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2 Jul whooping crane chicks in Canada [Ken Kinman ] 2 Jul Re: New Shorebird Book [Pete Janzen ] 2 Jul Duck Stamps [Gunnar Engblom ] 2 Jul Re: Duck Stamps ["Brunson, Ken" ] 2 Jul Re: Duck Stamps [Chuck Otte ] 2 Jul felker wetland ["William L. Falk" ] 2 Jul Republic Co. 7/1/09 [mike rader ] 2 Jul West and East Harvey County [David Welfelt ] 2 Jul Duck Stamps [Edge ] 2 Jul New Shorebird Book ["Max C. Thompson" ] 1 Jul Trading Post BBS - late report [Matt Gearheart ] 1 Jul Re: Why birders should buy Duck Stamps [C Miller ] 1 Jul Why birders should buy Duck Stamps [Chuck Otte ] 1 Jul Wichita bird watching [Rick ] 1 Jul One of our own makes the news [Dan Thalmann ] 30 Jun Common Poorwill [Henry and Debby Armknecht ] 30 Jun Alongside the Highway... [NORMAN N SMITH ] 30 Jun Re: Red-tailed hawk, was: Name that hawk (CORRECTION) [Rick ] 29 Jun Long-billed Curlew [Henry and Debby Armknecht ] 29 Jun July update Kansas County listing [Gary Faust / Lisa Edwards ] 29 Jun Re: Red-tailed hawk, was: Name that hawk (CORRECTION) [David Seibel ] 29 Jun Re: Red-tailed hawk, was: Name that hawk (Dissenting opinion) [David Seibel ] 29 Jun Re: Possible Rock Wren in Riley County [Henry and Debby Armknecht ] 29 Jun Clinton Wildlife Area, Douglas County [Michael Andersen ] 29 Jun Least Terns in Wichita article [ozbelgnz ] 29 Jun Re: Possible Rock Wren in Riley County [Thomas Shane ] 29 Jun Possible Rock Wren in Riley County [Lowell Johnson ] 29 Jun Backyard Birds [Linda Young ] 28 Jun NW KS good trip [Henry and Debby Armknecht ] 28 Jun Beloit BBS ["Wedge, Philip C" ] 28 Jun Re: BBS ["Wedge, Philip C" ] 28 Jun Sedgwick Co. Fish Crows [Pete Janzen ] 27 Jun Re: BBS [Thomas Shane ] 27 Jun hinterland guru's help for car-bound birder ["William L. Falk" ] 27 Jun tale of two doves [William Sutton ] 27 Jun Re: BBS [Cheryl ] 27 Jun Re: BBS [Cheryl ] 27 Jun BBS [Rick ] 27 Jun Re: Blue-gray Gnatcatchers [Thomas Shane ] 27 Jun Re: Blue-gray Gnatcatchers [Scott Seltman ] 27 Jun Muggy Merganser & More [Jeff Calhoun ] 27 Jun Jewell BBS ["Wedge, Philip C" ] 26 Jun Spectacular Sunset [Jeff Calhoun ] 26 Jun RFI - Central and Southwestern summer birds [Jeff McIntyre ] 26 Jun Cheyenne Bottoms 6/26/09 [mike rader ] 26 Jun Canada Geese [Daniel Smith ] 26 Jun Jamestown BBS ["Wedge, Philip C" ] 26 Jun Question regarding chickadee nesting and heat - Johnson County; Shawnee, KS [Debbie Reasoner ] 26 Jun Swainson's Hawk in Riley County [Lowell Johnson ] 26 Jun 30 years ago [Pete Janzen ] 25 Jun bluebird and cowbird eggs [Lawrence Herbert ] 25 Jun Pott Co Pileated Update [Brandon Magette ] 24 Jun Wednesday Morning birds [Rick ] 24 Jun Re: Wichita Least Terns [Thomas Shane ] 24 Jun Re: Wichita Least Terns [Dan Larson ] 23 Jun Curlew tracking [Henry and Debby Armknecht ] 23 Jun Re: yellow-crowned night herons in Topeka [Randy Kennedy ] 23 Jun doves [William Sutton ] 23 Jun First year Common Loon at Perry Lake ["Watkins, Bunnie A NWK" ] 23 Jun Red-tailed hawk, was: Name that hawk [Chris Taylor ] 22 Jun Prothonotary still in Sedgwick Co [Jeff Calhoun ] 22 Jun Re: Wichita Least Terns [Pete Janzen ] 22 Jun Wichita Least Terns [Bob Gress ] 22 Jun Colorado birds photo quiz [Pete Janzen ] 22 Jun tale of two doves [William Sutton ] 22 Jun Johnson County Bell's vireos [Jeff Witters ] 22 Jun Name that hawk [Chris Taylor ] 22 Jun Say's Phoebe; Brood of Six [Thomas Shane ] 22 Jun yellow-crowned night herons in Topeka [Carol Morgan ] 21 Jun Late Thrushes; Finney County [Thomas Shane ] 21 Jun Kildeer seen in Butler County Kansas [Rick ] 21 Jun Wichita Least Tern colony at LaFarge & Greater Scaup [Pete Janzen ] 19 Jun Cheyenne Bottoms 6/18/09 [mike rader ] 19 Jun Oak Park, Wichita [Paul Griffin ] 19 Jun Road Closures at Quivira [Melanie Olds ] 19 Jun GPNC program [Nathan Paul Ofsthun ] Subject: whooping crane chicks in Canada From: Ken Kinman <kinman AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 21:32:30 -0500 Dear All,
The news that there are 52 whooping crane chicks in Canada certainly isn't a
record (like last year's 64 chicks). However, it is what we would expect in a
normal year, and therefore it is GREAT news given the fears that a weakened
flock (from the winter food shortages in Aransas) might produce below average
numbers.
If the central flock holds it own or only slowly grows, the continued growth
of the eastern flock is a growing insurance policy against any discouraging
news that might again befall our central flock in future years. Hoping for the
best, but increasingly preparing for the worst in an increasingly uncertain
world. But I am definitely more optimistic than I was 6 months ago.
-----Cheers,
Ken Kinman
Hays, Kansas
kennethkinman AT webtv.net
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Subject: Re: New Shorebird BookFrom: Pete Janzen <pete.janzen AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 18:24:47 -0500 All the bird-book addicts will want this one. I borrowed a copy from Bob Gress who has a few photos in the book. It's a great book. PJ Wichita For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Duck Stamps From: Gunnar Engblom <gengblom AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 17:35:35 -0500 Hi all A recent article on 10000 birds raise the same question. Just thought I'd share. http://10000birds.com/time-to-buy-a-duck-stamp-or-not.htm Happy 4th of July. Poor planning to make it a Saturday. Gunnar -- Gunnar Engblom-Lima, Peru. Gunnar's Blog: http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birdingperu/blog/ Follow me on www.twitter.com/kolibrix http://www.facebook.com/Gunnar.Engblom/ -- Gunnar Engblom-Lima, Peru. http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com http://www.birding-peru.com http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birdingperu/blog/ - Gunnar's Blog Tel: +51 1 2737246 . Cell: +51 1 988 555 938, RPM #752-755 Follow me on www.twitter.com/kolibrix http://www.facebook.com/people/Gunnar-Engblom/555333572 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Duck Stamps From: "Brunson, Ken" <kenb AT WP.STATE.KS.US> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 17:07:19 -0500 From Ken Brunson: Related to funding for ducks, birders, lands and generally anything birdy, stay tuned and get involved in helping to pass the federal legislation on climate change (American Clean Energy and Security Act or "ACES") along with the increased appropriation (up 50%!) for State Wildlife Grants. We are looking at the best chance in 20 years, or more for that matter, for some substantial funding for wildlife. While the specifics are not worked out yet on the ACES funding, a safe bet is that we could triple the amount of SWG-like dollars we'd have available. Of course, we'd need some state vision to help find means and in-state funding programs to match--or, depend on private sources for match. Go to Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies website under Teaming with Wildlife (ITS STILL ALIVE CHUCK:-)) For more detail, here's the latest update from Mark Humpert of AFWA: -------------------- Teaming With Wildlife Program Update 2009-#18 June 29, 2009 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Climate Change Legislation On Friday, the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) by a 219-212 margin. The cap and trade bill was authored by Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (CA) and co-sponsored by Edward Markey (MA), Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. This was a historic vote and is the first time either body of Congress has passed climate change legislation. The bill includes a strong natural resources adaptation title that would provide billions in new funding to federal and state fish and wildlife agencies to address climate change. Roughly 1/3 of funding for natural resources adaptation funding would go to state fish and wildlife agencies. Precise funding figures are not available because of differences in how the value of allocations are calculated. However, I've provided a table (below) drafted by the National Wildlife Federation that will give you a sense of how much funding could become available to combat the affects of climate change on wildlife. Again, roughly 1/3 would go to state fish and wildlife agencies. Following is a breakdown of proposed funding for natural resources adaptation (roughly 1/3 would go to state fish & wildlife agencies) 2012: $610 million 2015: $740 million 2020: $940 million 2025: $2.09 billion 2030: $4.52 billion We will now be focusing squarely on the Senate. The Energy and Environment Committee may mark-up climate change legislation as early as July and the legislation could reach the Senate floor later this fall. There do not appear to be the 60 votes in the Senate now to overcome an expected Republican filibuster, so much work will need to be done. That work begins this week with member meetings. The vote on Friday was the culmination of more than two years of work to ensure natural resources adaptation funding. Gary Taylor, AFWA's Legislative Director has been one of the leaders in a diverse coalition that has been working intensely on this issue. Other key organizations of the coalition include the National Wildlife Federation, Defenders of Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy, The Wilderness Society, Trout Unlimited, Izzak Walton League, Ducks Unlimited, Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Trust for Public Land. For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Duck Stamps From: Chuck Otte <cotte AT KSU.EDU> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 14:27:44 -0500 Edge presents some interesting arguments. I used to hunt, basically don't anymore because I'd prefer to go birdwatching (and at the end of the day I don't have to bother with cleaning any game!). And I fully respect anyone's anti-hunting belief so I won't condemn you or anyone if you feel that way. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of options for birders. I fear that there may be as many problems with giving to a non-profit conservation group as to a "government program". Is that money I give them going to purchase land that will allow me access? I fear that many non- profits have as many restrictions on access as anyone. I'm sure that NWRs invest duck stamp money in things that won't directly go towards conservation (blinds), but I don't know how many of those I've seen on NWRs. But to be right honest, I'm actually less concerned about having access to land or a few more duck blinds and more concerned about preserving land for wildlife to nest, migrate and feed in. You well remember, I'm sure, the ill fated attempt we tried several years ago with the Teaming With Wildlife effort. This would have provided substantial funds from specifically non-consumptive sources. One of the problems is that we still have way too many "free loader" (for lack of a better word) birders who don't feel that they should have to pay taxes or anything for their "right" to view birds. Until birders can get unified, like the hunters did in the 1930s and 1940s, we'll be at a disadvantage. I also don't think that very many people truly think that the number of duck stamps sold equals the number of duck hunters. Hunting is a dying sport, no matter how hard people try to reverse it. Most people in the know realize that far more duck stamps are sold than their are duck hunters. Hunters are going to continue to disparge bird watchers for not "carrying their weight" because they frankly have a legitimate grudge. Hunters have provided hundreds of millions of dollars not only in duck stamps but in programs like Ducks Unlimited, that have provided phenomenal habitat for non-game species. But instead of being thanked by birders for these efforts and the positive impacts on wildlife, they get trashed by some birders because of their hobby. Blame can go both ways I reckon...... Then there is also the need to pay for access to these refuges if you do want to go birding. Even though it often isn't enforced, virtually all NWRs do have an access fee with a current duck stamp counting as an "annual pass". We live in a country of free choice. I may not agree with all of Edge's choices and decisions, but I support them and will defend Edge's right to have them. I'll go ahead and buy my duck stamp, you can donate to the organization of your choice, and we'll both enjoy birding and hopefully can share a beer after a day of birding somewhere/sometime in the future! Have all of you have a good 4th of July holiday weekend - I finally managed to get my last BBS route ran this morning. Rain has been giving me fits - had to postpone this route three times previously, I had to start 20 minutes late this morning due to rain and abandon 6 of the stops as they were inaccessible due to muddy roads. Maybe better conditions next year!! Chuck ----- Chuck Otte cotte AT ksu.edu County Extension Agent, Ag & Natural Resources Geary County Extension Office, PO BOX 28 785-238-4161 Junction City, Kansas 66441-0028 FAX 785-238-7166 http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/geary For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: felker wetland From: "William L. Falk" <nlwlfalk AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:38:06 -0500 I drove into the wet area at felker quick yesterday to see wehat Icould from my SUV I plqyed a marsh wren song hoping to attract one,no go there were however 2 loggerhed shrikes on a snag: as well as a red headed woodpecker,ea bluebird, redwinged blackbird,& no flicker, + killdeer. worth the trip! later, bill falk For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Republic Co. 7/1/09 From: mike rader <mike_rader AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:27:37 -0500 Hi all, I had a meeting at the Lied Center in Nebraska City, NE for the first three days of this week, so on the way back to Wilson yesterday afternoon, I went west on U.S. 36 from Sabetha, making a few stops at good habitat along the way. My stop in Republic Co. consisted of a short detour off of the highway, just north of the town of Cuba. I added several species to my personal county list and added a new species for Republic Co. as well. Highlights were: Barred Owl - 2 - new to RP Co. I stopped at what I thought would be good habitat (riparian with lots of Bur Oaks) and played the iPod. Within a couple minutes, I had a pair fly over - pretty cool! They were very interested in the calls and responded in-kind! Eastern Screech Owl - 1 E. Wood-pewee - 1 calling E. Phoebe - pair at creek crossing Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 1 Red-eyed Vireo - 3 singing Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 2 pair Yellow Warbler - 1 singing Spotted Towhee - 1 male Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 singing Mike Rader Wilson and/or Pratt, KS _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: West and East Harvey County From: David Welfelt <davewtymco AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:09:04 -0500 First post in quite some time. Yesterday AT Sand Prairie Preserve (West of Newton on the edge of the sand hills) Highlight for me was two close looks AT a Yellow-breasted Chat. Others...Bell's Vireo, Indigo Buntings, Field Sparrows, N. Cardinals, etc. Today AT Unruh Prairie, a nice patch of native prairie 8 or so miles east of Newton. Highlight for me was a great look AT a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. I've heard them many times, but this was my first visual. Others...Warbling Vireo, Grasshopper Sparrows & a pair of RH Woodpeckers. Wildflowers and Butterflies (dozens of C. Wood Nymphs and what I believe was a female black swallowtail) were great too. Dave Welfelt Newton For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Duck Stamps From: Edge <edgew AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 09:56:58 -0500 The benefits to our public lands from the purchase of what are commonly called Duck Stamps (officially, Migratory Bird Stamp) are generally well-known. The fees from their purchase are well-spent and birders have benefitted many-fold. BUT, there is a different point of view. At the risk of being damned as anti-hunting (I am not), I bring that point of view forth. When one buys a duck stamp, there is no way to indicate that the purchaser is not a bird hunter. Thus, when duck stamps are used to compute the number of hunters, even non-hunters are included. The popularity/number of duck hunters is grossly over-represented when non-hunter stamp purchasers are included. Hunting statistics are inflated. So what? The money still goes for what birders want, too, right? Well... maybe. But consider: A birder cannot go on most of these lands during the month's long waterfowl hunting season, but hunters can (excluding, of course, the real refuge portions where hunting is not allowed). Funds are used to build hunting blinds (which are poorly designed for birding--but that's another issue). The credit for the funds goes all to the hunters and birders are disparaged for "not carrying their weight." So, just shut up and buy the stamp? That is one option. Another is to make a comparable contribution to conservation-related activities, lands, etc. No, not your regular membership to some organization, a real out-of-pocket contribution to something you feel is important. When there is a way to indicate "non-hunter" I'll buy my second duck stamp. Until then, I'll continue to make specific contributions in other ways. Edge Wade Columbia, MO edgew AT mchsi.com For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: New Shorebird Book From: "Max C. Thompson" <maxt AT COX.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 09:47:29 -0500 There is a new shorebird book out: Shorebirds of the Northern Hemisphere by Richard Chandler. It is 448 pages of information and multiple photos of each species. It of course contains many shorebirds not found in Kansas. You can buy it on Amazon.com. I don't remember the price but for what you get, it is reasonable. Max Max C. Thompson 1729 E. 11th Ave. Winfield, KS 67156-4007 Telephone 620-221-1856 Fax 620-229-6112 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Trading Post BBS - late report From: Matt Gearheart <mgearheart AT DESIGNWITHINSIGHT.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 17:34:57 -0500 KS-Birders: Mark Land and I ran the Trading Post BBS on June 20th (Linn and Miami Counties, near Marias Des Cygne) I finally got the data uploaded. Since other birding is a little slow, thought I'd share a couple notes. Sorry for the late posting. With a very wet Spring, more marsh-like habitat was to be found where not normally encountered, this helped us add AMERICAN BITTERN and SEDGE WREN to the list. The Sedge Wrens were found at 3 stops near the reclaimed mined land, South of La Cygne Lake... the wet conditions, plus un-baled fields helped make this possible... however, I can't recall seeing Sedge Wren during June before. anyone? anyone? a few other highlights (80 total species): Wood Duck (6) Northern Bobwhite (16) Am. White Pelican (1) non-breeder Am. Bittern (3) Great Egret (1) Red-Shouldered Hawk (1) Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (22) Barred Owl (3) Pileated Woodpecker (only 4) Loggerhead Shrike (3) White-Eyed Vireo (1) Bell's Vireo (10) Yellow-Throated Vireo (3) Sedge Wren (3) Northern Parula (2) Prothonotary Warbler (1) Kentucky Warbler (2) Yellow-Breasted Chat (12) Eastern Towhee (5) Field Sparrow (29) Grasshopper Sparrow (11) Blue Grosbeak (9) Indigo Bunting (48) Dickcissel (404) Good Birding, Matt Gearheart Shawnee, KS mgearheart AT designwithinsight.com For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Why birders should buy Duck Stamps From: C Miller <avian67226 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 17:24:30 -0500 Those of us in the Wichita area may also buy them at the KDWP office, located in the Great Plains Nature Center near 29th and Woodlawn. There's rarely a wait! Cheryl On Wed, Jul 1, 2009 at 2:51 PM, Chuck OtteSubject: Why birders should buy Duck Stamps From: Chuck Otte <cotte AT KSU.EDU> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 14:51:35 -0500 Happy July 1st! A read a short article recently that talked about how proceeds from sales of Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps (i.e. duck stamps) has benefitted the National Wildlife Refuge system. The article referred to a document: http://www.fws.gov/realty/pdf_files/MBCF_acres_per_Refuge.pdf that detailed the amount of land at different refuges across the country that has been purchased with these funds. What was most enlightening to me was that Quivira NWR came in at 99.1% of the land being purchased by duck stamp proceeds. When you go on many national wildlife refuges, there will often be a sign indicating an entrance fee that needs to be paid, OR possession of a current duck stamp will suffice. While I've never been asked to show it at Quivira, I have at other refuges inlcuding DeSoto Bend NWR north of Omaha this past Sunday. Duck stamps are valid from July 1 to June 30. Today marks the start of a new season, so I would encourage each and every birder out there to make your way to the nearest national wildlife refuge near you (or most post offices) and buy your 2009-2010 Duck Stamp. The cost is $15 and this year's "poster child" is a pair of Long-tailed Ducks. I stopped by our post office over the lunch hour to buy a new stamp and after standing in line for 15 minutes found out they didn't have them yet... the poor guy behind the counter couldn't figure out why I wanted one when duck season was still several months away... but as soon as I get the chance I will buy a new one and encourage all of you to do so also!! Chuck ----- Chuck Otte cotte AT ksu.edu County Extension Agent, Ag & Natural Resources Geary County Extension Office, PO BOX 28 785-238-4161 Junction City, Kansas 66441-0028 FAX 785-238-7166 http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/geary For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Wichita bird watching From: Rick <atsf3768 AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 15:04:13 -0400 Several times today, I had opportunity to search for birds. First, at Twin Lakes area, there were 3 snowy egrets around about 9:30 am. At Oak Park, from 12:30 pm, I recorded 5 Robins, 4 Common Grackles, a Blue Jay, and 2 cardinals. At Earhart Elementary School (where are the trails at Heller's Park?) 1:10 pm, two Mourning Doves, 2 Starlings and 1 Red-winged Blackbird. On west 37th Street north, I saw 4 egrets flying around the flood control ditch where the street crosses the bridge (over Little Arkansas River). Someone have information on how to locate the trails at Heller's Park, assuming there are some? -- Folded, Spindled, Stapled and Mutilated, I am, Richard Hitchcock For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: One of our own makes the news From: Dan Thalmann <editor AT BLUEVALLEY.