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3 Feb Re: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman [] 3 Feb Re: Re: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman [Lou Ann Harris ] 04 Feb Re: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman ["SharonHansen" ] 3 Feb Re: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman [] 3 Feb Re: 1 Snowy Owl & 5 Lapland Longspurs [Beth Hill ] 3 Feb Re: 1 Snowy Owl & 5 Lapland Longspurs [Peggy Nygard ] 04 Feb Early Redwing Blackbirds in Hamilton ["mvbmontana" ] 03 Feb Spring Birding???? ["Jeannie" ] 03 Feb 1 Snowy Owl & 5 Lapland Longspurs [Arla Eckert ] 03 Feb Re: Query: what digital cameras do you use? ["SharonHansen" ] 03 Feb Ferruginous Hawk - Kalispell ["Dan Casey" ] 03 Feb Re: Query: what digital cameras do you use? ["Brian" ] 03 Feb Re: Query: what digital cameras do you use? ["Thomas" ] 03 Feb Re: Query: what digital cameras do you use? ["Jan" ] 03 Feb Re: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman ["vireoman2004" ] 3 Feb New poll for MOB-Montana [] 03 Feb Re: Query: what digital cameras do you use? ["Dan Casey" ] 03 Feb Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman ["Nick Hajdukovich" ] 03 Feb Query: what digital cameras do you use? ["vireoman2004" ] 2 Feb Cackling Goose at Lee Metcalf NWR [Radd Icenoggle ] 1 Feb Re: new species account on the Web ["Jeff Marks" ] 02 Feb Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? ["Thomas" ] 1 Feb new species account on the Web ["Jeff Marks" ] 02 Feb Re: Green-tailed Towhee pdf [ New file uploaded to MOB-Montana ] ["vireoman2004" ] 2 Feb New file uploaded to MOB-Montana [] 01 Feb Re: Green-tailed Towhee in Bozeman ["jparkerll38" ] 31 Jan Re: Green-tailed Towhee in Bozeman [Arla Eckert ] 31 Jan Re: Green-tailed Towhee in Bozeman ["Jeff Marks" ] 01 Feb Front page Yellow-rumped Warbler ["webedod0453" ] 31 Jan LCAS Feb program [2 Attachments] ["Mary Fay" ] 01 Feb Green-tailed Towhee in Bozeman ["Nick Hajdukovich" ] 31 Jan Eureka: Osprey arrival [Patricia Mclaughlin ] 01 Feb Thompson Falls continuing birds ["vireoman2004" ] 01 Feb Re: Snowy Owl count: 1/31/12 ["vireoman2004" ] 31 Jan Fairfield Area Birds [Michael Schwitters ] 31 Jan Snowy Owl count: 1/31/12 [Byron Butler ] 31 Jan Westby birds ["Ted" ] 30 Jan Re: Re: photo contest [Katie LaSalle-Lowery ] 30 Jan Re: Re: photo contest ["John Carlson" ] 30 Jan Photo"size" suggestions ["vireoman2004" ] 30 Jan Re: photo contest ["vireoman2004" ] 30 Jan Re: photo contest ["Dan Casey" ] 30 Jan Re: Snowy Owl @ MRCC ["Dan Casey" ] 30 Jan Re: Snowy Owl @ MRCC ["oleepherim" ] 30 Jan Re: Re: Snowy Owl @ MRCC [Lou Ann Harris ] 30 Jan Re: Snowy Owl @ MRCC ["Dan Casey" ] 30 Jan Snowy Owl @ MRCC ["oleepherim" ] 29 Jan Hawaiian SNOW [] 29 Jan Hawaiian SNOW [] 29 Jan photo contest ["John Carlson" ] 30 Jan Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? ["vireoman2004" ] 29 Jan Re: Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? [Michael Schwitters ] 29 Jan Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? ["vireoman2004" ] 29 Jan Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? ["vireoman2004" ] 29 Jan (unknown) [Lonna Gray ] 29 Jan Atypical Gray-crowned Rosy-finch ["kmknaphus" ] 29 Jan Re: Bozeman Gyr [Brian Sullivan ] 29 Jan Bozeman Gyr ["Lou Ann" ] 29 Jan RFI visiting birders ["buckfairbanks" ] 28 Jan Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? [Radd Icenoggle ] 28 Jan More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? [Radd Icenoggle ] 28 Jan Rosy-finch pix... ["vireoman2004" ] 28 Jan Re: 400+ Redpolls, 2 Tree sparrows; no Snowy Owl: Camas Prairie/Lone Pine ["vireoman2004" ] 28 Jan 400+ Redpolls, 2 Tree sparrows; no Snowy Owl: Camas Prairie/Lone Pine ["vireoman2004" ] 27 Jan More Snowy Owl fun ["John Carlson" ] 26 Jan Billings to Fort Peck roadside raptor survey ["John Carlson" ] 26 Jan Re: Yellow-rumped continues; Trumpeter apparently injured ["Dan Casey" ] 26 Jan Yellow-rumped continues; Trumpeter apparently injured ["vireoman2004" ] 25 Jan Snowy Owl Table and Map Updated again [Radd Icenoggle ] 25 Jan (unknown) [Jeannie Marcure ] 25 Jan Snowy Owl Table and Map ["Fritz Prellwitz" ] 25 Jan Re: Hoary Redpoll ["Dan Casey" ] 24 Jan Fort Peck Mallards [Scott Ross ] 24 Jan Updated Snowy Owl map and table [Radd Icenoggle ] 25 Jan Re: Hoary Redpoll ["Janet" ] 25 Jan Re: Fairfield Northern Cardinal ["vireoman2004" ] Subject: Re: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman From: neilmtrv AT aol.com Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 21:39:30 -0500 (EST) It's interesting that this bird was found in a parking lot. Here in Tucson, Arizona where I spend the winter that is where you can always find Great-tailed Grackles in the winter. Neil M. Travis Subject: Re: Re: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman From: Lou Ann Harris <montlou AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:23:53 -0700 The Great-tailed Grackle was seen this morning by Cheryl Farmer. The best exit to take is N. 19th/Springhill Rd. Lou Ann Harris On Feb 3, 2012, at 7:09 PM, SharonHansen wrote: > We would, also, be interested in knowing if it was sighted today. Plan on coming down tomorrow. Anyone willing to meet up? > > Sharon Dewart-Hansen > Helena, MT > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, tertop AT ... wrote: > > > > Hello Nick, et al in Bozeman > > > > Did anyone see the Great-tailed Grackle today in Bozeman. I haven't been there for a while and i know it has all changed. > > Which is the easiest exit to access the mall? Thanks for any info. > > > > Terry Toppins > > tertop AT ... > > Missoula > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Nick Hajdukovich > > To: MOB-Montana > > Sent: Thu, Feb 2, 2012 7:41 pm > > Subject: [MOB-Montana] Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman > > > > > > > > > > > > Hey all, > > > > Today around 12:45PM I found a single Great-tailed Grackle in the parking lot of the Gallatin Valley Mall in Bozeman. After watching it for 10-15min and snapping some photos, I left for a class at 1PM. At 3PM I met up with Andrew Guttenberg, John Parker, and Lou Ann Harris and we all got great looks at the bird as it moved around a small area in front of the mall. It seemed to be loosely associated with Black-billed Magpies and American Crows and moved as far as 1-2 blocks away from the Taco Bell in front of the mall. We watched the bird continuously from 3PM-4:15PM and were always able to keep tabs on it as it fed in the parking lot and frequently perched in trees. As far as I am aware, no one had seen the bird until now, but an eBird report of a Common Grackle at the mall on 26 January could have potentially been the same bird. > > > > From what I've been told, this is the 3rd state record of Great-tailed Grackle for Montana. If anyone is interested in traveling to see this bird, let me know and I can try to keep tabs on it. I plan on returning afternoon in hopes of getting better light for photography. I have posted photos in the "Hajdukovich Photos" MOB album. Good birding, > > > > Nick Hajdukovich > > Bozeman > > > > Subject: Re: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman From: "SharonHansen" <smdewarthansen AT optimum.net> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:09:57 -0000 We would, also, be interested in knowing if it was sighted today. Plan on coming down tomorrow. Anyone willing to meet up? Sharon Dewart-Hansen Helena, MT --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, tertop AT ... wrote: > > Hello Nick, et al in Bozeman > > Did anyone see the Great-tailed Grackle today in Bozeman. I haven't been there for a while and i know it has all changed. > Which is the easiest exit to access the mall? Thanks for any info. > > Terry Toppins > tertop AT ... > Missoula > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Nick Hajdukovich > To: MOB-Montana > Sent: Thu, Feb 2, 2012 7:41 pm > Subject: [MOB-Montana] Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman > > > > > > Hey all, > > Today around 12:45PM I found a single Great-tailed Grackle in the parking lot of the Gallatin Valley Mall in Bozeman. After watching it for 10-15min and snapping some photos, I left for a class at 1PM. At 3PM I met up with Andrew Guttenberg, John Parker, and Lou Ann Harris and we all got great looks at the bird as it moved around a small area in front of the mall. It seemed to be loosely associated with Black-billed Magpies and American Crows and moved as far as 1-2 blocks away from the Taco Bell in front of the mall. We watched the bird continuously from 3PM-4:15PM and were always able to keep tabs on it as it fed in the parking lot and frequently perched in trees. As far as I am aware, no one had seen the bird until now, but an eBird report of a Common Grackle at the mall on 26 January could have potentially been the same bird. > > From what I've been told, this is the 3rd state record of Great-tailed Grackle for Montana. If anyone is interested in traveling to see this bird, let me know and I can try to keep tabs on it. I plan on returning afternoon in hopes of getting better light for photography. I have posted photos in the "Hajdukovich Photos" MOB album. Good birding, > > Nick Hajdukovich > Bozeman > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman From: tertop AT aol.com Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 20:55:24 -0500 (EST) Hello Nick, et al in Bozeman Did anyone see the Great-tailed Grackle today in Bozeman. I haven't been there for a while and i know it has all changed. Which is the easiest exit to access the mall? Thanks for any info. Terry Toppins tertop AT aol.com Missoula -----Original Message----- From: Nick Hajdukovich To: MOB-Montana Sent: Thu, Feb 2, 2012 7:41 pm Subject: [MOB-Montana] Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman Hey all, Today around 12:45PM I found a single Great-tailed Grackle in the parking lot of the Gallatin Valley Mall in Bozeman. After watching it for 10-15min and snapping some photos, I left for a class at 1PM. At 3PM I met up with Andrew Guttenberg, John Parker, and Lou Ann Harris and we all got great looks at the bird as it moved around a small area in front of the mall. It seemed to be loosely associated with