never put my eyes on the darn thing. Mark Schwan Auke Bay
Subject: Wetlands at noon
From: "Rudis, Deborah" <deborah_rudis AT fws.gov>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 14:21:32 -0800

birds seen from the dike trail mid-day - some of the more interesting observations today abundant Wilson's warblers, fewer Myrtle warblers one western wood pewee LB dowitchers still some pectoral sandpipers & a few western sands. 7 Am.-golden plovers about 7 Vaux swifts couple tree swallows harrier -- Deb Rudis
Subject: Re: Where are the Rufous?
From: alan munro <armunro AT gci.net>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 11:24:10 -0800

Have a female hummer back feeding this morning--and it was on April 25 not May (a typo) that I had a male and female show up this year--still a late show though. Alan ----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Fleischhauer To: robert_and_sandra_shaw ; Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com ; alan munro Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 11:35 PM Subject: Re: [Eaglechat] Where are the Rufous? We're on Douglas Hwy, water side. We've been here about 20 years and have always had plenty of hummers. That is, until about three years (possibly two) ago. They suddenly were... not here! Last year, we had one or two... and we recognized a female that had visited for several years (distinctive wing posture on one side). This year we have had at least two females and one male. That's our view... Michael Fleischhauer ----- Original Message ----- From: alan munro To: robert_and_sandra_shaw ; Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 10:15 PM Subject: Re: [Eaglechat] Where are the Rufous? In town I had a male and female arrive mid-May (later than usual) and feeding from an 18 oz bottle till nearly empty. I refilled it and now it's been two weeks without seeing them. I thought she might be brooding though also checked my bottle today for possible air-locks and found one--got it out---so now I'm waiting to see if they start feeding again. My neighbor--two houses up--said he's had a couple at his feeder--maybe my missing two? Alan From: robert_and_sandra_shaw To: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 7:39 PM Subject: [Eaglechat] Where are the Rufous? Last year we noticed reduced numbers of Rufous at our feeders than normal but this year is way worse. We started out with 4 to 5 males and a couple of females in April, and early May and now we are only seeing 1 male Rufous, possibly 2, although we think its the same bird going to the front and back feeders. We suspect the earlier numbers were just making a stop on their way north (we hope) but it still doesnt explain only seeing 1 Rufous as compared to prior years. I was born and raised in Juneau and cant remember ever seeing so few. No females are being seen. Is anyone else in Juneau noticing reduced numbers of Rufous at their feeders? Best regards, Robert and Sandra Shaw
Subject: Fwd: Olive-sided Flycatchers: Please report your sightings!
From: "Rudis, Deborah" <deborah_rudis AT fws.gov>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 10:10:29 -0800

A request for information from BBS routes & others. Apologies for any cross postings. --------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Johnson, Jim Date: Tue, May 14, 2013 at 12:45 PM Subject: Olive-sided Flycatchers: Please report your sightings! To: BPIF Group My name is Julie Hagelin, and I am a Wildlife Biologist working on Olive-sided Flycatchers (OSFL) for AK Dept. of Fish and Game Wildlife Diversity Program. OSFL’s are a globally declining species. I am collaborating with Fish and Wildlife Service over several seasons to deploy sub-gram geolocators on AK birds to determine their migratory route. Our goal is to inform conservation decisions that could maintain habitat connectivity for migrating individuals. We are also studying breeding biology of Alaskan populations, and hope to collaborate with other western regions to understand patterns of decline.**** ** ** *How you can help me:* **1. **Olive-sided Flycatchers are sparsely distributed across the landscape, making it a real challenge to find breeding sites. Luckily birds are quite reliable, in that they usually return to the same breeding territory! **** **2. ***If you detect OSFL on your BBS surveys, or detect these birds at other times this summer, or perhaps know of other places where you often have seen this species in the past, please notify me in detail where these locations are *(description of where (from memory, or approx.. mile marker or GPS point, if you have it). **** **3. **We are collecting all reports. However, it is most practical for us to use birds in our study that are found within ~350 mi of Fairbanks. **** **4. **Feel free to contact me directly (below) with questions or information about OSFL’s.**** Thank you in advance for your help! **** Julie**** ===============**** Julie C. Hagelin**** Regional Wildlife Biologist**** Wildlife Diversity Program**** Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game**** 1300 College Rd.**** Fairbanks, AK 99701**** ph: 907-459-7239 (w)**** 408-621-2526 (c)**** fax: 907-459-7332 -
Subject: Re: Where are the Rufous?
From: S&R Shaw <srshaw AT gci.net>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 07:26:07 -0800

