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18 Mar RE: Cowbirds and RW Swallow ["Janeen Langley" ] 18 Mar Re: Cowbirds! ["Judy" ] 18 Mar RE: Cowbirds! [Glenda Simmons ] 18 Mar RE: Cowbirds! [Judy Cooke ] 18 Mar Re: Cowbirds! [Fran Rutkovsky ] 18 Mar Cowbirds! [Kathleen Carr ] 17 Mar Audubon field trip, Wakulla with George Apthorp. Sunday [Fran Rutkovsky ] 15 Mar Re: Ruby-throated Hummer [Fran Rutkovsky ] 15 Mar Ruby-throated Hummer ["Janeen Langley" ] 15 Mar RE: Bullock's Oriole photo #2 [Fran Rutkovsky ] 15 Mar Re: photo--Bullock's Oriole [Fran Rutkovsky ] 15 Mar Neotropic cormorant at St Marks [Daniel Greene ] 15 Mar Latest sightings [Andy Wraithmell ] 15 Mar photo--Bullock's Oriole [Fran Rutkovsky ] 14 Mar Re: photos ["Beth W. Grant" ] 14 Mar Re: photos [Fran Rutkovsky ] 14 Mar Oriole ID ["Beth W. Grant" ] 14 Mar weekend birding walton-bay-gulf--franklin counties [] 14 Mar Oriole ID [Kathleen Carr ] 14 Mar Swallow-tailed Kite Havana [] 13 Mar Limpkins CCC ["Candy and Michael Hill" ] 13 Mar Eagles in town;; Sora at St Marks [Fran Rutkovsky ] 12 Mar Re: nightherons and ducks ["Jim Stevenson" ] 12 Mar nightherons and ducks [] 12 Mar Re: Swallow-Tailed Kites, Hummers ["Jim Stevenson" ] 12 Mar Hummers in Niceville ["griffoneboggy" ] 12 Mar Prothonotary Warbler [] 12 Mar Swallow-Tailed Kites, Hummers [judy cooke ] 10 Mar Tall Timbers birding hike, March 13 [Fran Rutkovsky ] 9 Mar Re: St George Island ["Jim Stevenson" ] 10 Mar St George Island [] 09 Mar Shrike [] 8 Mar Sparrow ID [Joseph Asarisi ] 8 Mar RE: Shrike ["White, Eddie" ] 8 Mar Re: Shrike Update & Question About Behavior ["Jim Stevenson" ] 08 Mar Shrike Update & Question About Behavior ["glendajoyce6009" ] 7 Mar Recent sightings - Tallahassee [Andy Wraithmell ] 07 Mar lake jackson--leon county [] 7 Mar Eagle and Summer Tanager - Hilaman Golf course [] 6 Mar Re: Shrike ["Don Morrow" ] 6 Mar Re: Shrike ["Jim Stevenson" ] 6 Mar Franklin Co/Saturday [John Murphy ] 06 Mar Shrike ["glendajoyce6009" ] 5 Mar all clear - virus removed [Terri Baker ] 4 Mar DO NOT OPEN EMAILS FROM THIS ADDRESS _I HAVE A VIRUS [Terri Baker ] 4 Mar misuse? ["Carol Miller" ] 4 Mar No Subject [Terri Baker ] 4 Mar No Subject [Terri Baker ] 4 Mar No Subject [Terri Baker ] 3 Mar Nest needed for eaglets ["Judy" ] 3 Mar Myrtle Warblers ["Carol Miller" ] 2 Mar RE: Yellow-rumpeds ["Janeen Langley" ] 2 Mar Re: Yellow-rumpeds [] 2 Mar Re: Yellow-rumpeds [Fran Rutkovsky ] 2 Mar Migration Tracking Map [Fred Dietrich ] 02 Mar Yellow-rumpeds ["strick2010" ] 26 Feb Michael Keys/R4/FWS/DOI is out of the office. [] 26 Feb First spring migrant ruby-throated [Fred Dietrich ] 25 Feb Western Tanager [Andy Wraithmell ] 25 Feb baby blue crabs for Whooping Cranes ["Tracee Strohman" ] 24 Feb Re: Supplemental Feeding of Birds [Fran Rutkovsky ] 24 Feb Lake Killarney Tallahassee Wednesday morning [] 23 Feb Tuesday morning Piney Z in TAllahassee [] 23 Feb Supplemental Feeding of Birds [Daniel Greene ] 24 Feb western tanager-- tallahassee [Candy Pfau ] 23 Feb Northern Flicker [judy cooke ] 23 Feb western tanager-- tallahassee [] 22 Feb Audubon talk: Sandy Beck, Thurs. 2/25 [Fran Rutkovsky ] 22 Feb Bluebird Links ["glendajoyce6009" ] 22 Feb Re: Bluebirds/Mealworms [Glenda Simmons ] 21 Feb Thanks! ["strick2010" ] 21 Feb Lake Lafayette Heritage Trail Park Saturday 2-20-2010 ["markkiser9" ] 20 Feb Ovenbird, Bear Creek Forest (Lake Talquin) [Angela Johnson ] 19 Feb RE: mealworms ["Valeri Ponzo" ] 20 Feb mealworms [Candy Pfau ] 19 Feb RE: mealworms ["Valeri Ponzo" ] Subject: RE: Cowbirds and RW Swallow From: "Janeen Langley" <jelangley AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:51:28 -0400 I have lots of cowbirds this year, too, though not as many as y'all do. The RW blackbirds and grackles are numerous, as well. I had my first rough-winged swallow two days ago as I walked in the neighborhood. Janeen Langley Northeast Tallahassee -----Original Message----- From: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Glenda Simmons Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2010 1:24 PM To: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com; Judy Cooke Subject: RE: [nflbirds] Cowbirds! My thoughts are right there, next to Judy's. My feeder watch count, usually has 30-50 cowbirds, mixed in with the grackles and red-winged blackbirds, which eat me out of house and home, and bully all the desirable birds! I did finally rig one feeder that the cowbirds cannot get into. On the ground, I have a caged feeder, generally designed to hang suet in. I put millet in it for the chipping sparrows. Around this caged feeder, I made a circular fence of chicken wire, secured into the ground with landscape fabric pins, and topped with a large shallow plastic bird bath from WBU. Works like a charm. The cowbirds cannot fit through the chicken wire, and the chippers are pleased to have their own private feeder. I also resorted to taking off a tray from a feeder and taking down a hopper feeder, and switching to just safflower, for the most part, in my fly through feeder. It does not keep the obnoxious birds away, but it at leasts limits their consumption. Glenda Simmons Eastside Tallahassee --- On Thu, 3/18/10, Judy CookeSubject: Re: Cowbirds! From: "Judy" <judykb AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:10:43 -0400 I have seen around six cowbirds and only had two last year. I'm near Maclay State Park. Judy Lyle [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: RE: Cowbirds! From: Glenda Simmons <glendajoyce6009 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:24:15 -0700 (PDT) My thoughts are right there, next to Judy's. My feeder watch count, usually has 30-50 cowbirds, mixed in with the grackles and red-winged blackbirds, which eat me out of house and home, and bully all the desirable birds!   I did finally rig one feeder that the cowbirds cannot get into. On the ground, I have a caged feeder, generally designed to hang suet in. I put millet in it for the chipping sparrows. Around this caged feeder, I made a circular fence of chicken wire, secured into the ground with landscape fabric pins, and topped with a large shallow plastic bird bath from WBU. Works like a charm. The cowbirds cannot fit through the chicken wire, and the chippers are pleased to have their own private feeder. I also resorted to taking off a tray from a feeder and taking down a hopper feeder, and switching to just safflower, for the most part, in my fly through feeder. It does not keep the obnoxious birds away, but it at leasts limits their consumption.  Glenda Simmons Eastside Tallahassee --- On Thu, 3/18/10, Judy CookeSubject: RE: Cowbirds! From: Judy Cooke <dellabythesea AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:51:26 -0400 Consider yourself lucky! Tues and Wednesday were Project Feeder Watch count days for me. Yesterday, I counted 83 cowbirds - and it's been like that all winter! They just keep coming! Sometimes I have to open and close the backdoor real fast just to make them fly away. They go through the seed so fast! The two Painted Buntings are still hanging around! Judy-Panacea To: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com From: kcarr AT nasw.org Can¹t remember when I¹ve seen so many cowbirds at our yard feeders! I¹ve seen as many as five females at once and three males. Anybody else seeing a lot of them or is this a neighborhood phenomenon? -Kathleen [ _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_3 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Cowbirds! From: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:07:42 +0000 (UTC) Yes, I'm seeing 5-6 cowbirds at the feeder now. I usually get a couple in spring but not this many. Also still have 6-8 Baltimore Orioles. -------- Fran Rutkovsky Tallahassee, FL franrutkovsky AT comcast.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Cowbirds! From: Kathleen Carr <kcarr AT nasw.org> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:30:58 -0400 Can¹t remember when I¹ve seen so many cowbirds at our yard feeders! I¹ve seen as many as five females at once and three males. Anybody else seeing a lot of them or is this a neighborhood phenomenon? -Kathleen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Audubon field trip, Wakulla with George Apthorp. Sunday From: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:21:33 -0400 Apalachee Audubon Society Field Trip BIRDING WAKULLA STATE PARK with George Apthorp Sunday, March 21, 2010 Where: Wakulla Springs Strate Park Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM EST We'll visit several biological communities (upland hardwood forest, sandhill, spring run) and see the state champion Spruce Pine tree. George is a U of F certified Master Wildlife Conservationist. He is retired from the Florida Park Services Department. The admission charge to the park is $6.00 per vehicle. The difficulty of the walk is "moderate" but be prepared for ticks. Bring binoculars, water, and insect repellant. Food is available after the walk at the Wakulla Springs Lodge. The group size is limited to 20 people. For further information you may contact George at sandy-george AT earthlink.net or phone 850-926-5045, or Elizabeth Platt at ejplatt AT embarqmail.com phone: 850-284-0963. http://apalachee.org ----- Fran Rutkovsky franrutkovsky AT comcast.net Tallahassee, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Ruby-throated Hummer From: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:26:43 +0000 (UTC) Janeen wrote: "Right on schedule, a pristine male Ruby-throated was at my feeder this evening." Yep, I looked out the window while I was chopping vegetables and saw a fat male at the feeder. Some years I have them earlier than this. -------- Fran Rutkovsky Tallahassee, FL franrutkovsky AT comcast.