Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Florida/Bahamas > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Wednesday, July 1 at 10:45 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Yellow-rumped Warbler,©Julie Zickefoose

1 Jul Article on how Hurricane Charley affected Florida Scrub-Jays in Charlotte County [] 1 Jul From marconews.com: State declines to file charges against 7 accused in bird shooting case [] 1 Jul FW:] Boca Grande nesting areas ["Charlie Ewell" ] 01 Jul Re: From naplesnews.com: Seven face charges for killing protected birds [Wes Biggs ] 1 Jul From naplesnews.com: Seven face charges for killing protected birds [] 28 Jun Local Lee coast birds [Vincent McGrath ] 26 Jun Re: August 9th pelagic trip from Marathon [Larry Manfredi ] 26 Jun August 9th pelagic trip from Marathon [Larry Manfredi ] 21 Jun Karick Lake in Blackwater River State Forest ["gatormomlynne" ] 12 Jun RFI: Horned larks ["gatormomlynne" ] 07 Jun Zenaida Dove No [Larry Manfredi ] 06 Jun Zenaida Dove negative reports [Larry Manfredi ] 05 Jun Zenaida Dove NO [Larry Manfredi ] 04 Jun Zenaida Dove directions and so advice! [Larry Manfredi ] 4 Jun Zenaida Dove Key Largo [] 01 Jun Horned Larks continue Concord Road Bascom, FL 30 May 09 [David Simpson ] 31 May Greater Sand-Plover ["gafcity47" ] 28 May Re: Toelagic trip from May 16th. [Larry Manfredi ] 28 May Toelagic trip from May 16th. [Larry Manfredi ] 23 May Breeding season kestrel sightings needed south of Orlando [smljay ] 22 May White-winged Doves in Orange County [Wes Biggs ] 21 May Owls - seeking info [Denise Manderscheid ] 21 May Greater Sand-Plover still present [] 21 May [Fwd: Greater Sand Plover-20May09-Wednesday] [Wes Biggs ] 20 May Fwd: [BRDBRAIN] Sand-Plover SSP and possible origin [] 19 May [Fwd: [FLBIRDS] Huguenot Park conditions] [Margie Wilkinson ] 18 May [Fwd: [FLBIRDS] Article on Greater Sand-Plover] [Wes Biggs ] 18 May Re: Sand plover crowd estimates? ["dotrobbins AT juno.com" ] 18 May Sand plover crowd estimates? [Tom Palmer ] 18 May Wildlife Corridor correct URL [Wes Biggs ] 18 May Major threat to critical wildlife corridor !!! [Wes Biggs ] 17 May Greater Sand-Plover ["Murray Gardler" ] 17 May Greater Sand-Plover ["Murray Gardler" ] 17 May Greater Sand-Plover ["Murray Gardler" ] 17 May Greater Sand-plover yes again [] 16 May Re: [BRDBRAIN] Greater Sandplover this p.m.?? - YES [Wes Biggs ] 16 May Greater Sand-Plover still present this morning [Larry Manfredi ] 15 May Re: [FLBIRDS] Huguenot Park details [Wes Biggs ] 15 May Greater Sand Plover ["Murray Gardler" ] 15 May Re: Greater Sandplover still there [] 15 May Greater Sandplover [Wes Biggs ] 15 May Greater Sand-Plover Yes! [Larry Manfredi ] 15 May Greater Sandplover [Wes Biggs ] 14 May Greater Sand-Plover picture by Roger Clark [Larry Manfredi ] 14 May GREATER SANDPLOVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [Wes Biggs ] 8 May sleeping dove pics ["Valeri" ] 6 May Ft. Island (Citrus County) ["Murray Gardler" ] 6 May FL pelagic; May 24, 2009 ["Murray Gardler" ] 05 May scrub jays ["Anne B." ] 3 May WHITE-TIPPED DOVE & WESTERN SPINDALLIS ["Murray Gardler" ] 28 Apr Fw: Western Spindalis Photo posted here... ["Murray Gardler" ] 28 Apr Fw: Western Spindalis At Fort Zachary Taylor ["Murray Gardler" ] 28 Apr Yellow-faced Grassquit ["Murray Gardler" ] 26 Apr Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Key West [Bev Hansen ] 26 Apr Yellow-faced Grassquit, Key West [Bev Hansen ] 25 Apr Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Key West [Bev Hansen ] 23 Apr May 9 NA Migration Count--Brevard County Coordinator needed [smljay ] 21 Apr Rose-breasted Grosbeak [] 21 Apr Black Noddy and Loggerhead Kingbird [] 21 Apr Yellow-faced Grassquit Key West Ft. Zachary Taylor [] 20 Apr FOS Meeting - Ruskin (Hillsborough County) 4/24-26 [David Goodwin ] 20 Apr FOS Meeting - Ruskin (Hillsborough County) 4/24-26 [David Goodwin ] 20 Apr Reminder about reporting banded roseatte spoonbills [smljay ] 18 Apr 3-days at the Dry Tortugas Massive fallout!!!!! [] 17 Apr Dry Tortugas Trip ["Murray Gardler" ] 17 Apr Bahama Mockingbird ["Murray Gardler" ] 17 Apr Bahama Mockingbird ["Murray Gardler" ] 16 Apr Franklin's Gull NO 16 Apr 09 Okeechobee [David Simpson ] 16 Apr Loggerhead Kingbird ["Murray Gardler" ] 15 Apr Loggerhead Kingbird ["Murray Gardler" ] 14 Apr 6-days Dry Tortugas [] 12 Apr Loggerhead Kingbird ["Murray Gardler" ] 12 Apr Loggerhead Kingbird ["Murray Gardler" ] 11 Apr Lori wilson Park, addendum [] 11 Apr Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach [] 10 Apr Leconte's Sparrow ["Murray Gardler" ] Subject: Article on how Hurricane Charley affected Florida Scrub-Jays in Charlotte County From: BrianAhern AT aol.com Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 23:43:52 EDT Hi All, I thought many of you all living in Sarasota & Charlotte Counties would find this article by the FWC of interest. The last time I went out to this area to see the Scrub-Jay population was during the winter of 2005 and you could find them pretty easily around the vacant lots in many of the subdivisions that are north of Babcock-Webb WMA. The link is below: _http://research.myfwc.com/education/view_article.asp?id=32586_ (http://research.myfwc.com/education/view_article.asp?id=32586) Best, Brian Ahern Tampa Bay, FL. BrianAhern AT aol.com Photos: _www.pbase.com/brianahern_ (http://www.pbase.com/brianahern) **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000005) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: From marconews.com: State declines to file charges against 7 accused in bird shooting case From: birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 23:13:49 -0400 (EDT) Wes Biggs sent you this: State declines to file charges against 7 accused in bird shooting case http://marconews.com/news/2009/may/04/charges-dropped-against-seven-accused-killing-wadi/ -------- Wes Biggs attached this additional message: More things to ponder! Wes Biggs -------- marconews.com Subject: FW:] Boca Grande nesting areas From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42 AT embarqmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 22:25:57 -0400 Here is the article Wes referenced in his previous email... All, Here is a link to the story mentioned below. It was a recent event: http://www.news-press.com/article/20090604/GREEN/906040366/1075 This type of situation is not unique to Boca Grande. Ft Myers Beach has had this issue for a few years now. We even had a LETE killed and a couple nests destroyed earlier this season by an apparent joyrider on the beach! Charlie Ewell Cape Coral, FL anhinga42 AT embarqmail.com http://www.birdpatrol.org Burrowing Owl Festival info at: http://www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org/ FL Ornithological Society info http://fosbirds.org -----Original Message----- From: Birdbrains - Florida Birds/Natural History [mailto:BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU] On Behalf Of David Hartgrove Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 7:04 PM To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Subject: [BRDBRAIN] Boca Grande nesting areas Hi, A member here in Daytona Beach sent me a link to the following story posted on a site called "Birders United." It reads as follows: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials roped off 3,000 square yards of beach in Boca Grande, Florida, to protect the nests of snowy plovers and least terns. But residents tore down the ropes and the signs claiming that the state had no right to restrict access to a private beach. Under Florida law, the state owns the beach below the mean water line. But the birds build their nests further onshore. Wildlife officials stated that most private beach owners cooperate with state officials when they are informed of the reasons for roping off nesting areas. Further legislation may be needed in Florida so that endangered birds can be protected wherever they decide to build their nests. Is there any validity to this story? Is it current, or is this something recycled from several years ago? David Hartgrove, President & Conservation Chair, Halifax River Audubon ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: From naplesnews.com: Seven face charges