Black-billed Magpies and American Crows and moved as far as 1-2 blocks away from the Taco Bell in front of the mall. We watched the bird continuously from 3PM-4:15PM and were always able to keep tabs on it as it fed in the parking lot and frequently perched in trees. As far as I am aware, no one had seen the bird until now, but an eBird report of a Common Grackle at the mall on 26 January could have potentially been the same bird. From what I've been told, this is the 3rd state record of Great-tailed Grackle for Montana. If anyone is interested in traveling to see this bird, let me know and I can try to keep tabs on it. I plan on returning afternoon in hopes of getting better light for photography. I have posted photos in the "Hajdukovich Photos" MOB album. Good birding, Nick Hajdukovich Bozeman Subject: Re: 1 Snowy Owl & 5 Lapland Longspurs From: Beth Hill <grizhill AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:12:17 -0700 Welcome Peggy, I have received a few reports of single sightings - but nothing had been found on follow-ups. There has been a report from First People's Buffalo Jump, Benton Lake, Square Butte area, another. Those were all November and December reports. We haven't had the consistency or crowds that Polson has experienced this year. I have had to settle for a "herd" of pheasants in our yard (two roosters - imagine that). Beth Hill Subject: Re: 1 Snowy Owl & 5 Lapland Longspurs From: Peggy Nygard <mariahyorkies AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:07:33 -0800 (PST) Thanks for posting this Arla.  I'm new to this list and from Fort Shaw.  25 west of Great Falls.  I've been wondering if anyone has seen a Snowy Owl over here.  I think we might take a ride out to Freezeout Lake tomorrow.  I've seen the Horned Owl out there hunting.  Maybe there will be a Snowy out there looking for dinner.  Has anyone else seen a Snowy Owl in the Great Falls area?  ..................  Peggy Nygard       ________________________________ From: Arla Eckert To: "MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com" Sent: Friday, February 3, 2012 4:24 PM Subject: [MOB-Montana] 1 Snowy Owl & 5 Lapland Longspurs > > >  > >Wow, a great day of birding. I headed to Benton Lake. Off the Wilson Road I >saw 5 Lapland Longspurs for sure. There may have been a few more flying. I >did get photos. Will post in a bit to MOB. Then at the Lake I saw 1 Snowy >Owl on the gate on the bridge. It took off and flew toward the walk way. Sat >on an island. I drove up the road. It took off back toward the other end of >the lake. It then sat on that island for ages. I drove around the rest of >the ponds and then back. It was still sitting on the island. This one seems >shy of vans and folks. It was or another one was seen yesterday by Hugh >Zackheim on the other pond near the blind. The one I saw was very dark with >barring. Only the face was white. I will post photos that are not very good >of it. One on the gate was taken thru the windshield and then the one on the >island was a very long ways off. Arla Eckert Great Falls > > > > > Subject: Early Redwing Blackbirds in Hamilton From: "mvbmontana" <mvbmontana AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:34:19 -0000 1 heard on 1/31. Dozen or so seen and photoed 2/1. All at Hironymous Park. Present through today. Well over 30 days earlier than last year. No finches at 5th st feeder since about November which is weird as they live in the' hood year round. Sharpie snacks almost weekly on the House Sparrows here. ------------------------------------ Subject: Spring Birding???? From: "Jeannie" <marcurejm AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:47:19 -0000 On a short afternoon drive through Lower Valley this afternoon Bill & I saw (and heard :)!!) a large flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. They were off Lower Valley Rd at the farm just behind the trap club. We also spotted a Great Blue Heron on Ashley Creek near the bridge on the same road. Here at the house today we had a large flock (30+) of Redpolls at our seed feeders. Also the Shelter Valley Eagle was in the cottonwoods w/o the mailboxes again today. Jeannie Marcure s/o Kalispell ------------------------------------ Subject: 1 Snowy Owl & 5 Lapland Longspurs From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:24:04 -0700 Wow, a great day of birding. I headed to Benton Lake. Off the Wilson Road I saw 5 Lapland Longspurs for sure. There may have been a few more flying. I did get photos. Will post in a bit to MOB. Then at the Lake I saw 1 Snowy Owl on the gate on the bridge. It took off and flew toward the walk way. Sat on an island. I drove up the road. It took off back toward the other end of the lake. It then sat on that island for ages. I drove around the rest of the ponds and then back. It was still sitting on the island. This one seems shy of vans and folks. It was or another one was seen yesterday by Hugh Zackheim on the other pond near the blind. The one I saw was very dark with barring. Only the face was white. I will post photos that are not very good of it. One on the gate was taken thru the windshield and then the one on the island was a very long ways off. Arla Eckert Great Falls ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Query: what digital cameras do you use? From: "SharonHansen" <smdewarthansen AT optimum.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:30 -0000 Until recently, I was using Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 12.1MP Digital Camera with 18x POWER Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD. It was light-weight, and easy settings to use but it did not have a fast shutter speed in lower light. Due to a drop in prise around the first of the year, I am now using Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47K 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 24xOptical Zoom - Black. I am very pleased with it, so far. It, too, is light weight for carrying around, has a great Image Stablizer, and the shutter speed is much faster even in lower light. Sharon Dewart-Hansen Helena, MT --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Thomas" wrote: > > Jim, > > Currently I'm using 2 Canon camera/lens setups: > > Rebel t1/50D (15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor) with an EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM standard zoom for everything from super close-ups to panoramas. > > Rebel t3i/60D (18 megapixel CMOS sensor) with an EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM telephoto zoom for birding. > > Shooting done in RAW format, editing done with Canon Digital Photo Professional and Photoshop CS5. > > I can't say enough about the t3i with the 100-400. Image stabilized (2 settings, still and panning for flight shots) and a very fast AF plus, as you suspected below, light enough to tote for 8 - 10 hours at a time without discomfort. I love this setup. I prefer shooting freehand so this works very well. > > We have a Vortex 85mm 20-60x scope, have not tried digiscoping but am interested if I can find the time. > > Thomas Kallmeyer, Missoula > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Casey" wrote: > > > > > > Jim: > > > > I am on my second digiscoping setup, with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS6 > > camera. This 12 Mp, 12x optical/24x digital zoom with a Leica lens also > > works well without the scope for close subjects. Costco. > > > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdmansomers/5371169473 > > > > > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdmansomers/5371169477 > > > > > > Dan Casey, Somers > > > > > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "vireoman2004" wrote: > > > > > > Off line or on line, the answers will be of use to a great many of us > > I am sure! I use OLD lens technology (film lenses mounted on digital > > SLRs), and KNOW there is a wave of smaller, lighter, probably better > > digital zooms out there that many now use (witness wonderful results we > > see in photos folders here at MOB-Montana). So, I'd like to know what > > others use, how they like them, what the camera "powers" are (zoom x), > > and if they also use "old-fashioned" "digiscoping", wherein one uses a > > low zoom-power point-and-shoot through a scope... Thanks! I hope the > > answers are helpful to any and all who may get answers to my questions; > > and I will post a result summary when/if I get enough sufficiently to > > make it worthwhile - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls > > > > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: Ferruginous Hawk - Kalispell From: "Dan Casey" <danielcasey55 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:53:07 -0000 MOB-sters: The immature Ferruginous Hawk first found and photographed by Lewis and Lynda Young on the Kalispell CBC was photographed again by Denny Olson on Monday (I just posted his photo to my album). This bird is hanging around in the vicinity of Glacier High School, intersection of Stillwater and Reserve Roads nw of Kalispell (behind Costco). Dan Casey Somers ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Query: what digital cameras do you use? From: "Brian" <btimmons8 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:21:13 -0000 Nikon D90 with a 70-300mm Nikor Lens. Very happy with it. Brian Timmons, Missoula ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Query: what digital cameras do you use? From: "Thomas" <tarnsnet AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:24:54 -0000 Jim, Currently I'm using 2 Canon camera/lens setups: Rebel t1/50D (15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor) with an EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM standard zoom for everything from super close-ups to panoramas. Rebel t3i/60D (18 megapixel CMOS sensor) with an EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM telephoto zoom for birding. Shooting done in RAW format, editing done with Canon Digital Photo Professional and Photoshop CS5. I can't say enough about the t3i with the 100-400. Image stabilized (2 settings, still and panning for flight shots) and a very fast AF plus, as you suspected below, light enough to tote for 8 - 10 hours at a time without