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03 Jul Ptarmigan-No, Harlequin-Yes [Michael Schwitters ] 03 Jul South Deer Lodge and Georgetown Lake ["Gary Swant" ] 03 Jul HLN Magpie?? ["Mike Lesnik" ] 2 Jul Pryor to Edgar road, 6/28/09 [Byron Butler ] 2 Jul Beartooth Mountains field trip, 6/27/09 [Byron Butler ] 2 Jul Common Poorwill field trip, 6/30/09 [Byron Butler ] 02 Jul Baird's Sparrow at Eastern Meadowlark spot (south of Ennis) ["Garrett MacDonald" ] 02 Jul June photo contest ["Cheryl Farmer" ] 02 Jul Re: Poorwill field trip tonight: L&C Caverns SP ["ptoomeyjr" ] 02 Jul Gray Flycatcher fledglings on Bannack Bench Road ["Jeremy Roberts" ] 02 Jul Re: Broad-tailed Hummingbird in the Madison Valley ["Jeremy Roberts" ] 01 Jul Re: First of the Fall Shorebirds ["Dan Casey" ] 01 Jul First of the Fall Shorebirds [Michael Schwitters ] 1 Jul New poll for MOB-Montana [] 30 Jun Broad-tailed Hummingbird in the Madison Valley ["Garrett MacDonald" ] 30 Jun new species accounts for Birds of Montana ["Jeff Marks" ] 30 Jun Poorwill field trip tonight: L&C Caverns SP [Byron Butler ] 30 Jun Re: Mockingbird and Lorene's birdathon and Poor-will trip. [Jacqueline Wilson ] 30 Jun White-tailed Ptarmigan (no), Tennessee Warbler (yes) ["Steve Gniadek" ] 29 Jun Mockingbird ["Barb Jaquith" ] 29 Jun nesting Hammond's flycatcher; Cordilleran-Pacslope possible hybrid zone ["Jim Greaves" ] 29 Jun Fwd: RFI- Black Swift, Mtn Plover [] 29 Jun Montana Solstice Tour (Ovenbird) ["Dan Casey" ] 28 Jun Warbler ["Chuck Carlson" ] 28 Jun Photo Contest Reminder #3 (the last one; I promise) ["ptoomeyjr" ] 27 Jun Glacier Trip ["Sharon Dewart-Hansen" ] 27 Jun Photo Contest reminder #2 ["ptoomeyjr" ] 27 Jun June Photo Contest Deadline Closing ["ptoomeyjr" ] 27 Jun Exotics? ["Jeannie Marcure" ] 26 Jun Eastern Meadowlark update ["Garrett MacDonald" ] 25 Jun Re: only chance to see Eastern Meadowlark this Sunday at 9 AM ["Gary Swant" ] 26 Jun MOB 2009 database ["ptoomeyjr" ] 26 Jun only chance to see Eastern Meadowlark this Sunday at 9 AM ["Garrett MacDonald" ] 25 Jun Clark's Grebe at Cottonwood Reservoir, Park County ["Mike Lesnik" ] 25 Jun Snowy Egret [] 24 Jun Cassin's Kingbird in QLL 31D [Byron Butler ] 24 Jun Pryor Mountain area [Byron Butler ] 24 Jun Sage Sparrow on Bannack Bench Road [Byron Butler ] 24 Jun Re: Common Poorwill Field Trip on June 30 ["jswilsonmd" ] 24 Jun East Meets West in NE Montanaţ LONG (from Gina Sheridan, Spokane,WA) ["Garrett MacDonald" ] 24 Jun Common Poorwill Field Trip on June 30 [Byron Butler ] 23 Jun Canyon Ferry WMA [Byron Butler ] 23 Jun Lewis & Clark Caverns SP and Poorwill field trip [Byron Butler ] 24 Jun Eastern Meadowlark viewing is on hold. [] 23 Jun Eastern Meadowlark seen today [Byron Butler ] 23 Jun Re: Yellow-throated Vireo ["jill kuhler" ] 23 Jun Nesting activity in/around Kelly Island, Missoula ["Will McDowell" ] 23 Jun Ooops, sorry about personal msg. [] 23 Jun Re: EASTERN MEADOWLARK near Ennis [] 23 Jun Sandhills with Colts ["Jeannie Marcure" ] 22 Jun Lesser Goldfinch ["Chuck Carlson" ] 23 Jun EASTERN MEADOWLARK in Ennis addendum ["Garrett MacDonald" ] 23 Jun EASTERN MEADOWLARK near Ennis ["Garrett MacDonald" ] 22 Jun Regarding banded Caspian Tern, Thompson Falls ["Jim Greaves" ] 22 Jun Eastern Meadowlark on Sunday ["Radd Icenoggle" ] 22 Jun Re: Boreal Chickadee ["Dan Casey" ] 22 Jun Re: Boreal Chickadee ["Chuck Carlson" ] 22 Jun Six Pygmy Nuthatch fledglings [Judy Hoy ] 22 Jun Boreal Chickadee ["ptoomeyjr" ] 22 Jun Yellowstone Park solstice trip ["jswilsonmd" ] 22 Jun Re: Next New State Birds ["ptoomeyjr" ] 21 Jun Caspian terns; Bank swallows; Spotted piper chix ["Jim Greaves" ] 21 Jun Re: Re: Montana Natural Heritage Program bird reports [Cheri Seli ] 21 Jun Re: Montana Natural Heritage Program bird reports [Judy Hoy ] 21 Jun The down river dams [Arla Eckert ] 21 Jun Pryor Mountain Specials ["Robin M Wolcott" ] 21 Jun Re: Please report evidence of avian nesting to Montana Natural Heritage Program [Judy Hoy ] 21 Jun Re: Re: Northern Flicker parenting ["Jeff Marks" ] 21 Jun Re: Northern Flicker parenting [Judy Hoy ] 21 Jun Boreal Owl? ["ptoomeyjr" ] 21 Jun Helena area birds ["Chad Adams" ] 21 Jun Photo Uploading seems to be fixed ["ptoomeyjr" ] 20 Jun RE: do escaped Chukars count? ["John Carlson" ] 20 Jun RE: do escaped Chukars count? ["Stevan Hawkins" ] 20 Jun RE: do escaped Chukars count? ["John Carlson" ] 20 Jun Re: Photo Uploading ["ptoomeyjr" ] Subject: Ptarmigan-No, Harlequin-Yes From: Michael Schwitters <schwit AT 3rivers.net> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:58:53 -0600 Hi MOBsters, We took two of our grandsons to Glacier NP yesterday. I looked for a few birds. At Logan Pass I did a fairly hard look for White-tailed Ptarmigan without success. However, there are lots of "keep off the grass" signs that restrict movement to a good amount of habitat. We moved on snow fields and rocks, but only got looks at a small amount of the area. Our activities prompted a number of comments and nasty looks from some of the hundreds of visitors trudging up toward Hidden Lake. Singing White-crowned Sparrows, American Pipits and foraging Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch were seen. Heading down the west side of Logan Pass, through the construction, we found two female Harlequin Ducks at one of the pull-outs along McDonald Creek. More not understanding visitors quickly flushed them beyond camera range. A visit to Glacier over the 4th of July period has some disadvantages, the scenery is still great, however. Good birding, Mike Schwitters Choteau MT Subject: South Deer Lodge and Georgetown Lake From: "Gary Swant" <Birdmontana AT rfwave.net> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:24:01 -0000 Birders, I took my grandson from Madagascar birding today and we got 91 species in the south valley and the Georgetown Lake area. We got three lifers, Clay-colored Sparrow, Red-necked Grebe, and Veery. The highlight for me was a Black-crowned Night-heron at the Ducks Unlimited ponds at the Warm Springs Complex. This is only the second time I have seen the bird in that area. A real treat. We are headed for Glacier for a week of vacation and birding. I hope to find the Yellow Rail and a White-tailed Ptarmigan (you have to think big). Gary Swant Deer Lodge Subject: HLN Magpie?? From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:00:45 -0000 MOB, Departing my old neighborhood at 1400 today, I got a brief but positive look at a magpie with a yellow peak. Location was the southwest corner of Chaucer and Broadway. Mike Subject: Pryor to Edgar road, 6/28/09 From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:45:53 -0600 On Sunday, June 28, Maggie and I went to Hardin to see the re-enactment of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Following the battle, we intended to drive down to the Pryor Mountain Road southeast of Bridger. However, we spent the rest of the afternoon south of Billings on Pryor Creek Road and on the road between Pryor and Edgar, reaching the town of Edgar at 9:00 pm on the nose. Our first sighting was a juvenile Ferruginous Hawk on Hiway 87. On Pryor Creek Road we stopped at a kiosk where, in 1863 Crows defeated attacking Sioux in a big battle. The reason for stopping here was accessibility of good birding habitat. We found Say's Phoebe, Western Wood-Pewee, House Wren, Warbling Vireo, Gray Catbird, Lark Sparrow, American Goldfinch and Yellow Warbler. At Chief Plenty Coups State Park we found two American Kestrel, a Common Yellowthroat and a panting, heat-stressed American Robin that didn't move while I walked around it taking pictures. We had seen other robins during the day panting like birds in the Florida Everglades. Robins were the only species we saw that appeared to be so stressed. West of the state park but still on the Crow Indian Reservation we found Rock Wren, Spotted Towhee, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole, Cedar Waxwing, Lark Sparrow, Horned Lark, Common Nighthawk, Yellow Warbler, House Wren, and Western Meadowlark. Once we reached the boundary of the reservation bird habitat changed dramatically due to differing land use practices. Continuing west from the reservation we went through miles of agricultural land where most of the birds seen on the reservation dropped out immediately and new species appeared. We first encountered Gray Catbird in a small wetland. In the farm fields were many Vesper Sparrow, Brewer's and Red-winged Blackbird, many more Western Meadowlark, and a few more Lark Sparrows (that soon dropped out). As we continued west the landscape opened to a grand panoramic view of distant benches and ridgelines, with the Pryor Mountains to our south. We were on bench on the north side of a broad valley; just before we drove down off this bench Maggie found an Upland Sandpiper on a utility wire high above ground! It was 8:30 pm and light levels were low enough that the bird was mostly a silhouette; it was a most awkward looking bird on the thin wire. We looked at it for several minutes before it flew away. By this time the agricultural fields had changed and Vesper Sparrows had not been seen for a couple miles. Entering Edgar at 9:00 pm we headed for home, Pryor Mountain Road will be for another day. Byron K. Butler, Bozeman Subject: Beartooth Mountains field trip, 6/27/09 From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:06:03 -0600 On June 27 I lead a field trip for Sacajawea Audubon Society to the Beartooth Mountains of Wyoming for the purpose of viewing and photographing nesting birds. We then drove the Beartooth Highway over the pass to Red Lodge, where the trip officially ended. We had a very good group of nine interesting birders. Dan Hartman of Wildlife Along the Rockies (Silver Gate) was our guide in the Wyoming Beartooths. We meet at Cooke City at 7:30 am, Saturday morning, then drove to Silver Gate where Dan presented a program on birds of the area, with emphasis on owls. Following the program we drove to an aspen grove about half way between Cooke City and the pass, where we saw nest sites for House Wren, Tree Swallow, Mountain Bluebird, Hairy Woodpecker and Williamson's Sapsucker. The highlight was the Williamson's Sapsucker nest where we saw several exchanges between the male and female carrying food to the nest. We witnessed both sexes removing material from the nest. Dan shared with us his extensive experience in finding signs in this area, showing us black bear bedding sites, scats, claw marks, etc. We also saw signs of moose and elk. Red-naped Sapsucker has nested in this area and was expected as a given, however this year they are a no-show. Other hoped for species that we missed were American Three-toed Woodpecker, Great Gray and Boreal Owl, and Northern Pygmy-Owl. On this warm, cloudless day few other birds were detected. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were heard frequently, but Gray and Stellar's Jays and many other species we should have seen along the way did not appear. We had only one flyover Clark's Nutcracker. Early in the afternoon Dan departed and we drove up to Beartooth Lake lake for lunch. Here we saw Spotted Sandpiper and White-crowned Sparrow. We arrived at the pass just as Garrett MacDonald and Bo Crees were returning to their car, having seen Black Rosy-Finch. The rosy-finch was our next target bird and as we were speaking with Garrett and Bo one of our group spotted one on a rock. We saw several rosy-finches, American Pipit, Mountain Bluebird, and five Mountain Goats. We were not able to find Black Rosy-Finches on the Montana side of the border. Driving down to Red Lodge, we headed for a private residence where we had good, long looks at Broad-tailed Hummingbird. There the trip officially disbanded. The last ones out were Tom Stanton, Maggie and me. As we walked out Tom spotted a Rufous Hummingbird, but it flew off before Maggie and I saw it. Watch for forthcoming photos of the trip taken by Tom at: thomasstantonphotography.com Also look at this website for dramatic photos of Bighorn Sheep in Yellowstone NP. This field trip was the last scheduled SAS field trip for this summer. However, there is a demand for additional summer field trips so I hope SAS field trip leaders will add others. Visit the Sacajawea Audubon Society website for updates and news of additional field trips or workshops between now and September. The next SAS newsletter will be the September issue. Byron K. Butler Program Chair, Sacajawea Audubon Society, Bozeman Subject: Common Poorwill field trip, 6/30/09 From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 12:22:09 -0600 Tuesday night, June 30, a group of eighteen people came together at the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park for an after hours trip to look for Common Poorwill. The trip was arranged by Tom Forwood, Park Naturalist, and myself on the preceding Thursday; despite the short notice the word got out. Participants came from Bozeman, Manhattan, Three Forks, Whitehall, Townsend, Ennis, and Alabama. We assembled at 8:30 pm. After 9:00 pm we walked above the locked gate. Tom Forwood shared with us his knowledge of the interesting natural history of the park, including geology, botany, mammalogy and herpetology. Radd Icenoggle complimented Tom's knowledge will additional "fun facts." When we approached the maintenance shed Tom showed us Little Brown Bats (Myotis lucifugus) which, in the dimming light, began to take flight, flying low right over our heads. At this time we began to hear Common Poorwill calling on the east side of the park road, first one, then two, then three or more. One member of the party located two poorwills flying against light clouds in the sky and we all had good looks at them before they disappeared to the west. There was enough light remaining in the sky for us to see a little plumage coloration. Common Poorwill was a life bird for many in the group, including myself. I was very pleased to see them flying as we had speculated on what their flight style would be like. Although I observed the two birds for only seconds, I was struck by how much they resembled small Short-eared Owls in their flight style. We continued to hear poorwills for most of the remainder of the field trip but our effort to see them again produced no additional sightings. This was a warm, humid night favorable for herps. Tom came across a Boreal Toad (=Western Toad), Bufo boreas that we all studied closely. We looked for, but did not find rubber boa snakes. We walked further up the road to locate Northern Saw-whet Owl. Jim Budelman (Ennis) employed an