Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Mississippi Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Sunday, June 16 at 01:17 PM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Black-cowled Oriole,©Barry Kent Mackay

16 Jun Scissor-tailed update ["James and Dianne Patterson" ] 12 Jun Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks in southern Tallahatchie Co. [JR Rigby ] 11 Jun Re: OCAS meeting tonight [Nancy Donald ] 11 Jun OCAS meeting tonight [Nancy Donald ] 10 Jun Re: Baby Screech Owls [Nancy Donald ] 10 Jun Baby Screech Owls [Randy Palmer ] 10 Jun Yellow breasted chat ["Dance, Gayla" ] 09 Jun Status: 6/9/13, Clay Co. Grasshopper Sparrow - Yes, Monroe Co. Painted Bunting - No ["Paul Mack" ] 8 Jun DeSoto Co. Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks [Jason Hoeksema ] 6 Jun Horn Island [Nick Gault ] 5 Jun (no subject) [Rob Heflin ] 4 Jun BBS route open in SE Mississippi ["Twedt, Daniel" ] 04 Jun Spring bird record reminder ["Terence L. Schiefer" ] 3 Jun Cooper's Hawk ["J. Allen Burrows" ] 3 Jun St. Catherine's Creek - Help Needed [] 02 Jun Bronzed Cowbird addendum ["Paul Mack" ] 02 Jun Bronzed Cowbirds currently regular at feeders in Ansley, MS ["Paul Mack" ] 30 May Partners in Flight V Workshops, Birding Field Trips, Poster Sessions - Snowbird, Utah, August 25 - 28 Register Now While Low Rates Still Available [Steve Holmer ] 29 May BBS route vacancy update ["Twedt, Daniel" ] 29 May sightings ["Nell Henderson" ] 28 May Cerulean Breeding Territory? [JR Rigby ] 28 May Fw: White pelican [Nancy Donald ] 28 May Painted Buntings ["James and Dianne Patterson" ] 28 May Re: Clay Co. Grasshopper Sparrow [Marion Schiefer ] 27 May Re: Aberdeen Atlas Route ["Paul Mack" ] 27 May Bronzed Cowbird update ["Paul Mack" ] 26 May Aberdeen Atlas Route [Wayne Patterson ] 26 May Clay Co. Grasshopper Sparrow [Jason Hoeksema ] 26 May Fw: White pelican [Nancy Donald ] 25 May White pelican [Nancy Donald ] 23 May fledglings [JR Rigby ] 22 May St. Catherine Creek NWR ["James V. Remsen, Jr." ] 21 May Re: Wind farm eagle deaths [Rynetta Coetzee ] 21 May Wind farm eagle deaths [Tom Hoar ] 21 May identification help, please [Frank Hensley ] 20 May Re: Lowndes Co. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers--nesting confirmed [Matt Smith ] 20 May Lowndes Co. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers--nesting confirmed [Jason Hoeksema ] 20 May Re: Nightjars ["Vicki Williams" ] 20 May Re: Nightjars [Gaynell Perry ] 20 May Re: Nightjars [Kathy Shelton ] 20 May Re: Nightjars [Wayne Patterson ] 20 May Nightjars [] 19 May sorry! ["James and Dianne Patterson" ] 19 May Scissor-tailed Flycatchers ["James and Dianne Patterson" ] 19 May Re: Protocol for reporting a rare bird? [Frank Hensley ] 19 May Re: Protocol for reporting a rare bird? [Jason Hoeksema ] 18 May St. Catherine Creek WMA [Christopher King ] 19 May Swallow tailed kite Rankin Co. [Barbara Qualls ] 18 May Re: Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed [Mark Goodman ] 18 May Protocol for reporting a rare bird? [Frank Hensley ] 18 May Re: RFI: Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in Lowndes Co.? ["Paul Mack" ] 18 May Re: RFI: Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in Lowndes Co.? [Marion Schiefer ] 18 May RFI: Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in Lowndes Co.? [Jason Hoeksema ] 18 May Magnolia & Chestnut-Sided (again) [JR Rigby ] 18 May Canada Warbler-Knight's Yard ["knights" ] 17 May Roseate spoonbills [Rob Heflin ] 17 May Swallow-tailed Kite [Reese Partridge ] 17 May Re: Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed [] 17 May Field trip at Dahomey Wildlife Refuge Saturday, May 18 ["Maureen & Bucky Brooks" ] 16 May Wall Doxey Birds [JR Rigby ] 15 May Re: Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed [Ken Hackman ] 15 May Black-billed Cuckoo, Oxford [Jason Hoeksema ] 15 May Re: Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed [Frank Hensley ] 15 May Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed [] 15 May Re: migrants in Oxford [Jason Hoeksema ] 15 May Quitman Co. shorebirds, terns [Jason Hoeksema ] 15 May Cedar Waxwings still here [e gelbard ] 14 May Re: migrants in Oxford [Dick Burkepile ] 14 May Native Plant Sale and National Audubon Society's Director of Citizen Science to speak on the "Science of Hummingbirds" ["Schuhmann, Andrea" ] 14 May migrants in Oxford [Jason Hoeksema ] 13 May Chucks [] 13 May Nightjar Survey coming soon [] 12 May An abundance of kingbirds. [Rob Heflin ] 12 May Marshall County warblers [Jason Hoeksema ] 12 May WILDFLOWER/BIRD FIELD TRIP [Mary Stevens ] 11 May Full Bird List from MOS Spring Meeting ["knights" ] Subject: Scissor-tailed update From: "James and Dianne Patterson" <hummers2 AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:01:46 -0500 Saturday morning Jim and I checked on the Scissor-tailed Flycatchers on Hwy 45 ALT at Artesia. Before we stopped the truck we spotted an adult on power line in front of mobile home. We found a safe place to set up the scope and found the nest. Seconds later both adults came to nest with food. We watched for awhile and could not see the little heads so I am guessing just hatched babies. We did not find the Painted Buntings in Monroe county. But it was a Lark Sparrow morning. Dianne jim and dianne patterson columbus Subject: Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks in southern Tallahatchie Co. From: JR Rigby <jr.rigby AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:12:11 -0500 Missbirders, There were four Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks today on the north side of Hwy 8 in a flooded field within the Tallahatchie NWR in southern Tallahatchie Co. easily visible from the road. Was on a work trip, but had to stop when I saw the ducks. JR Subject: Re: OCAS meeting tonight From: Nancy Donald <nmdonald55 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:26:30 -0700 (PDT) Hey We have Room 105 MSU Meridian for meeting tonight.  Pass it along Thanks   Nancy Donald Meridian, MS    After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on -- have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear -- what remains? Nature remains. -Walt Whitman, poet (1819-1892) ________________________________ From: Nancy Donald To: Van McWhorter ; Missbird ; Daniel Burns ; Howard Malone ; Braxton Barden ; Lomax Rosamond <2onawing AT comcast.net>; Brant Cunningham ; Tommy R. Vincent ; Robin & Joe Johnson ; Donna Owen ; Sheila Thead ; Lauri Hoyt ; Jarrod Fogarty ; Larry Basden ; Franklin Chalk ; Nell Covington ; Amiee Tramontana ; Andrea Dunstan ; Annie Judy ; Bernard Linton ; Christy Batchelor ; Debra King ; Francis Hinton ; Heather Moore <1moore AT intop.net>; Joe Johnson ; Ruth Rosamond ; Gail Barton ; Richard Stanley ; Virginia Oliver ; Karen Kimberl ; John Blount ; Rick McClain ; David Miles Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 7:23 AM Subject: OCAS meeting tonight There will be an informal meeting tonight at 7 pm MSU Meridian.  Meet in the lobby.  Discussion regarding the upcoming year, field trip to Harrels Prarie Saturday the 15th and of course, birds. Should be a short productive meeting.  Pass this along to anyone you think might be interested.  If you have never attended one of our meetings, this is a good one to get to know folks. Thanks   Nancy Donald Meridian, MS    After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on -- have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear -- what remains? Nature remains. -Walt Whitman, poet (1819-1892) Subject: OCAS meeting tonight From: Nancy Donald <nmdonald55 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:23:52 -0700 (PDT) There will be an informal meeting tonight at 7 pm MSU Meridian.  Meet in the lobby.  Discussion regarding the upcoming year, field trip to Harrels Prarie Saturday the 15th and of course, birds. Should be a short productive meeting.  Pass this along to anyone you think might be interested.  If you have never attended one of our meetings, this is a good one to get to know folks. Thanks   Nancy Donald Meridian, MS    After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on -- have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear -- what remains? Nature remains. -Walt Whitman, poet (1819-1892) Subject: Re: Baby Screech Owls From: Nancy Donald <nmdonald55 AT att.net> Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:29:18 -0700 (PDT) Hey Randy where are you? Some one might like to see them. Nancy Donald Meridian MS Subject: Baby Screech Owls From: Randy Palmer <randyp AT hghhardware.com> Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:10:45 -0500 I have three baby Screech Owls in my Owl box. This the fourth year. They late this year. Normally they are gone by the first of May. They should be gone by this week. Subject: Yellow breasted chat From: "Dance, Gayla" <dancegf AT millsaps.edu> Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:48:34 -0500 I believe I had a yellow breasted chat in my bird bath today. If so, it would be a lifer for me. Gayla Dance Brandon on the Reservoir. Sent from my iPhoneIMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: Status: 6/9/13, Clay Co. Grasshopper Sparrow - Yes, Monroe Co. Painted Bunting - No From: "Paul Mack" <pmack AT as.muw.edu> Date: Sun, 09 Jun 2013 14:40:41 -0500 Hi, Missbirders: George Stoner and I took a stab at re-finding the Grasshopper Sparrow originally reported by Jason Hoeksema on May 26 and the Painted Bunting originally reported by Wayne Patterson on May 27 and also seen by Jim and Diane Patterson the next day. We were able to find the Grasshopper Sparrow almost immediately (but see below) in the grassy field along Old Vinton Rd. and listened to it sing frequently from ~11 AM until 11:25. This was after first spending 30+ minutes about 0.1 mi E of the WRONG ENTRANCE to Prairie Wildlife. Note to any who attempt to find this bird - there is at least one not-so-impressive gate that you arrive at first heading east along Old Vinton from Cosby Corners Rd. - that entrance is a plain chain link gate with no address noted - before you reach the much fancier main gate where the address is clearly shown as 6111 Old Vinton Rd. as stated in Jason's original post. Once in the right spot, as the bird is likely to be a good distance off the road - I estimated 75 yards today and Jason saw it even further out - a scope is advised if you want really good views. The bird seems to always sing from a visible perch but otherwise is down in the grass out of sight. We were not successful in finding the Painted Buntings, however. There is a series of brush piles that roughly parallel the road that had plenty of bird activity but George and I never saw or heard any Painted Bunting. Lots of Indigos, of course, and the spot is good for great looks at Lark Sparrow if you're interested, as well as a smattering of other field birds. I suspect the birds originally seen have moved on since we spent about 90 minutes in the area. We did not search that same road to the north of the original site - perhaps that would be worth a look. Sorry for the long-winded report - brevity has never been one of my strengths. Paul Paul Mack, Ph.D Associate Professor of Biology Department of Sciences and Mathematics Mississippi University for Women 1100 College Street, MUW-100 Columbus, MS 39701 662-329-4987 IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: DeSoto Co. Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks From: Jason Hoeksema <hoeksema AT olemiss.edu> Date: Sat, 8 Jun 2013 18:37:33 -0500 Missbirders, This afternoon I made a quick visit to DeSoto and Tunica Counties, looking for uncommon breeders for northern MS. I checked two electrical substations where Western Kingbirds have been reported breeding in previous years, with no luck: Entergy Horn Lake substation on the west side of Hwy 51 just north of Hwy 302 in DeSoto Co, and the Banks substation on Harrah's Casino Pkwy N in Tunica Co. At the Horn Lake substation I did find a single AMERICAN KESTREL (2 were seen at this likely nesting site in June two years ago) and 1 singing male WARBLING VIREO. The vireo was in a wooded area just south of the apartment complex that sits just west of the north side of the substation. I also checked the large pond on Old Hwy 61 just west of Walls, where BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS nested last year. There were none in the pond (although there were 2 LEAST TERNS), but I did find 7 Whistling-Ducks (including 2 copulating!) in a small pond just west of Hwy 61, about 0.1 miles south of where Hwy 161 merges with 61. There is a gravel access road just south of this pond that allows one to drive off Hwy 61 and around the west side of the pond. A few photos are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/sets/72157632439450452/ Good birding! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS Subject: Horn Island From: Nick Gault <sailingstnick AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2013 06:13:49 -0500 I saw a Reddish Egret on Horn Island yesterday. I first thought it was a Little Blue Heron, but, after speaking with my brother and telling him how the bird ran around and was more active than a stalking heron, I'm convinced it was the Egret. It was fun to watch him run after the minnows in the small lagoon. Nick Ocean SpringsIMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: (no subject) From: Rob Heflin <delta_gamekeeper AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2013 18:49:40 -0700 (PDT) http://durgagrocery.com/axa/xnlsusxptg.php Subject: BBS route open in SE Mississippi From: "Twedt, Daniel" <dtwedt AT usgs.gov> Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2013 16:11:58 -0500 There is now an open BBS route in southeastern Mississippi that is in need of a volunteer observer. Route name is NEELY (# 51027) in Greene County. Anyone interested in this south MS route? -- Dan Twedt 2524 South Frontage Rd, Suite C, Vicksburg, MS 39180 601-629-6605 (o) 601-636-9541 (f) 601-218-1196 (c) Subject: Spring bird record reminder From: "Terence L. Schiefer" <TSchiefer AT entomology.msstate.edu> Date: Tue, 04 Jun 2013 08:12:28 -0500 MISSBIRDers: Its time to send your spring (March-May) season records to me. They should reach me by 20 June or sooner in order to insure that they make the deadline for the spring season report in "North American Birds" (aka "Field Notes", aka "American Birds"). Records received after this date can still be included in "Birds Around the State", but timely submission of records is strongly encouraged. Drop me an E-mail if you need any blank "Bird Record Cards" or "Rare Bird Report Forms" on which to submit your records. We'd love to have your records. What bird records should be turned in? Turn in any records of uncommon or rare species, arrival or departure dates, unusual numbers of individuals, or any other record of interest. Your record can have state-wide significance or just be a good record for your neck of the woods. Records of species on the Mississippi Review List should be submitted with full details as on a "Rare Bird Report Form". A copy of the 'Review List' and 'Rare Bird Report Form' can be accessed at: http://www.mississippiornithologicalsociety.com/Resources.htm All records submitted are archived and become part of the permanent file of bird records available for the future study of Mississippi Birds. Note that birds reported in your posts to MISSBIRD do NOT become part of Mississippi's ornithological record unless you also submit the record on a Bird Record Card (or similar card) or Rare Bird Report Form. Thanks. Terry Terence Lee Schiefer Mississippi Entomological Museum Box 9775 Mississippi State, MS 39762-9775 ph: 662-325-2989 (W); 662-324-3748 (H) FAX: 662-325-8837 email: tschiefer AT entomology.msstate.edu Subject: Cooper's Hawk From: "J. Allen Burrows" <rotteral AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2013 21:26:41 -0500 There was a nice adult Cooper's Hawk at our bird bath/drip late this afternoon. Everyone else seemed strangely quiet. We were whooping it up in the house though. It was a striking vignette. J. Allen Burrows IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: St. Catherine's Creek - Help Needed From: djohns110 AT aol.com Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2013 21:58:15 -0400 (EDT) Hi Everyone, My wife and I are planning a trip to St. Catherine's Creek and I just recently learned that they have a photo blind that can be used. Based on the description on the map, I think I can probably find it, but what i can't determine is the distance from the main road to the photo blind. If there are any list members that have first hand knowledge of the photo blind, please respond to this message. I would appreciate any help that the list members can provide. Thanks in advance. Danny Johnson Vicksburg, MS Subject: Bronzed Cowbird addendum From: "Paul Mack" <pmack AT as.muw.edu> Date: Sun, 02 Jun 2013 22:33:31 -0500 Hi, all: In my previous post I failed to mention that: i) there were at least 2 and possible 3 BC present and visible simultaneously; and ii) that Ned Boyajian said they were coming regularly to both Nancy and John Madden's feeders and to feeders Ned maintains at his property nearby. Ned did mention that he did not see any birds at his property Saturday morning - whether that is representative or not of their behavior lately is unclear. They have been at both locations in the Heron Bay subdivision recently, however. Paul Paul Mack, Ph.D Associate Professor of Biology Department of Sciences and Mathematics Mississippi University for Women 1100 College Street, MUW-100 Columbus, MS 39701 662-329-4987 IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: Bronzed Cowbirds currently regular at feeders in Ansley, MS From: "Paul Mack" <pmack AT as.muw.edu> Date: Sun, 02 Jun 2013 22:24:01 -0500 Hi, all: I spent the latter part of this week on the coast and had the opportunity to go look for Bronzed Cowbird. Ned Boyajian kindly facilitated my visit Saturday, 6/1, to Nancy Madden's place in Ansley (Nancy was off doing a breeding bird survey in Wiggins, MS). Ned put seed out at Nancy's feeders minutes after I arrived at ~7:15AM and I was looking at a BC no more than 5-10 minutes later. Nancy's husband, John, kindly hosted me on his elevated deck for the next hour plus and, as if that wasn't already more than gracious, also brewed up some excellent coffee which helped to fuel our observations and conversations for the duration. The area - whether from John and Nancy's deck or not - can provide good views of a variety of marsh birds including Clapper Rail, Gull-billed and Forster's Terns, and Seaside Sparrows, all of which I either saw or heard, and Least Bittern, which I did not (just unlucky in that regard). Seaside Sparrows can be more easily found (a tape of the song appears necessary at this point in the breeding season), however, in the marsh just west of the ponds on Ansley-Clairborne Rd. described on p.73-75 in Judy Toups' 2004 guide to coastal MS birding. This spot is just east of Nancy and John's home in Ansley/Heron Bay so easily combined with a visit to the Bronzed Cowbird site. Painted Bunting is possible in the cheniers just west of this pond, as well; I heard (though saw only in flight) one singing male and possibly the mated female. Even on a warm morning in early June there was a significant amount of activity in general in the region. Thanks again to Ned, John, and Nancy, for their assistance and hospitality. Paul Paul Mack, Ph.D Associate Professor of Biology Department of Sciences and Mathematics Mississippi University for Women 1100 College Street, MUW-100 Columbus, MS 39701 662-329-4987 IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: Partners in Flight V Workshops, Birding Field Trips, Poster Sessions - Snowbird, Utah, August 25 - 28 Register Now While Low Rates Still Available From: Steve Holmer <sholmer AT abcbirds.org> Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 13:36:38 -0700 Partners in Flight V Workshops, Birding Field Trips, Poster Sessions - Snowbird, Utah, August 25 - 28 Register Now While Low Rates Still Available Register online now to join the fun and be a part of the premier bird conservation strategy opportunity for all the Americas. Be a part of the solution for migratory birds, go birding in spectacular Utah, socialize with colleagues, and share your work at the poster sessions. See www.PIFV.org for more information and to register online at a reduced rate. Steve Holmer Senior Policy Advisor American Bird Conservancy & Director, Bird Conservation Alliance 202-234-7181 ext. 216 sholmer AT abcbirds.org Skype: sholmerabc www.abcbirds.org, www.birdconservationalliance.org, ABC on Facebook, ABC Videos [cid:image001.jpg AT 01CE5D53.DB768750] Subject: BBS route vacancy update From: "Twedt, Daniel" <dtwedt AT usgs.gov> Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 17:38:53 -0500 Some changes in vacant BBS routes in Mississippi have occurred in the past couple of weeks. There are currently 8 Breeding Bird Survey routes in Mississippi that need a volunteer observer for 2013 surveys (to be surveyed before 30 June): BENTON Yazoo & Madison Co. GRENADA LAKE Grenada & Yalobusha Co. SANDY CREEK Adams & Franklin Co. SCOOBA3 Kemper Co. SHELBY Bolivar & Sunflower Co. TRACE CHICKSAW Chickasaw Co. UTICA Hinds Co. YAZOO NWR Washington Co. Also a vacant Park Service / BBS route (Trace Collinwood) along Natchez Trace in Tennessee (southeast of Waynesboro, TN) If you can survey a BBS route, or know someone that can, please contact me or the BBS office at: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/ ******************************************************************************************** As a heads-up for next year (2014), as of now,the 13 BBS routes below will need observers: BENTON Yazoo & Madison Co. DUFFEE Lauderdale Co. GRENADA LAKE Grenada & Yalobusha Co. OAK RIDGE VICK Warren & Yazoo Co. OKATIBEE LAKE Lauderdale Co. SANDY CREEK Adams & Franklin Co. SCOOBA3 Kemper Co. SHELBY Bolivar & Sunflower Co. TRACE ATTALA Attala Co. TRACE CHICKSAW Chickasaw Co. TRACE LORMAN Adams & Jefferson Co. WINTERVILLE Washington Co. YAZOO NWR Washington Co. Dan Twedt 2524 South Frontage Rd, Suite C, Vicksburg, MS 39180 601-629-6605 (o) 601-636-9541 (f) 601-218-1196 (c) Subject: sightings From: "Nell Henderson" <sunnyside51 AT bellsouth.net> Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 11:41:30 -0500 Is this a Harris' Sparrow? The bird was a visitor at my feeder on April 30, 2013 in northern Leflore County. Thanks , N. Henderson Subject: Cerulean Breeding Territory? From: JR Rigby <jr.rigby AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 20:46:34 -0500 MissBirders, I was in the Ozarks this past weekend and heard several Ceruleans in Marion Co, AR along the Buffalo River (account and species lists here). Subsequent reading revealed that Ceruleans are known to breed in the Ozarks though not necessarily in Marion Co. However, the Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project (CEWAP 1997-2000) report also turned up isolated breeding populations in AR very near to the MS River along the AR-MS border. No breeding populations were recorded for MS but the CEWAP also reports that only two observers were signed up from MS and none were recorded as "returning data" for the purposes of the report. So, this begs the question whether any MissBirders have found breeding Ceruleans in MS? JR Oxford, MS Subject: Fw: White pelican From: Nancy Donald <nmdonald55 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 17:37:50 -0700 (PDT) Had monitored the pelican for the past few days.  