Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Missouri > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Saturday, March 13 at 10:40 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Eastern Bluebird,©Mimi Hoppe Wolf

13 Mar Administrative: List Rules [Susan Hazelwood ] 13 Mar Re: Heron back on rookery [Terry McNeely ] 13 Mar Correction and photos: Glaucous and lesser black-backed gulls at Long Branch SP (NO Iceland gull) [Peter Kondrashov ] 13 Mar Walkie-Talkies thingamajiggers- what do I get? [Chrissy McClarren ] 13 Mar Re: Columbia Bottom CA - March 13 [Chrissy McClarren ] 13 Mar Re: Squaw Creek NWR and Pony Express CA [James Hickner ] 13 Mar Greater Prairie Chicken Day - Kellerton Iowa [Matthew Torres ] 13 Mar Heron back on rookery [Mike Doyen ] 13 Mar Long Branch Lake [Jean Leonatti ] 13 Mar Columbia Bottom CA - March 13 [Joshua Uffman ] 13 Mar Iceland and lesser black-backed gulls still at Long Branch SP [Peter Kondrashov ] 13 Mar Tundra & Trumpeter Swans, Otter Slough CA, Stoddard Co., 3/13 [Chris Barrigar ] 13 Mar Question about List Serve Rules [Mark Gutchen ] 13 Mar Re: Woodcock and Owl Prowl - St. Louis area [Mike Grant ] 13 Mar RMBS Confluence Road Friday [Al and Lois Smith ] 12 Mar St. L. area. Lotta nuthin [Bill Rudden ] 12 Mar Livingston Co. birds [Dianne & Steve Kinder ] 12 Mar The Willis' Gull [Joshua Uffman ] 12 Mar New Pics from around the area [Clark Creighton ] 12 Mar Squaw Creek NWR and Pony Express CA [Terry McNeely ] 12 Mar Re: Eastern Towhee TGP/darn field guides! [Chrissy McClarren ] 12 Mar Re: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 [Bob Fisher ] 13 Mar Re: No AMWO @ Jay Dix MKT Entrance [Nicholas March ] 12 Mar Fw: Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough [Jackie Chain ] 12 Mar No AMWO @ Jay Dix MKT Entrance [Chase Darr ] 12 Mar Re: Eastern Towhee TGP [Bill Rudden ] 12 Mar Adults lesser black-backed and Iceland gulls at Long Branch SP Adair Co. [Peter Kondrashov ] 12 Mar Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough [Chrissy McClarren ] 12 Mar Re: Greater Yellowlegs at Columbia Bottoms [Chrissy McClarren ] 12 Mar Photo of Owl Fledgeling in Pine Tree, Tower Grove Park [Benson Schliesser ] 12 Mar WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough [Jackie Chain ] 12 Mar An Easier Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Otter Slough CA, 3/11 [Chris Barrigar ] 12 Mar Additional Thoughts on The Gull... [Doug Willis ] 11 Mar Re: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 [Todd Easterla ] 11 Mar More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 [Doug Willis ] 11 Mar Fri Nite Woodcock Walk at Martha Lafite [Ruth Simmons ] 11 Mar Re: Squaw Creek ["Christine Kline, Secretary" ] 11 Mar Squaw Creek [Barbara Jahn ] 11 Mar Greater Yellowlegs at Columbia Bottoms [Dave Haenni ] 11 Mar Re: Northern Shrike- near Thomas Hill (3/10) [Edge ] 11 Mar Northern Shrike- near Thomas Hill (3/10) [Andrew Forbes ] 11 Mar TGP owl fledgling [Gail Ahumada ] 11 Mar roadrunner [Lawrence Herbert ] 11 Mar Re: Size Difference In Pectoral Sandpipers, Otter Slough CA, 3/10 [Edge ] 11 Mar Size Difference In Pectoral Sandpipers, Otter Slough CA, 3/10 [Chris Barrigar ] 11 Mar Turkey Vulture [David Rogles ] 10 Mar Re: Allenton Access - Am. Woodcock [Chrissy McClarren ] 10 Mar Rare Penguin Photographed. Link [Clark Creighton ] 10 Mar Chillcothe area birds [Dianne & Steve Kinder ] 10 Mar Re: GHOW, Tower Grove Park, St. Louis ["Jason G. Harrison" ] 10 Mar Re: GHOW, Tower Grove Park, St. Louis [Chrissy McClarren ] 10 Mar Allenton Access - Am. Woodcock [Joshua Uffman ] 10 Mar GHOW, Tower Grove Park, St. Louis ["Jason G. Harrison" ] 10 Mar Smithville, 3/10 [Bob Fisher ] 10 Mar Baby owl on display in St. Louis [Mick Richardson ] 10 Mar Short-Ears Aplenty [Richard L Brown ] 10 Mar PIWA [Lawrence Herbert ] 10 Mar FOY Phoebe in Elsah [Tom Fuller ] 10 Mar Forest Park, 3/10/2010 [Sherry McCowan ] 10 Mar Turkey gulls - Smithville lake area ["Miller, Terry" ] 10 Mar binoculars [Rose McClarren ] 9 Mar Woodcock in Chesterfield, St. Louis County [Michael Grant ] 9 Mar Binocs (new Swarovision EL binocular ) ["Patrick Harrison (Home)" ] 9 Mar Woodcock and Owl Prowl - St. Louis area [Mike Grant ] 9 Mar Smithville Lake Gulls, etc. 3-9-10 [Doug Willis ] 9 Mar Riverlands/Columbia Bottoms Sightings - Tree Swallows! - 3/9/10 [Chrissy McClarren ] 9 Mar Swope Park Eagle [Linda Byrd ] 9 Mar March Wallpaper (mobirds.org) ["Patrick Harrison (Home)" ] 9 Mar That frog/phoebe spring thing again [Matt Donovan ] 9 Mar Re frogs of spring [jan neale ] 9 Mar In my Kirkwood yard, 3/9/10 [Margy Terpstra ] 9 Mar Greater Prairie Chickens just inside Iowa [Matthew Torres ] 9 Mar RFI: Taberville chicken leks (no sightings) [Philip Wire ] 9 Mar Spring [Matt Donovan ] 9 Mar SEOWs, McComas Road, Clinton County [Linda Williams ] 9 Mar NO SIGHTING--Cleanup at Creve Coeur Park and the Confluence [Mitch Leachman ] Subject: Administrative: List Rules From: Susan Hazelwood <hazelwoods AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:40:37 -0600 Following Mark Gutchen's request I'm re-posting the administrative guidelines for MOBirds-L. They follow. Generally Dave Scheu and I (MOBirds-L owners) hope the list set-regulates. Occasionally we do send private messages making requests of posters. We try to avoid public embarrassment. We generally find that rule # 3 in the list below is the most violated rule. ------------------------------ LIST ETIQUETTE / RULES Remember that posts to the MOBirds-L listserv will be seen by over 600 subscribers. Please follow these netiquette provisions. 1. Remember that MOBirds-L is used to discuss wild bird related activities and sightings, and things of interest to those who enjoy wild birds. We do tend to focus on Missouri's wild birds but that is not mandatory. Advertising of commercial ventures is not allowed. Political discussions are not allowed. 2. Please be polite and courteous. Keep flames and personal messages off the list. 3. Always use your real name for signing your postings; "handles" are not allowed. We request that you include your email address, and city and county of residence, in your signature block. This enables other readers to "place" your bird sightings and to contact you if they have questions about your post. 4. Give a descriptive Subject Line to all your postings. This also makes life easier for other subscribers. 5. Discuss only one subject per post. This makes it easier for other subscribers to file your message in the right folder. 6. Keep your posts short and to the point. When you reply to a message include only the part of the previous message that is essential to the reader's understanding of your reply. Do not send "I agree" type messages; those are the ones with no additional content besides supporting a previous post. 7. Show restraint in the number of posts you send. 8. On the other hand, don't be bashful or afraid to post a message. All of us were new to the list at one point in time and we will understand if you make a mistake while you're learning. --------------------------- A topic that sometimes comes up is solicitation of money through the list to support a non-for-profit. Dave and I have OK'ed that in the past. But, we wouldn't want to see more than a few posts for a single non-profit organization. Ditto with the announcing of non-profit meetings that require registration fees. Re: Mark's question about posts from individuals who want to sell personal birding equipment. One post announcing the item for sale and the subscriber's contact information would be OK. But again, this must be non-commercial and non-repetitive for postings to the list. The Audubon Society of Missouri has created a trading post on their web site where ASM members can post equipment for sale. See http://www.mobirds.org/classifieds/default.asp for their rules. GOOD BIRDING Susan Susan Hazelwood, MOBirds-L List Co-Owner Columbia, Boone County, MO hazelwoods AT mchsi.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Re: Heron back on rookery From: Terry McNeely <terrymcneely AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:22:37 -0500 I noticed three herons standing on the nests in the rookery by Stewartsville yesterday on the way home from St. Joseph Terry McNeely 25843 Grate Ave Jameson, MO 64647 Daviess County Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:19:44 -0800 From: mdoyen AT YAHOO.COM Subject: Heron back on rookery To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU While driving to Bohigian CA this morning through Newburgh I noticed four heron sittin on the rookery along Little Piney Creek. .. Bird by bird I've come to know the earth. Pablo Neruda. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_1 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Correction and photos: Glaucous and lesser black-backed gulls at Long Branch SP (NO Iceland gull) From: Peter Kondrashov <pkondrash AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:17:26 -0600 After getting closer looks at the large gull with white wing tips at Long Branch SP (Macon Co.) I came to the conclusion that it is a glaucous and NOT an Iceland gull. When I watched the gull yesterday at a greater distance it seemed smaller and billed looked thinner. Today I got closer looks and also had several herring gulls in the vicinity for comparison. My gull was slightly larger than the herrings, while Iceland is supposed to be smaller. The bill had a black tip indicating that this is a third-cycle bird and the bill was not thin. Also as the wingtips were absolutely white, so if it were Iceland it had to be the nominative subspecies glaucoides, which does not occur inland in the US. So my conclusion: it is a glaucous gull. Here are few very distant, but identifiable photos: Glacuous gull: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319519904486754 http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319534986498834 http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319550527318994 http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319560930912770 Lesser black-backed gull: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319580651580514 http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319598307499650 Sorry for the confusion and false alarm with the iceland gull. As always, comments on identification are greatly appreciated. Good gulling, PK -- Peter Kondrashov Kirksville, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Walkie-Talkies thingamajiggers- what do I get? From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:53:48 -0800 I have been on field trips with folks who used walkie-talkies when following each other in cars.  I want to buy a pair.  What kind should I get?  I was looking at a pair of Motorola 22 channel Walkie-Talkies.  Are those compatible, universal, okay, or whatever?  I am going birding at Squaw Creek with some kind MOBIRD folks next weekend who have volunteered to show my husband and I their neck of the woods - and those do-hickeys, uh, walkie-talkie things, would make it a lot easier to bird from our cars.   Peripherally related stuff...   Also, to my great consternation, I was recently in the field at Riverlands when I ran into a fellow birder who said if I'd had them, he could have been radioing me what he saw while we were both out there. So, a lightbulb went on in the old noggin thanks to this fellow birder.  I think these gadgets could come in mighty handy, eh?   I think I saw Josh and his daughter out at Columbia Bottom CA today, too. (From his post, I am almost sure, now.)  It would have been great to have them then, too.  Of course, I would have had to run him down, and he would have had to have one and be willing to turn it on.  Well, anyway, I can see the benefits for those of us who run into the field and want to share.  I don't have a cell-phone or I-phone or whatever text-messaging thing people use to get MOBIRDS messages instantly - and transmit them.  Gotta figure that out, too.    Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com     ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Re: Columbia Bottom CA - March 13 From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:33:11 -0800 I haven't started reporting to CACHE yet. How far back can I report my findings?  Guess I need to get my derriere figuring that out (it was my new year's resolution).    Add two GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and my husband and I saw everything Josh mentioned at Columbia Bottom CA today but the Merlin.  