iphone to call the owl. This was the first time I'd seen the application of an iphone for birding. The speaker was loud enough to be heard by birds. The iphone not only serves as a phone and an ipod, but it has gps and is also a voice recorder. Thus several separate devices are combined into one. In addition it, of course, has email and internet capabilities wherever service is available. This may be limited in Montana at this time. Jim said that the bird song software contains 941 songs of North American birds, has a "similar song" feature that he has successfully used, and that the software can be updated!!! Alas, there was no owl in the area Tuesday night. At this point it was 10:30 pm and many participants had to get home. We walked back to the campground and disbanded. Tom, Radd, and I lingered longer to look for Spotted Bat, Euderma maculatum, but did not hear them. Earlier in the day, Tom, Radd, Bob Starks and I met at the park headquarters around 6:30 pm to look for Canyon Wren. Despite being surrounded by rain cells and with lightening to the south, we hiked the upper trail to the mouth of the caverns. When within about 80 yards of the entrance an ominous cloud came over the ridge from the west causing us to retreat to the headquarters. The total list of birds recorded for the day is: Common Poorwill (2) Common Nighthawk (several) Turkey Vulture (a small kettle of 5-6) Prairie Falcon (1) White-throated Swift (several, very high) Dusky Flycatcher (heard only) Common Raven (1) American Robin Hermit Thrush (heard only) Townsend's Solitaire (2+) Mountain Bluebird (2+) Canyon Wren (heard only) Violet-green Swallow (relatively few) Yellow-rumped Warbler (several) Western Tanager (1, male singing) Spotted Towhee (several) Green-tailed Towhee (several) Chipping Sparrow (several) Pine Siskin (1) Mammals: Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) Yellow-pine Chipmunk (Tamias amoenus) Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) There are no more scheduled birding field trips in the Bozeman area for this summer, to my knowledge. Please visit the Sacajawea Audubon Society website often for news on any addtional summer field trips should they arise. The next SAS newsletter is the September issue. Visit the Lewis and Clark Caverns SP website for their summer schedule. Byron K. Butler, Bozeman Subject: Baird's Sparrow at Eastern Meadowlark spot (south of Ennis) From: "Garrett MacDonald" <birdman2005 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:19:02 -0000 Hi Mob, During surveys today, my coworker Bo Crees found a singing Baird's Sparrow on private land a few miles south of Ennis. Also, according to Jeff Marks, Beth Madden has been doing grassland bird surveys near Ennis and she discovered several Baird's Sparrows in shortgrass prairie near the town of Norris, just north of Ennis, in the last few weeks. So, keep your ears open for any musical trills in the grasslands in these areas. Good birding, Garrett MacDonald birdman2005 AT hotmail.com currently Ennis, MT 509 979 5298 Subject: June photo contest From: "Cheryl Farmer" <songbird AT wispwest.net> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:11:21 -0000 Holy shutter speed! How can I pick just one from all these beauties? I'm always impressed by the excellent photos posted by MOB members and they just keep getting better. I enjoy them so much. Thank you and keep 'em coming! Cheryl Farmer, Bozeman Subject: Re: Poorwill field trip tonight: L&C Caverns SP From: "ptoomeyjr" <ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:09:14 -0000 Byron, Were you successful in seeing/hearing the poorwills on your evening foray? Patrick --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Byron Butler wrote: > > This is to remind everyone that there will be a special field trip into > Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park after hours tonight to search for Common > Poorwill. > > Meet at the entrance to the park (not the park headquarters) at 8:30 pm. The > gate to the park will be closed at 9:00 pm after the last cars are out. Tom > Forwood, Park Naturalist, will then lead us into the park. We will walk into > the park to an area where Tom has been hearing poorwills. > > In response to Jackie Wilson's question: My understanding is that we will > stay on the paved road to walk up to the poorwill area. This should be an > easy to moderate uphill walk. > > If you wish to carpool please contact me by phone (219) 309 - - 0917 and I > will try to help you arrange transportation. I understand that Jackie > Wilson's car is now full so we may need other drivers. If you are driving > and can take someone, or if you need a ride, please contact me as soon as > you can. > > Radd Icenoggle and I plan to arrive at the park at 6:00 pm for general > birding. Depending on Tom Forwood's schedule, Tom may join us. Others are > also welcome to join us. I will be looking for Canyon Wren and Plumbeous > Vireo, but Green-tailed and Spotted towhees, Mountain Chickadee, > Violet-green Swallow, White-throated Swift, Peregrine and Prairie falcons > are but a few of the many species in the park. I can not say for certain > where in the park I will be before 8:30 pm--look for a green Ford F-250 with > a silver cap and 6C plates. If I am away from my truck I will put a note > under my windshield wiper as to where I've gone, or you may try to call the > park office at (406) 287-3541. > > What to bring: > > food, water > comfort hiking shoes and clothes (Isolated rain cells are possible according > to the weather channel) > optics (binoculars / spotting scope) > camera > field guide > flashlight > > We should have fun--I look forward to seeing you there! > > Byron K. Butler, Bozeman > Subject: Gray Flycatcher fledglings on Bannack Bench Road From: "Jeremy Roberts" <jrussell_roberts AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:49:09 -0000 Hi All- On my way back from a film shoot on Ted Turner's Red Rock Ranch yesterday, I decided to take the Bannack Bench Road in hopes of stumbling blindly upon a sage sparrow in the high heat of the day. I stopped at the Lewis & Clark "high & dry" historical board to get water out of the back of my truck, and noticed a flycatcher along the fence. Watching for a while, I could see it making repeat trips to the same sagebrush. In hopes of finding a nest, I made my way through the mosquitoes and actually found a pair of gray flycatchers feeding a few awkward and clumsy fledglings. I've attached photos which you'll find under the New Photos link. Cheers, Jeremy Roberts Subject: Re: Broad-tailed Hummingbird in the Madison Valley From: "Jeremy Roberts" <jrussell_roberts AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:40:25 -0000 Garrett- I've picked up many broad-tailed hummers in the upper Madison Valley. Around Quake Lake is a great place to find them as well. Cheers, Jeremy Roberts --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Garrett MacDonald" wrote: > > Hi Mobsters, > > Bo Crees and I had a good bird today at the Bear Creek Cabin in the Madison Valley south of Ennis (where we're currently living). As I was doing dishes, a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird flew to within inches of the window in our front door (which was shut) and hovered there for not more than 2 seconds. I looked in Skaar, and as far as I could tell, there aren't any records for the Madison Valley. Since Skaar is a little outdated, does anyone know of any more recent records? Maybe some of the Bozeman birders would know. > > I was quite surprised to see this bird after just getting my state Broad-tailed this past weekend in Red Lodge. > > Also, the Eastern Meadowlark is still showing nicely. Bo and I had a great time with all of you who were able to make the trip! > > Good birding everyone, > > Garrett MacDonald > currently in Ennis, MT > birdman2005 AT ... > Subject: Re: First of the Fall Shorebirds From: "Dan Casey" <caseys4 AT centurytel.net> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:44:04 -0000 Mike et al: We had a Red-necked Phalarope and at least one Solitary Sandpiper at Pond 1 on Saturday (27 June), that I also assume were southbound. Dan Subject: First of the Fall Shorebirds From: Michael Schwitters <schwit AT 3rivers.net> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:08:22 -0600 MOB, I did my first look in about a week and a half at Freezout Lake this morning John Nordrum reported that he had seen a Greater Yellowlegs over the weekend. I saw two Lesser Yellowlegs at the "Dike" today. Water levels continue high. Mike Schwitters Choteau MT Subject: New poll for MOB-Montana From: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Date: 1 Jul 2009 07:48:52 -0000 Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the MOB-Montana group: MOBsters, I cannot remember a photo contest with 20 entrants. It must be a record of sorts. The June 'Photo of the Month' contest will close at midnight on July 5th! Vote for your favorite entry. Patrick o American Bittern o Cedar Waxwing o Cliff Swallow o Eastern Bluebird o Lazuli Bunting o Mallard (hen and chicks) o Mountain Bluebird o Mountain Plover o Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow o Red Crossbill o Sandhill Cranes o Spotted Towhee #1 o Spotted Towhee #2 o Veery o Warbling Vireo o Western Tanager o White-winged Crossbill o Wilson's Phalarope #1 o Wilson's Phalarope #2 o Yellow Warbler To vote, please visit the following web page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MOB-Montana/surveys?id=12921155 Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups web site listed above. Thanks! Subject: Broad-tailed Hummingbird in the Madison Valley From: "Garrett MacDonald" <birdman2005 AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:11:26 -0000 Hi Mobsters, Bo Crees and I had a good bird today at the Bear Creek Cabin in the Madison Valley south of Ennis (where we're currently living). As I was doing dishes, a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird flew to within inches of the window in our front door (which was shut) and hovered there for not more than 2 seconds. I looked in Skaar, and as far as I could tell, there aren't any records for the Madison Valley. Since Skaar is a little outdated, does anyone know of any more recent records? Maybe some of the Bozeman birders would know. I was quite surprised to see this bird after just getting my state Broad-tailed this past weekend in Red Lodge. Also, the Eastern Meadowlark is still showing nicely. Bo and I had a great time with all of you who were able to make the trip! Good birding everyone, Garrett MacDonald currently in Ennis, MT birdman2005 AT hotmail.com Subject: new species accounts for Birds of Montana From: "Jeff Marks" <jeff17_marks AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:28:50 -0700 Mobsters, We recently posted five new species accounts on the Montana Audubon Web site: White-winged Scoter, American Avocet, Herring Gull, Gray Jay, and Bobolink. You can access them from the opening page for the book at http://mtaudubon.org/birds/book.html. We've also reached a landmark in that more than 80% of the species accounts have been sponsored (see http://mtaudubon.org/birds/spplist.html). We are on track (more or less...) to have more than half of the accounts completed by the end of this year. Thanks very much to each of you who has helped support this important project in one way or another. Jeff ***************** Jeff Marks 4241 SE Liebe Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 Birds of Montana Project http://mtaudubon.org/ ***************** Subject: Poorwill field trip tonight: L&C Caverns SP From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:16:21 -0600 This is to remind everyone that there will be a special field trip into Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park after hours tonight to search for Common Poorwill. Meet at the entrance to the park (not the park headquarters) at 8:30 pm. The gate to the park will be closed at 9:00 pm after the last cars are out. Tom Forwood, Park Naturalist, will then lead us into the park. We will walk into the park to an area where Tom has been hearing poorwills. In response to Jackie Wilson's question: My understanding is that we will stay on the paved road to walk up to the poorwill area. This should be an easy to moderate uphill walk. If you wish to carpool please contact me by phone (219) 309 - - 0917 and I will try to help you arrange transportation. I understand that Jackie Wilson's car is now full so we may need other drivers. If you are driving and can take someone, or if you need a ride, please contact me as soon as you can. Radd Icenoggle and I plan to arrive at the park at 6:00 pm for general birding. Depending on Tom Forwood's schedule, Tom may join us. Others are also welcome to join us. I will be looking for Canyon Wren and Plumbeous Vireo, but Green-tailed and Spotted towhees, Mountain Chickadee, Violet-green Swallow, White-throated Swift, Peregrine and Prairie falcons are but a few of the many species in the park. I can not say for certain where in the park I will be before 8:30 pm--look for a green Ford F-250 with a silver cap and 6C plates. If I am away from my truck I will put a note under my windshield wiper as to where I've gone, or you may try to call the park office at (406) 287-3541. What to bring: food, water comfort hiking shoes and clothes (Isolated rain cells are possible according to the weather channel) optics (binoculars / spotting scope) camera field guide flashlight We should have fun--I look forward to seeing you there! Byron K. Butler, Bozeman Subject: Re: Mockingbird and Lorene's birdathon and Poor-will trip. From: Jacqueline Wilson <jswilsonmd AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:20:33 -0700 (PDT) Wow! How great is that? I just spent a fabulous Sunday of birding Gallatin Valley with Lorene Reid who was doing a birdathon.  Our goal was 100 birds and we got 103.  It was great learning from a master, Matt Reid who could identify just about anything by ear.  Highlights of the trip were watching a long-billed curlew attacking a ferruginous hawk in a field west of Three Forks;at the same location a McCown's longspur, western meadowlark and mountain bluebird all lined up on a fence wire;  lazuli bunting at Kirk Hill and the Fish Hatchery; at Central Pond: a large variety of ducks with ducklings, geese with big goslings, merlin, no trumpeter swans (Matt had seen some there last week); at Lewis and Clark State Park: plumbeous vireo (a first for me, since I'd never even heard of them), warbling vireo, golden eagle: at Headwaters State Park: white-throated swift, prairie falcon, bald eagle. We birded from 6 am to 9:30 pm and returned home exhausted but happy. Looking forward to the Poor will trip tonight.  