Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from NS-RBA > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, February 3 at 03:57 PM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Temmincks Tragopan,©BirdQuest

3 Feb Red Bellied Woodpecker and Snowy Owl in Port Maitland area... [Bill Curry ] 03 Feb Pine Warbler in Brookfield ["Pussyfoot" ] 01 Feb Pine warbler, Delhaven ["rachel_cooper_10" ] 1 Feb New file uploaded to NS-RBA [] 01 Feb Barred Owl + feeder birds this morning ["Ryan" ] 29 Jan Jan. 29 Update: Gallinule, Red Bridge Pond ["dashis9" ] 29 Jan White-winged Dove in Sydney, photo posted [] 28 Jan On Greater White-fronted Goose [] 28 Jan Fwd: Re: Yellow-throated Warbler at Terence Bay, HRM [] 28 Jan Yellow Nosed Albatross sighting ["Ronnie D'Entremont" ] 27 Jan White-winged Dove in Cape Breton [Susann Myers ] 27 Jan White-winged Dove in Cape Breton [Susann Myers ] 27 Jan Jan 27 Common Moorhen (Gallinule) Update ["dashis9" ] 27 Jan Fwd: [NatureNS] Red bellied woodpeckers in south end Halifax [] 26 Jan Jan. 26: Gallinule: RB Pond: Yes ["dashis9" ] 25 Jan SouthEnd Red-bellied woodpecker [Susan Hunt ] 26 Jan thick billed murre ["dennis.garratt" ] 25 Jan Broken wood duck link . . . ["dawziecat" ] 25 Jan Possible Varied Thrush ["Ronnie D'Entremont" ] 25 Jan Birding Eastern Shore [Don MacNeill ] 25 Jan Wood Duck Still About . . . ["dawziecat" ] 25 Jan Birding Eastern Shore [Don MacNeill ] 25 Jan Re: [NS-RBA] Wed. Jan 25: Gallinule Red Bridge: Yes [Don MacNeill ] 25 Jan Re: Wed. Jan 25: Gallinule Red Bridge: Yes [Don MacNeill ] 25 Jan Wed. Jan 25: Gallinule Red Bridge: Yes ["dashis9" ] 25 Jan Fox Sparrows ["michael_drenth" ] 25 Jan Fox Sparrows ["michael_drenth" ] 24 Jan Short-eared Owl near East Point, N. Grand Pre ["ricknsrba" ] 23 Jan Re: Re: Jan. 22: Gallinule, Coot: Red Bridge Pond: Yes ["Tom & Terri" ] 23 Jan Mon. Jan. 23: Gallinule: Yes, Am. Coot; No ["dashis9" ] 23 Jan Re: Jan. 22: Gallinule, Coot: Red Bridge Pond: Yes ["Ryan" ] 23 Jan Pine Warbler ["sumathers" ] 23 Jan Red-Bellied Woodpecker ["viaurita" ] 22 Jan GBH ["Ronnie D'Entremont" ] 22 Jan Vulture, anyone? ["martyzelenietz" ] 22 Jan Jan. 22: Gallinule, Coot: Red Bridge Pond: Yes [M gayle Maclean ] 21 Jan Pied billed grebe, Mineville [Chris Pepper ] 21 Jan yellow bellied sapsucker [clyde stoddart ] 20 Jan Wood Duck Drake Has Returned . . . ["dawziecat" ] 19 Jan Red-throated Loon [Bernard Burke ] 19 Jan Red-throated Loon [Bernard Burke ] 18 Jan Re: Sightings from my walk ["Ryan" ] 18 Jan Sightings from my walk ["Ryan" ] 18 Jan Redhead, Thick-billed Murre, red-headed woodpecker, green-winged teal, palm warbler, etc. [James Hirtle ] 17 Jan Birding Today [Don MacNeill ] 17 Jan Birding Today [Don MacNeill ] 17 Jan Thousands of American Robins [Hans Toom ] 16 Jan Re: any ideas on what made these marks in the snow??? [Randy Lauff ] 16 Jan any ideas on what made these marks in the snow??? [2 Attachments] [sydney blum ] 15 Jan Re: Common Gallinule Update (False Alarm) [] 15 Jan Peregrine Falcon ["Ryan" ] 15 Jan Re: Common Gallinule Update [] 15 Jan long billed dowitchers [John Nickerson ] 15 Jan Red-Winged Blackbird at feeder ["Ryan" ] 13 Jan Update - Yellow-thjroated Warbler at Terrance Bay [] 13 Jan Update - Yellow-thjroated Warbler at Terrance Bay [] 13 Jan Short-eared Owl & Rough-legged Hawk ["ricknsrba" ] 13 Jan Common Gallinule Update and Many Others [Hans Toom ] 13 Jan Orioles & Dickcissel still in Halifax [Susann Myers ] 13 Jan Orioles & Dickcissel still in Halifax [Susann Myers ] 13 Jan FWD: Dickcissel in Greenwich, Annapolis Valley ["accentor50" ] 12 Jan Rough-legged Hawk In Grand Pre ["Ryan" ] 11 Jan Say's Phoebe at Mt. Denson NOT seen yesterday [] 11 Jan Pink-footed Goose (not) and Say's Phoebe [] 11 Jan Pink-footed Goose (not) and Say's Phoebe [] 10 Jan FWD: Yellow-breasted Chat in Morden, Kings County ["accentor50" ] 10 Jan Update: Yellow-throated Warbler in Terence Bay Jan 10 ["accentor50" ] 10 Jan Fw: Common Gallinule Rescue Party [Hans Toom ] 10 Jan Common Gallinule Rescue Party [Hans Toom ] 8 Jan Cape Sable Sightings ["Ronnie D'Entremont" ] 08 Jan Re: American Coot Halifax Waterfront ["Ryan" ] 08 Jan FWD: CSI Updates ["accentor50" ] 8 Jan Re: [NS-RBA] American Coot Halifax Waterfront [Paul Evans ] 8 Jan Re: American Coot Halifax Waterfront [Paul Evans ] 08 Jan American Coot Halifax Waterfront [Bernard Burke ] 08 Jan American Coot Halifax Waterfront [Bernard Burke ] Subject: Red Bellied Woodpecker and Snowy Owl in Port Maitland area... From: Bill Curry <flyfish AT tightlines.ca> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:47:19 -0400 Hi all, Saw both a RB Woodpecker (near Cedar Lake) and a snowy owl (on our beach here in Port Maitland) today. Photos posted on my blog... http://www.billcurry.ca/?m=201202 Bill Bill Curry Box 44, Port Maitland Nova Scotia, Canada B0W2V0 902-649-2428 flyfish AT tightlines.ca Subject: Pine Warbler in Brookfield From: "Pussyfoot" <uracatsass AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:09:04 -0000 General consensus is that we have one pine warbler here in Brookfield. Feeding with the gold finches, tree sparrows, chick a dee's the first I have seen here.FB nsbs ------------------------------------ Subject: Pine warbler, Delhaven From: "rachel_cooper_10" <rachel.cooper AT xcountry.tv> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:27:47 -0000 This pine warbler was at my feeder yesterday, the first I've seen here in any season. It was with a few goldfinches. No sign of it in today's miserable weather. Rachel ------------------------------------ Subject: New file uploaded to NS-RBA From: NS-RBA AT yahoogroups.com Date: 1 Feb 2012 21:25:23 -0000 Hello, This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the NS-RBA group. File : /Pine warbler 31Jan12.JPG Uploaded by : rachel_cooper_10 Description : Pine warbler Delhaven 31 Jan 12 You can access this file at the URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NS-RBA/files/Pine%20warbler%2031Jan12.JPG 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, rachel_cooper_10 ------------------------------------ Subject: Barred Owl + feeder birds this morning From: "Ryan" <pigeonrh AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:56:48 -0000 Been slow lately but the feeders are always active with the fresh snow. I had a barred owl sitting on the barn this morning just as the sun was coming up(I assume he was looking for my ducks last night). I also seen one on the Mines Rd last week which let us drive right up for a close look before taking off. At the feeder had a flock of evening grosbeaks this morning, a savannah sparrow has been hanging around as of late, white-throated sparrows, tree sparrows, redwing blackbird was back today, downy woodpecker, plus the regulars like the blue jays(had 11 on one platform feeder alone), chickadees, gold finches ect Ryan Falmouth ------------------------------------ Subject: Jan. 29 Update: Gallinule, Red Bridge Pond From: "dashis9" <dashis9 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:45:17 -0000 Gorgeous day here in Dartmouth. There is, at this time, alot of open water in and around the reeds close to the drainage ditch off Red Bridge Pond, where the Common Gallinule is currently making its winter home. As there is quite a flock of Mallards also