We also saw all the birds I have mentioned in previous posts.  Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com --- On Sat, 3/13/10, Joshua Uffman wrote: From: Joshua Uffman Subject: Columbia Bottom CA - March 13 To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:06 PM All:  I had to be in north St. Louis County earlier today so I swung by Columbia Bottom CA with my 10-year old daugther.  Not sure what is going on in my house, but she actually said, "Dad, let's go birding...  Quite possibly some of the most beautiful words I have ever heard. her say.   Many of the same species that have been reported as of late continue.  Waterfowl numbers seemed a bit down from last weekend but still in in good numbers.  We did add ~30 BLUE-WINGED TEAL (not seen last weekend by me) and a new species for the CA (according to CACHE), an AMERICAN BLACK DUCK in the last pool on the east end of the gravel road.  Also in that same area were at least 25 AMERICAN PIPITS walking the mudflats.  No shorebirds for us other than Killdeer.  However the highlight for us was a MERLIN chasing the blackbirds around right near the main entrance of the CA.  Hannah said that was her favorite bird of the morning because of how it moved - Which, she's right, they move pretty darn cool!   Josh    Joshua Uffman St. Louis County, MO Birdsandbugs AT sbcglobal.net MO-Records: www.showme-birds.com Bird Photos: http://www.pbase.com/jpuf ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Re: Squaw Creek NWR and Pony Express CA From: James Hickner <hickner AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:24:09 -0800 My internet security software showed that the hotmail which claims to be trusted email with Spam protection is an infected site. I have to delete all emails which contains this and I do not want to take any chance of infecting my computer. I suggest that this hotmail site be removed.  Thank you, Jim Hickner hicknr AT sbcglobal.net ________________________________ From: Terry McNeely To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Sent: Fri, March 12, 2010 8:06:41 PM Subject: Squaw Creek NWR and Pony Express CA Despite the forecast I ventured to Squaw Creek  today and then stopped by Pony Express CA on the way home. Had a great day at Squaw Creek 10:30am - 2:00pm.  I tallied 36 species despite not being able to get into the Mallard Marsh/Pintail Pool areas due to flooding yesterday. The main pool appeared to be about 50% ice free, with alot of the ice very rotten, so much that the Goldeneye were swimming underneath and coming up through the crumbling ice. I had 20 species of waterfowl 14 Ducks 3 Geese 2 Mergansers 1  Swan  (14 Trumpeters) Best birds of the day were the 4 Sandhill Cranes in the Corn field, I enjoyed listening to them vocalize. Stopped by Pony Express CA on the way home to see what might be there spent an hour and come up with 20 species, 11 of them waterfowl.  I finally found the Redheads 30+ and was very surprised to find 5 Trumpeter Swans and 70 common mergansers Terry McNeely 25843 Grate Ave Jameson, MO  64647 Daviess County ________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Greater Prairie Chicken Day - Kellerton Iowa From: Matthew Torres <matthewt34 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:50:55 -0600 The Kellerton Bird Conservation Area will be holding its annual Greater Prairie Chicken Day on April 10th, 2010. Kellerton is about 10-12 west of I-35 (Exit 12) on Hwy 2 in southern Iowa. The viewing stand is located two miles west of Kellerton on Hwy 2 and one mile south on 300th Ave. The event will be from sunrise to about 9AM. Information is already available at the viewing stand, but so far I have not been able to find anything online. The DNR and many of the birders who attend usually bring spotting scopes and there is also information to read, donuts to eat, and something to drink. It’s a great way to meet other birders and see a wonderful prairie bird. For more information call: 515-238-5708 (DNR Biologist) 641-464-2389 (DNR Unit) Matthew Torres Leon, IA ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Heron back on rookery From: Mike Doyen <mdoyen AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:19:44 -0800 While driving to Bohigian CA this morning through Newburgh I noticed four heron sittin on the rookery along Little Piney Creek. .. Bird by bird I've come to know the earth. Pablo Neruda. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Long Branch Lake From: Jean Leonatti <jleonatti AT CMAAA.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:15:50 -0600 We were able to re-locate the Lesser Black-backed Gull around noon, but did not find the Iceland. Saws lots of Ring-billeds in the fields as we approached the Macon area from the south. In the marina cove, we had three Red-breasted Mergansers (one male, two females), 10 Common, and 5 Hooded. More Common's out in the main body of the lake; a Horned Grebe was up close to the dam. Did a quick drive through Thomas Hill on causeway, and the boat ramp on the west side - had a single Bonaparte's Gull and one Great Blue Heron - no waterfowl at all. Eurasian Collared Doves are increasing at Shepherd's Buffalo Farm. Jean Leonatti Boone County, Columbia, MO jleonatti AT cmaaa.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Columbia Bottom CA - March 13 From: Joshua Uffman <birdsandbugs AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:06:51 -0800 All:  I had to be in north St. Louis County earlier today so I swung by Columbia Bottom CA with my 10-year old daugther.  Not sure what is going on in my house, but she actually said, "Dad, let's go birding...  Quite possibly some of the most beautiful words I have ever heard. her say. Many of the same species that have been reported as of late continue.  Waterfowl numbers seemed a bit down from last weekend but still in in good numbers.  We did add ~30 BLUE-WINGED TEAL (not seen last weekend by me) and a new species for the CA (according to CACHE), an AMERICAN BLACK DUCK in the last pool on the east end of the gravel road.  Also in that same area were at least 25 AMERICAN PIPITS walking the mudflats.  No shorebirds for us other than Killdeer.  However the highlight for us was a MERLIN chasing the blackbirds around right near the main entrance of the CA.  Hannah said that was her favorite bird of the morning because of how it moved - Which, she's right, they move pretty darn cool! Josh  Joshua Uffman St. Louis County, MO Birdsandbugs AT sbcglobal.net MO-Records: www.showme-birds.com Bird Photos: http://www.pbase.com/jpuf ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Iceland and lesser black-backed gulls still at Long Branch SP From: Peter Kondrashov <pkondrash AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:43:37 -0600 I quickly relocated Iceland and lesser black-backed gulls today (03.13.10) AT 3:30 on the ice across from the middle of the dam. The black and the white really stand out in the bunch. Took some additional photos. Later, PK Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Windows® phone. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Tundra & Trumpeter Swans, Otter Slough CA, Stoddard Co., 3/13 From: Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar AT LIVE.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:31:17 -0700 Spring Greetings! During a very quick jaunt out to Otter Slough CA this a.m., I was only able to make a loop around Conservation Lane and then drive down CR to Pool 17. It's a good thing I did, because I've been looking for (to monitor) the Trumpeter Swans seen two weeks ago and not seen since. The three Trumpeter Swans were present again in Pool 17 on the SE corner of Otter Slough CA premises; however, they weren't the three swans I spotted first. On the bridge over the drainage ditch/channel (north of Pool 17) is a high spot where I had a clear view to the NW corner of Pool 17 where three white giants were feeding and paddling around. I stopped to verify that they were the Trumpeter Swans seen a couple weeks ago, but these we not as they were all three very white. The Trumpeter Swans from the previous observation were: 1 white adult and two gray juveniles. Realizing this, I scanned the rest of the pool that was visible and was able to locate the earlier seen Trumpeter Swans. Now my focus turned back to these new three swans. As I continued to watch on, I noticed the yellow lores on each of the "new swans" - Tundras! I telephoned Vic Moss who happened to be in company with Bruce Beck (and possibly others) just on the West side of the slough and told them of the swans presence. A later call confirmed that they had seen them also, both the Trumpeter Swans (located from the Pool 17 parking area) and the Tundra Swans (from the vantage point of the bridge on the North end of Pool 17). Good Spring Birding to all! Chris Barrigar Stoddard Co. 1chrisbarrigar AT live.com chrisbarrigar AT hotmail.com http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris1 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850553/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Question about List Serve Rules From: Mark Gutchen <mgutchen AT SOCKET.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:04:36 -0600 I am wondering if you could please post the list serve rules. I have a piece of used birding equipment that I am not using and want to see if someone wants to purchase, but I do not know if it is "legal" or appropriate to post it on the list serve. Mark Gutchen Columbia, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Re: Woodcock and Owl Prowl - St. Louis area From: Mike Grant <mikecurlew AT ATT.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:20:33 -0600 Update: I was given directions to an active Great Horned Owl nest and verified that Thursday evening. And Charlene reports a Barred Owl at the shorebird area so we will try for that. Remember your radios and that it will be cold and damp and muddy. Restrooms at the office: Iffy. Seems they normally close at 4:00, but if the concession stand stays open later they will be open later. Also, a Busch volunteer is running an evening nature walk and that also might result in them being open. If it is not raining hard at 4:00, I am going to walk the Fallen Oak trail by the HQs. All are welcome to join me. Mike _____ From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum [mailto:MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU] On Behalf Of Mike Grant Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 8:31 PM To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Subject: Woodcock and Owl Prowl - St. Louis area The St. Louis Audubon Society will once again have its annual Woodcock and Owl Prowl at Busch Conservation Area, St. Charles County this Saturday, March 13 starting at 5:00 PM at Hampton Lake. We will probably be finished by 7:15 PM or so. Leaders: Susan Gustafson and Mike Grant Who can attend: Anyone, even non- members. Cost: Nothing. What to bring: binoculars, warm coat in case it gets cool, flashlight for walking around while it's dark and we're looking for Woodcock, rain gear if rain is expected. Directions: Take Hwy 40 (I-64) west through St. Louis County and go over the bridge into St. Charles County. Then, take Hwy 94 south from Hwy 40. About ½ mile down the road, turn right on Hwy D. Go about 1 ½ miles to the entrance on the right. Go about 100 yards and turn left at the T to Hampton Lake. Meet in the parking lot. What to expect: We hope to locate Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls on a scouting trip the day before. If we find them we will put telescopes on them on Saturday for the group to see. Once it gets close to darkness we will be at one of a few locations that have male Woodcocks doing their mating ritual of peenting and flying around in great circles. We will probably find some other birds along the way. Monday evening I was able to locate at least 8 Woodcocks at two different but close areas. Thank you Charlene! Bathrooms: Located in an accessible portion of the nearby Administration building. Dinner afterward: Link up with some friends and have dinner in one of the restaurants in Chesterfield Valley. Mike Grant mikecurlew AT att.net 636-519-0208 Cell 314-779-8032 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: May 1-3, 2009 in Columbia, MO. http://www.mobirds.org ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: RMBS Confluence Road Friday From: Al and Lois Smith <alandlois AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:59:40 -0600 Spotted an American Pipit between road and fuddle on North side about 200 yards short of the state park and 1.8 miles to go signs. Also saw one Longspur and a few Horned Larks. I sat there for 2-3 hours with umbrella shielding window in the drizzle. About 6-10 Pipits wandered by. The east side pool across from roost by pipeline only had one Killdeer. Photos here: http://www.photosbyat.com/gallery/11493372_kdT97 samples: http://www.photosbyat.com/photos/808715226_jLxuV-L.jpg http://www.photosbyat.com/photos/808727117_NDjG3-L.jpg Al Smith Bridgeton, St. Louis County http://www.photosbyat.com http://MoBirds.smugmug.com (admin) ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: St. L. area. Lotta nuthin From: Bill Rudden <bilrudn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:05:33 -0800 American Crow:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-9-10a.jpg robbing a robber:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-1-10c.jpg So you know your ducks. Can you name top center?http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-11-10a.jpg How about this pair of hens?:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-7-10c.jpg East-coast Song Sparrow: grey bird on right:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10a.