for killing protected birds From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:51:33 -0400 Hi All, It looks the the bird killers shot 3 DCCOs, 1 TRHE, LBHE, 1 SNEG, 10 WHIB, 1 GLIB & a couple of smaller birds that may be swallows or shorebirds. http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/09/south/News_09_S_ProtectdBirdsKilled.htm Check out the photos. Shooting protected species at Rookery Bay, & they don't even get charged with the most minimal offense!! I'm royally Pissed!! Wes Biggs Orlando birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net wrote: > > > > > Wes Biggs sent you the following link: > > Seven face charges for killing protected birds > http://naplesnews.com/photos/galleries/2009/feb/19/seven-face-charges-killing-protected-birds/ > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > Wes Biggs also attached this additional message: > > Hi All, > > The report that Charlie posted to BrdBrain was the second SW Florida > crime this year. As a NAVY vet. I'm sick at heart & sick to my > stomach. What great officer material these rats will make. > > Wes Biggs > Florida > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > naplesnews.com > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: From naplesnews.com: Seven face charges for killing protected birds From: birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 21:29:09 -0400 (EDT) Wes Biggs sent you the following link: Seven face charges for killing protected birds http://naplesnews.com/photos/galleries/2009/feb/19/seven-face-charges-killing-protected-birds/ ---------------------------------------------------------- Wes Biggs also attached this additional message: Hi All, The report that Charlie posted to BrdBrain was the second SW Florida crime this year. As a NAVY vet. I'm sick at heart & sick to my stomach. What great officer material these rats will make. Wes Biggs Florida ---------------------------------------------------------- naplesnews.com Subject: Local Lee coast birds From: Vincent McGrath <McAvian AT aol.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:13:37 -0400 Sometimes as the doldrums set in there are some surprises. Yesterday a male house finch was singing from the powerlines the next street over. Why doesn't it come over to my feeders? They are visible to the bird. A young N. Gannet flew by within ten feet of shore today on Captiva Not much but a minor bird fix is better than none. Mcavian AT aol.com Vince McGrath Ft Myers, Fl Subject: Re: August 9th pelagic trip from Marathon From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:41:27 -0400 My pelagic trip will be August 8th not 9th like I mention in the last post. Marathon is a good area to do a pelagic trip from, you can get Antillean Nighthawk at the Marathon Airport. It is also possible to see Mangrove Cuckoo as well. Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net http://www.southfloridabirding.com Larry Manfredi wrote: > > > I will be running a pelagic trip from Marathon to the Marathon Hump on > August 9th. The Marathon Hump creates upwelling which attract bait > fish as well as larger fish. This then attracts lots of pelagic birds, > this is a great trip to add lifers or state birds to your list. This > will be an 8-hour trip perhaps a little more. For more information go > to my website here: > http://www.southfloridabirding.com/html/pelagic_tour.htm > > > Please contact me to make reservations. > > Thanks, > > Larry Manfredi > Homestead, Fl > E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net > http://www.southfloridabirding.com > > Subject: August 9th pelagic trip from Marathon From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:00:57 -0400 I will be running a pelagic trip from Marathon to the Marathon Hump on August 9th. The Marathon Hump creates upwelling which attract bait fish as well as larger fish. This then attracts lots of pelagic birds, this is a great trip to add lifers or state birds to your list. This will be an 8-hour trip perhaps a little more. For more information go to my website here: http://www.southfloridabirding.com/html/pelagic_tour.htm Please contact me to make reservations. Thanks, Larry Manfredi Homestead, Fl E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net http://www.southfloridabirding.com Subject: Karick Lake in Blackwater River State Forest From: "gatormomlynne" <gatormomlynne AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:03:11 -0000 The hiking trail around Karick Lake provided some great summer birding last week. It's a 3.5 mile hike in mostly shaded forest. Despite the heat, the birds were plentiful and very active. The highlights: bald eagle yellow-throated vireo yellow-breasted chat blue grosbeak Bachman's sparrow orchard oriole (10, males were singing!) Also saw: red-shouldered hawk northern bobwhite yellow-billed cuckoo common nighthawk chimney swift red-headed woodpecker northern flicker pileated woodpecker eastern kingbird great crested flycatcher eastern wood-peewee purple martin carolina chickadee brown-headed nuthatch eastern bluebird summer tanager eastern towhee as well as the other usual suspects. Missed the horned larks on Concord Rd. however. Lynne Erickson Orange Co. Subject: RFI: Horned larks From: "gatormomlynne" <gatormomlynne AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:42:30 -0000 Does anyone know if the horned larks are still around in Bascom? Will be passing through near there this weekend and can detour to see them if they're still around. Thanks for any info you may have. Lynne Erickson Subject: Zenaida Dove No From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:24:55 -0400 John Kellam and Paul Bithorn were at the spot for most of today until 4:00 p.m., the bird was not seen. Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net http://www.southfloridabirding.com Subject: Zenaida Dove negative reports From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:22:08 -0400 Birders looked this morning and afternoon without any luck, perhaps it is gone. Larry Manfredi Homestead, Fl. E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Subject: Zenaida Dove NO From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:29:45 -0400 I looked with my wife and son as well as a few other birders this morning and late this afternoon for the Zenaida Dove. We did not see the bird, there was a severe thunderstorm last night with heavy rain. Perhaps that made the bird move somewhere else??? Maybe tomorrow will bring better luck. Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL. E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Subject: Zenaida Dove directions and so advice! From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:21:52 -0400 My website has directions and a photo of the Zenaida Dove from Key Largo here: http://www.southfloridabirding.com/html/recent_rarities..htm Here are directions as well as advice for this area: *Directions from Florida City/Homestead:* From the south end of the Florida Turnpike, take US1 south to upper Key Largo. After you go over the high bridge you enter Key Largo. Look for a Circle K store and Shell Gas Station on the left side of US1. Just past the Circle K turn left on C-905 road, head north 2-miles. After you pass a neighborhood on your right called I believe Gulfstream Shores, look for Valois st. on your right Turn right on Valois and then right on La Croix ct. *PARK HERE,* there should be room on both sides of La Croix. After you park, walk to Marseilles st., turn left. From this point look down Marseilles east to around the 5-6 telephone pole. Look on both sides of the street for the dove feeding along the road. There is no need to go any farther down Marseilles st. The person who lives on the end of this street is not supposed to be very friendly. There are no other houses on Marseilles st. A *SCOPE* would be very helpful to view this bird and not *SCARE* it away!!! I would recommend not bothering the neighbors on Valois street or any other street. Bird looking down *MARSEILLES ST. *this is your best bet to see the bird. Stay near the beginning of Marseilles so that you don't flush this *SKITTISH BIRD!! *You can not leave the road anywhere in this area, it is either private