present, when it comes to feeding the Gallinule, the Mallards must be fed too, if for no other reason, than to create a diversion when tossing in the seafood/suet/chopped salad greens mix. I toss it well away from the shoreline,& into the reed areas where the Gallinule generally is seen. And there is less competition. Here's hoping it continues to do well! Gayle MacLean Dartmouth ------------------------------------ Subject: White-winged Dove in Sydney, photo posted From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:31:35 -0400 All: I have placed an excellent photo taken 22 January by Joan Mills of the White-winged Dove at Prime Brook, a S. suburb of Sydney, and forwarded courtesy of Susann Myers. By my reckoning, this is about the 52nd of this vagrant reported here since the first one in Aug. 1979 on Sable I. - more than in any other province or any New England State, I believe. It appears to be quite richly coloured on the back and breast (perhaps slightly over-saturated in photo), said to be characteristic of the subspecies _asiatica_. It breeds in the W, Indies, s.e.Texas, and is now spreading from Florida along the Gulf Coast. We've had fewer overall-gray birds of apparent subspecies _mearnsii_ breeding W. TX and west, in recent years. Ian ------------------------------------ Subject: On Greater White-fronted Goose From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:48:09 -0400 All: The Greater White-fronted Goose found by John Kearney 27 Jan. at Knoydart, Antig. Co., certainly matches expectations for a Greenland bird, subspecies flavirostris. It is a distinctly dark-backed first-winter bird (no ventral barring, little or no white "front"), but with a large and strongly orange, not pink, bill. You can judge for yourselves from the higher-res. photo that I have placed, with John's permission, in the waterfowl file of NS-RBA photos. But Paul Macdonald raises an important issue. The taxonomy of this goose has been well clarified recently by Richard Banks, but is partly dependent on measurements. Field i.d. remains an issue. The real problem is distinguishing between the pink-billed Old-World subspecies albifrons (which would most probably be escapes from waterfowl collections here) from subspecies gambelli (now applied to all the geese breeding in taiga/tundra w. Canada. (AK has two others, unlikely here.) Things like amount of white on the upper flank margins, gr. coverts edges, and tertial matrgins. size and shape, and back tones are vary variable regionally and individually. One some years ago at Yarmouth (nicely photo'd by Judy Tufts) is almost certainly our only gambelli in recent times, but there are a couple of specimens in the NS Mus. Nat. Hist. from before Greenland birds became so regular. All Gr. White-fronted Goose here need attention and good photos so we can sort things out in some future time when all is made clear by some clever field studies. A bonus might be that some authorities think they should be split into three species. Cheers, Ian Ian McLaren ------------------------------------ Subject: Fwd: Re: Yellow-throated Warbler at Terence Bay, HRM From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:26:48 -0400 Another hardy survivor ----- Forwarded message from keyplayer AT ns.sympatico.ca ----- Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:32:12 -0400 From: freeman Subject: Re: YTW To: Blake Maybank Cc: YTW , Hans Toom YTW made an appearance today (SATURDAY) around 1600h after an absence of a week or more. He's been at the feeder for a half-hour or so. Looks OK. Snip, snip. Freeman (& John) 852-3147 ----- End forwarded message ----- ------------------------------------ Subject: Yellow Nosed Albatross sighting From: "Ronnie D'Entremont" <rondentremont AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:11:10 -0400 Hi. I was talking to a friend who fishes groundfish on Georges Bank, and he informed me that last week he identified an Atlantic Yellow Nosed Albatross that circled his boat several times and landed in the water amongst the Black Backed gulls.This is a guy that has more than just a passing interest in birds. He immediately got his bird guide and made the ID. He is always aware of any strange birds that happen to come by, and this one definitely caught his attention: About 4 or 5 inches larger than the Black Backs, very large bill , blackish grey mantle and , to quote, 'long skinny wings". This was his first sighting of an albatross in over 30 years of fishing. Cheers and good birding, Ron. Subject: White-winged Dove in Cape Breton From: Susann Myers <myerss AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:41:21 -0400 Joan Mills has had a White-winged Dove at her feeders in Prime Brook, just outside Sydney, for the past 3 weeks or so. It was still present today. She has provided some photos, which I've sent along to Ian McLaren. Joan says birders are welcome to come to see the bird. If anyone would like to know how to contact Joan, please email me. She doesn't have access to emails, but I can provide a phone number and address. Cheers, Susann Myers Subject: White-winged Dove in Cape Breton From: Susann Myers <myerss AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:41:21 -0400 Joan Mills has had a White-winged Dove at her feeders in Prime Brook, just outside Sydney, for the past 3 weeks or so. It was still present today. She has provided some photos, which I've sent along to Ian McLaren. Joan says birders are welcome to come to see the bird. If anyone would like to know how to contact Joan, please email me. She doesn't have access to emails, but I can provide a phone number and address. Cheers, Susann Myers Subject: Jan 27 Common Moorhen (Gallinule) Update From: "dashis9" <dashis9 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:19:13 -0000 Visited early this morning with a big bag of mixed seed & more food than ususal for the Common Moorhen(Gallinule), in anticipation of a forcasted cold, snowy, rainy day & night ahead. The Gallinule came out immediately for the seafood/greens/chopped suet that I tossed along the edge of the reeds. It then retreated further into the reeds, had a bath (dipped in and out of the water quickly and repeatedly) and had a preening session. Looked alert and bright, It actually flew a little way too, when a car backfired over at the Irving station Continued down to Banook Canoe Club, left more seed and a suet cake for the Am. Coot which seems to be doing ok too. The weather here in Dartmouth has not been bad at all so far today, now slightly above freezing and it is after 5pm. My question is this. Is this bird a Moorhen or a Gallinule? Thank you, Gayle MacLean Dartmouth ------------------------------------ Subject: Fwd: [NatureNS] Red bellied woodpeckers in south end Halifax From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:45:06 -0400 ----- Forwarded message from edoull AT ns.sympatico.ca ----- Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:43:10 -0400 From: Elizabeth Doull Reply-To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Subject: [NatureNS] Red bellied woodpeckers in south end Halifax To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Thursday Jan 26 2012 There are a male and female red bellied woodpecker in the south end Halifax (near the end of Robie Street). At