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10a2.jpg Fillers:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-7-10b3.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-1-10a6.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-12-10b.jpg Non-Bird. Remember the B52? Well, minus 50.http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/2-25-10c-1.jpg Rusty Blackbirds: Note rain on back:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-12-10a2.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-12-10a.jpg LBIMOBill RuddenSt. Louisbilrudn AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Livingston Co. birds From: Dianne & Steve Kinder <dmkinder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:57:35 -0800 I did a little rambling around NW part of the county this morning.   Couple of Pied-billed Grebes at Thompson River Wetland along with a variety of Ducks    Several Rough-legged Hawks still around the Poosey area. Probably won't be around much longer. Increasing numbers of Northern Harriers, many Redtailed Hawks including 3 Krider's type. Haven't seen many of these guys this year, esp compared to last Winter when there were many around. Lots of Am. Kestrals.   Stopped by a creek - Eastern Phobe singing, more Fox Sparrows singing, and Purple Finches singing from high in the Sycamores. Flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers moving around. Found FOS arrowhead on a rockbar in the creek. Nice morning even with the rain showers!   Grand River currently 9 - 10 feet over flood stage between Chilli and Sumner.   Later,  Steve Kinder  Chillicothe  dmkinder AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: The Willis' Gull From: Joshua Uffman <birdsandbugs AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:34:00 -0800 All:  Bob Fisher asks that those discussing Doug Willis' gull comment on the list...  I will take a shot while my wife is trying to get our littlest one to sleep and since I have nothing better to do on a Friday night. First-cycle California and Herring Gulls are incredibly variable.  First-cycle Cali Gulls are certainly known for their bicolored bills (pink with a sharply demarcated black tip).  However, and although this feature is typically expected in second-cycle Herring Gulls as Bob mentioned, it occurs regularly in First-cycle Herrings... Especially this late in the winter season (or early summer).  I do not think the bill as observed in the pictures is an 'argument' for the bird being a California Gull.    Also, the bird still shows a strong pale window on the inner primaries.  It is certainly within the range of Herring Gull.  Is it outside the range of California Gull??  I am very much a size and structure birder with gulls....  Doug did not give us any direct comparison photos with Ring-billed and/or Herring's so size is not valid (when only looking at the pictures).  However, Doug did provide us with a good series of photographs.  As Todd Easterla already mentioned, this bird looks quite 'hefty'... It certainly does not appear slim as you would expect for a Cali Gull - and this is consistent across all the pictures.  Look at the neck on this bird in some of the photos - It looks quite huge!  Additonally, througout the series of photographs the bird has a very flat and very sloped forehead - This too is consistent across the photographs.  I understand some California Gull pictures can appear flat headed.  However, would those same birds appear flat headed if you had a series of photos?  I don't think so.  I think ya' got a tricky Herring....  They'll do that to you! I did not see the bird and did not get any real gulling in this past winter...  So thanks for sharing Doug. Josh  Joshua Uffman St. Louis County, MO Birdsandbugs AT sbcglobal.net MO-Records: www.showme-birds.com Bird Photos: http://www.pbase.com/jpuf ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: New Pics from around the area From: Clark Creighton <clark.creighton AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:10:57 -0800 Thought I would share a few more pics.  Saw my first Phoebe as I left for work yesterday.  sang a song from the rooftop as I drove away.  Got to spend a few hours birding yesterday missed the owl (thanks for thinking of me Jackie) at TGP but did locate not one but two GHO nests in busch(nice lead in on one, thanks, you know who you are :) ).  Didnt get good photos sun was wrong, but plan to go back.    Here is the link to the photos http://clark-creighton.smugmug.com/Other/3-12-10/11493243_WGAVJ/1#808737771_78Aoe   Saw this guy out at Riverlands, not sure what it is  have many other pics of him   http://clark-creighton.smugmug.com/Other/3-12-10/11493243_WGAVJ/1#808732584_ZKU2p   Thanks in advance for an ID   Bluebirds are starting to check out the houses, spring is in the air!  Now we jus need the migration to start!    Side bar, does anyone know if Baltimore Orioles nest in the area?  We had them as they came through all over our back yard (grape jelly is awesome for that) but they left after a few weeks.  Any way to keep them around?   Later everyone   Clark Creighton Wildwood MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Squaw Creek NWR and Pony Express CA From: Terry McNeely <terrymcneely AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:06:41 -0600 Despite the forecast I ventured to Squaw Creek today and then stopped by Pony Express CA on the way home. Had a great day at Squaw Creek 10:30am - 2:00pm. I tallied 36 species despite not being able to get into the Mallard Marsh/Pintail Pool areas due to flooding yesterday. The main pool appeared to be about 50% ice free, with alot of the ice very rotten, so much that the Goldeneye were swimming underneath and coming up through the crumbling ice. I had 20 species of waterfowl 14 Ducks 3 Geese 2 Mergansers 1 Swan (14 Trumpeters) Best birds of the day were the 4 Sandhill Cranes in the Corn field, I enjoyed listening to them vocalize. Stopped by Pony Express CA on the way home to see what might be there spent an hour and come up with 20 species, 11 of them waterfowl. I finally found the Redheads 30+ and was very surprised to find 5 Trumpeter Swans and 70 common mergansers Terry McNeely 25843 Grate Ave Jameson, MO 64647 Daviess County _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850553/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: Eastern Towhee TGP/darn field guides! From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:58:09 -0800 Thanks, Bill!  My problem is I only checked my Sibley Guide to Birds.  Sibley shows no such V pattern as in this photo for the Eastern.  However, I just checked my Peterson Field Guide and it shows the pattern!  Ah, that rascal Sibley.  He's foiled me again!  (He doesn't do that very often.  I can only think of one other time at the moment.  He doesn't give a clear deliniation of the red spot on the male Golden-crowned Kinglet, whereas Peterson shows it a bit better. Neither show it like I see it in the field.) --- On Sat, 3/13/10, Bill Rudden wrote: From: Bill Rudden Subject: Re: Eastern Towhee TGP To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 12:49 AM I saw the male E. Towhee yesterday (as well as a Woodcock in the daylight!) around 4PM and was wondering if you or anyone in the group thought it was a hybrid.  This guy had the usual white pattern on the wings of the E. Towhee, but if you or someone had a chance to see him up close and from the back, he had three white "V"''s going down the very center of his back toward his rump.  This "V" pattern was made by 1" white diagonal lines along the edges of the wings that come together in the back.    Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com Chrissy your a keen observer.   I got poor looks and worse pics of a Towhee around the bubbler Thur. evening. 'http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b2.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b3.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b.jpg The Eastern shows broad white edges to the scapulars. Form the "V" you observed. Spotted would show white wing bars (tipped wing coverts) and back braces. Here a Eastern web pic: http://audubonathome.org/birdstohelp/images/birds/EasternTowheeMale_Howard_B_.jpg   LBIMO Bill Rudden St Louis bilrudn AT yahoo.com------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:49:21 -0600 I hope that Doug Willis does not let Todd Easterla's opinion discourage him from submitting his possible California Gull photos to the MBRC. There is quite a lot about the bird that favors CAGU, especially the two-toned bill and the dark coverts, which create a double-barred effect. A Herring Gull should not have a black-tipped two-toned bill, as Doug's bird does, until the second summer. A first year (or later) Herring's coverts should be pale, with the darker secondaries creating a mostly single-barred effect. The foregoing said, Doug's bird does seem to be more robust and less obviously long-winged/short-legged than CAGUs usually are, and some of the head shots are flatter than expected. I have found some images of male CAGUs on Google Images and in Howell & Dunn's book that could account for that stance and head shape. Nevertheless, if I were to see the bird's structure only in silhouette, I suspect that my first thought might be Herring Gull. In addition to seeing this bird submitted to MBRC, I would appreciate more commentary on line about this ID. Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ----- Original Message ----- From: Todd Easterla To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:50 PM Subject: Re: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 In my opinion the California Gull most resembles a first year Herring Gull. There seems to be just a little to much of a white window on the inner primaries for a 1st cycle California Gull. Also the structure looks to me more like Herring Gull. The 3rd cycle Lesser-black Backed Gull seems to have a very light colored mantle, especially closest to the nape. The bird also seems to have a pretty hefty structure and large bill. I suppose this bird could be a hybrid but maybe it will darken up as it ages? Nice Kumlien's Gull. Todd Easterla ----- Original Message ----- From: Doug Willis To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:36 PM Subject: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 Spent some more time chasing gulls around Smithville Lake (Clay County, MO) today. Still around 12,000+ gulls at the lake, which is 95% open now. Highlights: CALIFORNIA GULL-1 (1st cycle) KUMLIEN'S ICELAND GULL-1 (1st cycle) THAYER'S GULL-2 (adults; same birds as Monday, I think) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL-1 (3rd cycle type; same as Monday) Bonaparte's Gull-3 Ring-Billed Gull-10,000 or so... Herring Gull-150 Might be going out on a limb with the CAGU; everything seems right except the bill and leg color. Need to find out how variable this is on CAGU. I'm thinking that the other field marks (upperwing pattern, tail, head shape, bill structure, etc.) are enough to make the call... Here is a link to some of my photos (apologies in advance for the poor quality on some): http://www.flickr.com/photos/36294041 AT N03/ Many thanks to Linda Williams for the help!! Doug Willis Liberty, MO birdsnbrews AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: No AMWO @ Jay Dix MKT Entrance From: Nicholas March <nwmarch AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:28:49 +0000 Took my girlfriend to Rocky Fork Conservation Area 7 miles North of Columbia this evening. Despite the rain we had about 10 American Woodcocks by a few minutes after sundown. The rain then picked up a little bit and they went pretty much silent. So much fun to get her a life bird! Now it's time to go dry off. Good Birding! Nicholas March Columbia, MO nwmarch AT gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------ On Mar 12, 2010 7:19pm, Chase Darr wrote: Several nights this past week, my wife and I have made an after-work trek over to Scott Blvd. (Columbia, MO) to see if the American Woodcocks seen by others last week were still around. So far, we have had no sign (sight or sound) of them. That's not saying they weren't or aren't there, we just haven't witnessed them. The rain may have pushed them to other parts of the woods as it looks like the area around the fields flooded with the rains this last week. I plan on visiting that area off and on throughout the next few weeks as I'm sure they'll be back to that area. It's perfect for little forest birds. Cheers, Chase Darr Columbia, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Fw: Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough From: Jackie Chain <chainjac AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:24:53 -0800 --- On Fri, 3/12/10, Jackie Chain wrote: From: Jackie Chain Subject: Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough To: "Chrissy McClarren" Date: Friday, March 12, 2010, 7:18 PM Chrissy, my look at the Towhee was from the front as he kicked the dirt backwards with both feet.  