It was paddling around the pond this morning but when I checked on it about an hour ago, it's body was washed up against the shore.  Hate it but that really is the way of things.   Nancy Donald Meridian, MS    After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on -- have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear -- what remains? Nature remains. -Walt Whitman, poet (1819-1892) ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Nancy Donald To: Missbird Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 12:03 AM Subject: White pelican Hey all A single white pelican was present at Covington Fish Ponds on Hwy 39 around 7:30 this evening. I watched tor about 15 minutes and it seemed okay. Will check on it in the morning. Nancy Donald Meridian MS Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android Subject: Painted Buntings From: "James and Dianne Patterson" <hummers2 AT bellsouth.net> Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 18:27:20 -0500 Jim and I followed Wayne Patterson's directions and found both pair of buntings in Monroe county this morning. We also saw Lark Sparrows and Horned Larks and I might mention we saw alot of Dickcissels, too. Dianne jim and dianne patterson columbus Subject: Re: Clay Co. Grasshopper Sparrow From: Marion Schiefer <marion_schiefer AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 12:53:10 -0500 Unfortunately, that area near Crosby Corner is going to change greatly in the near future. We have heard that a large tire manufacturing plant is going to be built on the west side of that road - right in the area where the Swallow-tailed Kites and Mississippi Kites were seen last year. Marion Schiefer Starkville Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 12:38:44 -0500 Subject: [missbird] Clay Co. Grasshopper Sparrow From: hoeksema AT olemiss.edu To: missbird AT freelists.org Missbirders, This morning Tiffany Bensen and I did a bit of birding in the grasslands east of West Point (Clay Co.). The highlight was a singing male GRASSHOPPER SPARROW out in the middle of a grass field on the south side of Old Vinton Rd, about 0.1 miles east of the Prairie Wildlife entrance (which is at 6111 Old Vinton Rd). It was quite a ways from the road, so the key is to listen for the buzzy song. As I recently learned, Prairie Wildlife is a private hunting reserve that maintains some really nice grassland habitat, quite a bit of which can be enjoyed by birding the public roads around its perimeter, including Cosby Corner Rd on the west boundary (where the Swallow-tailed Kites were seen last year in August) and Old Vinton Rd. along the north boundary. The whole area is knee-deep in Dickcissels & Meadowlarks, with quite a few calling Bobwhite, quite a few Loggerhead Shrikes, and lots of other typical grassland birds. Grasshopper Sparrows have also previously been reported along Cosby Corner Rd. A delightful area to bird, altogether. Good birding! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS -- Dr. Jason D. Hoeksema, Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of Mississippi phone: 662-915-1275 lab website Subject: Re: Aberdeen Atlas Route From: "Paul Mack" <pmack AT as.muw.edu> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 09:11:20 -0500 Hi, Wayne: Is there any chance you could provide more specific locations for those Painted Buntings? I would like to make a run up from Columbus to see if I can relocate them later this week. That section between Hwys 8 and 25 looks to be 8+ miles long so any help to narrow the search down would be most appreciated - if it's possible. I'm assuming you heard them singing first then found them but would be grateful, too, for any additional details in detecting them. Thanks in advance! Paul Mack Paul Mack, Ph.D Associate Professor of Biology Department of Sciences and Mathematics Mississippi University for Women 1100 College Street, MUW-100 Columbus, MS 39701 662-329-4987 IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: Bronzed Cowbird update From: "Paul Mack" <pmack AT as.muw.edu> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 08:39:01 -0500 Hi, everyone: I thought I had seen a post earlier in the spring about Bronzed Cowbirds returning to Hancock Co. somewhere but can't seem to find that posting now. It may be that I'm blurring 2012 with 2013 already. I will be on the coast from Wednesday, 5/29, through Saturday, 6/1, and would like to plan a day trip around finding this species so I'm hoping someone can advise me on recent sightings and locations. My apologies for the late notice - I was THAT sure that I'd just be able to look up a previous posting. Thanks in advance. Paul Mack Paul Mack, Ph.D Associate Professor of Biology Department of Sciences and Mathematics Mississippi University for Women 1100 College Street, MUW-100 Columbus, MS 39701 662-329-4987 IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: Aberdeen Atlas Route From: Wayne Patterson <wrp6 AT att.net> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 19:57:45 -0700 (PDT) Today Carol Fields and I spent the morning running the Aberdeen Atlas Route.  By far the highlight was (4) Painted Buntings at three separate stops on old Magnolia Highway between highway 8 and Highway 25.  One pair I feel sure was the same pair I saw and photographed a year ago.  There were two males and two females in all and there were probably more as the other two single birds may have been paired up as well.  Or just looking for each other, who knows.  Upon completion of the route we also went to Artesia to look for the Scissortails.  We did find both birds and the nest as previously posted. Wayne Patterson Shannon, MS  Lee Co. Subject: Clay Co. Grasshopper Sparrow From: Jason Hoeksema <hoeksema AT olemiss.edu> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 12:38:44 -0500 Missbirders, This morning Tiffany Bensen and I did a bit of birding in the grasslands east of West Point (Clay Co.). The highlight was a singing male GRASSHOPPER SPARROW out in the middle of a grass field on the south side of Old Vinton Rd, about 0.1 miles east of the Prairie Wildlife entrance (which is at 6111 Old Vinton Rd). It was quite a ways from the road, so the key is to listen for the buzzy song. As I recently learned, Prairie Wildlife is a private hunting reserve that maintains some really nice grassland habitat, quite a bit of which can be enjoyed by birding the public roads around its perimeter, including Cosby Corner Rd on the west boundary (where the Swallow-tailed Kites were seen last year in August) and Old Vinton Rd. along the north boundary. The whole area is knee-deep in Dickcissels & Meadowlarks, with quite a few calling Bobwhite, quite a few Loggerhead Shrikes, and lots of other typical grassland birds. Grasshopper Sparrows have also previously been reported along Cosby Corner Rd. A delightful area to bird, altogether. Good birding! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS -- Dr. Jason D. Hoeksema, Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of Mississippi phone: 662-915-1275 lab website Subject: Fw: White pelican From: Nancy Donald <nmdonald55 AT att.net> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 08:03:10 -0700 (PDT) The Am. white pelican is still there this morning. Obviously can't fly but can paddle away pretty fast when you approach it's side of the pond.  Not sure that it can last in the minnow pond for long.  If someone wants to capture and rehab, let me know and I will contact the land owner.     Nancy Donald Meridian, MS 601-527-1746    After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on -- have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear -- what remains? Nature remains. -Walt Whitman, poet (1819-1892) ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Nancy Donald To: Missbird Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 12:03 AM Subject: White pelican Hey all A single white pelican was present at Covington Fish Ponds on Hwy 39 around 7:30 this evening. I watched tor about 15 minutes and it seemed okay. Will check on it in the morning. Nancy Donald Meridian MS Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android Subject: White pelican From: Nancy Donald <nmdonald55 AT att.net> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 22:03:36 -0700 (PDT) Hey all A single white pelican was present at Covington Fish Ponds on Hwy 39 around 7:30 this evening.  I watched tor about 15 minutes and it seemed okay. Will check on it in the morning. Nancy Donald Meridian MS Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android Subject: fledglings From: JR Rigby <jr.rigby AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 13:14:34 -0500 MissBirders, I'm not seeing many migrants these days but I am starting to see some fledglings. On Tuesday a fledgling E. Bluebird was on the clothesline in our yard and today at Rowan Oak I got a close look at what I'm pretty sure was a fledgling Acadian Flycatcher. JR Oxford Subject: St. Catherine Creek NWR From: "James V. Remsen, Jr." <najames AT LSU.edu> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 17:20:40 -0500 MISSBIRD: refuge personnel have told me that the refuge is not totally shut down -- the Swamp and other areas past the maintenance shed on Pintail Drive are closed, but the refuge is open and all upland areas accessible. e.g. Magnolia Trail. ================= Dr. J. V. Remsen Prof. of Natural Science and Curator of Birds Museum of Natural Science/Dept. Biological Sciences LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 najamesLSU.edu IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: Re: Wind farm eagle deaths From: Rynetta Coetzee <rynetta.coetzee AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 09:57:34 -0500 I fully agree with you! Rynetta Coetzee Jackson, MS On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 8:55 AM, Tom Hoar wrote: > > Regardless of your political views, this is a national shame... > > > http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WIND_ENERGY_EAGLE_DEATHS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT > > Tom Hoar > College Hill, north of Oxford > Subject: Wind farm eagle deaths From: Tom Hoar <tomndar AT ms.metrocast.net> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 08:55:27 -0500 Regardless of your political views, this is a national shame... http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WIND_ENERGY_EAGLE_DEATHS?SITE=AP&S ECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Tom Hoar College Hill, north of Oxford Subject: identification help, please From: Frank Hensley <dr_frank_hensley AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 05:46:23 -0700 (PDT) I shot a few quick photos of what I took to be a flock of juvenile House Finches feeding on a paved residential road.  