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Ruby-throated Hummer From: "Janeen Langley" <jelangley AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:11:25 -0400 Right on schedule, a pristine male Ruby-throated was at my feeder this evening. March 15 seems to be the magic date for my yard. Janeen Langley Northeast Tallahassee [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: RE: Bullock's Oriole photo #2 From: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:16:54 -0400 I just uploaded another photo in the album titled "Bullock's Oriole". This one was taken by Earl Orf in Jan. 2009. ----- Fran Rutkovsky franrutkovsky AT comcast.net Tallahassee, FLSubject: Re: photo--Bullock's Oriole From: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:28:41 +0000 (UTC) JIm, The way I get to the photo section is go to the yahoo groups: north florida birds page-- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nflbirds/. Scroll down and look on the left side after the INFO box. Look for : "already a member? sign in to yahoo" . I sign in there, then I can access the photos. I use this Comcast address as my primary address. I guess if your primary address for NFLBirds is yahoo, you dont have to jump through these hoops. They keep moving that sign-in place around. Good luck. Jim took a great photo of the Bullock's--the only good one I have this year. Paul's photo came out fuzzy. The bird doesn't stay still long. She did come to jelly today, so she's still around. I just looked up the dates for the last five years I've had a Bullock's-- she comes and goes until around mid-April. -------- Fran Rutkovsky Tallahassee, FL franrutkovsky AT comcast.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Neotropic cormorant at St Marks From: Daniel Greene <dan_greene907 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:03:28 -0700 (PDT) I heard from a friend Saturday the Neotropic Cormorant was still at St. Marks.
I didn't get a location, but I presume in the same area it has been observed
before.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Latest sightingsFrom: Andy Wraithmell <bosoxxfan58 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:56:06 -0700 (PDT) The male Western Tanager continues to grace our yard and has been seen by a
number of visitors recently. He was singing this morning outside our bedroom
window! The male Indigo Bunting is still present but we only have a single
Baltimore Oriole now, a female.
On my way to work yesterday I had 2 Swallow-tailed Kites flying west over
Magnolia Rd between Tennessee and Devil's Dip.
At the park we have had Red-eyed Vireo and Northern Parula. Yellow-throated
Warblers are singing, Ospreys and Red-tailed Hawks displaying and thanks to
volunteer Bill Hudgens we now have 10 more bluebird houses up in the park. A
large flock of feeding Tree Swallows were accompanied by both Barn and Northern
Rough-winged Swallows over Lake Overstreet on Saturday.
My next program in the park will be a dawn chorus bird walk in the gardens,
probably on Mother's Day, May 9th. The program will be from 6am to 8am.
Andy Wraithmell
Park Ranger
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Tallahassee
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: photo--Bullock's OrioleFrom: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:48:52 +0000 (UTC) I posted a photo by Jim Cavanagh of the female Bullock's Oriole that has been here since January. She had no tail then, but it grew back in later. Note that the brightest color is on her cheek and forehead, a little color on the throat and top of chest, and there's a line through the eye. No color on the flanks or under tail. All of the field marks are more prominent now that she's ready to leave. I saw her yesterday but not today (yet). -------- Fran Rutkovsky Tallahassee, FL franrutkovsky AT comcast.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: photos From: "Beth W. Grant" <bethgrant AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:28:54 -0400 I did that earlier tonight, and it still didn't work. ---------- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.436 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2747 - Release Date: 03/14/10 19:33:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: photos From: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:26:00 -0400 I think you need to have a Yahoo account to access the photos. I signed up for one just so I could look at the photos. I dont use it otherwise. ----- Fran Rutkovsky franrutkovsky AT comcast.net Tallahassee, FLSubject: Oriole ID From: "Beth W. Grant" <bethgrant AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:14:23 -0400 How do I access the photos? When I go to the Yahoo page, the photo links are gray. ---------- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.436 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2747 - Release Date: 03/14/10 19:33:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: weekend birding walton-bay-gulf--franklin counties From: austrina1 AT aol.com Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:15:12 -0400 Northern Pintails-----in both Bay and Walton Counties----6 AT Camp Helen St. Park Bonaparte's Gulls 750-1000 in one flock huddled on the beach at the inlet (Camp Helen) in 50-60 mph winds, the wind would gust and literally blow birds over. Cattle egrets are back in all 4 counties. Cave swallow---real close looks [at the causeway just East of Apalachicola] 8000 lesser scaup in one flock they swirled by me within 1-20 feet of the water on the N. side of St. George Island, I thought I was in the mouth of the Frio bat cave. The wind drove many large flocks of ducks close to shore rb merganser, hooded merganser, buffleheads, some in flocks to 150, greater scaup, redheads---but not like a few weeks ago, a few goldeneye in Franklin county, a couple of other species------no scoters. Northern Gannets very numerous in the strong SSW winds, one was solid chocolate brown, 3 miles N. of the public beach at Carrabelle, I've never seen that color phase before. Two Common Terns in full breeding plumage. LeConte's sparrow N of Carrabelle public beach. Peregrine and merlin numbers were up. American Avocets---Franklin County 3 mi. N of public beach. Lots of the usual and slightly unusual suspects. Zero birders and zero swimmers (and zero sunbathers during the Bay County storm-----a good weekend. Rodney and Lydia Cassidy . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Oriole ID From: Kathleen Carr <kcarr AT nasw.org> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:22:34 -0400 There¹s been a very pale oriole coming to our feeder today and I¹m wondering if it¹s a Bullock¹s. I¹ve put a photo on the photo page for this group, in the album titled Carr Birds. If someone could take a look at it and respond, I¹d be much obliged. If you¹d rather have it via email, contact me directly and I¹ll send it to you. -Kathleen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Swallow-tailed Kite Havana From: Edwwjr AT aol.com Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:36:29 EDT Sunday, just north of May Nursery, Havana, Florida, on Gadsden County Road 159 I had a swallow-tailed kite sail over. It was about 1:00 PM EDT. Ed Woodruff Tallahassee, Fl. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Limpkins CCC From: "Candy and Michael Hill" <mchill7 AT embarqmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:04:38 -0500 This morning, Saturday, on my almost daily walk I spied two limpkins off
Buck Lake Road and the Alford Arm portion of Lake Lafayette. I stood on the
rather new steel bridge crossing the wetland and first heard them Calling,
then Courting, and finally an attempted Copulation. I have seen a pair of
limpkins farther upstream at the Mahan bridge construction, and once in the
flooded pasture on the north side of Buck Lake. BTW, the sighting was about
0930.