What terrain will we be on?  One of our party has some mobility problems and won't come if it's rough terrain. Jackie --- On Mon, 6/29/09, Barb Jaquith wrote: From: Barb Jaquith Subject: [MOB-Montana] Mockingbird To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, June 29, 2009, 9:34 PM Greetings   This morning we had a pair of Mockingbirds carrying food about 3 plus miles east on the Pryor Mountain Road from Highway 310.   Now we have to catch the Blue Grosbeak doing the same!! There are 2 pairs for sure and possibly 3.   Barb Jaquith Red Lodge Subject: White-tailed Ptarmigan (no), Tennessee Warbler (yes) From: "Steve Gniadek" <grayjaybro AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:12:07 -0000 This morning I searched for White-tailed Ptarmigan at Logan Pass in GNP, to no avail. There were several pairs of A. Pipits, with males in flight song, and a few Rosy Finches, plus a few other species, but no ptarmigan revealed themselves. Upon returning from Logan Pass this afternoon, I heard a Tennessee Warbler near the Cedar Point pullout on Lake McDonald. This appears to be a good year for the species in and around Glacier NP. Lisa Bate saw one along upper McDonald Creek in early June, then she and I saw one and heard another at the Bowman Lake Campground horse ramp on June 9, Lou Bruno saw one on the trail between St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls (on the east side of GNP) last week, and I found 4 singing on my Border Road Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in SE British Columbia (just NW of GNP) on Sat. June 27( a new species for that route). I've previously found Tennessee Warblers in a few other locations in Glacier, but I've never found them this widespread before this year. They specialize on a diet of spruce budworm, so they increase during outbreaks; there has been a spruce budworm outbreak raging on the east side of Glacier, but not much tree mortality has been apparent on the west side where most of the sightings have occurred. Must be something going on in this area. On the Libby Dam BBS (along the Fisher River Road on the Kootenai NF), sampled on June 17, I heard Nashville Warblers but no Tennessee Warblers. Is anyone else picking up TEWAs in NW Montana, or elsewhere in the state? Steve Gniadek Subject: Mockingbird From: "Barb Jaquith" <bj3429 AT cablemt.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:34:22 -0600 Greetings This morning we had a pair of Mockingbirds carrying food about 3 plus miles east on the Pryor Mountain Road from Highway 310. Now we have to catch the Blue Grosbeak doing the same!! There are 2 pairs for sure and possibly 3. Barb Jaquith Red Lodge Subject: nesting Hammond's flycatcher; Cordilleran-Pacslope possible hybrid zone From: "Jim Greaves" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:10:01 -0000 This morning (29 June 2009) I found a HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER nest, when I went to meet Andrew Rush at Clark Memorial Campground where he stopped to check the "Western" Flycatchers (as he'd done last year as well). The nest, unbeknownst to him, was directly above the hood of his car, 13 feet above ground on slightly descending limb of the site's shading conifer! It held 4 chicks (as of 1pm when I left and a large trailer took my place), which are at about half-brush stage, meaning wings still have basal shafts unopened, but those break quickly with the amount of stretching and fussing they were making in the nest between feeding forays today (3-5 more days potential in the nest, if anything like Willow or Pac-slope). While I was watching after Andrew left, the pair chased a chipmunk around snapping their beaks loudly, following it up and down and back and forth until it finally quit the tree and went into the shrubs Lark had seen it in last week. Not surprisingly, we had parked under the nest last week and not noticed it either [last year we saw fledged HAFL nearby on 11 July]... MacGwarblers feeding young in Copper King Camp along Thompson River a few days ago and a very defensive pair at today's camp site; several R-n sapsuckers detected in the area, 1 to several at each campground, and last week I was shown a nest site that had fledged young a few weeks earlier. No other surprises locally, though last evening there were 8 gulls on Thompson Falls lake (adults: 1 prob Calif, and 7 prob R-bill) which all headed towards Noxon and beyond -- Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls Subject: Fwd: RFI- Black Swift, Mtn Plover From: kings4birds AT aol.com Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:43:01 -0400 Montana Birders, I will be visiting the western part of the state in mid-late August, and will be looking for Black Swifts in the Glacier area. When do they leave for southern climes, and can anyone tell me where to look for my best chance of spotting one? Also I hope to find Mountain Plovers on our drive up from Wyoming. I've seen some reports on the list and I'd be grateful if someone could reply off-line with more information. Thank you very much. Gail King Memphis, TN A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! Subject: Montana Solstice Tour (Ovenbird) From: "Dan Casey" <caseys4 AT centurytel.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:32:34 -0000 MOB-sters: Susannah and I just returned from leading our second annual ABC donors trip, making a loop from Kalispell, through Glacier, down the Rocky Mountain Front, and back through the Blackfoot and Swan Valleys. We found 162 species in 3 days of glorious weather. A few highlights: Harlequin Ducks: A female on MacDonald Cr. below Logan Cr., and a male loafing on the gravel bar just above the bridge on St. Mary's Cr. right at the east entrance of the Park. Upland Sandpiper: We saw at least 3 pairs, along with 3 pairs of curlews, on the west side of Highway 89 at the crest of the first hill south of its intersection with Highway 2 southeast of Browning. Three-toed Woodpecker: We found a male in the Avalanche Campground in Glacier, and a pair near Jones Pond in the Lubrecht Forest (31 mi east of Missoula). Ovenbird: One singing near Jones Pond at Lubrecht. Clark's Grebe: A pair at "the Neck" at Freezout. One each Red-necked Phalarope, Solitary Sandpiper, Great Egret at Pond 1, Freezout. The Pine Butte Alder Flycatchers were obliging, as were the Belleview Road McCown's Longspurs (but we missed Chestnut-collared there). Dan Casey Somers Subject: Warbler From: "Chuck Carlson" <chuckcmt AT nemontel.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:22:45 -0600 Mobsters Just a note: For this time of year we had an unusual warbler in the back yard yesterday morning. An adult male Yellow-rumped (Audubon's type) spent several hours foraging and bathing. Audubon's are not common during the migration season here in Ft. Peck, let alone in late June. There have been at least 3 broods of Wood Ducks on the sewage ponds this spring, and 2 broods of Common Goldeneyes. Chuck Carlson chuckcmt AT nemont.net Ft. Peck MT Subject: Photo Contest Reminder #3 (the last one; I promise) From: "ptoomeyjr" <ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:31:19 -0000 MOBsters, Sorry to be so wordy about this photo contest, but it seems that we've acquired enough new members that we need to re-state the rules that we all agreed to follow. So, here is the brief rundown. 1. All photos for a contest MUST be taken during the month for which the contest is being held; i.e. June contest, all photos must be taken in June. 2. All photo submissions must be taken within the physical boundaries of the State of Montana. 3. The contest poll will end at midnight on the fifth day of the following month; i.e the June contest poll will end at midnight on July 5th. 4. Members can only submit one photograph per contest. 5. In December the contest will consist of ALL of the winners of the year's monthly contests, and the overall winner will be considered the Photo of the Year! 6. January's contest can consist of photos taken in EITHER December or January since we use December for the Photo of the Year contest. 7. All contestant must furnish real name, location taken and date taken for each entry. If the information can not be verified/furnished prior to the start of the contest, that submission will be eliminated from entry. Any further questions from the newer member of photographers please email me at ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com. Sorry for the intrusion. Hope this takes care of all necessary clarification Patrick Toomey Subject: Glacier Trip From: "Sharon Dewart-Hansen" <smdhansen AT bresnan.net> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:18:20 -0600 Greetings Fellow Mobsters, We are heading for West Glacier next weekend for a couple of days, and would appreciate any intel on bird locations. Would especially be interested in what, where & when birds were recently seen on the Post-Festival trip with Lou Bruno. Target birds are (but limited to): Boreal Chickadee Vaux Swift Northern Pygmy Owl Harlequin Duck Chestnut-backed Chickadee Varied Thrush Black-backed Woodpecker You can contact me off line. Thanks, Sharon Dewart-Hansen Great Falls, MT Subject: Photo Contest reminder #2 From: "ptoomeyjr" <ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:23:56 -0000 MOBsters, I forgot to mention that since the Yahoo profile system is presently not working for us I am unable to find/edit missing names of people submitting photos for the contest. If you intend to enter you MUST have your name, date of photo, and location entered into the template on the photos or else it will not qualify for the contest. If you have already submitted you can easily go in and edit this information. Please get this done so as not to jeopardize your chances in this fun monthly contest. Thanks Patrick Subject: June Photo Contest Deadline Closing From: "ptoomeyjr" <ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:09:09 -0000 Yep, its almost time for the monthly photo contest to begin again! So far there are only 2 contestants, but we are all hoping to see a few more. The deadline for entry is Monday the 30th at midnight. Thanks, Patrick Subject: Exotics? From: "Jeannie Marcure" <marcurejm AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:40:44 -0000 Hi everyone! On the way to Whitefish this morning, Bill & I saw two white doves perched on the utility lines. I'm wondering if anyone else has seen them or heard about them. If anyone is interested I have a rather poor image of one that definitely shows a green leg band. I would think that they must have escaped from someone. Jeannie Marcure Kalispell marcurejm AT yahoo.com Subject: Eastern Meadowlark update From: "Garrett MacDonald" <birdman2005 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:04:26 -0000 Hi Mobsters, I talked to the landowner again, and he would prefer it if the group of birders on Sunday searching for the Eastern Meadowlark would max out at 10-12, so this message is just to say that we've reached that number and I won't be able to take any more birders onto the property that haven't already contacted me. I'm sorry for the inconvenience and frustration, but we must respect the wishes of the landowner and feel grateful for the access he has already given to the Montana birding community. Thanks, Garrett MacDonald Ennis, MT birdman2005 AT hotmail.com Subject: Re: only chance to see Eastern Meadowlark this Sunday at 9 AM From: "Gary Swant" <Birdmontana AT rfwave.net> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:55:30 -0600 Garrett, Myself, my wife and Nate will be at the cafe at 9:00 AM> Gary ----- Original Message ----- From: Garrett MacDonald To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:28 PM Subject: [MOB-Montana] only chance to see Eastern Meadowlark this Sunday at 9 AM Hi MOB, So, the landowner compromised and will allow birders onto his land to view the Eastern Meadowlark for only one day, so this is your chance to see the bird. We will be meeting at 9 AM outside the Ennis Cafe in Ennis and we will carpool the 7 miles to the site. It is extremely important that you contact me before Saturday night to let me know you are going to be coming. My number is (509) 979-5298 and my email is birdman2005 AT hotmail.com Once again, this will be the only chance for the "public" to see this bird. Garrett MacDonald birdman2005 AT hotmail.com (509) 979-5298 Subject: MOB 2009 database From: "ptoomeyjr" <ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:18:59 -0000 Howdy all, For convenience would you PLEASE post a message telling the rest of us what bird(s) you are adding to the database. Someone added another species today but what was it? Kinda tedious to page and compare. Does anyone know what bird was added today? Patrick Subject: only chance to see Eastern Meadowlark this Sunday at 9 AM From: "Garrett MacDonald" <birdman2005 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:28:45 -0000 Hi MOB, So, the landowner compromised and will allow birders onto his land to view the Eastern Meadowlark for only one day, so this is your chance to see the bird. We will be meeting at 9 AM outside the Ennis Cafe in Ennis and we will carpool the 7 miles to the site. It is extremely important that you contact me before Saturday night to let me know you are going to be coming. My number is (509) 979-5298 and my email is birdman2005 AT hotmail.com Once again, this will be the only chance for the "public" to see this bird. Garrett MacDonald birdman2005 AT hotmail.com (509) 979-5298 Subject: Clark's Grebe at Cottonwood Reservoir, Park County From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:47:21 -0000 A late report: I think that it was about a week ago when I observed at least six Clark's Grebe on nests in the NE portion of Cottonwood Reservoir were the west shoulder of US 89 provides a good viewing platform. Mike Subject: Snowy Egret From: fritz_prellwitz AT blm.gov Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:25:45 -0600 Snowy egret on Nelson Reservoir at 48.47878N -107.57304W Subject: Cassin's Kingbird in QLL 31D From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:39:53 -0600 On Saturday, June 20, we left Barb Jaquith Red Lodge for Roundup, MT. Our plan was to spend the night in Roundup so we would be close to a good Cassin's Kingbird area in the morning. When we reached Rockvale