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 08:00:14 -0500 I think Dave will do a great job. Here is a press release I received this morning. DAVID RINTOUL NAMED INTERIM DIRECTOR OF K-STATE'S DIVISION OF BIOLOGY MANHATTAN -- The Division of Biology at Kansas State University has new leadership. David Rintoul has been selected interim director and has begun a one-year term in the post. Rintoul replaces Brian Spooner, who is serving as interim dean of K- State's College of Arts and Sciences. Leaning on a combination of skills, experience and a commitment to the Division of Biology, Rintoul hopes to do more than watch over the unit during his term as director. "It will be critical, during this interim year, to maintain the position of the division as one of the major contributors to scholarship, teaching and service at K-State," Rintoul said. "Therefore, I don't view this as a caretaker assignment. I would like to maintain the momentum we've got, build momentum if we can, and make sure that when the financial climate changes, we are ready to hit the ground running." Although the division will face many challenges in the next year, such as budget cuts and a hiring freeze, Rintoul said he will depend on the strengths of the unit to provide stability during these hard economic times. "One of the strengths of the unit is our hard working faculty who have had great success generating grants; however, that strength is a double-edged sword and thus limits the funding we receive from the university," he said. "We need to be on the lookout for opportunities and take advantage of all of those places where there will still be the ability to positively affect the resources of the institution; the key to that is communication." Rintoul joined K-State in 1981 and earned tenure as an associate professor in 1987. In more than 20 years of research, he has covered a broad area of disciplines, including cell biology, biophysics, stable isotopes as markers of avian migration and philopatry. He has served the past seven years as associate director of the Division of Biology, assigning instructing positions, monitoring the teaching budget and graduate teaching assistant funding streams, budgeting for temporary instructors, and coordinating the division's interdisciplinary introductory course, Principles of Biology. In this same period he has been recognized with the 2006 H. Henley Haymaker Teaching Excellence Award and the 2007 Commerce Bank Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. "Dr. Rintoul has enjoyed broad support from all segments of the division, and will do a superb job in the interim director capacity," Spooner said. Dan Thalmann Publisher/editor Washington County News editor AT bluevalley.net (785) 325-2219 Check out the Backroads Newsroom blog at www.backroadsnewsroom.com Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/backroadsnews For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Common Poorwill From: Henry and Debby Armknecht <armknecht AT RURALTEL.NET> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:49:17 -0500 I made a trip into Smith and Jewel Counties for Common Poorwill tonight. The first bird was calling a mile north and a mile west of Dispatch, Smith County. It was still fairly early and there was quite a bit of noise. I moved on when traffic came. I then ventured into the hills of SW Jewell County. I heard multiple birds at several stops before heading home. Common Poorwill is not on the current Smith County list. Henry A Osborne For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Alongside the Highway... From: NORMAN N SMITH <clickhiker AT Q.COM> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:14:51 -0600 I stopped at a highway rest area about an hour ago in light rain to check out two gulls I saw perched atop tall evergreens. They turned out to be Mew Gulls, and then a third came along and lit on the back of one of the two. They were not mating, but it did make a convenient landing strip at the time, but did manage to hold a pose for a few seconds before splitting. And then a Common Raven landed on top of a nearby tree, which set the gulls into dive bomber mode. It only took two strafing runs, and the Raven relented and moved along. After the excitement and calls died down, I began to really listen, and was amazed by the soloists the stop had to offer. There was a Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Yellow Warbler all within ear shot, along with a Swainson's Thrush, House Wren, and Winter Wren singing too. A Say's Phoebe landed atop a nearby sign, and there were a few more calls I did not recognize all broadcasting in the distance. (I suspect one was a warbler, and the other I had no clue.) Moments later I could hear a Moose calling in the distance. Oh, did I mention I'm in the southern Yukon along the Alaska Highway between Watson Lake and Whitehorse? Not exactly Kansas or Oklahoma, but more than memorable. Earlier I saw a pair of Pacific Loons in a small lake divinging for lunch, and a few Black Bears grazing on dandelions very near the road. I have been on a four week (today) excursion, and will start up the Dempster Highway later this week. There are Tree, Barn, and Cliff Swallows dining on the abundant mosquitos out the window of the internet cafe I am now typing from. The Cliff Swallows have nests along the sides of the log building here. I wonder what more wonders the Yukon will hold for me? Last weekend I took a flight into Nahanni National Park in the Northwest Territory, and was surprised to find Tennessee and Yellow Warblers nesting in the far NW corner of the Park. It has rained quite a lot this week, but has still been wonderful. My "best bird" so far was a King Rail calling in J Clark Salyer NWR in North Dakota three weeks ago. They are not supposed to be there, but the heavy rains and abundant late snow this year must have pushed it so far west. Later! Norm Norman N Smith clickhiker AT q.com Estes Park, Colorado (formerly Arkansas City, Ks) For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Red-tailed hawk, was: Name that hawk (CORRECTION) From: Rick <atsf3768 AT COX.NET> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:33:00 -0400 I see Hawks along the highways as do all of you folks. I am too much a novice at bird watching to venture a guess as to what kind of Hawk I see. I have guessed that some larger wingspans are evidence of Turkey Vultures, but only to my wife, not to the group. Richard, Wichita ---- David SeibelSubject: Long-billed Curlew From: Henry and Debby Armknecht <armknecht AT RURALTEL.NET> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:54:53 -0500 The second radio-tracked long-billed curlew has left Nebraska and is already in TX. http://www.BirdsNebraska.org Henry A Osborne For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: July update Kansas County listing From: Gary Faust / Lisa Edwards <lagh2 AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:20:05 -0600 All, I will be posting the July 2009 update on Monday, July 6, 2009. Remember the minimum is 75 species to list in a county. Be sure to send me any updates that you may have as well as those of your friends that are not on KsBirds. To minimize the chance of a virus getting into KsBirds the monthly update is forward to the list owners to post. Whenever you have a change or submission to make on the county list be sure to send the change to me at lagh2 AT msn.com. Lisa Edwards Way West of Morton County For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Red-tailed hawk, was: Name that hawk (CORRECTION) From: David Seibel <dseibel AT JCCC.EDU> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:48:59 -0500 Earlier today I posted a fairly detailed analysis of Chris Taylor's photos of a
hawk at Clinton Lake, concluding (contrary to the consensus of opinions he had
received previously) that it was probably a Broad-winged. I was pretty
confident in my conclusion. I might have even convinced some of you that I was
right. But please read the following before you rush to revise your
ornithological history of Douglas County...
Chris Taylor wrote:
Thanks so much, David! I really appreciate your detailed response. We went back
to Clinton over the weekend and saw two young ones together, who look very much
like the one in the photos I originally posted (one of them probably is the one
from the first photos). This is from Sunday, the 28th:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pM0tlLE_keg/SkkgJdLJqbI/AAAAAAAABAA/zRuasY9d9Hs/s1600-h/IMG_3376.jpg
My reply:
Ahem... well... you're welcome, but your latest photos look VERY much like
young red-tails!!! The front-on view shows the distinctive white chest/dark
belly band combination that pretty much eliminates Broad-winged from
consideration, and the birds' proportions look absolutely fine for Red-tailed.
The bird on the lower branch also shows a lot more mottling on the wing coverts
than I thought I was seeing in the other photos. And I apparently blew the
significance of the dark malar/white throat combination totally out of
proportion in my memory; I still say it's a good mark to distinguish juvenile
Broad-winged from Red-shouldered, but seeing your latest photos reminds me that
it's not much help at all for eastern Red-tailed vs. Broad-winged.
Most of the points I made in my previous note are valid if applied to the right
birds....
Lessons to be learned (by me, if no one else): (1) Sometimes seven subtle
characters aren't worth one obvious one. (2) Don't always trust your memory or
your perception of gestalt (especially in a photo). (3) The more views and
photos, the better. Especially the latter. (I already knew that. :-) ) (4) Last
but not least ... don't try to identify a hawk (or shorebird, gull, flycatcher,
etc.) if you're not willing to eat a little crow afterward.
One of my favorite poems as a child was "The Owl Critic," about an
ornithologist who ridiculed the pathetically distorted taxidermy of a stuffed
owl. At the end of the man's tirade, the owl turned its head and blinked at him
as if to say, "I'm an owl, you're another; sir critic, good day!" Yup, I'm an
ornithologist, all right.