property or state property. So do not trespass! Thanks, Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL. E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Subject: Zenaida Dove Key Largo From: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 19:53:06 +0000 I just found a Zenaida Dove with Jim Kopitzke and my son Philip. The bird was seen on Marseilles road. This road is north of US1 by about 3 miles. I will post pictures and better directions later. Larry Manfredi Homestead, Fl E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Subject: Horned Larks continue Concord Road Bascom, FL 30 May 09 From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT mac.com> Date: Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:53:01 -0400 Hi all, There has been some speculation about the Horned larks found by Andy Bankert in northern Jackson County a couple years ago. The last Christmas Bird Count produced 14 birds, some of which were singing. Why, if there are so many birds wintering in that particular area, are there none seen in surrounding areas? Wouldn't it make sense that birds would be showing up in other areas or on the coast if they are migrating to the area each winter? Maybe they are resident in the area. Well, it seems that maybe they are. I had two singing males in a stubble field along Concord Road Saturday afternoon. I heard them as soon as I opened the truck door and for the full 20 minutes that I was there. At one point, I saw two Horned larks fly up together and part ways. I saw two more fly over in another field closer to SR 2. This was the heat of the day and I did not have time to really canvas the area, but it seems they are still there. It would be interesting to see just how many are present and if breeding evidence could be verified. I'll forward a link for the location momentarily. David Simpson Fellsmere, FL Subject: Greater Sand-Plover From: "gafcity47" <gafcity47 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 14:37:44 -0000 Haven't posted here lately, but on my way back from Ohio, I stopped by, and photographed the Greater Sand-Plover in Jacksonville, Fla. I have some OK shots on my site at www.flickr.com/photos/mudhen ... I also have about completed my trip folder there. What a way to end my trip with the rarest bird in North America! Danny Bales Titusville, Fla. Subject: Re: Toelagic trip from May 16th. From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 18:12:36 -0400 The date was May 23rd. not May 16th. Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL. E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Larry Manfredi wrote: > > > I went birding/fishing with Roberto (Toe), Trey, Miranda (Toe's > daughter) and my son Philip. We had a nice birding/fishing trip with > some great birds seen. The highlight was a nice adult Red-billed > Tropicbird!! > > A trip report with photos can be seen here: > http://www.southfloridabirding.com/html/toelagic_may_16_2009.htm > > > Larry Manfredi > > Subject: Toelagic trip from May 16th. From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 12:32:03 -0400 I went birding/fishing with Roberto (Toe), Trey, Miranda (Toe's daughter) and my son Philip. We had a nice birding/fishing trip with some great birds seen. The highlight was a nice adult Red-billed Tropicbird!! A trip report with photos can be seen here: http://www.southfloridabirding.com/html/toelagic_may_16_2009.htm Larry Manfredi Subject: Breeding season kestrel sightings needed south of Orlando From: smljay <SMLJAY AT aol.com> Date: Sat, 23 May 2009 07:05:09 -0400 FYI from Audubon of Florida: 1. Breeding season kestrel sightings needed south of Orlando ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 09:43:03 -0400 From: "WRAITHMELL, Julie" Subject: Breeding season kestrel sightings needed south of Orlando The FWC needs your help in mapping the current distribution of Southeastern American Kestrels in peninsular Florida. Wanted: Sightings of kestrels in the Florida peninsula SOUTH OF 28.5 degrees latitude (Brooksville-Orlando-Titusville). Only sightings from April - June are needed. Please send locality information (nearest town, highway, or other landmark) or GPS coordinates to:  Karl E. Miller,  Fish and Wildlife Research Institute  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission  1105 SW Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601  karl.miller AT myfwc.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: White-winged Doves in Orange County From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 20:48:08 -0400 Hi All, I'm going to be looking for White-winged Doves in the Orlando area tomorrow. I've seen them in Winter Park & a few years ago a pair nesting in the Home Depot parking lot at John Young & Sand Lake. Has anyone out there seen them elsewhere in Orange County? Thanks, Wes Subject: Owls - seeking info From: Denise Manderscheid <denisemanderscheid AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 20:58:40 -0400 I had a wonderful sighting this morning in my own backyard here in Jacksonville. A pair of owls flew down to a tree at the edge of the Preserve within sight of my Lanai where I was having breakfast. I always thought they were only nocturnal so was very surprised to see them mid morning. I quickly grabbed the camera and managed to get 5 shots of them - only one is really any good. I thought they were great horned owls but on further reflection I wonder if they are burrowing owls. I am hoping that someone here can tell me from the pic attached. Just before they flew away I heard the familiar hoo hoo hoooooo of a horned owl which I regularly hear in the woods at night. So I assumed that's what they were. Then this evening just as we finished dinner outside, the pair (same ones I guess) flew down into another tree again at the edge of our back yard and just sat there. They were issueing a different sound than what I am used to - more like a sssss-yup! I stood still and watched them for about 15 mins - one of them was eyeing me up too so I saw his facial features really well and to me it looked more like the burrowing owl. Then to my delight he flew down to the grass not more than 3 feet away from me and sat for moment looking at me. Then he flew up into the Preserve and a different tree. His mate following him more directly a few minutes later. Thanks Denise Manderscheid mobile: (904) 210 9335 website: www.terra-novus.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Greater Sand-Plover still present From: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 16:12:23 +0000 Alex Harper has relocated the Greater Sand-Plover as well as a Baird's Sandpiper. Larry Manfredi Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Subject: [Fwd: Greater Sand Plover-20May09-Wednesday] From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 09:37:51 -0400 Hi All, So far only negative results from yesterday. Wes Biggs Orlando [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fwd: [BRDBRAIN] Sand-Plover SSP and possible origin From: efalconh AT netscape.net Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 10:00:23 -0400 -----Original Message----- From: Cameron Cox To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Sent: Wed, 20 May 2009 5:55 am Subject: [BRDBRAIN] Sand-Plover SSP and possible origin All, Given the fairly large size and large pointed bill of the FL Sand-Plover it seems likely that it is of the nominate race leschenaultii, breeding China/Mongolia and wintering Taiwan to Australia.  Subspecific ID is complicated by the fact that the bird is in first alternate plumage, less than a year old. Some of the plumage traits that would give us additional characteristics to look from to nail down the subspecies are unreliable at this age.  As to how it arrived in FL, there is no way to know. My original theory was it made a slight navigational “oops” in its first fall migration and ended up somewhere in western North America, probably Alaska, moved down the Pacific coast, wintering somewhere in Central or South America before migrating north for spring.  At some point during migration it swapped coasts, probably in Central America where the continent is quite narrow.  