we were lured into the Quick Stop Drive Inn for ice cream, and it was good ice cream. Here we called ahead for a motel room in Roundup. However, due to large numbers of bikers no rooms were available there. We then drove to Billings for the night. In Billings, too, we found most motels had no vacancies and those that did had rooms starting at $119 per night. We bounced around from motel to motel and all were full or too expensive until we found another small motel on US 87 in the Heights area. The room was small but clean and servicable and it got us into protection from the strong electrical storms that surrounded us. In the morning the storm had passed an the atmosphere was bright and clean. We drove up US 87 to Majerus Road (DeLorme 44, B2), where Sam Koenen has seen Cassin's Kingbird several times in years past. One has to drive only 100-200 yards up this road to the first stand of pines to find Cassin's. Here we found one Cassin's foraging alone. We also found Western and Eastern Kingbird in the same area, as well as a number of other common species. Several people had also told us to drive Old Divide Road, which is on the east side of US 87 across from Majerus Road. Here we found five more Cassin's, two pairs and another single individual, and additional Western and Eastern Kingbirds. Again we found Cassin's and Western kingbirds in the same area. Thus, we saw six Cassin's Kingbirds in 31D for the day. We also found several Say's Phoebes. One Say's pair had a nest under a rock overhang. We watched the female gather insects which she carried under the ledge, quickly returning without them. We saw the male (brighter plumage coloration) twice, but never saw it carrying food. Looking at Skaar's 6th ed. for Say's Phoebe, this QLL is coded solid green with a lower case "t." Thus, may it be that this nesting evidence is new information for recent years? Byron K. Butler, Bozeman Subject: Pryor Mountain area From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:06:22 -0600 On Saturday, June 20, Maggie and I drove down to Bridger, MT to bird the "Pryor Mountain" area. We never got into the Pryors per se, but spent the day in an area from Bridger to Warren and to the east of these to towns on the south side of the Pryors. We were very fortunate in that Barb Jaquith offered to meet us in Bridger, then show us around. We spent the day with Barb and had a wonderful, successful day. Maggie and I very much enjoyed Barb's company. Our trip was very successful due to Barb's extensive experience and knowledge of the area. I feel it is safe to say that Barb knows every mile of this extensive road network. Our plan was to spend the night camping at the head of Bear Canyon. That plan was foiled by stormy weather, we did not get past the very start of Bear Canyon. For part of the day we also enjoyed the company of Robin Wolcott and Ed Harper. We began at the Northern Mockingbird site, southeast of Bridger, and very near where the dinosaur *Deinonychus* was discovered by John H. Ostrom in 1964. Here we found two mockers, Gray Catbird, Blue Grosbeak. Bullock's Oriole, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow and Say's Phoebe. Ed Harper's good ears were instrumental in locating these birds. A little further down the road we encounterd Pinyon Jay and Yellow-breasted Chat. As we continued driving east, Barb pointed out species that can be found in each section of the road. We passed a good area for countable (and huntable) Chukars, but did not stop for them. When we reached Bowler (a blip in the road, but it is marked in the DeLorme atlas) we stopped for Burrowning Owl. By the time we arrived Robin and Ed had already found the owl. Later two young owls were spotted, too. Long-billed Curlew was seen. Upland Sandpiper are here also, but we did not see them. Barb says it is best to look for them early in the morning when they are vocal. We next followed several 90-degree turns in the road to a good Sage Grouse area, but did not find them. Our next target bird was Mountain Plover so we raced down to Warren to pick up Helt Road. Robin and Ed had seen both adults and young plovers earlier in the day. With Barb, we saw two breeding plumage adults, both spotted by Maggie. We had very good looks at one plover. I was struck at how much it behaved like a Killdeer. En route to the plover area we found an adult Ferruginous Hawk that was unexpected by Barb in that area. This was Barb's "bird of the day." From the plover locale we back-tracked to Bear Canyon. At the very begining of this road, near the parking area for horse trailers, and just at the start of the rock outcrop grade, we found Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Green-tailed Towhee. My understanding is that the gnatcatcher is usually found from here to the next big bend in the road to the north. However, Barb says that this year they have been seen only from the beginning of this area. At this time, it was late in the afternoon and threatening clouds were seen to the west. So far we had been free from rain, but now it looked like it would rain too hard to camp at the head of Bear Canyon. Thus, we drove west to Red Lodge and missed all the desired birds further up the canyon. Barb called friends in Red Lodge to check on the weather and determined we had time to get there to see Broad-tailed Hummingbird before the storm hit too hard. She took us from Warren west via back roads to Red Lodge. The views looking back to the east were breathtaking. We reached a high elevation small plateau that was covered with beautiful wildflowers. It looked like something out of The Sound of Music. We next found ourselves looking down on a very picturesque view the town of Red Lodge. This "short-cut" route is a wonderful Montana experince. In Red Lodge we went to a private residence where under the protective cover of a garage overhang we avoided a light rain while waiting for a Broad-tailed Hummingbird to appear. It was not long before we heard the non-vocal sounds of this species, and then a bright male landed atop a small spruce in front of us. We had great looks at this last target species of the day. By now Maggie and I were hungry and went to the Red Box Car for buffalo burgers. Barb went to the gym to work out!!! I wish I had her energy! It was raining pretty good at the Red Box Car and all the table seating is outside. We ate our burgers in our car beside swollen Rock Creek. Here we saw American Dipper, our last new bird for the day. We then decided to drive to Roundup to be in position to see Cassin's Kingbird in the morning. Thanks, Barb, for a wonderful day! Byron K. Butler, Bozeman Subject: Sage Sparrow on Bannack Bench Road From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:56:03 -0600 So, to pick up where I left off on June 16, after the right and proper hanging of George Ives on June 13, it began to rain in Nevada City. Maggie and I then left for Bannack. Rain clouds were all around us, but there was one bright spot in the sky and that was right where we were heading. Our quest was Sage Sparrow, a species that had become sort of a nemesis bird for us this year. We were determined to get it. We reached the Bannack Bench Road late in the day, around 8:00 pm. It was not raining except for a few sprinkles and the Bannack Bench Road appeared to be ok. We began to head down the road. By the time we reached Reservoir Road we realized the roads were too wet and that we were in a precarious position. Rather than turn around we decided to push through to the town of Grant. It would take us an hour and a half to go that ten miles. Driving from north to south on this road I have learned from Steve Sherman that it is necessary to know where you are with respect to the several cattle guards and other landmarks. Once we passed the third cattle guard and were near Cross Ranch I knew we were in a good Sage Sparrow area. I chose a random stop on a high spot in the road 0.6 miles south of this third guard. From here I could see the road for quite some distance ahead and behind me in case anyone was coming, since we stopped in the middle of the road and dared not to get closer to either side. We listened but heard only one distant Sage Thrasher. It was now 9:00 pm, the light was still good as it came from the west through the only hole in the sky, although it had begun to move into the longer wavelengths. I got out of the car to listen, but heard nothing. The mud below my feet tamped into colloidal suspension. Frustrated and not knowing what else to do, I decided to spish. I had no idea if spishing would help or hurt in a sagebrush steppe, but it was all that was left to try. I spished as hard and loud and long as I could. The thrasher moved in close and sang loudly. Surprisingly, sparrows began to pop up. First a Vesper, then either a Clay-colored or a Brewer's made a too-brief appearance. I then saw with naked eye a sunlit breast with distinct dark breast spot. Anticipation rose as I put glass to eye. Gray head, dark tail. I jumped to my spotting scope and as I spun the focus wheel all the details of this little object of the quest fell into place. Sage Sparrow! 9:06 pm. The next half hour was spent traveling the remaining few miles to get off this road. This was the second and last time I will ever drive the Bannack Bench Road when it is wet. Byron K. Butler, Bozeman Subject: Re: Common Poorwill Field Trip on June 30 From: "jswilsonmd" <jswilsonmd AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:27:26 -0000 Sounds like fun. Does anyone want to carpool from Bozeman? I live in the northeast neighborhood. Jackie --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Byron Butler wrote: > > A couple people have written to me for information about the Common Poorwill > field trip, so to clarify any confusion I am posting the details again. > > Tom Forwood, Park Naturalist at the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, and > I have arranged a field trip into the park after park hours to search for > Common Poorwill and other night birds. The park closes at 9:00 pm and the > only way we have access to the park after that time is with a park employee. > Tom has graciously agreed to lead and after-hours field trip for us. > > Be at the lower end of the park, not at the park headquarters, at 8:30 pm. > After the park closes and all the cars are out of the park, we will walk in > to the area where Tom has been hearing the poorwills. We will make an effort > to see the poorwills, and other nocturnal birds, as well as hear them. This > is a special opportunity to bird the park after hours. > > I plan to be at the park well before 8;30 pm to bird in the park in daylight > with Tom. Everyone is welcome to join us. We have no exact time for this set > yet. > > If this field trip gets washed out due to poor weather, we have set a rain > date for July 9. At this time there is no plan to do two field trips. This > trip is planned for June 30. > > Tom Forwood's office phone number is: 406 287-3541 > > Lewis and Clark Cavern's State Park is on State Highway 2 between Whitehall > and Three Forks. > > We hope to see you! > > Byron K. Butler, Bozeman > Subject: East Meets West in NE Montanaţ LONG (from Gina Sheridan, Spokane,WA) From: "Garrett MacDonald" <birdman2005 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:20:46 -0000 Having contemplated a June trip to northeastern Montana for some time, Dennis Murphy joined me on a week long venture that would focus on specialties of the northern Great Plains. My other goal was to hopefully find some of the eastern birds that find their western range limit in extreme eastern Montana and to see how they mix with their western cousins. Utilizing the ABA guide for Montana and perusing some of the reports on the MOB list serve, I mapped out a course that would concentrate on a route from Great Falls to Havre, to southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, down to Malta, out to Fort Peck, and back through the upper Missouri Breaks of Charles Russell NWR. On our afternoon of departure (Saturday, 6/06/09) out of Spokane, a cold weather system out of Canada had substantially dropped temperatures through the Inland NW. Fortunately, the broken cloud deck didn't look particularly threatening, and some sunshine managed to occasionally beamed through. During this travel day, I picked up my first Montana state lifer. At the East Lolo Pass rest area, we found a singing WILSON'S WARBLER. In Missoula, our best bird was a LAZULI BUNTING. Our first stop on the next morning (Sunday, 6/07/09) was at the Gold Creek Rest Area. Surprisingly, we quickly found a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH singing from an exposed snag, and an Elk on a hillside. Some of the other birds that we saw here included WARBLING VIREO, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, HOUSE WREN, YELLOW WARBLER, HOUSE WREN, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, BREWER'S BLACKBIRD, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. Along Hwy. 12, west of Avon (Powell County), we were pleased to find BOBOLINK, TREE SWALLOW, and EASTERN KINGBIRD. East of Avon (MP 17), we enjoyed the sight of two SANDHILL CRANEs with a lanky, buff colored chick.Nearby, a WILSONS' SNIPE flew over the road. On MacDonald Pass, light snow was falling and the temp had dropped to 30 degrees. Checking out a stand of scaled Ponderosa Pines for Three-toed Woodpeckers, we had to settle for NORTHERN FLICKER and PINE SISKIN. A quick stop in Spring Meadow State Park (Lewis & Clark County), netted us VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, HOUSE FINCH, EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE, RING-BILLED GULL, and LEAST FLYCATCHER. A field west of the park held seven Mule Deer with three fawns. At the community of Birdseye, we saw our first MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD. On the sagebrush plains north of Silver City, we saw BREWER'S SPARROW, VESPER SPARROW, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK. Working the riparian sections of Little Prickly Pear Creek, we found TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, GRAY CATBIRD, SPOTTED TOWHEE, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, DUSKY FLYCATCHER, LEAST FLYCATCHER, NO. WATERTHRUSH, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, AMERICAN DIPPER, SONG SPARROW, DOWNY WOODPECKER, YELLOW WARBLER, and we heard RUFFED GROUSE drumming. Mammals along this route included White-tailed Deer, Least Chipmunk, and Columbian Ground Squirrel. Arriving at Freezeout Lake WMA, we