discomfort. I love this setup. I prefer shooting freehand so this works very well. We have a Vortex 85mm 20-60x scope, have not tried digiscoping but am interested if I can find the time. Thomas Kallmeyer, Missoula --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Casey" wrote: > > > Jim: > > I am on my second digiscoping setup, with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS6 > camera. This 12 Mp, 12x optical/24x digital zoom with a Leica lens also > works well without the scope for close subjects. Costco. > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdmansomers/5371169473 > > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdmansomers/5371169477 > > > Dan Casey, Somers > > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "vireoman2004" wrote: > > > > Off line or on line, the answers will be of use to a great many of us > I am sure! I use OLD lens technology (film lenses mounted on digital > SLRs), and KNOW there is a wave of smaller, lighter, probably better > digital zooms out there that many now use (witness wonderful results we > see in photos folders here at MOB-Montana). So, I'd like to know what > others use, how they like them, what the camera "powers" are (zoom x), > and if they also use "old-fashioned" "digiscoping", wherein one uses a > low zoom-power point-and-shoot through a scope... Thanks! I hope the > answers are helpful to any and all who may get answers to my questions; > and I will post a result summary when/if I get enough sufficiently to > make it worthwhile - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Query: what digital cameras do you use? From: "Jan" <jan AT missionbayhome.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:07:48 -0000 I use a Canon 40D with a 400mm fixed lens for bird shots. Here is a link to some reviews of the super zoom digital compact cameras. They have some pretty impressive cameras now. The new Nikon zooms up to 1000mm which is amazing. Jan http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q110superzoomgroup/ --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "vireoman2004" wrote: > > Off line or on line, the answers will be of use to a great many of us I am sure! I use OLD lens technology (film lenses mounted on digital SLRs), and KNOW there is a wave of smaller, lighter, probably better digital zooms out there that many now use (witness wonderful results we see in photos folders here at MOB-Montana). So, I'd like to know what others use, how they like them, what the camera "powers" are (zoom x), and if they also use "old-fashioned" "digiscoping", wherein one uses a low zoom-power point-and-shoot through a scope... Thanks! I hope the answers are helpful to any and all who may get answers to my questions; and I will post a result summary when/if I get enough sufficiently to make it worthwhile - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:52:46 -0000 Nick - Great find! For those interested in telling the two larger grackles apart [GT and BT], here is a useful link, which as discussion of iris color just to add confusion...: http://djringer.com/birding/2009/03/04/boat-tailed-grackle-iris-color-in-texas/ Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Nick Hajdukovich" wrote: > > Hey all, > > Today around 12:45PM I found a single Great-tailed Grackle in the parking lot of the Gallatin Valley Mall in Bozeman. After watching it for 10-15min and snapping some photos, I left for a class at 1PM. At 3PM I met up with Andrew Guttenberg, John Parker, and Lou Ann Harris and we all got great looks at the bird as it moved around a small area in front of the mall. It seemed to be loosely associated with Black-billed Magpies and American Crows and moved as far as 1-2 blocks away from the Taco Bell in front of the mall. We watched the bird continuously from 3PM-4:15PM and were always able to keep tabs on it as it fed in the parking lot and frequently perched in trees. As far as I am aware, no one had seen the bird until now, but an eBird report of a Common Grackle at the mall on 26 January could have potentially been the same bird. > > From what I've been told, this is the 3rd state record of Great-tailed Grackle for Montana. If anyone is interested in traveling to see this bird, let me know and I can try to keep tabs on it. I plan on returning afternoon in hopes of getting better light for photography. I have posted photos in the "Hajdukovich Photos" MOB album. Good birding, > > Nick Hajdukovich > Bozeman > ------------------------------------ Subject: New poll for MOB-Montana From: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Date: 3 Feb 2012 15:55:27 -0000 Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the MOB-Montana group: Well it's finally time for the January photo contest and we have a good group of photos to choose from - maybe the most ever. I think that maybe next month we migh have a seperate owl photo contest to go along with our regular contest though! Please vote by midnight on Tuesday February 7th. Since we have so many photos we need lots of voters too. o Pileated Woodpecker o Northern Shrike o Mountain Chickadee o Barn Owl o Gyrfalcon o Mourning Dove o Northern Saw-whet Owl o Short-eared Owl o Yellow-rumped Warbler o Green-tailed Towhee o Song Sparrow o Snowy Owl (1) o Snowy Owl (2) o Snowy Owl (3) o Snowy Owl (4) o Snowy Owl (5) o Snowy Owl (6) o Common Goldeneye To vote, please visit the following web page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MOB-Montana/surveys?id=13122198 Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Subject: Re: Query: what digital cameras do you use? From: "Dan Casey" <danielcasey55 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:27:21 -0000 Jim: I am on my second digiscoping setup, with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS6 camera. This 12 Mp, 12x optical/24x digital zoom with a Leica lens also works well without the scope for close subjects. Costco. http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdmansomers/5371169473 http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdmansomers/5371169477 Dan Casey, Somers --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "vireoman2004" wrote: > > Off line or on line, the answers will be of use to a great many of us I am sure! I use OLD lens technology (film lenses mounted on digital SLRs), and KNOW there is a wave of smaller, lighter, probably better digital zooms out there that many now use (witness wonderful results we see in photos folders here at MOB-Montana). So, I'd like to know what others use, how they like them, what the camera "powers" are (zoom x), and if they also use "old-fashioned" "digiscoping", wherein one uses a low zoom-power point-and-shoot through a scope... Thanks! I hope the answers are helpful to any and all who may get answers to my questions; and I will post a result summary when/if I get enough sufficiently to make it worthwhile - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls > Subject: Great-tailed Grackle in Bozeman From: "Nick Hajdukovich" <upupa_epops200 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:40:59 -0000 Hey all, Today around 12:45PM I found a single Great-tailed Grackle in the parking lot of the Gallatin Valley Mall in Bozeman. After watching it for 10-15min and snapping some photos, I left for a class at 1PM. At 3PM I met up with Andrew Guttenberg, John Parker, and Lou Ann Harris and we all got great looks at the bird as it moved around a small area in front of the mall. It seemed to be loosely associated with Black-billed Magpies and American Crows and moved as far as 1-2 blocks away from the Taco Bell in front of the mall. We watched the bird continuously from 3PM-4:15PM and were always able to keep tabs on it as it fed in the parking lot and frequently perched in trees. As far as I am aware, no one had seen the bird until now, but an eBird report of a Common Grackle at the mall on 26 January could have potentially been the same bird. From what I've been told, this is the 3rd state record of Great-tailed Grackle for Montana. If anyone is interested in traveling to see this bird, let me know and I can try to keep tabs on it. I plan on returning afternoon in hopes of getting better light for photography. I have posted photos in the "Hajdukovich Photos" MOB album. Good birding, Nick Hajdukovich Bozeman ------------------------------------ Subject: Query: what digital cameras do you use? From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:04:29 -0000 Off line or on line, the answers will be of use to a great many of us I am sure! I use OLD lens technology (film lenses mounted on digital SLRs), and KNOW there is a wave of smaller, lighter, probably better digital zooms out there that many now use (witness wonderful results we see in photos folders here at MOB-Montana). So, I'd like to know what others use, how they like them, what the camera "powers" are (zoom x), and if they also use "old-fashioned" "digiscoping", wherein one uses a low zoom-power point-and-shoot through a scope... Thanks! I hope the answers are helpful to any and all who may get answers to my questions; and I will post a result summary when/if I get enough sufficiently to make it worthwhile - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls ------------------------------------ Subject: Cackling Goose at Lee Metcalf NWR From: Radd Icenoggle <radd AT raddphotography.