Thanks everyone, for your observations. I neglected to say where we live and thats out N Douglas. We do have blueberry flowers in bloom finally but everything is very late this year due to weather. Ive also noticed not as many bugs here so far....so between the late flowers, less bugs and colder temps, maybe its connected. I felt sorry enough for the 1 Rufous we have that I bought an early blooming red petunia just so it has something else to feed off of & we're bringing the plant in at night. My mother who lives off back loop road and brother-in-law out at Horse Island have also noticed reduced numbers of Rufous. Hoping they've just decided to stay in Ketchikan until it warms up more and will make their showing soon. Best to everyone, Sandra Shaw Just a note...I purchased a hummingbird swing...I know, my husband rolled his eyes too, :-)...BUT, the lil guy has been using it! We put it under the house eve and he sits on it during rainy and windy weather to get out of the elements. Adorable. ----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Fleischhauer To: robert_and_sandra_shaw ; Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com ; alan munro Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 11:35 PM Subject: Re: [Eaglechat] Where are the Rufous? We're on Douglas Hwy, water side. We've been here about 20 years and have always had plenty of hummers. That is, until about three years (possibly two) ago. They suddenly were... not here! Last year, we had one or two... and we recognized a female that had visited for several years (distinctive wing posture on one side). This year we have had at least two females and one male. That's our view... Michael Fleischhauer ----- Original Message ----- From: alan munro To: robert_and_sandra_shaw ; Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 10:15 PM Subject: Re: [Eaglechat] Where are the Rufous? In town I had a male and female arrive mid-May (later than usual) and feeding from an 18 oz bottle till nearly empty. I refilled it and now it's been two weeks without seeing them. I thought she might be brooding though also checked my bottle today for possible air-locks and found one--got it out---so now I'm waiting to see if they start feeding again. My neighbor--two houses up--said he's had a couple at his feeder--maybe my missing two? Alan From: robert_and_sandra_shaw To: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 7:39 PM Subject: [Eaglechat] Where are the Rufous? Last year we noticed reduced numbers of Rufous at our feeders than normal but this year is way worse. We started out with 4 to 5 males and a couple of females in April, and early May and now we are only seeing 1 male Rufous, possibly 2, although we think its the same bird going to the front and back feeders. We suspect the earlier numbers were just making a stop on their way north (we hope) but it still doesnt explain only seeing 1 Rufous as compared to prior years. I was born and raised in Juneau and cant remember ever seeing so few. No females are being seen. Is anyone else in Juneau noticing reduced numbers of Rufous at their feeders? Best regards, Robert and Sandra Shaw
Subject: Re: Where are the Rufous?
From: "Michael Fleischhauer" <bigshaheen46 AT gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 23:35:55 -0800

We're on Douglas Hwy, water side. We've been here about 20 years and have always had plenty of hummers. That is, until about three years (possibly two) ago. They suddenly were... not here! Last year, we had one or two... and we recognized a female that had visited for several years (distinctive wing posture on one side). This year we have had at least two females and one male. That's our view... Michael Fleischhauer ----- Original Message ----- From: alan munro To: robert_and_sandra_shaw ; Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 10:15 PM Subject: Re: [Eaglechat] Where are the Rufous? In town I had a male and female arrive mid-May (later than usual) and feeding from an 18 oz bottle till nearly empty. I refilled it and now it's been two weeks without seeing them. I thought she might be brooding though also checked my bottle today for possible air-locks and found one--got it out---so now I'm waiting to see if they start feeding again. My neighbor--two houses up--said he's had a couple at his feeder--maybe my missing two? Alan From: robert_and_sandra_shaw To: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 7:39 PM Subject: [Eaglechat] Where are the Rufous? Last year we noticed reduced numbers of Rufous at our feeders than normal but this year is way worse. We started out with 4 to 5 males and a couple of females in April, and early May and now we are only seeing 1 male Rufous, possibly 2, although we think its the same bird going to the front and back feeders. We suspect the earlier numbers were just making a stop on their way north (we hope) but it still doesnt explain only seeing 1 Rufous as compared to prior years. I was born and raised in Juneau and cant remember ever seeing so few. No females are being seen. Is anyone else in Juneau noticing reduced numbers of Rufous at their feeders? Best regards, Robert and Sandra Shaw
Subject: Re: Where are the Rufous?
From: alan munro <armunro AT gci.net>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 22:15:26 -0800