Retiring to my corvid dinner,
David Seibel
dseibel AT jccc.edu
www.davidseibel.com
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Subject: Re: Red-tailed hawk, was: Name that hawk (Dissenting opinion)From: David Seibel <dseibel AT JCCC.EDU> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:24:43 -0500 Chris,
I finally had a chance to study your June 22 photos from Clinton Lake (nice
shots!), and I think the bird looks like a juvenile Broad-winged Hawk, not a
Red-tailed. Did you see it around any other birds or objects that could give
you a size comparison? If I'm right, it would have been much smaller than a
Red-tailed (15" vs. 19" long). In my opinion, the following features look right
for a Broad-winged and wrong for a Red-tailed: (1) Even without a direct size
comparison, its big head and short, thick tarsi make it look like a small,
compact buteo. (2) The primaries appear to be relatively short (note how far
the tail extends beyond the wingtip), but their relative lengths indicate a
fairly pointed wing. (3) The secondaries are short and uniform in length, their
tips forming a smooth, slightly concave arc across the folded primaries (i.e.,
no "bulge" as in most buteos). (4) The secondaries appear to be almost
uniformly dark. (5) The wing coverts and scapulars are most!
ly dark brown and not heavily mottled. (6) The malars are very dark and the
throat is nearly pure white. (This is particularly significant.) (7) The tip of
each visible flank feather is marked with a large, diamond-shaped spot.
Ruling out other species is pretty straightforward. The bird's shape is
definitely that of a buteo, and the only other buteos at all likely in eastern
Kansas in June are Swainson's and Red-shouldered. Your photos show numerous
characters that differ from both of these while matching Broad-winged.
Swainson's is so different that I won't go into details, but Red-shouldered can
be confusingly similar. Several of the points that distinguish Broad-winged
from Red-tailed also separate Red-shouldered, but in addition, Red-shouldered
has strongly barred secondaries, an evenly streaked breast, longer legs, and
seemingly a longer tail and smaller head, giving it a more slender profile.
While the Red-tailed is MUCH more common here, a few Broad-winged Hawks do nest
in northeast Kansas (at least in Wyandotte County), and I know of a fair number
of late spring/early summer records in Johnson and Douglas counties. The late
KU ornithologist Robert Mengel suspected he had a pair nesting in the woods
near his home just north of Lawrence (Douglas County) for several years in the
1970's and early 1980's, and the Kansas Breeding Bird Atlas (2001) lists a
"possible" breeding record for Douglas County. To my knowledge, there is still
no confirmed nesting in Douglas County, but I believe your photos add to the
growing evidence that it might occur. If you have a chance, I'd encourage you
to visit the area where you found the bird again to see if it's still around,
and better yet, with its parents or siblings.
David Seibel
dseibel AT jccc.edu
www.davidseibel.com
________________________________________
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas [KSBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU] On Behalf Of
Chris Taylor [cloudbursting AT SUNFLOWER.COM]
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:59 AM
To: KSBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU
Subject: Red-tailed hawk, was: Name that hawk
Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much for all your mail regarding the hawk pictures! The
general consensus is this is a young red-tail. Thanks again for your help!
Best,
Chris
Chris Taylor wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I have some pictures of a lovely hawk I saw this morning at Clinton
> Lake. At first, I just assumed red-tailed hawk, but looking at the
> pictures, I'm not sure. Any id help will be much appreciated. :)
>
>
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pM0tlLE_keg/Sj-u2bKLyCI/AAAAAAAAA-4/tXnAEHm1BAg/s1600-h/IMG_3097.jpg
>
>
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pM0tlLE_keg/Sj-u2Gy2MDI/AAAAAAAAA-w/T2xgNjt7uuc/s1600-h/IMG_3084.jpg
>
>
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pM0tlLE_keg/Sj-u1Ty9UtI/AAAAAAAAA-o/6h5RjbAAG_o/s1600-h/IMG_3083.jpg
>
>
> Warm regards,
>
> Chris
> Lawrence, KS
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Subject: Re: Possible Rock Wren in Riley CountyFrom: Henry and Debby Armknecht <armknecht AT RURALTEL.NET> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:53:49 -0500 My life Rock Wren was in a tree at the rest area in St. Francis. It was a small tree, but it was a tree. it was in August, but I don't have the exact date. The bird was on a branch in the range of 8 ft. above the ground. My guess is that it was a migrating bird as there is NO Rock Wren habitat in the immediate vicinity. Henry A Osborne For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Clinton Wildlife Area, Douglas County From: Michael Andersen <mja43 AT KU.EDU> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:06:36 -0500 All, I paddled down the river of the southern arm of Clinton Lake yesterday morning. Nice day with a welcome break in humidity from recent days. No real surprises, but nice to hear a good bit of song this late in June. Best, Mike ________________ Michael J. Andersen Lawrence, KS mja43 AT ku.edu Location: Clinton Wildlife Area--South Observation date: 6/28/09 Number of species: 51 Wood Duck 7 all female-plumaged Wild Turkey 3 3 birds flushed from a subcanopy roost along the river Double-crested Cormorant 1 Great Blue Heron 3 Great Egret 1 Green Heron 3 Turkey Vulture 2 Bald Eagle 4 2 adults and 2 juvs (1 male, 1 female) perched near nest just east of the Rock Creek boat ramp. Allowed fairly close approach. Red-shouldered Hawk 1 1 heard vocalizing along river Red-tailed Hawk (Eastern) 1 1 juv seen along the river Yellow-billed Cuckoo 15 common, heard many and saw several flying across river channel Belted Kingfisher 1 Downy Woodpecker 4 Eastern Wood-Pewee 6 Acadian Flycatcher 6 Eastern Phoebe 4 Great Crested Flycatcher 4 Eastern Kingbird 2 Yellow-throated Vireo 3 Red-eyed Vireo 16 Blue Jay 10 American Crow 2 Tree Swallow 11 several families perched on dead snags in lake, none seen along river channel Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6 a family group seen perched on a dead snag immediately adjacent to a small rock outcrop along the channel to the east of the northern Rock Creep boat ramp. likely a nest site. Cliff Swallow 75 active colony under the bridge near Rock Creek boat ramp Black-capped Chickadee 8 Tufted Titmouse 12 White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 2 Carolina Wren 3 House Wren 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 10 Eastern Bluebird 1 Brown Thrasher 2 Cedar Waxwing 1 Northern Parula 9 Black-and-white Warbler 1 1 male heard singing along river Prothonotary Warbler 22 common, many seen well as they perched in riverside vegetation; allowed close approach. Louisiana Waterthrush 2 2 birds heard singing, 1 up river and 1 at Rock Creek boat ramp Summer Tanager 4 Eastern Towhee 2 Field Sparrow 5 Northern Cardinal 22 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3 Blue Grosbeak 2 Indigo Bunting 33 Red-winged Blackbird 41 all birds seen along lake shore, none up river. several flocks of 12-20 birds Common Grackle 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 6 Orchard Oriole 3 Baltimore Oriole 2 American Goldfinch 5 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Least Terns in Wichita article From: ozbelgnz <ozbelgnz AT SWBELL.NET> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:10:12 -0500 http://www.kansas.com:80/topstories/story/871944.html?story_link=email_msg Pete J reported them earlier last week, cute photo on this article. Kat Farres OZ BelgianZ Salina KS USA For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Possible Rock Wren in Riley County From: Thomas Shane <tom.shane AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:38:29 -0500 Lowell, I certainly will not debate what you saw as far as the plumage of the bird; however I do have real problems when you stated you saw it on the back of a cedar tree trunk. Then I do not know what the habitat looks like surrounding this cedar. They are regularly found in habitat islands of rock outcrops, cliffs, talus slopes etc. which can be surrounded by a variety of habitats. I have watched a number of ROWRs leave the rocks to go out and forage in the grasslands nearby, especially when grasshoppers are plentiful which become a great source of food for ROWR chicks. We have a perfect lab out at Scott Park. As the trees and shrubs have slowly invaded the canyons and cliffs, most of the Rock Wrens have left the park. On the nearby ranches where the trees have not invaded, Rock Wrens are still very numerous. However I cannot conclude that trees are the ultimate factor of the Rock Wrens moving out. It could be House Wrens? I have never seen a ROWR in a tree. However, I think I read in one of Tom Nuttall's old books where he reported that behavior, and I know Dr. Farley has observed them foraging along a tree limb. As with many species, migration changes some of those habitat selection behaviors, but not a lot for ROWR. Mike and Pam Ramsey have a large rock house out on a knoll north of town and they always get Rock Wrens during migration. Sometimes close to a half dozen at one time. Recalling other reports from out here I think any vertical structure looks good to a ROWR while migrating. If you have a rocky cliff nearby, not covered with a lot of woody vegetation, then indeed I thing you have a chance to attract a ROWR. I just do not know what this immediate area looks like. If a pair lost a nest then it is not too late for them to try and make a second attempt. So I do not think many leave their traditional breeding grounds just because of nest and mate loss at this time of year. On years that I can make it, I head up to the canyon country of Logan County around the 4th of July and make fledgling Rock Wren brood counts. I have missed for a number of years now, but hope to make it this year. I hope you get back up to locate the wren. Just two cents from my experiences with a real neat bird, Tom Shane For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Possible Rock Wren in Riley County From: Lowell Johnson <ljohnson AT KSU.EDU> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:38:46 -0500 What are the odds of seeing a Rock Wren in the Stockdale area this time of year? This Saturday (6/27/09) I spotted a bird in the pull-off atop the hill by the restrooms that has me wondering. I had seen several Bewick's Wrens earlier in the same general area. However, this one particular bird has me wondering. I was in the drivers seat of my car when I first spotted it, and I had to try to watch it by stretching to look forward out of the passenger side window. The bird was on the back side of a cedar tree trunk and only gave me a few glimpses before it departed directly away from me as I climbed out of the car. I was never able to relocate the critter. I got a brief look at the head. While it had a present but rather indistinct eye line, it certainly was not nearly as obvious as the wrens that I had seen earlier. What really set me to wondering was the presence of a lot of buffy coloration on the underside of the tail in my microsecond view of it. Did it bob? My view was too brief to tell. Oh for a better look. I know that there is a report of the species nesting in Washington County, but to my knowledge not in Riley County. At any rate, other birders in the area might keep their eyes open for an unusual wren. What does a juvenile Bewick's Wren look like? No illustrations in my field guides. My only sightings here of Rock Wrens were in late July or later. Other sightings of interest included an adult and a immatue Bald Eagle, a Snowy Egret