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02 Jul Bird safety around Wind Farms [] 29 Jun Jackson Audubon Fieldtrip [] 29 Jun Tennessee tombigbee Waterway ["Jerry L. Litton" ] 28 Jun Least Terns ["Rob Heflin" ] 27 Jun King Rail [wayne patterson ] 22 Jun Bald Eagle ["Wade Grant" ] 22 Jun RE: unusual behavior of swallow-tailed kites ["Jerry L. Litton" ] 21 Jun unusual behavior of swallow-tailed kites [] 21 Jun Fw: Question about Bluebird nesting box [Dan Furbish ] 21 Jun Re: Question about Bluebird nesting box [] 20 Jun Eponymous assails iconic ["J. Allen Burrows" ] 20 Jun Question about Bluebird nesting box ["John M. Bonelli" ] 19 Jun Re: From Jay Cliburn - Titmice in bluebird nestbox? ["J. K. Cliburn" ] 19 Jun From Jay Cliburn - Titmice in bluebird nestbox? [] 19 Jun Re: White Bluebird eggs [] 19 Jun problem with posts ["JoRee Pease" ] 18 Jun Re: White Bluebird eggs ["Lucy and Bob Duncan" ] 18 Jun Re: White Bluebird eggs ["Van Harris" ] 18 Jun Frigate Bird [Nick Gault ] 18 Jun White Bluebird eggs ["greenmansions" ] 17 Jun No Subject ["JoRee Pease" ] 16 Jun Prothonotary's 2nd ["RudyDog" ] 16 Jun Fw: [eSkimmer] Judy Toups Ceremony reminder ["JoRee Pease" ] 16 Jun Prothonotary's 2nd ["RudyDog" ] 15 Jun Mystery eggs [] 15 Jun RE: Brown-headed Nuthatch [gl cl ] 14 Jun RE: Brown-headed Nuthatch ["Dance, Gayla" ] 14 Jun Frigate Bird [Nick Gault ] 13 Jun Great Crested Flycatcher [] 12 Jun Wood Storks in Humphreys County ["Rob Heflin" ] 13 Jun Brown-headed Nuthatch ["Maurice Duvic" ] 12 Jun Mystery eggs ? [Dan Furbish ] 11 Jun Monk Parakeet at Grand Bay NERR [Jake Walker ] 10 Jun A few shorebirds still at Grand Bay [Jake Walker ] 09 Jun MemDay @ Yazoo NWR [Ed alexander ] 8 Jun RE: Learned Nightjars ["Jerry L. Litton" ] 08 Jun Learned Nightjars [] 8 Jun Nesing news ["RudyDog" ] 8 Jun Re: mystery eggs part 2 [] 7 Jun mystery eggs part 2 [Dan Furbish ] 7 Jun Mystery eggs [Dan Furbish ] 6 Jun Fw: [LABIRD-L] iTunes app for USGS quad maps [Dick Burkepile ] 7 Jun Re: Warlbers at LeFluers [] 6 Jun Re: Unexpected Behavior in Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?? [Matt Smith ] 06 Jun Re: Blue Gray Gnatcather on Coast [Ned and Lucy Boyajian ] 6 Jun Unexpected Behavior in Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?? [] 6 Jun Unexpected Behavior in Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?? [] 6 Jun Unexpected Behavior in Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?? [] 6 Jun Mystery Eggs ["Jan Dubuisson" ] 6 Jun Blue Gray Gnatcather on Coast ["Jan Dubuisson" ] 5 Jun Re: Warlbers at LeFluers [Matt Smith ] 03 Jun Re: Nightjar study [] 3 Jun Nightjar study ["Jerry L. Litton" ] 02 Jun Spring bird records due [Terence Schiefer ] 02 Jun Nightjars [] 2 Jun Black-bellied Whistling Ducks in Memphis [] 2 Jun Black-bellied Whistling Ducks in Memphis [] 2 Jun Black-bellied Whistling Ducks in Memphis [] 1 Jun Unsubscribe ["Kenneth Myron Bonnell" ] 01 Jun Nightjar report [] 01 Jun Re: Warlbers at LeFluers [] 1 Jun RE: Warblers at LeFluers ["Jerry L. Litton" ] 1 Jun Warlbers at LeFluers [] 31 May Pipeline Road, Ross Barnett Reservoir ["J. Allen Burrows" ] 28 May Sat May 30 MCAS field trip Cancelled [Jake Walker ] 28 May Re: Even more on Mockers ["Kenneth Myron Bonnell" ] 28 May RE: Nightjar Survey Begins May 31 ["littonsphac" ] 28 May Re: Even more on Mockers [Matt Smith ] 28 May Even more on Mockers [Ned and Lucy Boyajian ] 28 May Nightjar Survey Begins May 31 [] 27 May Black-bellied Whistling Duck at Deer Island [Jake Walker ] 26 May Judith Toups Least Tern Memorial Highway ["Doug and Claire" ] 26 May No Subject [Craig Lucker ] 26 May honoring Judy Toups [sharon milligan ] 26 May another idea? ["Jerry L. Litton" ] 26 May RE: Memorial Day birding on the Yazoo NWR ["littonsphac" ] Subject: Bird safety around Wind Farms From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:52:02 -0400 Pressure from environmental organizations to make wind energy bird friendly and therefore truly green is showing some initial signs of changing the attitude and behavior of wind developers and the federal government. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advisory committee has now begun the task of writing recommendations to protect birds from habitat destruction and collision risks associated with wind farms, but much work remains to be done to convert an industry and their regulatory agencies that have long viewed wind power as environmentally benign. I am glad to see some progress in?Protecting Birds from Wind Turbine Collisions.? This is ?from?the American Bird Conservancy.? I couldn't?understand why so many considered Wind Power benign to begin with. Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS Full article:? http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/stories/090612.html Subject: Jackson Audubon Fieldtrip From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:09:15 -0400 At the Mays Lakes Saturday morning a pair of beautiful Red-Headed Woodpeckers in scope!? A young Red-shouldered Hawk landed on a post in the parking lot to be harassed by a Mockingbird.? Several Yellow-billed Cuckoos were heard from the parking lot and more later.? On the right lake were 3 Yellow-crowned Night Herons and one young attended by adult.? Have not seen any nests this year however.?? Blue Jays were feeding young in the picnic area.? Two greens herons seen and 2 more heard.? A great immature Little Blue Egret and an adult were seen.? Three Prothonotary Warblers, great view on one,?but these were calling sparingly.???That's it if you wanted to stay in the cool shade the first 45 minutes.? Taking the trail and getting hot after walking was necessary to see N Parula Warbler gathering food for?young higher up in tree.? The Pearl River had a big scum from low water or lack of current and 'Fish Crows overhead.? Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS Subject: Tennessee tombigbee Waterway From: "Jerry L. Litton" <littonsphac AT bellsouth.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:34:25 -0500 I guess there were about 800- Cliff Swallows on or near the sweet gum tree, and maybe 500 or 600 of them were young and did more begging for hand-outs than flying to gather their own catch. The adults were feverish with the task, zipping and flitting about in a whirlwind effect, near and as low as my front window view, and down to grass level over dirt. This was north of the highway 4 bridge and railroad crossover near Iuka directly above the waterway channel on the west bank, and directly above the many watercraft cruising about and folks who enjoy water exercise. I drove into this flight and stopped, got out and felt, couldn't help but sense the wonder of this event Last week I was in the woods and crossing some new forested Pine growth. The ground cover in this place was so dense I could scarcely see the ground, this stuff was about 2' tall except for the 50' tall trees evenly spaced in every direction, and head high spaced out clusters of blackberry canes and leafy green shrubs I don't know the names of. I used a staff to check the ground for things that may not like being stepped on as I move about. I was sweating profusely, trying to avoid deer flies, horse flies and mosquitoes and concentrating on a compass to match my travel toward my way out of this place. Trees stood in every direction, tall forest and even denser understory edged the next forest group and forest green under some blue sky was the horizon, in every direction, the object of direction of my compass point. In any case, the distance to the truck is always multiplied by at least 2X or 3X the actual, with all the zigzag turns to accommodate ease of footing and entanglements. She had stayed down as long as her temper allowed but she came up flapping, lunging and shuttering, driving my heart up into my throat, so much so that I could hardly see the wings that almost brushed against my face and arms, and easily felt the winds of compression. The turkey hen had been hunkered down, probably on a clutch of eggs. The hen took flight and went completely out of sight among the trees. Out of curiosity, I wanted to look for eggs but knew I needed to keep my scent and self way from her nest of eggs on the ground. Is turkey intelligence so simple, or so complex, that camouflage in the broad open is good enough to allow the population of this grand bird species and some structured laws of hunting privilege to regulate harvest, because we would surley hunt turkey into extinction? Can you imagine the competition when hunters used stone and stick, and bare skin stealth to get supper? I moved no closer than I was, caught my breath, shook off some sweat and took another swig of water to help me out of the woods. And felt kindly grateful for that moment of fear, and the privilege of being near this wild animal in her duty. I grinned a lot, said wow several times, as I worked my way out of the woods. Jerry L. Litton Jackson MS Subject: Least Terns From: "Rob Heflin" <delta_gamekeeper AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:03:28 -0500 I counted 202 Least Terns today on the north end of American Bar in the MS River in Washington County. There were several birds sitting in scrapes, and I saw at least 2 pair mating. There were also 2 crows flying around the area where there were a lot of scrapes and a few terns and blackbirds were mobbing them. The crows must be trying to pick off unattended nests. River crested today and is on a slow fall. Should be more sand exposed as it falls. The big bar behind the jetties north of the bridge is not exposed yet, but when it does, the birds will flock to it. Rob Heflin Isola, MS Subject: King Rail From: wayne patterson <wrp6 AT wildblue.net> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:26:21 -0500 Yesterday afternoon there was a King Rail calling in some marshland just off the Southeast corner of the Tupelo Water Treatment Facility. Purple Martins are fledging in my two Martin Houses. This afternoon while mowing the yard I happened to see a young Coopers Hawk streaking away from the direction of my houses with several Martins in Hot pursuit. I did not see anything in his talons as proof of a successful hunt. Another tidbid. While watering some flowers today a grasshopper flushed to the short grass of my yard. Almost immediately a Mockingbird flew to the ground in front of the grasshopper and proceeded to do its wing display. It must have worked on the grasshopper because the Mocker had not trouble securing its prey. Pretty neat to watch. Wayne Patterson Shannon, MS Lee Co. Subject: Bald Eagle From: "Wade Grant" <WGrant AT mde.k12.ms.us> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:48:51 -0500 Yesterday while in the pool at my fathers house a very big and beautiful Bald Eagle began a few circles. I immediately set my child for my binoculars and confirmed with my father that it was indeed a baldy. Great fathers day! Anyway location is North of Vicksburg in Openwood Plantation. regards to all, Wade Grant Senior Network Specialist Mississippi Department of Education Helpdesk:601-359-2837 Desk:601-359-2851 Cell: 601-946-3893 wgrant AT mde.k12.ms.us "Privilege becomes arrogance. Arrogance promotes injustice. The seed of ruin blossom." Frank Herbert. 