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:45:52 -0700 During an afternoon visit, I observed a single Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) in with the Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) on the ice at the north end of the pond nearest to the Visitor's Center. The goose in question was apparently half the size of the surrounding Moffitt's Canada Geese (B.c. moffitti). The bird possessed a triangular bill and rather steep forehead. The neck appeared thick and short, and possessed an obvious neck-band. After consulting a number of references and comparing my all-to-distance images, I believe that the Cackling Goose is a member of the Taverner's (B. h. taverneri) subspecies. Subject: Re: new species account on the Web From: "Jeff Marks" <jeff17_marks AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:10:08 -0800 When I announced that we'd posted some hummingbird accounts on the Web, I neglected to acknowledge Ned and Gigi Batchelder for the tremendous assistance I received from them. As many of you know, they are hummingbird enthusiasts extraordinaire. They banded >29,000 hummers in Montana from 2001 to 2010 and made some phenomenal recaptures. They are also very nice people who were generous with their time and unpublished data. Their names are sprinkled throughout the accounts, for good reason. Jeff ******************* Jeff Marks 4241 SE Liebe Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 Birds of Montana Project http://mtaudubon.org/ ******************* ----- Original Message ----- From: Jeff Marks To: Montana Birders Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 4:54 PM Subject: new species account on the Web Mobsters, We've posted 5 newly completed accounts from Birds of Montana on the Montana Audubon Web site at http://mtaudubon.org/birds/book.html. In contrast to the last batch of accounts, these are species that everyone loves: hummingbirds. I will not get to proofread them until tonight, so forgive any typos. Jeff ******************* Jeff Marks 4241 SE Liebe Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 Birds of Montana Project http://mtaudubon.org/ ******************* Subject: Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? From: "Thomas" <tarnsnet AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:24:37 -0000 I've been following this thread. The way in which most of us interact with the world around us is so antiquated that it is about to doom our species. There's absolutely no excuse for the actions taken by any and all involved in the execution of the Snowy Owl that was present at the Honolulu airport. If anyone is under the impression that this was about anything but money (what it would cost to close the airspace while the animal was captured) then you need to sit down and take a long, hard thought about it. I'm with Jim. --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "vireoman2004" wrote: > > In the "old days", when a rarity was found, it was "dispatched" and at least accessioned into a museum as "record" of its having been seen or found in a particular area - a process that gave rise to the sport of "super birding" we know today, but which action (shooting) was replaced by careful observations and notes. Today, we can do the same with a camera and/or fill out detailed forms. Whatever happened to all those "large bird" cannon nets the Feds used to capture all the formerly free-flying California Condors? Too busy in Hawaii, or scared, to wait a few days to have some sent to that airport? My head bobbles in complete disgust at the idiocy of those who people SOME positions in government! - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "vireoman2004" wrote: > > > > Can but marvel at the audacity of government agencies (agents) who get away with things that would put any of the rest of us in jail! - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls > > > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Radd Icenoggle wrote: > > > > > > As many of you may know, the Snowy Owl invasion of 2011-2012 as reached the most southerly of states...Hawaii. A lone Snowy Owl showed up in the Honolulu Airport, and it was dispatched (unfortunately) by the USDA in order to protect planes. Our own Denver Holt has the best quote in the article, "One showed up at the airport in Hawaii, and they shot it," he added in astonishment. "It's the first ever in Hawaii and they shot it!" > > > > > > The lesson is to appreciate the live Snowy Owls that we have scattered across the landscape of Montana. > > > > > > Good Birding, > > > Radd > > > > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: new species account on the Web From: "Jeff Marks" <jeff17_marks AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:54:47 -0800 Mobsters, We've posted 5 newly completed accounts from Birds of Montana on the Montana Audubon Web site at http://mtaudubon.org/birds/book.html. In contrast to the last batch of accounts, these are species that everyone loves: hummingbirds. I will not get to proofread them until tonight, so forgive any typos. Jeff ******************* Jeff Marks 4241 SE Liebe Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 Birds of Montana Project http://mtaudubon.org/ ******************* Subject: Re: Green-tailed Towhee pdf [ New file uploaded to MOB-Montana ] From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:40:08 -0000 Jeff et al -- Here is link to Colorado state site to which pdf of Green-tailed Towhee is (strangely) hard to link, other than download as a pdf file - which should print nicely on anyone's machine. There are also other species listed on this page that might be of interest: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/SagebrushConservation/Pages/ColoradoSagebrush.aspx Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com wrote: > > > Hello, > > This email message is a notification to let you know that > a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the MOB-Montana > group. > > File : /GreenTailedTowhee.pdf > Uploaded by : vireoman2004 > Description : Green-tailed Towhee Document > > You can access this file at the URL: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MOB-Montana/files/GreenTailedTowhee.pdf > > To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: > http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html > Regards, > > vireoman2004 > ------------------------------------ Subject: New file uploaded to MOB-Montana From: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Date: 2 Feb 2012 00:06:12 -0000 Hello, This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the MOB-Montana group. File : /GreenTailedTowhee.pdf Uploaded by : vireoman2004 Description : Green-tailed Towhee Document You can access this file at the URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MOB-Montana/files/GreenTailedTowhee.pdf To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html Regards, vireoman2004 ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Green-tailed Towhee in Bozeman From: "jparkerll38" <conundrum AT imt.net> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:01:39 -0000 A Green-tailed Towhee over- wintered in 2006-07, one mile east of Bozeman. The towhee was first seen at the person's feeder 12/28/06, after they had been out of town for several days. The bird was seen in the yard or at the feeder daily till 2/25/07. The towhee then disappeared until a spring snow storm on 4/7/07, when it was at the feeder again for a couple of days. John Parker Bozeman --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Arla Eckert wrote: > > Wow, it is a hard one to get even in the summer. Arla Eckert Great Falls > > > On 1/31/12 7:19 PM, "Nick Hajdukovich" wrote: > > > Hey all, > > > > Today while hiking beneath the college "M" in Bozeman, I found a single > > Green-tailed Towhee foraging under some juniper trees. I will post photos > > shortly if anyone is interested. Not sure how many over-wintering records > > there are, but this appears to be the first for eBird at least. > > > > In other news, on Saturday (1/29) I went birding at Headwaters State Park near > > Three Forks and was able to track down at least one Canyon Wren at the boat > > launch near Trident along with a flock of 50+ Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches. > > Despite getting out quite often in the last couple days, this is all I have to > > report... Good birding, > > > > Nick Hajdukovich > > Bozeman > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > Subject: Re: Green-tailed Towhee in Bozeman From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:20:11 -0700 Wow, it is a hard one to get even in the summer. Arla Eckert Great Falls On 1/31/12 7:19 PM, "Nick Hajdukovich" wrote: > Hey all, > > Today while hiking beneath the college "M" in Bozeman, I found a single > Green-tailed Towhee foraging under some juniper trees. I will post photos > shortly if anyone is interested. Not sure how many over-wintering records > there are, but this appears to be the first for eBird at least. > > In other news, on Saturday (1/29) I went birding at Headwaters State Park near > Three Forks and was able to track down at least one Canyon Wren at the boat > launch near Trident along with a flock of 50+ Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches. > Despite getting out quite often in the last couple days, this is all I have to > report... Good birding, > > Nick Hajdukovich > Bozeman > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Subject: Re: Green-tailed Towhee in Bozeman From: "Jeff Marks" <jeff17_marks AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:05:57 -0800 Nick, Green-tailed Towhee is a very good winter bird in Montana. It's been reported twice on Montana CBCs in the last 75 years, once in the winter of 1990-91 (Park Co. CBC) and again in the winter of 2002-03 (Yellowstone NP/ Gardiner CBC). Jeff ******************* Jeff Marks 4241 SE Liebe Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 Birds of Montana Project http://mtaudubon.org/ ******************* ----- Original Message ----- From: Nick Hajdukovich To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 6:19 PM Subject: [MOB-Montana] Green-tailed Towhee in Bozeman Hey all, Today while hiking beneath the college "M" in Bozeman, I found a single Green-tailed Towhee foraging under some juniper trees. I will post photos shortly if anyone is interested. Not sure how many over-wintering records there are, but this appears to be the first for eBird at least. In other news, on Saturday (1/29) I went birding at Headwaters State Park near Three Forks and was able to track down at least one Canyon Wren at the boat launch near Trident along with a flock of 50+ Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches. Despite getting out quite often in the last couple days, this is all I have to report... Good birding, Nick Hajdukovich Bozeman Subject: Front page Yellow-rumped Warbler From: "webedod0453" <webedod0453 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:45:34 -0000 For those of you outside the circulation area of the Missoulian, there was a nice article in today's paper by my favorite reporter and an accompanying photo by Jim Greaves about the yellow-rumped warbler overwintering in Thompson Falls. The article and photo are also available at www.missoulian.com I believe someone or maybe several someones on the Missoulian staff is/are birders since they do a very nice job of covering birding related stories. Wendy Dodson Troy, MT ------------------------------------ Subject: LCAS Feb program [2 Attachments] From: "Mary Fay" <mary.fay AT bresnan.