But then two of the birds flew close and landed in a roadside thicket. After looking on the computer I came to the conclusion that one must be a juvenile Indigo Bunting, due to the scattered blue contour feathers. I've seen an adult female INBU on my feeder next to an adult female HOFI, so I guess it would not be unheard of for juveniles to forage together. Or could it be that all 8 birds are INBU? Or maybe I'm just wrong about what I'm looking at. Opinions? Subject: Re: Lowndes Co. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers--nesting confirmed From: Matt Smith <mcsmitfl AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 20:45:32 -0700 (PDT) Very cool. Anyone birding in the Black Belt region should keep their eyes peeled for this species. For those who haven't seen it, the link below is to a message on the Alabama list from last August, reporting on finding 4 breeding pairs "with little concerted effort" in their Black Belt -- just 90 miles or so from the Artesia birds, as the flycatcher flies. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/albirds/message/12704 Matt Smith ________________________________ From: Jason Hoeksema To: MISSBIRD Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 9:58 PM Subject: [missbird] Lowndes Co. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers--nesting confirmed Missbirders, The beautiful pair of SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS near Artesia (Lowndes Co.) are definitely nesting.  Tiffany Bensen, Andrea Schumann, and I watched them for about 30 minutes this morning, apparently building a nest.  The female was gathering nesting material on the west side of the highway under the watchful eye of the male, then the pair would fly over across the east side of the highway to the nest site where she would spend some time forming and sitting in the nest (again being watched over by the male). Here are a few photos: * female on nest: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8758400403/ * #2: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8759524738/in/photostream/ * #3: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8758399613/in/photostream/ * #4: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8759523850/in/photostream/ As described before, the location is near Artesia along Alt-45 in Lowndes Co.  A little ways south of Red Bud Rd, there is a big cell phone tower on the west side of the highway.  This is on the north end of some property with a red barn-like building and red-trimmed house.  At the south end of the property is a mobile home.  As suggested in Diane's post yesterday, the nest is in a cluster of 3 pines (2 dead, 1 alive) on the east side of the highway across the road from the mobile home.  **There are two good asphalt pull-outs from the highway, just south of the mobile home, one on either side of the highway, from which the birds can be viewed without disturbing them or disturbing the property owners. If you look for the birds, please: 1. Do not closely approach the nest trees. 2. Do not linger in front of the private property 3. Pull safely off the highway as far as you can, and beware passing vehicles (this is a busy highway!). 4. Always observe the ABA code of birding ethics (read them here: http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html). Elsewhere...we found 2 LARK SPARROWS on Camargo Rd. just south of Okolona Rd. in NW Monroe Co.  Camargo Rd. has a different name on the DeLorme Gazeteer, but it is the first N/S road east of Alt-45, perpendicular to Okolona Rd. The sparrows were chasing each other near a green swale in an ag field.  Further south in Monroe Co., we checked a spot on Hwy 25, just NE of Alt-45 where Wayne Patterson found 2 Painted Buntings last year.  No luck with the buntings, although we did run into another LARK SPARROW there. Good birding! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS Subject: Lowndes Co. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers--nesting confirmed From: Jason Hoeksema <hoeksema AT olemiss.edu> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 21:58:49 -0500 Missbirders, The beautiful pair of SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS near Artesia (Lowndes Co.) are definitely nesting. Tiffany Bensen, Andrea Schumann, and I watched them for about 30 minutes this morning, apparently building a nest. The female was gathering nesting material on the west side of the highway under the watchful eye of the male, then the pair would fly over across the east side of the highway to the nest site where she would spend some time forming and sitting in the nest (again being watched over by the male). Here are a few photos: - female on nest: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8758400403/ - #2: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8759524738/in/photostream/ - #3: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8758399613/in/photostream/ - #4: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8759523850/in/photostream/ As described before, the location is near Artesia along Alt-45 in Lowndes Co. A little ways south of Red Bud Rd, there is a big cell phone tower on the west side of the highway. This is on the north end of some property with a red barn-like building and red-trimmed house. At the south end of the property is a mobile home. As suggested in Diane's post yesterday, the nest is in a cluster of 3 pines (2 dead, 1 alive) on the east side of the highway across the road from the mobile home. **There are two good asphalt pull-outs from the highway, just south of the mobile home, one on either side of the highway, from which the birds can be viewed without disturbing them or disturbing the property owners. If you look for the birds, please: 1. Do not closely approach the nest trees. 2. Do not linger in front of the private property 3. Pull safely off the highway as far as you can, and beware passing vehicles (this is a busy highway!). 4. Always observe the ABA code of birding ethics (read them here: http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html). Elsewhere...we found 2 LARK SPARROWS on Camargo Rd. just south of Okolona Rd. in NW Monroe Co. Camargo Rd. has a different name on the DeLorme Gazeteer, but it is the first N/S road east of Alt-45, perpendicular to Okolona Rd. The sparrows were chasing each other near a green swale in an ag field. Further south in Monroe Co., we checked a spot on Hwy 25, just NE of Alt-45 where Wayne Patterson found 2 Painted Buntings last year. No luck with the buntings, although we did run into another LARK SPARROW there. Good birding! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS Subject: Re: Nightjars From: "Vicki Williams" <vlw AT netdoor.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 13:09:18 -0500 I have been hearing Chuck Wills for about 2 weeks at my house, Attala Co. near Goodman, MS. Vicki Williams From: Gaynell Perry Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:19 AM To: missbird AT freelists.org Cc: Meridith Perry Subject: [missbird] Re: Nightjars My daughter is hearing Chucks almost every night (and Bob Whites nearly every morning) in Lee County near the confluence of Okeelala and Twenty-Mile Creeks not far off the Trace. Gaynell Perry, Memphis Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. -Kahlil Gibran Subject: Re: Nightjars From: Gaynell Perry <gcperry1 AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 11:19:08 -0500 My daughter is hearing Chucks almost every night (and Bob Whites nearly every morning) in Lee County near the confluence of Okeelala and Twenty-Mile Creeks not far off the Trace. Gaynell Perry, Memphis Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. -Kahlil Gibran Subject: Re: Nightjars From: Kathy Shelton <krshelton64 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 10:02:22 -0500 I actually hear them all the time when running my frog routes. Sometimes so close and so loud I can't hear the frogs good. ~~ Kathy Shelton South Mississippi Conservation Program Museum of Natural Science MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks 228-860-0573 (Cell) 601-354-7227 (Fax) On Mon, May 20, 2013 at 10:01 AM, Wayne Patterson wrote: > I have yet to hear one up in Northeast Ms. Very unusual. > > Wayne Patterson > Shannon Ms. Lee Co. > > Sent from my iPhone > > On May 20, 2013, at 9:54 AM, skipperand AT aol.com wrote: > > My Natchez Trace Route had owls, 2 shooting stars, but no Chuck Wills. > This was the fourth time to survey. It has had 3 twice and 2 once, but > never a wipe out! There were a lot of frogs singing. We have had 9 inches > of rain above normal, so noise could be a factor, but I don't think it's an > explantion. If setting up a new route, I would certainly avoid putting > stops near a lot of frogs. My first two stops near swamps have never had a > Chuck! Hope others will have better luck! > > > > Skipper Anding, > Ridgeland, MS > > Subject: Re: Nightjars From: Wayne Patterson <wrp6 AT att.net> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 10:01:06 -0500 I have yet to hear one up in Northeast Ms. Very unusual. Wayne Patterson Shannon Ms. Lee Co. Sent from my iPhone On May 20, 2013, at 9:54 AM, skipperand AT aol.com wrote: > My Natchez Trace Route had owls, 2 shooting stars, but no Chuck Wills. This was the fourth time to survey. It has had 3 twice and 2 once, but never a wipe out! There were a lot of frogs singing. We have had 9 inches of rain above normal, so noise could be a factor, but I don't think it's an explantion. If setting up a new route, I would certainly avoid putting stops near a lot of frogs. My first two stops near swamps have never had a Chuck! Hope others will have better luck! > > > > Skipper Anding, > Ridgeland, MS Subject: Nightjars From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 10:54:34 -0400 (EDT) My Natchez Trace Route had owls, 2 shooting stars, but no Chuck Wills. This was the fourth time to survey. It has had 3 twice and 2 once, but never a wipe out! There were a lot of frogs singing. We have had 9 inches of rain above normal, so noise could be a factor, but I don't think it's an explantion. If setting up a new route, I would certainly avoid putting stops near a lot of frogs. My first two stops near swamps have never had a Chuck! Hope others will have better luck! Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS Subject: sorry! From: "James and Dianne Patterson" <hummers2 AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 16:41:23 -0500 I typed the wrong code for Scissor tailed Flycatcher. What kind of bird records are for STFL nesting in MS? Thanks, Lucy & Bob Duncan for a list of correct codes. Dianne jim and dianne patterson columbus Subject: Scissor-tailed Flycatchers From: "James and Dianne Patterson" <hummers2 AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 12:52:08 -0500 We had a friend call yesterday and saw the birds and thinks he located their nest across the hwy. Across from the mobile home 3 pines trees 2 are dead pines and the live pine tree is where he reported the nest. What kind of bird records are for STFC nesting in MS? Dianne jim and dianne patterson columbus Subject: Re: Protocol for reporting a rare bird? From: Frank Hensley <dr_frank_hensley AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 07:34:20 -0700 (PDT) Thanks to all who replied!  I have reported the HESP on eBird and submitted a form to the MS Records Committee. Photos included in both. Always happy to provide real data on those rare occasions that I collect any! -Frank Subject: Re: Protocol for reporting a rare bird? From: Jason Hoeksema <hoeksema AT olemiss.edu> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 08:49:48 -0500 Frank, Good question! It is great that you are using eBird. If you happen to have this photo on Flickr or another photo-sharing website, you can easily embed the photo into the "Details" for this sighting on eBird, by following this instructions here: http://help.ebird.org/customer/portal/articles/973966-adding-photos-videos-and-recordings-to-checklists That is certainly encouraged, as it makes it much easier for eBird reviewers to verify the sighting. Even without a photo, please provide enough of a detailed description to verify the sighting. BUT, all rare birds should also be reported to the Mississippi Ornithological Society. If it is on the list of "Review Species" for the state (which Henslow's Sparrow is not), then a detailed report should be sent to Gene Knight. If it is on the list of "Other rare or uncommon species" (which Henslow's Sparrow is, away from the coast), then the sighting should be reported to Terry Schieffer. You can find the list of review and other rare species, along with a copy of the form for reporting "review species" at the MOS website here: http://www.mississippiornithologicalsociety.com/Resources.htm#Reporting%20a%20rare%20bird%20in%20Mississippi Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS On Sat, May 18, 2013 at 7:14 PM, Frank Hensley wrote: > > I have never been much of lister. My attitude is that if I can't remember > seeing a bird, then it is as exciting as a "lifer" every time I see it. I > haven't kept records of birds seen, until this year when I started dabbling > with eBird, but mostly to help my students keep track of what we saw over > the course of the semester. But I do take photos, and the camera dates them. > > Anyway, I was reminded of a photo I had taken of Henslow's Sparrow > (attached) on March 17 of 2012. I was pretty sure I have never seen one > before or since, so I wondered how common they are. Well, I was quite > surprised to find that eBird has no record of them for Hinds County. None. > Given that, is there anyone I ought to inform? A report I should make? > Obviously I can upload the observation to eBird, but I'm wondering what > other sort of report would be a good idea. > > Thanks, > > Frank Hensley > Biology Dept. > Mississippi College > -- Dr. Jason D. Hoeksema, Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of Mississippi phone: 662-915-1275 lab website Subject: St. Catherine Creek WMA From: Christopher King <birdnerd42 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 20:56:41 -0500 FYI, St. Catherine Creek WMA is totally shut down due to flooding and road washout. -- Peace, Chris Subject: Swallow tailed kite Rankin Co. From: Barbara Qualls <bqualls AT umc.edu> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 01:17:52 +0000 Friday afternoon on hwy 49 heading south, about 0.5 mile before leaving Rankin Co., a beautiful swallow-tailed kite soared over the road! I had been glad to see Reese post about seeing several in the Hattiesburg region, since that is where I was headed this weekend. Quite the treat to see one in a very unexpected area. Barbara Qualls Jackson (Hattiesburg) Individuals who have received this information in error or are not authorized to receive it must promptly return or dispose of the information and notify the sender. Those individuals are hereby notified that they are strictly prohibited from reviewing, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing or using this information in any way. Subject: Re: Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed From: Mark Goodman <sps642460 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 19:37:37 -0500 Danny the locations where scarlet tanagers were found breeding is located at: http://130.18.140.19/atlas/scta.jpg Mark Goodman On Fri, May 17, 2013 at 7:57 AM, wrote: > Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about Scarlet Tanagers. I > really do appreciate the help. I plan to pay more attention when I'm out > and listen for their song. Perhaps I'll hear one, perhaps not. If I do, > hopefully I can photograph one and offer it to everyone for viewing. > > As a way of saying thanks, I've attached a few images of a Common > Yellowthroat, an Immature Male Painted Bunting, an Indigo Bunting and an > Eastern Kingbird from a trip to Yazoo NWR this past Tuesday. I hope you > enjoy them. > > Thanks again! > > Danny > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Jason Hoeksema > To: djohns110 > Sent: Thu, May 16, 2013 10:43 am > Subject: Re: [missbird] Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed > > Danny, > I think eBird would provide a nice complement to the historical data > you're seeing in the Turcotte book. Have you used eBird much before? You > can go to this page: > http://ebird.org/ebird/map/ > and then type in a bird species name, date range, and Mississippi > location, then zoom in to the map to see sightings. Now, the caveat is > that eBird coverage for Mississippi is still pretty light. But if you look > at Scarlet Tanager records in eBird for June and July, you can see that > there is only one record for the lower 2/3 of the state (a June record at > St. Catherine Creek NWR). Most records are in the north, and those are > pretty sparse too... > cheers, > Jason > > > On Wed, May 15, 2013 at 6:54 PM, wrote: > >> Hello All, >> >> Periodically, before setting out to photograph birds anywhere in >> Mississippi, I consult my copy of Birds Of Mississippi by William H, >> Turcotte and David L. Watts to refresh my knowledge of the breed or breeds >> that I may encounter in a particular area and during a specific period of >> time. >> >> Without question, Birds Of Mississippi has proven very valuable and >> helped me find and photograph specific species that I would otherwise have >> not seen or pursued. >> >> This past weekend, while looking at Birds Of Mississippi to get an idea >> or two for shooting this week, I came across some information on Scarlet >> Tanagers (Page 383) that surprised me. >> >> According to the map included in the discussion on Scarlet Tanagers, >> there's a narrow area running southwest to northeast, just west of Hinds >> and Copiah Counties, and extending from Yazoo County to near Fayette in >> Jefferson County, that is annotated as "Possible Local Breeding". >> >> While it isn't unusual to read reports of Scarlet Tanager sightings in >> Mississippi during migration, I do not recall reading about Scarlet Tanager >> sightings outside of migration periods in west central and southwest >> Mississippi. >> >> So, having said all of this, and given the depth of knowledge that >> exists on this list, I would like to ask a simple question: >> >> Under normal conditions, is it possible to see Scarlet Tanagers in west >> central and southwest Mississippi outside of migration periods? >> >> Please feel free to reply privately to prevent burdening the list if >> you wish. >> >> Thanks in advance. >> >> Danny Johnson >> Vicksburg >> > > > > -- > Dr. Jason D. Hoeksema, Assistant Professor > Department of Biology > University of Mississippi > phone: 662-915-1275 > lab website > Subject: Protocol for reporting a rare bird? From: Frank Hensley <dr_frank_hensley AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 17:14:59 -0700 (PDT) I have never been much of lister. My attitude is that if I can't remember seeing a bird, then it is as exciting as a "lifer" every time I see it. I haven't kept records of birds seen, until this year when I started dabbling with eBird, but mostly to help my students keep track of what we saw over the course of the semester. But I do take photos, and the camera dates them. Anyway, I was reminded of a photo I had taken of Henslow's Sparrow (attached) on March 17 of 2012. I was pretty sure I have never seen one before or since, so I wondered how common they are. Well, I was quite surprised to find that eBird has no record of them for Hinds County. None.  Given that, is there anyone I ought to inform? A report I should make? Obviously I can upload the observation to eBird, but I'm wondering what other sort of report would be a good idea.  