times they are together. As well, there is a flicker, which comes to the feeders infrequently. Cheers, Liz ----- End forwarded message ----- ------------------------------------ Subject: Jan. 26: Gallinule: RB Pond: Yes From: "dashis9" <dashis9 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:12:40 -0000 I waited a VERY long time before the Common Moorhen / Gallinule showed itself and it was only after I put down mixed seed for the ducks which were literally walking over and on my feet; and the Gallinue food on the beach edge as well as into the shallows and into & onto the reeds. Today was seafood/spinach leaf mixture as well as a suet block. As I went back up to view from the bank, it was then that the Gallinule came sailing out from it's hiding spot within the reeds down to where the food was. Was diving under & coming up with some of the seafood and plucking a piece of spinach from the surface. Looked bright and alert. Sincerely, Gayle MacLean Dartmouth ------------------------------------ Subject: SouthEnd Red-bellied woodpecker From: Susan Hunt <susanehunt AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:15:04 -0400 There was a red-bellied woodpecker at the corner of Greenwood and Roxton (fairly close to Point Pleasant Park) at 1:30 today. Too high up to say male or female. Just wondered if there are other reports for this area or has "mine" (from Westgate Drive near Frog Pond) crossed over the Arm. Susan Hunt ------------------------------------ Subject: thick billed murre From: "dennis.garratt" <dennis.garratt AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:54:16 -0000 Thick billed murre in Halifax Harbour today, same place as the one last winter (2011) and the winter before that (2010), between the new NS Power building & George's Island. pic posted. Pretty quiet in the harbour so far this lackluster winter. There was a razorbill last week, both D C and Gt cormorants are regular, a few common loons and a red throated loon for a few weeks. At Purdy's Wharf, Iceland Gulls peaked at 320 in early Jan (mostly 100-200) and black headed gulls 10. On George's Island, a pair of bald eagles are regular and when they are not there, a rough legged hawk, merlin, n harrier. Peregrine regular on the BDC building in Scotia Square all winter so far. Dennis Garratt Can't stop, birding ------------------------------------ Subject: Broken wood duck link . . . From: "dawziecat" <dankst AT eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:17:55 -0000 Been brought to my attention the link does not work. The URL is: http://danks.netfirms.com/woodie2.htm Terry Danks ------------------------------------ Subject: Possible Varied Thrush From: "Ronnie D'Entremont" <rondentremont AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:45:22 -0400 This is an alert to all birders in SouthWest Nova. Yesterday in West Pubnico a bird was spotted around noon, mixed in with a large flock of Robins. I talked to the people in question and quizzed them about it and showed them the Varied Thrush from my Sibley Guide. Both the homeowners agreed that it looked like a Female Varied Thrush, with the much paler band across the upper breast. Of course, this is not a positive identification, but they seemed quite sure. Coincidentally, when the flock moved on, so did the bird. So, to all the birders in my area, please pay a little more attention to any large flock of Robins-you may find this little gem amongst them. Cheers and good birding, Ron. Subject: Birding Eastern Shore From: Don MacNeill <donmacneill AT eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:31:40 -0400 I birded from East Chezzetcook to Hartlen Point today. Most of what I saw were the common winter birds but there was a female Northern Pintail at Three Fathom Harbour. When I got home, there was a male Brown-headed Cowbird in the tree behind our house. Don Don MacNeill donmacneill AT eastlink.ca Subject: Wood Duck Still About . . . From: "dawziecat" <dankst AT eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:33:12 -0000 He is scarce most of the time but seems most likely present when a score or more of black ducks and mallards visit. Images of him taken today are at this page. Terry Danks Near Chester Basin Subject: Birding Eastern Shore From: Don MacNeill <donmacneill AT eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:31:40 -0400 I birded from East Chezzetcook to Hartlen Point today. Most of what I saw were the common winter birds but there was a female Northern Pintail at Three Fathom Harbour. When I got home, there was a male Brown-headed Cowbird in the tree behind our house. Don Don MacNeill donmacneill AT eastlink.ca ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: [NS-RBA] Wed. Jan 25: Gallinule Red Bridge: Yes From: Don MacNeill <donmacneill AT eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:49:25 -0400 I also dropped by the pond this morning and threw some leftover crab cakes into the reeds. The gulls went after some fries I threw to the ducks (which the ducks examined and left) but didn't go after the stuff I threw into the reeds. Don Don MacNeill donmacneill AT eastlink.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: dashis9 To: NS-RBA AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:55 AM Subject: [NS-RBA] Wed. Jan 25: Gallinule Red Bridge: Yes The Gallinule appeared to be in good shape but stayed atop the reeds surrounding the open water that runs to/from the gravel beach (now under water) by the drainage ditch. I fed the dabblers (ducks)the mixed bird seed and tossed the salmon/chopped spinach mix within the reeds and the shallows. The gulls showed up unfortunately and I know they probably got most of it. A Bald Eagle showed up which scattered all the birds and drove the Gallinule to the outer edges of the reeds next to the ice. I left at that point but returned in 15 or so minutes. The Gallinule was now closer to where the seafood mix had been tossed but I didn't see any left. Had a suet block in the Jeep so tossed that into the area where the rail had been appearing. Hope it finds it. No sign of the Coot though. Gayle MacLean Dartmouth __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) Recent Activity: a.. New Members 1 a.. New Photos 2 Visit Your Group Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest . Unsubscribe . Terms of Use. __,_._,___ Subject: Re: Wed. Jan 25: Gallinule Red Bridge: Yes From: Don MacNeill <donmacneill AT eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:49:25 -0400 I also dropped by the pond this morning and threw some leftover crab cakes into the reeds. The gulls went after some fries I threw to the ducks (which the ducks examined and left) but didn't go after the stuff I threw into the reeds. Don Don MacNeill donmacneill AT eastlink.