1984. God Emperor of Dune. Subject: RE: unusual behavior of swallow-tailed kites From: "Jerry L. Litton" <littonsphac AT bellsouth.net> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:22:21 -0500 Kites don't often mistake what they intend to do. What about a wasp nest, small squirrel, lizard, frog or some other food delicacy that a kite would like to eat... A tree top is a much concealed place to look into from the ground. You can only see ten-percent of it, in a single line of view. A kite sees nearly all of it from the distance and from up close. If they swooped in and didn't get their catch, I bet something was moving at the right time to avoid capture from talons or beak, or the leaves and branches made fly-in risky or the branch tips would not support landing and leaping. In the middle of town was in the middle of your tree top and a great place for Swallow-tailed Kites to hunt and play. Jerry L. Litton Jackson MS _____ From: owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu [mailto:owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu] On Behalf Of buckcannon1 AT aol.com Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 9:26 PM To: missbird AT listserv.olemiss.edu Subject: [MISSBIRD] unusual behavior of swallow-tailed kites Today, in my front yard in urban Long Beach, MS, my familly and I observed some unusual behavior of two swallow-tailed kites, We live about two or three blocks from the beach and have never before observed swallow-tailed kites in our neighborhood or our yard. This afternoon, though my husband spotted two kites swooping down into our small oak tree in the front yard (about forty feet high). Each kite took turns swooping and then skimming the tree tops trying to get something that was in the top of the tree. We got out the binos and all we could see was what appeared to be two large galls in the top of the tree. I took video and still photos of this activity which went on for about five minutes. I zoomed in on the still phots and found that there are two large brown galls in the top of the tree. They must have looked like something else to the kites. Finally the kites gave up and headed towards the beach and we did not see th em again. What a magnificent event this was to observe. I have never seen them act like this before, especially in the middle of town. I just had to share this thrilling observation with all of you. Jennifer Buchanan _____ Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. Subject: unusual behavior of swallow-tailed kites From: buckcannon1 AT aol.com Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:25:42 -0400 Today, in my front yard in urban Long Beach, MS, my familly and I observed some unusual behavior of two swallow-tailed kites,? We live about two or three blocks from the beach and have never before observed swallow-tailed kites in our neighborhood or our yard.? This afternoon, though my husband spotted two kites swooping down into our small oak tree in the front yard (about forty feet high).? Each kite took turns swooping and then skimming the tree tops trying to get something that was in the top of the tree.? We got out the binos and all we could see was what appeared to be two large galls in the top of the tree.? I took video and still photos of this activity which went on for about five minutes.? I zoomed in on the still phots and found that there?are two large brown galls in the top of the tree.? They must have looked like something else to the kites.? Finally the kites gave up and headed towards the beach and we did not see them again.? What a magnificent event this was to observe.? I have never seen them act like this before, especially in the middle of town.? I just had to share this thrilling observation with all of you. Jennifer Buchanan Subject: Fw: Question about Bluebird nesting box From: Dan Furbish <peterbilt.birder AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:01:51 -0700 (PDT) Great points Skipper. I have learned SO much from these folks via their website, check it out : ) http://www.hiltonpond.org/NestboxMaintenanceMain.html Dan Furbish Truckin' thru 5 southern states in a big rig. peterbilt.birder AT yahoo.com ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "skipperand AT aol.com" John, I would definetely clean out the old nest as parasites could be hiding in the old one. They could bite the next babies to occupy the box which would be bad for their health. Maybe it's like clean sheets. I think an old nest also tends to attract ants, which would be a major problem for baby birds. Incidentally, although I have never seen pure white Bluebird eggs, but have noticed some are quite pale. Nothing against the white ones, but I would say the more blue ones are very pretty. I had some pale ones in my yard this year and they failed to hatch (no relationship implied). Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS -----Original Message----- From: John M. Bonelli To: missbird AT listserv.olemiss.edu Sent: Sat, Jun 20, 2009 8:00 am Subject: [MISSBIRD] Question about Bluebird nesting box Good Morning All: I have a question about Bluebird nesting box. The bluebirds have vacated the box. Do I need to clean out the box in hopes of more coming in or do I leave the old nest in there for others to use? Thanks, JMB John M. Bonelli Subject: Re: Question about Bluebird nesting box From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:51:50 -0400 John, ? I would definetely clean out the old nest as parasites could be hiding in the old one.? They could bite the next babies to occupy the box which would be bad for their health.? Maybe it's?like clean sheets.??I think an old nest also tends to attract ants, which would be a major problem for baby birds.?? ? ?Incidentally, although I have never seen pure white Bluebird eggs, but have noticed some are quite pale.? Nothing against the white ones, but?I would say?the more?blue ones are very pretty.??I had some pale ones in my yard this year and they failed to hatch (no relationship implied). ? Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS ? ? ? -----Original Message----- From: John M. Bonelli <jbonelli AT loansourcems.com> To: missbird AT listserv.olemiss.edu Sent: Sat, Jun 20, 2009 8:00 am Subject: [MISSBIRD] Question about Bluebird nesting box Good Morning All: ? I have a question about Bluebird nesting box. The bluebirds have vacated the box. Do I need to clean out the box in hopes of more coming in or do I leave the old nest in there for others to use? ? Thanks, JMB ? John M. Bonelli Loan Officer - Commercial/Residential LoanSource Financial Services 112 Village Blvd., Ste. B Madison, MS 39110 601.856.2717 Phone 601.856.3470 Fax 601.842.9764 Mobile "We Shop So You Don't Have To." Subject: Eponymous assails iconic From: "J. Allen Burrows" <Rotteral AT aol.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:12:23 -0500 I witnessed a Mississippi Kite hauling off a fledgling or younger Mockingbird this morning. One less background noise other than the shrill cries of dismay. We will not be mocked! Subject: Question about Bluebird nesting box From: "John M. Bonelli" <jbonelli AT loansourcems.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:00:28 -0500 Good Morning All: I have a question about Bluebird nesting box. The bluebirds have vacated the box. Do I need to clean out the box in hopes of more coming in or do I leave the old nest in there for others to use? Thanks, JMB John M. Bonelli Loan Officer - Commercial/Residential LoanSource Financial Services 112 Village Blvd., Ste. B Madison, MS 39110 601.856.2717 Phone 601.856.3470 Fax 601.842.9764 Mobile "We Shop So You Don't Have To." Subject: Re: From Jay Cliburn - Titmice in bluebird nestbox? From: "J. K. Cliburn" <jcliburn AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:07:12 -0500 Thanks Martha. Sorry for the rookie mistake. The photo can be found at http://www.hogchain.net/birds/titmice.jpg On Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 1:51 PM, wrote: > Reposting for Jay Cliburn - unfortunately, the photo could > not be delivered to Missbird. > Martha > > Hi Missbirders, > > I have some mystery birds nesting in a bluebird nestbox > (which produced a clutch of > bluebirds that fledged a few weeks ago).  I believe the > mystery birds to be titmice, > but I've never once seen the parents servicing the young, > very much unlike the > bluebirds, which visited their young frequently.  I've > attached a (poor) photo taken > today showing the young, but, oddly, the top third of an > unhatched egg can be seen > just to the right of the lower bird's head.  Although I > didn't linger to inspect the > egg closely, it appeared to be very white with > reddish/chestnut speckles. > > The nest consists of a good bit of green mossy material, > along with ample white(ish) > animal hair, seemingly consistent with titmouse nesting > material. > > Do you believe these young to be Tufted titmice? > > Is it common for one or more eggs to remain unhatched among > young so close to > fledging? > > Do titmice parents feed their young rather infrequently? > > Thanks, > > Jay Cliburn > Lawrence County > > > Martha Swan > 1665 Toccopola Jct. Rd. > Thaxton, MS 38871 > > Subject: From Jay Cliburn - Titmice in bluebird nestbox? From: ulswan AT olemiss.edu Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:51:22 -0600 Reposting for Jay Cliburn - unfortunately, the photo could not be delivered to Missbird. Martha Hi Missbirders, I have some mystery birds nesting in a bluebird nestbox (which produced a clutch of bluebirds that fledged a few weeks ago). I believe the mystery birds to be titmice, but I've never once seen the parents servicing the young, very much unlike the bluebirds, which visited their young frequently. I've attached a (poor) photo taken today showing the young, but, oddly, the top third of an unhatched egg can be seen just to the right of the lower bird's head. Although I didn't linger to inspect the egg closely, it appeared to be very white with reddish/chestnut speckles. The nest consists of a good bit of green mossy material, along with ample white(ish) animal hair, seemingly consistent with titmouse nesting material. Do you believe these young to be Tufted titmice? Is it common for one or more eggs to remain unhatched among young so close to fledging? Do titmice parents feed their young rather infrequently? Thanks, Jay Cliburn Lawrence County Martha Swan 1665 Toccopola Jct. Rd. Thaxton, MS 38871 Subject: Re: White Bluebird eggs From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:48:35 -0400 Dennis, I would say they could be a pale blue, but have to be blue.? In sunlight they could appear almost white. Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS -----Original Message----- From: greenmansions To: Missbird Sent: Thu, Jun 18, 2009 6:14 pm Subject: [MISSBIRD] White Bluebird eggs A friend from Kilmichael, MS called me to say that Bluebirds have laid a clutch?of white eggs in one of his nesting boxes.? I told him that I know little about bird eggs so that was no news to me.? He explained that Bluebird eggs are blue.? Has anyone ever seen white Bluebird eggs? ? Dennis Welch Grenada Subject: problem with posts From: "JoRee Pease" <wpjp AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:27:10 -0400 My posts to and from missbird do not seem to be getting through. Does anybody have a suggestion about how I can check and fix this problem? JoRee Pease Somers, CT and Ocean Springs, MS Subject: Re: White Bluebird eggs From: "Lucy and Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:45:50 -0500 The Peterson Field Guide to Birds' Nests (1975) says that the eggs are "occasionally pure white." "Notes: In a record of 730 eggs, 40 (or 5.48 percent) were albinistic. In Nashville, TN, 1942, record of 774 eggs, 71 (or 9.1 percent) were white." Lucy Duncan Gulf Breeze, FL ----- Original Message ----- From: Van Harris To: greenmansions Cc: missbirds Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:11 PM Subject: Re: [MISSBIRD] White Bluebird eggs --- greenmansions AT bellsouth.net wrote: From: "greenmansions" To: "Missbird" Subject: [MISSBIRD] White Bluebird eggs Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:14:31 -0500 A friend from Kilmichael, MS called me to say that Bluebirds have laid a clutch of white eggs in one of his nesting boxes. I told him that I know little about bird eggs so that was no news to me. He explained that Bluebird eggs are blue. Has anyone ever seen white Bluebird eggs? Dennis Welch Grenada White bluebird eggs are not common, but not really rare, either. We have seen several in the bluebird boxes in our yard. Van Harris Millington, TN Subject: Re: White Bluebird eggs From: "Van Harris" <shelbyforester1223 AT bigriver.net> Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:11:13 -0700 Subject: Frigate Bird From: Nick Gault <saintnick AT cableone.net> Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:35:29 -0500 The Frigate Bird I spotted earlier this week over Biloxi Bay continues to hang around. He flew low around my boat his morning catching a few small fish. I saw him again later sailing over my boat! Nick Ocean Springs Subject: White Bluebird eggs From: "greenmansions" <greenmansions AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:14:31 -0500 A friend from Kilmichael, MS called me to say that Bluebirds have laid a clutch of white eggs in one of his nesting boxes. I told him that I know little about bird eggs so that was no news to me. He explained that Bluebird eggs are blue. Has anyone ever seen white Bluebird eggs? Dennis Welch Grenada Subject: No Subject From: "JoRee Pease" <wpjp AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:47:39 -0400 Posting for Alison Henry: The highway sign dedicating a part of Highway 90 in honor of Judy Toups will be Friday, June 19 at 9 AM at the juncture of Cowan Road and Highway 90 (the old Fun Time property). JoRee Pease Subject: Prothonotary's 2nd From: "RudyDog" <cnrdmd AT bellsouth.net> Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:35:38 -0500 oops......Barred owl Denise and Troy Vicksburg, Warren Co., Ms cnrdmd AT bellsouth.net Subject: Fw: [eSkimmer] Judy Toups Ceremony reminder From: "JoRee Pease" <wpjp AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:57:04 -0400 ----- Original Message ----- From: Bill and Alison Henry To: eskimmer Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 12:43 PM Subject: [eSkimmer] Judy Toups Ceremony reminder The highway sign dedication is officially at 9 am. They have now confirmed the time. So.. Cowan Lorraine/hwy 90 (old Fun Time Property) on Friday 19th June at 9am. Please pass on the word (if someone could post on Missbird, that