This area has been recently infested with the exotic Island
Apple Snail. When it warms up more, the tell-tail pink egg clusters will
likely be seen everywhere and on everything. Although these snails pose a
threat to herbaceous vegetation, the snail infestation on Lake Munson was
likely the source of food for a brood of at least four limpkins and their
parents. It is no problem to find numerous discarded snail shells from last
year's crop here in Alford Arm. With this abundant food source, I'm hoping
they begin to nest in this area. I'll be looking and listening.
Regards, Michael Hill, Tallahassee
No one is in charge of your happiness but you!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Eagles in town;; Sora at St MarksFrom: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:52:47 +0000 (UTC) Info from Elizabeth Platt, who asked that it be posted: "I received a call from a man today who lives near the NW shore of Lake Jackson. He said he'd seen a pair of eagles with two young babies near the dead end on Wildridge Drive, which comes off Cynthia Drive. The neighborhood is off N. Monroe" Paul & I were at St Marks this afternoon. I was a little surprised to find at least 7 species of ducks still there, most in Lighthouse Pond. Also saw a Sora walking around very close to the parking area. A couple from out-of-state said they saw 2-3 Soras at Wakulla yesterday. The high wind was the likely cause of very few small passerines. I saw a couple of Black-crowned Night Herons in low snags around Headquarters Pond. -------- Fran Rutkovsky Tallahassee, FL franrutkovsky AT comcast.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: nightherons and ducks From: "Jim Stevenson" <galornsoc AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:28:32 -0600 Night-herons are not especially well understood, but they are very migratory. Many YC move to the coast and roost in salt marshes, where their longer legs aid them with rising tides. BC normally roost in small, thick trees, and their shorter legs don't get in the way as they clamber around. This is about as early as they migrate. Neither species is very common in North Florida, but BCs sometimes nest on spoil islands and such, and they are bullish on waterbird eggs and young. YC normally nest further inland, often in high trees. Both have bills primarily adapted for crustaceans, with YC preferring crayfish, and BC going after crabs. I hope that helps. Jim From: austrina1 AT aol.com Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 10:17 PM To: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [nflbirds] nightherons and ducks Lydia and I optically "roosted" ducks with results similar to an earlier post for Leon County. I'm a little surprised to find the redheads still here in numbers. We had two black-crowned night herons, they seem to disappear from my "duck pond" site for several months each year and return very early in March as they did again this year. I've had up to ten bc night herons and two yc night herons at this site............but the yellow-crowned nh's haven't been here for a while. Does anyone think this is migratory behavior (their winter absence) or do they not prefer standing cypress in winter??? Maybe there is not enough protective cover here in winter, I know other herons will attack them during daylight. Did anyone else notice fewer woodcocks here this year? Rodney and Lydia Cassidy Tallahassee, Florida [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.790 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2742 - Release Date: 03/12/10 13:33:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: nightherons and ducks From: austrina1 AT aol.com Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:17:10 -0500 Lydia and I optically "roosted" ducks with results similar to an earlier post for Leon County. I'm a little surprised to find the redheads still here in numbers. We had two black-crowned night herons, they seem to disappear from my "duck pond" site for several months each year and return very early in March as they did again this year. I've had up to ten bc night herons and two yc night herons at this site............but the yellow-crowned nh's haven't been here for a while. Does anyone think this is migratory behavior (their winter absence) or do they not prefer standing cypress in winter??? Maybe there is not enough protective cover here in winter, I know other herons will attack them during daylight. Did anyone else notice fewer woodcocks here this year? Rodney and Lydia Cassidy Tallahassee, Florida [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Swallow-Tailed Kites, Hummers From: "Jim Stevenson" <galornsoc AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:28:15 -0600 Very neat birds, Judy! ST Kites migrate very early because of the annual (deafening) cicada outbreak in Central America they take advantage of, on their way here from South America. Your redstart was actually the remarkable record of the bunch! Jim in Galveston From: judy cooke Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 4:46 PM To: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [nflbirds] Swallow-Tailed Kites, Hummers A day for firsts in Panacea. This morning in the pouring rain, one Ruby-Throated Hummer showed up at the feeder and this afternoon, flying over the house with a kettle of Black Vultures, two Swallow-Tailed Kites. And out on Bottoms Road, a pretty little American Redstart. Judy - Panacea [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.790 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2742 - Release Date: 03/12/10 13:33:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Hummers in Niceville From: "griffoneboggy" <jgriffin36 AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:47:35 -0000 Have been seeing Ruby Throat males for the last week and one is really working my feeder over today. Also the usual collection of Blue Jays, Doves, Wrens and Cardinals, Red Bellied Woodpecker and a Downy that seems to live in the tree in my driveway.Subject: Prothonotary Warbler From: swamphen AT heirborn.net Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:32:55 -0500 Just heard the first Prothonotary Warbler of the year singing here south of Crawfordville. -Sean P. McCool Wakulla County, Florida, USASubject: Swallow-Tailed Kites, Hummers From: judy cooke <dellabirdie AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:46:02 -0800 (PST) A day for firsts in Panacea. This morning in the pouring rain, one
Ruby-Throated Hummer showed up at the feeder and this afternoon, flying over
the house with a kettle of Black Vultures, two Swallow-Tailed Kites. And out
on Bottoms Road, a pretty little American Redstart.