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:25:55 -0700 <*>[Attachment(s) from Mary Fay included below] You are all invited to the Last Chance Audubon meeting on February 20th at the FWP. See the attachments. -------------------------------------------------- From: "sara toubman" Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 2:06 PM To: ; "dan sullivan" ; "Mary Fay" Subject: LCAS Feb program > Photo credit needs to go to Jesse Lee Varnado eyeinthewild.com. Hope > this photo works for the IR, Marga. Lisa Rhodin emailed it to me. > sara > <*>Attachment(s) from Mary Fay: <*> 1 of 1 Photo(s) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MOB-Montana/attachments/folder/2131409788/item/list <*> _JV06957.jpg <*> 1 of 1 File(s) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MOB-Montana/attachments/folder/2131409788/item/list <*> Rehabilitating our Montana Wildlife.doc ------------------------------------ Subject: Green-tailed Towhee in Bozeman From: "Nick Hajdukovich" <upupa_epops200 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:19:02 -0000 Hey all, Today while hiking beneath the college "M" in Bozeman, I found a single Green-tailed Towhee foraging under some juniper trees. I will post photos shortly if anyone is interested. Not sure how many over-wintering records there are, but this appears to be the first for eBird at least. In other news, on Saturday (1/29) I went birding at Headwaters State Park near Three Forks and was able to track down at least one Canyon Wren at the boat launch near Trident along with a flock of 50+ Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches. Despite getting out quite often in the last couple days, this is all I have to report... Good birding, Nick Hajdukovich Bozeman ------------------------------------ Subject: Eureka: Osprey arrival From: Patricia Mclaughlin <2birders AT bresnan.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:51:31 -0700 Evening folks, Our friend Dan Taylor in the Sophie Lake area of Eureka told us that Ospreys are arriving well before their expected time. He and his wife keep logs. I have his e-mail for those interested. Is this unusual? Pat McLaughlin/Glenn Violette Happy Valley, Whitefish, MT. On 1/31/2012 5:12 PM, vireoman2004 wrote: > > Townsend's Solitaire(s), Trumpeter Swan, and Yellow-rumped Warbler are > still all alive and apparently well, 1-31-2012. Lark saw a Common Loon > on the lake a few minutes ago ( AT 5pm), in town area - Jim Greaves > > Subject: Thompson Falls continuing birds From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:12:46 -0000 Townsend's Solitaire(s), Trumpeter Swan, and Yellow-rumped Warbler are still all alive and apparently well, 1-31-2012. Lark saw a Common Loon on the lake a few minutes ago ( AT 5pm), in town area - Jim Greaves ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Snowy Owl count: 1/31/12 From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:10:31 -0000 I suppose if "high count" of "8-10" for Polson + Ninepipes "3" + "1" Camas Prairie, we are "close" to 15 for the "area" [12-14] :-) - expand that to further away, and "15" is low! - Jim Greaves --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Byron Butler wrote: > > The only report of Snowy Owl I have received in the past week was from Dave > Allen who still has at least 3 different owls in his area around Tiber Dam. > I have lost count of the number of owls in Montana since it seems that some > reports have gone directly to Radd. Thus, the chart and map on Radd's > website is the most complete, as of a week ago; that information was last > updated six days ago and additional birds have been reported to MOB since. > http://www.radleyice.com/2012/01/2012-the-year-of-the-invasion/ > > A video news report on NBC today, > http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nbc-news/46205016/#null , features the Polson > Snowy Owls and Denver Holt. If you watch the video you might recognize > someone you know as several owl watchers are shown. This video states that > there are 15 Snowy Owls in the Polson - Charo area, which is a greater > number that Radd and I have in our counts. The video also mentions age and > sex classes of the Polson owls. > > Over 70 and perhaps 80 Snowy Owls have been reported from Montana to date, > with still large areas for which either few or no owls have been reported. > Doubtless, there are snowies that have not been reported and there is still > time to look for them. > > Byron K. Butler > Bozeman > ------------------------------------ Subject: Fairfield Area Birds From: Michael Schwitters <schwit AT 3rivers.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:33:00 -0700 MOB, I headed toward Fairfield today to enjoy the last of the January sunshine. The Northern Cardinal was present at the farm southeast of Fairfield and put in an appearance after about 20 minutes. Freezout Lake had a surprise in the form of big numbers of Canada Geese...counted 1,650. Almost spring-like. Mike Schwitters Choteau MT ------------------------------------ Subject: Snowy Owl count: 1/31/12 From: Byron Butler <byronkbutlermt AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:05:37 -0700 The only report of Snowy Owl I have received in the past week was from Dave Allen who still has at least 3 different owls in his area around Tiber Dam. I have lost count of the number of owls in Montana since it seems that some reports have gone directly to Radd. Thus, the chart and map on Radd's website is the most complete, as of a week ago; that information was last updated six days ago and additional birds have been reported to MOB since. http://www.radleyice.com/2012/01/2012-the-year-of-the-invasion/ A video news report on NBC today, http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nbc-news/46205016/#null , features the Polson Snowy Owls and Denver Holt. If you watch the video you might recognize someone you know as several owl watchers are shown. This video states that there are 15 Snowy Owls in the Polson - Charo area, which is a greater number that Radd and I have in our counts. The video also mentions age and sex classes of the Polson owls. Over 70 and perhaps 80 Snowy Owls have been reported from Montana to date, with still large areas for which either few or no owls have been reported. Doubtless, there are snowies that have not been reported and there is still time to look for them. Byron K. Butler Bozeman Subject: Westby birds From: "Ted" <soraart AT nemont.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:29:41 -0000 Mob, This afternoon on my bus route I had a nice collection of raptors. Gyrfalcon - 1 Snowy Owl - 2 Merlin - 2 Rough-legged hawk - 1 Golden Eagle - 1 Prairie Falcon - 1 (yesterday) Otherwise pretty quiet, with an occasional flock of Horned Larks and the odd Snow Bunting mixed in. Ted Nordhagen Westby MT ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Re: photo contest From: Katie LaSalle-Lowery <katie AT bigskycountry.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:53:07 -0700 Ah, curious! There are several there that I think are strong contenders (and just for the record, I am NOT referring to my own entry) and each time I look a different one appeals more. My vote is still torn. Obviously there is one that stands out for you but that standout is a mystery to me as there are several that could qualify. This is a great batch, for sure! There are always wonderful photos in the monthly contests, but this is really a great batch. Congrats to all who captured those wonderful photos! Katie LaSalle-Lowery Lolo, MT katie AT bigskycountry.net http://www.bigskycountry.net Blog: http://blog.bigskycountry.net On Jan 30, 2012, at 3:03 PM, "vireoman2004" wrote: > Wondering if the "first of year" contest, because it covers two months, might be changed to allow 2 photos per person [either one per each month or 2 of whichever month]? I haven't 2 to submit [this year - out of town in Dec], but thought it might make for an interesting "run" at the "prize", and maybe encourage others; also make it harder to win for what seems (this year at least) to be the best shot ever from Polson area... - Jim, Thompson Falls > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Casey" wrote: > > > > Also a reminder, just one photo per person. > > > > Dan Casey > > Somers > > > > Subject: Re: Re: photo contest From: "John Carlson" <jccarlson AT surfbirder.