were greeted by blustery northerly winds, brief periods of snow pellets, and intermittent rain showers. As I opened the car door at our first stop, I immediately flushed a SORA. This avian rich area yielded GREAT EGRET - 3 (are these rare here?), BONAPARTE'S GULL (in basic plumage) feeding like a shore bird with WILSON'S PHALAROPEs, BLACK-NECKED STILT, AMERICAN AVOCET, WILLET, MARBLED GODWIT, REDHEAD, NO. PINTAIL, AME. WIGEON, CINNAMON TEAL, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, ROSS'S GOOSE - 1, CANADA GOOSE, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, WESTERN KINGBIRD, BARN SWALLOW, CLIFF SWALLOW, EARED GREBE, WESTERN GREBE, FRANKLIN'S GULL, CALIFORNIA GULL, RB GULL, FORSTER'S TERN, COMMON TERN, GADWALL, NO. SHOVELER, AME. WHITE PELICAN, LESSER SCAUP, RUDDY DUCK, AME. COOT, C. YELLOWTHROAT, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, and GREAT BLUE HERON. In the uplands, we saw GRASSHOPPER SPARROW -3 , CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, HORNED LARK, LONG-BILLEDCURLEW, SHORT-EARED OWL, and Richardson's Ground Squirrel. On nearby Priest Lake, we saw several SPOTTED SANDPIPERs. Strangely, we didn't see one even one grebe at the designated "Grebe City" section of Freezeout Lake. After an overnight in Great Falls, we drove through patchy fog up to Havre. During the morning (Monday, 6/08/09), temperature stubbornly remained around 39 degrees. Within sight of Big Sandy, we saw an ungainly Northern Pocket Gopher cross the road. South of Chinook (Blaine County), we arrived at Bear Paw (Chief Jospeph) Battlefield National Historical Park. Birds that we encountered there included WILLOW FLYCATCHER, C. YELLOWTHROAT, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, VESPER SPARROW, GRAY CATBIRD, NO. HARRIER, BUFFLEHEAD, AME. GOLDFINCH. As we were about to leave, I heard a BAIRD'S SPARROW singing near the parking lot. With a bit of effort, we managed to obtain some decent views of one of our most desired target species. Continuing south of the battlefield park, we birded a rich wetland and pond on the entrance road to H. C. Kurh Reservoir. While BOBOLINKs sang from the wet meadow, we scoped out CANVASBACK, PIED-BILLED GREBE; BARN, TREE, CLIFF, and ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWs; WILLETs, W. PHALARPOPEs, and AME. GODWITt. On the Kuhr Reservoir, there was a pair of RED-NECKED GREBEs and more EARED GREBES. On the gravel road near Crown Butte, we saw a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. At the south end of the Bowe's Oil Field, we stopped to view CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURs, LARK BUNTINGs, and LONG-BILLED CURLEWs. A roaming Badger (life mammal for Dennis) added to the excitement. Hearing a singing SPARGUE'S PIPIT, we were finally rewarded with fantastic views of highly territorial pipit that flew in and flashed it's showy white-rimmed tail flicked downward at a 90 degree angle from it's body. At times the pipit landed right in the road, perched on a fence, and then went back to skulking in the grass. This Sprague's Pipit was the second target bird that we picked up out of the "big three" (Baird's Sparrow, Sprague's Pipit, and Mountain Plover) that I especially wanted to see. The lively pipit put on a fantastic show! Rather than bird just the known hot spots, I wanted to explore some off the beaten track areas too. In the early evening we drove up from Havre to the Canadian border. Although we had some difficulty finding the unmarked entrance road, we probed into Creedman Coulee NWR. On this short-grass prairie, we had crippling views of displaying McCOWN'S LONGSPURs and CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURs. Meanwhile, Dennis photographed a COMMON NIGHHAWK was that snoozing on a fence post. In particular, I was entranced with McCown's Longspur elegant dihedral tip of the wings as it glided down from some lofty height back down to earth. While McCown's was engaged in this aerial display, it was continually singing it's sweet warbling tune. In the northern reaches of Hill County, there were plenty of raptors hunting the abundant Richardson's Ground Squirrels. NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-TAILED HAWK, and SWAINSON'S HAWKs were all represented. However, FERRUGINOUS HAWKs were especially common up there. In fact, we found one large Ferrugionous Hawk nest that contained three downy white chicks in it. Our foray into Canada's prairie provinces began on Tuesday morning (6/09/09). Crossing over the border via the Port of Wild Horse, we began ticking off Alberta provincial life birds such as CALIFORNIA GULL, HOUSE SPARROW, CLIFF SWALLOW, CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR, McCOWN'S LONGSPUR, HORNED LARK, FERRUGINOUS HAWK, NO. HARRIER, BREWER'S BLACKBIRD, BARN SWALLOW, VESPER SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, W. MEADOWLARK, RED-TAILED HAWK, SWAINSON'S HAWK, and MALLARD. Our short time in Alberta came to an end as we crossed over into Saskatchewan. As we worked on our nascent Saskatchewan list from Hwy 13 (near Govenlock), we picked virtually all the same birds that we saw in Alberta, and added AMERICAN COOT, BREWER'S SPARROW, SHORT-EARED OWL, and AME. WIGEON. In Consul, we added MOURNING DOVE, ROCK PIGEON, BREWER'S BLACKBIRD, EASTERN KINGBIRD, and HOUSE SPARROW. En route to the Centre Black of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, we crossed the highly productive wetlands nestled in Frenchman Valley. Some of the birds here included RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, NO. PINTAIL, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, WILSON'S SNIPE, WILSON'S PHALAROPE, C. RAVEN, CANADA GOOSE, RUDDY DUCK, SORA (h), and BOBOLINK. While waiting out some rain showers in the forested Cypress Hills, we saw some birds around the lake such as GREAT BLUE HERON, DC CORMORANT, BC CHICKADEE, PINE SISKIN, C. TERN, AME. ROBIN, MALLARD, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, HOUSE WREN, DE JUNCO, and HAIRY WOODPECKER. Since the park received heavy snow on Saturday, we were hiking through several inches of it in the shady forest of White Spruce-Lodgepole Pine. The Highland Trail traversed boreal forest, riparian woodland, open meadows, and aspen groves. Birds that we encountered along the trail were RING-NECKED DUCK, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, AME. WHITE PELICAN, VEERY, SONG SPRARROW, C. YELLOWTHROAT, AME. REDSTART, OVENBIRD, YELLOW WARBLER, TURKEY VULTURE, WARBLING VIREO, and RED-NECKED GREBE. As we progressed around the trail, the sun broke through and the snow was melting. Heading back southward, we saw a MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD. At Olga, there was a GOLDEN EAGLE. In the late afternoon, we birded the town of Eastend, SK. The residential west side of town was quite birdy and had a few lingering migrants. We found YELLOW WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER - 2, NO. FLICKER, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, C. NIGHTHAWK, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, HOUSE FINCH, AME. GOLDFINCH, and LARK SPARROW. On a pond south of Eastend, SK, we saw WILLET and NO. SHOVELER. In Arena, SK, we wrapped up our birding day in Canada with AMERICAN AVOCET, KILLDEER, and MARBLED GODWIT. White-tailed Deer and Pronghorn Antelope were seen too. Eventually, we crossed back in the U.S. via the Port of Morgan, and spent the next couple of nights in Malta, MT. On Wednesday morning (6/10/09), we were grateful to see sunny skies and warmer temps. Entering Bowdoin NWR (Phillips County), we were met by some special birds such as MARSH WREN, C. YELLOWTHROAT, LEAST FLYCATCHER, FRANKLIN'S GULL, CALIFORNIA & RING-BILLED GULL, C. TERN; BLUE-WINGED, CINNAMON, & GREEN-WINGED TEAL (only one Green-winged was seen our trip); WHITE-FACED IBIS, BROWN THRASHER, WESTERN WOOD PEWEE, CLARK'S GREBE, WESTERN GREBE, EARED GREBE, SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, BALTIMORE ORIOLE -2, CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR, COMMON GRACKLE, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, and plenty of other waterfowl. On the first portion of the auto loop, we had crippling views of SORA and VIRGINIA RAILs. At station # 10, we had nice views of a SPRAGUE'S PIPIT that was engaged in it's aerial display. Territorial MARBLED GODWITs often stood in the road and defied us to advance. We saw another Godwit swoop after a NORTHERN HARRIER and pluck at it's tail feathers. Between Station #3-4, BAIRD'S SPARROWs were very common. We heard them singing everywhere, and had fantastic views of several of them. With regards to Baird's Sparrow, I noticed that in flight the high contrast (almost checkered looking) back pattern of black and gray, and the light gray outer tail feathers were quite prominent. Baird's often had a light buffy wash across the upper chest and face, and had strong buffy-orange colored patch on the upper nape. It is interesting that both Sprague's Pipit and Baird's Sparrow share some similar plumage characteristics (i.e. the almost identical streaked breast pattern, larger looking eye, and strongly patterned back). Back at the refuge headquarters, we noticed that a couple of birders from Maryland (Ed Boyd & Jim Stanz) that we had conversed with earlier, had entered in the log book that they had heard a Sharp-tailed Sparrow at staion #9. Although we tried for it that afternoon, we dipped on that. We did chat with Bruce Barbour who was the refuge manager, and he suggested that might try for our target Mountain Plover and Burrowing Owl in the prairie dog town at Hewitt Lake NWR and have us tips for Wood Duck. Before we departed, we walked the wooded trail around the Display Pond and observed SWAINSON'S THRUSH and an EASTERN KINGBIRD chasing a GREAT HORNED OWL. On the dam side of Nelson Reservoir, we saw three COMMON LOONS in alternate plumage. Driving over the washboard road around Hewitt Lake was teeth jarring experience, and we had difficulty locating the prairie dog town. A local rancher helped us out by giving us directions, and drove along a the BLM/NWR border fence and found the dog town. Although we were assiduous in our search, we failed to find the plover or owl, but we did see a pair of UPLAND SANDPIPERs, and LONG-BILLED CURLEWs. Thinking that rolling sagebrush covered hills in this area seemed like good Poorwill habitat, we decided to try for that after dark. While working for Poorwills in the dark, we were amazed at how many COMMON NIGHTHAWKs there were flying about. Some nighthawks were on the road too, but we dipped on Poorwill. The pump station in the natural gas field was quite loud and annoying too. Our only mammal of the evening was Mountain Cottentail. Our first stop of the next morning (Thursday, 6/11/09), was at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum in Malta that is conveniently situated on the bluffs of the Milk River. Our first state lifer of the day was WOOD DUCK on the river. Although we attempted follow-ups on bittern and Sharp-tailed Sparrow in Bowdoin NWR, we dipped on both. We did see BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, and I heard a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. Skimming the waters of Nelson Reservoir were COMMON NIGHTHAWKs that seemed to be impersonating Black Terns. A final check of the prairie dog town in Hewitt Lake NWR failed to deliver any Mt. Plovers or Burrowing Owls. However, we did have closer views of the pair of UPLAND SANDPIPERs. Treking farther east to Glasgow (Valley County), we drove south on Bentonite Road. In the riparian area near the edge of town, we saw WOOD DUCKs, and a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. Up on the Bentonite High Plains, we saw both MCCOWN'S & CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURs, LB CURLEWs, MARBLED GODWITs, WILLET, and a flock of a dozen male GREATER SAGE GROUSE. Around 15.5 mile mark, we flushed a pair of MOUNTAIN PLOVERS from the shoulder of the road. One plover landed on the road itself, and the other began hunting insects on an alkali flat. We had spectacular views of our third and final member of our "Big Three" target species. In the late afternoon, we birded some around Fort Peck. Near the dam, We quickly found FIELD SPARROW, LARK SPARROWs, TURKEY VULTURE, SPOTTED TOWHEE. Within the city limits of Fort Peck, we saw CHIMNEY SWIFTs and CHIPPING SPARROW. One of the big attractions of Fort Peck, is the mixture of eastern (finding their western most limit here) and western birds. On Friday morning (6/12/09), we birded the nature trail in the Downstream Recreation Area. Here we found YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, WESTERN WOOD PEWEE, LEAST FLYCATCHER, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, ORCHARD ORIOLE, and a fly over BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. Desiring to see some of the more local eastern rarities, we called upon local birding expert Charles Carlson. While we chatted with Charles and his wife Jean, we saw plenty of birds in the Carlson's backyard. COMMON GRACKLE, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, BLUE JAY, BROWN THRASHER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH were some of the more memorable visitors that we saw. Later, Charles was gracious enough to take us to some of the prime spots for state rarities. At our stop at Roundhouse Rec. Area, we saw a PIPING PLOVER and COMMON TERNs. In the floodplain woodland below the dam, we saw EASTERN BLUEBIRD, EASTERN KINGBIRD, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, FIELD SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and COOPER'S HAWK. Several of these highly localized species would have been nearly impossible for us to have found without Charles's expert help. One of the remaining prairie species that had continued to elude us on this trip Burrowing Owl. Our attempt to find the owl in the Manning Corral Dog Town in the West Unit of Charles M. Russell NWR (Phillips County), was the big target bird of the late afternoon. Due to conflicting maps directions and our failure to find the dog town in the refuge, we checked innumerable dirt side roads. While we were searching for our quarry, we did run across a SAGE HEN with several chicks, WILLET, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, UPLAND SANDPIPER, and a SAGE THRASHER (at Lark Reservoir). Finally, we ran across an Iowa State grad student who was working on Mt. Plovers. Paul (can't remember his last name), informed us that the Manning Corral Dog