would be great). __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar To Post a message, send it to: eskimmer AT yahoogroups.com To Unsubscribe, send a blank message to: eskimmer-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity Visit Your Group Give Back Yahoo! for Good Get inspired by a good cause. Y! Toolbar Get it Free! easy 1-click access to your groups. Yahoo! Groups Start a group in 3 easy steps. Connect with others. . __,_._,___ Subject: Prothonotary's 2nd From: "RudyDog" <cnrdmd AT bellsouth.net> Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:59:06 -0500 Good morning all, The second Prothonotary brood of four have hatched. Other young in the yard today are Chickadees, Titmice, Red-bellied woodpecker and Cardinals. There are also two juvenile Bard owls here. Ruby-throated hummer numbers are still around 8. Denise and Troy Vicksburg, Warren Co., Ms cnrdmd AT bellsouth.net Subject: Mystery eggs From: ulswan AT olemiss.edu Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:25:13 -0600 Reposting for Jan Dubuisson - the attachment could not be delivered to Missbird: Attached is a copy of the Mystery Eggs I referred to last week. They are = the size of Ping Pong balls. I checked on them and they were still there = on Friday, June 12. They had lots of Black Skimmer-sized footprints = around the scrape. Over the weekend, Jill High of Gulfport sat on the = boardwalk along highway 90 and observed a Black Skimmer incubating the = eggs, so the mystery is solved. A number of Skimmer eggs have hatched, = so it will be interesting to see if these hatch, and if so, if they = produce normal chicks. For those of you who are not familiar with our beach and its location, = it is a man-made beach right along Highway 90, which is 4 lanes wide. = The birds that nest there are almost completely protected from the = normal mammalian predators, as there are not many that can or even try = to successfully cross this busy highway. The flags that we used to mark = these eggs were the same ones that we use to mark the hundreds of other = nests that are at the same site. Our biggest problem is crows and other = birds, people who bring their dogs to the beach (which is illegal), and = people who walk through the colonies stepping on the eggs and chicks. I = will be working with the Biloxi Police Department, the Sand Beach = Authority and the Harrison County Sheriff's Department on how to protect = this huge seed colony on the July 4 weekend. MS Coast Audubon will be = hiring security guards, but it will take more than that to keep people = out of this area in the dark. Jan Dubuisson Pass Christian Martha Swan 1665 Toccopola Jct. Rd. Thaxton, MS 38871 Subject: RE: Brown-headed Nuthatch From: gl cl <gclardy13 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:43:53 -0500 I have had brown-headed nuthatches for at least 4 years now - ever since the neighbors CRP pine plantings got old enough to support their activities. They come to my feeders and let me get very close to them. This spring they nested in a new bluebird box I put up that the bluebirds were ignoring. They fledged 5 young birds but so far I have only seen the adults coming to the feeders. I have pics from eggs to fledging posted at http://gncspics.shutterfly.com/morebirds . The bluebirds moved in the day after the nuthatches fledged, they now have 4 newly hatched nestlings. Glynda Clardy Mendenhall, MS > From: dancegf AT millsaps.edu > To: jsb8 AT webtv.net; missbird AT listserv.olemiss.edu > CC: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU > Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:14:40 -0500 > Subject: RE: [MISSBIRD] Brown-headed Nuthatch > > I also have a family of brown headed nut hatches! I have nut hatches frequently at my feeders eating song bird mix and peanuts. Lately there have been families of 5 or 6. I love their squeaky toy voices. > > On the Rankin side of the Rez, near the little fire station. > -gayla dance > ________________________________ > From: owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu [owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu] On Behalf Of Maurice Duvic [jsb8 AT webtv.net] > Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 9:05 PM > To: missbird AT listserv.olemiss.edu > Cc: jsb8 AT webtv.net; LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU > Subject: [MISSBIRD] Brown-headed Nuthatch > > Although I subscribe to the mailings of both of the above recipients, I very seldom see mention of the Brown-headed Nuthatch. And, the map in Bill Turcotte's book indicates no breeding in my area. So I thought I should make this report. > > My apartment for the past three years has been on the third floor of one of five structures in St. Catherine's village, a retirement complex. It is located in a "semi-rural" section of Madison, MS. a suburb of Jackson, MS... Another similar building is located about 50 or so feet away, roughly parallel. Forty-two concrete-floored balconies face each other around the "U". There are l5 tall pines, approximately 6 to l0 inches in diameter, in the intervening space. > > I have been spreading "left-over" safflower seeds on the edge of my balcony during and since, this past winter. I didn't learn until last week that reports of nesting BHN were that scarce, so I didn't make notes. > > During the past spring, and probably the winter, one and probably two BHN have been competing with House Finches for the seed.. Last weekend - June 6-7 - there were four, possibly five - a family - on the balcony. > > Wednesday, the family was back. I assume > it was the adult male that took a seed and "hammered" it on the concrete, near the edge of the balcony. I watched, sitting at a table about seven feet from the glass sliding door that separated us. > > The first time, the adult ate the seed contents while, nearby, two young squatted while they "fluttered" their wings, demanding to be fed. He fed the next two seeds to them. He then did nothing until the young started to peck on the seeds on the concrete. Arrival of four or five House Finches ended the show., > > Vic > Author > Forty > Missions > Madison,MS > _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ SkyDrive™: Get 25 GB of free online storage. http://windowslive.com/online/skydrive?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_SD_25GB_062009 Subject: RE: Brown-headed Nuthatch From: "Dance, Gayla" <dancegf AT millsaps.edu> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:14:40 -0500 I also have a family of brown headed nut hatches! I have nut hatches frequently at my feeders eating song bird mix and peanuts. Lately there have been families of 5 or 6. I love their squeaky toy voices. On the Rankin side of the Rez, near the little fire station. -gayla dance ________________________________ From: owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu [owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu] On Behalf Of Maurice Duvic [jsb8 AT webtv.net] Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 9:05 PM To: missbird AT listserv.olemiss.edu Cc: jsb8 AT webtv.net; LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: [MISSBIRD] Brown-headed Nuthatch Although I subscribe to the mailings of both of the above recipients, I very seldom see mention of the Brown-headed Nuthatch. And, the map in Bill Turcotte's book indicates no breeding in my area. So I thought I should make this report. My apartment for the past three years has been on the third floor of one of five structures in St. Catherine's village, a retirement complex. It is located in a "semi-rural" section of Madison, MS. a suburb of Jackson, MS... Another similar building is located about 50 or so feet away, roughly parallel. Forty-two concrete-floored balconies face each other around the "U". There are l5 tall pines, approximately 6 to l0 inches in diameter, in the intervening space. I have been spreading "left-over" safflower seeds on the edge of my balcony during and since, this past winter. I didn't learn until last week that reports of nesting BHN were that scarce, so I didn't make notes. During the past spring, and probably the winter, one and probably two BHN have been competing with House Finches for the seed.. Last weekend - June 6-7 - there were four, possibly five - a family - on the balcony. Wednesday, the family was back. I assume it was the adult male that took a seed and "hammered" it on the concrete, near the edge of the balcony. I watched, sitting at a table about seven feet from the glass sliding door that separated us. The first time, the adult ate the seed contents while, nearby, two young squatted while they "fluttered" their wings, demanding to be fed. He fed the next two seeds to them. He then did nothing until the young started to peck on the seeds on the concrete. Arrival of four or five House Finches ended the show., Vic Author Forty Missions Madison,MS Subject: Frigate Bird From: Nick Gault <saintnick AT cableone.net> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:54:55 -0500 I had a Frigate Bird soaring over my catamaran in the Biloxi Bay yesterday afternoon around 3:00! Nick Ocean Springs Subject: Great Crested Flycatcher From: <billunit AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 12:17:06 -0500 The first GC Flycatchers to visit our yard (that we've noticed) are also the first to use our elegant birdhouse. http://www.photoshop.com/user/billunitphotos/?trackingid=BTAGC&galleryid=df140f050b944c6eafe8ba8bf3da8848&wf=share Billy Mitchell Brandon, Mississippi Subject: Wood Storks in Humphreys County From: "Rob Heflin" <delta_gamekeeper AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:59:40 -0500 This afternoon at about 7:30, I observed 3 Wood Storks on the Carter Tract of Panther Swamp NWR, just north of Carter, on the Yazoo-Humphreys county line. They appeared to be adult birds, with the dark heads. They were in the same location (The Bear Hole, we call it) that I observed the Roseate Spoonbills early last summer. Rob Heflin Isola, MS Subject: Brown-headed Nuthatch From: "Maurice Duvic" <jsb8 AT webtv.net> Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:05:24 GMT Although I subscribe to the mailings of both of the above recipients, I very seldom see mention of the Brown-headed Nuthatch. And, the map in Bill Turcotte's book indicates no breeding in my area. So I thought I should make this report. My apartment for the past three years has been on the third floor of one of five structures in St. Catherine's village, a retirement complex. It is located in a "semi-rural" section of Madison, MS. a suburb of Jackson, MS... Another similar building is located about 50 or so feet away, roughly parallel. Forty-two concrete-floored balconies face each other around the "U". There are l5 tall pines, approximately 6 to l0 inches in diameter, in the intervening space. I have been spreading "left-over" safflower seeds on the edge of my balcony during and since, this past winter. I didn't learn until last week that reports of nesting BHN were that scarce, so I didn't make notes. During the past spring, and probably the winter, one and probably two BHN have been competing with House Finches for the seed.. Last weekend - June 6-7 - there were four, possibly five - a family - on the balcony. Wednesday, the family was back. I assume it was the adult male that took a seed and "hammered" it on the concrete, near the edge of the balcony. I watched, sitting at a table about seven feet from the glass sliding door that separated us. The first time, the adult ate the seed contents while, nearby, two young squatted while they "fluttered" their wings, demanding to be fed. He fed the next two seeds to them. He then did nothing until the young started to peck on the seeds on the concrete. Arrival of four or five House Finches ended the show., Vic Author Forty Missions Madison,MS Subject: Mystery eggs ? From: Dan Furbish <peterbilt.birder AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:48:14 -0700 (PDT) Just inquiring.......... have any photo's showed up of those Mystery eggs ?? I would suspect a few folks are as curious as I...we ALL want to learn more : ) Good birding, Dan Dan Furbish Truckin' thru 5 southern states in a big rig. peterbilt.birder AT yahoo.com Subject: Monk Parakeet at Grand Bay NERR From: Jake Walker <jakenwalker AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:49:11 -0700 (PDT) Birders- The resident at the house near the Bayou Heron boat launch said a parrot flew up to his porch two weeks ago, and believes someone may have released it at the boat launch.  I had heard it a few times, but finally saw it today, and it is a Monk Parakeet.  While surveying this morning in the marshes at Grand Bay NERR, an Osprey flew over with a large spotted seatrout.  I was feeling pretty jealous, and apparently so was an immature Bald Eagle, who quickly caught up with the Osprey and attempted to steal the fish.  Some interesting aerial maneuvers ensued, but the eagle gave up the chase after a minute.  