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: dashis9 To: NS-RBA AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:55 AM Subject: [NS-RBA] Wed. Jan 25: Gallinule Red Bridge: Yes The Gallinule appeared to be in good shape but stayed atop the reeds surrounding the open water that runs to/from the gravel beach (now under water) by the drainage ditch. I fed the dabblers (ducks)the mixed bird seed and tossed the salmon/chopped spinach mix within the reeds and the shallows. The gulls showed up unfortunately and I know they probably got most of it. A Bald Eagle showed up which scattered all the birds and drove the Gallinule to the outer edges of the reeds next to the ice. I left at that point but returned in 15 or so minutes. The Gallinule was now closer to where the seafood mix had been tossed but I didn't see any left. Had a suet block in the Jeep so tossed that into the area where the rail had been appearing. Hope it finds it. No sign of the Coot though. Gayle MacLean Dartmouth Subject: Wed. Jan 25: Gallinule Red Bridge: Yes From: "dashis9" <dashis9 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:55:05 -0000 The Gallinule appeared to be in good shape but stayed atop the reeds surrounding the open water that runs to/from the gravel beach (now under water) by the drainage ditch. I fed the dabblers (ducks)the mixed bird seed and tossed the salmon/chopped spinach mix within the reeds and the shallows. The gulls showed up unfortunately and I know they probably got most of it. A Bald Eagle showed up which scattered all the birds and drove the Gallinule to the outer edges of the reeds next to the ice. I left at that point but returned in 15 or so minutes. The Gallinule was now closer to where the seafood mix had been tossed but I didn't see any left. Had a suet block in the Jeep so tossed that into the area where the rail had been appearing. Hope it finds it. No sign of the Coot though. Gayle MacLean Dartmouth ------------------------------------ Subject: Fox Sparrows From: "michael_drenth" <elvismi17 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:22:31 -0000 The Fox Sparrows were at a feeder on Brass Hill in Barrington. ------------------------------------ Subject: Fox Sparrows From: "michael_drenth" <elvismi17 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:18:56 -0000 There were 2 Fox Sparrows at the feeder yesterday late afternoon. ------------------------------------ Subject: Short-eared Owl near East Point, N. Grand Pre From: "ricknsrba" <dendroica.caerulescens AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:59:47 -0000 Today I was walking the dyke from Horton Landing to East Point. Less than 1 km S of East Point there is a 90' corner in the dyke, the corner points SW. As I approached that corner, a Short-eared Owl flushed from the salt water side of the dyke. After landing briefly across the water from me, it went over the dyke and disappeared. Cutting out a lot of wasted scanning in the story, as I later returned S along the same corner in the dyke, the Owl flushed again from the ditch at the base of the dyke. It flew out into a plowed field where I obtained a very poor doc. shot. Bernard Forsythe wanted SEOW for his winter list so we went back out to East Point & I was able to show him the owl in the exact same spot in the field. We also saw the owl fly just before we left. While driving across the dykeland to N. Grand Pre, we saw the same (?) light phase juvenile Rough-legged Hawk reported earlier. Rick Whitman ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Re: Jan. 22: Gallinule, Coot: Red Bridge Pond: Yes From: "Tom & Terri" <terri.crane AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:47:35 -0400 The dry cold of winter is not as deadly as you'd think. It's the wet peroids that will test even the hardiest and usualy finish off the weak and sick. Tom K Canso ----- Original Message ----- From: Ryan To: NS-RBA AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 11:02 AM Subject: [NS-RBA] Re: Jan. 22: Gallinule, Coot: Red Bridge Pond: Yes Just got back from RBP and it's still there. Tough bird! Ryan --- In NS-RBA AT yahoogroups.com, M gayle Maclean wrote: > > Just returned from Red Bridge Pond on this cold, cold but sunny morning. Both the Common Gallinule and American Coot seem to be faring well in the open water close to the drainage ditch by the daycare center. I did take canned salmon, hulled sunflower seeds and chopped spinach leaves and tossed it out by the reeds and in the shallows. Don't put much on the gravel bar as there are now sometimes crows and gulls. I also leave mixed bird seed for the ducks (more as a distraction when I place around the seafood mixture). From my observation, both the Gallinule and the American Coot don't seem to have a problem finding the seafood, which is good. And to note: I am not the only one bringing food for the Gallinule. I did notice that the two rails had ice crystals on their backs this morning. Didn't notice it on the ducks though. Would it be because of the type of feathers they have? Here's hoping it continues to do well this winter. > > Sincerely, > > Gayle MacLean > Dartmouth > Subject: Mon. Jan. 23: Gallinule: Yes, Am. Coot; No From: "dashis9" <dashis9 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:43 -0000 For the 1st time since checking on & feeding these two rails, the American Coot was nowhere to be seen this morning. The Gallinule was present and came swimming in soon after I tossed the seafood, chopped spinach mix into the shallows and along the edges of the reeds. Looked fine. Will check again for both,tomorrow. Gayle MacLean Dartmouth ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Jan. 22: Gallinule, Coot: Red Bridge Pond: Yes From: "Ryan" <pigeonrh AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:02:02 -0000 Just got back from RBP and it's still there. Tough bird! Ryan --- In NS-RBA AT yahoogroups.com, M gayle Maclean wrote: > > Just returned from Red Bridge Pond on this cold, cold but sunny morning. Both the Common Gallinule and American Coot seem to be faring well in the open water close to the drainage ditch by the daycare center. I did take canned salmon, hulled sunflower seeds and chopped spinach leaves and tossed it out by the reeds and in the shallows. Don't put much on the gravel bar as there are now sometimes crows and gulls. I also leave mixed bird seed for the ducks (more as a distraction when I place around the seafood mixture). From my observation, both the Gallinule and the American Coot don't seem to have a problem finding the seafood, which is good. And to note: I am not the only one bringing food for the Gallinule. I did notice that the two rails had ice crystals on their backs this morning. Didn't notice it on the ducks though. Would it be because of the type of feathers they have? Here's hoping it continues to do well this winter. >   > Sincerely, >   > Gayle MacLean > Dartmouth > ------------------------------------ Subject: Pine Warbler From: "sumathers" <sumathers AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:51:47 -0000 A lively pine warbler has been visiting my feeders, especially peanuts, for the last several days. I have seen him on and off through the fall and winter. He has also visited my neighbour across Jubilee Road. They back on the sewage plant off of Fairfield Avenue. This warbler seems to travel with goldfinches. But, of course, his bill gives him away. ------------------------------------ Subject: Red-Bellied Woodpecker From: "viaurita" <viaurita AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:06:04 -0000 There has been a male Red-bellied Woodpecker dropping by occasionally at my feeders since Dec 4, 2011. He was here again this weekend. Here is a photo taken on Jan 21, 