Town in the ABA Guide is defunct. He recommended that we try a large active dog town around Wrangler Reservoir (15 miles east on Dry Fork Road. On our drive out there, we saw more SAGE GROUSE and LB CURLEWs. Arriving at Wrangler Reservoir, we began scanning the dog town. Although it took us at least twenty minutes to find them, we did see MOUNTAIN PLOVER - 3 (all in one scope view) and two BURROWING OWLs. At long last, we were thrilled to have ticked off the Burrowing Owl for our Montana state list. Mammal-wise, we saw Pronghorn, White-tailed Jack Rabbit, Richardson's Ground Squirrel, Black-tailed Prairie Dog, and Mt. Cottontail. Rolling into the town of Zortman at 10:00 PM, we managed to find a motel. We had dinner in the rowdy saloon and enjoyed plenty of local color. It was Friday night reverie with Indians from the rez and the local cowboys. Awaking to glorious sunshine in the morning (Saturday, 6/13/09), we walked around town. Zortman is nestled in an isolated range called the Little Rocky Mountains. As WHITE-THROATED SWIFTs wheeled overhead, we heard WILD TURKEY, and saw an OVENBIRD. Finishing breakfast, we birded the Camp Creek Gamp Ground. The riparian areas here were incredibly birdy. After I just said that Veery should be in here, I heard one. Veeries were thick in there, and we had great views of one. Other goodies that we quickly found were AMERICAN REDSTART, OVENBIRD, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, WESTERN TANAGER, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, CHIPPING SPARROW, and DUSKY FLYCATCHER. On the plains south of Zortman, we witnessed the strange sight of a LB CURLEW calling and chasing after a pair of circling GOLDEN EAGLEs. The Little Rocky Mts. was an amazing area with a high density of desirable birds, and I wished that we had more time to bird it. However, we had to be back in Spokane by that evening. Finally, we made a stop in the Upper Missouri Breaks of James Kipp Rec. Area (a unit of Charles Russell NWR in Fergus County). The "Missouri Breaks" is the name for the landscape of rugged forested buttes and benches that are interspersed with deep coulees surrounding the Missouri River. When we stopped in a fine stand of tall cottonwoods, we obtained point blank views of our only RED-EYED VIREO of the trip, and we saw another YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT for good measure. With a bird trip list of over 140 species for Montana (over 30 were state lifers for me), enjoying quality time with difficult-to-find northern plains species (i.e. Baird's Sparrow, Sprague's Pipit, Mt. Plover), seeing fun mammals, meeting friendly folks, birding a day up in the prairie provinces of Canada, and visiting remote, seldom visited areas of the state, we were extremely pleased with our week long visit to the Big Sky Country. Gina Sheridan Spokane, WA gsherida8502 AT yahoo.com Subject: Common Poorwill Field Trip on June 30 From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:03:11 -0600 A couple people have written to me for information about the Common Poorwill field trip, so to clarify any confusion I am posting the details again. Tom Forwood, Park Naturalist at the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, and I have arranged a field trip into the park after park hours to search for Common Poorwill and other night birds. The park closes at 9:00 pm and the only way we have access to the park after that time is with a park employee. Tom has graciously agreed to lead and after-hours field trip for us. Be at the lower end of the park, not at the park headquarters, at 8:30 pm. After the park closes and all the cars are out of the park, we will walk in to the area where Tom has been hearing the poorwills. We will make an effort to see the poorwills, and other nocturnal birds, as well as hear them. This is a special opportunity to bird the park after hours. I plan to be at the park well before 8;30 pm to bird in the park in daylight with Tom. Everyone is welcome to join us. We have no exact time for this set yet. If this field trip gets washed out due to poor weather, we have set a rain date for July 9. At this time there is no plan to do two field trips. This trip is planned for June 30. Tom Forwood's office phone number is: 406 287-3541 Lewis and Clark Cavern's State Park is on State Highway 2 between Whitehall and Three Forks. We hope to see you! Byron K. Butler, Bozeman Subject: Canyon Ferry WMA From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:50:13 -0600 My third stop of the day was at the Canyon Ferry WMA, where Bob Starks and I enjoyed a couple nice hikes with a cool, dry breeze. The air was very nice in the shade, warmer in the sun. A few mosquitoes brought out the bug spray. This was the second time Bob and I have visited this area in the past week. Although we found no special birds, we did enjoy large numbers of certain species. Birds were relatively quiet today. This are has good populations of House and Marsh Wrens, and the largest population of Yellow Warbler I've seen anywhere. Ring-billed, California and Franklin's gulls are abundant, young gray gulls are easily seen. There is a large breeding population of American White Pelican and pelicans are constantly overhead. Double-crested Cormorants are on their unique nests. A few geese, ducks and grebes are around. Due to high water we have not found any shorebirds other than Killdeer. Some other common birds seen: Gray Partridge (adult pair with ten chicks) Sora (heard only) Sandhill Crane (2, in farm fields) Osprey (on nests) Forster's Tern Caspian Tern (1) Eurasian Collared-Dove Least Flycatcher Western Wood-Pewee Eastern Kingbird Western Kingbird Common Raven Black-billed Magpie Tree Swallow Cliff Swallow American Robin Cedar Waxwing Song Sparrow blackbirds (Icterids) Byron K. Butler, Bozeman Subject: Lewis & Clark Caverns SP and Poorwill field trip From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:21:43 -0600 I spent a pleasant couple of hours this morning with Tom Forwood, Park Naturalist at Lewis & Clark Caverns SP. This was my first visit to this park since 1997 and I had forgotten just how nice this place is. There are 3,000 acres of great bird habitat there, with more habitat diversity than I expected. As Tom has already mentioned, we arranged a Common Poorwill field trip for this coming Tuesday night. See Tom's post for details or call him at the park. Be aware, this field trip is after park hours, Tom is allowing us in as a special event, so this is a rare opportunity. Today I visited three distinctly different habitat areas, one of which was this park, and bird activity was extremely slow at all of them on this warm, cloudless day. Birds seen or heard by Tom and me at the state park were: Peregrine Falcon Prairie Falcon White-throated Swift Clark's Nutcracker Canyon Wren Violet-green Swallow American Robin Townsend's Solitaire (including one just fledged bird) Mountain Bluebird Yellow-rumped Warbler Green-tailed Towhee Spotted Towhee Chipping Sparrow Pine Siskin We hope to see you Tuesday evening. Byron K. Butler, Bozeman Subject: Eastern Meadowlark viewing is on hold. From: tertop AT aol.com Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:15:10 EDT For mobbers information, I received a call from Garrett MacDonald tonight and until further notice, viewing the Eastern Meadowlark will not be allowed. Garrett hopes that future discussion with the landowner will change the situation. Terry Toppins _tertop AT aol.com_ (mailto:tertop AT aol.com) Missoula **************Check all of your email inboxes from anywhere on the web. Try the new Email Toolbar now! (http://toolbar.aol.com/mail/download.html?ncid=txtlnkusdown00000027) Subject: Eastern Meadowlark seen today From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:04:29 -0600 Today, 6/23, I drove out to the private ranch were the Eastern Meadowlark was found by Bo Crees and Garrett MacDonald. Bo and Garrett were perfect hosts. The EAME was found rather quickly and we had very good views with excellent lighting. The bird sang numerous times, providing vocal identification as well. Surprisingly there were no bugs, but there was plenty of sun and nowhere to hide from it Thus, take sun block, but bug spray is not necessary. You will have to walk through water and wet grass. The water can be as deep as 12"-15." Although a scope is not necessary to see the bird, it will be necessary to study all the relevant field marks. Again, thank you Bo and Garrett! Byron K. Butler, Bozeman Subject: Re: Yellow-throated Vireo From: "jill kuhler" <jkuhler AT bresnan.net> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:12:00 -0600 Saw a yellow throated vireo at two moon park in Billings today. Ron Kuhler Billings On Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:17:30 -0600 "Chuck Carlson" wrote: > Mobsters > > A Yellow-throated Vireo has been reported at the Pines Recreation Area >southwest of Ft. Peck on Ft. Peck Lake. It was reported about noon today by >Paul Hendricks, Susan Lenard and Coburn Currier. They were in the area doing >bird counts for the BLM. > > Chuck Carlson > chuckcmt AT nemont.net >Ft. Peck MT Subject: Nesting activity in/around Kelly Island, Missoula From: "Will McDowell" <willymcdowell AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:59:07 -0000 Alot of birds feeding young in nests around Kelly Island boat ramp area. Found RN Sapsucker nest this morning, there are also numerous Lewis' woodpeckers in the vicinity, feeding and carrying food (haven't found nests yet, they are here for sure). RS Flicker feeding young in nesthole in our yard (adjacent to Kelly Island) also, and pileated woodpeckers are very noisy and present, not sure what stage they are at. WB Nuthatches foraging with recently fledged young. House wrens and tree swallows within days of fledging. Saw my first peregrine falcon for my yard list, an adult high over Bitterroot River/Clark Fork confluence. Harried by, and returned the favor, with a kestrel. Peregrine was probably foraging out from nesting territory farther down the Clark Fork (we don't have any cliffs real near here). Cheers...........Will Missoula Subject: Ooops, sorry about personal msg. From: tertop AT aol.com Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:58:32 EDT Apologize for sending message to mob intended for Garrett. Terry Toppins _tertop AT aol.com_ (mailto:tertop AT aol.com) Missoula **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222377052x1201454391/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jun eExcfooterNO62) Subject: Re: EASTERN MEADOWLARK near Ennis From: tertop AT aol.com Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:56:15 EDT Garrett, Great find - good birding job!!!! Carole and I would like to come over - would Thursday work for you or Bo? I am assuming the bird would still be there, sounds like it is on territory. What is it - about a 3 1/2 hour drive (I'm pretty fast on the road). We could come over on Wednesday, but we would take your recommendation. Which ever day works - give me instructions, please. My cell phone is 214-1194. Good Birding Terry Toppins _tertop AT aol.com_ (mailto:tertop AT aol.com) Missoula In a message dated 6/22/2009 7:37:28 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, birdman2005 AT hotmail.com writes: Hi Mobsters, As many of you have heard, my coworker Bo Crees and I found an Eastern Meadowlark near Ennis on Thursday, June 18. The bird is on private land, though the landowner is graciously going to be allowing a few birders onto his land (guided by either myself or Bo). If you are interested in seeing this 1st MT state record, you can email me at birdman2005 AT hotmail.com or call me (509) 979-5298 or Bo (231) 388-3576. Bo and I are conducting bird surveys for the University of Montana in the mornings from 5-11 AM during the week, so any EAME search will have to happen at or after 11. Garrett MacDonald birdman2005 AT hotmail.com 509 979-5298 ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222377052x1201454391/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jun eExcfooterNO62) Subject: Sandhills with Colts From: "Jeannie Marcure" <marcurejm AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:49:44 -0000 Today while driving on Smith Lake Road near the lake we were lucky enough to see 2 Sandhill Cranes with two colts. I've posted the picture at http://www.flickr.com/photos/97671968 AT N00/3652877074/ We also saw a Wilson's Snipe on Cemetary Rd near the intersection with Airport Road--a first in this area for us. Jeannie Marcure Kalispell Subject: Lesser Goldfinch From: "Chuck Carlson" <chuckcmt AT nemontel.net> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:36:07 -0600 Mobsters This afternoon a male green-backed morph Lesser Goldfinch showed up in the back yard. I will post several photos in my album. Chuck Carlson chuckcmt AT nemont.net Ft. Peck MT Subject: EASTERN MEADOWLARK in Ennis addendum From: "Garrett MacDonald" <birdman2005 AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:39:13 -0000 Hi Mob, I forgot to mention that photos of the bird can be seen at my site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/redknot/ and 2 videos in which you can hear the bird sing can be found at youtube.com by searching for "garrettmacbirdman" Garrett MacDonald birdman2005 AT hotmail.com 509 979 5298 Subject: EASTERN MEADOWLARK near Ennis From: "Garrett MacDonald" <birdman2005 AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:36:01 -0000 Hi Mobsters, As many of you have heard, my coworker Bo Crees and I found an Eastern Meadowlark near Ennis on Thursday, June 18. The bird is on private land, though the landowner is graciously going to be allowing a few birders onto his land (guided by either myself or Bo). If you are interested in seeing this 1st MT state record, you can email me at birdman2005 AT hotmail.com or call me (509) 979-5298 or Bo (231) 388-3576. Bo and I are conducting bird surveys for the University of Montana in the mornings from 5-11 AM during the week, so any EAME search will have to happen at or after 11. Garrett MacDonald birdman2005 AT hotmail.com 509 979-5298 Subject: Regarding banded Caspian Tern, Thompson Falls From: "Jim Greaves" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:48:17 -0000 I received report for banded Caspian Tern that Lark and I saw on Sunday, apparently a first report from Montana of any banded CATE by researchers at http://www.columbiabirdresearch.org [Thanks Ned]! I sent a few not-so-hot cropped images for their file - Jim, Thompson Falls [snipped for relevance] "If the bird had orange, white, and metal band on the left leg and a large yellow plastic band with codes on the right leg, the bird was banded as an adult at East Sand Island in the Columbia River estuary (near Astoria, Oregon) in 2006 for our study of demography of Caspian Terns in the Pacific region. As far as I can remember, I do not think we have had sighting reports of terns that our project banded in Montana before. So, it is very exciting!" "I would love to see photos of the tern, so could you please send them to me via e-mail? I am very much looking forward to seeing images of the bird!" Yasuko Suzuki Oregon Cooperative Fish and wildlife Research Unit Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Oregon State University Subject: Eastern Meadowlark on Sunday From: "Radd Icenoggle" <radd AT raddphotography.