In town I had a male and female arrive mid-May (later than usual) and feeding from an 18 oz bottle till nearly empty. I refilled it and now it's been two weeks without seeing them. I thought she might be brooding though also checked my bottle today for possible air-locks and found one--got it out---so now I'm waiting to see if they start feeding again. My neighbor--two houses up--said he's had a couple at his feeder--maybe my missing two? Alan From: robert_and_sandra_shaw To: Eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 7:39 PM Subject: [Eaglechat] Where are the Rufous? Last year we noticed reduced numbers of Rufous at our feeders than normal but this year is way worse. We started out with 4 to 5 males and a couple of females in April, and early May and now we are only seeing 1 male Rufous, possibly 2, although we think its the same bird going to the front and back feeders. We suspect the earlier numbers were just making a stop on their way north (we hope) but it still doesnt explain only seeing 1 Rufous as compared to prior years. I was born and raised in Juneau and cant remember ever seeing so few. No females are being seen. Is anyone else in Juneau noticing reduced numbers of Rufous at their feeders? Best regards, Robert and Sandra Shaw
Subject: Re: Where are the Rufous?
From: Karla Hart <AlaskaBirder AT gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 22:00:29 -0800

Interesting observation. In the late 1960s near Pt Louisa I recall going through quarts of food a day (granted, old feeders dripped some) to fill multiple feeders that were "always" busy. There we lived near a lot of blue/huckleberry bushes and had a lot of flowers. I haven't lived in such an area in decades nor seen that number of hummingbirds. My current location isn't that good for hummingbirds. Others? On Sunday, May 19, 2013, robert_and_sandra_shaw wrote: > ** > > > Last year we noticed reduced numbers of Rufous at our feeders than normal > but this year is way worse. We started out with 4 to 5 males and a couple > of females in April, and early May and now we are only seeing 1 male > Rufous, possibly 2, although we think its the same bird going to the front > and back feeders. We suspect the earlier numbers were just making a stop on > their way north (we hope) but it still doesnt explain only seeing 1 Rufous > as compared to prior years. I was born and raised in Juneau and cant > remember ever seeing so few. No females are being seen. Is anyone else in > Juneau noticing reduced numbers of Rufous at their feeders? Best regards, > Robert and Sandra Shaw > > >
Subject: Where are the Rufous?
From: "robert_and_sandra_shaw" <srshaw AT gci.net>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 03:39:33 -0000

Last year we noticed reduced numbers of Rufous at our feeders than normal but this year is way worse. We started out with 4 to 5 males and a couple of females in April, and early May and now we are only seeing 1 male Rufous, possibly 2, although we think its the same bird going to the front and back feeders. We suspect the earlier numbers were just making a stop on their way north (we hope) but it still doesnt explain only seeing 1 Rufous as compared to prior years. I was born and raised in Juneau and cant remember ever seeing so few. No females are being seen. Is anyone else in Juneau noticing reduced numbers of Rufous at their feeders? Best regards, Robert and Sandra Shaw ------------------------------------
Subject: Fw: [eBird Alert] Rare Bird Alert for Juneau
From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 17:56:28 -0700 (PDT)