2012. http://burkeviauphotos.smugmug.com/Nature/Recent-Photos/14749798_WCRqJH#!i=1682253975&k=qgnSDJ4 Rita Viau ------------------------------------ Subject: GBH From: "Ronnie D'Entremont" <rondentremont AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:04:40 -0400 There are at least 3 Great Blue Herons in South West Nova. There was one behind Terry Crowell's place in Atwood's Brook yesterday, and in the past 2 days I have seen two: one in West Pubnico yesterday, and another in Chebogue Point today. Subject: Vulture, anyone? From: "martyzelenietz" <zelen AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:11:58 -0000 About 9:30 this morning, at Rainbow Haven beach. Mostly looking into the sun, saw a largish raptor with small head, and major impression was that it was a vulture. Lighting bad for looking at markings (looking into the sun), but I was struck by the possibility that it might be a Black Vulture (I've entered it in E-Bird as a Turkey Vulture for the time being). Any sightings of Black Vultures in the Metro area of late? Marty ------------------------------------ Subject: Jan. 22: Gallinule, Coot: Red Bridge Pond: Yes From: M gayle Maclean <dashis9 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:45:52 -0800 (PST) Just returned from Red Bridge Pond on this cold, cold but sunny morning. Both the Common Gallinule and American Coot seem to be faring well in the open water close to the drainage ditch by the daycare center. I did take canned salmon, hulled sunflower seeds and chopped spinach leaves and tossed it out by the reeds and in the shallows. Don't put much on the gravel bar as there are now sometimes crows and gulls. I also leave mixed bird seed for the ducks (more as a distraction when I place around the seafood mixture). From my observation, both the Gallinule and the American Coot don't seem to have a problem finding the seafood, which is good. And to note: I am not the only one bringing food for the Gallinule. I did notice that the two rails had ice crystals on their backs this morning. Didn't notice it on the ducks though. Would it be because of the type of feathers they have? Here's hoping it continues to do well this winter.   Sincerely,   Gayle MacLean Dartmouth Subject: Pied billed grebe, Mineville From: Chris Pepper <cpepper AT ymail.com> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:19:51 -0800 (PST)   Kate and I saw a pied billed grebe in Mineville today where the Partridge river meets the Mineville river.   Chris  Subject: yellow bellied sapsucker From: clyde stoddart <clydebstoddart AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:08:40 +0000 21 jan 2012 at 1216 east baccaro, at 120pm on saturday a yellow bellied sapsucker, seeen by clyde stoddart Subject: Wood Duck Drake Has Returned . . . From: "dawziecat" <dankst AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:28:45 -0000 Last seen here on Dec 28. Seen again this morning. In a flock of about 25 Blacks/Mallard hens and a single Mallard drake. On a small steam, with an open pool near Chester Basin. Terry Danks ------------------------------------ Subject: Red-throated Loon From: Bernard Burke <bernieb1 AT EastLink.ca> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:37 -0400 Justin Burke sent me this pic of a Red-throated Loon, which he took on Tuesday on the Halifax side of the harbor: http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1677604220_5kdWvhL/Large Bernard Burke Dartmouth Subject: Red-throated Loon From: Bernard Burke <bernieb1 AT eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:37 -0400 Justin Burke sent me this pic of a Red-throated Loon, which he took on Tuesday on the Halifax side of the harbor: http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1677604220_5kdWvhL/Large Bernard Burke Dartmouth Subject: Re: Sightings from my walk From: "Ryan" <pigeonrh AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:26:14 -0000 Sorry. I was on the Mines Rd here in Hants County. --- In NS-RBA AT yahoogroups.com, "Ryan" wrote: > > Went for a stroll in the woods this morning. Parked on the side of the dirt road and found a good area with old growth. > If you have an Iphone/Ipod you might know the app Ibird Pro. It has a few calls for almost every bird in North America and all the information any birding book can give right on your phone. I decided to give the red breasted nuthatch call a few tries and within 2 minutes there they were, 10 feet away. Along with them were black cap's, a brown creeper and a few golden-crowned kinglets. > Soon after I heard a pileated drumming. A few calls from the app and there it was. > On the way out I came across a couple ruff grouse, a flock of evening grosbeaks and a downy. > The apps worth a try. I really enjoy it. > Ryan > ------------------------------------ Subject: Sightings from my walk From: "Ryan" <pigeonrh AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:57:18 -0000 Went for a stroll in the woods this morning. Parked on the side of the dirt road and found a good area with old growth. If you have an Iphone/Ipod you might know the app Ibird Pro. It has a few calls for almost every bird in North America and all the information any birding book can give right on your phone. I decided to give the red breasted nuthatch call a few tries and within 2 minutes there they were, 10 feet away. Along with them were black cap's, a brown creeper and a few golden-crowned kinglets. Soon after I heard a pileated drumming. A few calls from the app and there it was. On the way out I came across a couple ruff grouse, a flock of evening grosbeaks and a downy. The apps worth a try. I really enjoy it. Ryan ------------------------------------ Subject: Redhead, Thick-billed Murre, red-headed woodpecker, green-winged teal, palm warbler, etc. From: James Hirtle <jrhbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:46:43 +0000 Cape Sable Island, Shelburne, CA-NS Jan 15, 2012 11:20 AM - 4:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 15.0 kilometer(s) 39 species Redhead 1 (Town Pond Barrington Passage, thanks to Ronnie D'Entremont) Northern Harrier 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 (Saw flying out over Fish Plant at Daniel's Head) Thick-billed Murre 1 (Clark's Harbour Wharf compliments of Johnny Nickerson, Ronnie D'Entremont and Clyde Stoddart) Snowy Owl 1 (complements of Cape Island Birders - Daniel's Head) Palm Warbler 1 (by house just before Courtney Pl, Swim's Point, feeding along house edge for spiders and such) Yellow-rumped Warbler 19 (Kenny Road) Swamp Sparrow 2 (Kenny Road) Pleasant River/South Brookfield, Queens, CA-NS Jan 15, 2012 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 kilometer(s) 3 species Red-headed Woodpecker 1 (Been there since October. Likely the same bird found at West Berlin on Oct. 23) Cannot post location due to wishes of house owner. Oakland/Indian Point, Lunenburg, CA-NS Jan 14, 2012 4:10 PM - 4:40 PM Protocol: Traveling 9.7 kilometer(s) 16 species Green-winged Teal 2 (one male and one female. The male was in full breeding plumage) James R. Hirtle Bridgewater Subject: Birding Today From: Don MacNeill <donmacneill AT eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:24:42 -0400 I tried twice for the Yellow-throated Warbler without success. John wanted me to mention that they don't want people to smoke around