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:17:14 -0600 On Sunday, Sam Koenen and I were lucky enough to travel to Ennis for the Eastern Meadowlark. We met Bo Crees at the entrance to the ranch and we drove down to the extensive meadow habitat along the Madison River. We pick up the singing Eastern Meadowlark almost immediately. I was able to get quite a few distant shots of the birds as well as video with sound of the EAME. Having seen and heard the bird (Singing and the distinctive call) for an extensive period of time (~1 hour), I am convince that this is an Eastern Meadowlark. You can see pics and the video at RadleyIce.com and the full trip report at WilderTrack.com Subject: Re: Boreal Chickadee From: "Dan Casey" <caseys4 AT centurytel.net> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:31:36 -0000 Patrick, Chuck, MOB: I believe this is not the first time that Boreal Chickadees have been reported on the great Backyard Bird Count locally, and yet I am not aware of any valley sightings of this species in my 25 years here. They have not shown up on the MOB Big Year list, I would guess, because the birders are not MOB members. Anyone? I have to wonder whether these were misidentified Chestnut-backed Chickadees. Dan Casey Somers Subject: Re: Boreal Chickadee From: "Chuck Carlson" <chuckcmt AT nemontel.net> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:35:01 -0600 Patrick Those reports came from Kila and Bigfork. I don't know who the reporters were. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: ptoomeyjr To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 5:15 AM Subject: [MOB-Montana] Boreal Chickadee MOBsters, Can whomever sighted Boreal Chickadee for the Great Backyard Bird Count please post the information in the database. It was reported there but not on MOB. Patrick Subject: Six Pygmy Nuthatch fledglings From: Judy Hoy <bjhoy AT localnet.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:49:56 -0600 Hi, Speaking of young ones, one of our Pygmy Nuthatch pairs brought their 6 fledglings to our yard today. Very cute little guys. Judy Hoy Stevensville, MT Subject: Boreal Chickadee From: "ptoomeyjr" <ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:15:15 -0000 MOBsters, Can whomever sighted Boreal Chickadee for the Great Backyard Bird Count please post the information in the database. It was reported there but not on MOB. Patrick Subject: Yellowstone Park solstice trip From: "jswilsonmd" <jswilsonmd AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:18:09 -0000 I was treated to some fabulous wildlife viewing this afternoon. While pulled over in the Lamar Valley, I saw a raven scrape a dead ground squirrel off the road and carry it to the meadow before me. Soon another raven joined the 1st. Next a peregrine falcon swooped down like a bullet and attacked the raven! While I was watching this transpire a bald eagle came into my sight flying directly toward me and also swooped down on the raven. Next the falcon started attacking the eagle. The eagle flew up higher pursued by a raven and then a second falcon. An aerial battle ensued and I was watching the avian equivalent of Top Gun. The eagle would flip it's wing at the falcon, then the falcon attacked again and the eagle did a 360 degree spin evasive maneuver. This continued for about 10 min. In the meantime, the 1st raven was able to devour the squirrel while everyone else was fighting it out. Next at Floating Island Pond, I saw a male and female sandhill crane exchange brooding duties on a nest. One flew over to a hillside and did it's bobbing and flapping act. The other settled down on the nest and showed a great profile view of its head. Swimming around was a male ruddy duck. As exciting as the eagle/falcon/raven episode was, it was even more exciting being able to watch a young grizzly bear cavorting in a pond near Specimen Ridge. It ducked under the water and then leapt through the reeds at the edge of the pond. It ran one direction in the meadow then changed direction and ran towards one end of the crowd who dashed away. We were positioned as if in an amphitheater with the pond as the stage and the bear performing a one-man show. Next it switched directions again and ran up an aspen tree. It tired of that quickly climbed out, dashed around a little more and then went galloping (do bears gallop?) straight up the hill and over the ridge. What a treat to see this close-up. I also saw a black bear sow with a cub and another black bear sow with 2 cubs, much further away in other areas. There were plenty of pronghorn, bison, elk, bighorn sheep with lambs and on the way out of the park at Gardiner, a coyote. I've been going to the park for 12 years and have never seen this much wildlife so close to the road. It was like going through a safari park! So all the megafauna distracted me from the birds! I hope it's ok to post these sightings here as well as birds. I think I saw a female Bullock's oriole in a tree near the river by Specimen Ridge. Near Slough Creek where I ate my lunch, I watched a raven digging in the ground tossing divots of grass and dirt. It's bill was covered with mud. What do you think it was doing? I didn't see any animals or bugs that it was getting. Do they get minerals from the mud? There was a pair of nesting widgeons in the pond and a cinnamon teal, the brightest yellow-headed blackbirds I've ever seen. and tree swallows. Well, this is my first post so I don't know the site etiquette. I hope this wasn't too long, but I was just so excited about what I saw that I wanted to share it! Thanks, Jackie Wilson Bozeman Subject: Re: Next New State Birds From: "ptoomeyjr" <ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:50:29 -0000 MOBsters, I thought I'd dig up some 'ancient history' from well over a year ago regarding guesses about which species would be the next new ones for our state list. Take note below; both Lesser Black-backed Gull and Eastern Meadowlark were popular guesses. Now which one will be next? Patrick --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Casey" wrote: > > Patrick, et al: > > I have posted my write-up (a Word file) of the exercise we undertook > in 2003, asking subscribers to the original MOB and a few others to > predict the next additions to the official state list. Twelve people > identified their top 5 (weighted) picks, and an additional > 5 "honorable mention" candidates (in no particular order). > > Rather than reiterate all the results, here are a few highlights. A > total of 47 species got at least one "top-ten" vote from the 12 > participants, and 27 species got at least one "top-five" pick. The > top ten picks, in ranked order, were: > > Lesser Black-backed Gull > Tufted Duck > Ruff > Slaty-backed Gull > Tricolored Heron > Eastern Meadowlark > Arctic Loon > Pacific-slope Flycatcher > Tropical Kingbird > Eastern Towhee > > Assuming that the committee accepts the Tufted Duck, it will become > the 14th species added to the state list since our prognostictions. > Here are the other 13, with their "rank" among the 47 species > predicted by the group. Everything listed as "bottom 20" received no > top-five votes. Birds on the Supplemental List at the time of the > exercise were ranked separately by the "panelists", on the likelihood > that they would be added to the main list based on another record > with full documentation: > > Eastern Towhee (#10) > White-tailed Kite (#11) > Curve-billed Thrasher(#13) > Long-billed Murrelet (ranked 4 of 8, from Supplemental List) > Ross' Gull(#23) > Painted Bunting (ranked 6 of 8, Supplemental list) > Cackling Goose (added by species split, not included by the group) > Siberian Accentor (not named by any panelist) > Glossy Ibis (#1 of 8 on the Supplemental List) > Manx Shearwater (oddly, not named by anyone :-) ) > Iceland Gull (#3 of 8 on Supplemental) > Blue-winged Warbler (#5 of 8 on Supplemental) > Inca Dove (not named by any panelist) > > I urge people to read the document if they are interested in delving > further into this trivial but entertaining exercise. As for my own > picks, I would have to stick with a few of those top birds the group > picked last time: > > Lesser Black-backed Gull > Slaty-backed Gull > Ruff > Arctic Loon > > Along with a few other "wild cards" from further down the list: > > Scott's Oriole > Northern Wheatear > Common Ground-Dove > Red-necked Stint > > But watch out for those hummingbirds...and one thing is certain, > something else will catch us all by surprise. > > Lastly: Note that the Supplemental List primarily includes those > species for which a single-observer sighting with convincing details > was accepted by the committee, but without the photo, specimen or > corroborating documentation from at least one other independent > observer needed for addition to the state list. The species currently > on that list are: > > Common Crane > Pacific Golden-Plover > Red-breasted Sapsucker > Bell's Vireo > Phainopepla > Virginia's Warbler > Hermit Warbler > Cassin's Sparrow > > Folks might want to visit the Montana Bird Records Committee website > in conjunction with this exercise: > > http://mtaudubon.org/html/science_MBRC.htm > > Dan Casey > Somers > Subject: Caspian terns; Bank swallows; Spotted piper chix From: "Jim Greaves" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:58:05 -0000 We saw our life BANK SWALLOWS flying around and landing on power lines at the east end of Thompson Falls lake this afternoon, preceded by 5 first-for-us-for-MT CASPIAN TERNS (5 adults; one a color-banded bird - left leg: orange-white split over [green]-white split; right leg: large yellow with number, but too far to read in photos as they flew around -- roosting birds a couple hundred yards away on a log in middle of river too far to see legs well for any details). FIRST (?) Caspians for quad 13! Last goody today: fledgling SPOTTED SANDPIPER (1 just led out of nest as we were walking past; nest with 2 chicks and an ovum at spot that one stumbled from) -- SPSA goes lower case "b" to confirmed "B" for QLL-13b! - Jim and Lark, Thompson Falls Subject: Re: Re: Montana Natural Heritage Program bird reports From: Cheri Seli <montanabirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:29:26 -0700 (PDT) I don't really think it's because you have an iMac, Judy. I've never used anything but Mac computers, and have no trouble getting on the MT Natural Heritage website . . . or any other for that matter. But while on the subject is it better to send reports to Scott anyway so he can "put them wherever they want them"? I'm new to this part of MOB and want to make any reports I might send easy to use. Cheri Plains ________________________________ From: Judy Hoy To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Cc: SBlum AT mt.gov Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 2:40:20 PM Subject: [MOB-Montana] Re: Montana Natural Heritage Program bird reports Hi All, I can not access the Montana Natural Heritage website myself. I don't know if it is because I have an iMac or what. I have to send all my reports to Scott Blum and he puts them wherever they want them. Below is the information they want. I am copying this to Scott and hopefully he will be able to post better information on < MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups. com> as to how you should make your reports. Species, B (or other designation as in distribution book), Date of Observation, Description of Observation (young in nest, young being fed, etc.), QLL , Township, Range, Section, quarter-quarter section, description of location in relation to nearest town or other point of reference, type of habitat. You can add anything else that is pertinent to the observation. Thanks, Judy Hoy Subject: Re: Montana Natural Heritage Program bird reports From: Judy Hoy <bjhoy AT localnet.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:40:20 -0600 Hi All, I can not access the Montana Natural Heritage website myself. I don't know if it is because I have an iMac or what. I have to send all my reports to Scott Blum and he puts them wherever they want them. Below is the information they want. I am copying this to Scott and hopefully he will be able to post better information on < MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com> as to how you should make your reports. Species, B (or other designation as in distribution book), Date of Observation, Description of Observation (young in nest, young being fed, etc.), QLL , Township, Range, Section, quarter-quarter section, description of location in relation to nearest town or other point of reference, type of habitat. You can add anything else that is pertinent to the observation. Thanks, Judy Hoy Subject: The down river dams From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:25:53 -0600 Friday, June 19, 09 (the 2 dams down river from Great Falls) Checked out Ryan Dam and the island park area. Found Cedar Waxwings, Rock Pigeons, American Kestrel, Cliff Swallows, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, American Robins, Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Canada Geese, Goldfinch, then the big surprise of the day, one Rock Wren bug hunting on the rocks below the falls viewing area on the island. At Morony Dam had the normal birds for that area then 10-15 Common Nigh Hawks, Carol Weber and I could not get a count since they were flying about us as we were standing in a group of trees where they were landing and taking off. You would be looking at a tree and see one laying on a limb then yet another one on another limb then some would take off while others were landing. Arla Eckert Great Falls Subject: Pryor Mountain Specials From: "Robin M Wolcott" <pajaros AT wewolcotts.