I attribute the failure of the eagle to inexperience; almost all such attempts I've witnessed have been successful.  Of course, this Osprey may be a seasoned eagle-dodger, unwilling to part with such a nice trout. Yesterday evening, while fishing for flounder along the beachfront in Pascagoula, a single Black-bellied Whistling Duck flew out over the water, then turned back and disappeared into the neighborhood.  I wonder if they are finding anywhere to nest there along the beach... Good Birding Jake Walker Grand Bay NERR Moss Point, MS __________________________________________________________________ Get a sneak peak at messages with a handy reading pane with All new Yahoo! Mail: http://ca.promos.yahoo.com/newmail/overview2/ Subject: A few shorebirds still at Grand Bay From: Jake Walker <jakenwalker AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:19:56 -0700 (PDT) Birders- A stop by the Point aux Chenes salt pannes at the Grand Bay NERR on Monday 6/8/09 was productive despite the afternoon heat. A few Whimbrels were still hanging around, as were White-rumped, Semipalmated, and Least Sandpipers, Dunlin, both Dowitchers, Black-bellied Plovers (all basic plumaged), a Semipalmated Plover, and a Greater Yellowlegs. Willets are nesting in good numbers on the pannes, and there are several pairs of Wilson's Plovers both on the pannes and along the sandy beachfront.  Several depredated plover eggs were found, but we did not locate any nests. We found one Clapper Rail nest in a patch of Salt Hay (Spartina patens), with a very neatly woven grass canopy and 12 eggs. Two Seaside Sparrow nests were located, one with 3 eggs, the other with none (but freshly made). Gull-billed Terns are still in the area, but I'm not sure exactly where they are nesting this year. Good Birding Jake Walker Grand Bay NERR Moss Point, MS Location:    Grand Bay NWR/NERR-Point aux Chenes Observation date:    6/8/09 Number of species:    22 Brown Pelican    40 Tricolored Heron    2 Osprey    2 Clapper Rail    5 Black-bellied Plover    8 Wilson's Plover    8 Semipalmated Plover    1 Greater Yellowlegs    1 Willet    30 Whimbrel    8 Semipalmated Sandpiper    20 Least Sandpiper    1 White-rumped Sandpiper    4 Dunlin    3 Short-billed Dowitcher    7 Long-billed Dowitcher    1 Laughing Gull    40 Gull-billed Tern    10 Caspian Tern    2 Barn Swallow    2 Seaside Sparrow    30 Red-winged Blackbird    2 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) __________________________________________________________________ Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new Yahoo! Mail. Click on Options in Mail and switch to New Mail today or register for free at http://mail.yahoo.ca Subject: MemDay @ Yazoo NWR From: Ed alexander <ebby AT suddenlink.net> Date: Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:29:13 -0500 09 JUN '09 Hi Phil------ Re: Memorial Day birding on the Yazoo NWR Such a nice birding report from one of our new "DOCTORS OF PHILOSPHY" in Wildlife Biology. G.Edward Alexander,Jr., PE Greenville P.S. Give Katherine a hug for me. Subject: RE: Learned Nightjars From: "Jerry L. Litton" <littonsphac AT bellsouth.net> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:59:33 -0500 I did the Bienville NF and Harrell Prairie nightjar route Saturday night. It was a great night to be out. I had three chucks in the prairie site and one chuck near the gravel road in the forested area near the entrance. Had one more chucks along the highway after crossing over the interstate 20 bridge going south. Five total. I did not have any chucks in the prairie last year. I was so pleased to find them this year, sort of rounds out the prairie as it should be. They were calling the minute I got out of my truck, in three different directions. The prairie is magnificent with flora also. You should go see it, but call first to the Bienville office, road gates are lock but they like visitors and will accommodate request. Jerry L. Litton Jackson MS From: owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu [mailto:owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu] On Behalf Of skipperand AT aol.com Sent: Monday, June 08, 2009 11:16 AM To: Missbird AT listserv.olemiss.edu Subject: [MISSBIRD] Learned Nightjars I heard that the Learned Nightjar Survey route had 3 Cuckwills-widows (which I think is well down from last year) and no Whips. There was a beautiful full moon Saturday night when I left the Square Dance at Roosevelt State Park in Morton about 10 p.m. I almost had time to go south-east of Forest to survey again. Still hope to make it over there this busy week. Didn't see any Purple Galinules or Rails in a quick visit to Lake Harbor Rd (Pipeline East) after church Sunday. Probably the high traffic as fishing was in full swing and trucks were everywhere. Did a a five foot alligator in the water nearby. I now think the huge snake-like thing I saw cross the road last time was this gator! Interesting possiblity on the turtle eggs Dan! Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS _____ An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! Subject: Learned Nightjars From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:15:44 -0400 I heard that the Learned Nightjar Survey route had 3 Cuckwills-widows (which I think is well down from last year) and no Whips.? There was a beautiful full moon Saturday night when I left the Square Dance at Roosevelt State Park in Morton about 10 p.m.? I almost had time to go south-east of Forest to survey again.?? Still hope to make it over there this busy week.? Didn't see any Purple Galinules or Rails in a quick visit to Lake Harbor Rd (Pipeline East) after church Sunday.? Probably the high traffic as fishing was in full swing and trucks were everywhere.? Did a a five foot alligator in the water nearby.? I now think the huge snake-like thing I saw cross the road last time was this gator!? Interesting possiblity on the?turtle eggs Dan! Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS Subject: Nesing news From: "RudyDog" <cnrdmd AT bellsouth.net> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 10:43:59 -0500 Good morning all, The Prothonotary warbler is re-using the bird house she used earlier this season. She is sitting on four eggs. Yesterday we witnessed a Great Crested Flycatcher start construction on a nest in an abandoned woodpecker hole. Just now we saw the flycatcher bringing more nesting material to the nest site. Good stuff.. Denise and Troy Vicksburg, Warren Co., Ms cnrdmd AT bellsouth.net Subject: Re: mystery eggs part 2 From: Daniel_Drennen AT fws.gov Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 08:20:54 -0500 Suggest that you dissect one of the eggs. If they are hard and chicken like then they are bird eggs but salt water can sometimes damage and distort the shell. If not terns then some other bird species that nest close or over water. Herons, osprey etc. First determine that indeed it is bird by dissection. The stretch marks leads me to believe reptile. Old reptiles eggs (alligator, loggerhead etc) can harden when they are rotten inside, kind of like being hard boiled. Daniel J. Drennen USFWS 6578 Dogwood View Parkway Suite A Jackson, Mississippi 39213 601-321-1127 Fax: 601-965-4340 Dan Furbish To Sent by: missbird AT listserv.olemiss.edu owner-missbird AT wi cc llow.olemiss.edu Subject [MISSBIRD] mystery eggs part 2 06/07/2009 01:46 PM Please respond to Dan Furbish http://en.allexperts.com/q/Turtles-3543/Turtle-eggs-1.htm Probably a better answer ,  where Jan found the eggs. ================= Subject: Mystery Eggs From: "Jan Dubuisson" Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 11:04:08 -0500 Missbirders: When marking nests in the Least Tern/Black Skimmer Colony in front of Beauvoir in Biloxi this past Wednesday, Jill High discovered a scrape along the south edge of the Skimmer colony that contained two mystery eggs. They are white, the exact size and shape of ping pong balls, non-glossy but hard, not leathery. They have a few striations, like "stretch marks". I will post a picture as soon as I get them back. Any ideas, other than mutated Skimmer eggs? They are on the east end of the Skimmer colony, close to the wrack line, and are marked with 3 red flags, if anyone wants to look at them. Please let me know if you observe anything incubating them. I have been working in these colonies for 2 years and have never seen anything like them. Jan Dubuisson Pass Christian jand AT cableone.net ===================== Dan Furbish peterbilt.birder AT yahoo.com Subject: mystery eggs part 2 From: Dan Furbish <peterbilt.birder AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 11:46:07 -0700 (PDT) http://en.allexperts.com/q/Turtles-3543/Turtle-eggs-1.htm Probably a better answer , where Jan found the eggs. ================= Subject: Mystery Eggs From: "Jan Dubuisson" Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 11:04:08 -0500 Missbirders: When marking nests in the Least Tern/Black Skimmer Colony in front of Beauvoir in Biloxi this past Wednesday, Jill High discovered a scrape along the south edge of the Skimmer colony that contained two mystery eggs. They are white, the exact size and shape of ping pong balls, non-glossy but hard, not leathery. They have a few striations, like "stretch marks". I will post a picture as soon as I get them back. Any ideas, other than mutated Skimmer eggs? They are on the east end of the Skimmer colony, close to the wrack line, and are marked with 3 red flags, if anyone wants to look at them. Please let me know if you observe anything incubating them. I have been working in these colonies for 2 years and have never seen anything like them. Jan Dubuisson Pass Christian jand AT cableone.net ===================== Dan Furbish peterbilt.birder AT yahoo.com Subject: Mystery eggs From: Dan Furbish <peterbilt.birder AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 11:21:39 -0700 (PDT) Ping pong shaped eggs reminded me of eggs a friend and I found on a Costa Rica beach one day a few years ago : )) Possibly there's a match. you may want to remove the red flags to avoid "predators" from locating the eggs, only a thought. http://images.google.com/images?rlz=1C1CHNG_enUS323US323&sourceid=chrome&q=leatherback+egg+photos&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=IgQsSqLxEJultgeTmaHACA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title copy and paste entire link to Google. Good birding, Dan Dan Furbish Truckin' thru 5 southern states in a big rig. peterbilt.birder AT yahoo.com Subject: Fw: [LABIRD-L] iTunes app for USGS quad maps From: Dick Burkepile <dick_burkepile AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 21:55:57 -0700 (PDT) fyi Dick Burkepile Oxford, Mississippi --- On Sat, 6/6/09, John Dillon wrote: > From: John Dillon > Subject: [LABIRD-L] iTunes app for USGS quad maps > To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU > Date: Saturday, June 6, 2009, 8:55 PM > I don't know if someone's already put > this on LABIRD, but there's an > application on iTunes for your iPhone or iPod Touch that > allows you to > download all the USGS quadrant maps in the lower 48, > Hawaii, Puerto Rico, > and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  It's listed as "TOPO > Maps" and shows the name > "Phil Endecott" when you search for it at the app > store.  