their house. They have a lot of dried hay? on the ground. I did get to see Susann Myer's Dickcissel though. It was a lot brighter yellow than what I expected. Don Don MacNeill donmacneill AT eastlink.ca Subject: Birding Today From: Don MacNeill <donmacneill AT eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:24:42 -0400 I tried twice for the Yellow-throated Warbler without success. John wanted me to mention that they don't want people to smoke around their house. They have a lot of dried hay? on the ground. I did get to see Susann Myer's Dickcissel though. It was a lot brighter yellow than what I expected. Don Don MacNeill donmacneill AT eastlink.ca ------------------------------------ Subject: Thousands of American Robins From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:50:29 -0400 There are thousands of American Robins on the eastern side of the Chebucto Peninsula, from West Pennant to Portuguese Cove. They are moving through in flocks of 50-100 birds per cluster. They started arriving two days ago. Hans _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada http://www.hanstoom.com/ Subject: Re: any ideas on what made these marks in the snow??? From: Randy Lauff <randy.lauff AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:55:41 -0400 The culprits are in the photos themselves...look at 1253...see how the head of the plant (at 9:00 in the circle) is exactly on the circle? When it's windy, the plant gets whipped around and draws a circle in the snow. Randy _________________________________ RF Lauff Way in the boonies of Antigonish County, NS. On 16 January 2012 16:04, sydney blum wrote: > ** > > [Attachment(s) <#134e81f3b47ff9ff_TopText> from sydney blum included > below] > > I saw these today off the side of our driveway. No one except us, our > dogs, and local animals had access. The dogs seemed to smell a scent > on the marks. Any ideas? > > > Subject: any ideas on what made these marks in the snow??? [2 Attachments] From: sydney blum <sydneyblum AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:04:30 -0400 <*>[Attachment(s) from sydney blum included below] I saw these today off the side of our driveway. No one except us, our dogs, and local animals had access. The dogs seemed to smell a scent on the marks. Any ideas? <*>Attachment(s) from sydney blum: <*> 2 of 2 Photo(s) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NS-RBA/attachments/folder/1065002651/item/list <*> snowcircle1253w.jpg <*> snowcircle1254w.jpg ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Common Gallinule Update (False Alarm) From: <nuthatch AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:13:57 -0400 Hello Folks, Sorry folks, it was a false alarm. I just got back from Red Bridge Pond. It seems I got caught up in my friends enthusiasm. There is only 1 Common Gallinule and 1 American Coot at the pond. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Cheryl Davis Dartmouth, NS ---- nuthatch AT ns.sympatico.ca wrote: > Hello all, > > I just a call from a birding friend. She was just at Red Bridge Pond and found not 1 but 2 Common Gallinule in the area where the food has been put. She thinks perhaps one is a male and the other a female, since one is paler than the other. > > Cheryl Davis > Dartmouth, NS ------------------------------------ Subject: Peregrine Falcon From: "Ryan" <pigeonrh AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:24:49 -0000 Had a Peregrine take a bird from the front yard feeders this afternoon(3PM). He then went to the nearest power pole and ate his meal. Ryan Harvey Dyke Rd. Falmouth ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Common Gallinule Update From: <nuthatch AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:49:39 -0400 Hello all, I just a call from a birding friend. She was just at Red Bridge Pond and found not 1 but 2 Common Gallinule in the area where the food has been put. She thinks perhaps one is a male and the other a female, since one is paler than the other. Cheryl Davis Dartmouth, NS ------------------------------------ Subject: long billed dowitchers From: John Nickerson <jonsannick AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:15:58 -0400 3 long billed dowitchers at lr.clarks hbr. this morning 9.35 a.m c.s.i. johnny sandra nickerson Subject: Red-Winged Blackbird at feeder From: "Ryan" <pigeonrh AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:00:28 -0000 Has been at the feeder all morning. The wife spotted it. First one I`ve had at the feeder in the winter. Ryan Harvey Falmouth ------------------------------------ Subject: Update - Yellow-thjroated Warbler at Terrance Bay From: iamclar AT DAL.CA Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:39:42 -0400 All: The Yellow-throated Warbler at Freeman Dryden's place. The Yellow-throated Warbler that turned up yesterday and today in Terence Bay, according to Freeman Dyson seems to have a shorter tail and different face markings than the one seen previously, although there is a possibility that it escaped a brush with a predator. Details on its whereabouts at Terrance Bay are in earlier posts to the NS-RBA. this morning. Might be worth obtaining a photo for more detailed comparisons with previous images. Cheers, Ian Ian McLaren Subject: Update - Yellow-thjroated Warbler at Terrance Bay From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:39:42 -0400 All: The Yellow-throated Warbler at Freeman Dryden's place. The Yellow-throated Warbler that turned up yesterday and today in Terence Bay, according to Freeman Dyson seems to have a shorter tail and different face markings than the one seen previously, although there is a possibility that it escaped a brush with a predator. Details on its whereabouts at Terrance Bay are in earlier posts to the NS-RBA. this morning. Might be worth obtaining a photo for more detailed comparisons with previous images. Cheers, Ian Ian McLaren ------------------------------------ Subject: Short-eared Owl & Rough-legged Hawk From: "ricknsrba" <dendroica.caerulescens AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:38:44 -0000 I was walking the main dyke from the W end of Long Island Road, N Grand Pre, towards Wolfville. Just about 550 m from the N end of the dyke, I must have flushed a Short-eared Owl. I say "must have" because the bird was in the air in front of me, just above the dyke, when I saw it. It flew east over the open dykeland & landed in a plowed field & then made one more short flight. I did not see it when I returned along the dyke an hour or more later. I also saw the Rough-legged Hawk today, as reported yesterday by Ryan Harvey. It was again on power poles on the main road between Grand Pre & N. Grand Pre, closer to the N end. If Sibley can be taken as a guide, it was a "light juvenile" as it had the very dark belly, a light breast, pale head & very dark wrist patches on light wing undersides. I believe this is the first Rough-legged Hawk seen this winter on the entire Grand Pre dykeland. The same may apply to the Owl but I feel they are much more difficult to find. Rick Whitman ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Gallinule Update and Many Others From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:49:31 -0400 I left my house at 7:45AM just in time to see the Baltimore Oriole