and a Great Egret. Great Birding! Lowell Johnson For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Backyard Birds From: Linda Young <LMYOUNG AT SUNFLOWER.COM> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:48:53 -0500 While walking early this morning, Jim & I saw a male Blue Grosbeak confirmed w/ our binocs ... a first for our neighborhood. We also watched a Western Kingbird fly and hover. We have Bewick's Wrens nesting in our yard ... another first for us, along with the Carolina and House Wrens. Our second brood of Blubirds are currently fledging. We've also been seeing and hearing the Great Crested Flycatcher, the Pileated Woodpecker, Indigo Buntings, Summer Tanagers, and numerous Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Life is good in the hood! Linda NW Lawrence For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: NW KS good trip From: Henry and Debby Armknecht <armknecht AT RURALTEL.NET> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:56:36 -0500 I had a family reunion in Decatur County, so birded my way out Saturday AM and back this PM with a couple of hours thrown in this AM before the clan gathered for brunch. I observed 89 species. Some highlights (in chronological order) included: 2 Cattle Egrets on a Smith County farm pond 2 Loggerhead Shrike nests in Smith County 22 Great Egrets on a farm pond/marsh on the Rooks/Phillips County line 1 Lesser Yellowlegs on the same pond finding some large cattail marshes on that same county line nesting Spotted Towhees on Sappa Creek NE of Oberlin, Decatur County Blue Gray Gnatcatcher on Sappa Creek NE of Oberlin, Decatur County 1 Ruddy Duck on the Oberlin sewer ponds Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on the Thomas/Sheridan County line 2 Great Crested Flycatchers on same line (not on the current Thomas County list) Red-eyed Vireos, Eastern Phoebes, Black-headed Grosbeak, Indigo Buntings, Yellow Warbler and a probable Crow family all on the Thomas/Sheridan border in the second mile north of the Gove County line. Black-billed Cuckoo at Sheridan Wildlife Area For those interested in county listing, two places that should not be overlooked are the Sheridan Wildlife Area and the Thomas/Sheridan County line from 1-2 miles north of Gove County. Henry A Osborne For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Beloit BBS From: "Wedge, Philip C" <pwedge AT KU.EDU> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:07:40 -0500 Roy and I ran the Beloit BBS today (6/28). Great weather! Birds of note: Loggerhead Shrike: 1 Hairy Woodpecker: 1 (new to count) Chipping Sparrow: 2 (new to count) Seen between stops: Cattle Egret (1 in breeding plummage) Oddity, on 3 counts over the last 3 days, we found now owl species in spite of reasonably calm winds in pre-dawn hours. Phil Wedge For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: BBS From: "Wedge, Philip C" <pwedge AT KU.EDU> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:02:14 -0500 I believe the instructions have always read "or heard from any distance." The main thing is not to keep counting a bird like a Barred Owl, for example, at several stops when you know you're hearing the same one! :) Phil Wedge ________________________________ From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas on behalf of Thomas Shane Sent: Sat 6/27/2009 8:37 PM To: KSBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU Subject: Re: BBS Well.......here I go, two in one day. I didn't want to stay up until midnight to point out something new I discovered when I actually read the BBS instructions this year. So this will have to be a policy adjustment. :>) First, my odometer is like Cheryl's, it reads 25 miles when I'm at the last stop. For the math purists a BBS route is 24.5 miles long. Now to the discrepancy: On a pink sheet, in my BBS packet, titled Essential Instructions.....it states,....count all birds heard or seen within 1/4 mile. I think this is what has been stated most years since I started doing these routes in 1967. Then on the back of a white sheet titled, 2009 N.A. Breeding Bird Survey Data Form,......it states.....Count individuals of each species seen within 0.25 miles/0.4 km or heard from any distance. Repeat......OR HEARD FROM ANY DISTANCE. ?>?>?>?>?>?>?>?>? Well the last one/the new one is sort of what happens out here on the prairie. I have no idea how far away some of those Ring-necked Pheasants are calling from. Does anyone even have a guess how far a pheasant call will travel on a calm morning?. TS P.S. Don't get me started on the 0.4 km thing! :>) For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.edu For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Sedgwick Co. Fish Crows From: Pete Janzen <pete.janzen AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:01:27 -0500 After observing the posse of Fish Crows near Derby with Jeff and Catherine yesterday, I dug out some reference material today. The Peterson Guide to Birds Nests states for Fish Crow: "Often in loose colonies, 2-4 pairs in same area: also solitary nests. In tops of tall trees, 20-80 feet above ground." Several other sources list the same thing. So our (Calhoun,Lewis, Janzen) speculation about the concentration of Fish Crows near the Bank Swallow colony was probably correct. At worst we can wait till the leaves fall and check things out in that general area. For those not in the Wichita area, this is in the large area of woods just south of the Big Ditch, about 1/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Arkansas River. Lots of activity, vocalizations, adults carrying food and somewhat agitated behavior when we walked nearby. Seemed to be at least 6 and maybe more adults in view at once. This is the same area where Jeff took photos of Fish Crow nest building in the spring. Per Jeff that nest is probably abandoned but the location of all the activity yesterday was less than 50 yards distant. A dead tree with many branches seemed to be a popular perch. I did not take a GPS reading but if you have Google Earth the approximate coordinates are 37 deg 33' 22.7" N and 97 deg. 17' 44.60" W. In Google Earth you can see why this is the stronghold for RS Hawk, Pileated, Wood Thrush. WE Vireo, N. Parula etc as breeding species. Jeff has really broken a lot of new ground on Sedgwick Co. birds over the past few years, almost all from this tract of woodland and the adjacent canoe launch area. Quite the showing. I took a quick look at the LaFarge tern colony this morning. I know at least five nests with eggs have been located. All seemed peaceful this morning with the adults incubating undisturbed. PJ For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: BBS From: Thomas Shane <tom.shane AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:37:12 -0500 Well.......here I go, two in one day. I didn't want to stay up until midnight to point out something new I discovered when I actually read the BBS instructions this year. So this will have to be a policy adjustment. :>) First, my odometer is like Cheryl's, it reads 25 miles when I'm at the last stop. For the math purists a BBS route is 24.5 miles long. Now to the discrepancy: On a pink sheet, in my BBS packet, titled Essential Instructions.....it states,....count all birds heard or seen within 1/4 mile. I think this is what has been stated most years since I started doing these routes in 1967. Then on the back of a white sheet titled, 2009 N.A. Breeding Bird Survey Data Form,......it states.....Count individuals of each species seen within 0.25 miles/0.4 km or heard from any distance. Repeat......OR HEARD FROM ANY DISTANCE. ?>?>?>?>?>?>?>?>? Well the last one/the new one is sort of what happens out here on the prairie. I have no idea how far away some of those Ring-necked Pheasants are calling from. Does anyone even have a guess how far a pheasant call will travel on a calm morning?. TS P.S. Don't get me started on the 0.4 km thing! :>) For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: hinterland guru's help for car-bound birder From: "William L. Falk" <nlwlfalk AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:25:20 -0500 Abot 2 months ago I posted a plea for helpful ideas on seeing warblers & other birds while confined in my car A good number of members sent good helpful ideas + a couple of tapes my birding horizon has been greatly enhanced THANK YOU ALL! Within Topeka city limits this morning west side in a couple of hours I found the following: baltimore orioles 3 bc chickadees 2 tufted titmouse 1 downy woodpeckers 3 hairy woodpecker 1 no cardinal 1 scissortail flycatcher 1 many many gr cr flycatchers ea kingbird 1 indigo bunting 1 yel cr night heron 1 killdeer 3 + 6 active fledglings thanks to all! bill falk For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: tale of two doves From: William Sutton <suttonwill AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:10:21 -0500 These are the photos of the two doves. My wife doesn't think the dove that appears to be a white wing is a white wing. When I enlarge the photo the white appears to run from the shoulder all the way back. I don't know if this is a parent or a baby sitter. I'm sure that there was chicks in the nest when the photo was taken.They fledged thursday. I could see them high in the tree and back near the trunk. The next day I could not find them. The other photos are of my bird baths. Bill _________________________________________________________________ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: BBS From: Cheryl <avian67226 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:39:54 -0500 Oops, meant to add that the person also records all birds HEARD within 1/4 mile of the stop. On Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 5:38 PM, CherylSubject: Re: BBS From: Cheryl <avian67226 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:38:40 -0500 Rick, et al It's the Breeding Bird Survey, coordinated through the US Geological Survey and administered by individuals, many of whom are volunteers. The routes are 25 miles long. The persons running the route stop every half mile for three minutes. One person listens for and records every bird seen within 1/4 mile of the stop. If another person is along they tally the records and also count traffic. If only one person is running the route they look, listen and record. This question came up today at the Harvey County butterfly count, so I think it's good to post the explanation on the listserv. On Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 5:18 PM, RickSubject: BBS From: Rick <atsf3768 AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:18:47 -0400 I don't understand what it means to "Run a BBS route". Can someone explain, maybe off list. -- Folded, Spindled, Stapled and Mutilated, I am, Richard Hitchcock For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Blue-gray Gnatcatchers From: Thomas Shane <tom.shane AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:40:35 -0500 Several years ago at Scott Park, Sara and I had an adult Blue-gray Gnatcatcher feeding a fledgling in a wooded area of Timber Canyon. I think I sent the record to C. Otte? Tom Shane Garden City For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Blue-gray Gnatcatchers From: Scott Seltman <sselt AT GBTA.