Thanks, Frank Hensley Biology Dept. Mississippi College Subject: Re: RFI: Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in Lowndes Co.? From: "Paul Mack" <pmack AT as.muw.edu> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 16:23:34 -0500 Hi, Jason: I went down there at ~11 AM yesterday (Friday) morning and had very good looks at the male (though I never did see the female). Like Robert Briscoe, I'd gone down previously and not seen either bird despite an hour or more of searching (this was the day before Robert tried, I think). But yesterday was a completely different story. In fact, the male flew at a height of about 3' and about 10' feet out directly in front of my car as I was parking - hadn't even shut off the engine quite yet. The property where the birds are is bounded to the north by a large cell tower and then, N to S, a barn-like 2-story red house, a red shed, a grey (sort-of corrugated aluminum) tool shed, and, finally, a single-wide (I think) mobile home with a tree in front of it. A phone or electrical wire stretches from a pole on the S side of the shed in front of the mobile home to the extreme southern edge of the property. A large dead pine tree is situated on the other side of Hwy 45 and bit south of the property - apparently it is a frequent perching site. It was for sure last year and I saw the male go to it twice in the 20 minutes I watched Friday. In my case, the male flew in front of me as I was parking, then flew across to the dead pine to chase off an Eastern Kingbird. He then disappeared for a few minutes before returning back across the highway to the wire coming off the aluminum shed as I described. He perched on that wire about 10' from the post for several minutes, then moved to a more central location (in front of the mobile home) on the wire for a few minutes before flying again back across to the pine briefly. After that he flew down into the field on that east side of the highway and I didn't see him any more before I left. Terry Schiefer told me he'd been down there on Tuesday, 5/14, and seen the female "perching on the fence beyond and between the red house and red shed. The fence encloses an area of yellow flowers (buttercups?). At that distance it's hard to be sure with binoculars that you are looking at a Scissor-tail -- until it flies." He didn't mention seeing the male that time. So there you are: a whole range of possibilities! By the way, there is a little access drive to the cell phone tower and one to the first red house and yet another a bit further on that leads to the trailer. In the past, I've parked at the cell tower but yesterday there was a dog there (from the red house I guess) so I decided to move on down and park on the side of the one leading into the trailer. No one came out to yell at me and the dog disappeared so I guess it was ok. Hope this helps. Paul Paul Mack, Ph.D Associate Professor of Biology Department of Sciences and Mathematics Mississippi University for Women 1100 College Street, MUW-100 Columbus, MS 39701 662-329-4987Hi, Jason: I went down there at ~11 AM yesterday (Friday) morning and had very good looks at the male (though I never did see the female). Like Robert Briscoe, I'd gone down previously and not seen either bird despite an hour or more of searching (this was the day before Robert tried, I think). But yesterday was a completely different story. In fact, the male flew at a height of about 3' and about 10' feet out directly in front of my car as I was parking - hadn't even shut off the engine quite yet. The property where the birds are is bounded to the north by a large cell tower and then, N to S, a barn-like 2-story red house, a red shed, a grey (sort-of corrugated aluminum) tool shed, and, finally, a single-wide (I think) mobile home with a tree in front of it. A phone or electrical wire stretches from a pole on the S side of the shed in front of the mobile home to the extreme southern edge of the property. A large dead pine tree is situated on the other side of Hwy 45 and bit south of the property - apparently it is a frequent perching site. It was for sure last year and I saw the male go to it twice in the 20 minutes I watched Friday. In my case, the male flew in front of me as I was parking, then flew across to the dead pine to chase off an Eastern Kingbird. He then disappeared for a few minutes before returning back across the highway to the wire coming off the aluminum shed as I described. He perched on that wire about 10' from the post for several minutes, then moved to a more central location (in front of the mobile home) on the wire for a few minutes before flying again back across to the pine briefly. After that he flew down into the field on that east side of the highway and I didn't see him any more before I left. Terry Schiefer told me he'd been down there on Tuesday, 5/14, and seen the female "perching on the fence beyond and between the red house and red shed. The fence encloses an area of yellow flowers (buttercups?). At that distance it's hard to be sure with binoculars that you are looking at a Scissor-tail -- until it flies." He didn't mention seeing the male that time. So there you are: a whole range of possibilities! By the way, there is a little access drive to the cell phone tower and one to the first red house and yet another a bit further on that leads to the trailer. In the past, I've parked at the cell tower but yesterday there was a dog there (from the red house I guess) so I decided to move on down and park on the side of the one leading into the trailer. No one came out to yell at me and the dog disappeared so I guess it was ok. Hope this helps. Paul Paul Mack, Ph.D Associate Professor of Biology Department of Sciences and Mathematics Mississippi University for Women 1100 College Street, MUW-100 Columbus, MS 39701 662-329-4987 >>> Jason Hoeksema 05/18/13 4:28 PM >>> Missbirders, Has anyone found (or looked for without success) the Scissor-tailed Flycatchers near Artesia (Lowndes Co.) reported by Jim & Diane Patterson on May 4? Since Robert Briscoe's report of not finding them on May 6, I haven't seen any posts about them. I will be in the area on Monday. thanks! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS Subject: Re: RFI: Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in Lowndes Co.? From: Marion Schiefer <marion_schiefer AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 16:57:13 -0500 They have been seen twice in the past week that I know of. If you can't find them at the location originally described, look farther down the road south where there are some open field areas. Marion Schiefer Starkville Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 16:28:14 -0500 Subject: [missbird] RFI: Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in Lowndes Co.? From: hoeksema AT olemiss.edu To: missbird AT freelists.org Missbirders, Has anyone found (or looked for without success) the Scissor-tailed Flycatchers near Artesia (Lowndes Co.) reported by Jim & Diane Patterson on May 4? Since Robert Briscoe's report of not finding them on May 6, I haven't seen any posts about them. I will be in the area on Monday. thanks! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS Subject: RFI: Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in Lowndes Co.? From: Jason Hoeksema <hoeksema AT olemiss.edu> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 16:28:14 -0500 Missbirders, Has anyone found (or looked for without success) the Scissor-tailed Flycatchers near Artesia (Lowndes Co.) reported by Jim & Diane Patterson on May 4? Since Robert Briscoe's report of not finding them on May 6, I haven't seen any posts about them. I will be in the area on Monday. thanks! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS Subject: Magnolia & Chestnut-Sided (again) From: JR Rigby <jr.rigby AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 09:13:02 -0500 Missbirders, It seems the rain is bringing migrants. Was surprised by a small flock of Chestnut-Sided and Magnolia Warblers in my yard just now as I took out the trash in the rain. First time I've had Chestnut-Sided in the yard. JR Oxford Subject: Canada Warbler-Knight's Yard From: "knights" <gsknight AT hughes.net> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 09:11:44 -0500 MISSBIRDERS, This morning we heard and then spotted a singing Canada Warbler on the hillside to the west of the driveway. Looks like migration is winding down as other birds in the yard were residents. Weather systems have really made this years spring migration one to remember. Red-eyed Vireos, Tennessee Warblers, Cerulean Warblers and all the Thrushes were in the largest numbers I have seen in 25 years of birding in N MS!!!! Plus 3 CAPE MAY WARBLERS reported with 1 photographed!!!! Gene and Shannon Knight 7 miles south of Oxford, MS Subject: Roseate spoonbills From: Rob Heflin <delta_gamekeeper AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 18:01:56 -0500 I just spied 3 roseate spoonbills in north Humphreys. Rob Heflin Sent from my iPhone IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: Swallow-tailed Kite From: Reese Partridge <reesepartridge AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 06:54:59 -0700 (PDT) Missbirders, While driving up from the gulf coast Wednesday afternoon, we saw a Swallow-tailed Kite flying along Highway 98 about five miles east of where 98 crosses the Leaf River.  Time was about 5:30pm. Reese and Louise Partridge Jackson MS Subject: Re: Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed From: djohns110 AT aol.com Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 08:57:56 -0400 (EDT) Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about Scarlet Tanagers. I really do appreciate the help. I plan to pay more attention when I'm out and listen for their song. Perhaps I'll hear one, perhaps not. If I do, hopefully I can photograph one and offer it to everyone for viewing. As a way of saying thanks, I've attached a few images of a Common Yellowthroat, an Immature Male Painted Bunting, an Indigo Bunting and an Eastern Kingbird from a trip to Yazoo NWR this past Tuesday. I hope you enjoy them. Thanks again! Danny -----Original Message----- From: Jason Hoeksema To: djohns110 Sent: Thu, May 16, 2013 10:43 am Subject: Re: [missbird] Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed Danny, I think eBird would provide a nice complement to the historical data you're seeing in the Turcotte book. Have you used eBird much before? You can go to this page: http://ebird.org/ebird/map/ and then type in a bird species name, date range, and Mississippi location, then zoom in to the map to see sightings. Now, the caveat is that eBird coverage for Mississippi is still pretty light. But if you look at Scarlet Tanager records in eBird for June and July, you can see that there is only one record for the lower 2/3 of the state (a June record at St. Catherine Creek NWR). Most records are in the north, and those are pretty sparse too... cheers, Jason On Wed, May 15, 2013 at 6:54 PM, wrote: Hello All, Periodically, before setting out to photograph birds anywhere in Mississippi, I consult my copy of Birds Of Mississippi by William H, Turcotte and David L. Watts to refresh my knowledge of the breed or breeds that I may encounter in a particular area and during a specific period of time. Without question, Birds Of Mississippi has proven very valuable and helped me find and photograph specific species that I would otherwise have not seen or pursued. This past weekend, while looking at Birds Of Mississippi to get an idea or two for shooting this week, I came across some information on Scarlet Tanagers (Page 383) that surprised me. According to the map included in the discussion on Scarlet Tanagers, there's a narrow area running southwest to northeast, just west of Hinds and Copiah Counties, and extending from Yazoo County to near Fayette in Jefferson County, that is annotated as "Possible Local Breeding". While it isn't unusual to read reports of Scarlet Tanager sightings in Mississippi during migration, I do not recall reading about Scarlet Tanager sightings outside of migration periods in west central and southwest Mississippi. So, having said all of this, and given the depth of knowledge that exists on this list, I would like to ask a simple question: Under normal conditions, is it possible to see Scarlet Tanagers in west central and southwest Mississippi outside of migration periods? Please feel free to reply privately to prevent burdening the list if you wish. Thanks in advance. Danny Johnson Vicksburg -- Dr. Jason D. Hoeksema, Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of