----- Forwarded Message ----- >From: "ebird-alert AT cornell.edu" >To: >Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 3:43 PM >Subject: [eBird Alert] Rare Bird Alert for Juneau > > >*** Species Summary: > >- Spotted Towhee (1 report) > >--------------------------------------------- >Thank you for subscribing to the Rare Bird Alert for Juneau. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Juneau. View this alert on the web at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN36345 >NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated > >Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) (1) >- Reported May 14, 2013 10:15 by Kathleen & Hal Robins >- Juneau--Douglas-Treadwell/Sandy Beach area, Juneau, Alaska >- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=58.2730558,-134.3876869&ll=58.2730558,-134.3876869 >- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14174944 >- Comments: "Possible, no picture, visually observed and heard sing at close range by two experienced birders familiar with the species." > >*********** > >You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Rare Bird Alert for Juneau > >Manage your eBird alert subscriptions: >http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts > > >
Subject: If you lost a hat at Saturdayâ€™s bird event
From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 17:55:09 -0700 (PDT)

At the community garden, left on banding table. Let me know so I can return it.
Subject: Talk about happenstance!
From: "spruceak" <spruceak AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 15:11:49 -0000

This is a birding sequence so bear with me. Very noted and distinguished naturalist Bob Armstrong visited Gustavus a few days ago and when he returned home to Juneau was reviewing pics he had taken of geese around the golf course. He found what he thought may have been a Ross's Goose among a flock of Snow Geese. I happened to be in the Gustavus Library showing a couple of long-time friends my new I-pad Mini when his e-mail and attachment arrived, and thought I'd share with them the excitement of this first-time record for Gustavus/Glacier Bay, so I showed them the e-mail. The Nemeths then returned to their home along the Salmon River and Kris was looking out the window at a nearby flock of geese that included 3 Snow Geese. One looked like the pic, so she got Dave and they studied it through his brand new scope and one fit the description of a Ross's Goose. She called me and I buzzed over to the boat harbor and, sure enough, there it was, a new species for the Glacier Bay checklist! Nat Drumheller got off a long day on a cruise ship just in time to find it as well. Thanks, Bob!!!!!! Bruce Paige Gustavus ------------------------------------
Subject: Western Tanager [2 Attachments]
From: "Doug Jones" <doug-jones AT ak.net>
Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 09:59:56 -0800

Just got home from Eagle Beach picnic area and saw a western tanager (photo attached), a pair of western wood-pewee's (photo of one attached), and a plethora of warblers, kinglets, and sparrows!Â Â Pretty spectacular birding right now! Doug Jones
Subject: Re: Hermit thrushes
From: Laurie Craig <lauriecraig AT gci.net>
Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 07:39:50 -0800

Yes, it is an enchanting song! I heard it for the first time near Auke Lake on Thursday night. Sent from my iPad On May 16, 2013, at 6:46 PM, Deanna Mac Phail wrote: > Heard them at Moose Lake Sunday morning, and saw one at our house on Kelly Ct. last week. The sweetest sound I know. > > > On Thu, May 16, 2013 at 6:43 PM, GCI wrote: >> >> They're back. Been seeing a number of them but no songs as yet. >> >> Deb Rudis >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> On May 14, 2013, at 4:58 PM, Matt Goff wrote: >> >>> >>> >>> I was told about a strange sounding bird that's been calling for a while along a local trail. I managed to get recordings of it today, and it sounds most like a Varied Thrush to me, but I've never heard one sing like this before, so I'm wondering if it is something else. >>> >>> I'm curious if anyone else has heard a Varied Thrush sing like this and/or would be interested to hear of possible alternatives. >>> >>> I've posted clips and a little more information here: >>> http://www.sitkanature.org/wordpress/2013/05/14/mystery-calls-varied-thrush/ >>> >>> Thanks, >>> >>> Matt Goff >>> Sitka >> > >
Subject: Request for Help with Hummingbird Research in SE Alaska
From: FHound AT aol.com
Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 -0400 (EDT)

I am a hummingbird bander who will be doing migration research on hummingbirds in SE Alaska in June. I am looking for hummingbird hosts with good numbers of hummers who will allow me to band at their homes in Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Haines. If you would like to see your special birds up close, please contact me directly at _fhound AT aol.com_ (mailto:fhound AT aol.com) or (334) 868-9658. Thanks Fred Fred Bassett 1520 Katrina Place Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 868-9658 http://hummingbirdresearch.net/
Subject: Re: Hermit thrushes
From: Deanna Mac Phail <deanna.macphail AT gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 18:46:19 -0800