However it might make just as much sense that it’s navigational oops involved it cutting all the way across northern Canada and then migrating south along the Atlantic and wintering somewhere south, anywhere from south FL to somewhere along the Atlantic coast of South America. It is also possible that flew so far north it ended up south, but on the wrong continent.  Meaning it flew over the North Pole.  While this may sound fantastic, there is some evidence, based on patterns of occurrence, that this happens and it may not be all that challenging for some species of waterbirds that fly strongly.  There is no way to be sure how it arrived, I’m just happy it did.  It was an absolutely incredible bird.  It will be interesting to see if it is seen again in North America.  I’m betting that this bird is so lost at this point that it may never find its way back to where it belongs and may end up wandering up and down the Atlantic coast of the Americas wondering where its pals are.  Also, I think there is a slight possibility that the bird may spend the summer at Huguenot. I’m not sure if this species breeds in their first summer, but many species of shorebirds do not. Many make a partial spring migration and just stop at a location with plentiful food resources and spend their summer eating and performing their first complete molt. It is possible that the Sand-Plover has found its spot for the summer. Cameron Cox             Temporarily in Tampa, FL Cameron_cox AT hotmail.com Cameron Cox Nikon Birding Market Specialist Nikon Sport Optics Cameron_cox AT hotmail.com 206.802.8178 http://www.nikonsportoptics.com Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits. Check it out.To subscribe,20unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: [Fwd: [FLBIRDS] Huguenot Park conditions] From: Margie Wilkinson <wwilkin3 AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 09:43:45 -0500 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [FLBIRDS] Huguenot Park conditions Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 08:51:43 -0400 From: Patrick Leary Reply-To: Patrick Leary To: FLORIDABIRDS-L AT LISTS.UFL.EDU Members: Please spread the word that NE Florida and Huguenot Park are currently experiencing extreme weather conditions with high winds, rain and storm surges along the coast. Huguenot Park MAY BE CLOSED upon arrival or conditions in the park may be highly adverse to access tidal habitats (shorelines flooded). When last reported, the Greater Sand-plover may have sought refuge in INACCESSIBLE habitats in the park. We received one extremely troubling report suggesting that sometime yesterday afternoon a visitor intruded into protected habitats pursuing the plover. Under NO circumstances is such behavior condoned or permitted. Any such behavior seriously threatens all the good will and positive feedback resulting from the responsible behavior of those visiting previously. For members associated with the ARBA, please post this message there ASAP. The extreme weather conditions are predicted to ease Thursday when local birders will verify the plover's continued presence. Until then, all potential visitors would be well advised to delay or forego plans to travel here for views of the plover. Thank you, Patrick Leary, Fernandina Beach ____________________________________________________________________________ ---------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.325 / Virus Database: 270.12.33/2120 - Release Date: 05/18/09 06:28:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: [Fwd: [FLBIRDS] Article on Greater Sand-Plover] From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 13:40:13 -0400 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Sand plover crowd estimates? From: "dotrobbins AT juno.com" <dotrobbins@juno.com> Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 13:19:47 GMT Yes, someone who knows the algorithms could easily crunch the numbers to demonstrate how many dollars were brought into the local economy by this bird--food, lodging, etc. (Eight of us had a delicious meal at the Sand Dollar after seeing the bird on Thursday!) There's a direct relationship between those incoming dollars and the recent barrier that restricts vehicles from the tidal zone, where these birds are fattening up in relative security. Protecting critical staging areas pays off. Congratulations and thanks to all who pushed to have those restrictions installed. I know Patrick and Doris Leary are a couple of them. Dotty Robbins High Springs ____________________________________________________________ Free Learning Centers Information. Click here. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTKNdRpJQRdWZ50bFiObDfamVFIKzQ0a9sjFXmEHyTIyECn2oxVYdy/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sand plover crowd estimates? From: Tom Palmer <tomp47 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 02:29:56 -0700 (PDT) Dear all, I was wondering if anyone kept track of the crowd that came to see the Greater Sand Plover, such as how far people came from outside Florida and any overall estimates.   Tom Palmer Winter Haven Follow my environmental musings at www.lakebluescrub.blogspot.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Wildlife Corridor correct URL From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 00:28:20 -0400 As you all can see I screwed up the web address for the lake Mary Jane Alliance. The correct URL is http://lakemaryjanealliance.com Subject: Major threat to critical wildlife corridor !!! From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 00:18:21 -0400 Hi All, A few hours ago I returned from a second look at the Greater Sandplover in Jacksonville. This time I went up with Andrea Willingham from Odessa, Erik Haney from St. Petersburg & Dave Goodwin from Brandon who were not able to get up there earlier. The Sandplover was in great form doing what Sandplovers seem to have been at least in part created to do, entertain birders! NOW FOR THE MAIN REASON FOR THIS POST: A great wildlife corridor exists from south Florida, north to the St. Johns River & beyond. A critical segment of the corridor is located between the Moss Park & Split Oak area in southern Orange County & the Hal Scott Preserve in the northern part of the county. Many of you will remember the Hal Scott Preserve as the location of Florida's second record of Hammond's Flycatcher a couple of years ago. Hal Scott is also home to Red-cockaded Woodpeckers & other listed species. Moss Park is one of Audubon's Important Bird Areas & is on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Many listed waterbird species nest there. A vast array of non avian wildlife also utilizes the corridor including a Florida Panther which I have seen myself! Much of the habitat linking these two areas is in conservation easement & other protection, but the area directly south of the Hal Scott preserve is now under the gun for massive development. The Innovation Way Corridor is a proposed connector consisting of roadways, businesses & thousands of dwelling units between the Orlando International Airport area & the nearby huge "medical city" area now under construction in the southern part of the county and the University of Central Florida & nearby high tech areas in the northern part of the county. This proposed Innovation Way Corridor runs immediately to the west of the wildlife corridor. The eastern boundary of the wildlife corridor is the Econlockhatchee River. Environmental protections that the citizens of Orange County were promised are now being threatened because of a lack of money. The two entities that own this critical piece of wildlife corridor, now known as Camino Reale and Innovation Way East want to develop as much of this property as possible. Innovation Way East used to be called Magnolia Ranch. Considering that one of the owners is worth an estimated $30,000,000,000, (yes I said 30 BILLION) they could & should donate a portion of this land to connect to the Hal Scott Preserve to the north & preserve the wildlife corridor. To learn more about the situation please check out our web site at http//lakemaryjanealliance.com If you live in Orange County, this is your backyard, please help!! If you live elsewhere & care about the unique wildlife of Florida, please