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:26:19 -0500 Mike R. wrote: "Henry Armknecht, Jenn Rader and I ran the Covert BBS in Osborne & Russell Counties this morning. Nothing spectacular, but I did have Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in a couple locations, a Belted Kingfisher and a Yellow Warbler. Otherwise, just the expected species." ########################################## I wonder if the breeding range of Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is slowly moving westward? I had one along the Buckner near Hanston on the GRAY BBS a couple weeks ago for the first report [I think] ever in that route's long history. Plus last year at this same time I found one along the Pawnee in extreme southern Ness County perhaps 10 miles NW of Hanston. I suppose these gnatcatchers might just be outliers, but then again . . . ? . I ran the ASH VALLEY BBS which runs north to south thru Pawnee County back on 15 June. One unexpected species was an Eastern Wood-Pewee that was singing at the Pawnee River bridge by Fort Larned. I had Bell's Vireos at more stops than normal and several Cassin's Sparrow were singing in the waterlogged sandhills south of Garfield. I had to drive through water up to the floorboards several times to finish the route. On the GRAY BBS on 17 June I had the aforementioned Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and also heard two Lesser Prairie Chickens mixing it up at a new stop along the route. Maybe next spring I'll have a chance to look for a lek at that location. BBS routes occasionally have non-avian surprises of their own. At one stop east of Hanston my car was surrounded by a herd of about 50 wayward goats. I actually had to stay in the car and roll up the windows to avoid getting nibbled on!! At another stop I was surround by SEVEN earthmovers. Kinda hard to hear under those condiditons. This last week I have been seeing White-winged Doves almost every day in Larned. Otherwise it's been as dull as it's been hot. Scott Seltman 1968 155th Ave. Larned, KS 67550 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Muggy Merganser & More From: Jeff Calhoun <jecalhoun AT WICHITA.EDU> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:44:20 -0500 Pete Janzen, Catherine Lewis and I checked on some birds around southeastern Sedgwick County this morning. We were most interested in some potentially rare breeding species and mostly found the birds that I frequently write about with a few noteworthy surprises. Fish Crows are a common summering resident locally. We observed several individuals flying around including many birds that were carrying food, sometimes in pairs. We all enjoyed a Painted Bunting, a singing White-eyed Vireo(!), Parulas, Bank Swallows, and Pileated Woodpeckers, too. Some robins are in small post breeding flocks already. We may have had a singing Kentucky Warbler at the canoe launch site but cannot be sure. A strong candidate was singing from the brushy woods south of the parking area. We chased it down and had a close listen but never observed it and the bird in question then became silent. Three minutes later, a definite Carolina Wren started singing from the exact spot and the song of the possible warbler wasn't heard again, so it is hard to be for sure. If anyone is out there over the next several days, I’d be very interested in positive or negative results. A few species of water birds were the sightings of the day. A single male Common Merganser was observed in the ditch near the Ark River convergance. It was in a stage of molt and was unable to fly, but he did freely paddle around. Our in-field expert said that this is the second ever record of this species in Sedgwick County in the summer. A pond at 87th St S and Hydraulic hosted 5 Pied-billed Grebes. Due to the time of the year and habitat, it is suspected that this was a family group that hatched locally. Due to distance and lighting, no birds were safely IDed as juvies so this is strictly a hunch. That same pond had one Coot and many Little Blue Herons (adult and first years). A Bald Eagle along 63rd Street Bridge rounded out a good 100 degree June day of birding. Jeff Calhoun Derby, KS For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Jewell BBS From: "Wedge, Philip C" <pwedge AT KU.EDU> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:15:08 -0500 My son Roy and I ran the Jewell BBS route this morning (6/27). Good weather, good birds. Of note: Loggerhead Shrike: 1 Rose-Breasted Grosbeak: 1 (new to count) Eastern Towhee: 1 (new to count) Phil Wedge For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Spectacular Sunset From: Jeff Calhoun <jecalhoun AT WICHITA.EDU> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:52:12 -0500 There wasn’t much going on tonight so a good friend of mine joined me at Butler State Fishing Lake for a bit of fishing, birding, and the sunset. The end of a summer’s day at Butler SFL is absolutely spectacular!!!! Loads of Nighthawks, Dickcissels, and Upland Sandpipers just add to the natural beauty of the area. The lightning bugs come out and the frogs start chorusing just as the sun starts to hang right next to the moon. It is way more entertaining than paying $30 to go to the movies!!! I had a Henslow’s Sparrow near the road on the south side of the lake. Two times in between Douglass and the lake I saw baby Uppies running across the road. Love it. WOLF WHISTLE! Love it. Kansas is soooo cool! Jeff Calhoun Derby, KS For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: RFI - Central and Southwestern summer birds From: Jeff McIntyre <jeffmci9 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:15:59 -0400 Hi all-
My wife and I will be in Kansas this July for her family reunion, but will be
doing as much birding as possible around the family events. We will be in
Hutchinson (Reno Co.) and near Liberal (Seward Co.) each for a couple of days.
There are a number of birds I would like to run across where possible. So the
meat and potatoes of it......I made a list for Central and Southwestern Kansas
of the birds we'd like to go after. I realize, of course, that seeing all (or
even most) of them is not realistic - all I did was thumb through the Sibley
and go by range maps, so some may not be available at all.....those in italics
are of particular interest to my wife and I.
Central Kansas Southwestern Kansas
American Bittern Cinnamon Teal
Bald Eagle Ferruginous Hawk
Greater Prairie Chicken Golden Eagle
Black Rail (I know, I know) Lesser Prairie Chicken
American Woodcock Virginia Rail
Black-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo
Barn Owl Barn Owl
Short-eared Owl Long-eared Owl
Eastern Screech Owl (visual) Short-eared Owl
Hairy Woodpecker Common Poorwill
Yellow-throated Vireo Hairy Woodpecker
Horned Lark Say's Phoebe
Bank Swallow Black-billed Magpie
Prairie Warbler Chihuahuan Raven
Scarlet Tanager Horned Lark
Grasshopper Sparrow Bank Swallow
Yellow-headed Blackbird Black-capped Chickadee
Rock Wren
Black-headed Grosbeak
Lazuli Bunting
Cassin's Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Lark Bunting
Yellow-headed Blackbird
I realize this is an extensive list, but any help would be greatly appreciated
for one or more species. The only places we know for sure to check out are
Quivira and Cheyenne Bottoms. Any other suggestions would be welcome.
Should anyone find their way to Texas and would like info in the Central or
Middle Coastal regions of the state, I will be glad to be of assistance.
Thank you in advance for you help!
Jeff McIntyre
Pflugerville, TX
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Subject: Cheyenne Bottoms 6/26/09From: mike rader <mike_rader AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:42:46 -0500 Hi all, I needed to return a vehicle to the Wetlands Ed Center this afternoon, so I drove down the Redwing Dike and found a few late? (early?) shorebirds: Lesser Yellowlegs - 1, White-rumped Sandpiper - 1, Semipalmated Sandpiper - 1, & Stilt Sandpiper - 1. I saw 200+ Am. Avocets and 25+ Black-necked Stilts and 12 Snowy Plovers. There are still lots of Franklin's Gulls (75+) and Ring-billeds (30+). Henry ASrmknecht, Jenn Rader and I ran the Covert BBS in Osborne & Russell Counties this morning. Nothing spectacular, but I did have Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in a couple locations, a Belted Kingfisher and a Yellow Warbler. Otherwise, just the expected species. Mike Rader Wilson and/or Pratt, KS _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_BR_life_in_synch_062009 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Canada Geese From: Daniel Smith <mjs AT MJS7.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:18:32 -0500 I saw something today with some Canada geese this afternoon that I had never seen before. There were 5 or 6 of them in a pond over on 26th St. N. about a quarter of a mile west of Greenwich in Wichita. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a big splash and thought it was a fish jumping. As I looked more closely I saw a Canada goose completely submerge in the water and disappear! It stayed under for several seconds before reappearing. Is this common as I have seen a lot of geese before but have never seen them dive like this before? I thought about doing that myself considering how hot it was! Daniel Smith For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Jamestown BBS From: "Wedge, Philip C" <pwedge AT KU.EDU> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:38:18 -0500 Roy assisted me in running the Jamestown BBS Route. Windy but otherwise a good run. Birds of interest: Belted Kingfisher: 2 Bell's Vireo: 3 (New to count) Eastern Wood PeeWee: 1 Yellow Warbler: 3 Song Sparrow: 3 Phil Wedge For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Question regarding chickadee nesting and heat - Johnson County; Shawnee, KS From: Debbie Reasoner <debreasoner AT KC.RR.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:27:29 -0500 Hi All - Chickadees had built a nest in my bluebird house. There was parenting activity there, I believe, until Monday. On Wednesday I realized I hadn't noticed that same activity, so yesterday, I opened the house and found two, dead, baby chickadees. There did not appear to be any sign of attack, they were perfectly formed, but they had obviously been dead for a couple of days. The house is in the open (no shade). Could the heat we've been having lately killed them? I'm wondering if I should move the house to a shadier location (for next year). I don't really have much hope of bluebirds nesting in the house, and I was thrilled to have chickadees, so I don't mind lessening the chance of bluebirds finding it, if I can increase the chickadee's chance of survival in the future. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you. Debbie Reasoner Shawnee, KS For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Swainson's Hawk in Riley County From: Lowell Johnson <ljohnson AT KSU.EDU> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:21:15 -0500 Yesterday (6/25/09), as I was headed out to the Riley County landfill, I spotted a light-phase hawk on a power pole. I anticipated that it would be a Red-tailed Hawk. As I went past it, I realized that it didn't look right. After pulling off the road and waiting for a truck to pass, I backed up and got a quick look at its dark bib before it took off. The dark flight feathers and the barred tail as it flew confirmed that it was a Swainson's. Not the hawk that I regularly expect to see this time of year. Good Birding! Lowell Johnson For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: 30 years ago From: Pete Janzen <pete.janzen AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:50:53 -0500 As time allows I've been entering more bird sightings for Sedgwick County in Avisys. Currently working through Eddie Stegall's diary-style journals which he loaned me recently. WHen he saw an exceptional species he would put in a big asterisk. November 30, 1978.....CANADA GOOSE!!! What a difference 30 years makes. I think around that time Dwight Platt would probably have made you write up documentation on that if you reported one on the Newton CBC. Hard to imagine now....but where are all those shrikes that Stegall reported from the Sedg. Co park/zoo area almost every day from 1974-1978?? Halloooo shrikes....yoo hoo..............where arrrreeee you................. Pete Janzen Wichita For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: bluebird and cowbird eggs From: Lawrence Herbert <certhia AT ATT.NET> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:28:27 -0500 I found an Eastern Bluebird