Heard them at Moose Lake Sunday morning, and saw one at our house on Kelly Ct. last week. The sweetest sound I know. On Thu, May 16, 2013 at 6:43 PM, GCI wrote: > ** > > > They're back. Been seeing a number of them but no songs as yet. > > Deb Rudis > > Sent from my iPhone > > On May 14, 2013, at 4:58 PM, Matt Goff wrote: > > > > > I was told about a strange sounding bird that's been calling for a while > along a local trail. I managed to get recordings of it today, and it > sounds most like a Varied Thrush to me, but I've never heard one sing like > this before, so I'm wondering if it is something else. > > I'm curious if anyone else has heard a Varied Thrush sing like this and/or > would be interested to hear of possible alternatives. > > I've posted clips and a little more information here: > > http://www.sitkanature.org/wordpress/2013/05/14/mystery-calls-varied-thrush/ > > Thanks, > > Matt Goff > Sitka > > >
Subject: Hermit thrushes
From: GCI <akwildlife AT gci.net>
Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 18:43:52 -0800

They're back. Been seeing a number of them but no songs as yet. Deb Rudis Sent from my iPhone On May 14, 2013, at 4:58 PM, Matt Goff wrote: > > I was told about a strange sounding bird that's been calling for a while along a local trail. I managed to get recordings of it today, and it sounds most like a Varied Thrush to me, but I've never heard one sing like this before, so I'm wondering if it is something else. > > I'm curious if anyone else has heard a Varied Thrush sing like this and/or would be interested to hear of possible alternatives. > > I've posted clips and a little more information here: > http://www.sitkanature.org/wordpress/2013/05/14/mystery-calls-varied-thrush/ > > Thanks, > > Matt Goff > Sitka >
Subject: Mystery Song (another + update on first)
From: Matt Goff <goff AT nawwal.org>
Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 21:59:21 -0800

Today I recorded another odd (to me) sounding song - it started off like an Orange-crowned Warbler, but does different things in the middle. I posted a couple of clips here: http://www.sitkanature.org/wordpress/2013/05/15/mystery-calls-warbler/ I'm thinking it's a warbler, but not sure what kind. (I didn't try doing any playback here, as my recorder doesn't play back loud enough on its own, and I didn't have speakers.) I'm curious if anyone has heard something like it and/or recognizes what it might be. As for the mystery song from yesterday - thanks to those who responded to my query. I had a couple of suggestions to try doing a little playback to see if the bird would come in. I went back yesterday evening and heard the bird calling from further up the hill, but it did not seem to respond to the playback I did of the recordings from the morning. I also got a note from someone who had recorded "an odd sounding varied thrush (presumably)" from the same location last year. He is travelling and so can't compare the calls right now, but it will be interesting if they end up being quite similar. Thanks, Matt Goff Sitka
Subject: Varied Thrush?
From: Matt Goff <goff AT nawwal.org>
Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 16:58:04 -0800

I was told about a strange sounding bird that's been calling for a while along a local trail. I managed to get recordings of it today, and it sounds most like a Varied Thrush to me, but I've never heard one sing like this before, so I'm wondering if it is something else. I'm curious if anyone else has heard a Varied Thrush sing like this and/or would be interested to hear of possible alternatives. I've posted clips and a little more information here: http://www.sitkanature.org/wordpress/2013/05/14/mystery-calls-varied-thrush/ Thanks, Matt Goff Sitka
Subject: Red throated loons
From: "barransd" <barransd AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 02:38:42 -0000

Glassed a pair of red throated loons yesterday at Temsco Pond. Hoping they are breeding here and not just resting on their way north. Spectacular! ------------------------------------
Subject: Small Bright Yellow Bird in My Cherry Tree
From: "Roxanne Stewart" <roxannadanna AT gci.net>
Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 20:44:21 -0000

A bright yellow (tropical looking) bird just passed through my downtown yard. It had an orange-reddish beak and was a little bit bigger than a red-poll. My birding books and e-bird say it doesn't exist here so I'm wondering if someone lost a captive bird? Roxanne ------------------------------------
Subject: Re: Kingfisher Pond
From: Bev <skuas AT yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 08:46:49 -0700 (PDT)