help. We are not asking for money! All you need to do is add a line or two to an existing email & send it. It will take you literally a few minutes. Every email that the County Commission receives in opposition to the existing plan will make a difference. If you are willing to help, please let me know NOW as time is short. The Board of County Commissioners will make their decision on Tuesday May 19th., so this needs to be done today, Monday May 18th. If you are willing to help I'll forward to you an email from Suzanne Arnold our communications chairperson giving a little more background & instructions, & then a second email from her that you can hit "reply all" then add a line or two, (see Suzanne's suggestions) or how ever much you wish, add your name & address & hit send. If you live outside this area you could mention the importance of Florida's environment & wildlife to ecotourism which brings billions of dollars into the state. This is one of those moments when you can make a huge contribution to the environmental integrity of Florida & it will take you almost no time at all. What happens in this particular case will have a profound effect on how successful the owners of this land will be in the future to develop God only knows how much of the several hundred thousand acres of land that they own adjacent to this property. This is a huge deal, please help! If you have any questions please contact me by email or phone. Wes Biggs Environment/wildlife Chairperson Lake Mary Jane Alliance 407-384-9766 Subject: Greater Sand-Plover From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 17:47:15 -0400 Matt Orsie of WV just called me to say that the subject bird was still there a little after 5PM; as there was a lightning/thunderstorm they had to leave the park. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Greater Sand-Plover From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 10:02:40 -0400 From the GA listserve today about 9 AM, 5/17/09 Subject: Greater Sandplover, 5/17, seen in Jacksonville From: Darlene Moore Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 08:52:20 -0400 GABOers From Jacksonville!!! Got and Photographed the Greater Sandplover! Yes! Darlene Moore Decatur,GA Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Greater Sand-Plover From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 08:24:54 -0400 I have a friend driving down from WV this AM; about 4 hours away now. Any word this Sunday AM on a sighting? Call me if seen at 352 597 2195 so I can keep him posted! Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Greater Sand-plover yes again From: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 01:58:43 +0000 My wife, son and I had great looks at the plover late this afternoon. We left the bird with Bill Pranty and John Greenlaw at around 6pm. It was actively feeding on Fiddler Crabs. It chased away Wilson's Plovers several times. It was nice seeing the Gull-billed Terns hawking Fiddler Crabs. We watched a Whimbrel fight off a Gull-billed Tern for a Fiddler Crab and win, pretty cool! A word of caution, it took us an hour and a half to get into the park when we arrived at 3pm! Perhaps this only happens on weekends. I guess entering the park early or after around 5pm is the best time. Larry Manfredi Homestead, Fl E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Subject: Re: [BRDBRAIN] Greater Sandplover this p.m.?? - YES From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 21:15:36 -0400 Brian Ahern wrote: > Hi All, > > I just heard from Bill Pranty who was looking at the bird 15 minutes > ago, along with John Greenlaw and Larry Manfredi. So Yes! - It's still > around! > > Best, > Brian Ahern > Tampa Bay, FL. > BrianAhern AT aol.com > Photos: www.pbase.com/brianahern > > In a message dated 5/16/2009 6:41:50 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, > wwilkin3 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM writes: > > Did anyone see this stunning mega-rarity throughout the day? Several > Out-of-staters would like to know before making the trip. Thanks. > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > *An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! > * > To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv > list, please visit us on the web at: > http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no > mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to > LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv > administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu > ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Greater Sand-Plover still present this morning From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 07:18:47 -0400 The Greater Sand-Plover is being seen this morning by Carl Edwards, I hope it stays until we get there! Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL. E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Subject: Re: [FLBIRDS] Huguenot Park details From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 19:11:07 -0400 Hi All, Here are a couple of other hints: According to the parks Dept. web site Huguenot is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM April - Oct, & 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Nov. - March. If you are going to be coming from the South on I-95, do not take it all the way to Heckscher Drive. Before you reach the down town area take 9A North to Heckscher & head East. Highway 9A is the Eastern portion of the beltway around the urban area of Jacksonville. I worded it that way because in fact all of Duval County is the city of Jacksonville. A few years ago the city incorporated the entirety of the county. Wes Biggs Orlando Patrick Leary wrote: > Because no one has provided specifics for visiting Huguenot Memorial Park to see the Sand-plover, I offer the following: > > Access to HMP is off coastal highway A1A or aka: Heckscher Drive running east - west to I-95 near the Jax Zoo. Driving up from the south take the Heckscher Drive exit on the north side of the Trout River bridge. Arriving on I-95 from the north take 9-A east to Heckscher and out to the coast. HMP is on the north side of the St. John's River opposite Mayport Naval Base. > > HMP is a city park that DOES NOT OPEN until 8:00 AM. I don't know if hiking in before 8AM is permitted by the guard at the gate, but there is no place to leave a vehicle on the entry road and the hike would be quite long. There is a $1.00 per person entry fee BEFORE 10AM when it increases to $3.00 per vehicle. There is a late eve closing time that I cannot provide. > > Once past the entry gate, follow the main road along the St. John's River until it crosses over to the bayside beyond the campground. Once you access the bay shore, TURN LEFT, pass through the row of pilings and park on the Family Beach above the high tide line. Secure your vehicle then hike east along the boundary fence as it traces the shoreline east then north along the bay's east side. After a 5-8 minute walk, you will sight a small patch of cord grass high on the tide / wash flats to your left. If there is not a mob of birders present intently viewing the bird, search amongst the Wilson's plovers for a long-legged, slim and pale plover with black face mask amongst the many shorebirds active in the area. More then most species present, the Sand-plover blends into the wash flat's substrate and it can disappear in plane sight. If roosting, it may lie down in a depression, but its distinctive face mask will reveal its identity. Pay particular attention to any plovers engaged in combat, as your quarry may be one of the combatants. > > If you tire of the Sand-plover, you might drive along the ocean beach to the park's north end and view ca 600 Red knots in full alternate plumage foraging on the inlet's small donax clams. Search amongst the birds for the red and orange flags identifying birds arriving from far distant Tierra Del Fuego. Note also how some birds are much slimmer then others revealing their recent crossing of the Atlantic to reach our shores to recover and build reserves before pushing on to the arctic. Also note the sandwich board signs and traffic cones to protect the foraging knots. Another aspect of the park's new (environmentally aware) management plan and a great benefit to the imperiled species. > > Enjoy your visit, please comply with regulations and have the best success finding and viewing the plover. > > > Doris and Pat Leary, Fernandina Beach > > ____________________________________________________________________________ > FLORIDABIRDS-L Listserv mailing list information: > Member photos I: http://bkpass.tripod.com/floridabirds.htm > For archives: http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/floridabirds-l.html > To set nomail: listserv AT lists.ufl.edu Message: set floridabirds-l nomail > > To reset mail: listserv AT lists.ufl.edu Message: set floridabirds-l mail > > To unsubscribe: listserv AT lists.ufl.edu Message: unsub floridabirds-l > > Jack Dozier memorial: http://tinyurl.com/6adm2m > > Subject: Greater Sand Plover From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 17:41:38 -0400 Anyone headed up to Jacksonville on Saturday who wants to share driving, early AM? I live off 19 and it is 186 miles from here or could meet you at I-75 & 50 in one of the parking lots of the Motels just west of I-75 on 50. Email me privately by 9 PM with your phone number and I will call back! Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Greater Sandplover still there From: dreedster AT aol.com Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 10:45:40 -0400 At 10AM, the bird is still there.? thanks Diane Reed St Augustine, FL -----Original Message----- From: Wes Biggs To: Flabirding AT yahoogroups.com; FLORIDABIRDS-L AT LISTS.UFL.EDU Sent: Fri, 15 May 2009 8:19 am Subject: [FlaBirding] Greater Sandplover Hi All, The Greater Sandplover was relocated in the same area at Huguenot Memorial Park early this AM. Intrepid Lake Co. park ranger Gallus Quigley reports that he was looking at the bird as he spoke to me only moments ago. "About 20 people are here & more are coming & going all the time" the gushing Quigley exclaimed! This is the time to use that sick day & go get it!!!!! Wes Biggs Orlando [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Greater Sandplover From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 08:19:02 -0400 Hi All, The Greater Sandplover was relocated in the same area at Huguenot Memorial Park early this AM. Intrepid Lake Co. park ranger Gallus Quigley reports that he was looking at the bird as he spoke to me only moments ago. "About 20 people are here & more are coming & going all the time" the gushing Quigley exclaimed! This is the time to use that sick day & go get it!!!!! Wes Biggs Orlando Subject: Greater Sand-Plover Yes! From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 08:05:51 -0400 John Kellam just called to report that the Greater Sand-Plover is being seen again this morning. It has been chasing away Wilson's Plovers which is a good sign that it may stick around for some time. Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net http://www.southfloridabirding.com Subject: Greater Sandplover From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 01:38:06 -0400 To all those who wished me luck on the Greater Sandplover, THANKS A MILLION!!!!!!! Number 465 is in the bag! After a 3 hour drive that involved driving through a huge storm with strong winds, lots of lightening, sheets of water, HALE, & wrecked cars all over the place, I drove up to a bunch of smiling faces & heard my favorite words, "it's in the scope Wes" Indeed he was, & what a beauty! Why did I fly to California to see a winter plumage bird a few years ago? I guess if a third bird shows up in Chicago I'll have to go up there to keep the streak alive, & eat Pizza!! Wes Biggs Orlando Subject: Greater Sand-Plover picture by Roger Clark From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 19:01:15 -0400 I am posting this wonderful photo by Roger Clark of Jacksonville of the Greater Sand-Plover. I sure hope it sticks around for the weekend. The photo can be seen here: http://www.southfloridabirding.com/images/tasphotos/Greater_Sandplover.jpg Larry Manfredi Homestead, Fl E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net http://www.southfloridabirding.com Subject: GREATER SANDPLOVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 12:52:11 -0400 Hi All, 12:30 PM The second Western Hemisphere record of Greater Sandplover is now being photographed by Roger Clark in the basin at Huguenot Memorial Park off Hecksher Drive in Jacksonville. The bird was found late this AM by Doris Leary, Lesley Royce & Carol Adams. The bird is in breeding plumage. I'm jumping in the shower & then heading for Duval County! Wish me luck on state bird # 465!! Wes Biggs Orlando Cell Phone # 407-376-6967 After 1:00 PM Home # 407-384-9766 Subject: sleeping dove pics From: "Valeri" <vponzo AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 00:10:52 -0400 I am looking for pictures of doves (any type) sleeping with their head under their wing for a carving project I am working on. If anyone has any to share, please email them to me. Valeri Ponzo Sarasota, FL vponzo AT comcast.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Ft. Island (Citrus County) From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 11:48:32 -0400 Bobwhite 1 Clapper Rail 12 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 (alternate plumage) Seaside Sparrow 6 (singing males ) Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FL pelagic; May 24, 2009 From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 10:46:17 -0400 There are a few spots still open; contact Michael if interested. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: scrub jays From: "Anne B." <cyclist2 AT strato.net> Date: Tue, 05 May 2009 13:49:36 -0400 Does anyone on the list have dates for scrub jay monitoring in Highlands County this year? I had them but lost in a computer crash. I signed up to do Sun&Lakes but no idea when. No answer from anyone at TNC. Thanks. Anne Bellenger Avon Park Lakes FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: WHITE-TIPPED DOVE & WESTERN SPINDALLIS From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 13:23:09 -0400 CARL GOODRICH JUST HAD THE SUBJECT BIRDS AT INDIGENOUS PARK, KEY WEST, FL Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fw: Western Spindalis Photo posted here... From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:22:59 -0400 Here is the picture location thanks to Cindy & Ruth! Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL ----- Original Message ----- From: Cindy To: Murray Gardler Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 5:58 PM Subject: Western Spindalis Photo posted here... Hi Murray, I posted the photo at this link if you want to use it. http://www.flickr.com/photos/everdreamn/3484334498/ ----- Original Message ----- From: Murray Gardler To: Cindy Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 1:45 PM Subject: Re: Western Spindalis At Fort Zachary Taylor Send me a photo and I will post both for you! Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL ----- Original Message ----- From: Cindy To: mangrovefirst AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 4:11 PM Subject: Western Spindalis At Fort Zachary Taylor Hi Murray, About 1:30 today 4/28 at Fort Zachary Taylor we saw a Western Spindalis in the Gumbo Limbo tree left of the ramp to the bathrooms. We have a clear photo. We are visitors from California and don't know how to post to the Florida RBA. So if you could please post this information for us. Or tell me where or how to post it. I will upload the photo and post a link. Thank you, Cindy Cummings and Ruth Kerr [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fw: Western Spindalis At Fort Zachary Taylor From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:48:59 -0400 Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL ----- Original Message ----- From: Cindy To: mangrovefirst AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 4:11 PM Subject: Western Spindalis At Fort Zachary Taylor Hi Murray, About 1:30 today 4/28 at Fort Zachary Taylor we saw a Western Spindalis in the Gumbo Limbo tree left of the ramp to the bathrooms. We have a clear photo. We are visitors from California and don't know how to post to the Florida RBA. So if you could please post this information for us. Or tell me where or how to post it. I will upload the photo and post a link. Thank you, Cindy Cummings and Ruth Kerr [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Yellow-faced Grassquit From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:48:07 -0400 A friend of mine from CA, Wally Tordoff, reported to me that about 9 AM yesterday he observed the subject bird from the berm at Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West, FL. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Key West From: Bev Hansen <bevalhansen AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 26 Apr 2009 10:04:43 -0400 Murray Gardler called again to report that the Fork-tailed Flycatcher was relocated this morning near the fountain area at Ft. Zachary Taylor in Key West. There was also a male House Finch, a rare sighting in Key West. Bev Hansen Spring Hill, FL bevalhansen AT earthlink.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Yellow-faced Grassquit, Key West From: Bev Hansen <bevalhansen AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 26 Apr 2009 09:14:08 -0400 Murray Gardler called to report that the Yellow-faced Grassquit was seen this morning near the dumpster at Ft. Zachary Taylor in Key West. Bev Hansen Spring Hill, FL bevalhansen AT earthlink.net Subject: Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Key West From: Bev Hansen <bevalhansen AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:03:03 -0400 Murray Gardler called to report that Bob Wallace found a Fork-tailed Flycatcher this morning near the dumpster at Ft. Zachary Taylor in Key West. Bev Hansen Spring Hill, FL bevalhansen AT earthlink.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: May 9 NA Migration Count--Brevard County Coordinator needed From: smljay <SMLJAY AT aol.com> Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:07:56 -0400 anyone who is interested in taking over the coordination of the North American Migration count for Brevard County, please contact me--even if you can only commit to just the Spring Count, for now.  I just received this Spring's information packet from Bob Henderson, the state coordinator. I have resigned/retired from coordinating this county-wide event.  Prior attempts to have someone take over have been met with silence.  there was no Spring or Fall count in Brevard in 2008, unless a couple of individuals sent information into Bob on their own.   This is similar in practice to a Christmas count, but it covers a county-wide area instead of a count circle.  there are no "count week" sightings as this is a one-day event that takes a snapshot of what is going on with bird migration across North America.  Some areas could be near the end of migration going through their area (as is often the case in Florida) and other places may just be getting migrants showing up.  the count is always on the second Saturday in May and the third Saturday in September. Two people would do well coordinating folks and then entering in the information from all the tally sheets onto the final tally sheet for electronic submission.  It's not too terribly hard, just a bit time consuming--especially waiting for the one or two folks that can't seem to get you their tally sheets promptly.  I have contact names and what main areas were typically covered. Please contact me ASAP. Thank you for your interest in continuing citizen science. -- Sarah Linney Cocoa, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rose-breasted Grosbeak From: dixiesansom AT aol.com Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:23:41 EDT Good afternoon. Is it possible that I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak in our downtown Tallahassee back yard? This weekend I just happened to glance out the back door and briefly on a limb saw a bird that had woodpecker coloring, but a rounded head, like that of the grosbeak. Thanks very much! Dixie Sansom **************Access 350+ FREE radio stations anytime from anywhere on the web. Get the Radio Toolbar! (http://toolbar.aol.com/aolradio/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000003) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Black Noddy and Loggerhead Kingbird From: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:54:10 +0000 I found a Black Noddy on Bush Key in the Dry Tortugas on April 19 and 20. The bird is in the Sooty Tern colony right of the bird nesting sign. Look from on top of Fort Jefferson towards the tern colony. Look about 75 feet right of the bird nesting sign in the top of a silvery green Sea Lavender plant. You have to use a scope to see the bird. Yesterday the Loggerhead Kingbird was seen at Fort Zachary Taylor near the nature trail. Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Subject: Yellow-faced Grassquit Key West Ft. Zachary Taylor From: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:36:24 +0000 I found an adult male Yellow-faced Grassquit at about 5:30 p.m. today at Ft. Zachary Taylor in Key West. The bird was located along the nature trail not too far from the parking lot. It was up along the berm near two Coconut Palms that are right next to the path on the right side. The bird was very skittish and hard to approach. I had just arrived in the park, I alerted Murray Gardler, Carl Goodrich, Wayne Peterson and ladies from Texas. They all were able to get good looks at the bird. Decent photos were taken of this skittish bird. Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Subject: FOS Meeting - Ruskin (Hillsborough County) 4/24-26 From: David Goodwin <Dgood389 AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:48:00 -0400 Hi all, The Florida Ornithological Society Soring Meeting 2009 will be at Ruskin, south of Tampa this weekend with field trips to Ft. DeSoto, Wolf Branch Creek, Alafia Banks and other prime birding spots in the Tampa Bay area. Visit www.fosbirds.org for information. David Goodwin Brandon FL Dgood389 AT aol.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FOS Meeting - Ruskin (Hillsborough County) 4/24-26 From: David Goodwin <Dgood389 AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:47:56 -0400 Hi all, The Florida Ornithological Society Soring Meeting 2009 will be at Ruskin, south of Tampa this weekend with field trips to Ft. DeSoto, Wolf Branch Creek, Alafia Banks and other prime birding spots in the Tampa Bay area. Visit www.fosbirds.org for information. David Goodwin Brandon FL Dgood389 AT aol.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Reminder about reporting banded roseatte spoonbills From: smljay <SMLJAY AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:15:50 -0400 Hi All, relaying some information I read in the recent AOF "Florida Naturalist" (p.9): "For indications of the health of Florida Bay and nearby wetlands, all eyes are focused on the roseate spoonbill, a recognized ecological indicator for the southernmost part of the system. Last nesting season, Audubon scientists documented the lowest numbers of nesting roseate spoonbills in Florida Bay since the 1960s.  The 2009 preliminary counts of all Florida Bay nests show a further decrease over last year..." "...[Audubon's] scientists remain dedicated to banding and tracking roseate spoonbills to determine their precise nesting patterns and movements..  As always, your help in reporting sightings of banded spoonbills is essential." "Please visit www.audubonofflorida.org/who_tavernier_reportspoonbills.html to learn about the new bands used on this year's chicks.  