Judy - Panacea
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Tall Timbers birding hike, March 13From: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:05:44 -0500 Apalachee Audubon Society Birding Hike at Tall Timbers Saturday, March 13, 2010 Time: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM EST Chris Borg will lead the group through the mixed pine uplands, the hardwood bottomlands, and fields of tall timbers, in search of wintering and migrating sparrows and other passerines. We may see as many as 8 species of woodpeckers. Chris is the conservation biologist with Tall Timbers Conservancy. He has 20 years of birding experience to his credit. Bring your binoculars, field guide, water and snacks, as well as sunscreen, hat, and insect repellant. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Expect moderate physical difficulty and intermediate to advanced birding. For more information contact Elizabeth Platt at 850-284-0963 or ejplatt AT embarqumail.com http://apalachee.org ----- Fran Rutkovsky franrutkovsky AT comcast.net Tallahassee, FLSubject: Re: St George Island From: "Jim Stevenson" <galornsoc AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 21:10:44 -0600 When I was young, Bonies showed up around Halloween. Later, I remember them arriving as late as Thanksgiving. Now, you're lucky to see them by Christmas and/or New Year's. Many CBCs in the Deep South miss them now. Similar things are happening with other winter residents, like our Sandhill Cranes who now leave Galveston in February. As the earth continues to warm, we will get fewer winter residents from the north, and more tropical stuff moving our way. js From: wmjphelan AT comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 8:17 PM To: nflbirds Birds Subject: [nflbirds] St George Island This morning, on the East end of SGI, about 1/4 mile before the park entrance, I saw 30+ Bonaparte's Gulls on the beach. Bill Phelan Tallahassee [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2733 - Release Date: 03/09/10 13:33:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: St George Island From: wmjphelan AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:17:52 +0000 (UTC) This morning, on the East end of SGI, about 1/4 mile before the park entrance, I saw 30+ Bonaparte's Gulls on the beach. Bill Phelan Tallahassee [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Shrike From: austrina1 AT aol.com Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:05:14 -0500 Spring may be even further along on the Franklin County coast. I've been preparing for spring birding by forcing myself to identify all to the bird calls that I hear when I'm outside (even when I'm not birding) instead of tuning them out. The last few days the "morning chorus" has been so loud and diverse that my very finite operating system freezes and I have to reboot and begin listening again. Lydia, Deborah, Samantha, Aurora and I had a Henslow's sparrow up and "singing" on sea oats in Gulf County this weekend. The ducks on the St George Island sound were scarce Sunday (~500 vs. 15,000 from a couple of weeks back). We saw two peregrine falcons and a merlin in Franklin County. One of the two peregrines was on the Hwy 98 causeway (just east of Apalachicola) on the power transmission lines. It was acting territorial toward the cormorants that were sharing the "tower". We had a single flock of well over 80 Bonaparte's gulls three miles north of Carrabelle Public beach. Three Caspian terns were my highest count in months, there seems to be an increase in sandwich terns as well. We saw our first broad-winged hawk of the year near the Gulf and Franklin county lines (about a week or two early). This is the first weekend in a while that we haven't seen either a bear, coyote, or a "confused" red wolf/coyote hybrid thingy near St. Vincent Island. The things "we" call red wolves today don't look like the red wolves my Dad, brother and I used to see and catch in the salt marshes of SE Texas. I guess species without breeding signal boundaries aren't species, at least not for long. Rodney C. -----Original Message----- From: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of White, Eddie Sent: Monday, March 08, 2010 8:52 To: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [nflbirds] Shrike Loggerheads make take larger prey, but my ruby throats kicked the pair that nested in my pear tree butts all summer last year. I visited a friend off of Lenear Road in Gadsden County this week end. There is a swamp on the back of the property. Seemed to be a cat bird in every bush on the property. The landowner said they arrived in numbers after the rain last week. Saw three Hermit thrush and two flickers. Had Canada geese flyover, flocks of chipping sparrows and white throated sparrows, nesting Carolina wren, and a cardinal with nesting material in its mouth. Morning chorus has grown quite loud. Cardinals and Carolina wrens seem to be the majority. Purple martins Towhees and Ground doves are also singing on my place in Havana. Eddie White Havana FL Gadsden County [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Sparrow ID From: Joseph Asarisi <joseph_asarisi2001 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:02:19 -0800 (PST) We went to St marks yesterday and saw several sparows feeding in the grass by
the lighthouse observation tower. Not sure what they were. I will try to send
the pictures I took. Not great, but maybe some help.
Alice and joe McAlpin, Suwannee County
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: RE: ShrikeFrom: "White, Eddie" <Eddie.White AT MyFWC.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 08:51:47 -0500 Loggerheads make take larger prey, but my ruby throats kicked the pair that nested in my pear tree butts all summer last year. I visited a friend off of Lenear Road in Gadsden County this week end. There is a swamp on the back of the property. Seemed to be a cat bird in every bush on the property. The landowner said they arrived in numbers after the rain last week. Saw three Hermit thrush and two flickers. Had Canada geese flyover, flocks of chipping sparrows and white throated sparrows, nesting Carolina wren, and a cardinal with nesting material in its mouth. Morning chorus has grown quite loud. Cardinals and Carolina wrens seem to be the majority. Purple martins Towhees and Ground doves are also singing on my place in Havana. Eddie White Havana FL Gadsden County [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Shrike Update & Question About Behavior From: "Jim Stevenson" <galornsoc AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 07:40:09 -0600 Glenda, First, you are correct in surmising that potential prey can often tell if a predator is disinterested in them. The famous case is zebra and wildebeest on the African Savannah, where they "know" that certain lions are either not hungry, or interested in other prey. A shrike digging for "worms" probably gives the impression to smaller songbirds that it's safe to go about their business. I'm not sure shrikes are sophisticated enough to "sucker" birds into a relative feeling of safety, and they are actually fairly primitive and not too bright. When they learn to frequent my yard in inclement weather (for tired migrants), that's probably trial and error over the years. In fact, there's a reason we use the term "bird brain." While the term "grub worm" (lower case*) is vernacular, these are actually not worms at all. They are larvae of various arthropods like butterflies and such. They are an easy meal for many species of birds, but far less protein than another vertebrate would be. *BTW, all bird names are lower case as well, unless they are a SPECIES name like Loggerhead Shrike. Your crow example was interesting, as they (along with parrots) are at the pinnacle of avian evolution and intelligence. Washing their food like raccoons demonstrates a light on up there. I know fellow Texans that, well, never mind. Thank you, Glenda, for providing such a place for your birds, and sharing your insights and terrific pictures. Jim in Galveston From: glendajoyce6009 Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2010 11:20 PM To: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [nflbirds] Shrike Update & Question About Behavior The Shrike I earlier posted on, hung around all week-end, dining on Grub Worms, as did the Juv. Red-shouldered Hawk and a Crow. After reading Jim's and Don's replys about Shrikes trying to take on larger birds, and seeing the picture, my friend, Lou, took of the Shrike with the Cardinal at Maclay Gardens, I am wondering about the Shrike in my yard's beavior. There were plenty of birds all around this Shrike, both on the ground and in the tree or a feeder perch right next to him. Smaller birds, such as Chipping Sparrows and Gold Finch were abundant. He was obviously not interested, and none of the other yard birds seemed the least bit intimidated by his presence. The same is true when the Hawk is hunting for Grub Worms. They may give the hawk a little more distance, but not much. Is Is it because the worms are easier to catch? To my eye, it appeared it would have been easier for him to nab a little bird and certainly make a more substantial meal. Does it just have a taste for Grub Worms? Is it all part of the bigger plan to sucker in all my yard birds to feel he is no threat, then be targets for a sneak attack? This is my first time being around a Shrike, so I am not familiar with their behavior. Another interesting observation on behavior, was watching the crow eat the Grub Worm. He immediately took it up to the bird bath, gave it a deliberate rinsing off, before eating it, which he did while perched on the edge of the bird bath, securing the worm under his toes. He thin stuck his beak into the water and swished back and forth, rinsing his beak off, before flying off. I don't care for crows, but this one sure has better table manners than any other bird I have ever seen. I also had two juvenile male Baltimore Orioles visiting and enjoying the jelly and bark butter. There are four eggs in one of the two completed Bluebirid nests, already. I have put together a few pictures of the Shrike's behavior in a picasa album, if anyone is interested in seeing them, at the link below. http://picasaweb.google.com/glendajoyce6009/LoggerheadShrike# Glenda Simmons Eastside TAllahassee -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2729 - Release Date: 03/07/10 13:34:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Shrike Update & Question About Behavior From: "glendajoyce6009" <glendajoyce6009 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:20:55 -0000 The Shrike I earlier posted on, hung around all week-end, dining on Grub Worms, as did the Juv. Red-shouldered Hawk and a Crow. After reading Jim's and Don's replys about Shrikes trying to take on larger birds, and seeing the picture, my friend, Lou, took of the Shrike with the Cardinal at Maclay Gardens, I am wondering about the Shrike in my yard's beavior. There were plenty of birds all around this Shrike, both on the ground and in the tree or a feeder perch right next to him. Smaller birds, such as Chipping Sparrows and Gold Finch were abundant. He was obviously not interested, and none of the other yard birds seemed the least bit intimidated by his presence. The same is true when the Hawk is hunting for Grub Worms. They may give the hawk a little more distance, but not much. Is Is it because the worms are easier to catch? To my eye, it appeared it would have been easier for him to nab a little bird and certainly make a more substantial meal. Does it just have a taste for Grub Worms? Is it all part of the bigger plan to sucker in all my yard birds to feel he is no threat, then be targets for a sneak attack? This is my first time being around a Shrike, so I am not familiar with their behavior. Another interesting observation on behavior, was watching the crow eat the Grub Worm. He immediately took it up to the bird bath, gave it a deliberate rinsing off, before eating it, which he did while perched on the edge of the bird bath, securing the worm under his toes. He thin stuck his beak into the water and swished back and forth, rinsing his beak off, before flying off. I don't care for crows, but this one sure has better table manners than any other bird I have ever seen. I also had two juvenile male Baltimore Orioles visiting and enjoying the jelly and bark butter. There are four eggs in one of the two completed Bluebirid nests, already. I have put together a few pictures of the Shrike's behavior in a picasa album, if anyone is interested in seeing them, at the link below. http://picasaweb.google.com/glendajoyce6009/LoggerheadShrike# Glenda Simmons Eastside TAllahasseeSubject: Recent sightings - Tallahassee From: Andy Wraithmell <bosoxxfan58 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 14:20:07 -0800 (PST) On Lake Lafayette at Piney Z last Tuesday I had a female Common Goldeneye
viewed from fishing finger #5, along with Redhead, Am. Wigeon, Lesser Scaup,
Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead and Ring-necked Duck.