Hi all, there are fabulous shorebirds out at the mouth of the Mendenhall River right now.Â I went out at high tide on Wednesday afternoon.Â The tides are fairly low for high tides and I was surrounded by ~2,000 shorebirds.Â mostly western sandpipers, but there were 5 marbled godwits, 70+ bb plovers, least sandpipers, pectoral sandpipers, short-billed dowitchers and more. Â Sunday, Patty Rose and I saw a Red Knot and several short-eared owls.Â Â bev. ________________________________ From: "llammak AT yahoo.com" To: "eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com" Sent: Thursday, May 9, 2013 9:27 PM Subject: [Eaglechat] Kingfisher Pond Â A small group of us took advantage of a long lunch break in Lemon Creek today by birding Kingfisher Pond behind the police station. Tree swallows were abundant and easy to look at. Also seen: mallard pair, ring-necked duck pair, pair of cinnamon teal (yeah!), a violet-green swallow, a barn swallow, song sparrow, yellow-rumped warblers, eagle, raven, and a rusty blackbird. It was the best lunch break I've had lately! Laurie Lamm
Subject: Kingfisher Pond
From: llammak AT yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 9 May 2013 21:27:10 -0800

A small group of us took advantage of a long lunch break in Lemon Creek today by birding Kingfisher Pond behind the police station. Tree swallows were abundant and easy to look at. Also seen: mallard pair, ring-necked duck pair, pair of cinnamon teal (yeah!), a violet-green swallow, a barn swallow, song sparrow, yellow-rumped warblers, eagle, raven, and a rusty blackbird. It was the best lunch break I've had lately! Laurie Lamm ------------------------------------
Subject: Re: The warblers are here!
From: "Rudis, Deborah" <deborah_rudis AT fws.gov>
Date: Thu, 9 May 2013 08:47:56 -0800

A Townsend's warbler has been singing the past 2 days from the treetops on River Rd. -deb rudis On Thu, May 9, 2013 at 7:42 AM, lscottranger wrote: > ** > > > While enjoying the acrobatics of the 17 Arctic Tern I counted from Photo > Point up at the glacier, the Sitka alder were alive with bird life. > > Orange-crowned Warbler both chipped and sang and approached my spsssing > within 10 feet. > > Yellow-rumped Warbler flitted about everywhere, especially on the freshly > opened willow catkins. Every one I saw had a clear white throat making them > the Myrtle race. Lots of song as well. > > Yellow-crowned Sparrow seem really abundant this spring and one gorgeous > bird put on a great show for me hopping about the rocks. > > White-crowned Sparrow were a common site out on the Moraine Ecology trail > in the open, sandy parts of the outwash plain. > > In the evening I made a bike ride on the Dike Trail. > > Yellow-rumped Warbler (myrtle race) were nearly uncountable, easily in the > several dozens. All very active feeding in every species of tree and shrub > out there. > > Wilson's Warbler came and buzzed me while standing on the dike just north > of the Gazebo. Then he sat in an adler and sang away, just 15 feet from me. > Full, gorgeous breeding plumage and in sunshine! > > Fox Sparrow hugged the ground in the same area under the alders but only > chipped, no song. (I have heard them singing in the red alder along Thane > Road between the Rock Dump and Franklin Dock). > > Greater White-fronted Goose are out in the wetlands and I counted 227 of > them from the dike. > > Snow Goose are still out there as well, but much further out and I didn't > get a good count but about a dozen. > > What a great day to spend outside! > > Scott Ranger > > > v
Subject: Re: Rufus Overload in Haines
From: "Michael Fleischhauer" <bigshaheen46 AT gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 9 May 2013 08:26:50 -0800

Our feeder here near the mouth of Lawson Creek on Douglas Highway (Juneau) has two females and one male that are showing up regularly. For the last two-to-three years, we have had extremely diminished numbers of the little things. In years past, we would regularly have 6-8-10-15 fighting over the feeder. Michael Fleischhauer ----- Original Message ----- From: Marlena Mooring To: eaglechat AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 10:01 PM Subject: [Eaglechat] Rufus Overload in Haines Has anyone in Juneau had a problem of too many Rufus Hummers? For the last two weeks, we have put up four feeders and have counted as many as 30 to 40 hummers. It's a feeding frenzy at night. They just keep multiplying and I don't know where they're coming from. It's as if we have a neon sign lit up on our roof that says "Hummer Buffet". We'll be going to Juneau next week and a 25 pound bag of sugar from Cosco is on our list. Not sure how we'll keep the feeders full when they have young ones. Julie who lives a mile from us has the same large numbers and she told me it's a challenge to keep all the feeders full. She says that it's normal to have that many hummers.
Subject: Barn Swallows
From: "lscottranger" <scottranger AT comcast.net>
Date: Thu, 09 May 2013 15:43:49 -0000