swinging into the feeder. At Red Bridge Pond I spotted the Common Gallinule swimming along the edge of the ice looking healthy and alert. The Mallards and Wigeons here are already becoming accustomed to being fed. Even the American Coot is becoming tamer. The mallards were actually walking up the bank towards me when I arrived. I left a bunch of lettuce, a block of suet, and a scattering of mixed seed. The feeding frenzy began immediately with the coot joining in on the snow covered gravel bar. I swung over to Sullivan's Pond and found one Eurasian Wigeon sleeping on the ice and a Gadwall that posed nicely for me, showing off its speckled finish. I returned to Red Bridge Pond and to my amazement the Common Gallinule was standing on the back of a male mallard within a few feet of the gravel bar pecking away at its back. This is one feisty bird! I managed to get the coot and gallinule in a single photo frame. It is possible and the best of all scenarios that this area may not completely freeze allowing the Common Gallinule and American Coot to winter here. The cold temperatures are unlikely to kill these birds but the loss of body fat will, so bring food when you visit. It's tricky getting down the snow covered bank to the gravel bar so use care. The easiest route is from the front of the day care centre. At home in Portuguese Cove the Baltimore Oriole, Northern Mockingbird and Red-bellied Woodpecker are all doing well. Hans _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada http://www.hanstoom.com/ Subject: Orioles & Dickcissel still in Halifax From: Susann Myers <myerss AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:50:20 -0400 The female Dickcissel is still hanging around with the flock of about 40 House Sparrows in my back yard, and yesterday the number of Baltimore Orioles grew from 5 to 6. Cheers, Susann Myers Subject: Orioles & Dickcissel still in Halifax From: Susann Myers <myerss AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:50:20 -0400 The female Dickcissel is still hanging around with the flock of about 40 House Sparrows in my back yard, and yesterday the number of Baltimore Orioles grew from 5 to 6. Cheers, Susann Myers Subject: FWD: Dickcissel in Greenwich, Annapolis Valley From: "accentor50" <bmaybank AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:17:11 -0000 12 Jan 2012 There was a very bright Dickcissel in the company of 15-20 House Sparrows, sitting in the thick hedge by the farmhouse at Noggins Corner Farm, Greenwich, Kings Co., this afternoon. Not only was I impressed with the Dickcissel but also by the size of the House Sparrow flock that seem to be faring well around this farm and the closeby feeders provided by the Bishop family. Coming from the 'old country' I welcome their lively friendly chatter. Cheers, Judy Tufts =============================== Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia My Blog: CSI: Life Author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia Subject: Rough-legged Hawk In Grand Pre From: "Ryan" <pigeonrh AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:37:42 -0000 There was a Rough-legged hawk on Grand Pre Rd this morning(10AM) on a power poll just before you turn off on to long island road(guzzle). Ryan Harvey ------------------------------------ Subject: Say's Phoebe at Mt. Denson NOT seen yesterday From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:22:22 -0400 All: I thought I had indicated in my earlier message that Eric Mills and I did not see the Say's Phoebe. I posted Dan Toew's description of it based on his observation of it the day before. But some have assumed that we saw it. I wouldn't go for it without and indication that it's settled down. Ian Ian McLarem Subject: Pink-footed Goose (not) and Say's Phoebe From: iamclar AT DAL.CA Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:30:42 -0400 All: I had to go to Kentville yesterday, so Eric Mills and I decided to take in some birding en route. The day before (Jan. 9) Dan Toews (whose house is about 500 m south of the rail crossing on Hiway 14 that is in turn just beyond Mt. Denson from Hantsport to Windsor) had a repeat visit from (presumably) the same SAY'S PHOEBE that had occurred there a few weeks earlier. This time it lingered outside his window and caught cluster files brought out by the warm weather. The area is replete with rose hips and a nearby livestock barn might be worth investigating Dan's description of the bird (palish rufous below, robin-toned back) suggests that it was of western-southwestern origin, probably subspecies _saya_, rather than _yukonensis_ from the far northwest of the species' range. Our latest previous record is 7 January. We spent some time going over the large flock (5-700) of Canada Geese that were feeding happily on astonishingly verdant fields just off highway 14 south of Windsor. Try as we might - and Eric spent much time 'scoping - we could not find the Pink-footed Goose amongst them. Although it is remotely possible that it wase been skulking in a depression, we both felt this was unlikely. Cheers, Ian Ian McLaren Subject: Pink-footed Goose (not) and Say's Phoebe From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:30:42 -0400 All: I had to go to Kentville yesterday, so Eric Mills and I decided to take in some birding en route. The day before (Jan. 9) Dan Toews (whose house is about 500 m south of the rail crossing on Hiway 14 that is in turn just beyond Mt. Denson from Hantsport to Windsor) had a repeat visit from (presumably) the same SAY'S PHOEBE that had occurred there a few weeks earlier. This time it lingered outside his window and caught cluster files brought out by the warm weather. The area is replete with rose hips and a nearby livestock barn might be worth investigating Dan's description of the bird (palish rufous below, robin-toned back) suggests that it was of western-southwestern origin, probably subspecies _saya_, rather than _yukonensis_ from the far northwest of the species' range. Our latest previous record is 7 January. We spent some time going over the large flock (5-700) of Canada Geese that were feeding happily on astonishingly verdant fields just off highway 14 south of Windsor. Try as we might - and Eric spent much time 'scoping - we could not find the Pink-footed Goose amongst them. Although it is remotely possible that it wase been skulking in a depression, we both felt this was unlikely. Cheers, Ian Ian McLaren ------------------------------------ Subject: FWD: Yellow-breasted Chat in Morden, Kings County From: "accentor50" <bmaybank AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:58:26 -0000 10 January 2012 "The Morden Yellow-breasted Chat was very active again today. She aggressively chases off Juncos, Gold Finches and any other birds who presume to impinge on her territory. More pictures at the link. Gary Myers http://www.pbase.com/fundybayman/birds_and_other_wildlife Gary Myers gemyers AT eastlink.ca ============================ Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia My Blog: CSI: Life Subject: Update: Yellow-throated Warbler in Terence Bay Jan 10 From: "accentor50" <bmaybank AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:53:53 -0000 10 January 2012 The Yellow-throated Warbler continues to be seen daily at the feeder in Terence Bay, according to Freeman and John. Details included in earlier posts to the NS-RBA. Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia My Blog: CSI: Life Subject: Fw: Common Gallinule Rescue Party From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:43:45 -0400 All, I have all the help I need so no further replies are necessary. Hope Swinimer will be there, as well, with a kayak. Thanks to all Nova Scotia's that love birds. Please, no onlookers, since this will only make the capture harder. Hans ----- Original Message ----- From: Hans Toom To: NS-RBA Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 11:52 AM Subject: Common Gallinule Rescue Party The Common Gallinule is present this morning and trapped! The ice has closed in around the crescent of reeds and grasses it was feeding upon. The seed heads, its primary food, are now probably mostly eaten and the bird may be starving. It is reluctant or may be incapable of flight due to weakness. The next cold snap will finish it off. It is now time to rescue this bird and get it off to Hope for Wildlife. I propose a party of four people, two in hip waders with large fishing nets(three feet in diameter, or more) and two more people on the shore holding ropes tethered to the two folks in the water. The water does not appear to be more than two feet deep but dry clothes and towels are a precaution as are the tethers. Please contact me privately if you can help for a rescue attempt tomorrow morning with; warm bodies, hip waders, fishing nets and rope. At this point photographers or birders will only stress the bird and possibly kill it. Hans _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada http://www.hanstoom.com/ Subject: Common Gallinule Rescue Party From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:52:00 -0400 The Common Gallinule is present this morning and trapped! The ice has closed in around the crescent of reeds and grasses it was feeding upon. The seed heads, its primary food, are now probably mostly eaten and the bird may be starving. It is reluctant or may be incapable of flight due to weakness. The next cold snap will finish it off. It is now time to rescue this bird and get it off to Hope for Wildlife. I propose a party of four people, two in hip waders with large fishing nets(three feet in diameter, or more) and two more people on the shore holding ropes tethered to the two folks in the water. The water does not appear to be more than two feet deep but dry clothes and towels are a precaution as are the tethers. Please contact me privately if you can help for a rescue attempt tomorrow morning with; warm bodies, hip waders, fishing nets and rope. At this point photographers or birders will only stress the bird and possibly kill it. Hans _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada http://www.hanstoom.com/ Subject: Cape Sable Sightings From: "Ronnie D'Entremont" <rondentremont AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 16:31:18 -0400 Hello birders. I spent 4 hours today on Cape Sable hoping for Longspurs, Snow Buntings, and perhaps a rare Sparrow. I was disappointed with the lack of birds. Perhaps it is too warm for the Buntings, because I didn't see any. Almost unbelievably, I also did not see any Sparrows at all. The final tally for the day: 1 Peregrine Falcon,1 Northern Harrier, 1 Immature Bald Eagle, 1 Red Knot, 3 Horned Larks, 1 Thick Billed Murre, several Long Tailed Ducks, 15 Brant, plus the usual assortment of Common Eiders, Red Breasted Mergansers, Guillemots, Crows and Gulls etc. Cheers and happy birding! Subject: Re: American Coot Halifax Waterfront From: "Ryan" <pigeonrh AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:12:37 -0000 There was also one at Sullivans pond today. Ryan --- In NS-RBA AT yahoogroups.com, Paul Evans wrote: > > Nice photos! There is also an American Coot near the shore along Conrad Beach road as of this morning. > > Paul > > Sent from my iPhone > > On 2012-01-08, at 9:17 AM, Bernard Burke wrote: > > > Justin Burke sent me some nice closeup photos of an American Coot near the new boardwalk on the Halifax waterfront at Bishops Landing > > > > http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1663580299_t642nMF/Medium > > > > http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1663580306_HJxwThZ/Medium > > > > Bernard > > > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: FWD: CSI Updates From: "accentor50" <bmaybank AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:01:28 -0000 7 Jan 2012 great blue heron seen behind the church at the hawk. 75 brant 2 snowy owls also. 1 snowy owl at daniels head 1 western palm warbler at kenny road johnny & sandra ==================================== Forwarded by: Blake Maybank Subject: Re: [NS-RBA] American Coot Halifax Waterfront From: Paul Evans <evans AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 10:06:12 -0400 Nice photos! There is also an American Coot near the shore along Conrad Beach road as of this morning. Paul Sent from my iPhone On 2012-01-08, at 9:17 AM, Bernard Burke wrote: > Justin Burke sent me some nice closeup photos of an American Coot near the new boardwalk on the Halifax waterfront at Bishops Landing > > http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1663580299_t642nMF/Medium > > http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1663580306_HJxwThZ/Medium > > Bernard > > __._,_.___ > Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic > Messages in this topic (1) > RECENT ACTIVITY: > Visit Your Group > MARKETPLACE > Stay on top of your group activity without leaving the page you're on - Get the Yahoo! Toolbar now. > > > Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use > . > > __,_._,___ Subject: Re: American Coot Halifax Waterfront From: Paul Evans <evans AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 10:06:12 -0400 Nice photos! There is also an American Coot near the shore along Conrad Beach road as of this morning. Paul Sent from my iPhone On 2012-01-08, at 9:17 AM, Bernard Burke wrote: > Justin Burke sent me some nice closeup photos of an American Coot near the new boardwalk on the Halifax waterfront at Bishops Landing > > http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1663580299_t642nMF/Medium > > http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1663580306_HJxwThZ/Medium > > Bernard > > Subject: American Coot Halifax Waterfront From: Bernard Burke <bernieb1 AT EastLink.ca> Date: Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:17:30 -0400 Justin Burke sent me some nice closeup photos of an American Coot near the new boardwalk on the Halifax waterfront at Bishops Landing http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1663580299_t642nMF/Medium http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1663580306_HJxwThZ/Medium Bernard Subject: American Coot Halifax Waterfront From: Bernard Burke <bernieb1 AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:17:30 -0400 Justin Burke sent me some nice closeup photos of an American Coot near the new boardwalk on the Halifax waterfront at Bishops Landing http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1663580299_t642nMF/Medium http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_p25k9d/29/1663580306_HJxwThZ/Medium Bernard