The male Western Tanager is still gracing our 1/2 acre and was heard calling
today, sounding similar to a Baltimore Oriole but not as harsh and somewhat
shorter. We also had a male Indigo Bunting visit today.
Julie, Maisie, Chris and I visited Lake Talquin State Park this morning and had
a Common Loon on the lake and a Baltimore Oriole in the trees around the
parking lot. Like Rodney it is great fun birding with your kids. Maisie spotted
the first bird at the park as we drove along the entrance road, a male
Cardinal.
There are now 5 Dark-eyed Juncos at the large picnic shelter at the Maclay
Gardens recreation area and the Loggerhead Shrike continues to entertain in
front of the Maclay House. The number of Cedar Waxwings in the gardens has been
low this winter, probably due to the lack of American Holly berries which were
quickly consumed by robins during the freeze.
Andy Wraithmell
Tallahassee
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: lake jackson--leon countyFrom: austrina1 AT aol.com Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:51:06 -0500 I've been seeing lots of good birds on private property, but I don't want to tempt people and fate so I'll keep those to myself. I have seen some "good" birds this week on public land. Lake Jackson has been generally slow, however, there is a flock of 90-105 redheads that also contains a few greater scaup. I have never observed a larger flock of redheads on that lake. A common loon has also been present, both observations are boat traffic dependant, i.e., more boats equals less ducks. A sharp-shinned hawk has been variably present at the Kensington and Camden intersection in Edinburg estates. 35 white pelicans, gannet, surf scoters and 900 other ducks, east end of St. George Island, late Saturday evening. I had three screech owls (both color phases) within about 30 feet (one at 5 feet) at the entrance booth at St. Marks (1st road out of main gate on the right). The owls perched very close and one called "loudly", the other two almost cooed very softly. My little girls begged me for a cute little owl of their own. I think they are cute too, kind of like a shrike. Rodney [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Eagle and Summer Tanager - Hilaman Golf course From: raybieber AT comcast.net Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 14:08:02 +0000 (UTC) In addition to the usual great egrets, blue heron, goldfinches, carolina wrens and chicadees, my juve summer tanager remains dining on suet and mealworms, an approx 4 yr bald eagle soared through the neighborhood chased by american crows. The eagle made several fly bys over the 15th hole of Hilaman, right in front of my house and then landed in a tree at the corner of 15 and 16 to finish eating the catch, that it probably stole! Very cool. This is the third year that I have observed eagles in this area. I looked out again to see if the eagle remained at the roost and yes, 2 hours later, it was still there. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Shrike From: "Don Morrow" <don.morrow AT tpl.org> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 22:48:01 -0500 Predators tend to take the easiest available prey, but will go for survival grub as necessary. I have seen Loggerhead Shrike attempt to take a Brown Thrasher in late winter. It might have been successful, but was scared off by the observers (me and the staff of Morningside Nature Center). >>> "Jim Stevenson"Subject: Re: Shrike From: "Jim Stevenson" <galornsoc AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 21:07:15 -0600 Glenda, thanks for teaching me something! Shrike eating worms! Who knew? Fairly recent research reveals that shrikes have the dark mask to cut down on the sun's glare, just as football and baseball players do. The thing is, shrikes forage by looking into the sun, as they can spot the chitinous exoskeletons of arthropods like grasshoppers better. Before that, scientists just assumed it was the typical black mask of predators, like coons, pit vipers, the Lone Ranger, etc. Living in a migrant trap (I might add now the top yard list in the country), I have observed shrikes entering my yard only in spring and fall, and only under inclement conditions. I firmly believe they have learned that songbird migrants may be caught when they are weary from the 600-900 mile run across the Gulf under poor weather, and can't at other times. And don't think for a minute that their avian prey consists of warblers and sparrows. One bit me in a mist net, drew blood, and I can say cardinal's bills are child's play next to a shrike's. Last year, I saw one seriously trying to take down an Upland Sandpiper. Science learns so much from backyard observations such as yours, Glenda. Jim in Galveston From: glendajoyce6009 Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 10:26 PM To: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [nflbirds] Shrike Good Evening, A new yard bird for me, a Loggerhead Shrike! It entertained me, a couple of times, today, just as a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk has done on several occasions, recently...dining on Grub Worms. I don't know anything about Grub worms, never knew they were in my yard, until I watched the Hawk, and don't know if it is something I should be concerned about? The Shrike demonstrated textbook behavior, which I got photos of. He patiently perched in a bare Crape Myrtle tree in my birding courtyard area, and flew to the ground when he spotted something. He then took the worm back to the tree, and impaled it on one of the small new growth branches, and ate his catch. I'm hoping to see it tomorrow, when I count for Project Feeder Watch. Glenda Simmons Eastside Tallahassee -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2725 - Release Date: 03/05/10 13:34:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Franklin Co/Saturday From: John Murphy <southmoonunder AT mchsi.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 17:48:38 -0600 (CST) This morning I birded inland Franklin Co north of Eastpoint. Best bird was an early Worm-eating warbler . Other species of note included Winter wren (2) and Golden-crowned kinglet . John Murphy Alligator Pt, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Shrike From: "glendajoyce6009" <glendajoyce6009 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:26:29 -0000 Good Evening, A new yard bird for me, a Loggerhead Shrike! It entertained me, a couple of times, today, just as a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk has done on several occasions, recently...dining on Grub Worms. I don't know anything about Grub worms, never knew they were in my yard, until I watched the Hawk, and don't know if it is something I should be concerned about? The Shrike demonstrated textbook behavior, which I got photos of. He patiently perched in a bare Crape Myrtle tree in my birding courtyard area, and flew to the ground when he spotted something. He then took the worm back to the tree, and impaled it on one of the small new growth branches, and ate his catch. I'm hoping to see it tomorrow, when I count for Project Feeder Watch. Glenda Simmons Eastside TallahasseeSubject: all clear - virus removed From: Terri Baker <drtbaker AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 06:37:26 -0500 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: DO NOT OPEN EMAILS FROM THIS ADDRESS _I HAVE A VIRUS From: Terri Baker <drtbaker AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 11:42:13 -0500 do not open any emails from this address To: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com From: miller_c6 AT yahoo.com Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 11:30:14 -0500 Subject: [nflbirds] misuse? Is