Forgot to add that the Barn Swallows are back at the Glacier. Tree Swallow showed up there a week ago. Scott ------------------------------------
Subject: The warblers are here!
From: "lscottranger" <scottranger AT comcast.net>
Date: Thu, 09 May 2013 15:42:42 -0000

While enjoying the acrobatics of the 17 Arctic Tern I counted from Photo Point up at the glacier, the Sitka alder were alive with bird life. Orange-crowned Warbler both chipped and sang and approached my spsssing within 10 feet. Yellow-rumped Warbler flitted about everywhere, especially on the freshly opened willow catkins. Every one I saw had a clear white throat making them the Myrtle race. Lots of song as well. Yellow-crowned Sparrow seem really abundant this spring and one gorgeous bird put on a great show for me hopping about the rocks. White-crowned Sparrow were a common site out on the Moraine Ecology trail in the open, sandy parts of the outwash plain. In the evening I made a bike ride on the Dike Trail. Yellow-rumped Warbler (myrtle race) were nearly uncountable, easily in the several dozens. All very active feeding in every species of tree and shrub out there. Wilson's Warbler came and buzzed me while standing on the dike just north of the Gazebo. Then he sat in an adler and sang away, just 15 feet from me. Full, gorgeous breeding plumage and in sunshine! Fox Sparrow hugged the ground in the same area under the alders but only chipped, no song. (I have heard them singing in the red alder along Thane Road between the Rock Dump and Franklin Dock). Greater White-fronted Goose are out in the wetlands and I counted 227 of them from the dike. Snow Goose are still out there as well, but much further out and I didn't get a good count but about a dozen. What a great day to spend outside! Scott Ranger ------------------------------------
Subject: Rufus Overload in Haines
From: Marlena Mooring <snowgirlmjm AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 23:01:23 -0700 (PDT)

Has anyone in Juneau had a problem of too many Rufus Hummers? For the last two weeks, we have put up four feeders and have counted as many as 30 to 40 hummers. It's a feeding frenzy at night. They just keep multiplying and I don't know where they're coming from. It's as if we have a neon sign lit up on our roof that says "Hummer Buffet". We'll be going to Juneau next week and a 25 pound bag of sugar from Cosco is on our list. Not sure how we'll keep the feeders full when they have young ones. Julie who lives a mile from us has the same large numbers and she told me it's a challenge to keep all the feeders full. She says that it's normal to have that many hummers.
Subject: Caspian Tern
From: Schempf Family <schempf AT alaska.net>
Date: Wed, 08 May 2013 15:11:41 -0800

Walking along the river down stream from Industrial Blvd. saw a large tern fishing in the river. Dark cap, red bill, sooty wing tips. Don't know what it would be other than a Caspian. Lots of scaup and tree swallows. Phil -- Schempf Family Juneau, Alaska ------------------------------------
Subject: white crowned sparrows & swallows?
From: Mary Ellen Frank <mefrank AT gci.net>
Date: Wed, 08 May 2013 14:31:00 -0800

white crowned sparrows have joined the gold crowns in my yard would swear I just heard a swallow downtown??? Mary Ellen Frank, NIADA artist http://www.niada.org curator, Aunt Claudia's Dolls, a Museum http://www.auntclaudiasdolls.com
Subject: This Saturday - birding event [1 Attachment]
From: Gwen Baluss <gwenbaluss AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 07:19:27 -0700 (PDT)