Spoonbill population and movement data is needed now more than ever." -- Sarah Linney Cocoa, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 3-days at the Dry Tortugas Massive fallout!!!!! From: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:06:57 +0000 We were rained on by the front that came through on the night of April 14. We were save and sound tied to the dock on Stock Island, ready to leave the next day. We arrived at Garden Key April 15 where fabulous Fort Jefferson is located after noon. When we arrived on shore, the Island was alive with birds! In the 16-years of visiting the Dry Tortugas, this is the biggest fallout that I have ever seen. We had dozens of grosbeaks, tanagers, buntings, warblers etc. It would be hard to estimate the number of birds seen. I bet we had about two to three hundred thrushes hopping around every where you looked! I have never seen so many Wood Thrushes and Swainson's Thrushes in one place. It was a truly amazing experience! We birded until it was too hard to see any more. The next day we repeated this from dawn until dusk. Were we tried? Absolutely! We were all so very happy to have seen so many birds. On the last morning, we had many fewer birds as many had left during the night. We had 108 species in total for the three day trip with 26-species of warbler. Here are some of the highlights: Audubon's Shearwater American Swallow-tailed Kite (rare) Sora Upland Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper Roseate Tern Bridled Tern Lesser Nighthawk (flying then perched) Common Nighthawk (probable, did not call) Blue-winged Warbler Tennessee Orange-crowed Warbler Nashville Warbler Chesnut-sided Warbler Cape May Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Worm-eating Warbler Kentucky Warbler Connecticut Warbler Grasshoper Sparrow Shiny Cowbird I am too tried to post more details, we will be there again tomorrow to see what new birds have arrived! Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Subject: Dry Tortugas Trip From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:31:09 -0400 Larry Manfredi has a few spots left on the 4/21/09 trip to the Dry Tortugas he will discount 50% if there is any one interested. You can leave Larry a message on his cell phone ( 305 299 1606)if interested or at home (305 247 3960) or email him at Larry Manfredi Information on the trip can be found on Larry's web site http://www.southfloridabirding.com/. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bahama Mockingbird From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:22:08 -0400 Larry Manfred just called me and he relocated Carl's Bahama Mockingbird. It was in the yard of the Assisted Living facility (singing) adjacent to the Botanical Gardens. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bahama Mockingbird From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:06:55 -0400 Carl Goodrich found the subject bird at the Botanical Gardens, Stock Island, FL this AM. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Franklin's Gull NO 16 Apr 09 Okeechobee From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT mac.com> Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:42:08 -0400 The first summer Franklin's gull that was present at Lock 7: Jaycee Park in Okeechobee was not present from ca. 1030 to 1200 today. One adult Laughing gull joined the group of Ring-billed gulls. Several skimmers were present along with a few Caspian and Forster's terns. Other highlights: Fulvous whistling ducks - 2 flying over and landing in the marsh. 25 were present last Saturday. Least bitterns - at least five present. Two males gave good looks. American bittern - One flew over the canal. Cape May warbler - 1 or 2 in woods at west end of park. County bird for me. David Simpson Fellsmere, FL Subject: Loggerhead Kingbird From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:12:00 -0400 Carl saw the subject bird around noon today in Indigenous Park (Key West, FL) near the pond. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Loggerhead Kingbird From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:18:20 -0400 Showed up today at dusk in the fountain area of FT Zachary Taylor,, Key West, FL. per Carl Goodrich. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 6-days Dry Tortugas From: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:14:18 +0000 It has been a little slow for migrants at the Dry Tortugas. We are however seeing all of the expected nesting seabirds. We had a one day wonder La Sagra's Flycatcher, every one got excellent views. The bird was found on April 11 late in the afternoon. We looked for it the next day but could not find it. On this same trip we made it out into the Gulf Stream. We saw Audubon's Shearwater and Pomarine Jaegers as well as Sooty Terns. We could not find any Bridled Terns which was a shame. We did find one nice adult Roseate Tern though. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Rose-breasted Grosbeak Blue Grosebeak Painted Bunting Indigo Bunting Kentucky Warbler Hooded Warbler Tennessee Warbler Black-whiskered Vireo Gray Kingbird The above were some of the highlights so far. On Stock Island where the boat is docked, on the evening of April 10, I had a calling Antillean Nighthawk. The bird only called twice, this is a very early date for one. I will be at the Dry Tortugas again for another 6-days, I hope the cold front brings some more good birds! Larry Manfredi Homestead FL E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Subject: Loggerhead Kingbird From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 09:18:13 -0400 FT Zachary Taylor is in Key West, FL. Sorry, have a lot on my plate right now! Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Loggerhead Kingbird From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 09:11:58 -0400 At FT Zachary Taylor near the fountain Carl Goodrich found it.. It is leucistic and was calling. Pictures will follow later on today. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Lori wilson Park, addendum From: SMLJAY AT aol.com Date: Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:28:02 EDT Oh, make that 15 species of warbler...I heard someone say they had seen an Orange-crowned. Naturally, it had flown off when we caught up with the gentleman. Sarah Linney Cocoa, FL ************** Hurry! April 15th is almost here. File your Federal taxes FREE with TaxACT. (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221653545x1201423923/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.taxact.com%2F08tax.asp%3Fsc%3D084102950004%26p%3D8 2) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach From: SMLJAY AT aol.com Date: Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:24:35 EDT Hi All, With all the chapter folks showing up this morning at Lori Wilson, one would have thought we had a scheduled field trip there too. We didn't do quite as well on warblers as Andy did at Coconut Point, but we weren't far off. I believe between everyone that was there, 14 warbler species were seen, though I only personally had 12. the little hammock was really hopping with birds feeding away, and this was still happening at 10am until about noon when Al and I left, and the birds were still active. Here's the list (*someone else reported) Warblers: Prothonotary - 1 in woods by parking lot entrance of boardwalk Worm-eating - 8+ (I had 3 in view at the same time!) Parula - several Palm - a few Prairie - 8+ Black-and-white - I saw one but several reported Am. Redstart - 4-6+ males and females mixed Swainson's - 2 confirmed (one near the bench after the "cul-de-sac", one near edge of hammock on the south side of the bathrooms) Louisiana Waterthrush - 2 Cape May* - 1? Black-throated Blue - 2 males Chestnut-sided* - I think Tom Dunkerton told me he saw one, or heard of one seen. Yellow-throated - 1 Ovenbird - 1 around the loop, north side others Painted Bunting- imm(?) male, had one streak of red feathers coming in on the right side Indigo Bunting - 1 by the feeder Blue-gray Gnatcatchers - common White-eyed vireo* Catbirds Cardinals Mourning Doves E. Collard doves House Sparrow m&f AT feeder Boat-tailed Grackles Blue-jays Red-bellied Woodpecker A great day with so much activity!! Sarah Linney Cocoa, FL ************** Hurry! April 15th is almost here. File your Federal taxes FREE with TaxACT. (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221653545x1201423923/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.taxact.com%2F08tax.asp%3Fsc%3D084102950004%26p%3D8 2) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Leconte's Sparrow From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:59:21 -0400 A singing bird in Weeki Wachee Preserve (Hernando County). At the end of the paved road at the edge of a pond adjoining the trail to your right (easterly) Marsh Wrens singing on the ponds edge. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]