Terri BakerSubject: misuse? From: "Carol Miller" <miller_c6 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 11:30:14 -0500 Is Terri BakerSubject: No Subject From: Terri Baker <drtbaker AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 11:00:39 -0500 http://prettycrocs.webs.com?Ho02aws0 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/Subject: No Subject From: Terri Baker <drtbaker AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 06:39:45 -0500 http://prettyjudy.webs.com?H80nd6t11qo _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/Subject: No Subject From: Terri Baker <drtbaker AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 02:55:14 -0500 http://seestructure.webs.com?H2kv _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469228/direct/01/Subject: Nest needed for eaglets From: "Judy" <judykb AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:08:13 -0500 Lynda White of the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey sent out the following message Feb 26th to the EagleWatch volunteers. I sent her a current photo of the eaglet in the nest near the lighthouse at St. Marks NWR but she thought that eaglet was too old. If you know of any nest that you think might be suitable, please let her know. Her email is: LWHITE AT audubon.org "The eaglets who had to be removed from their nest were safely rescued yesterday afternoon. Their nest is on the Herbert Hoover Dike on Lake Okeechobee, and it is one of the weakest spots on the dike. Repairs have to be made to ensure the safety of the people living near the lake, so the Army Corps of Engineers received permission to remove the eaglets. The biggest concern was that the construction activity would cause them to jump. The nest is in an Australian pine, hanging over the water, and was very difficult to climb. Our heroic Jim Lott did it, though it took over two hours.The eaglets are between 4-5 weeks old, and a photo of them in the nest is attached. I also have close-ups if you need help identifying the ages of your eaglets. I need to get them into foster nests as soon as possible. As part of our contract with the Corps, they must be monitored intensively for the first three days to ensure they have been accepted by their new parents and siblings, so the foster nests must be accessible and with someone who is willing to keep a close eye on them. It has to be a tree, preferably live-no manmnade structures. Please let me know asap if you think your nest may be a possibility.I need to get them placed quickly before they become jumpers. Thanks, Lynda Lynda White EagleWatch Coordinator Audubon Center for Birds of Prey 1101 Audubon Way Maitland, FL 32751 407-644-0190 x 106 407-719-2642 cell" [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Myrtle Warblers From: "Carol Miller" <miller_c6 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 08:45:21 -0500 I have a flock of about a dozen Myrtle Warblers mobbing my suet feeders. There are one or two who have lost most of the brown on their heads, but none has completely gained their full colors. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: RE: Yellow-rumpeds From: "Janeen Langley" <jelangley AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 18:30:44 -0500 While visiting in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky a few years ago, I watched a blue jay take a bat from its roost site in a tree and proceed to have it for lunch. Janeen -----Original Message----- From: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of gallinasviejas AT comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 5:52 PM To: Fran Rutkovsky Cc: NFLBirds NFLBirds Subject: Re: [nflbirds] Yellow-rumpeds Yes, had the mask, very pretty. Your jays remind me of one of my most interesting bird experiences. On an early morning walk on the mounds trail, I witnessed a "murder" of crows vigorously pursuing an owl. Quiet a sight! Maggie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Fran Rutkovsky"Subject: Re: Yellow-rumpeds From: gallinasviejas AT comcast.net Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 22:52:18 +0000 (UTC) Yes, had the mask, very pretty. Your jays remind me of one of my most interesting bird experiences. On an early morning walk on the mounds trail, I witnessed a "murder" of crows vigorously pursuing an owl. Quiet a sight! Maggie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Fran Rutkovsky"Subject: Re: Yellow-rumpeds From: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 12:21:32 -0500 Was this a male with the black mask ? I think this is one of the best looking warblers in spring. I've had 25-30 screaming Blue Jays in the yard and ravine the past half hour. I can't find what they're so cranked up about. They must be on the move now. ----- Fran Rutkovsky franrutkovsky AT comcast.net Tallahassee, FLSubject: Migration Tracking Map From: Fred Dietrich <fdietrich AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 04:42:03 -0800 (PST) Here is a link to the Migration Maps of returning ruby-throated hummingbirds,
including the one I banded near Woodville on February 25th. You can also check
out maps for previous years. This site is maintained by Lanny Chambers, a
hummingbird bander in St Louis, MO, and his site contains lots of information
about hummingbirds. Its worth searching around to learn more about these
wonderful birds.
http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html
Fred Dietrich
Tallahassee, FL
Subject: Yellow-rumpedsFrom: "strick2010" <gallinasviejas AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:00:39 -0000 Is it too early to be seeing yellow-rumpeds in breeding plumage? If so, then I didn't see it, but whatever it was was very pretty!:-) Once again, this was at Indian Mounds on the "pasture" trail Sunday 2/28. Thanks, MaggieSubject: Michael Keys/R4/FWS/DOI is out of the office. From: Michael_Keys AT fws.gov Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:02:47 -0500 I will be out of the office starting 02/26/2010 and will not return until 03/09/2010. I will respond to your message when I return. If you need to contact me immediately, please phone 850-528-9105.Subject: First spring migrant ruby-throated From: Fred Dietrich <fdietrich AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:12:28 -0800 (PST) This morning I banded an adult male ruby-throated hummingbird in Crawfordville
that had just arrived the day before. This is the first report of a returning
ruby-throated this spring. Usually I see my first male around March 6th
followed in about two weeks by the first females.
Fred Dietrich
Tallahassee, FL
Subject: Western TanagerFrom: Andy Wraithmell <bosoxxfan58 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:21:47 -0800 (PST) The adult male Western Tanager has been consistently feeding in our front yard
this week and often spends up to 5 minutes sitting in the azalea next to the
oriole feeders. Best time to see him is around 8am. Birders are more than
welcome to come by and see him. We do please ask that you only view the feeders
from the street, which easily affords great views of all our feeders. Wandering
around the yard will only set the dog barking and alert our neighborhood watch!
The oriole feeders are in between a medium sized azalea and a large pine tree
on the right side of the yard as you look at the house.
Haven't spent much time birding in the park (A.B Maclay Gardens SP) lately as
I've been busy repairing irrigation pipes but the Winter Wren is still present
on the boy scout trail. This trail leads from the crew boats that are stored at
the Recreation Area. The wren prefers the area where a large pine tree has been
cut up next to the trail. The Dark-eyed Juncos are still hanging out by the
large picnic shelter.