It costs $6.99. > Takes about 10 minutes or so to download one of the maps, > but once you've > got it, you can refer to it at any time without having to > have a signal. > > > > John Dillon > > Homer, LA > Subject: Re: Warlbers at LeFluers From: PullenWatkins AT comcast.net Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 00:53:29 +0000 (UTC) How do I get to this spot? Is there public access to this place? Thanks, Pullen ----- Original Message ----- From: Matt Smith To: missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu Sent: Fri, 5 Jun 2009 22:25:10 +0000 (UTC) Subject: Re: [MISSBIRD] Warlbers at LeFluers Pullen/MISSBIRDers: For what it's worth, I had a great morning for warblers today just a few miles up the Pearl from LeFleur's -- 10 species, in the span of about an hour, in an area maybe a quarter-mile square. (Prothonotary, Parula, Yellow-throated, Pine, Redstart, Hooded, Kentucky, Swainson's, Yellowthroat, and Chat.) In terms of sheer breeding warbler density, this site -- mostly mature bottomland hardwoods, near the end of Westbrook Rd. -- is probably tough to beat. Swarming with Redstarts in particular, and I was rarely out of earshot of one of several singing Swainson's. Perhaps the LeFleur's birds got wind of the Two Lakes plan and are hightailing it upriver? Matt Smith From: "PullenWatkins AT comcast.net" To: missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu Sent: Monday, June 1, 2009 8:25:25 AM Subject: [MISSBIRD] Warlbers at LeFluers Missbirders: Maybe I am panicking a little bit. I have not seen or heard, much in the way of warblers aside from Northern Paura and Prothonotary Warblers at LeFluers. I got a glimspe of a Yellow Throated Warbler. The birds don't seem as active there as usual. Please inform me on this. Pullen Madison, MS P.S. Yellow bellied Cuckoos have been there was bout 3 weeks or early April. Love their call and love to watch them. Subject: Re: Unexpected Behavior in Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?? From: Matt Smith <mcsmitfl AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 17:46:06 -0700 (PDT) Jeff et al., Here's a link to the abstract of a study that looked at nest reuse in Eastern Kingbirds. Site availability seems unlikely to be a factor here, though, if your birds are just using telephone poles...wonder what they're thinking? http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=18770139 Matt Smith Sent from my iPod Subject: Re: Blue Gray Gnatcather on Coast From: Ned and Lucy Boyajian <nedlucyboyajian AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:02:01 -0500 Jan The BGGN nest regularly in all the coastal counties right to the marsh edge,e.g. Ansley, etc.but probably not often in suburban yards.The coastal BBS's (all a bit inland) have averaged from two to ten pairs per route for the past several years The pair in my woodlot finished with their (first?) brood several days ago; so it might be your bird was an adult post-breeding wanderer or maybe a hatch year bird. Ned Jan Dubuisson wrote: > Missbirders: > > I had a Gnatcatcher in my Mulberry tree yesterday morning about 9:30 > am. I have never had one in my yard and certainly not at this time of > year. Are there any coastal records in June? > > Jan Dubuisson > Pass Christian > jand AT cableone.net Subject: Unexpected Behavior in Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?? From: OLCOOT1 AT aol.com Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 17:29:53 EDT June 6, 2009 Memphis, Shelby Co. TN I watched a male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher take over and incubate a clutch of eggs today after the female left the nest. He was settled on the nest for over 15 minutes. I have photos of him on the wire and then on the nest. The photo of the bird on the nest just shows the bird's long tail. Also this pair of birds and another pair have reused (at least what is left of a nest after a year of exposure to the weather) a nest in the exact site for a few years running. A hybrid female has re-nested in another spot since 2004, changing ends of the telephone cross bar in just one of those years. The following notes are copied from the section on Scissor-tailed FC in Cornell's "The Bird's of North America" Maintenance Or Reuse Of Nests, Alternate Nests No information on nest maintenance. Not observed to construct alternate nests or reuse nests during or in successive breeding seasons. Parental Behavior Incubation by female only >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just curious if others have observed such behavior by other Scissor-tailed pairs? Here in Memphis, Western Kingbirds continually re-nest in exact spot year after year. Good Birding !!! Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA 6300 Memphis-Arlington Road Bartlett, TN 38135 http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/ What is this feathered thing that lifts my heart to the heavens. **************We found the real ‘Hotel California’ and the ‘Seinfeld’ diner. What will you find? Explore WhereItsAt.com. (http://www.whereitsat.com/#/music/all-spots/355/47.796964/-66.374711/2/Youve-Found-Where-Its-At?ncid=eml cntnew00000007) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Unexpected Behavior in Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?? From: OLCOOT1 AT aol.com Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 17:29:53 EDT June 6, 2009 Memphis, Shelby Co. TN I watched a male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher take over and incubate a clutch of eggs today after the female left the nest. He was settled on the nest for over 15 minutes. I have photos of him on the wire and then on the nest. The photo of the bird on the nest just shows the bird's long tail. Also this pair of birds and another pair have reused (at least what is left of a nest after a year of exposure to the weather) a nest in the exact site for a few years running. A hybrid female has re-nested in another spot since 2004, changing ends of the telephone cross bar in just one of those years. The following notes are copied from the section on Scissor-tailed FC in Cornell's "The Bird's of North America" Maintenance Or Reuse Of Nests, Alternate Nests No information on nest maintenance. Not observed to construct alternate nests or reuse nests during or in successive breeding seasons. Parental Behavior Incubation by female only >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just curious if others have observed such behavior by other Scissor-tailed pairs? Here in Memphis, Western Kingbirds continually re-nest in exact spot year after year. Good Birding !!! Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA 6300 Memphis-Arlington Road Bartlett, TN 38135 http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/ What is this feathered thing that lifts my heart to the heavens. **************We found the real ‘Hotel California’ and the ‘Seinfeld’ diner. What will you find? Explore WhereItsAt.com. (http://www.whereitsat.com/#/music/all-spots/355/47.796964/-66.374711/2/Youve-Found-Where-Its-At?ncid=eml cntnew00000007) Subject: Unexpected Behavior in Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?? From: OLCOOT1 AT aol.com Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 17:29:53 EDT June 6, 2009 Memphis, Shelby Co. TN I watched a male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher take over and incubate a clutch of eggs today after the female left the nest. He was settled on the nest for over 15 minutes. I have photos of him on the wire and then on the nest. The photo of the bird on the nest just shows the bird's long tail. Also this pair of birds and another pair have reused (at least what is left of a nest after a year of exposure to the weather) a nest in the exact site for a few years running. A hybrid female has re-nested in another spot since 2004, changing ends of the telephone cross bar in just one of those years. The following notes are copied from the section on Scissor-tailed FC in Cornell's "The Bird's of North America" Maintenance Or Reuse Of Nests, Alternate Nests No information on nest maintenance. Not observed to construct alternate nests or reuse nests during or in successive breeding seasons. Parental Behavior Incubation by female only >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Just curious if others have observed such behavior by other Scissor-tailed pairs? Here in Memphis, Western Kingbirds continually re-nest in exact spot year after year. Good Birding !!! Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA 6300 Memphis-Arlington Road Bartlett, TN 38135 http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/ What is this feathered thing that lifts my heart to the heavens. **************We found the real ‘Hotel California’ and the ‘Seinfeld’ diner. What will you find? Explore WhereItsAt.com. (http://www.whereitsat.com/#/music/all-spots/355/47.796964/-66.374711/2/Youve-Found-Where-Its-At?ncid=eml cntnew00000007) =================NOTES TO SUBSCRIBER===================== The TN-Bird Net requires you to SIGN YOUR MESSAGE with first and last name, CITY (TOWN) and state abbreviation. You are also required to list the COUNTY in which the birds you report were seen. The actual DATE OF OBSERVATION should appear in the first paragraph. _____________________________________________________________ To post to this mailing list, simply send email to: tn-bird AT freelists.org. _____________________________________________________________ To unsubscribe, send email to: tn-bird-request AT freelists.org with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field. ______________________________________________________________ TN-Bird Net is owned by the Tennessee Ornithological Society Neither the society(TOS) nor its moderator(s) endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Moderator: Wallace Coffey, Bristol, TN wallace AT bristolbirdclub.org ------------------------------ Assistant Moderator Andy Jones Cleveland, OH ------------------------------- Assistant Moderator Dave Worley Rosedale, VA __________________________________________________________ Visit the Tennessee Ornithological Society web site at http://www.tnbirds.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ARCHIVES TN-Bird Net Archives at http://www.freelists.org/archives/tn-bird/ MAP RESOURCES Tenn.Counties Map at http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/states/tennessee3.gif Aerial photos to complement google maps http://local.live.com _____________________________________________________________ Subject: Mystery Eggs From: "Jan Dubuisson" <jand AT cableone.net> Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 11:04:08 -0500 Missbirders: When marking nests in the Least Tern/Black Skimmer Colony in front of Beauvoir in Biloxi this past Wednesday, Jill High discovered a scrape along the south edge of the Skimmer colony that contained two mystery eggs. They are white, the exact size and shape of ping pong balls, non-glossy but hard, not leathery. They have a few striations, like "stretch marks". I will post a picture as soon as I get them back. Any ideas, other than mutated Skimmer eggs? They are on the east end of the Skimmer colony, close to the wrack line, and are marked with 3 red flags, if anyone wants to look at them. Please let me know if you observe anything incubating them. I have been working in these colonies for 2 years and have never seen anything like them. Jan Dubuisson Pass Christian jand AT cableone.net Subject: Blue Gray Gnatcather on Coast From: "Jan Dubuisson" <jand AT cableone.net> Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 10:55:10 -0500 Missbirders: I had a Gnatcatcher in my Mulberry tree yesterday morning about 9:30 am. I have never had one in my yard and certainly not at this time of year. Are there any coastal records in June? Jan Dubuisson Pass Christian jand AT cableone.net Subject: Re: Warlbers at LeFluers From: Matt Smith <mcsmitfl AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2009 15:25:10 -0700 (PDT) Pullen/MISSBIRDers: For what it's worth, I had a great morning for warblers today just a few miles up the Pearl from LeFleur's -- 10 species, in the span of about an hour, in an area maybe a quarter-mile square. (Prothonotary, Parula, Yellow-throated, Pine, Redstart, Hooded, Kentucky, Swainson's, Yellowthroat, and Chat.) In terms of sheer breeding warbler density, this site -- mostly mature bottomland hardwoods, near the end of Westbrook Rd. -- is probably tough to beat. Swarming with Redstarts in particular, and I was rarely out of earshot of one of several singing Swainson's. Perhaps the LeFleur's birds got wind of the Two Lakes plan and are hightailing it upriver? Matt Smith ________________________________ From: "PullenWatkins AT comcast.net" To: missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu Sent: Monday, June 1, 2009 8:25:25 AM Subject: [MISSBIRD] Warlbers at LeFluers Missbirders: Maybe I am panicking a little bit. I have not seen or heard, much in the way of warblers aside from Northern Paura and Prothonotary Warblers at LeFluers. I got a glimspe of a Yellow Throated Warbler. The birds don't seem as active there as usual. Please inform me on this. Pullen Madison, MS P.S. Yellow bellied Cuckoos have been there was bout 3 weeks or early April. Love their call and love to watch them. Subject: Re: Nightjar study From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:36:11 -0400 Jerry, Nice report.  You reminded me of two vehicles that stopped to ask if I had car trouble on my Natchez Trace route.  Also of Bullfrogs and others frogs that I can't ID.   Since I bombed out on my newly created Raymond route I will try and get over to the one I created last year below Forest.  It is from Marathon Lake toward Homewood.  It had three Chucks last year I believe, no Whips.   Sat would be the earliest I could go.  If anyone is interested in going along, let me know.  Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS -----Original Message----- From: Jerry L. Litton To: Missbird AT listserv.olemiss.edu Sent: Wed, 3 Jun 2009 8:26 am Subject: [MISSBIRD] Nightjar study I ran my routes: Benton and Tchula last night. The moon was waxing crescent about seventy percent, three days before full, and had an almost clear sky. The wind was still most of the evening except for a short soft blow near eleven PM. There was almost enough moonlight to write my reports on the hood of my truck but could not read my watch. The Benton route is from an intersection with highway 16 before the Benton town exit, and this road driving toward Vaughn and Deasonville going north and east. It’s all paved county road and numerous homes, has a mixed forest, agriculture, a few bottomland creeks, lots of ponds because I could hear Green Frogs along with the many Green Treefrogs and Gray Treefrogs that were everywhere. I had one chucks at the eight mile stop, and this is the first chucks on this route for the three years I’ve run it.           