The Tongass National Forest will host International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) activities on Saturday, May 11 at the Juneau Community Garden. The popular day of bird-oriented education and activities is a free event organized by the US Forest Service in partnership with the Juneau Audubon Society and the Juneau Community Garden. Now is when migratory songbirds arrive in Southeast Alaska from places as far away as South America. Locally, most small-sized birds like warblers, thrushes and hummingbirds are migratory, and many return to start their nests in May. This is an opportunity to see these beautiful travelers up close and learn how scientists study them. International Migratory Bird Day was started more than 20 years ago in order to increase awareness of the challenges faced by migrating birds. It is currently coordinated by the Environment for the Americas. The May 11 activities will mark more than fifteen years of participation by the Tongass National Forest. Morning events will be held at Juneau Community Garden (off Montana Creek Road). · SONGBIRD BANDING DEMONSTRATION will be ongoing between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. at the large pavilion. · Also starting at the pavilion, an expert will lead concurrent AUDUBON BIRD WALKS to the nearby marsh. All IMBD programs are family-friendly and free of charge. For more information contact Gwen Baluss at the US Forest Service Juneau Ranger District, 789-6254.
Subject: arctic terns!
From: Özgür Keşaplı Didrickson <okesapli AT gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 21:00:10 -0800

Hi, Saw my first arctic terns today by DeHarts! They were fishing. best Özgür
Subject: Tree Swallows at the Mendenhall Wetlands
From: "Rudis, Deborah" <deborah_rudis AT fws.gov>
Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 14:55:46 -0800

There were abundant tree swallows claiming the nest boxes off Industrial Blvd today. Two individuals were fighting over a box and I watched them drop to the ground in a tussle. They flew off apparently unscathed. How much damage could those tiny beaks do! Some of my nest boxes are in pretty rough shape & need to be replaced. If anyone has ideas on funding for materials purchase & volunteer labor for next year please contact me. Thanks, -deb -- Deborah D. Rudis Environmental Contaminants Specialist/Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Juneau Field Office 3000 Vintage Blvd #201 Juneau, Alaska 99801 o 907.780.1183 c 907.723.9981 deborah_rudis AT fws.gov
Subject: Re: Dike trail
From: do <aesherwin AT aol.com>
Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 16:17:49 -0400 (EDT)

Oops, I pressed the "send" button too soon and forgot to mention who I was. This is Amy Sherwin. There were also violet-green swallows, a beaver in the pond, and a yellow-dumped warbler in the deciduous woods as well.
Subject: Re: Dike trail
From: do <aesherwin AT aol.com>
Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 16:14:20 -0400 (EDT)

This morning on the golf course side of the wetlands, the deciduous trees were alive with the sound of music. But the icing on the cake was a Sandhill Crane further out on the mud flats past the gravel trail that runs parallel to the runway lights. Very, very exciting to see!!
Subject: gold crowns
From: Andrew and Lauren Smoker <smoker AT gci.net>
Date: Tue, 07 May 2013 08:19:13 -0800

I've got 6 erso gold crowned sparrows hanging around the driveway this morning near the end of Thane Rd. First of the year for me. Been noticing harlequin ducks hanging around the mouth of Sheep Creek and other freshwater streams. Other times of the year I don't notice them near Sheep creek yesterday they were doing the classic behavior of hanging out roughly in pairs on top of rocks as the tide came in. I'm assuming they're pairing up for breeding in the freshwater streams.
Subject: Wandering Tattler, Gustavus.
From: "spruceak" <spruceak AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 05 May 2013 21:17:12 -0000

This morning I heard an old familiar call from the face of Gustavus Dock. It was a lone Wandering Tattler that apparently decided to detour from the open coast out of the SW gale for a while (it blew up to 60 mph yesterday at Cross Sound!). The bird was unafraid as it sat on the piling and bobbed for a while, the first of the species I've seen at Gustavus in a very long time. The Nemeths also happened by and watched it before it flew to the mouth of the river as a vehicle pulled up. Other notable birds E of the Dock were 8 Marbled Godwits together at the tideline (it sounded like Humboldt Bay in N. California where hundreds overwinter, for a bit), several FOY Semipalmated Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, and 2 noisy Caspian Terns. In the past two days, numbers of Western and Least Sandpipers have dramatically increased. On Gustavus Lake were a pair of Canvasbacks. Bruce Paige Gustavus ------------------------------------

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