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:24:33 -0800 Subject: Photo"size" suggestions From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:14:31 -0000 Not meaning to be arrogant about this, but it might be wise to "re-size" one's submissions before up-loading to folders. "Original", when clicked after accessing in a particular folder, might take a bit of time to load and/or be "too detailed" to be of use [unless one has time to drop down on the page and go back and forth scanning to the right]; "large" usually should be sufficient to see the "best view" of an image. The best way to do this is to crop first to framing that one likes, then make the resulting (pre-posting) image about 1000 x 600 or 700 pixel size - this can be done with Microsoft Picture Manager (in Office suite, if one has it), or in "Paint" (free in most Win-doze products) by using the re-sizing (*of the cropped image*) to something the web will handle - remember, 72k is the default web resolution, so it is not necessary to have 300 or more "k" resolution - the web will make it what it wants... The value of this is that one can use the default folder image size, or "large", and see all that is necessary to see in an image, and it takes less space at MOB, as well as loading faster when one up-loads. AND, by going into Paint after cropping and resizing, to add, for example, name and location to the image itself, Paint actually reduces the "size" of the resulting number of pixels, without reducing the desired dimensions. The ONLY time full resolution is really necessary, in my experience, is when a photo editor of news or special interest publication asks for "the original", so they can do their own adjustments. Hope this is helpful/useful - Jim, Thompson Falls ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: photo contest From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:03:19 -0000 Wondering if the "first of year" contest, because it covers two months, might be changed to allow 2 photos per person [either one per each month or 2 of whichever month]? I haven't 2 to submit [this year - out of town in Dec], but thought it might make for an interesting "run" at the "prize", and maybe encourage others; also make it harder to win for what seems (this year at least) to be the best shot ever from Polson area... - Jim, Thompson Falls --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Casey" wrote: > > Also a reminder, just one photo per person. > > Dan Casey > Somers > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: photo contest From: "Dan Casey" <danielcasey55 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:44:42 -0000 Also a reminder, just one photo per person. Dan Casey Somers ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Snowy Owl @ MRCC From: "Dan Casey" <danielcasey55 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:25:26 -0000 Lou Ann, Andrew: Thanks for the info. Dan Casey Somers --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "oleepherim" wrote: > > My name is Andrew Merwin. I volunteered AT MRCC & was there when the snowy was admitted. I have some images of it being treated by the MRCC administrator & volunteers. > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Casey" wrote: > > > > Whoever posted this: could you share with the group who you are and where the Montana Raptor Conservation Center is? Thanks. > > > > Dan Casey > > Somers > > > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "oleepherim" wrote: > > > > > > A snowy owl was admitted to the Montana Raptor Conservation Center with it's right wing savaged as a result of being entangled in a barb wire fence. The wing, in order to save the bird, was amputated at the wrist. The owl was found in Broadview, if I remember correctly. > > > Previous to this admission, a dead Snowy was brought to the MRCC. > > > > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Snowy Owl @ MRCC From: "oleepherim" <oleepherim AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:26:31 -0000 My name is Andrew Merwin. I volunteered AT MRCC & was there when the snowy was admitted. I have some images of it being treated by the MRCC administrator & volunteers. --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Casey" wrote: > > Whoever posted this: could you share with the group who you are and where the Montana Raptor Conservation Center is? Thanks. > > Dan Casey > Somers > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "oleepherim" wrote: > > > > A snowy owl was admitted to the Montana Raptor Conservation Center with it's right wing savaged as a result of being entangled in a barb wire fence. The wing, in order to save the bird, was amputated at the wrist. The owl was found in Broadview, if I remember correctly. > > Previous to this admission, a dead Snowy was brought to the MRCC. > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Re: Snowy Owl @ MRCC From: Lou Ann Harris <montlou AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:56:08 -0700 Dan & MOB, I can answer one of your questions. The Montana Raptor Conservation Center is located in Bozeman. Lou Ann Harris On Jan 29, 2012, at 10:21 PM, Dan Casey wrote: > Whoever posted this: could you share with the group who you are and where the Montana Raptor Conservation Center is? Thanks. > > Dan Casey > Somers > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "oleepherim" wrote: > > > > A snowy owl was admitted to the Montana Raptor Conservation Center with it's right wing savaged as a result of being entangled in a barb wire fence. The wing, in order to save the bird, was amputated at the wrist. The owl was found in Broadview, if I remember correctly. > > Previous to this admission, a dead Snowy was brought to the MRCC. > > > > Subject: Re: Snowy Owl @ MRCC From: "Dan Casey" <danielcasey55 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:21:10 -0000 Whoever posted this: could you share with the group who you are and where the Montana Raptor Conservation Center is? Thanks. Dan Casey Somers --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "oleepherim" wrote: > > A snowy owl was admitted to the Montana Raptor Conservation Center with it's right wing savaged as a result of being entangled in a barb wire fence. The wing, in order to save the bird, was amputated at the wrist. The owl was found in Broadview, if I remember correctly. > Previous to this admission, a dead Snowy was brought to the MRCC. > ------------------------------------ Subject: Snowy Owl @ MRCC From: "oleepherim" <oleepherim AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:43:48 -0000 A snowy owl was admitted to the Montana Raptor Conservation Center with it's right wing savaged as a result of being entangled in a barb wire fence. The wing, in order to save the bird, was amputated at the wrist. The owl was found in Broadview, if I remember correctly. Previous to this admission, a dead Snowy was brought to the MRCC. ------------------------------------ Subject: Hawaiian SNOW From: bjhoy AT localnet.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:48:53 -0500 Hi All, Speaking as a wildlife rehabber, the owl should have been picked up immediately and taken to a rehabber. They said they couldn't get it to move, so catching would have been easy for a couple of people with fish landing nets. I think they were afraid of it, so they just shot it. That is the usual response to fear of an unusual animal. I agree they needed to remove it from the airport runway, but not the way they did it. Even if it flew a short distance, if they had tried to catch it right away, it was likely so exhausted that it would not have been able to fly very far and in my experience, if you approach it immediately before it has a chance to recover its strength after the flight, you can easily net it. I have done this lots of times with lots of birds. So, I guess I agree with everyone, but I don't think the Snowy Owl should have been killed without at least attempting to net it. Judy Hoy Stevensville, MT ------------------------------------ Subject: Hawaiian SNOW From: bjhoy AT localnet.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:48:52 -0500 Hi All, Speaking as a wildlife rehabber, the owl should have been picked up immediately and taken to a rehabber. They said they couldn't get it to move, so catching would have been easy for a couple of people with fish landing nets. I think they were afraid of it, so they just shot it. That is the usual response to fear of an unusual animal. I agree they needed to remove it from the airport runway, but not the way they did it. Even if it flew a short distance, if they had tried to catch it right away, it was likely so exhausted that it would not have been able to fly very far and in my experience, if you approach it immediately before it has a chance to recover its strength after the flight, you can easily net it. I have done this lots of times with lots of birds. So, I guess I agree with everyone, but I don't think the Snowy Owl should have been killed without at least attempting to net it. Judy Hoy Stevensville, MT ------------------------------------ Subject: photo contest From: "John Carlson" <jccarlson AT surfbirder.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:13:08 -0800 Subject: Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:02:37 -0000 I seriously doubt that "millions of airline passengers" could EVER be dispatched by the collision of one airplane into a bird the size of a Snowy Owl. I stand by my disgust - Jim, T Falls --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Michael Schwitters wrote: > > Jim, > You do know that the owl was on the Honolulu airport. > Please understand the "audacious" agents are keeping the lives of > millions of airline passengers safe. No life of an animal (or bird) is > worth a human life. > Mike Schwitters > Choteau MT > > > On 1/29/2012 3:44 PM, vireoman2004 wrote: > > Can but marvel at the audacity of government agencies (agents) who get away with things that would put any of the rest of us in jail! - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls > > > > --- InMOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Radd Icenoggle wrote: > >> As many of you may know, the Snowy Owl invasion of 2011-2012 as reached the most southerly of states...Hawaii. A lone Snowy Owl showed up in the Honolulu Airport, and it was dispatched (unfortunately) by the USDA in order to protect planes. Our own Denver Holt has the best quote in the article, "One showed up at the airport in Hawaii, and they shot it," he added in astonishment. "It's the first ever in Hawaii and they shot it!" > >> > >> The lesson is to appreciate the live Snowy Owls that we have scattered across the landscape of Montana. > >> > >> Good Birding, > >> Radd > >> > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > Subject: Re: Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? From: Michael Schwitters <schwit AT 3rivers.