Andy Wraithmell
Tallahassee
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Subject: baby blue crabs for Whooping CranesFrom: "Tracee Strohman" <tracee11 AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:04:28 -0500 FUNDS NEEDED TO REPLACE SHARK TANK HELP US REPLACE OUR BIGGEST DISPLAY TANK Funds are urgently needed to replace a major marine education display at Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory in Panacea, Florida. Until this past month, "C-5" (otherwise known as the "shark tank" was our largest concrete tank built in 1970. U-Shaped 120 foot long, running around the perimeter of our 20 x 50' foot building. It held four thousand gallons of sea water, redfish that struck their food like a freight train, triggerfish that stared up at you with doleful eyes and remoras that we sometimes allowed kids to feed by hand. On YouTube http://www.youtube.com/gulfspecimen#p/a/u/1/fhoupZ82eKc you can watch kids squealing with delight as nurse sharks splash them during a feeding frenzy. Our students, volunteers and alumni still recall the arduous back breaking labor of hauling in beach sand by the bucket full, and working through the night building the sub gravel filter system. Some helped erect the pole barn to keep out the rain, others worked on the insulation or the graphics and signs. Others helped us produce soft-shell crabs for a molting hormone study, working through the night, picking out the blue crabs that shed their shells and freezing them in liquid nitrogen. After decades of struggling with aging concrete in the tank walls and floor, spending endless hours and money playing "find the leak" our staff had enough. Wakulla County community service workers demolished it with sledge hammers and hauled away 20 tons of concrete rubble. We are now seeking $40,000 to rebuild the facility and fill the empty space with new and exciting tanks and exhibits. A bioluminescent tank is planned where people can see luminous sea pansies and plankton flash blue fire along with transparent tubular columns with jellyfish pulsing in the darkness. Special tanks featuring the "critter of the month" will magnify small and obscure pistol shrimp and sand fleas to show what monsters they are on giant television screens. The new temperature controlled tanks will give us more room to hold a greater number of endangered sea turtles during cold stun emergencies. This January we kept 65 sea turtles alive of the five thousand stranded by record biting cold until they could be released. The new facility will also help us provide live baby blue crabs to Operation Migration's young whooping cranes that are escorted from Wisconsin by ultralight planes to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Field Trip Season and thousands of kids are coming. We don't want to disappoint them with fewer specimens to show. You can see our dream layout on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiM0NYwahZs. It will cost $40,000, but any contribution you can make towards this effort will be greatly appreciated. If you are not a member of Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, please see our website and join: http://www.gulfspecimen.org/membership.html or phone us at (850) 984-5297. Send checks to Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, P.O. Box 327, Panacea, Florida 32346. We are a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt educational organization. Thanks, Jack Rudloe, President -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2709 - Release Date: 02/25/10 07:34:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Supplemental Feeding of Birds From: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:37:05 -0500 A good web site about the issues of feeding birds is through Audubon At Home > Bird Feeding. This includes information about proper maintenance, healthy yards, conservation, etc. as well as a list of Bird Feeding FAQs. http://audubon.org/bird/at_home/bird_feeding/index.html ---------------------------- Fran Rutkovsky franrutkovsky AT comcast.net Tallahassee, FLSubject: Lake Killarney Tallahassee Wednesday morning From: Edwwjr AT aol.com Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:42:05 EST The pair of gadwall, the male ring-necked duck, and 11 wood ducks were present at 11:30 this morning. They were across from the observation deck as you are looking southeast toward the homes. Three mallards were also in the vicinity. Ed Woodruff Tallahassee. Fl [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Tuesday morning Piney Z in TAllahassee From: Edwwjr AT aol.com Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:21:13 EST I birded the LAke and trails around Piney Z this morning from roughly 10:15 until 11:45 and found 36 species. There was one large flock of more than 150 ducks on the lake. The vast majority were lesser scaup but there were a few ring-necked ducks scattered through the flock. I had 4 osprey, two on the platform nestbox mated and further east on the lake, a second pair dive bombed an immature bald eagle. A mature bald eagle was near the metal floating walkway. The most interesting birds for the morning were the number of hermit thrush and house wrens visible. Brown thrashers were also quite frequently seen. Purple martins and tree swallows were very active over the lake. Ed Woodruff Tallahassee [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Supplemental Feeding of Birds From: Daniel Greene <dan_greene907 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0800 (PST) There's been a lot of talk on the listserv lately about feeding birds. While
I'm somewhat of an advocate of bird feeders, it's important to remember that
we're feeding wild animals. Backyard feeding should be a treat, not a meal.
When you start to have a larger-scale supplemental feeding operation, don't
lose sight of the fact that these are still wild animals and we may be altering
what's natural for the birds.
While feeding wildlife makes us feel good, all to often we're just another
component to the transmission to diseases. This often happens through direct
contact, or through infections lingering on the feeders (both visible = feces
and microscopic). There are great online sources on how to clean your feeders,
both with solution recommendations and frequency. While difficult to accept,
it's best to not feed the birds if we're not going to take the time to make
sure they're eating in a clean/safe place.
Additionally, there are some serious behavior implications to feeding. Some
foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, worms, etc. introduces birds
to foods that aren't part of their natural diet. The effects range from
digestion issues to learned behaviors for the young on what to eat. It can
disrupt migration periods, which we see with late-records for many birds in our
own back yards. It can alter habitat selection (which can affect breeding) and
it can tame birds to increased exposure to humans, pets, and cars. It can also
increase mortality through attracting predators (hawks, cats) and through car
or window kills.
It's up to each of us to weight the pros and the cons for what we want to do
in our back yards, for ourselves and for the birds.
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Subject: western tanager-- tallahasseeFrom: Candy Pfau <ralph_candypfau AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:07:50 +0800 (CST) Wow, great luck. We used to see one in the early spring. But they were
summer tanagers and have not seen one in years. Do they like fruit and
oranges. Maybe I need to put out something they like. I have bluebirds now
looking in my houses. And eating my mealworms
Candy PfauPalatka fl 32148
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Subject: Northern FlickerFrom: judy cooke <dellabirdie AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:57:56 -0800 (PST) I just had a Northern Flicker in the yard. I've seen them at St. Marks before,
but have only had one in the yard once before. Very Cool Bird!
Judy - Panacea
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Subject: western tanager-- tallahasseeFrom: parulablue AT comcast.net Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:15:10 +0000 (UTC) Andy spotted a male western tanager briefly on our oriole feeder this morning--I first saw it the morning of 2/14, but this is the first time we have spotted it since. Hopefully it will start coming to the feeder more regularly-- if so, we'll post again in the event others would like to come see it. Julie Wraithmell Tallahassee, FL jwraithmell AT audubon.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Audubon talk: Sandy Beck, Thurs. 2/25 From: Fran Rutkovsky <franrutkovsky AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:12:02 -0500 Apalachee Audubon Society program NATIVE OWLS by Sandy Beck Thursday, February 25, 2010 Amtrak Passenger Station, 918 Railroad Ave Time: 7:00 PM, social; Program starts at 7:30, or before Sandy Beck, education director with the St. Francis Wildlife Association, will tell us about three native species - the Great Horned, Barred and Screech Owls. She will explain the unique adaptations that make them spectacular nocturnal hunters and inform us about specific actions we can take to help protect these fascinating birds. Sandy Beck has served as Education Director with the St. Francis Wildlife Association since 1989. St. Francis Wildlife, a local non-profit organization, rescues and rehabilitates 3,500 sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds and animals from North Florida and South Georgia every year. Sandy's Wild Classroom programs - which feature disabled raptors, mammals and reptiles - promote awareness, appreciation and understanding of native wildlife and the habitats we share. In addition to her work with St. Francis Wildlife, she teaches gifted and talented students at Astoria Park Elementary, is a regular contributor toFlorida Wildlife Magazine ,writes a monthly environmental column for the Tallahassee Democrat Chronicle, and works as a freelance writer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Leon Association for Science Teaching honored her with their Excellence in Science Teaching Award, and in 2008, The Florida Magazine Association presented her with their Charlie Award for Writing Excellence http://www.charlieawards.org/awards/index.cfm In 2009, The Tallahassee Community College Women's History Month Committee honored Sandy and nine other local women - including Susan Cerulean and Donna Legare - with their annual Women's History Month award. The theme was "Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet." Sandy is passionate about ensuring that "wildness has a secure place in our collective future." ----- Fran Rutkovsky franrutkovsky AT comcast.net Tallahassee, FLSubject: Bluebird Links From: "glendajoyce6009" <glendajoyce6009 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:36:59 -0000 Sorry, I forgot to attach the link, on last post, to the newly formed Florida Bluebird society. Also including the North American society, which is an affiliate, and has alot of good resources. Glenda Simmons Eastside Tallahassee http://www.floridabluebirdsociety.com http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/Subject: Re: Bluebirds/Mealworms From: Glenda Simmons <glendajoyce6009 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:08:16 -0800 (PST) Joe, Beth, Valerie, Candy, and anyone else interested in Bluebirds and
mealworms,Â
Â
Your best bet at attracting Bluebirds is by putting up a bluebird nesting box
in the most open area of your yard, and best to mount it on a free standing
pole, to help lessen the chances of snakes getting to eggs or nestlings. I go
a step further, and always put snake baffles on my Bluebird boxes, which can
easily and cheaply be constructed. A tip, that may help bluebirds spot your
box from a distance, is to get black electrical tape and mark a X with it on
the top and the other sides that don't have the entrance hole. From a bird's
perspective, while flying, this may appear like the dark entrance hole of a
natural cavity, which may get the bird's attention to further investigate. If
the bird shows interest, then you remove the tape, so it would not be spotted
by others.