nest with three EABL eggs and FOUR Brown-headed Cowbird eggs late this morning. A female EABL was at the nest. Monitoring this nest last week I found three EABL eggs and one Cowbird egg. This nest box has a standard 1 1/2 inch entrance hole and the entrance is not chewed or worn. Over the years I have found several nests with one or two Cowbird eggs. Four breaks my personal record. This site is east of Baxter Springs, in extreme southeastern Cherokee County - literally in the se corner of Kansas. Good birding, Larry H. Joplin MO. For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Pott Co Pileated Update From: Brandon Magette <averbirder AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:59:22 -0500 Went to the dump this morning to check on the welfare of the Pileated Woodpecker family after last nights blow and was relieved to find the male feeding the young. I didn't stay long, but saw at least two chicks poking their heads out of the cavity. To those who are planning a trip to see them I would say they will probably still be in the nest this weekend, but all bets are off for the weekend of the fourth... -- Brandon Magette St Marys in Pottawatomie Co. KS 785-844-0139 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Wednesday Morning birds From: Rick <atsf3768 AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:24:00 -0400 I was going to an appointment on North Woodlawn Street in Wichita this morning about 9 a.m. when I saw 2 Eastern Kingbirds on the top branches of a 15-foot treet. I saw a Great Egret flying across the way toward the west soon after that. This is not far from the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita. -- Folded, Spindled, Stapled and Mutilated, I am, Richard Hitchcock For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Wichita Least Terns From: Thomas Shane <tom.shane AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:41:12 -0500 Dan, I have strongly suggested for years the use of sand covered rafts for the terns and plovers attempting to nest on the KAW River. It would eliminate nest loss due to most flooding and if properly designed would be low maintenance. So build that raft for you pond. You might get a variety of species using the structure throughout the year. :>) Likewise, I have never understood why tires, filled with gravel and sand, are not used for the tern colony at Quivira? Bottoms of plastic barrels filled with sand would be another possibility. Hook them to an airboat and skid them right out into place. I would think such structures would save many nest from the areas moderate floods? I know Dr. Boyd's gravel islands have helped, but this would help save Least Tern nests at a higher flood stage. That is all of the armchair tern management techniques I have, :>) T Shane -----Original Message----- From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas [mailto:KSBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU]On Behalf Of Dan Larson Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 6:53 AM To: KSBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU Subject: Re: Wichita Least Terns I dont suppose the law allows for some mitigation where they would scrape areas along the big ditch in return for being able to use their site. For my pond I have wondered about setting a raft with sand on it. What would be the pros and cons of doing so. On the 13th and 14th I went to ELK county on the way I went to Woodson County Lake where Jim Malcom had seen Yellow-breasted Chats and Henslow sparrows. I was able to find them. On my Longton BBS I had more Painted Buntings and Bell's Vireos than I have had before. I found Loggerhead Shrikes in three locations. Thanks Dan Larson For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Wichita Least Terns From: Dan Larson <birdkansa AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:53:00 -0700 I dont suppose the law allows for some mitigation where they would scrape areas along the big ditch in return for being able to use their site. For my pond I have wondered about setting a raft with sand on it. What would be the pros and cons of doing so. On the 13th and 14th I went to ELK county on the way I went to Woodson County Lake where Jim Malcom had seen Yellow-breasted Chats and Henslow sparrows. I was able to find them. On my Longton BBS I had more Painted Buntings and Bell's Vireos than I have had before. I found Loggerhead Shrikes in three locations. Thanks Dan Larson ________________________________ From: Bob GressSubject: Curlew tracking From: Henry and Debby Armknecht <armknecht AT RURALTEL.NET> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:19:10 -0500 This interesting site has information on two female Long-billed Curlews that have been radio tracked this summer in Nebraska. One recently flew from Nebraska to TX, across KS. http://www.birdsnebraska.org/ Henry A Osborne For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: yellow-crowned night herons in Topeka From: Randy Kennedy <boudiccasm8 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:24:41 -0700 I twice failed to see the birds at this location, but I did see one at the pond at Gage Park. Picture here http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/data/525/Yellow-crowned_Night-Heron_Gage_Park.jpg Randy Kennedy Topeka, KS --- On Mon, 6/22/09, Carol MorganSubject: doves From: William Sutton <suttonwill AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:52:03 -0500 I'll try to have the photos posted this weekend. I live in dodge city. Bill Sutton _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: First year Common Loon at Perry Lake From: "Watkins, Bunnie A NWK" <Bunnie.A.Watkins AT USACE.ARMY.MIL> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:39:15 -0500 We've had a nice 1st summer (juvenile) Common Loon at beautiful Perry Lake (Jefferson County) all day today. He/she is about 50 feet out from the dam, just west of the control tower. It filled up my spotting scope while it was relaxing this afternoon, enjoyed some great views of the bird. :-) Bunnie Watkins For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Red-tailed hawk, was: Name that hawk From: Chris Taylor <cloudbursting AT SUNFLOWER.COM> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:59:49 -0500 Hi Everyone, Thank you so much for all your mail regarding the hawk pictures! The general consensus is this is a young red-tail. Thanks again for your help! Best, Chris Chris Taylor wrote: > Hi Everyone, > > I have some pictures of a lovely hawk I saw this morning at Clinton > Lake. At first, I just assumed red-tailed hawk, but looking at the > pictures, I'm not sure. Any id help will be much appreciated. :) > > http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pM0tlLE_keg/Sj-u2bKLyCI/AAAAAAAAA-4/tXnAEHm1BAg/s1600-h/IMG_3097.jpg > > http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pM0tlLE_keg/Sj-u2Gy2MDI/AAAAAAAAA-w/T2xgNjt7uuc/s1600-h/IMG_3084.jpg > > http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pM0tlLE_keg/Sj-u1Ty9UtI/AAAAAAAAA-o/6h5RjbAAG_o/s1600-h/IMG_3083.jpg > > > Warm regards, > > Chris > Lawrence, KS __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4181 (20090623) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Prothonotary still in Sedgwick Co From: Jeff Calhoun <jecalhoun AT WICHITA.EDU> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:39:29 -0500 I went for a stroll through the local woods this evening. There is nothing quite like a summer night spent outdoors. Best bird of the hour and a half walk was a singing Prothonotary Warbler. I was walking through the woods adjacent to the family’s property but this bird was actually singing from an area one can walk to from the canoe launch just across the ditch. It is a long walk there, but if anyone is up for it I can offer directions. It is likely the same individual present in nearby woods for a solid month through mid May. He has moved locations and is in a weird area, but he is still around after all. I thought he was gone several weeks ago when he left his original spot. I guess it just wouldn't be a summer of birding for me without some bird drama keeping me on my heels. I also saw a recently fledged Barred Owl and heard two other birds giving those scratchy call notes in that same area. They were probably its siblings and are living proof of their explosion status locally. If anybody runs into Kellie Pickler or Julianne Hough birding in the Manhattan area this Stampede weekend, send them to Wichita and give them my name :). Jeff Calhoun Derby, KS For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Re: Wichita Least Terns From: Pete Janzen <pete.janzen AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:19:19 -0500 Umm I don't know exactly how we'd structure it but somehow we should arrange some big-time "greenwashing" for LaFarge out of this. I mean like major spotlight stuff. It's a really tough time for everyone in the building materials business right now.....clinical depression has set in. I'm sure this is going over like a lead balloon. I sure hope the little ol terns do ok out of the deal. Pete Janzen For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Wichita Least Terns From: Bob Gress <bobgress AT COX.NET> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:13:02 -0500 Good news on the Least Terns here in town but now Da Gummint has moved in so I'll let them boys say what they wanna say. As of now I don't know nuthin' about it. Pete Janzen Wichita OK, I guess I do wear the government (Da Gummint) hat. I always think that is someone else! Charlie Cope (KDWP), Nathan Ofsthun, Kevan Boss and I, visited the site which is now located at the LaFarge Sand Pits. Imagine their shock of learning that an endangered species had taken up residence on an area where sand excavation was scheduled to begin this week or next. They had just scraped the vegetation from the area a couple of weeks ago to get ready for this. To the terns, this looked like a great spot. No flooding, no vegetation, no disturbance over the past few weeks so they moved in and started nests. Now the owners are out of business there for probably 2 months. No wonder some people dislike the Endangered Species Act. The nests are located on the south side of the north pool, just south of the trash transfer station. It looks like the birds have just gotten started. As of today there were 6 nests. 