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:34:02 -0700 Jim, You do know that the owl was on the Honolulu airport. Please understand the "audacious" agents are keeping the lives of millions of airline passengers safe. No life of an animal (or bird) is worth a human life. Mike Schwitters Choteau MT On 1/29/2012 3:44 PM, vireoman2004 wrote: > Can but marvel at the audacity of government agencies (agents) who get away with things that would put any of the rest of us in jail! - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls > > --- InMOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Radd Icenoggle wrote: >> As many of you may know, the Snowy Owl invasion of 2011-2012 as reached the most southerly of states...Hawaii. A lone Snowy Owl showed up in the Honolulu Airport, and it was dispatched (unfortunately) by the USDA in order to protect planes. Our own Denver Holt has the best quote in the article, "One showed up at the airport in Hawaii, and they shot it," he added in astonishment. "It's the first ever in Hawaii and they shot it!" >> >> The lesson is to appreciate the live Snowy Owls that we have scattered across the landscape of Montana. >> >> Good Birding, >> Radd >> > > > ------------------------------------ > > Subject: Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:04:53 -0000 In the "old days", when a rarity was found, it was "dispatched" and at least accessioned into a museum as "record" of its having been seen or found in a particular area - a process that gave rise to the sport of "super birding" we know today, but which action (shooting) was replaced by careful observations and notes. Today, we can do the same with a camera and/or fill out detailed forms. Whatever happened to all those "large bird" cannon nets the Feds used to capture all the formerly free-flying California Condors? Too busy in Hawaii, or scared, to wait a few days to have some sent to that airport? My head bobbles in complete disgust at the idiocy of those who people SOME positions in government! - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "vireoman2004" wrote: > > Can but marvel at the audacity of government agencies (agents) who get away with things that would put any of the rest of us in jail! - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Radd Icenoggle wrote: > > > > As many of you may know, the Snowy Owl invasion of 2011-2012 as reached the most southerly of states...Hawaii. A lone Snowy Owl showed up in the Honolulu Airport, and it was dispatched (unfortunately) by the USDA in order to protect planes. Our own Denver Holt has the best quote in the article, "One showed up at the airport in Hawaii, and they shot it," he added in astonishment. "It's the first ever in Hawaii and they shot it!" > > > > The lesson is to appreciate the live Snowy Owls that we have scattered across the landscape of Montana. > > > > Good Birding, > > Radd > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:44:28 -0000 Can but marvel at the audacity of government agencies (agents) who get away with things that would put any of the rest of us in jail! - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Radd Icenoggle wrote: > > As many of you may know, the Snowy Owl invasion of 2011-2012 as reached the most southerly of states...Hawaii. A lone Snowy Owl showed up in the Honolulu Airport, and it was dispatched (unfortunately) by the USDA in order to protect planes. Our own Denver Holt has the best quote in the article, "One showed up at the airport in Hawaii, and they shot it," he added in astonishment. "It's the first ever in Hawaii and they shot it!" > > The lesson is to appreciate the live Snowy Owls that we have scattered across the landscape of Montana. > > Good Birding, > Radd > ------------------------------------ Subject: (unknown) From: Lonna Gray <lonnag AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:31:36 -0700 Hi MOBsters, This article from Yahoo News speaks to the far flung sightings of Snowy Owls this winter. Lonna Gray > > http://m.yahoo.com/w/news_america/snowy-owls-soar-south-arctic-rare-mass-migration-175336821.html?orig_host_hdr=news.yahoo.com&.intl=us&.lang=en-us > > > Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------ Subject: Atypical Gray-crowned Rosy-finch From: "kmknaphus" <kmknaphus AT dishmail.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:53:01 -0000 During the cold weather the week of the 16th we had a large flock (at least 150)of Gray-crowned Rosy-finches descend on our feeders. One of the flock is atypical, with white markings on the face. We have been seeing this one off and on all winter and were finally able to get some pictures. I uploaded a few. We are located 9 miles south of Ulm. Kitty & Kris Knaphus ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Bozeman Gyr From: Brian Sullivan <bls42 AT cornell.edu> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 07:24:59 -0800 Lou Ann Gorgeous bird indeed! I hope you enter it into eBird! Brian On Sat, Jan 28, 2012 at 10:37 PM, Lou Ann wrote: > ** > > > MOB, > > I just posted two photos I took of a Gyrfalcon on Jan. 26th. They are in > my "Lou Ann's" album. A gorgeous bird! > > Lou Ann Harris > Bozeman > > > -- =========== Brian L. Sullivan 49 Holman Road Carmel Valley, CA 93924 eBird/AKN Project Leader www.ebird.org www.avianknowledge.net Photographic Editor, Birds of North America Online http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/BNA Cornell Lab of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 Photographic Editor, North American Birds American Birding Association www.americanbirding.org bls42 AT cornell.edu 609-694-3280 ------------------------------- Subject: Bozeman Gyr From: "Lou Ann" <montlou AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:37:41 -0000 MOB, I just posted two photos I took of a Gyrfalcon on Jan. 26th. They are in my "Lou Ann's" album. A gorgeous bird! Lou Ann Harris Bozeman ------------------------------------ Subject: RFI visiting birders From: "buckfairbanks" <buckfairbanks AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:41:29 -0000 Hi Mobsters Love that name! My birding partner and I are flying up next week to Missoula and then on to the Mission Valley. We would appreciate any input/advice on location, methods, etc to find Snowy Owls, Gyrfalcon and Rough-legged Hawks, amongst others, in that area. We would also like to find a guide for one of our days there. Help is much appreciated. Please respond off list to buckfairbanks44 AT gmail.com. Thanks Michael Martin Oceanside, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? From: Radd Icenoggle <radd AT raddphotography.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:56:34 -0700 Oops...here's the link to the New York Times article that features Denver. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/23/science/earth/spike-in-snowy-owl-sightings-stirs-speculation-among-bird-watchers.html On Jan 28, 2012, at 7:53 PM, Radd Icenoggle wrote: > As many of you may know, the Snowy Owl invasion of 2011-2012 as reached the most southerly of states...Hawaii. A lone Snowy Owl showed up in the Honolulu Airport, and it was dispatched (unfortunately) by the USDA in order to protect planes. Our own Denver Holt has the best quote in the article, “One showed up at the airport in Hawaii, and they shot it,” he added in astonishment. “It’s the first ever in Hawaii and they shot it!” > > The lesson is to appreciate the live Snowy Owls that we have scattered across the landscape of Montana. > > Good Birding, > Radd > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > Subject: More Snowy Owl news - this time in Hawaii??? From: Radd Icenoggle <radd AT raddphotography.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:53:38 -0700 As many of you may know, the Snowy Owl invasion of 2011-2012 as reached the most southerly of states...Hawaii. A lone Snowy Owl showed up in the Honolulu Airport, and it was dispatched (unfortunately) by the USDA in order to protect planes. Our own Denver Holt has the best quote in the article, “One showed up at the airport in Hawaii, and they shot it,” he added in astonishment. “It’s the first ever in Hawaii and they shot it!” The lesson is to appreciate the live Snowy Owls that we have scattered across the landscape of Montana. Good Birding, Radd ------------------------------------ Subject: Rosy-finch pix... From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:41:39 -0000 Kris & Kitty -- Great pix. From where? Thanks -- Jim, Thompson Falls ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: 400+ Redpolls, 2 Tree sparrows; no Snowy Owl: Camas Prairie/Lone Pine From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:46:25 -0000 I've posted 3 Redpoll pix in "0 Lark and Jim photos" folder, one of which seems to be a possible Hoary, but more likely just Common - Jim --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "vireoman2004" wrote: > > Camas Prairie yard Culligan x Cottonwood Ck Rd: 150+ Common redpolls, all feasting on knapweed. If going to look, please stay on the roads - best viewed from CCRd as we don't know if they move around the valley, and there seems plenty of food at location. Also in the valley we saw a dozen or so Horned Larks, one possible Snow Bunting (low based on past hundreds) and about 50 Gray Partridges in 5+ groups of 6 to 10. > > Lone Pine residence yard and between Howser and Lone Pine Reservoir roads along West Rd: 250+ Common Redpolls [2 loose groups seen joined a couple of times during afternoon], 1 House Finch, and 2 Tree Sparrows. Also, please stay on roads (best views in vicinity of 560 WRd), birds specific locations erratic and one might have to wait half an hour for them to return if not in the area upon arrival; some seen in groups of 6 or so. > > One soaring and one stooping Golden Eagles, several Bald eagles, a couple Northern Harriers, dozens of Rough-legged Hawks and a few Red-tailed Hawks between two locations above. NO shrikes! > > NO Snowy Owl during extensive driving around Camas Prairie. NO Hoary Redpolls detected at either location. > > This morning the adult Townsend's Solitaire drank water for a minute or so at our back door in town. Trumpeter Swan resting on ice near where it's been for a week or so, SSE of Goose Park; has not moved in nearly an hour since first seen; was joined Thursday by a juvenile that appeared to be same size, now gone. > > Jim and Lark, Thompson Falls [report of 27 January 2012] > ------------------------------------ Subject: 400+ Redpolls, 2 Tree sparrows; no Snowy Owl: Camas Prairie/Lone Pine From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:40:31 -0000 Camas Prairie yard Culligan x Cottonwood Ck Rd: 150+ Common redpolls, all feasting on knapweed. If going to look, please stay on the roads - best viewed from CCRd as we don't know if they move around the valley, and there seems plenty of food at location. Also in the valley we saw a dozen or so Horned Larks, one possible Snow Bunting (low based on past hundreds) and about 50 Gray Partridges in 5+ groups of 6 to 10. Lone Pine residence yard and between Howser and Lone Pine Reservoir roads along West Rd: 250+ Common Redpolls [2 loose groups seen joined a couple of times during afternoon], 1 House Finch, and 2 Tree Sparrows. Also, please stay on roads (best views in vicinity of 560 WRd), birds specific locations erratic and one might have to wait half an hour for them to return if not in the area upon arrival; some seen in groups of 6 or so. One soaring and one stooping Golden Eagles, several Bald eagles, a couple Northern Harriers, dozens of Rough-legged Hawks and a few Red-tailed Hawks between two locations above. NO shrikes! NO Snowy Owl during extensive driving around Camas Prairie. NO Hoary Redpolls detected at either location. This morning the adult Townsend's Solitaire drank water for a minute or so at our back door in town. Trumpeter Swan resting on ice near where it's been for a week or so, SSE of Goose Park; has not moved in nearly an hour since first seen; was joined Thursday by a juvenile that appeared to be same size, now gone. Jim and Lark, Thompson Falls [report of 27 January 2012] ------------------------------------ Subject: More Snowy Owl fun From: "John Carlson" <jccarlson AT surfbirder.com> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:18:18 -0800 Subject: Billings to Fort Peck roadside raptor survey From: "John Carlson" <jccarlson AT surfbirder.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:41:55 -0800 Subject: Re: Yellow-rumped continues; Trumpeter apparently injured From: "Dan Casey" <danielcasey55 AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:21:01 -0000 Jim: The Daily Interlake seems to be running Snowy Owl shots every other day... Dan Casey Somers --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "vireoman2004" wrote: > > Report in today's Sanders County Ledger that the Trumpeter Swan on lake at Thompson Falls shows blood patches [other observer/photographer]. Otherwise, I think, TRSW would not have hung around during icing over of the lake - which is melting due to warm air in area today... "Our" Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler seems to be a male (front page photo of both spp. in SC Ledger this week). YRWA is not "rare" as caption seems to imply, but "rare in winter" as are all warblers in MT. Anyway, to birders with cameras, there is chance to publish photos of birds, which I suspect many newspaper editors would love to see - especially this time of year - even if, like mine, no payment is involved! It would be nice to see some of those rarities gracing pages of Missoulian or other "local" papers when found (eg, Red Phalarope or others) -- Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls > ------------------------------------ Subject: Yellow-rumped continues; Trumpeter apparently injured From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:07:44 -0000 Report in today's Sanders County Ledger that the Trumpeter Swan on lake at Thompson Falls shows blood patches [other observer/photographer]. Otherwise, I think, TRSW would not have hung around during icing over of the lake - which is melting due to warm air in area today... "Our" Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler seems to be a male (front page photo of both spp. in SC Ledger this week). YRWA is not "rare" as caption seems to imply, but "rare in winter" as are all warblers in MT. Anyway, to birders with cameras, there is chance to publish photos of birds, which I suspect many newspaper editors would love to see - especially this time of year - even if, like mine, no payment is involved! It would be nice to see some of those rarities gracing pages of Missoulian or other "local" papers when found (eg, Red Phalarope or others) -- Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls ------------------------------------ Subject: Snowy Owl Table and Map Updated again From: Radd Icenoggle <radd AT raddphotography.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:30:35 -0700 The Snowy Owl map and table have been updated again at http://www.radleyice.com/2012/01/2012-the-year-of-the-invasion/. If you have precise lat.long sighting details, I would love to add those to the map. Good Birding, Radd ------------------------------------ Subject: (unknown) From: Jeannie Marcure <marcurejm AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:10:06 -0800 (PST) http://www.sandaly.eu/images/click.php?ever128.php Subject: Snowy Owl Table and Map From: "Fritz Prellwitz" <dwain_prellwitz AT blm.gov> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:37:07 -0000 Just a few suggested corrections: - Bowdoin NWR probably has only two birds viewed by different people at different times. - The bird east of Malta on the Bowdoin CBC needs to be added to the table and map. GPS coordinates are in ebird. - Dodson had 4 birds; the map says 1. Dodson is in Phillips County. GPS coordinates are in ebird. - The Turner (Blaine County) bird is not on the map. It was on an out building at the Turner Colony. GPS coordinates are in ebird. - The 6 in south Valley County were along the Content and Ridge Roads in southwest Valley County. GPS coordinates are in ebird and can be added to the map. - A new sighting of 1 bird on 24 January was along Highway 2 nine miles west of Glasgow. GPS coordinates are in ebird. Thanks, Fritz Prellwitz ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Hoary Redpoll From: "Dan Casey" <danielcasey55 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:18:13 -0000 Janet: Hoary Redpolls often have a dense puff of stiff feathers above the bill that give them a "large forehead" look, almost bulbous. In combination with their smaller bill, this gives their head a much different shape than that of a Common Redpoll. You can see this if you zoom in to the photos of the two different species that I posted. Next to the overall more frosty appearance,it is the first thing I look for if I am trying to pick out a Hoary in a flock. Dan Casey Somers --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Janet" wrote: > > so what is meant by puffy forehead bristles? I understand the other identifying marks and the pic is great. Just wondering... > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Casey" wrote: > > > > > > MOB-sters: > > > > Among the burgeoning flock of (40 or so) Common Redpolls in our yard > > today was a single exilipes Hoary Redpoll. I was lucky enough to get a > > digiscoped shot from an upstairs window, which I will post shortly. This > > bird shows the typical puffy forehead bristles, frosty overall plumage, > > particularly on the back, unstreaked undertail coverts, white rump. A > > few of these features can be seen in my photo. > > > > Dan Casey, Somers > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: Fort Peck Mallards From: Scott Ross <scottross AT nemont.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:17:40 -0700 I took the scenic back-way route to Glasgow through the Tiger Butte area today and would estimate that at least 20,000 Mallards were feeding (or arriving/departing) in the hailed-out wheat fields there. Last week's frigid temps and Fort Peck Lake icing over didn't seem to convince that bunch that they should head further south for the winter. Saw one Snowy Owl in the Idlewild development on the Missouri north of the dam (and just to the south of the Nelson Dredge Cut). This could be one of the birds reported a bit west or northwest earlier. Also saw three Western Meadowlarks that have remained in the Idlewild area for one reason or another. I'm going to pretend that's a good sign that they somehow knew we wouldn't have a winter like the last one. I've recorded them regularly since late fall but missed seeing them the last trip or two -- thought they might have finally left. They apparently didn't. Scott Ross Fort Peck ------------------------------------ Subject: Updated Snowy Owl map and table From: Radd Icenoggle <radd AT raddphotography.com> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:08:19 -0700 Folks, The Snowy Owl map and table are updated for the most part (save for a few sightings that have to be mapped). You can see the map and table at http://www.radleyice.com/2012/01/2012-the-year-of-the-invasion/ Radd Subject: Re: Hoary Redpoll From: "Janet" <jcs1255 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:54:15 -0000 so what is meant by puffy forehead bristles? I understand the other identifying marks and the pic is great. Just wondering... --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Casey" wrote: > > > MOB-sters: > > Among the burgeoning flock of (40 or so) Common Redpolls in our yard > today was a single exilipes Hoary Redpoll. I was lucky enough to get a > digiscoped shot from an upstairs window, which I will post shortly. This > bird shows the typical puffy forehead bristles, frosty overall plumage, > particularly on the back, unstreaked undertail coverts, white rump. A > few of these features can be seen in my photo. > > Dan Casey, Somers > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Fairfield Northern Cardinal From: "vireoman2004" <lbviman AT blackfoot.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:39:25 -0000 I recall an event in ice-covered Gloucester County Virginia, 2+ decades ago when a female Cardinal was nailed by a Kestrel at our feeder. Four days of solid ice on the ground, and no rodents translated into any thing that moves, to the Kestrel. Thus, unfortunately, a Cardinal is probably no match for a Sharpie... Just tell it to stay in the twigs in which it's been photographed! Or, send it to us - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Byron Butler wrote: > > The Northern Cardinal in Fairfield is alive and doing well. It continues to > make its rounds of the feeders in the neighborhood and has been seen every > day. There is, however, a Sharp-shinned Hawk that has taken up residence in > the same neighborhood. So far, it looks like the sharpy is focusing on > the numerous Eurasian Collared-Doves in area. > > Byron K. Butler > Bozeman > ------------------------------------