Mississippi phone: 662-915-1275 lab website Subject: Field trip at Dahomey Wildlife Refuge Saturday, May 18 From: "Maureen & Bucky Brooks" <maureenbucky AT cableone.net> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 01:53:30 -0500 There will be a field trip at Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, May 18. The trip will be led by naturalists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Dahomey Refuge headquarters on Miss. 446 west of Boyle. For more information call 662-843-8584. Subject: Wall Doxey Birds From: JR Rigby <jr.rigby AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 12:20:04 -0500 MissBirders, I stopped by Wall Doxey State Park this morning. It wasn't a dedicated birding trip, so I wasn't as thorough I would have liked, but there are still several very vocal Tennessee Warblers around the picnic area. I didn't spot many other migrants, but lots of Prothonotary, Swainson's, and Hooded Warblers. JR Oxford http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14133720 Subject: Re: Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed From: Ken Hackman <khackman AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 21:59:42 -0500 Quite a few years ago, before the days of listservs, I had one nesting in my In-laws' yard in the Woodlea subdivision of Northeast Jackson. I only remember it being there the one year, but a pair stayed in the oaks in their back yard all summer. I never saw any young. I would estimate the date to be in the 1985 - 1986 time frame. Ken Hackman Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2013, at 8:25 PM, Frank Hensley wrote: > > eBird data for the entire state show SCTA sightings in every month April-October, but they are very rare or absent in midsummer. I did not explore the data on a county-by-county level to figure out where those sparse July records are from, but at least there are a few records. I'm sure you could explore eBird data to track down exactly where they were seen. > > Good hunting! > > -Frank > > From: "djohns110 AT aol.com" > To: missbird AT freelists.org > Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 6:54 PM > Subject: [missbird] Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed > > Hello All, > > Periodically, before setting out to photograph birds anywhere in Mississippi, I consult my copy of Birds Of Mississippi by William H, Turcotte and David L. Watts to refresh my knowledge of the breed or breeds that I may encounter in a particular area and during a specific period of time. > > Without question, Birds Of Mississippi has proven very valuable and helped me find and photograph specific species that I would otherwise have not seen or pursued. > > This past weekend, while looking at Birds Of Mississippi to get an idea or two for shooting this week, I came across some information on Scarlet Tanagers (Page 383) that surprised me. > > According to the map included in the discussion on Scarlet Tanagers, there's a narrow area running southwest to northeast, just west of Hinds and Copiah Counties, and extending from Yazoo County to near Fayette in Jefferson County, that is annotated as "Possible Local Breeding". > > While it isn't unusual to read reports of Scarlet Tanager sightings in Mississippi during migration, I do not recall reading about Scarlet Tanager sightings outside of migration periods in west central and southwest Mississippi. > > So, having said all of this, and given the depth of knowledge that exists on this list, I would like to ask a simple question: > > Under normal conditions, is it possible to see Scarlet Tanagers in west central and southwest Mississippi outside of migration periods? > > Please feel free to reply privately to prevent burdening the list if you wish. > > Thanks in advance. > > Danny Johnson > Vicksburg > > Subject: Black-billed Cuckoo, Oxford From: Jason Hoeksema <hoeksema AT olemiss.edu> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 20:59:28 -0500 Missbirders, Just a quick heads-up that there is a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO hanging around the Rowan Oak / Bailey's Woods area in Oxford. JR Rigby found it yesterday near the creek in the woods, and I relocated it this afternoon near the mulberry tree and managed a decent photo ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8742967076/in/photostream). Good birding! Jason Hoeksema -- Dr. Jason D. Hoeksema, Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of Mississippi phone: 662-915-1275 lab website Subject: Re: Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed From: Frank Hensley <dr_frank_hensley AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 18:25:59 -0700 (PDT) eBird data for the entire state show SCTA sightings in every month April-October, but they are very rare or absent in midsummer. I did not explore the data on a county-by-county level to figure out where those sparse July records are from, but at least there are a few records. I'm sure you could explore eBird data to track down exactly where they were seen. Good hunting! -Frank ________________________________ From: "djohns110 AT aol.com" To: missbird AT freelists.org Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 6:54 PM Subject: [missbird] Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed Hello All, Periodically, before setting out to photograph birds anywhere in Mississippi, I consult my copy of Birds Of Mississippi by William H, Turcotte and David L. Watts to refresh my knowledge of the breed or breeds that I may encounter in a particular area and during a specific period of time.   Without question, Birds Of Mississippi has proven very valuable and helped me find and photograph specific species that I would otherwise have not seen or pursued.   This past weekend, while looking at Birds Of Mississippi to get an idea or two for shooting this week, I came across some information on Scarlet Tanagers (Page 383) that surprised me. According to the map included in the discussion on Scarlet Tanagers, there's a narrow area running southwest to northeast, just west of Hinds and Copiah Counties, and extending from Yazoo County to near Fayette in Jefferson County,  that is annotated as "Possible Local Breeding".   While it isn't unusual to read reports of Scarlet Tanager sightings in Mississippi during migration, I do not recall reading about Scarlet Tanager sightings outside of migration periods in west central and southwest Mississippi.   So, having said all of this, and given the depth of knowledge that exists on this list, I would like to ask a simple question: Under normal conditions, is it possible to see Scarlet Tanagers in west central and  southwest Mississippi outside of migration periods?   Please feel free to reply privately to prevent burdening the list if you wish. Thanks in advance. Danny Johnson Vicksburg Subject: Scarlet Tanagers - Help Needed From: djohns110 AT aol.com Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 19:54:20 -0400 (EDT) Hello All, Periodically, before setting out to photograph birds anywhere in Mississippi, I consult my copy of Birds Of Mississippi by William H, Turcotte and David L. Watts to refresh my knowledge of the breed or breeds that I may encounter in a particular area and during a specific period of time. Without question, Birds Of Mississippi has proven very valuable and helped me find and photograph specific species that I would otherwise have not seen or pursued. This past weekend, while looking at Birds Of Mississippi to get an idea or two for shooting this week, I came across some information on Scarlet Tanagers (Page 383) that surprised me. According to the map included in the discussion on Scarlet Tanagers, there's a narrow area running southwest to northeast, just west of Hinds and Copiah Counties, and extending from Yazoo County to near Fayette in Jefferson County, that is annotated as "Possible Local Breeding". While it isn't unusual to read reports of Scarlet Tanager sightings in Mississippi during migration, I do not recall reading about Scarlet Tanager sightings outside of migration periods in west central and southwest Mississippi. So, having said all of this, and given the depth of knowledge that exists on this list, I would like to ask a simple question: Under normal conditions, is it possible to see Scarlet Tanagers in west central and southwest Mississippi outside of migration periods? Please feel free to reply privately to prevent burdening the list if you wish. Thanks in advance. Danny Johnson Vicksburg Subject: Re: migrants in Oxford From: Jason Hoeksema <hoeksema AT olemiss.edu> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 16:10:17 -0500 Dick, The Autumn Ridge condos are located on Frontage Rd. in Oxford, about 0.2 miles west of South Lamar. But rather than driving into the Autumn Ridge condos, probably a better way to bird this area is to turn West on Mimosa Drive off South Lamar (just north of the hospital), go about 0.1 miles, and turn left into a small housing development (I forget what it is called). Drive to the rear of the development where there are vacant lots and a creek. In the early morning this area along the creek can be good for migrant songbirds. Jason On Tue, May 14, 2013 at 11:14 PM, Dick Burkepile wrote: > Jason, > Thanks for the info. > Where are Autumn Ridge Condos located? > > Thanks, > Dick Burkepile > Oxford MS > > > Sent from my iPhone > > On May 14, 2013, at 11:33, Jason Hoeksema wrote: > > Missbirders, > This morning near the Autumn Ridge Condos in Oxford (Lafayette Co.) there > was a pair of PHILADELPHIA VIREOS, and a female BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. At > Rowan Oak there was a MAGNOLIA WARBLER foraging in a Magnolia tree (!), a > pair of BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, a VEERY, a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, and > a SWAINSON'S THRUSH. At one point the Veery and Gray-cheek seemed to be > singing back and forth to each other, allowing a nice comparison of their > somewhat similar songs. At Rowan Oak, there is a lot of activity in and > around a very ripe Mulberry Tree at the southwest corner of the property, > with catbirds, tanagers, thrushes, and warblers all hanging around there. > A few photos are here: > http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8738865564/in/photostream > Good birding! > Jason Hoeksema > Oxford, MS > > -- Dr. Jason D. Hoeksema, Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of Mississippi phone: 662-915-1275 lab website Subject: Quitman Co. shorebirds, terns From: Jason Hoeksema <hoeksema AT olemiss.edu> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 14:15:02 -0500 Missbirders, This morning I birded the Quitman Co. side of Coldwater River NWR. The refuge has some good shorebird habitat right now, although it is only distantly visible from the public observation tower (which can be reached by driving several miles south from the town of Crowder). Along the road just north of the north-most pond, there were at least 3 PAINTED BUNTINGS. Near the observation tower, 5 LEAST TERNS and 11 BLACK TERNS flew past briefly. Highlights of a (by permission) shorebird survey west of the observation tower included a flock of nearly 500 peeps, which were approximately 20% WHITE-RUMPED, 20% SEMIPALMATED, and 60% LEAST SANDPIPERS. There was also one lingering WILSON'S PHALAROPE from among the small group found by Becky Rosamond a few weeks ago. Two BLACK-NECKED STILTS provided their usual dose of color. A few BOBOLINKS lingered as well. A few photos are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8742185560/in/photostream Full eBird checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14123100 Good birding! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS -- Dr. Jason D. Hoeksema, Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of Mississippi phone: 662-915-1275 lab website Subject: Cedar Waxwings still here From: e gelbard <dancelaine AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 09:30:57 -0700 (PDT) At Rowan Oak this morning, May 15, I saw the flurry of activity Jason mentioned in/near the Mulberry (summer tanager, red-eyed vireo) dominated by a flock or Cedar Waxwings (counted 18 on one branch, but there were more). Elaine Gelbard Subject: Re: migrants in Oxford From: Dick Burkepile <dick_burkepile AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 23:14:39 -0500 Jason, Thanks for the info. Where are Autumn Ridge Condos located? Thanks, Dick Burkepile Oxford MS Sent from my iPhone On May 14, 2013, at 11:33, Jason Hoeksema wrote: > Missbirders, > This morning near the Autumn Ridge Condos in Oxford (Lafayette Co.) there was a pair of PHILADELPHIA VIREOS, and a female BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. At Rowan Oak there was a MAGNOLIA WARBLER foraging in a Magnolia tree (!), a pair of BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, a VEERY, a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, and a SWAINSON'S THRUSH. At one point the Veery and Gray-cheek seemed to be singing back and forth to each other, allowing a nice comparison of their somewhat similar songs. At Rowan Oak, there is a lot of activity in and around a very ripe Mulberry Tree at the southwest corner of the property, with catbirds, tanagers, thrushes, and warblers all hanging around there. > A few photos are here: > http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8738865564/in/photostream > Good birding! > Jason Hoeksema > Oxford, MS Subject: Native Plant Sale and National Audubon Society's Director of Citizen Science to speak on the "Science of Hummingbirds" From: "Schuhmann, Andrea" <aschuhmann AT audubon.org> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 16:49:46 +0000 Native Plant Sale Brings Living Color to Your Garden Where: Strawberry Plains Audubon Center When: May 17th & 18th (9am-4pm) Brighten your outdoor environment not just with glorious blooms, but with the beautiful birds, butterflies and wildlife they attract! Strawberry Plains Audubon Center will host its popular native plant sale May 17-18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering visitors a chance to take home some new additions that will update, freshen and improve the health and character of their gardens. Selecting native plants is a win-win situation for gardeners. Native plants-those which occurred naturally in North America prior to European settlement-are attractive on many levels: "They're beautiful; they require less maintenance; because of natural adaptations and they rarely require pesticides or fertilizer. Native plants promote biodiversity and establish the foundation of nature's food chain. They also capture the interest of a variety of interesting animal and insect visitors to your yard," says Kristin Lamberson, Strawberry Plains Interpretive Garden Specialist. The sale offers more than gorgeous and hard-to-find native plants. Experts will be on hand to answer plant or wildlife questions and vendors will be selling a variety of garden accessories including sculptures, worm composting starting kits, bird feeders & baths, nature books and much more. Kathy Dale, National Audubon Society's Director of Citizen Science, will speak on the Science of Hummingbirds at 1 p.m. Saturday. This program is FREE to visitors. Native plants are a wonderful way to attract wildlife while still adding beauty to your garden. Purchases also help Strawberry Plains pursue its mission to raise awareness of the importance of native plants for wildlife and a healthier environment for people. The sale will be held rain or shine; shoppers are reminded to bring bags and boxes to transport their plant purchases. For more information, visit http://strawberryplains.audubon.org or call (662) 252-1155. Andrea Schuhmann Outreach and Education Director, Wildlife Biologist Strawberry Plains Audubon Center 285 Plains Road, Holly Springs, MS 38635 Phone: (662) 252-1155 Fax: (662) 252-8844 http://strawberryplains.audubon.org Subject: migrants in Oxford From: Jason Hoeksema <hoeksema AT olemiss.edu> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 11:33:36 -0500 Missbirders, This morning near the Autumn Ridge Condos in Oxford (Lafayette Co.) there was a pair of PHILADELPHIA VIREOS, and a female BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. At Rowan Oak there was a MAGNOLIA WARBLER foraging in a Magnolia tree (!), a pair of BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, a VEERY, a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, and a SWAINSON'S THRUSH. At one point the Veery and Gray-cheek seemed to be singing back and forth to each other, allowing a nice comparison of their somewhat similar songs. At Rowan Oak, there is a lot of activity in and around a very ripe Mulberry Tree at the southwest corner of the property, with catbirds, tanagers, thrushes, and warblers all hanging around there. A few photos are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_hoeksema/8738865564/in/photostream Good birding! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS Subject: Chucks From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 14:52:29 -0400 (EDT) I might ought to clarify doing the route 3 times. That would be in 3 different years, so you just go once per year. Oh course if you can do more than one route, but I found that can be tough if you have a cloudy night when you are planning to go and need to reschedule. Skipper Anding Subject: Nightjar Survey coming soon From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 14:45:24 -0400 (EDT) Just a reminder that this weekend might be a good time to do your Nightjar Survey for those of you participating. The moon will up early, unlike the June window. Weather looks fairly clear so far. See Nightjars.org if your not already signed up for a route. It's really fun to count the Chuck-Wills! Even here in Central MS, you have a chance of having a Whip-poor will. You need to plan on doing a route at least 3 times to establish how the population is doing. If you can't go or it gets cloudy, it's still fun to do a late night survey in June. You may see owls, coyotes, bats, etc. and hear all sorts of frogs from tree frogs to bullfrogs. Skipper Anding Ridgeland, MS Subject: An abundance of kingbirds. From: Rob Heflin <delta_gamekeeper AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 18:43:22 -0500 I've been seeing a few kingbirds around the farm this week. I rode down the Yazoo River about 20 miles south of Belzoni and up Tchula Run to Hwy 12 today and I've never seen as many kingbirds. At times I could count 3 or 4 in one spot, flying over the river or perched. I must've seen 100-150 of them on the trip. Rob Heflin Isola, MS Sent from my iPhoneIMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: Marshall County warblers From: Jason Hoeksema <hoeksema AT olemiss.edu> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 13:50:19 -0500 Missbirders, There was a fair number of migrants in a few spots around the lake at Wall Doxey State Park (Marshall Co.) this morning, including 1 BAY-BREASTED, 1 BLACKPOLL, and 2-3 BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS. Also, tons of TENNESSEE WARBLERS were singing, and a good show from the residents brought our total to 15 warbler species. Good birding! Jason Hoeksema Oxford, MS full eBird checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14086032 Subject: WILDFLOWER/BIRD FIELD TRIP From: Mary Stevens <Library AT mmns.state.ms.us> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 00:23:31 +0000 JACKSON AUDUBON AND MS NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY JOINT FIELD TRIP June 15, 2013 Saturday 7:30-picnic lunch Harrell Prairie Hill Wildflower/Bird trip to Bienville National Forest. Joint Field trip with JAS and MS Native Plant Society. LEADERS: Dr. Judy Shearer and Heather Sullivan Harrell Hill Prairie Botanical Area is a rare 160 acre remnant tallgrass prairie nature preserve located within Bienville National Forest near Forrest, Mississippi. It was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1976. You can expect to see many prairie grasses (Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, Big Bluestem), milkweeds, coneflowers, sunflowers, and prairie clovers plus Blazing Star, False Boneset, Aster and Wild Bergamot. Common birds are Orchard Orioles, Indigo Buntings, Yellow Breasted Chats and if we are lucky Prairie Warblers and Bachman's Sparrows. Meet at Cracker Barrel in Pearl at 7:30AM or at Shell Gas Station in Forrest at 8:30AM Field Trippers bring water, hat, snacks, lunch, insect repellent, binos. ANNUAL SNAKE DAY AT SCIENCE MUSEUM First Tuesday in June. June 4, 3013 Speaker: Bryan Gedrick, Herpetologist Learn the value of our native snakes and how to distinquish venomous species from non-venomous ones. Live snakes will be exhibited from 10am to 3pm Lecture TIMES: 10-11am and 12noon-1pm Mary Stripling, Retired Museum Librarian Museum Volunteer Mississippi Museum of Natural Science 2148 Riverside Drive Jackson, MS 39202 WORK: 601 354-7303 CELL: 601 832-6788 ________________________________ Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in this email and/or document(s) attached is for the exclusive use of the individual named above and may contain confidential, privileged and non-disclosable information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you are strictly prohibited from reading, photocopying, distributing or otherwise using this e-mail or its contents in any way. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify me immediately. IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Post message: missbird AT freelists.org List owner: Martha Swan ulswan AT olemiss.edu Unsubscribe: send email to missbird-request AT freelists.org View archives: http://www.freelists.org/archive/missbird/ Subject: Full Bird List from MOS Spring Meeting From: "knights" <gsknight AT hughes.net> Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 12:18:06 -0500 Missbirders, The final bird list of the phenominal MOS Spring Meeting (26-28 April) in Holly Springs, MS has been uploaded to the MSO Website. See link below. Enjoy! 31 species of warblers and more! http://www.mississippiornithologicalsociety.com/Meetings.htm Gene and Shannon Knight Oxford, MS