4 nests had 2 eggs, and 2 nests with 1 egg. In the past, these nests typically have 2 or 3 eggs, so the clutches are not complete yet. There were 14 birds seen in the areas so there may still be another pair to nest. Now if they can avoid a hail storm, excessive rain, predators, and vandalism they may get lucky and raise youngsters. I'll keep you posted. Bob Gress Wichita, KS bobgress AT cox.net For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Colorado birds photo quiz From: Pete Janzen <pete.janzen AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:42:56 -0500 I don't know how many of you read the "photo quiz" page on Colorado Field Ornithologists web page http://www.cfo-link.org/index.php. Tony Leukering does a great job with that page which I always read and I even occasionally dare to play the game. Last week's entry was a photo Gregg Friesen took of the dark-morph Ferruginous Hawk that hung around a gopher-rich field west of Salina for most of last winter. Looks like 6 of 20 scored the correct answer. It WAS kind of a tough photo angle. Good news on the Least Terns here in town but now Da Gummint has moved in so I'll let them boys say what they wanna say. As of now I don't know nuthin' about it. Pete Janzen Wichita For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: tale of two doves From: William Sutton <suttonwill AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:17:26 -0500 About three weeks ago my wife noticed a mourning dove on a nest about 20 ft up in a pine tree. It is on a limb about 7 ft from the trunk. I told Gayla that I had never saw a mourning dove nest that well built. We have had a lot of weather the last three weeks. Even in 50 mile an hour winds, several inches of rain and hail. That old dove hangs in there. I went out several times thinking I would find the bird and her nest on the ground. I have taken several photos at differing times mostly just practicing. Saturday I started looking at the photos and enlarging them so I could see if I could see the chick. I found out that I have photos of two different birds on the nest. One is a mourning dove and the other is a white winged dove. I have seen the more sturdy white winged doves nest and believe that the white wing is the architect of this nest. Bill Sutton _________________________________________________________________ Microsoft brings you a new way to search the web. Try Bing™ now http://www.bing.com?form=MFEHPG&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFEHPG_Core_tagline_try bing_1x1 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Johnson County Bell's vireos From: Jeff Witters <bioguy.witters AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:27:58 -0500 Gotta love summer! I went out to pick wild blackberries early this morning in southern Johnson Co. along Woodland Rd. Along the tracks between 175th and just south of 191st I heard at least six Bell's vireos. It's a very linear habitat and even has some remnant prairie plants. Mostly just the sort of thickets that the vireos seem to love. As for the blackberries, well that's always a worthwhile labor of love and pain! Stay cool. Jeff Witters Olathe For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Name that hawk From: Chris Taylor <cloudbursting AT SUNFLOWER.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:21:41 -0500 Hi Everyone, I have some pictures of a lovely hawk I saw this morning at Clinton Lake. At first, I just assumed red-tailed hawk, but looking at the pictures, I'm not sure. Any id help will be much appreciated. :) http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pM0tlLE_keg/Sj-u2bKLyCI/AAAAAAAAA-4/tXnAEHm1BAg/s1600-h/IMG_3097.jpg http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pM0tlLE_keg/Sj-u2Gy2MDI/AAAAAAAAA-w/T2xgNjt7uuc/s1600-h/IMG_3084.jpg http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pM0tlLE_keg/Sj-u1Ty9UtI/AAAAAAAAA-o/6h5RjbAAG_o/s1600-h/IMG_3083.jpg Warm regards, Chris Lawrence, KS __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4178 (20090622) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Say's Phoebe; Brood of Six From: Thomas Shane <tom.shane AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:35:34 -0500 KSbird_list, After birdwatching at Scott Park yesterday, 21 June 2009, Sara and I headed up into Logan County, KS. At the mouth of Ladder Creek Canyon we have a special rock we check most years for a pair of Say's Phoebes. The nest site, a large boulder about six feet high containing a pair of nest holes in the side and observable from the road. We showed Dr. Don Kroodsma this place last year at this time figuring it was a good spot for him to record some SAPH vocalizations. We could see a new nest in the top hole but could not make out a bird with binos. We then found a SAPH foraging off the fence about sixty yards to the north of us. We pulled up to watch the bird which immediately carried an insect to the cliff to the west. It was then that was found five fledglings in a large shallow cave awkwardly perched and waiting for the adult to bring food. A few minutes later the adult took an insect to the sixth fledgling in another very shallow cave below an overhang. The six fledgling were full grown, but completely dependent on the adult for food. We waited for the second adult to appear with food, which never happened. The adult doing the feeding was very successful in foraging and appeared to be taking an insect to the brood about every minute or two. After arriving home we checked Schukman and Wolf '98 and found that broods of six SAPH do occur, but only occasionally and it was probably the male doing the feeding with the female most likely incubating a second clutch. We should have put the scope on that nest! Good birdwatching, Tom Shane Garden City For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: yellow-crowned night herons in Topeka From: Carol Morgan <crxmorgan AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:44:24 -0500 A nesting site for yellow-crowned night herons in Topeka is again active this year. I saw five juvenile YCNH and one adult at the site two days ago. The nest is located on the southwest corner of 9th Street and Saline Avenue in Topeka. If you need this bird for your year list or life list, or want to take photographs of YCNHs, this easily accessible location is the spot for you. Contact me off list if you need more information. Carol Morgan Topeka crxmorgan AT aol.com For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Late Thrushes; Finney County From: Thomas Shane <tom.shane AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:11:44 -0500 KSbird_list, Late yesterday morning, 20 June 2009, Sara found and we both got excellent looks at a Hermit Thrush in our Garden City backyard. Likewise, Marie Osterbuhr was still seeing and hearing a late Swainson's Thrush in her yard for about a week, up through 14 June 2009. Good birdwatching, Tom Shane For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Kildeer seen in Butler County Kansas From: Rick <atsf3768 AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:25:37 -0400 Location: Benton KS Observation date: 6/20/09 Notes: nesting on rocks in a driveway, four eggs were on the nest, with the mother bird protecting them. Elevation is unknown. Number of species: 1 Killdeer 2 -- Folded, Spindled, Stapled and Mutilated, I am, Richard Hitchcock For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Wichita Least Tern colony at LaFarge & Greater Scaup From: Pete Janzen <pete.janzen AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 07:41:17 -0500 I ran out to the Colwich wetland today to try and locate breeding evidence for PB Grebe or Am. Coot. Nothing doing on that. Lots of foraging herons and egrets but the only waterbirds with young were mallards. I did see one female N. Pintail out there just sort of loafing around. As I came back to Wichita (Sedgwick County) I decided to have a look at LaFarge sandpit just for the heck of it. As I have previously posted, there has been a lot of construction work on the "peninsula" that separates the original 160 acre lake from the ever-expanding north lake where sand mining continues. It looks like they are trying to make the peninsula either into housing lots or maybe a big beach on the north face. There are at least 11 adult Least Terns there this morning and they appear to be both incubating eggs and also fiercely defending the beach against a foraging Little Blue Heron along the shore. Another case where construction activity has inadvertently created ideal Least Tern nesting habitat. If anyone is ever trying to create nesting habitat for Least Terns, no need to have a big govt. study or blue-ribbon commission. Just get a good old-fashioned Wichita redneck dirt contractor and turn him loose for awhile. Presto!! Also there is an adult male Greater Scaup on this same north part of the lake, hanging around near the big floating sand slurry pipe. And three singing Blue Grosbeaks along 29th St. on the south side. Finally, what appears to be a post-breeding flock of 500+ Cliff and Rough-winged Swallows with many obvious post-fledge birds. Seems mighty early for that but there you have it. If anyone wants to check out these terns Sunday is probably the best day as the only vantage point is from West St. near the main entrance to the LaFarge complex where approx. 50 million dump trucks per day come and go. I mean it is right at ground zero. Pete Janzen Wichita, KS For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Cheyenne Bottoms 6/18/09 From: mike rader <mike_rader AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:27:23 -0500 Hi all, I had a meeting in Great Bend last night so I went to Cheyenne Bottoms in late afternoon and had a few birds of interest. Obviously, "spring" migration is probably over, but I did see a few migrants: White-rumped Sandpiper - 25, Stilt Sanpiper - 1 with a bum leg, Dowitcher (probably Short-billed) - 4, Franklin's Gull - 100+, Ring-billed Gull - 30+ I had a male N. Harrier along the inlet canal, 7 Black-crowned Night-herons, a couple Wilson's Phalaropes, 30+ Black terns, 12 Forster's Terns, 100+ DC Cormorants, 5 Neotropic Cormorants, and 75+ Am. White Pelicans. Still lots of Am. Avocets and BN Stilts around, many on nests. I saw 5 Green-winged Teal in Pool 3 and a pair of Gadwall and a Redhead in Pool 4. Mike Rader Wilson and/or Pratt, KS _________________________________________________________________ Microsoft brings you a new way to search the web. Try Bing™ now http://www.bing.com?form=MFEHPG&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFEHPG_Core_tagline_try bing_1x1 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Oak Park, Wichita From: Paul Griffin <pgriffin1 AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:26:49 -0500 Hi Folks, Obviously, it is summer time in Oak Park. Sheryl, 'the butterfly lady', found a hummingbird nest and showed me. I watched the nest yesterday for awhile and I think it is not being used. The day she first saw it, a few weeks ago, she did see a hummingbird working on the nest. We just had heavy rains and I think the nest is damaged. But, I did see and hear a female hummingbird zipping around in that same general area. I think she is probably building another nest. We will continue to seek out the hummer nests. The nesting Copper Hawks appear to have at least 3 immature. I wouldn't be surprised if there were more. This year the nest is almost completely hidden by leaves. The nestlings have passed their cute all white, blue eyed look and are now into the mixed brown and white streaked look. Also, yesterday I got a very good look at the adult Copper's male with a new kill (It was a Mourning Dove). Other birds heard in Oak Park: Blue Jay, Cuckoo, Red-eyed Vireo (many), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (many), House Wren, Carolina Wren, Titmouse, Cardinal, House Finch and Black-capped Chickadee (many). Happy Birding, Paul Griffin For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: Road Closures at Quivira From: Melanie Olds <Melanie_Olds AT FWS.GOV> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:10:26 -0500 Due to high water flow over the spillways we have closed the gate north of the little salt marsh on Quivira NWR. Also the hunter access road leading up to the north end of the refuge is still closed and will be for a while. A culvert has washed out that road and it was take many weeks to repair it. The wildlife drive can be accessed by coming in through the west on 170th St.. Coming from the east on 170th can get really bad after a rain so I want to remind everyone that if you have concerns about driving on that road, please take another route. Melanie Olds Biological Science Technician Quivira National Wildlife Refuge 1434 NE 80th St. Stafford, KS 67578 (620) 486-2393 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.eduSubject: GPNC program From: Nathan Paul Ofsthun <nxofsthun AT WICHITA.EDU> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:29:15 -0500 This Saturday (June 20), I will be presenting a program at 10:00 a.m. at the Great Plains Nature Center, Wichita. The program will cover the biology and life-history of family Trochilidae (hummingbirds). The program is free and open to all who would like to attend. Nathan Ofsthun Bel Aire, KS nxofsthun AT wichita.edu (316)-617-7171 For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to http://listserv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:ksbird-l-request AT listserv.ksu.edu |