The Tchula route was a flurry of activity. Seventeen chucks, more than last year by three. Also had some other night active and calling wildlife. Barred Owls, maybe some Yellow-billed Cuckoos but not sure, they only gave a short chatter of the call and were moving around some, could hear them calling in the air. Also had, maybe it was a Yellow Breasted Chat but it sounded different by some sounds from their day talk. Besides not being sure about these, had some others, snorts and blurbs, I was unsure of, but they were interesting. I had the many same frogs plus a few Bullfrogs and maybe Spring peepers Tchula route. I saw several cats along the road side, a couple of dogs prowling and there were several deer. This ridge road crosses highway 17 just east of Tchula and I began about eleven miles north of this intersection. I drove south working the route. It really was an active wildlife presence. Pull offs are better on this road with a wider shoulder than the Benton route where it was necessary to locate pull offs going toward fields and cuts in the woods. Most of the roadside and pull-offs were un-kept grassed places. There are also numerous houses to avoid along both routes. Occasionally watch dogs would bark in the distance. Numerous vehicles passed by while I was stopped but no one stopped to ask if I had problems or was curious. A coupl e of them slowed some, most kept driving their same speed. I was able to get off the road completely at all pull-outs. These routes were run beginning near nine till about 1:30, and road traffic decreased with the lateness but there was always someone on the road. The habitat along this ridge road is different from Benton. Benton is much flatter with more level fields and creek bottoms. Along the ridge, there are some range land for grazing, some garden places, small churches on both roads, home sites looking like grassy islands among the numerous ravines and cudzoo covered slopes and wooded places that slope down and away in many directions. There wasn’t much to call farm land within sight of this route, but was the preferred way to use the land along the Benton route. Next, I will do the gravel road through Harrell Prarie and highway on the west of the Bienville National Forest. I hope for a chucks in Harrell Prairie but did not have any last year. This is a great place to visit on a moon lit night just the same.   Happy Birding Jerry L. Litton Jackson MS   Subject: Nightjar study From: "Jerry L. Litton" <littonsphac AT bellsouth.net> Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2009 08:26:02 -0500 I ran my routes: Benton and Tchula last night. The moon was waxing crescent about seventy percent, three days before full, and had an almost clear sky. The wind was still most of the evening except for a short soft blow near eleven PM. There was almost enough moonlight to write my reports on the hood of my truck but could not read my watch. The Benton route is from an intersection with highway 16 before the Benton town exit, and this road driving toward Vaughn and Deasonville going north and east. It's all paved county road and numerous homes, has a mixed forest, agriculture, a few bottomland creeks, lots of ponds because I could hear Green Frogs along with the many Green Treefrogs and Gray Treefrogs that were everywhere. I had one chucks at the eight mile stop, and this is the first chucks on this route for the three years I've run it. The Tchula route was a flurry of activity. Seventeen chucks, more than last year by three. Also had some other night active and calling wildlife. Barred Owls, maybe some Yellow-billed Cuckoos but not sure, they only gave a short chatter of the call and were moving around some, could hear them calling in the air. Also had, maybe it was a Yellow Breasted Chat but it sounded different by some sounds from their day talk. Besides not being sure about these, had some others, snorts and blurbs, I was unsure of, but they were interesting. I had the many same frogs plus a few Bullfrogs and maybe Spring peepers Tchula route. I saw several cats along the road side, a couple of dogs prowling and there were several deer. This ridge road crosses highway 17 just east of Tchula and I began about eleven miles north of this intersection. I drove south working the route. It really was an active wildlife presence. Pull offs are better on this road with a wider shoulder than the Benton route where it was necessary to locate pull offs going toward fields and cuts in the woods. Most of the roadside and pull-offs were un-kept grassed places. There are also numerous houses to avoid along both routes. Occasionally watch dogs would bark in the distance. Numerous vehicles passed by while I was stopped but no one stopped to ask if I had problems or was curious. A couple of them slowed some, most kept driving their same speed. I was able to get off the road completely at all pull-outs. These routes were run beginning near nine till about 1:30, and road traffic decreased with the lateness but there was always someone on the road. The habitat along this ridge road is different from Benton. Benton is much flatter with more level fields and creek bottoms. Along the ridge, there are some range land for grazing, some garden places, small churches on both roads, home sites looking like grassy islands among the numerous ravines and cudzoo covered slopes and wooded places that slope down and away in many directions. There wasn't much to call farm land within sight of this route, but was the preferred way to use the land along the Benton route. Next, I will do the gravel road through Harrell Prarie and highway on the west of the Bienville National Forest. I hope for a chucks in Harrell Prairie but did not have any last year. This is a great place to visit on a moon lit night just the same. Happy Birding Jerry L. Litton Jackson MS Subject: Spring bird records due From: Terence Schiefer <tschiefer AT entomology.msstate.edu> Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:11:39 -0500 MISSBIRDers: Its time to send your spring (March-May) season records to me. They should reach me by 15 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". 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: Nightjars From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:19:28 -0400 Attempted to create a new route last night between Clinton and Raymond on the Natchez Trace.? Things started?tough.? There was no where to pull off at my first milepost and the grass was high making it risky to park off the road.? As I sat half-way out of the road for?a moment with flashers flashing blue lights appeared behind me.? The roadway for this 10 miles was more narrow than normal with tight shoulders.? Gave up only after driving to 78 mile marker and finding only a few good places to stop.? No Nightjars detected in this whirlwind tour.? Did have a Barred owl and more frogs! Nightjars "jar you" in the night.? Well Whip-poor-wills yes, but Chucks are not jarring. They are more like soothing. Yes Allen, do be?discriminate around that dorm!? Good find on the Nighthawk.? Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS Subject: Black-bellied Whistling Ducks in Memphis From: OLCOOT1 AT aol.com Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 08:01:50 EDT May 31, 2009 Ensley Bottoms Shelby Co. TN On May 31, 2009, a pair of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were again observed resting at the "Pits" in Memphis. They rested in the same place for the 3 hours I was there. New photos were taken one showing the well adapted feet of this unique duck. This species has a nest site fidelity record of returns at about 50% so after copulation was seen last week we may be in store for more nesting by this pair and maybe some of the 5 others that returned last week. Photos: _http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/gallery/blackbellied_whistling_ducks_ (http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/gallery/blackbellied_whistling_ducks) Good Birding !!! Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA 6300 Memphis-Arlington Road Bartlett, TN 38135 http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/ What is this feathered thing that lifts my heart to the heavens. **************We found the real ‘Hotel California’ and the ‘Seinfeld’ diner. What will you find? Explore WhereItsAt.com. (http://www.whereitsat.com/#/music/all-spots/355/47.796964/-66.374711/2/Youve-Found-Where-Its-At?ncid=eml cntnew00000007) Subject: Black-bellied Whistling Ducks in Memphis From: OLCOOT1 AT aol.com Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 08:01:50 EDT May 31, 2009 Ensley Bottoms Shelby Co. TN On May 31, 2009, a pair of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were again observed resting at the "Pits" in Memphis. They rested in the same place for the 3 hours I was there. New photos were taken one showing the well adapted feet of this unique duck. This species has a nest site fidelity record of returns at about 50% so after copulation was seen last week we may be in store for more nesting by this pair and maybe some of the 5 others that returned last week. Photos: _http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/gallery/blackbellied_whistling_ducks_ (http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/gallery/blackbellied_whistling_ducks) Good Birding !!! Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA 6300 Memphis-Arlington Road Bartlett, TN 38135 http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/ What is this feathered thing that lifts my heart to the heavens. **************We found the real ‘Hotel California’ and the ‘Seinfeld’ diner. What will you find? Explore WhereItsAt.com. (http://www.whereitsat.com/#/music/all-spots/355/47.796964/-66.374711/2/Youve-Found-Where-Its-At?ncid=eml cntnew00000007) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Black-bellied Whistling Ducks in Memphis From: OLCOOT1 AT aol.com Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 08:01:50 EDT May 31, 2009 Ensley Bottoms Shelby Co. TN On May 31, 2009, a pair of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were again observed resting at the "Pits" in Memphis. They rested in the same place for the 3 hours I was there. New photos were taken one showing the well adapted feet of this unique duck. This species has a nest site fidelity record of returns at about 50% so after copulation was seen last week we may be in store for more nesting by this pair and maybe some of the 5 others that returned last week. Photos: _http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/gallery/blackbellied_whistling_ducks_ (http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/gallery/blackbellied_whistling_ducks) Good Birding !!! Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA 6300 Memphis-Arlington Road Bartlett, TN 38135 http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/ What is this feathered thing that lifts my heart to the heavens. **************We found the real ‘Hotel California’ and the ‘Seinfeld’ diner. What will you find? Explore WhereItsAt.com. (http://www.whereitsat.com/#/music/all-spots/355/47.796964/-66.374711/2/Youve-Found-Where-Its-At?ncid=eml cntnew00000007) =================NOTES TO SUBSCRIBER===================== The TN-Bird Net requires you to SIGN YOUR MESSAGE with first and last name, CITY (TOWN) and state abbreviation. You are also required to list the COUNTY in which the birds you report were seen. The actual DATE OF OBSERVATION should appear in the first paragraph. _____________________________________________________________ To post to this mailing list, simply send email to: tn-bird AT freelists.org. _____________________________________________________________ To unsubscribe, send email to: tn-bird-request AT freelists.org with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field. ______________________________________________________________ TN-Bird Net is owned by the Tennessee Ornithological Society Neither the society(TOS) nor its moderator(s) endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Moderator: Wallace Coffey, Bristol, TN wallace AT bristolbirdclub.org ------------------------------ Assistant Moderator Andy Jones Cleveland, OH ------------------------------- Assistant Moderator Dave Worley Rosedale, VA __________________________________________________________ Visit the Tennessee Ornithological Society web site at http://www.tnbirds.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ARCHIVES TN-Bird Net Archives at http://www.freelists.org/archives/tn-bird/ MAP RESOURCES Tenn.Counties Map at http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/states/tennessee3.gif Aerial photos to complement google maps http://local.live.com _____________________________________________________________ Subject: Unsubscribe From: "Kenneth Myron Bonnell" <thecob AT suddenlink.net> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 16:54:37 -0500 Unsubscribe Ken Bonnell Greenville, MS Subject: Nightjar report From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:12:36 -0400 I had my first?Whip-poor-will (third year to survey this one) and three Chuck-will's-Widows on the Natchez Trace Nightjar Survey Route!? For those who would like to hear it, it's at Mile 129 on the Natchez Trace above the Cypress Swamp.? You may hear a Chuck calling there too, as one was calling on my way back (along with the Whip).? To hear a Chuck, try the next 2 or 3 miles south.? Could not hear over the frogs at the swamp.? Also heard a Great Horned Owl, dodged a possum in the road, saw several small deer, and two Shooting Stars!?? A beautiful night to be out!? The shooting stars were at my last stop, just before turning around.? What a way to go out! Also, headed up the Trace after church to find a female King Rail on Lake Harbor.? Haven't taken a canoe up there in years, a kayak would be very nice, Phil.? Saw huge snake in the road, which headed for water before I could get there.? Still so far away I couldn't tell it was alive until it began to move? across the road.? Kingbirds fussed at me observing their three youngsters on a limb together.? Orioles, Yellowthroats, Galinules, and Moorhens.? Considering another Nightjar survey soon. Skipper Anding, Ridgeland, MS Subject: Re: Warlbers at LeFluers From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:58:06 -0400 Pullen, Saw a Prothonotary Sunday afternoon and heard another.??Maybe you couldn't hear over the mosquitoes!? They were tough after 5:00.? Heard the cuckoo, but didn't see any Night Herons. Skipper Anding -----Original Message----- From: PullenWatkins AT comcast.net To: missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu Sent: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 8:25 am Subject: [MISSBIRD] Warlbers at LeFluers Missbirders: ? Maybe I am panicking a little bit. I have not seen or heard, much in the way of warblers aside from Northern Paura and Prothonotary Warblers at LeFluers. I got a glimspe of a Yellow Throated Warbler. The birds don't seem as active there as usual.? Please inform me on this. ? Pullen Madison, MS ? P.S. Yellow bellied Cuckoos have been there was bout 3 weeks or early April. Love their call and love to watch them. Subject: RE: Warblers at LeFluers From: "Jerry L. Litton" <littonsphac AT bellsouth.net> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 09:38:08 -0500 Maybe similar to hummers: demand for food this time of year, one or two adults are feeding two or more nestlings and there isn't time to sing as much. Maybe even some predation on adults and even some abandonments of nesting responsibility due to frustration or fatigue or illness. Similar to humans with a new baby, the little critters take a lot of time and energy to nourish and keep clean and protected, and nest restoration for all the waddling, pecking and general discontent that children exert on their lodging. Yeehaw for babies and grandbabies and nestlings that reach fledging! It's a tough life for them and us, at times, and we don't always fly in the open spaces, whistle and sing either with similar responsibility. For Yellow-billed Cuckoos go there after and during a rain, why their name rain-crows: the sounds of rain drops from tree-tops on to lower leaves and forest floor, and rain-crows yodel is real music. Jerry L. Litton Jackson MS _____ From: owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu [mailto:owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu] On Behalf Of PullenWatkins AT comcast.net Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 8:25 AM To: missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu Subject: [MISSBIRD] Warlbers at LeFluers Missbirders: Maybe I am panicking a little bit. I have not seen or heard, much in the way of warblers aside from Northern Paura and Prothonotary Warblers at LeFluers. I got a glimspe of a Yellow Throated Warbler. The birds don't seem as active there as usual. Please inform me on this. Pullen Madison, MS P.S. Yellow bellied Cuckoos have been there was bout 3 weeks or early April. Love their call and love to watch them. Subject: Warlbers at LeFluers From: PullenWatkins AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 13:25:25 +0000 (UTC) Missbirders: Maybe I am panicking a little bit. I have not seen or heard, much in the way of warblers aside from Northern Paura and Prothonotary Warblers at LeFluers. I got a glimspe of a Yellow Throated Warbler. The birds don't seem as active there as usual.  Please inform me on this. Pullen Madison, MS P.S. Yellow bellied Cuckoos have been there was bout 3 weeks or early April. Love their call and love to watch them. Subject: Pipeline Road, Ross Barnett Reservoir From: "J. Allen Burrows" <rotteral AT aol.com> Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 22:04:56 -0500 The road itself is a mess. It appears that someone took the eponym seriously and then in the midst of digging, fabricating, backfilling and road reconstruction lost interest. You know the road is poorly maintained when the Little Green Herons are hunting in the potholes. But I took the kayak out Sunday morning (May 31) and had a grand time. 16 Purple Gallinules 5 Common Moorhens 2 Coots 15 Great Egrets 11 Little Blue Heron 7 Great Blue Heron 3 Little Green Heron 4 Least Bittern 1 Anhinga flying 1 Double Crest Cormorant drying wings 2 Common Yellowthroat, (many others audible) 1 Kingfisher 1 Female Summer Tanager eating wasps, I loved watching that 3 Eastern Kingbird 2 Orchard Oriole (many other singing) 4 Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (only aural) 1 Yellow Billed Cuckoo (the target bird for the day) 4 Blue Jays All the Red Winged Blackbirds a Detroit Hockey fan could ever wish for. Chickadees refused to be counted. Subject: Sat May 30 MCAS field trip Cancelled From: Jake Walker <jakenwalker AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 15:32:35 -0700 (PDT) Sorry folks, but the trip to the Bone Yard Lake Ibis Rookery in the Pascagoula WMA scheduled for this Saturday will be post-poned due to high water.  I tried to reach the site this afternoon, but the whole area is under several feet of water.  I hope to reschedule in the coming weeks, once the water recedes.  I will keep you posted. Jake Walker __________________________________________________________________ Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new Yahoo! Mail. Click on Options in Mail and switch to New Mail today or register for free at http://mail.yahoo.ca Subject: Re: Even more on Mockers From: "Kenneth Myron Bonnell" <thecob AT suddenlink.net> Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 16:24:25 -0500 Whew! A far cry from the 1856 "mock-bird" in John Greenleaf Whittier's poem, Maud Muller! Ken Bonnell Greenville, MS ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ned and Lucy Boyajian" To: "MISSBIRD" Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 11:37 AM Subject: [MISSBIRD] Even more on Mockers > Missbirders > RE the following: > If you're simply willing to take their word for it (as I am) read below. > If you want to know why they think so it will cost you $30+ dollars at the > "Current Biology" website > I'm not sure where the "29" came from. There are only about 19 species of > mockingbirds and about 35 Mimidae altogether -neither fits. > > Curr. Biol. .2009. > > Mockingbird songs are more elaborate in species that live in more variable > climates. > > Carlos Botero of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and his > colleagues analysed almost 100 separate recordings spanning 29 species of > mockingbird collected from across the New World. Places where > precipitation and temperature were more variable and less predictable had > birds that sang more consistently, had a broader repertoire and were > better at copying the calls of other species. > > The researchers suspect that the correlation relates to a sexual display > of fitness, either spurred by increased competition for limited resources > and females in variable climes, or tracking with neurological adaptations > needed to survive in an unpredictable world. > > *Carlos A. Botero**^1 > **^, > **^2 > **^, > **^Corresponding Author Contact Information > **^, > **^E-mail The Corresponding Author **, > Neeltje J. Boogert**^3 > **, > Sandra L. Vehrencamp**^2 > ** > and Irby J. Lovette**^2 > * > > ^1 National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, 2024 West Main Street, Suite > A200, Durham, NC 27705, USA > > ^2 Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, 159 Sapsucker Woods > Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA > > ^3 Department of Biology, McGill University, Stewart Biology Building, > 1205 Docteur Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada > > This hypothesis is supported by larger brain sizes [6] > , > higher foraging innovation rates [7] > , > [8] > > and [9] > , > higher reproductive flexibility [10] > , > [11] > > and [12] > , > and higher sociality [13] > > in species living in more variable climates. Male songbirds sing to > attract females and repel rivals [14] > . > Given the reliance of these displays on learning and innovation, we > hypothesized that they could also be affected by climatic patterns. Here > we show that in the mockingbird family (Aves: Mimidae), species subject to > more variable and unpredictable climates have more elaborate song > displays. > > > > We discuss two potential mechanisms for this result, both of which > acknowledge that the complexity of song displays is largely driven by > sexual selection [15] > > and [16] > . > First, stronger selection in more variable and unpredictable climates > could lead to the elaboration of signals of quality [14] > , > [17] > , > [18] > , > [19] > > and [20] > . > Alternatively, selection for enhanced learning and innovation in more > variable and unpredictable climates might lead to the evolution of signals > of intelligence in the context of mate attraction [14] > , > [21] > , > [22] > > and [23] > . > > Subject: RE: Nightjar Survey Begins May 31 From: "littonsphac" <littonsphac AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 15:01:15 -0500 On one of my nightjars routes last year along the ridge road east of Tchula I had a whooping 12 or 13 chucks and the year before didn't have any. I also added a Forest MS route including the Harrell Prairie road and then across the I 20 bridge along that road. I didn't have any chucks in the prairie but had 3 along the road. My Benton route didn't have any chucks the second year in a row. Jerry L. litton Jackson MS _____ From: owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu [mailto:owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu] On Behalf Of skipperand AT aol.com Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:12 AM To: Missbird AT listserv.olemiss.edu Subject: [MISSBIRD] Nightjar Survey Begins May 31 I see it's time for the Nightjar Survey again! I had 3 Chuck-will Widows the first two years on the Natchez Trace route north of Jackson. Remember the moon must be above the horizon and shining (no clouds). On May 31 the moon will be up at sunset! Yea! It will set at 12:30. Note that by June 7 (you have until June 15) the moon will be coming up after dark. You can check the Naval Observatory website in needed for moonrise. I have had to go out after midnight before, so if it is clear early in the window better get hopping while the hopping is good! Oh, I also created a new route south of Forest last year, which had 2 or 3 Chucks. Hope to cover it again also. Last year my schedule, cloud cover and moonrise gave me plenty of trouble, but finally completed both. I really enjoy hearing the Chucks in the night! Good luck everyone! Skipper Anding Ridgeland, MS http://ccb.wm.edu/nightjar/nightjar.htm http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php _____ Just Two? Get Easy to Make Recipes. Sign Up - Free Email Newsletter. Subject: Re: Even more on Mockers From: Matt Smith <mcsmitfl AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 10:00:56 -0700 (PDT) Here's another take on the same study, which clarifies that the 29 species represent mimids in general (including catbirds and thrashers, not just mockingbirds) and account for "the majority" of the family. http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/44023/title/For_some_birds,_chancy_climates_mean_better_singers Matt Smith ________________________________ From: Ned and Lucy Boyajian To: MISSBIRD Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 11:37:35 AM Subject: [MISSBIRD] Even more on Mockers Missbirders RE the following: If you're simply willing to take their word for it (as I am) read below. If you want to know why they think so it will cost you $30+ dollars at the "Current Biology" website I'm not sure where the "29" came from. There are only about 19 species of mockingbirds and about 35 Mimidae altogether -neither fits. Curr. Biol. .2009. Mockingbird songs are more elaborate in species that live in more variable climates. Carlos Botero of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and his colleagues analysed almost 100 separate recordings spanning 29 species of mockingbird collected from across the New World. Places where precipitation and temperature were more variable and less predictable had birds that sang more consistently, had a broader repertoire and were better at copying the calls of other species. The researchers suspect that the correlation relates to a sexual display of fitness, either spurred by increased competition for limited resources and females in variable climes, or tracking with neurological adaptations needed to survive in an unpredictable world. *Carlos A. Botero**^1 **^, **^2 **^, **^Corresponding Author Contact Information **^, **^E-mail The Corresponding Author **, Neeltje J. Boogert**^3 **, Sandra L. Vehrencamp**^2 ** and Irby J. Lovette**^2 * ^1 National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, 2024 West Main Street, Suite A200, Durham, NC 27705, USA ^2 Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA ^3 Department of Biology, McGill University, Stewart Biology Building, 1205 Docteur Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada This hypothesis is supported by larger brain sizes [6] , higher foraging innovation rates [7] , [8] and [9] , higher reproductive flexibility [10] , [11] and [12] , and higher sociality [13] in species living in more variable climates. Male songbirds sing to attract females and repel rivals [14] . Given the reliance of these displays on learning and innovation, we hypothesized that they could also be affected by climatic patterns. Here we show that in the mockingbird family (Aves: Mimidae), species subject to more variable and unpredictable climates have more elaborate song displays. We discuss two potential mechanisms for this result, both of which acknowledge that the complexity of song displays is largely driven by sexual selection [15] and [16] . First, stronger selection in more variable and unpredictable climates could lead to the elaboration of signals of quality [14] , [17] , [18] , [19] and [20] . Alternatively, selection for enhanced learning and innovation in more variable and unpredictable climates might lead to the evolution of signals of intelligence in the context of mate attraction [14] , [21] , [22] and [23] . Subject: Even more on Mockers From: Ned and Lucy Boyajian <nedlucyboyajian AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 11:37:35 -0500 Missbirders RE the following: If you're simply willing to take their word for it (as I am) read below. If you want to know why they think so it will cost you $30+ dollars at the "Current Biology" website I'm not sure where the "29" came from. There are only about 19 species of mockingbirds and about 35 Mimidae altogether -neither fits. Curr. Biol. .2009. Mockingbird songs are more elaborate in species that live in more variable climates. Carlos Botero of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and his colleagues analysed almost 100 separate recordings spanning 29 species of mockingbird collected from across the New World. Places where precipitation and temperature were more variable and less predictable had birds that sang more consistently, had a broader repertoire and were better at copying the calls of other species. The researchers suspect that the correlation relates to a sexual display of fitness, either spurred by increased competition for limited resources and females in variable climes, or tracking with neurological adaptations needed to survive in an unpredictable world. *Carlos A. Botero**^1 **^, **^2 **^, **^Corresponding Author Contact Information **^, **^E-mail The Corresponding Author **, Neeltje J. Boogert**^3 **, Sandra L. Vehrencamp**^2 ** and Irby J. Lovette**^2 * ^1 National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, 2024 West Main Street, Suite A200, Durham, NC 27705, USA ^2 Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA ^3 Department of Biology, McGill University, Stewart Biology Building, 1205 Docteur Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada This hypothesis is supported by larger brain sizes [6] , higher foraging innovation rates [7] , [8] and [9] , higher reproductive flexibility [10] , [11] and [12] , and higher sociality [13] in species living in more variable climates. Male songbirds sing to attract females and repel rivals [14] . Given the reliance of these displays on learning and innovation, we hypothesized that they could also be affected by climatic patterns. Here we show that in the mockingbird family (Aves: Mimidae), species subject to more variable and unpredictable climates have more elaborate song displays. We discuss two potential mechanisms for this result, both of which acknowledge that the complexity of song displays is largely driven by sexual selection [15] and [16] . First, stronger selection in more variable and unpredictable climates could lead to the elaboration of signals of quality [14] , [17] , [18] , [19] and [20] . Alternatively, selection for enhanced learning and innovation in more variable and unpredictable climates might lead to the evolution of signals of intelligence in the context of mate attraction [14] , [21] , [22] and [23] . Subject: Nightjar Survey Begins May 31 From: skipperand AT aol.com Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 10:11:40 -0400 I see it's time for the Nightjar Survey again!? I had?3 Chuck-will Widows the first two years on the Natchez Trace route north of Jackson. Remember the moon must be above the horizon and shining (no clouds).? On May 31 the moon will be up at sunset!? Yea!? It will set?at 12:30.?? Note that by June?7 (you have until June 15)?the moon will be coming up after dark.? You can check the Naval Observatory website in needed for moonrise.? I have had?to go out after midnight before, so if it is clear early in the window better get hopping while the hopping is good! Oh, I also created a new route south of Forest last year, which had 2 or 3 Chucks.? Hope to cover it again also.? Last year my schedule, cloud cover and?moonrise?gave me plenty of trouble, but finally completed both.? I really enjoy hearing the Chucks in the night!? Good luck everyone! Skipper Anding Ridgeland, MS http://ccb.wm.edu/nightjar/nightjar.htm http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php Subject: Black-bellied Whistling Duck at Deer Island From: Jake Walker <jakenwalker AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 07:25:02 -0700 (PDT) Yesterday, around noon, we observed one Black-bellied Whistling Duck sitting on an old chair in the salt pannes at Deer Island. When we approached, it took off and landed on top of a dead pine tree. The tide was extra high, so not too many shorebirds were around, but two White-rumped Sandpipers flew close by. One White-rump visited the boat launch at Grand Bay earlier in the morning. Oystercatchers appear to be nesting on Deer Island and at Grand Bay, though no nests have been found yet this spring. Good Birding Jake Walker Grand Bay NERR Moss Point, MS __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ Subject: Judith Toups Least Tern Memorial Highway From: "Doug and Claire" <english4 AT datasync.com> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 22:01:36 -0500 Exciting news. A portion of US 90 is going to be named for Judy. On Jun 19th (probably at 9am, but time to be announced closer to time) there wil be a sign unveiling ceremony. Where: SW corner of HWY 90/ COWAN RD - by the old Fun Time USA property. Please come out and celebrate and spread the word to those without computers. And if someone can post this on MISSBIRD I'd be grateful. Alison Henry (228 861 1956) __._,_.___ Posting for Alison Henry Claire English Vancleave, MS Subject: No Subject From: Craig Lucker <southernautoglass AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 18:28:15 -0700 (PDT) Unsubscribe Subject: honoring Judy Toups From: sharon milligan <2sharon123 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 17:16:30 -0500 Posting for Alison Henry. Exciting news. A portion of US 90 is going to be named for Judy. On Jun 19th (probably at 9am, but time to be announced closer to time) there wil be a sign unveiling ceremony. Where: SW corner of HWY 90/ COWAN RD - by the old Fun Time USA property. Please come out and celebrate and spread the word to those without computers. Alison Henry(228 861 1956) Subject: another idea? From: "Jerry L. Litton" <littonsphac AT bellsouth.net> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 16:29:15 -0500 Any birders know if, because of hurricane demolition of nature landscape and suitable locations and essential elements due to long term recovery, if coastal nesting communities do indeed move more inland to accommodate their necessary function to reproduce, therefore to intensify competition for food stuff and nest site and material needs, there fore pushing the inland species nesters more northern for the same reasons? Or do they move side to side, East or West, keeping to coastal plains and marsh and more open Cyprus swamps, as compared to the closer communities of river oxbow and depression type smaller swamps of river delta systems, but adjust their nest needs to what is available and to keep to their natural flora and fauna essentials. Any body out there? Jerry L. Litton Jackson MS Subject: RE: Memorial Day birding on the Yazoo NWR From: "littonsphac" <littonsphac AT bellsouth.net> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 16:12:19 -0500 Philip, can you tell me anything about the Roseate? Is it a mature bird with identifying mating kind of colors? The reason I ask, the roseate was located nesting at White's Lane Slough a few years ago, and only a few miles away overland, and Mary Stevens was one of the identifiers of that historic occasion. White's Lane is near Yazoo City and off of W. 49, on the back side of some catfish ponds. I saw the young and nest of the season and went again the next year but did not find the birds in the swamp. If you know where the walk over platform is at Lizard Lake behind the Yazoo main office area, that is where rosettes often wade and feed, but usually later in the season. Lizard Lake dries up but with all the rain I expect it is full today. Those are often young birds. I expect Cox Ponds would be another place roseates would wade, and if nesting at Yazoo, Swan Lake swamp would probably be the likely site, there are other swamp nesters there, but access is only by canoe or harder by boat after a pretty long portage overland. If David sees this, maybe he has some news. That would be pretty exciting if Yazoo got some rosettes on a nest. Jerry L. litton Jackson MS -----Original Message----- From: owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu [mailto:owner-missbird AT willow.olemiss.edu] On Behalf Of Barbour, Philip - Madison, MS Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:45 PM To: MISSBIRD Subject: [MISSBIRD] Memorial Day birding on the Yazoo NWR MissBird, Yesterday, Memorial Day, Monday 25 May 2009 I birded a half day from Sidon on down to and through the Yazoo NWR with Katherine B., Sally and David Howard, and Jo Robinson (in-laws). We tallied 74 species mostly on the refuge. Highlights were: Least Tern - 3 flying over Deer Lake - the Mississippi River is high and many sandbars are under water. Least Bittern - 6 in the Southern Wild Rice or Giant Cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea) and Lotus in Deer Lake and Alligator Pond. We had outstanding looks at this fine bird that remarkably weighs less than three ounces. Roseate Spoonbill - 1 Adult flying near Deer Lake. Seems a little early for this wader that is becoming more common in the Delta each year. Black-bellied Whistling Duck - ~15+ Seen standing and sitting in cypress trees, in and on nest boxes, and flying about Deer Lake and Alligator Pond. These beautiful tree ducks show their affinities with the geese in their lack of sexual dimorphism. Plegadis sp. - ~ 10+ dark ibis (Identified as White-faced Ibis based on red pupil and reddish facial skin and white margin, but I'm not 100% on this one because of the distance from us to the birds even with a scope). Philip Philip J. Barbour, Ph.D. Wildlife Biologist USDA NRCS Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center 100 Webster Circle, Suite 2 Madison, Mississippi 39110 Office (601) 607-3131 Fax (601) 607-3139 Cellular (601) 260-5158 philip.barbour AT ms.usda.gov http://www.whmi.nrcs.usda.gov/