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:43:14 -0600 Hi Mobsters After completing the Reed Point Breeding Bird Survey on Friday, June 18, Ed Harper and I headed on to the Pryor Mountains for an afternoon of very special sightings. At 9.9 miles from Warren, on Gyp Springs Road (well signed and angles off to the SE almost to WY) we located our first Mountain Plover with a tiny chick. As we continued on we found 4 other adults, including an adult with 2 chicks. As we returned towards Warren, we entered Bear Canyon at about 1800. We found little life even though we traversed the entire road and continued up the canyon a bit on foot. Most of the birds were silent, there was no water in the stream and there was no sign of any gnatcatcher. On Saturday morning we met Barb Jaquith and Byron and Maggie Butler at the Blue Grosbeak Pond on Pryor Mountain Road (about 4 miles east of US Highway 310). After some searching we were able to view two of the Northern Mockingbirds while the male Blue Grosbeak graciously came in to sing for us from atop a snag. These birds were found in the Russian olives and cottonwoods on the south/right side of the road about a Ľ mile beyond the pond and beyond the gate to Cherry Springs Ranch. A cliff face (complete with a Red-tail nestling on the nest) provided a fine backdrop to the habitat of these sought after species. We continued on to view a family of Burrowing Owls at a large prairie dog colony near Bowler (DeLorme Atlas pg. 30). Ed and I were then obliged to return to a wet and soggy Bozeman after a fine sunny day of birding in the magical Pryor Mountains. Good Birding, Robin Wolcott Bozeman, MT Subject: Re: Please report evidence of avian nesting to Montana Natural Heritage Program From: Judy Hoy <bjhoy AT localnet.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:36:30 -0600 Hi Chad and All, I looked up in the last/current Montana Bird Distribution Book and there were only 10 QLLs that had big B or direct evidence of nesting for Hairy Woodpecker in all of Montana. I am pretty sure that these birds are nesting in a lot more QLLs than that, but most people who observe common birds raising young do not report the sightings. The Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Audubon are planning to publish a new distribution book. It would be nice if it could have more complete information this time. In the current book, even the most common birds, like House Sparrows are not represented as breeding in a large number of QLLs. House Sparrow has only 13 QLL with a large B, indicating definite breeding. This lack of data exists because few birders report nesting/young sightings for common birds. What is the use of publishing a distribution book if the data published is so incomplete? Please report all observations of breeding for all species observed, so the new distribution book will be more complete and a much more helpful tool for the birding community. To all who have been reporting your breeding sighting for ALL bird species, a BIG THANK YOU. Good birding, Judy Hoy Subject: Re: Re: Northern Flicker parenting From: "Jeff Marks" <jeff17_marks AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:32:24 -0700 Judy, I'm fairly certain that male flickers, indeed males of all North American woodpeckers, incubate and have a functional incubation patch. In some woodpeckers one sex incubates mostly at night, and the other mostly at day, but I've forgotten which sex does what. I don't recall a discussion on mob about the effects of California Quail on other bird species and suspect that little (if anything) is known on that subject. Just because you can't measure a negative effect on a native bird species, that doesn't mean the exotics are not affecting other native organisms. I'm not suggesting that one should automatically assume that all exotics have negative effects on native species, but why take that chance by promoting the spread of an exotic species? Jeff ***************** Jeff Marks 4241 SE Liebe Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 Birds of Montana Project http://mtaudubon.org/ ***************** Subject: Re: Northern Flicker parenting From: Judy Hoy <bjhoy AT localnet.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:04:42 -0600 Hi All, I recently was brought a badly injured Northern Flicker. Its coloring, including red mustaches indicated it was a male. However it had an extensive brood patch on the chest and belly. Does anyone know if male Northern Flickers spend a significant amount of time brooding the eggs? My observations of flicker nesting behavior always indicated that the male brought food to the brooding female, but the male did not brood the eggs for long periods. Any thoughts on this would be welcome. You can respond directly to me, but I think that others on MOB might be interested in information on flicker nesting behavior. Also, with regard to California Quail, we have about a dozen pairs nesting on our land and some young have hatched. We did not release them here. They came to our land on their own and now nest here each year. I think that I read in a MOB post that California Quail have an adverse affect on the other birds where they colonize. I have not observed any effect except that accipiters have more food available in the winter. The quail eat a lot of unwelcome insects, especially young grasshoppers. From what I have read in the Missoulian this spring, that is a good thing. So in what way would California Quail adversely affect other birds? Judy Hoy Stevensville, MT Subject: Boreal Owl? From: "ptoomeyjr" <ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:40:42 -0000 Has anyone been up to Lost Trail or in that area to view Boreal Owl this year? This seems to be another species that is going 'under reported.' Patrick Subject: Helena area birds From: "Chad Adams" <candjbirds AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:43:40 -0000 Hiking yesterday and today in quite wet rainy weather near Helena I came across a Hairy Woodpecker nest with newly hatched young, and watched both parents feeding them up Grizzly Gulch. Also at least 10 warbling vireos, lots of red breasted nuthatches, one white breasted nuthatch, and black capped and mountain chickadees. One pileated woodpecker drumming. At Dump Gulch trailhead several spotted towhees and chipping sparrows. Not many other birds out enjoying the rain. Subject: Photo Uploading seems to be fixed From: "ptoomeyjr" <ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 02:15:26 -0000 MOBsters, Not sure what they did, but the photo uploading seems to be working again! I checked this out both on a Mac and a PC. Last time this occurred the upload was not working if you attempted to upload from a Mac, but this time both of them seemed to be broken. Las, but now they are fixed. (for awhile) Patrick Subject: RE: do escaped Chukars count? From: "John Carlson" <jccarlson AT surfbirder.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:11:33 -0700 Subject: RE: do escaped Chukars count? From: "Stevan Hawkins" <shawkins4 AT satx.rr.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:53:02 -0500 John: Okay. Your input will be useful later this year between when I go to Bear Tooth Pass to try for Black Rosy-Finch and when I get to NW North Dakota to visit relatives and bird Mom and Dad’s home county. In 1989 when I got four Galliformes lifers on one trip (Gray Partridge near Devil’s Lake ND; Chukar, south of Rock Springs WY and just north of the Utah border; Sage Grouse, west of Craig C0; Montezuma Quail, NE of For Davis TX) I didn’t ask any of those birds about the status of their population. When passing through intervening states I have not questioned the origin of Ring-necked Pheasants. According to the range map in the field guide I was using on that trip, that Chukar was countable. Given that that Chukar I saw was one individual bird, your comments are making me think that maybe I should take Chukar off my life list. Do you have any opinion about the countability of that bird? Thanks! Steve From: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of John Carlson Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2009 2:29 PM To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [MOB-Montana] do escaped Chukars count? Hello Stevan et al., I believe that in every instance you have listed in your email below, the species in question has become a self-sustaining population. The key distinction between the quail species specifically mentioned by Jeff and the species you listed is that there is some question about how self-sustaining those quail (and Chukar) populations are. They may be self-sustaining but it is difficult to determine because of the continued addition of individuals released into those populations. Although you might argue that there are continued releases of Ring-necked Pheasants in MT, I believe that it is also quite apparent that pheasant populations would sustain themselves in many (most?) areas of the state without those additional birds. It is a judgment call for sure, but until we feel that those populations can maintain themselves, they will not be included on the "official" list of the birds of Montana. Chukars are on the list because there is a population that is apparently self-sustaining south of Billings. Also, as far as being counted on someone's state list goes - anyone is free to add whatever birds they would like to their own lists. All of the species you listed have been included on the state list of birds for Montana because they have established self-sustaining populations in Montana or arrived in Montana from a previously established self-sustaining population elsewhere. I hope that helps clarify how these birds have been handled to date. John Carlson Fort Peck, MT jccarlson AT surfbirder.com www.prairieice.blogspot.com --- shawkins4 AT satx.rr.com wrote: From: "Stevan Hawkins" To: Subject: RE: [MOB-Montana] do escaped Chukars count? Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:38:00 -0500 Mobsters: As a veteran of many, many, discussions about which species to count and which to not count on Christmas Bird Counts, the questions below are offered for discussion-clarification purposes. Common sense says that farm stock such as Domestic Chicken, Guinea Fowl, and Ostrich are also not countable on CBCs and other bird surveys. Somewhat related are put-and-take releases of game birds that are not adapted to the given area. I know this to be true of some areas where Chukar and Ring-necked Pheasant are hunted. It makes entirely good sense to not count such introduced species. Somewhat more problematic are species that get established in some locals. Mute Swan is a well established pest on the east coast of the US. Mute Swan is being seen increasingly in San Antonio and the United States. This is illustrated by Mute Swan being reported by 138 CBCs on the 90th CBC season and rising to 270 CBCs reporting them in the 108th CBC season. That sounds like they are pretty established in North America. My copy of Sibley’s North American field guide shows Chukar, Gray Partridge, and Ring-necked Pheasant as all being in Montana. Gray Partridge and Ring-necked Pheasant are in adjacent North Dakota. For survey purposes, how are these last species handled? In the case of established introduced species such as House Sparrow, Eurasian Starling, and Rock Pigeon, how would those be handled? Are these species only associated with towns and farms, or are they widespread? I have seen comment in various sources about how the earliest population of Eurasian Collared-Doves were introduced to Florida in the 1970s http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Collared_Dove My experience with them is that once they get established, their numbers increase rapidly. They have an impact on the local avifauna fairly quickly. Although EUCDs probably were introduced into Florida, their range expansion since then has most probably been done on their own. Six or seven years ago when EUCD was first seen on the San Antonio TX CBC, this species had had become so pervasive that details were not needed. How would a sighting of Eurasian Collared-Dove in Montana be treated? Cattle Egrets were first found in the US in Florida in the 1940s. They got to South America on their own from Spain or Africa in the late 1800s, and then spread northward through the via Central America and the Caribbean Islands. Once they got to Florida, Cattle Egrets had been seen in California and Canada’s Northwestern Territories by the early 1970s. How would a sighting of Cattle Egret in Montana be treated? It will be interesting to see the information that is generated by the above. Onward! Steve Stevan Hawkins San Antonio TX From: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Marks Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 10:48 PM To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [MOB-Montana] do escaped Chukars count? No, escaped Chukars, or any other escapees for that matter, should not be entered on the Big Year List. ***************** Jeff Marks 4241 SE Liebe Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 Birds of Montana Project http://mtaudubon.org/ ***************** _____ Surfbirds.com - The World Birding Website Subject: RE: do escaped Chukars count? From: "John Carlson" <jccarlson AT surfbirder.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:29:05 -0700 Subject: Re: Photo Uploading From: "ptoomeyjr" <ptoomeyjr AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:31:14 -0000 I just tried loading photos and failed also! So, I've opened a problem log with tech support, not that it means much in the way of support, but it is a pro forma attempt to get it fixed. Patrick --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Joshua Crunk wrote: > > Sharon and others, > > Well they're darn sure still having problems. The message search that was > supposed to start working again in May still isn't. And if you go to the > support page, they still let you sign up to have the search problem fixed > in.... May. > > Joshua Crunk > East Helena > > > On Sat, Jun 20, 2009 at 11:03 AM, Sharon Dewart-Hansen < > smdhansen AT ...> wrote: > > > > > > > Fellow MOBsters, > > > > I don't know if anyone is having the same problem but I have tried > > yesterday and today to upload a couple of photos on this site and our > > chapter Yahoo site with no success. I noticed that no one else has uploaded > > a picture since 6/14/09 and wondered if anyone else is having the same > > problem. Is Yahoo having problems? > > > > Thanks > > > > Sharon Dewart-Hansen > > Great Falls, MT > > > > >