Can't say for the others in the group who may have seen him later on from a different angle.   Jackie Chain   St Louis County --- On Fri, 3/12/10, Chrissy McClarren wrote: From: Chrissy McClarren Subject: Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Date: Friday, March 12, 2010, 6:07 PM I saw the male E. Towhee yesterday (as well as a Woodcock in the daylight!) around 4PM and was wondering if you or anyone in the group thought it was a hybrid.  This guy had the usual white pattern on the wings of the E. Towhee, but if you or someone had a chance to see hiim up close and from the back, he had three white "V"''s going down the very center of his back toward his rump.  This "V" pattern was made by 1" white diagonal lines along the edges of the wings that come together in the back.    Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com --- On Fri, 3/12/10, Jackie Chain wrote: From: Jackie Chain Subject: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Date: Friday, March 12, 2010, 5:46 PM Highlight Birds:  Great Horned Owl fledgling at Tower Grove Park, Am Pipit CLOSEUP from Confluence Rd.   Partial trip list in no particular order:  WB Nuthatch, RB Nuthatch, GH Owlet, E Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Coopers Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Am Kestrels,  Am Pipit, Horned Larks, Meadowlark sp, Rusty Blackbirds, Red-winged BB, C Grackle, Am Crow, E Starling, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied WP, Downy WP, N Flicker, N Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Canvasbacks, C Mergansers, Scaup sp., Canada Geese, Wild Turkeys, Turkey Vultures, AW Pelican, Bald Eagle, Killdeer, RB Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Am Robin, Hermit Thrush, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee sp.   ........ :   Skip following commentary if just interested in lists above.   On a beautiful sunny and breezy Thursday, we started at Tower Grove Park (St Louis City) to find the fledged Great Horned Owl baby.  It was sitting in one of the big pines on a horizontal bough under the top boughs; we didn't see an adult, but it/they were probably around.  (Sorry Clark, you had already left when I found out a little later you were in the white car - I didn't have your cell number.)   In the neighborhood were WB Nuthatch, RB Nuthatch (not seen by all nsba), Song Sparrow, Cooper's Hawk flyover, Am Robins, Hermit Thrush sitting on a tree limb (nsba), DE Juncos.   Scratching on the path through the Gaddy Garden were a male E Towhee and a Fox Sparrow, first of year for several of the group.  A very dark Dark-eyed Junco was bathing vigorously in the water behind the Bubbler, its white tail feathers floating behind.   DE Juncos and other sparrows were plentiful in the grass around the garden.  We saw Red-headed WP, Red-bellied WP, some a Downy WP, a flyover young Red Tailed Hawk, Rock Pigeons, Mourning Dove doing their spring Sharpie flight imitation, E Starlings, Am Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee Sp..   Paul spotted the big mixed blackbird flock on the ground norrth of the southwestern part of the loop road.  Many Rusties, some C Grackles, a few Red-wingeds.   In the Eastern part of TGP it was quiet -- some more Song Sparrows, Titmice and Juncos.   We went on to Riverlands and the Confluence Rd hoping for shorebirds.  What we found was the day's highlight bird - one American Pipit spotted by Rose Ann and Janet; it was calmly feeding in a fluddle right next to the road showing its fine streaking and pinkish legs -- no need for scopes, cars served as blinds.  This was just before the big right-hand turn with the heron nest trees in the background near the field where the distant pipits had been seen on 6 March.  Some Turkey Vultures were flying over the river at the turnaround of the road, more Song Sparrows beside the road and Horned Larks and a few Meadowlark sp.  The rivers were very high with few gulls and no waterfowl seen.   In Ellis Bay the water was way down; there were 3 or 4 Bald Eagles sitting on mudflats.    Ducks were Ruddy's, N Shovelers (also in Heron Pond), C Mergansers, Scaup sp., Canvasbacks; one flyover AW Pelican, and a few Ring-bills.  We saw no swans, but it was the middle of the day.  Off 143 we found no Wilson's Snipe or new duck species, but we added 4 Wild Turkeys to the day list.   Several year birds for some of the group had made the day even better than the weather alone.   Jackie Chain     St Louis County     chainjac AT sbcglobal.net        ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: No AMWO @ Jay Dix MKT Entrance From: Chase Darr <cmdp77 AT MAIL.MISSOURI.EDU> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:19:20 -0600 Several nights this past week, my wife and I have made an after-work trek over to Scott Blvd. (Columbia, MO) to see if the American Woodcocks seen by others last week were still around. So far, we have had no sign (sight or sound) of them. That's not saying they weren't or aren't there, we just haven't witnessed them. The rain may have pushed them to other parts of the woods as it looks like the area around the fields flooded with the rains this last week. I plan on visiting that area off and on throughout the next few weeks as I'm sure they'll be back to that area. It's perfect for little forest birds. Cheers, Chase Darr Columbia, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: Eastern Towhee TGP From: Bill Rudden <bilrudn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:49:15 -0800 I saw the male E. Towhee yesterday (as well as a Woodcock in the daylight!) around 4PM and was wondering if you or anyone in the group thought it was a hybrid.  This guy had the usual white pattern on the wings of the E. Towhee, but if you or someone had a chance to see him up close and from the back, he had three white "V"''s going down the very center of his back toward his rump.  This "V" pattern was made by 1" white diagonal lines along the edges of the wings that come together in the back.  Chrissy McClarrenSt. Louiswildreturn AT yahoo.com Chrissy your a keen observer.  I got poor looks and worse pics of a Towhee around the bubbler Thur. evening.'http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b2.jpghttp://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b3.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b.jpg The Eastern shows broad white edges to the scapulars. Form the "V" you observed.Spotted would show white wing bars (tipped wing coverts) and back braces.Here a Eastern web pic:http://audubonathome.org/birdstohelp/images/birds/EasternTowheeMale_Howard_B_.jpg  LBIMOBill RuddenSt Louis bilrudn AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Adults lesser black-backed and Iceland gulls at Long Branch SP Adair Co. From: Peter Kondrashov <pkondrash AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:19:51 -0600 On the way from KC today (03/12/10) I stopped briefly at Long Branch SP (Macon Co.) to find hundreds (if not couple of thousands) of gulls on the ice. Seen from the west end of the dam at Long Branch SP today: Lesser black-backed gull - adult Iceland gull - adult (or late 3rd year - had a little bit of black on the tip of the bill) of what appeared to be nominal (glaucoides) race with NO dark on the tips of the wings. Beautifull bird! Took good notes. Got decent identifiable pictures of both. Will post soon along with more details. Thousands of gulls here with gobs of herring and obviously ring-billed. Still looking for Thayer's! On Wednesday (03/10/10) I stoppped briefly at Smithville lake (Clay Co.) and in fading light and pouring rain I found 1 lesser black-backed gull seen from the Little Platte looking towards the main body of the lake, on the ice, but was not able to ID the Thayers. Viva Laridae! -- Peter Kondrashov Kirksville, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:07:35 -0800 I saw the male E. Towhee yesterday (as well as a Woodcock in the daylight!) around 4PM and was wondering if you or anyone in the group thought it was a hybrid.  This guy had the usual white pattern on the wings of the E. Towhee, but if you or someone had a chance to see hiim up close and from the back, he had three white "V"''s going down the very center of his back toward his rump.  This "V" pattern was made by 1" white diagonal lines along the edges of the wings that come together in the back.    Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com --- On Fri, 3/12/10, Jackie Chain wrote: From: Jackie Chain Subject: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Date: Friday, March 12, 2010, 5:46 PM Highlight Birds:  Great Horned Owl fledgling at Tower Grove Park, Am Pipit CLOSEUP from Confluence Rd.   Partial trip list in no particular order:  WB Nuthatch, RB Nuthatch, GH Owlet, E Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Coopers Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Am Kestrels,  Am Pipit, Horned Larks, Meadowlark sp, Rusty Blackbirds, Red-winged BB, C Grackle, Am Crow, E Starling, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied WP, Downy WP, N Flicker, N Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Canvasbacks, C Mergansers, Scaup sp., Canada Geese, Wild Turkeys, Turkey Vultures, AW Pelican, Bald Eagle, Killdeer, RB Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Am Robin, Hermit Thrush, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee sp.   ........ :   Skip following commentary if just interested in lists above.   On a beautiful sunny and breezy Thursday, we started at Tower Grove Park (St Louis City) to find the fledged Great Horned Owl baby.  It was sitting in one of the big pines on a horizontal bough under the top boughs; we didn't see an adult, but it/they were probably around.  (Sorry Clark, you had already left when I found out a little later you were in the white car - I didn't have your cell number.)   In the neighborhood were WB Nuthatch, RB Nuthatch (not seen by all nsba), Song Sparrow, Cooper's Hawk flyover, Am Robins, Hermit Thrush sitting on a tree limb (nsba), DE Juncos.   Scratching on the path through the Gaddy Garden were a male E Towhee and a Fox Sparrow, first of year for several of the group.  A very dark Dark-eyed Junco was bathing vigorously in the water behind the Bubbler, its white tail feathers floating behind.   DE Juncos and other sparrows were plentiful in the grass around the garden.  We saw Red-headed WP, Red-bellied WP, some a Downy WP, a flyover young Red Tailed Hawk, Rock Pigeons, Mourning Dove doing their spring Sharpie flight imitation, E Starlings, Am Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee Sp..   Paul spotted the big mixed blackbird flock on the ground norrth of the southwestern part of the loop road.  Many Rusties, some C Grackles, a few Red-wingeds.   In the Eastern part of TGP it was quiet -- some more Song Sparrows, Titmice and Juncos.   We went on to Riverlands and the Confluence Rd hoping for shorebirds.  What we found was the day's highlight bird - one American Pipit spotted by Rose Ann and Janet; it was calmly feeding in a fluddle right next to the road showing its fine streaking and pinkish legs -- no need for scopes, cars served as blinds.  This was just before the big right-hand turn with the heron nest trees in the background near the field where the distant pipits had been seen on 6 March.  Some Turkey Vultures were flying over the river at the turnaround of the road, more Song Sparrows beside the road and Horned Larks and a few Meadowlark sp.  The rivers were very high with few gulls and no waterfowl seen.   In Ellis Bay the water was way down; there were 3 or 4 Bald Eagles sitting on mudflats.    Ducks were Ruddy's, N Shovelers (also in Heron Pond), C Mergansers, Scaup sp., Canvasbacks; one flyover AW Pelican, and a few Ring-bills.  We saw no swans, but it was the middle of the day.  Off 143 we found no Wilson's Snipe or new duck species, but we added 4 Wild Turkeys to the day list.   Several year birds for some of the group had made the day even better than the weather alone.   Jackie Chain     St Louis County     chainjac AT sbcglobal.net        ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: Greater Yellowlegs at Columbia Bottoms From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:07:52 -0800 I went out to Columbia Bottom CA today with my family and in the same area as Dave, we saw one unidentified SANDPIPER. That was the only shorebird besides lots of KILLDEER that we saw. We couldn't find the Yellowlegs. We saw the flock of TREE SWALLOWS again on the north side of the gravel road, but they wouldn't perch for fantastic close-ups like last time. We also saw WOOD DUCKS. That's the first time I have seen them at Columbia Bottom this year. Of course, there were many other highlights I've mentioned in a prior emails with one exception - the chance to study two Cooper's Hawks (adult and juvenile) up close at length. Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com --- On Thu, 3/11/10, Dave Haenni wrote: > From: Dave Haenni > Subject: Greater Yellowlegs at Columbia Bottoms > To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU > Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 11:50 PM > I went out this afternoon in search > of shore birds that don't look like Killdear. I started at > riverlands and saw the ususal waterfowl, lots of shorebird > habitat but no shorebirds(other than Killdear). I then went > to Columbia Bottoms and found 1 Greater Yellowlegs. He was > on the south side of the gravel road in the flooded field > across the ditch. Also saw the same waterfowl as Riverlands > with the addition of Blue winged and Green-winged teal. > > Dave Haenni > Des Peres, Mo. > > >       > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion > Forum > List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html > ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Photo of Owl Fledgeling in Pine Tree, Tower Grove Park From: Benson Schliesser <bensons AT QUEUEFULL.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:33:04 -0600 Last evening I managed to take a few photos of the owl fledgeling in Tower Grove Park (STL). None of them turned out very sharp due to the low light, background contrast, old equipment, etc. But one long-exposure cleaned up decently, so I posted it online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bensons/4425851305/. I hope to get a better shot in the near future, but I wanted to share this one in the meantime. Cheers, -Benson ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough From: Jackie Chain <chainjac AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:46:10 -0800 Highlight Birds:  Great Horned Owl fledgling at Tower Grove Park, Am Pipit CLOSEUP from Confluence Rd.   Partial trip list in no particular order:  WB Nuthatch, RB Nuthatch, GH Owlet, E Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Coopers Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Am Kestrels,  Am Pipit, Horned Larks, Meadowlark sp, Rusty Blackbirds, Red-winged BB, C Grackle, Am Crow, E Starling, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied WP, Downy WP, N Flicker, N Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Canvasbacks, C Mergansers, Scaup sp., Canada Geese, Wild Turkeys, Turkey Vultures, AW Pelican, Bald Eagle, Killdeer, RB Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Am Robin, Hermit Thrush, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee sp.   ........ :   Skip following commentary if just interested in lists above.   On a beautiful sunny and breezy Thursday, we started at Tower Grove Park (St Louis City) to find the fledged Great Horned Owl baby.  It was sitting in one of the big pines on a horizontal bough under the top boughs; we didn't see an adult, but it/they were probably around.  (Sorry Clark, you had already left when I found out a little later you were in the white car - I didn't have your cell number.)   In the neighborhood were WB Nuthatch, RB Nuthatch (not seen by all nsba), Song Sparrow, Cooper's Hawk flyover, Am Robins, Hermit Thrush sitting on a tree limb (nsba), DE Juncos.   Scratching on the path through the Gaddy Garden were a male E Towhee and a Fox Sparrow, first of year for several of the group.  A very dark Dark-eyed Junco was bathing vigorously in the water behind the Bubbler, its white tail feathers floating behind.   DE Juncos and other sparrows were plentiful in the grass around the garden.  We saw Red-headed WP, Red-bellied WP, some a Downy WP, a flyover young Red Tailed Hawk, Rock Pigeons, Mourning Dove doing their spring Sharpie flight imitation, E Starlings, Am Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee Sp..   Paul spotted the big mixed blackbird flock on the ground norrth of the southwestern part of the loop road.  Many Rusties, some C Grackles, a few Red-wingeds.   In the Eastern part of TGP it was quiet -- some more Song Sparrows, Titmice and Juncos.   We went on to Riverlands and the Confluence Rd hoping for shorebirds.  What we found was the day's highlight bird - one American Pipit spotted by Rose Ann and Janet; it was calmly feeding in a fluddle right next to the road showing its fine streaking and pinkish legs -- no need for scopes, cars served as blinds.  This was just before the big right-hand turn with the heron nest trees in the background near the field where the distant pipits had been seen on 6 March.  Some Turkey Vultures were flying over the river at the turnaround of the road, more Song Sparrows beside the road and Horned Larks and a few Meadowlark sp.  The rivers were very high with few gulls and no waterfowl seen.   In Ellis Bay the water was way down; there were 3 or 4 Bald Eagles sitting on mudflats.    Ducks were Ruddy's, N Shovelers (also in Heron Pond), C Mergansers, Scaup sp., Canvasbacks; one flyover AW Pelican, and a few Ring-bills.  We saw no swans, but it was the middle of the day.  Off 143 we found no Wilson's Snipe or new duck species, but we added 4 Wild Turkeys to the day list.   Several year birds for some of the group had made the day even better than the weather alone.   Jackie Chain     St Louis County     chainjac AT sbcglobal.net         ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: An Easier Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Otter Slough CA, 3/11 From: Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar AT LIVE.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:10:12 -0700 Last night after work, a trip out to Otter Slough CA to search for shorebirds after the heavy T-storms we experienced down here yielded a lone adult basic plumage Bonaparte's Gull out over the water in pool/field 24. It was, as best I can guess, "flycatching" flies/insects on wing out over the water. The time was about 6:14 pm and light was faltering, but I was able to cheat on the camera settings in order to get some diagnostic photos to make sure I wasn't mis-identifying a Little Gull. I won't dare anyone to try digiscoping a bouyant flying gull that's flycatching insects in low light conditions. If you do, I can promise you that you may lose your religion while trying. Very fuzzy and dark photos can viewed here: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2267997760086129715nGTgGN http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2098599700086129715psiGWM http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2559434680086129715utBcce http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2791447680086129715UBRkBY More T-storms down here; we'll see what this next round bring in! Good Birding! Chris Barrigar Stoddard Co. 1chrisbarrigar AT live.com chrisbarrigar AT hotmail.com http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris1 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850552/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Additional Thoughts on The Gull... From: Doug Willis <birdsnbrews AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:44:43 -0800 First of all, I appreciate the comments (both on and off line) regarding the California Gull I found and posted yesterday. The fact that those with experience with CAGU are hesitant to call it as such speaks volumes. Assuming this bird has sufficient identity issues to prevent a positive ID, I still have not seen one. Having said that, I would offer a few additional comments: The appearance of a larger-than-normal primary window could be explained by feather wear and/or bleaching, could it not? Some 1st cycle Herring Gulls show this on the primary feathers this time of year, creating an almost Thayer's-like pattern (Linda Williams posted photos I took of such a bird about a week ago). It is logical to assume that 1st cycle CAGU would show this same feature, at times. I was not getting a Herring Gull-type structure in the field, but I can see what others are in the photos. For the record, the bird was scarfing Gizzard Shad with gusto (very aggressively!) while I was taking photos. Could this not affect the percieved size/structure of the bird? Also, the photos I posted were chosen based on what I thought were decent looks at the bill (neck slightly extended). I'll try to get some more shots up soon...the head looked more rounded to me in the field. Let's not forget that there are two subspecies of California Gull (Albertaensis should be closer to HEGU in size/structure). For that matter, I thought the bird was slightly smaller/more slender/with longer wings than most of the nearby Herring Gulls...sure wish I could have got some comparison shots. In conclusion, I would point out that yes, Herring Gulls are indeed extremely variable (as I am still learning!), but every resource I have points out that California Gulls are extremely variable, as well (especially 1st cycle birds). Do a google search for California Gull photos and you will find some big/thick chested/flat-headed birds labeled as such. Lacking virtually any field experience with California Gull, I probably should have been more conservative with my ID, but I have never seen a 1st cycle Herring Gull with that type of wing pattern and I thought the size/structure was right for CAGU in the field. Good Gulling! Doug Willis Liberty, MO birdsnbrews AT yahoo.com P.S. I (and others) see no reason to question the identity of the 3rd cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull on my photo page...be careful with the "H-word" around here! ; )      ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 From: Todd Easterla <teasterla AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:50:50 -0800 In my opinion the California Gull most resembles a first year Herring Gull. There seems to be just a little to much of a white window on the inner primaries for a 1st cycle California Gull. Also the structure looks to me more like Herring Gull. The 3rd cycle Lesser-black Backed Gull seems to have a very light colored mantle, especially closest to the nape. The bird also seems to have a pretty hefty structure and large bill. I suppose this bird could be a hybrid but maybe it will darken up as it ages? Nice Kumlien's Gull. Todd Easterla ----- Original Message ----- From: Doug Willis To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:36 PM Subject: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 Spent some more time chasing gulls around Smithville Lake (Clay County, MO) today. Still around 12,000+ gulls at the lake, which is 95% open now. Highlights: CALIFORNIA GULL-1 (1st cycle) KUMLIEN'S ICELAND GULL-1 (1st cycle) THAYER'S GULL-2 (adults; same birds as Monday, I think) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL-1 (3rd cycle type; same as Monday) Bonaparte's Gull-3 Ring-Billed Gull-10,000 or so... Herring Gull-150 Might be going out on a limb with the CAGU; everything seems right except the bill and leg color. Need to find out how variable this is on CAGU. I'm thinking that the other field marks (upperwing pattern, tail, head shape, bill structure, etc.) are enough to make the call... Here is a link to some of my photos (apologies in advance for the poor quality on some): http://www.flickr.com/photos/36294041 AT N03/ Many thanks to Linda Williams for the help!! Doug Willis Liberty, MO birdsnbrews AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 From: Doug Willis <birdsnbrews AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:36:10 -0800 Spent some more time chasing gulls around Smithville Lake (Clay County, MO) today. Still around 12,000+ gulls at the lake, which is 95% open now. Highlights: CALIFORNIA GULL-1 (1st cycle) KUMLIEN'S ICELAND GULL-1 (1st cycle) THAYER'S GULL-2 (adults; same birds as Monday, I think) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL-1 (3rd cycle type; same as Monday) Bonaparte's Gull-3 Ring-Billed Gull-10,000 or so... Herring Gull-150 Might be going out on a limb with the CAGU; everything seems right except the bill and leg color. Need to find out how variable this is on CAGU. I'm thinking that the other field marks (upperwing pattern, tail, head shape, bill structure, etc.) are enough to make the call... Here is a link to some of my photos (apologies in advance for the poor quality on some): http://www.flickr.com/photos/36294041 AT N03/ Many thanks to Linda Williams for the help!! Doug Willis Liberty, MO birdsnbrews AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Fri Nite Woodcock Walk at Martha Lafite From: Ruth Simmons <tinamou99 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:06:15 -0600 There will be a Woodcock walk at Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary (naturesanctuary.com) in Liberty, Clay Co. tomorrow night (Fri, March 12) at 6:15pm. Meet in the nature center. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight and binos. If you have any questions call 816-781-8598. Happy birding, Ruth Simmons Lee's Summit, Jackson Co., MO tinamou99 AT hotmail.com "A nation behaves well if the natural resources and assets which one generation turns over to the next are increased and not impaired in value." (Theodore Roosevelt) _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Re: Squaw Creek From: "Christine Kline, Secretary" <birdsecretary AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:01:18 -0600 Barbara, I was at Squaw Creek last Thursday and today. It is still 90% ice covered with very little open water. Last Thursday they had 50,000 to 100,000 Snow Geese. This past Tuesday they had 200,000. However, it snowed again this morning so they have disappeared. In addition to the harsh winter and still colder temperatures, they received a lot of rain yesterday and because everything is frozen, the water flooded parts of the auto tour so it was closed today. My recommendation is this - if Friday and Saturday present nice temperatures of at least 50 degrees, you might be able to see the snow geese return. (Flock are still flying south of Mound City in the St. Joseph/Amazonia area.) Otherwise, like I've been telling the hunters and anxious birders, it will probably be another one to two weeks before we see some activity at Squaw Creek. If you want additional updates, just email me. I'll be up there again next week on Monday or Tuesday. Christine Kline Burroughs Audubon/Friends of Squaw Creek Pleasant Hill, MO / Cass County birdsecretary AT comcast.net _____ From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum [mailto:MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU] On Behalf Of Barbara Jahn Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:38 PM To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Subject: Squaw Creek Hi everyone Hope you are having a good birding time since it got warmer. has anyone been to Squaw Creek since the thaw or has it even thawed out up north there? I was wanting to go Sunday if there was open water or at least birds to look at. Thank You Barbara Jahn Independence Mo. bjahn20 AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Squaw Creek From: Barbara Jahn <bjahn20 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:37:46 -0600 Hi everyone Hope you are having a good birding time since it got warmer. has anyone been to Squaw Creek since the thaw or has it even thawed out up north there? I was wanting to go Sunday if there was open water or at least birds to look at. Thank You Barbara Jahn Independence Mo. bjahn20 AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Greater Yellowlegs at Columbia Bottoms From: Dave Haenni <dbhaenni01 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:50:56 -0800 I went out this afternoon in search of shore birds that don't look like Killdear. I started at riverlands and saw the ususal waterfowl, lots of shorebird habitat but no shorebirds(other than Killdear). I then went to Columbia Bottoms and found 1 Greater Yellowlegs. He was on the south side of the gravel road in the flooded field across the ditch. Also saw the same waterfowl as Riverlands with the addition of Blue winged and Green-winged teal. Dave Haenni Des Peres, Mo. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Re: Northern Shrike- near Thomas Hill (3/10) From: Edge <edgew AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:06:03 -0600 This is the same area a Northern Shrike was seen by m.ob. October 27, 2000. And same area I, as a beginning level birder in the mid-late '90s was sure I saw one, but no one else could re-find it. Edge Wade Columbia, MO edgew AT mchsi.com On Mar 11, 2010, at 3:48 PM, Andrew Forbes wrote: > While on my way to fishing yesterday, saw an adult Northern Shrike > in a brushy area near the side of the road south of Thomas Hill > Reservoir. The bird was seen off of Rt. F, approximately 1 mile > west from the intersection of Hwy. C and Hwy. F, on the south side > of the road in a brushy ditch. I didn’t get the greatest look in > the world, as I only had a pair of mini-binocs, but the undulating > flight, long wings and tail, thin mask, and tail flicking were > pretty obvious. > > This would be the second latest date for NSHR in Missouri if I’m > not mistaken. I’ll be sending in documentation, but it’s worth > checking if you’re in the area. > > Good birding, > > Andrew Forbes, Resource Scientist (Avian Ecologist) > Missouri Department of Conservation > 1110 S. College Ave. > Columbia, MO 65201 > ph. 573-882-9909 ext. 3241 > fax. 573-882-4517 > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum > List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Northern Shrike- near Thomas Hill (3/10) From: Andrew Forbes <Andrew.Forbes AT MDC.MO.GOV> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:48:44 -0600 While on my way to fishing yesterday, saw an adult Northern Shrike in a brushy area near the side of the road south of Thomas Hill Reservoir. The bird was seen off of Rt. F, approximately 1 mile west from the intersection of Hwy. C and Hwy. F, on the south side of the road in a brushy ditch. I didn't get the greatest look in the world, as I only had a pair of mini-binocs, but the undulating flight, long wings and tail, thin mask, and tail flicking were pretty obvious. This would be the second latest date for NSHR in Missouri if I'm not mistaken. I'll be sending in documentation, but it's worth checking if you're in the area. Good birding, Andrew Forbes, Resource Scientist (Avian Ecologist) Missouri Department of Conservation 1110 S. College Ave. Columbia, MO 65201 ph. 573-882-9909 ext. 3241 fax. 573-882-4517 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: TGP owl fledgling From: Gail Ahumada <gailahumada AT JUNO.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:49:57 -0600 Now that the info about the GH owl fledglings is out and about, I will share a story I heard a couple of days ago from two guys who were watching the nest hole with spotting scopes on Tuesday. (Sorry, don't know their names.) If I have the story straight, no fledgling was in sight when they arrived. THEN, . . . a squirrel zipped into the hole and disappeared. Shortly thereafter, he left the hole moving like a bat out of hell, followed closely by a fledgling who appeared in the entrance and sat for a while, blinking in the sun. Another threat deterred by a brave baby owl!!! Happy Spring. Gail Ahumada St. Louis MO gailahumada AT juno.com ____________________________________________________________ Senior Assisted Living Put your loved ones in good hands with quality senior assisted living. Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=1NGqvsOQ90s4c-g3iBaedAAAJ1DUTKgb53dyzw0C5Xd2ZAAwAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASUQAAAAA= ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: roadrunner From: Lawrence Herbert <certhia AT ATT.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:21:40 -0600 Our birding friend with an appropriate name, Birdie Miller, reported a Greater Roadrunner on her farm just a couple of miles southwest of Joplin, in Newton County. She has observed it for several days now this March. Birdie didn't notice it this winter Good birding, Larry H. Joplin, Jasper County MO. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Re: Size Difference In Pectoral Sandpipers, Otter Slough CA, 3/10 From: Edge <edgew AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:05:09 -0600 Yes. Females are about 10% smaller than males. This dimorphism has been the cause of many a misidentification by beginning birders who assume there must be two species present. Bodacious birding, Edge On Mar 11, 2010, at 7:48 AM, Chris Barrigar wrote: > Spring Greetings All! > > Yesterday after work, I shot out to Otter Slough CA Pool 35, where > the majority of the shorebirds are congregating - Lesser & Greater > Yellowlegs, Wilson's Snipe, Long-billed Dowitcher, Killdeer and > Pectoral Sandpipers. > > A large flock (counted 252 in one pass) of American Wigeon are also > feeding in this field/pool. I searched through several times for a > Eurasian, but still, no luck there. > > While pouring over the ~20 shorebirds, I noticed that there were > two Pectoral Sandpipers that were considerably smaller than the > other 7 present. Could this be a male/female thing? I have not > noticed this size difference before. Has anyone else observed this > within this or other shorebird species? > > Regards, > > Chris Barrigar > > Stoddard Co. > 1chrisbarrigar AT live.com > chrisbarrigar AT hotmail.com > > http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris > > http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris1 > > > > > > Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. > Sign up now. > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum > List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Size Difference In Pectoral Sandpipers, Otter Slough CA, 3/10 From: Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar AT LIVE.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:48:15 -0700 Spring Greetings All! Yesterday after work, I shot out to Otter Slough CA Pool 35, where the majority of the shorebirds are congregating - Lesser & Greater Yellowlegs, Wilson's Snipe, Long-billed Dowitcher, Killdeer and Pectoral Sandpipers. A large flock (counted 252 in one pass) of American Wigeon are also feeding in this field/pool. I searched through several times for a Eurasian, but still, no luck there. While pouring over the ~20 shorebirds, I noticed that there were two Pectoral Sandpipers that were considerably smaller than the other 7 present. Could this be a male/female thing? I have not noticed this size difference before. Has anyone else observed this within this or other shorebird species? Regards, Chris Barrigar Stoddard Co. 1chrisbarrigar AT live.com chrisbarrigar AT hotmail.com http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris1 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469226/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Turkey Vulture From: David Rogles <suneska AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:09:35 -0600 MoBirders, Put this in the unusual sightings category I was driving by a church that has a tall spire in the shape of a cross. On the crossbar was a turkey vulture, facing in the same direction as the front entrance. A funeral lineup was in the circle drive, hearst and all. David Rogles suneska AT gmail.com St. Charles Co. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Re: Allenton Access - Am. Woodcock From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:11:13 -0800 Well, I did some "doodling" all by myself tonight at Young CA - where Josh initially find a large group of "doodles." It was fabulous. Long story, but to make it short, the timberdoodles started peenting from a bit far away for about 10 minutes, so I peented in my expert peenting fashion (hee, hee - actually, I am pretty good...no birdjam needed here, ha! But if anyone wants to donate an IPOD and Birdjam that'd be fine by me - I'd use it ethically...swear) and they appeared suddenly on the trail. They are definitely territorial. I got such incredible close-ups because I continued to peent at them and they started walking right up to me, within three feet - and making little grunting noises, like they were trying to scare the competition away...little (uh, I mean big) old me. Thank you so much. It was a bit daunting by myself, but I wanted to get the lay of the land before I took my Mom and my honey with me, maybe this Friday. I am excited for you and your daughters. Fun! Sounds like they got into it, but you need to take them to Young CA where they can see them. They will go gaga, I am sure. I did! Thanks again, Chrissy McClarren --- On Thu, 3/11/10, Joshua Uffman wrote: > From: Joshua Uffman > Subject: Allenton Access - Am. Woodcock > To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU > Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 1:16 AM > > Took my two girls out tonight (March 10) to > look for Am. Woodcocks in new locations hoping this would be > a bird that might hook them.  >   > My daughter actually beat me to the call when she > heard the first 'peeeenttt' just a couple miles > from our house at the Allenton Access off of Hunter's > Ford Road (St. Louis Co.).  Considering she had never > heard one before and only had my description to go from, I > was pretty impressed.  We heard at least 2 > there, one was across from the entrance > to the Allenton Access and another was in the field > just north of the access road. >   > Here is a map if anyone is interested:  http://mdc.mo.gov/documents/area_brochures/6807map.pdf >   > The girls said it was cool - we will see if they > remember it tomorrow - and a new county bird for each > of us. >   >  Joshua Uffman > St. Louis County, MO > Birdsandbugs AT sbcglobal.net > MO-Records: www.showme-birds.com > Bird Photos: http://www.pbase.com/jpuf > > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion > Forum > ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO > http://mobirds.org/ > ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Rare Penguin Photographed. Link From: Clark Creighton <clark.creighton AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:50:28 -0800 http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_bloggers/24/all-black-penguin-discovered.html   Fascinating   Clark Creighton Wildwood MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Chillcothe area birds From: Dianne & Steve Kinder <dmkinder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:14:44 -0800 Swan Lake NWR last evening with Myrna Carlton to a Friends of Swan Lake meeting. Large numbers and good variety of Waterfowl - think the count that day was 70,000+ Mallards alone. Snow Geese numbers down as waves have been going over for several days. Watched 4 Trumpeter Swans fly close by vocalizing!  Heard from refuge Mgr. of sightings of groups of 4 and 12 Sandhill Cranes seen recently near the refuge. Mixed flocks of Blackbirds around including Rusty and Brewer's.    Saw Fox Sparrow and Eastern Towhee across lake from Golfcourse on edge of Chilli.. Several Fox Sparrows singing at Locust Creek Covered Bridge part of Pershing State Park, Linn Co. Hearing Song Sparrows singing many places now, and of course DE Juncos been singing for some time.    Had VERY Bright male Purple Finch at backyard feeder yesterday.    I have flushed Woodcock while walking around at 4 different places this week. Always surprised how large and brightly colored they look in the daylight!    Relocated LEOW in the riparian thicket in Linn Co. - 7 - 8 birds and evidence they have been there all winter even through the heavy snow. Found a new group of several LEOW in a large grove of Cedars in Livingston Co. last week. Difficult to get a good look at them in both those situations however.    Looks like MUCHO flooding in the whole area for next few - several -  days. Here we go Again!    Later,  Steve Kinder Chillicothe, Livingston Co. dmkinder AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: GHOW, Tower Grove Park, St. Louis From: "Jason G. Harrison" <rowboat AT CENTURYTEL.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:10:15 -0600 Thanks...for verifying this. I got images of a VERY young one Friday, so there must have been a pretty good gap between them hatching out of the eggs. Jason G. Harrison Troy, Missouri ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: GHOW, Tower Grove Park, St. Louis From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:00:36 -0800 Yes, there is another owlette in the hole. Chrissy McClarren St. Louis City wildreturn AT yahoo.com --- On Thu, 3/11/10, Jason G. Harrison wrote: > From: Jason G. Harrison > Subject: GHOW, Tower Grove Park, St. Louis > To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU > Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 12:59 AM > I recieved a phone call at 10:30 a.m. > this morning from a worker at Tower > Grove Park that at 10:25, one single Owlet climbed up to > the edge of the "tree > cavity hole" and jumped.  It took to flight and flew > across and into the pine > trees and sat beside one of the adult Owls. > > I have been watching these closely the last 2 weeks.  > In that whole time I > never saw more than one Owlet peeking out.  So > now...since one has for sure > fledged the nest, if anyone observes another Owlet in the > "hole" please either > post it or email me.  Thanks in advance. > > Jason G. Harrison > Troy, Missouri > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion > Forum > ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO > http://mobirds.org/ > ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Allenton Access - Am. Woodcock From: Joshua Uffman <birdsandbugs AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:16:52 -0800 Took my two girls out tonight (March 10) to look for Am. Woodcocks in new locations hoping this would be a bird that might hook them.  My daughter actually beat me to the call when she heard the first 'peeeenttt' just a couple miles from our house at the Allenton Access off of Hunter's Ford Road (St. Louis Co.).  Considering she had never heard one before and only had my description to go from, I was pretty impressed.  We heard at least 2 there, one was across from the entrance to the Allenton Access and another was in the field just north of the access road. Here is a map if anyone is interested:  http://mdc.mo.gov/documents/area_brochures/6807map.pdf The girls said it was cool - we will see if they remember it tomorrow - and a new county bird for each of us. Joshua Uffman St. Louis County, MO Birdsandbugs AT sbcglobal.net MO-Records: www.showme-birds.com Bird Photos: http://www.pbase.com/jpuf ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: GHOW, Tower Grove Park, St. Louis From: "Jason G. Harrison" <rowboat AT CENTURYTEL.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:59:26 -0600 I recieved a phone call at 10:30 a.m. this morning from a worker at Tower Grove Park that at 10:25, one single Owlet climbed up to the edge of the "tree cavity hole" and jumped. It took to flight and flew across and into the pine trees and sat beside one of the adult Owls. I have been watching these closely the last 2 weeks. In that whole time I never saw more than one Owlet peeking out. So now...since one has for sure fledged the nest, if anyone observes another Owlet in the "hole" please either post it or email me. Thanks in advance. Jason G. Harrison Troy, Missouri ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Smithville, 3/10 From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:12:55 -0600 I went to Smithville Lake this afternoon, hoping to see the lesser Black-backed Gull reported by Doug Willis. It was not to be. There are still lots of gulls there, but a lot have also pulled out. The lake is about half open. Best birds for me: FOY Red-breasted Merganser (very pretty males). FOY Turkey Vultures. (Does the early TV get the choisest road kill? Ugh.) Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Baby owl on display in St. Louis From: Mick Richardson <mick.richardson AT MOBOT.ORG> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:38:39 -0600 I took an out-of-town visitor to Tower Grove Park, St Louis city, at lunchtime. One newly-fledged Great Horned Owl owlet was high up in a bare tree while its parents were in nearby pines. My thanks to the park employee who was showing people the owlet. There were lots of owl pellets and quantities of "whitewash" under the pines. The young owl was panting to cool off in the hot sun. Mick Richardson St. Louis County ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Short-Ears Aplenty From: Richard L Brown <ashmagalf1 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:17:45 -0600 If anyone is interested, I have posted a link below to a blog "Outdoors" written by outdoor writer Larry Dablemont. He wrote a recent blog about a large congregation of short-ear owls that recently occured between Greenfield, MO and Lockwood, MO. Larry does a radio talk show out of Stockton, Mo and a gentleman by the name of Faren Fite called to report that he had seen 200+ owls in the area and had photos as well. If you follow the link, and scroll down the left hand side you will find a link to the 2010 blogs of which there are 3 on the page. Once you have arrived at the 2010 blog page, scroll down about half way to where the "Short-Ears Aplenty" blog starts, you can read about this sighting and also see the pictures for proof. I have not heard of this many owls together in my life. I hope that you find this as interesting as I do. The link, to Larry's blog, is as follows: www.larrydablemontoutdoors.blogspot.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: PIWA From: Lawrence Herbert <certhia AT ATT.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:11:43 -0600 I enjoyed watching and hearing a single FOY Pine Warbler at Walter Woods C. A. this morning, 3-10-10. (Carleen's b-day). Also enjoyed my FOY Chipping Sparrow. Plus, I saw my FOY Eastern Phoebe. A silent critter (maybe a female)? 3 in one day. Nice day to be out and about. Walter Woods is in Newton County, just south of Joplin. Good birding, Larry H. Joplin, Jasper County MO. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: FOY Phoebe in Elsah From: Tom Fuller <Tom.Fuller AT PRIN.EDU> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:47:21 -0600 Heard him in our back yard. Fullers Elsah, IL Jersey County ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Forest Park, 3/10/2010 From: Sherry McCowan <mccowan AT SWBELL.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:55:41 -0600 I went over to Forest Park (St. Louis city) this morning to look for Eastern Phoebes—there were 3 at the edge of Steinberg Prairie. In the same area: one Golden-crowned Kinglet and one singing Eastern Towhee. In Kennedy Forest and on the savanna there were some Fox Sparrows and a singing Eastern Bluebird. A beautiful morning. Sherry McCowan Saint Louis, Missouri ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Turkey gulls - Smithville lake area From: "Miller, Terry" <millert AT MAIL.KEARNEY.K12.MO.US> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:55:23 -0600 As I came to school today and was passing by Paradise, I saw a field with about a dozen and a half Wild Turkeys (one in full strut) and mixed in the flock were three gulls. It was definitely an odd contrast. As I went on and crossed the W bridge to the east, the ice on Smithville lake was definitely opening up fast. If we get any wind at all the lake should be totally open very soon..... . And, the Spring Peepers at my house are loudly vocalizing the claim that Spring is here to stay!! What a great time to be alive and a birder, etc.... Terry L. Miller Kearney HS Clay Co., MO millert AT kearney.k12.mo.us ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: binoculars From: Rose McClarren <mccrose AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:40:22 -0500 Thanks for all your helpful information about selecting binoculars. It's much appreciated. Rose McClarren St. Louis ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Woodcock in Chesterfield, St. Louis County From: Michael Grant <mikecurlew AT ATT.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 19:33:01 -0800 Birders, Timberdoodles seem to be everywhere.  Monday afternoon I stepped out of our basement slider door with my bicycle and realized that a woodcock was 15 feet away from me feeding in my back yard.  I watched it for about 90 minutes and shot a little video. This was shot in the shade so the color is flat.  I have lived here for 14 years and have never seen a woodcock in the subdivision, let alone my yard.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUJ8r_4QXcA Mike Grant ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Binocs (new Swarovision EL binocular ) From: "Patrick Harrison (Home)" <saxman AT MARKTWAIN.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 20:51:38 -0600 Anyone using the new Swarovision EL binocular (10 x 42)? Was wondering how these compare to the predecessor? Patrick :ASM::::ASM::::ASM::::ASM::::ASM::::ASM: * * * Patrick Harrison * * Shelbyville, Shelby County, Missouri * * saxman AT marktwain.net A * pharrison AT hannibal.k12.mo.us S * webmaster AT mobirds.org M * http://mobirds.org * * http://www.patrickdharrison.com A * ,_ S * >' ) M * ( ( \ * * "|\ * * * *****The Audubon Society of Missouri**** ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Woodcock and Owl Prowl - St. Louis area From: Mike Grant <mikecurlew AT ATT.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 20:30:45 -0600 The St. Louis Audubon Society will once again have its annual Woodcock and Owl Prowl at Busch Conservation Area, St. Charles County this Saturday, March 13 starting at 5:00 PM at Hampton Lake. We will probably be finished by 7:15 PM or so. Leaders: Susan Gustafson and Mike Grant Who can attend: Anyone, even non- members. Cost: Nothing. What to bring: binoculars, warm coat in case it gets cool, flashlight for walking around while it's dark and we're looking for Woodcock, rain gear if rain is expected. Directions: Take Hwy 40 (I-64) west through St. Louis County and go over the bridge into St. Charles County. Then, take Hwy 94 south from Hwy 40. About ½ mile down the road, turn right on Hwy D. Go about 1 ½ miles to the entrance on the right. Go about 100 yards and turn left at the T to Hampton Lake. Meet in the parking lot. What to expect: We hope to locate Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls on a scouting trip the day before. If we find them we will put telescopes on them on Saturday for the group to see. Once it gets close to darkness we will be at one of a few locations that have male Woodcocks doing their mating ritual of peenting and flying around in great circles. We will probably find some other birds along the way. Monday evening I was able to locate at least 8 Woodcocks at two different but close areas. Thank you Charlene! Bathrooms: Located in an accessible portion of the nearby Administration building. Dinner afterward: Link up with some friends and have dinner in one of the restaurants in Chesterfield Valley. Mike Grant mikecurlew AT att.net 636-519-0208 Cell 314-779-8032 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: May 1-3, 2009 in Columbia, MO. http://www.mobirds.org ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Smithville Lake Gulls, etc. 3-9-10 From: Doug Willis <birdsnbrews AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 18:09:57 -0800 Kansas City Area Birders (and anyone else interested): Spent some time this morning at Smithville Lake (Clay County, MO) picking through the thousands of gulls. I estimate there are at least 10,000 gulls at the lake, as of today. Quite a sight! Highlights: FRANKLIN'S GULL-1 (earliest spring date for me) Bonaparte's Gull-3 (Little Platte channel) THAYER'S GULL-2 (both adults; one seen from the Crow's Creek Pavilion [Fisher's bird] and one loafing near the hole by the north end of the dam. The Crow's Creek THGU shows minimal head streaking; the other has a heavily streaked head and neck) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL-1 (3rd cycle bird; virtually no white on primary tips, brownish coloration mixed in with the charcoal gray of wing coverts. Same spot as yesterday...Little Platte Marina boat launch area.) Herring Gull-200+ Ring-Billed Gull-9,000+ Still a lot of puddle and diving ducks around (Horned Grebe came in yesterday), probably 1,500+ total ducks. The ice is breaking up and melting fast! As this happens, the gulls are spreading out over the lake and large concentrations are difficult to locate. I'll try to get some gull photos up soon... Good Birding! Doug Willis Liberty, MO birdsnbrews AT yahoo.com   ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Riverlands/Columbia Bottoms Sightings - Tree Swallows! - 3/9/10 From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 15:20:57 -0800 I am writing this rather quickly - might leave something out or make interesting spelling errors... Highlights at foggy drizzly Columbia Bottoms: Tree Swallows (such gorgeous blue-green - there were about 50 or more flying over the wetlands catching bugs) Blue-winged Teal - 1 pair American Wigeon - about 20 or more Northern Shovelers Buffleheads Redheads - about 30 Ring-necked Ducks (I saw the ring on one of them!) Mallards Gadwall Coots Northern Pintails Green-winged Teal Red-winged Blackbirds - hundreds Meadowlarks Horned Larks Killdeer Northern Harrier Quick look at feeders - Cardinals, ETS, WCS, ATS, Goldfinch, Tufted Titmice Highlights At Riverlands (I noticed the Horned Grebes about 3 days ago - and see others saw them...but I couldn't refind them today): Green-winged Teal N. Shovelers Ring-necked Ducks Canvasbacks Coots Lesser and Greater Scaup Greater White-fronted Geese Northern Pintail Buffleheads Redhead (1) Gadwall Mallards Canada Geese Cormorant Ruddy Ducks Common Mergansers Red-breasted Mergansers Great Blue Herons Bald Eagles Northern Harriers Killdeer - speckled here and there Meadowlarks - speckled here and there Horned Larks - speckeled here and there American Pipits (down the Confluence Road - I saw the Long-billed Dowitcher yesterday as well, but no Plover or Pectoral Sandpipers) Redwings Blackbirds - my, oh, my can hundreds of them make incredible twists and turns and amazing formation Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Swope Park Eagle From: Linda Byrd <furbynurse AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 17:18:29 -0600 The mature Bald Eagle that I saw on Saturday at Lake of the Woods (junction of Oldham and Gregory) was still there today. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: March Wallpaper (mobirds.org) From: "Patrick Harrison (Home)" <saxman AT MARKTWAIN.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 16:57:18 -0600 March wallpaper now available here: http://mobirds.org/Wallpaper/ Thanks Jason... Patrick :ASM::::ASM::::ASM::::ASM::::ASM::::ASM: * * * Patrick Harrison * * Shelbyville, Shelby County, Missouri * * saxman AT marktwain.net A * pharrison AT hannibal.k12.mo.us S * webmaster AT mobirds.org M * http://mobirds.org * * http://www.patrickdharrison.com A * ,_ S * >' ) M * ( ( \ * * "|\ * * * *****The Audubon Society of Missouri**** ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: That frog/phoebe spring thing again From: Matt Donovan <donovansculpture AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 13:43:18 -0800 Sorry, I neglected to mention that the phoebe arrival and salamander/spring peeper/wood frog explosion of last night was in western Wildwood, St. Louis county. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Re frogs of spring From: jan neale <charleswmn AT CENTURYTEL.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:40:21 -0600 We went out last night to our back pasture to try for woodcocks. There was a deafening chorus of spring peepers that precluded hearing anything but them for miles around. Jan Neale El Dorado Springs, MO Cedar County ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: In my Kirkwood yard, 3/9/10 From: Margy Terpstra <ladybirdterp AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:17:05 -0600 After Tina told me of the E. Phoebe at Creve Couer Lake, I jokingly said, "Good! That means mine will show up tomorrow!" And, he did, checking out the gazebo and pond area, landing in the maple and pumping his tail. Yesterday, I had a male yellow-bellied sapsucker and a soaring/calling Red-shouldered hawk while I worked in the garden. Margy Terpstra Kirkwood, St. Louis CO. MO ladybirdterp AT sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Greater Prairie Chickens just inside Iowa From: Matthew Torres <matthewt34 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:01:15 -0600 Our Greater Prairie Chickens are on the lek now (Iowa - Ringgold County). The various clusters in the NW part of Missouri should also be out and about. Matthew ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: RFI: Taberville chicken leks (no sightings) From: Philip Wire <phw222 AT GOOGLEMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 13:41:27 -0600 Hey all-- For those of you who have visited Taberville CA and surroundings in the past year or two, I could use directions to the location of prairie chicken lek(s) nearby. I foggily remember that there were historic leks on the area but that in the past couple years the most reliable one has been on private land nearby. Both off and on-list responses are fine, depending on whether you want the info to be public. I will make sure not to disturb the birds in any way, shape or form. Thanks! Phil Wire Edwardsville, IL phw222 AT gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Spring From: Matt Donovan <donovansculpture AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:59:24 -0800 The phoebes that nest on the house every year arrived yesterday. Bluebirds are starting to hang around their house. Spring peepers, which have been tentatively calling from the woods for a few days, moved to the pond and started calling at dusk. Sometime after the rain, in the predawn hours, the pond exploded with a full chorus of peepers, wood frogs and spotted salamanders. Well OK, the sallies didn't contribute to the chorus much. I declare it spring. www.donovansculpture.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: SEOWs, McComas Road, Clinton County From: Linda Williams <lkwilliams AT KC.RR.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 15:13:14 +0000 Just heard from the folks who live on McComas Road near Smithville Lake. Their large group of Short-eared Owls have left for the breeding grounds. They wanted to let people know since the gravel road is a big mess after the thaw and there is no reason now to attempt to drive down it! Good birding, Linda Williams Liberty, MO lkwilliams AT kc.rr.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: NO SIGHTING--Cleanup at Creve Coeur Park and the Confluence From: Mitch Leachman <cheyenneandme AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 08:58:39 -0600 Consider that trash cleanup is the most basic form of habitat restoration. > Please consider joining this MAJOR watershed cleanup effort on Saturday, > March 27th beginning at 9 am. > Two registration sites are available--the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and > Creve Coeur Park. > Your cleanup site will be in the vicinity of your chosen registration > location--AND lunch will be served at the same registration location. > Please join the Confluence Partnership, MO American Water, MSD, Grace Hill > Settlement House, St. Louis Audubon, area Stream Teams and more in this > 2nd Annual event! > To register, please complete the form at the following site: > > http://confluencetrashbash.wufoo.com/forms/2nd-annual-confluence-trash-bas > h-registration/ > > Thanks! > > Mitch > > Mitch Leachman > Executive Director > St. Louis Audubon Society > 314-599-7390 > E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (7.0.0.514) Database version: 6.14520 http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1