Â
The best time to do this is in Jan. and Feb. when Bluebirds are actively
searching for territory to start their family. I have been fortunate to be able
to closely monitor a Bluebird family in my yard for the past 5-6 years.Â
Yesterday, I watched one female taking pinestraw in one of the boxes, and later
checked other boxes, to find that I have two nests already in the works.Â
Â
I first started putting mealworms out after I already had a pair, and would put
them in a container, not far from their nesting box, when I saw the birds.Â
To easily train them, you always make the same noise, when you put the worms
out, whistle or some type of call. I cannot whistle, so I ring a little
bell.  Believe me, it took no time for my Bluebirds to know their dinner
bell. Of course doing this as close to a time schedule, as you can, helps.Â
At present, I am feeding one male and three females, and they are waiting for
me when I come home from work to feed them.  Â
Â
Bully Mockingbirds, are frequently a problem, but as I trained my Bluebirds, I
was able to get closer and closer to them, so they will land much closer to me,
than mean ole Mockingbird will dare, so I generally will stay outside and
stand guard, close by, to asure that my Bluebirds get the worms. I don't
mind some of the other small birds grabbing a few, and my Bluebirds will
sometimes share a few. I have watched my male bluebird go several rounds with
a larger male Cardinal, when he was not in a sharing mood. That was a very
colorful scene.Â
Â
 The mealworm caged feeder that Candy described, I also have, and have finally
seen my Bluebirds go in it. I secured a perching stick through it, to make it
easier for them to enter. The mockingbird is too large to fit through the
caged openings, but you will not keep out smaller birds like wrens. I also
put suet in this caged feeder, for the small birds. I bought this mainly for
a backup for the pesky Mockingbird, however last season, when I found baby
mockingbirds in a nest, I provided some worms for them, as well, since the
parents were just trying to feed their young, as the Bluebirds were. In the
past year, I have on occasion, seen my bluebirds eat the suet that I make, and
just recently started putting out WBU bark Butter, that my Bluebirds are also
eating.
Â
Valerie, I have no help to offer for your anoles. lol...that's one problem , I
have not had. But I would be glad to trade you a large flock of Blackbirds for
a few of your anoles.Â
Â
IÂ would also like everyone to know that Florida now has an official Bluebird
Society, which I will add the link. There is not much on the website, yet,
but I would encourage any of you that love Bluebirds to check it out, and if
possible help support it's growth by joining. It's only ten bucks a year, and
when you join, you will receive an info pamphlet, a nice window cling of our
logo and a very nice bookmark with one of my images of my handsome male
Bluebird. I'm sure there will be more added to the website, soon.
Â
Happy Bluebird Trails!
Â
Glenda Simmons
Eastside Tallahassee
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Subject: Thanks!From: "strick2010" <gallinasviejas AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:54:27 -0000 Just a quick thank you to those who responded to my posting of a POSSIBLE Prairie Warbler sighting. There were no audible eye rolls, only kind words of encouragement and sources for additional info. I do hope there will be a "workshop" on warblers some day. I'm about 18 months away from retirement and really looking forward to having more time to spend birding. Thanks again, MaggieSubject: Lake Lafayette Heritage Trail Park Saturday 2-20-2010 From: "markkiser9" <mark.kiser AT myfwc.com> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:07:16 -0000 Yesterday 2-20-2010 at Lake Lafayette Heritage Trail Park in Tallahassee we observed several species we had previously not encountered at this location, including a Common Loon and a Marsh Wren. Other highlights were Canada Goose (4), Purple Martin (our FOS), Tree Swallow, Hermit Thrush, Lesser Scaup (around 100), Bufflehead (15) and 3 Bald Eagles. In town, a lone Pine Siskin has been fairly regular at our feeders the past week. Happy trails, Mark and Selena Kiser Tallahassee batboxblues AT netscape.netSubject: Ovenbird, Bear Creek Forest (Lake Talquin) From: Angela Johnson <birdnerd26 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:41:44 -0500 Myself and Pam Kaiser went birding this afternoon along the Ravine Trail at the Bear Creek Educational Forest and managed to get this one fuzzy picture of what we think is an Ovenbird. Definitely a shy bird, it flew off as soon as I snapped the picture, never to be seen again. Not much else to note out there, besides bunches of Yellow-rumped Warblers, goldfinches, a couple of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and a White-eyed Vireo. We went late in the afternoon so bird activity was pretty low. Happy Birding, Angela Johnson Woodville [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: RE: mealworms From: "Valeri Ponzo" <vponzo AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:11:07 -0500 We raise ours in a five-gallon bucket of oatmeal. If you leave some they will mature and you end with beetles who will make more mealworms! : ) Valeri Ponzo Sarasota _____ From: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Candy Pfau Sent: Friday, February 19, 2010 7:40 PM To: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [nflbirds] mealworms My husband got me this blue dish in a hanger at wild birds unlimited. So far just a carolina wren and pine warblers have eaten from it. Today I saw the bluebird looking at the house and I put the mealworm hanging feeder on the crepe myrtle tree near the house. But my husband said in the instructions, It says not to put near the blue bird house. I have yet to have a bluebird notice it. I will take a photo of it and post it. Also sometimes the mealworms crawl over the edge. I put my mealworms in an empty cool whip container, which I put bran meal in, and carrots an apples or potato. And I put screening material on with a rubber band. Or I cut a huge circle out of the cool whip top and insert a piece of screening under that. My mealworms get fatter. Candy PfauPalatka Fl32148 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2696 - Release Date: 02/19/10 14:34:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: mealworms From: Candy Pfau <ralph_candypfau AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:40:10 +0800 (CST) My husband got me this blue dish in a hanger at wild birds unlimited. So far
just a carolina wren and pine warblers have eaten from it. Today I saw the
bluebird looking at the house and I put the mealworm hanging feeder on the
crepe myrtle tree near the house. But my husband said in the instructions, It
says not to put near the blue bird house. I have yet to have a bluebird notice
it. I will take a photo of it and post it. Also sometimes the mealworms crawl
over the edge. I put my mealworms in an empty cool whip container, which I put
bran meal in, and carrots an apples or potato. And I put screening material
on with a rubber band. Or I cut a huge circle out of the cool whip top and
insert a piece of screening under that. My mealworms get fatter.
Candy PfauPalatka Fl32148
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Subject: RE: mealwormsFrom: "Valeri Ponzo" <vponzo AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:12:50 -0500 What I would like to know is how do I make sure the birds get them and not the anoles! Valeri Ponzo Sarasota, FL _____ From: nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:nflbirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Beth W. Grant Sent: Friday, February 19, 2010 10:24 AM To: North Fl Birds Subject: [nflbirds] mealworms I just recently started putting out mealworms, and so far one mockingbird totally dominates and eats them all! It frequently comes by and checks to see if I've put them out. How do the rest of you serve mealworms? I just have them in a shallow dish on a platform feeder. Beth ---------- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2695 - Release Date: 02/18/10 07:34:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2696 - Release Date: 02/18/10 14:34:00 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |