Birdingonthe.NetRecent Postings from
> Home > Mail |
Cape May Warbler,©Barry Kent Mackay |
|
13 Mar Pine Warbler ["bernard burke" ] 12 Mar Golden eagle [Carl Haycock ] 11 Mar Glaucous X Great Black-backed Gull and Barred Owl [Hans Toom ] 10 Mar Possible Glaucous-winged Gull [Hans Toom ] 09 Mar Northern Pintail ["ebo2112" ] 06 Mar Eur. Wigeons, Sullivans Pond, Dartmouth [] 6 Mar Redhead, First South, Lun. Co. ["Eric Mills" ] 6 Mar Redhead, First South, Lun. Co. ["Eric Mills" ] 03 Mar Glaucous Gull [Hans Toom ] 1 Mar Carolina wren [Chris Field ] 28 Feb Cedar Waxwings ["David Currie" ] 27 Feb Belted Kingfisher, Sambro ["P.L. Chalmers" ] 27 Feb Glaucous Gull, Sambro Harbour ["P.L. Chalmers" ] 27 Feb Oriole Update, Halifax [Susann Myers ] 27 Feb Oriole Update, Halifax [Susann Myers ] 25 Feb Bonapartes Gull ["bernard burke" ] 24 Feb Purple Sandpipers and Director's Cut [Hans Toom ] 21 Feb Nelson's Gull, Canard, King's Co. ["Eric L. Mills" ] 21 Feb Nelson's Gull, Canard, King's Co. ["Eric L. Mills" ] 21 Feb Bohemian, Cedar Waxwings, Robins ["David Currie" ] 20 Feb Harlequin Ducks ["viaurita" ] 18 Feb Crossbills sightings for the MBBA ["daviddnrharris" ] 16 Feb Bluebirds at Chebogue, Yarmouth [] 16 Feb winter wren, [Clyde Stoddart ] 16 Feb am bittern [John Nickerson ] 15 Feb Fwd: Bird Report - Frigatebird [Patrick Kelly ] 12 Feb snowy owl [John Nickerson ] 09 Feb Fwd: [NatureNS] Varied Thrush [] 07 Feb A dark-backed Herring Gull type at Eastern Passage, HRM [] 06 Feb Pine Warbler, Point Pleasant Park ["P.L. Chalmers" ] 04 Feb Re: Tagged Gull - SOLVED ["ebo2112" ] 4 Feb am. woodcock [John Nickerson ] 03 Feb Tagged Gull ["ebo2112" ] 03 Feb new lifer ["tumayoung" ] 02 Feb Fwd: Winter Wren, Windsor area! [] 1 Feb song sparrow [Lynn Karchewski ] 30 Jan Pictou Co. bird update [Ken McKenna ] 30 Jan Pictou Co. bird update [Ken McKenna ] 30 Jan lost binoculars ["tumayoung" ] 30 Jan Update: OC Warbler- Dartmouth [Gayle MacLean ] 30 Jan Update: OC Warbler- Dartmouth [Gayle MacLean ] 28 Jan little gull (Eastern Passage) ["Mike" ] 28 Jan American Pipit and Dovekies [Hans Toom ] 28 Jan lapland longspur [Clyde Stoddart ] 27 Jan More on the Antigonish Co., buteo [] 27 Jan More on the Antigonish Co., buteo [] 25 Jan More on the Broadwinged Hawk [] 24 Jan Ring-necked Ducks, Hd of St Marg's Bay ["Eric L. Mills" ] 21 Jan bittern [John Nickerson ] 19 Jan Pt. Pleasant Park Pine Warbler ["bernard burke" ] 19 Jan Pt. Pleasant Park Pine Warbler ["bernard burke" ] 19 Jan Carolina Wren Update [Hans Toom ] 17 Jan g.b. herons [John Nickerson ] 17 Jan Turkey Vulture Cow Bay ["bernard burke" ] 17 Jan Turkey Vulture Cow Bay ["bernard burke" ] 17 Jan N. Shrike, Dovekie, Barrow's Goldeneye, Blue-winged Teal ["David Currie" ] 17 Jan Possible golden eagle [Chris Field ] 16 Jan Black-headed Gull at Sullivan's Pond [Pat McKay ] 16 Jan Orioles, Chat in Halifax [Susann Myers ] 16 Jan Orioles, Chat in Halifax [Susann Myers ] 15 Jan Sambro to the NWArm [Chris Field ] 15 Jan Species [David Young ] 12 Jan VARIED THRUSH [John Nickerson ] 11 Jan FWD: Varied Thrush in Lower West Pubnico ["Blake Maybank" ] 10 Jan harlequin and great cormorant [Stuart & Rachel Smith ] 11 Jan spotted towhee ["shirleylovesbirds" ] 10 Jan PAartially aneumelanistic Blue Jay, Hammonds Plains, HRM [] 10 Jan Short Eared Owl ["jtrubinca" ] 10 Jan D.-c. Cormorant, Halifax waterfront ["Eric L. Mills" ] 10 Jan Feather pigments ["Eric L. Mills" ] 10 Jan Feather pigments ["Eric L. Mills" ] 10 Jan Odd gull at prospect [] 09 Jan Odd gull, head of Prospect Bay [] 08 Jan An aneumelanistic House Sparrow [] 8 Jan Mergansers NW Arm [Lynn ] 6 Jan OC Warbler - Photos Posted To Photo File Section [Gayle MacLean ] Subject: Pine Warbler From: "bernard burke" <blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:34:29 -0400 My cousin Justin sent me this photo of a Pine Warbler from Pt. Pleasant Park Halifax on Friday: http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_ynXPk/22/809284301_3rsFs/Medium This individual is very subdued of yellow compared to another individual that has been seen at the Park this winter Bernard Burke blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca DartmouthSubject: Golden eagle From: Carl Haycock <carl_haycock AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:36:15 -0800 (PST) I had excellent views of an imm. Golden Eagle today in Westport on Brier
island,N.S. It was just after noon and I noticed it being harassed by 2 Ravens
just overhead. It appeared very dark, almost black and the white patches were
very conspicuous both below and on top of the primaries. Very large bird. It
was unmistakable. I called June Swift right away to come have a look but by
then it had soared higher and eventually flew off towards Northern Point and
out over the Bay of Fundy. I'll keep an eye out the next few days in case it
decides to return.
Carl Haycock
Subject: Glaucous X Great Black-backed Gull and Barred OwlFrom: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:51:16 -0400 At this point the consensus is that the mystery gull at Sambro Harbour is a hybrid, Glaucous X Great Black-backed Gull. I've posted four more photos including a close-up study of the primaries. The gull though not shy just sat on a post and didn't move around much when I photographed it. I confess to not noticing the dark spots under the tail. I should use a checklist when I study a bird so I don't miss any clues and parts. I've also posted some photos of the Barred Owl from Oakfield Provincial Park from this morning. All the photos are taken hand held which is another lesson learned. I should have brought my tripod since I knew that I was going to be photographing owls in the deep and shady forest. Hans http://www.hanstoom.com/Highlights/March2010/0121.html _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________Subject: Possible Glaucous-winged Gull From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:11:02 -0400 I spotted an unusual gull at Sambro Harbour this afternoon. The large all black bill should eliminate Glaucous Gull as a candidate, which was my first impression. The closest match I can find in my literature is Glaucous-winged Gull but due to the rarity of this species I leave it to the gull experts in our group to sort it out. I do have more photos which I can post tomorrow, if necessary. I'll post this on NatureNS after I get an identification. Hans http://www.hanstoom.com/Highlights/March2010/0115.html _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________Subject: Northern Pintail From: "ebo2112" <foxhollow AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:21:10 -0000 This morning at the outflow of stillwater lake (between Hammonds Plains Rd. and Flat Lake Dr.) 1 pair (m/f) Norhtern Pintail among a large group of Black Ducks. I spotted the drake's white breast as we drove by so I circled back to investigate and took a couple of photos. Also saw what I think was a black vulture flapping and circling overhead. Cheers Ian in Hammonds Plains.Subject: Eur. Wigeons, Sullivans Pond, Dartmouth From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:25:42 -0400 All: There were two drake Eurasian Wigeons with the mixed breeds on Sullivas Pond, this morning, 6 March. More spectacular was an adult tiercel Perregrine about 11:15 that hit a pigeon in a shallow stoop over the pond - feathers flew, but the pigeon flew off strongly, not pursued by the falcon. Cheers, Ian Ian McLarenSubject: Redhead, First South, Lun. Co. From: "Eric Mills" <e.mills AT dal.ca> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 15:39:27 +0000 There is a drake Redhead among about 500 Scaup (5 per cent Lessers) and
Goldeneye in Upper South Cove, First South, Lun. Co. Among them also is a
largely amelanistic ("pigmentally-challenged") C. Goldeneye - a very strange
looking bird. Nearby, at the end of the Felzen South road, among 175 C.
Goldeneye is a single drake Barrow's.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Eric L. Mills
286 Kingsburg Road
RR#1, Rose Bay, NS B0J 2X0, Canada
Subject: Redhead, First South, Lun. Co.From: "Eric Mills" <E.Mills AT Dal.Ca> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 15:39:27 +0000 There is a drake Redhead among about 500 Scaup (5 per cent Lessers) and
Goldeneye in Upper South Cove, First South, Lun. Co. Among them also is a
largely amelanistic ("pigmentally-challenged") C. Goldeneye - a very strange
looking bird. Nearby, at the end of the Felzen South road, among 175 C.
Goldeneye is a single drake Barrow's.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Eric L. Mills
286 Kingsburg Road
RR#1, Rose Bay, NS B0J 2X0, Canada
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NS-RBA/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NS-RBA/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
NS-RBA-digest AT yahoogroups.com
NS-RBA-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
NS-RBA-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Subject: Glaucous GullFrom: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:36:43 -0400 There is an adult, at least fourth winter, Glaucous Gull at Duncan Reef this afternoon. It's always a delight to see the white and light grey adult bird. It flew and sat for photographs at a discrete distance. I saw one here late last fall winging westward, possibly the same bird as they do tend to stay in an area they like. Hans _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________Subject: Carolina wren From: Chris Field <field AT mathstat.dal.ca> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 11:55:46 -0400 (AST) Anne Lambert had a carolina wren singing in Chester (near corner of Pleasant and Central Street) this past weekend. She'd had a carolina wren in the same location last summer so it may have over-wintered. This bird is a skulker and hard to see. -- Chris Field Math and Statistics Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S., Canada, B3H 3J5 email : field AT mathstat.dal.ca Phone : 902-494-3339 or 902-494-2572 Fax : 902-494-5130Subject: Cedar Waxwings From: "David Currie" <david_currie AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:10:07 -0400 Hi all Not rare but certainly 80+ Cedar Waxwings are high enough in number to report. They were on Prentice Lane in Dartmouth this morning. Take Portland Street East from Downtown Dartmouth, turn right on Chestnut Lane and then left on Prentice Lane. There is a great area near the end of Prentice that has Cardinals, White-throats and always worth a look. I could only find a single Bohemian amongst them as well as several Robins. Dave CurrieSubject: Belted Kingfisher, Sambro From: "P.L. Chalmers" <plchalmers AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:48:43 -0400 This afternoon I was told by a local resident that he had seen a Belted Kingfisher on the outskirts of Sambro a few days ago, across from the former Dock and Dory Restaurant (i.e. near the wetland just before the big bridge into Sambro). Patricia L. Chalmers HalifaxSubject: Glaucous Gull, Sambro Harbour From: "P.L. Chalmers" <plchalmers AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:45:34 -0400 This afternoon there was an immature (first winter?) Glaucous Gull on the wharf at Sambro Harbour, along with a small flock of Iceland Gulls. Patricia L. Chalmers HalifaxSubject: Oriole Update, Halifax From: Susann Myers <myerss AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:45:46 -0400 The 8 Baltimore Orioles in my yard in Halifax are still doing well. All made it through yesterday's storm and were desperate for mealworms this morning. They have begun to sing a few notes, and to show small patches of black feathers on their heads and necks. As of a week ago, the one recovering from an injury at Helene Van Doninck's was also doing well. So of the 10 that were here in early January, 9 have survived to this point, thanks to this mild winter. Cheers, Susann MyersSubject: Oriole Update, Halifax From: Susann Myers <myerss AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:45:46 -0400 The 8 Baltimore Orioles in my yard in Halifax are still doing well. All made it through yesterday's storm and were desperate for mealworms this morning. They have begun to sing a few notes, and to show small patches of black feathers on their heads and necks. As of a week ago, the one recovering from an injury at Helene Van Doninck's was also doing well. So of the 10 that were here in early January, 9 have survived to this point, thanks to this mild winter. Cheers, Susann MyersSubject: Bonapartes Gull From: "bernard burke" <blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:08:40 -0400 The last few days have seen an increase of smaller gull species congregating at Sullivans Pond, at least in the late afternoon. I was able to find at least one Bonapartes Gull in amongst 35 plus Black-headed Gulls there today: http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_ynXPk/22/797126546_5A2zr/Large I have yet to find a Mew or Common Gull this winter but perhaps now that there are much more Ring-billed Gulls showing up it may increase the odds of seeing one. Todays conditions were rather unfavourable, with the strong biting winds making quite a few hunker down with their heads tightly tucked in. At work today, a Rock Dove left its image of outstretched wings all too vividly on the large window that sealed its fate. Our initial reaction was perhaps the skyline had been reflected in the window. But about 5 minutes later the main cause of the incident became much more obvious, when several of us viewed a Peregrine Falcon flying overhead after leaving its perch atop one of the nearest parking lot light poles to us, as it now was being harassed by a gull. Perhaps it was fortunate that there was only one casualty. Bernard Burke blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca DartmouthSubject: Purple Sandpipers and Director's Cut From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:34:08 -0400 Hi all, After the weather people had predicted sunshine for today on almost every single day since the middle of last week I'd thought I'd try for the Purple Sandpipers at Point Pleasant Park. The prediction was wrong as usual. Nevertheless, I wandered forth and immediately found a group at the first cornice before the Anchor Monument. I went back to my car to get my telephoto lens and carted it out to this location. This is no simple thing since the lens and tripod weight 22 pounds. Of course the sandpipers had moved on. After a brief search I spotted a group of 12 flying towards Northwest Arm but I wasn't going to chase them with the outfit I was toting. As it happens there was even a larger group, perhaps 18 or more, at the tip of Bald Rock, Bald Rock Beach. Somehow I managed to walk right past this bunch or maybe it was the ones I spotted earlier near the anchor. I took some distant photos under poor lighting but am satisfied nonetheless with the numbers I was able to see and observe as they wave hopped on the rock. A male Red-breasted Merganser came into the cove and although an extremely shy bird it did pause on the rock for a brief time which allowed me to enjoy its beauty, as well. I've also posted a bunch of photos after filtering through my files for the last couple of months of photos, my director's cut of images. They are all birds you have seen already but the poses and crops are slightly different from the earlier versions. Hans http://www.hanstoom.com/Highlights/February2010/0142.html _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________Subject: Nelson's Gull, Canard, King's Co. From: "Eric L. Mills" <E.Mills AT Dal.Ca> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:02:34 -0400 Yesterday afternoon, Derek & Jeanette Lovitch, visiting birders from Maine, found a first- winter "Nelson's" Gull (HerringXGlaucous hybrid) in the flock along Fred Thomas Road, Canning, King's Co.Subject: Nelson's Gull, Canard, King's Co. From: "Eric L. Mills" <e.mills AT dal.ca> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:02:34 -0400 Yesterday afternoon, Derek & Jeanette Lovitch, visiting birders from Maine, found a first- winter "Nelson's" Gull (HerringXGlaucous hybrid) in the flock along Fred Thomas Road, Canning, King's Co.Subject: Bohemian, Cedar Waxwings, Robins From: "David Currie" <david_currie AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:59:52 -0400 Hi all Mike King and I spent a few hours at Hartlen Point and Eastern Passage this morning. Highlights included 6 American Pipits, Northern Harrier and Snow Buntings at Hartlen Point. In the open water behind the berm at Silver Sands (Cow Bay) were 3 Gadwall among the other ducks and mergansers there. What was most interesting were 21 Bohemian Waxwings, 4 Cedar Waxwings and at least 100 Robins behind St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church at Eastern Passage. (This is the church just across from McCormick's Beach boardwalk area on Shore Rd). I'm sure Mike would say - GO BIRDING. Dave Currie DartmouthSubject: Harlequin Ducks From: "viaurita" <viaurita AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 23:36:16 -0000 HI I saw 3 female Harlequin Ducks today (Feb 20, 2010) at Peggy's Cove. Rita ViauSubject: Crossbills sightings for the MBBA From: "daviddnrharris" <harrisda AT gov.ns.ca> Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:06:01 -0000 FYI...I don't think the attached map will show here. Dave ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Have you seen a White-winged Crossbill? If you have, we want to know about it. I'm posting this note as a plea from the Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas to help us "cross those crossbills" off our bird lists. As many of you are already aware we are in the Atlas' final year of data collection and thus our last chance to record all of the birds breeding in the Maritimes. It seems that this year is a "crossbill year" for many regions. White-winged Crossbills in particular have been seen and heard singing and displaying throughout the province. However, there are still many Atlas squares without White-winged Crossbills recorded on their lists (see attached map). THE ATLAS WANTS (AND APPRECIATES) YOUR CROSSBILL OBSERVATIONS!! If you aren't an atlasser but still want to submit a crossbill observation please submit it to me via email bstewart AT birdscanada.org. Let me know the location (UTM coordinates are great but a street or park will do as well) and the sighting details (singing; displaying; in appropriate breeding habitat, i.e., conifers with cones). Thanks very much Becky Stewart Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas Coordinator www.mba-aom.caSubject: Bluebirds at Chebogue, Yarmouth From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:30:05 -0400 All: I have placed on NS-RBA photos a much enlarged crop of the image of E. Bluebirds (up to 6 males and one female present) reported earlier by John Sollows, and photo'd for the record by Nguyen Thi Nhung. We've had winter records from time to time, but this is an unusually large group. A group may give advantages, as bluebirds are known to tough out cold nights by cuddling en mass in cavities or nest boxes. Cheers, IanSubject: winter wren, From: Clyde Stoddart <sawwhetowl AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:23:39 -0400 16 feb, 2010, at bear point at 9am 1 winter wren seen by clyde stoddart i don't know who does the bear point area for the breeding atlas, but i am sure they breed there -- clyde stoddart 1049 centreville south side road, rr # 1, clarks harbour shelburne county, nova scotia B0W 1P0 (902) 7455 2105Subject: am bittern From: John Nickerson <jonsannick AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:12:02 -0400 1 am. bittern at daniels head this morning at 9;45 a.m. across from the fish plant 450 brant at the hawk this morning 1 snowy owl on cape sable johnny&sandra nickerson _________________________________________________________________ Introducing Windows® phone. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9708122Subject: Fwd: Bird Report - Frigatebird From: Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly AT dal.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:28:07 -0400 Begin forwarded message: > From: "Ted D'Eon"Subject: snowy owl From: John Nickerson <jonsannick AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:04:46 -0400
i had a report of a snowy owl on seal island also 20 harlequin ducks 1
imm.bald eagle
at daniels head this morning 1 am. bittern 1 am woodcock 1 blackheaded gull
johnny sandra nickerson
_________________________________________________________________
Subject: Fwd: [NatureNS] Varied ThrushFrom: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:28:40 -0400 All:
Note the add on from previous mailings.
Ian McLaren
----- Forwarded message from Reddenville AT nncweb.ca -----
Date: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:29:20 -0400
From: "V. Redden"
Subject: A dark-backed Herring Gull type at Eastern Passage, HRMFrom: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:24:10 -0400 Today Eric spotted, and then we tried to study, a notably dark-backed gull, but otherwise Herring Gull, at near low-tide on the flats at E. Passage. It was not tame and I got one poor photo (sent to NS-RBA Photos) when my batteries cooled beyond charging and it soon flew on into the harbout. There are possible candidates, but neither Eric nor I think it is a hybrid. It might be a 4th winter bird, as there is an extensive black spot on the dull-yellow bill, although no obvious black fethering on mantle-coverts. Its legs appeared dull-flesh coloured. Try to get better photos and especially of the bird in flight showing details of wingtips. Cheers, Ian Ian McLarenSubject: Pine Warbler, Point Pleasant Park From: "P.L. Chalmers" <plchalmers AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:13:21 -0400 I went for a walk in Point Pleasant Park today, after going to the Farmer's Market. Bright sun and a cold wind kept some birds down, but the highlight was a brightly coloured Pine Warbler, coming to the feeder on Heather Road. It has been regular here for some time; Chris Field reported it on 31 December. The tide was high and the rocky ledges where the Purple Sandpipers sometimes feed were covered. Where do they go to roost at such times, I wonder? Patricia L. Chalmers HalifaxSubject: Re: Tagged Gull - SOLVED From: "ebo2112" <foxhollow AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:29:46 -0000 Got a nice reply from the group who tagged this gull. Anyone know what kind of gull it actually is? (photo on NS-RBA -> photos -> Gulls and Terns -> Tagged Gull (last page/last photo) ) See below: ========== Ian, Thanks for reporting the sighting. It is indeed one of our gulls. It's great that you were able to get a photo of the gull. When we caught the gull we were unsure if it was a sub-adult Black-back, a lesser black-back or a herring gull. The weights and measurements were confusing. It was only caught only once. We put the leg bands on so that if the wing-tags get pulled off, we can still identify the bird. Here is some specific information on J11: Captured 03/03/08 at Fitchburg/Westminister Landfill, MA Capture location (GPS): 42.53197, - 71.84389 Captured using a rocket net baited with bread and suet Sub-adult herring gull Red wing-tags: J11 Red leg band: OV Federal leg band: 1847-90006 Released on site Sightings: This is the first sighting of this gull. Thank you! Thanks again for the sighting and photo, and please let me know if you see it (or others) again. Ken Ken MacKenzie Senior Wildlife Biologist DCR- Division of Water Supply Protection 180 Beaman Street West Boylston, MA 01583 508-792-7423 x313 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ian [mailto:foxhollow AT ns.sympatico.ca] Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:21 PM To: Mackenzie, Ken (DCR) Cc: Clark, Dan (DCR) Subject: Tagged Gull J11 I don't know if it's one of yours but... 3 Feb 2010 The gull with tag J11 was seen at the Sackville River outflow into Bedford Basin (Halifax, NS) 44°43'43.80"N 63°39'44.64"W It almost looks like the bird has been caught twice - a band on each leg plus the wing tag has been overwritten in white paint (original black is still visible) I only saw a wing tag on the left wing. The legend on your website says J series is a Black-Backed gull....I guessed that this is a Second Winter Ring-Billed Gull. Any reply appreciated. Ian M. Halifax =================Subject: am. woodcock From: John Nickerson <jonsannick AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:13:13 -0400 at south side c.s.i. today at 4.00 p.m .we saw a am woodcock in the ditch pass daniels head road terry& edna crowell clyde stoddart murray cindy newell _________________________________________________________________Subject: Tagged Gull From: "ebo2112" <foxhollow AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:27:21 -0000 3 Feb 2010 Saw a tagged gull at the Sackville River outflow. The tag is red with "J11" printed in white (note J11 in black under the white). Left leg has a red band and right leg has a pale green band. Photo added to RBA Gulls and Terns Folder. I wasn't sure if a recording of the sighting was of interest to anyone, so I'm posting it here. I won't embarrass myself by guessing which type of young gull it is. (oh, what the heck, I'll go with 2nd winter ring-billed...?) A pair of male Common Mergansers in Bedford at the Sackville River outflow. A large fleet of Common Goldeneye were sailing about at that location. Also A lone female Red Breasted Merganser near Boutiliers Pt. (at Island View Dr.) A lone male Common Merganser at the Powerhouse at Head of St. Margarets Bay. Cheers I. MarshallSubject: new lifer From: "tumayoung" <tumayoung AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:40:57 -0000 Hi Folks: Today, Nick and I seen a new "Lifer" for us: a White-winged Crossbill at Square Lake. I have several pictures which are ID shots only but still I shall post to my webgallery: http://gallery.me.com/tumayoung TumaSubject: Fwd: Winter Wren, Windsor area! From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:37:14 -0400
----- Forwarded message from patrick.kelly AT dal.ca -----
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:55:32 -0400
Reply-To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca
Subject: [NatureNS] New yard bird!
Hi everyone:
I was on my way out to run errands this afternoon, and walked around
my car and startled a small brown bird that flew into a small pile of
logs. It didn't look quite like a sparrow so I slowly walked over to
investigate. It ran across the ground and then started moving along
the snow-free area next to the foundation. It was my first really
close look at a winter wren, even if it was only for about 30 seconds
before it went under the verandah and i had to leave for an appointment.
Pat
=
=
========================================================================
Patrick Kelly
Director of Computer Facilities
=
=
========================================================================
Faculty of Architecture and Planning
Dalhousie University
=
=
========================================================================
PO Box 1000 Stn Central 5410 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4
Canada Canada
=
=
========================================================================
Phone:(902) 494-3294 FAX:(902) 423-6672 E-mail:patrick.kelly AT dal.ca
=
=
========================================================================
----- End forwarded message -----
Subject: song sparrowFrom: Lynn Karchewski <dlkarchewski AT live.com> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 18:01:22 -0300 Hi: Song Sparrow in full song this morning at Halifax Shopping Centre........ Thanks. Lynn _________________________________________________________________Subject: Pictou Co. bird update From: Ken McKenna <kenmcken AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:56:01 -0400 Ken McKenna Box 218 Stellarton NS B0K 1S0 902 752-7644 Jan. 30, 2010 Hi all Just came back for a little noon drive (~ 1 hour) through Trenton- New Glasgow. There is an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on the ice in the East River of Pictou as seen from Bridegview square area. It is the same location where I had on Jan.1 on the Pictou Hbr. CBC although that bird seemed to have a little black on the bill. This one had a a red spot on bill and still had dark head streaking and a smudgy dark area around the eye. Took a distant photo. The male TUFTED DUCK was seen with Scaup from the Greens Pt. Rd. in Hillside. Between the Big Gut bridge and the Trenton Power plant, I observed 13 species of waterfowl incl. the Tufted plus 5 Gadwall, 3 GW Teal, 17 Hooded Mergansers and 3 American Wigeon. I also noted a Yellow-rumped Warbler off Park St. in Trenton. A stop at a feeder on North Albert St. and a chat with the owner indicated he had a fem. Cardinal present for 5 days. I did not see in in the time I was there but there were a number of Robins and I heard a waxwing sp?- a little hard to tell in the wind. The owner has been seeing Cedars from time to time. A Red-tailed hawk flew over his yard. Last Sunday, Jan. 24, there were at least 2 Pine Warblers at Park St. Trenton and the Brown Thrasher was briefly seen in Pictou near the McCulloch Museum. At least 8 Barrows Goldeneye were at the Pictou Causeway and 3 Kingfishers were noted from the Pictou- Trenton area. Singing WW Crossbills were noted in Bayview and from the Caribou PP. cheers KenSubject: Pictou Co. bird update From: Ken McKenna <kenmcken AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:56:01 -0400 Ken McKenna Box 218 Stellarton NS B0K 1S0 902 752-7644 Jan. 30, 2010 Hi all Just came back for a little noon drive (~ 1 hour) through Trenton- New Glasgow. There is an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on the ice in the East River of Pictou as seen from Bridegview square area. It is the same location where I had on Jan.1 on the Pictou Hbr. CBC although that bird seemed to have a little black on the bill. This one had a a red spot on bill and still had dark head streaking and a smudgy dark area around the eye. Took a distant photo. The male TUFTED DUCK was seen with Scaup from the Greens Pt. Rd. in Hillside. Between the Big Gut bridge and the Trenton Power plant, I observed 13 species of waterfowl incl. the Tufted plus 5 Gadwall, 3 GW Teal, 17 Hooded Mergansers and 3 American Wigeon. I also noted a Yellow-rumped Warbler off Park St. in Trenton. A stop at a feeder on North Albert St. and a chat with the owner indicated he had a fem. Cardinal present for 5 days. I did not see in in the time I was there but there were a number of Robins and I heard a waxwing sp?- a little hard to tell in the wind. The owner has been seeing Cedars from time to time. A Red-tailed hawk flew over his yard. Last Sunday, Jan. 24, there were at least 2 Pine Warblers at Park St. Trenton and the Brown Thrasher was briefly seen in Pictou near the McCulloch Museum. At least 8 Barrows Goldeneye were at the Pictou Causeway and 3 Kingfishers were noted from the Pictou- Trenton area. Singing WW Crossbills were noted in Bayview and from the Caribou PP. cheers KenSubject: lost binoculars From: "tumayoung" <tumayoung AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:21:31 -0000 Hi Everyone: Nick and I lost a pair of Swarovski binoculars sometime last week. We believe that we lost them somewhere in Eastern Passage at one of the usual birding spots. Can folks keep an eye out for them and there is a reward offered if anyone finds them. Thank You Tuma Young Nick Honig 902-999-1938 call/textSubject: Update: OC Warbler- Dartmouth From: Gayle MacLean <duartess2003 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:22:30 -0800 (PST) Hi All,
Just a quick update on the Orange-crowned Warbler that has been a regular at my
suet feeders for at least 2 months now. It seems to be doing well, appearing
most days, but not every. Think there are some other spots it is visiting also
here in the neighborhood. Seems to really like Christmas fruitcake! Have run
out of that, found a plum pudding in the freezer & have put that out. hmmm. Was
worried with the bitter winds and temps these last 2 days but it's 'hanging in
there', & was at the feeders just shortly ago. Seems to have no problem
competing for the suet/fruitcake even with all the starlings!
Gayle MacLean
Dartmouth
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
__________________________________________________________________
Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo!
Answers and share what you know at http://ca.answers.yahoo.com
Subject: Update: OC Warbler- DartmouthFrom: Gayle MacLean <duartess2003 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:22:30 -0800 (PST) Hi All,
Just a quick update on the Orange-crowned Warbler that has been a regular at my
suet feeders for at least 2 months now. It seems to be doing well, appearing
most days, but not every. Think there are some other spots it is visiting also
here in the neighborhood. Seems to really like Christmas fruitcake! Have run
out of that, found a plum pudding in the freezer & have put that out. hmmm. Was
worried with the bitter winds and temps these last 2 days but it's 'hanging in
there', & was at the feeders just shortly ago. Seems to have no problem
competing for the suet/fruitcake even with all the starlings!
Gayle MacLean
Dartmouth
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
__________________________________________________________________
Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo!
Answers and share what you know at http://ca.answers.yahoo.com
Subject: little gull (Eastern Passage)From: "Mike" <warblerking AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:31:12 -0000 January 27,10 (5:15-5:30pm) 1 LITTLE GULL feeding with 1 bonaparte's gull and 40+black headed gulls across the road from where Caldwell Rd. meets Shore Rd.in Eastern Passage.will send write up to Ian when I get my computer back.looked for it today at noon with no luck,but the tide was low and there were not many gulls of any kind around.will check again on my way home from work. GO BIRDING, MikeSubject: American Pipit and Dovekies From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:51:45 -0400 I took a stroll this morning to Crystal Crescent Beach and found two Dovekies fishing between the first and second beaches, fairly close to shore. These are the first I've seen out here this winter. The real surprise was an American Pipit. They have successfully overwintered here in the past but have been absent in recent years during January. Other attendees were Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes and at least one Hooded Merganser in Indian Harbour. Sambro Harbour was also active with three more Dovekies, four Common Loons, a dozen Red-breasted Mergansers and at least 12 Black Guillemots. No doubt, there were more of these species around the basin but I didn't scan the area preferring to photograph these guys as they passed by the pier on their fishing sorties. Hans _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________Subject: lapland longspur From: Clyde Stoddart <sawwhetowl AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:30:13 -0400 28 jan, 2010 at the hawk beach, 1 lapland longspur, i great comorant seen by john nickerson, clyde stoddart, anita hopkins -- clyde stoddart 1049 centreville south side road, rr # 1, clarks harbour shelburne county, nova scotia B0W 1P0 (902) 7455 2105Subject: More on the Antigonish Co., buteo From: iamclar AT Dal.Ca Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:33:23 -0400 All:
I have received another thoughtful diagnosis the hawk at Lanark, Antigonish
Co.,
in an e-mail from Tom Carolan (who has an informative and amusing website).
Subject: More on the Antigonish Co., buteoFrom: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:33:23 -0400 All:
I have received another thoughtful diagnosis the hawk at Lanark, Antigonish
Co.,
in an e-mail from Tom Carolan (who has an informative and amusing website).
Subject: More on the Broadwinged HawkFrom: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:41:47 -0400 All: This message was received from Marilyn O'Brien, who sent the hawk images to Randy Lauff - for the record and perhaps for seekers. "The photos were taken through a window around 11:30 a.m. yesterday, Jan. 24/10. The bird was scouting adjoining fields it would seem. The farm property is located in Harbour Centre, Antigonish near Lanark." Cheers, Ian McLarenSubject: Ring-necked Ducks, Hd of St Marg's Bay From: "Eric L. Mills" <E.Mills AT Dal.Ca> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:27:02 -0400 I covered a lot of shoreline this morning en route from Lower Rose Bay to Halifax, mainly around the Aspotogan Peninsula and St Margaret's Bay. The only surprise was a flock of 11 Ring-necked Ducks in an unfrozen cove just before #129 Mason's Point Road, Head of St Margaret's Bay.Subject: bittern From: John Nickerson <jonsannick AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:09:20 -0400
at daniels head this morning across from the fish plant
1 am. bittern
at the guzzel at the hawk 1 great blue heron
johnny sandra nickerson
_________________________________________________________________
Reinvent how you stay in touch with the new Windows Live Messenger.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9706116
Subject: Pt. Pleasant Park Pine WarblerFrom: "bernard burke" <blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:18:23 -0400 It appears someone by the name of Sandi MacDonald had posted a photo of what I am presuming to be as the Pine Warbler from Pt. Pleasant Park yesterday, on the Halifax photo section of the Community Herald site. Here is the link for anyone who would like to look at this fine photo: http://communityherald.ca/read/39/40273 BernardSubject: Pt. Pleasant Park Pine Warbler From: "bernard burke" <blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:18:23 -0400 It appears someone by the name of Sandi MacDonald had posted a photo of what I am presuming to be as the Pine Warbler from Pt. Pleasant Park yesterday, on the Halifax photo section of the Community Herald site. Here is the link for anyone who would like to look at this fine photo: http://communityherald.ca/read/39/40273 BernardSubject: Carolina Wren Update From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:48:21 -0400 I visited the property of Peter and Heather Tunnah this morning to photograph the Carolina Wren. The couple was very accommodating and friendly and Peter described the bird's habits to me. Although previously written about by James Hirtle the environment here for the bird is worth describing in detail again which easily explains its six month stay. I doubt it will leave until the leaves open out in the spring. The larder for the wren is the woodshed which is open at both ends. As those of us who burn wood know, woodpiles are often habitat for various insects. This explains why the wren stays in the woodshed most of the day. Even during storm days like tomorrow it can forage there in comfort. There is also a backup source of food supplied by the nearby feeders. The most amazing set-up this wren has developed is its sleeping arrangements. It has a nesting cavity burrowed into a thick slab of fibreglass insulation inside a shed attachment to the main house, so it is not only protected from the weather by the shed but is surrounded by insulation when it sleeps. Peter checked it out with a flashlight and the wren is about 6-8" into the fibreglass. This is one smart bird! Hans http://www.hanstoom.com/Highlights/January10/0146.html _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________Subject: g.b. herons From: John Nickerson <jonsannick AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:18:19 -0400
at the hawk this morning
1 great blue heron
200 brant
1 rough legged hawk
at daniels head this morning
1 great blue heron
35 long tail ducks
2 d.c. cormorant
4 lesser scaup
johnny & sandra nickerson
7
_________________________________________________________________
Subject: Turkey Vulture Cow BayFrom: "bernard burke" <blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:19:11 -0400 There was a Turkey Vulture in the vicinity of Cow Bay / Dyke Roads this afternoon heading towards I believe Cole Harbor. I briefly attempted to relocate it for decent photos but was unsuccessful. Bernard Burke blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca DartmouthSubject: Turkey Vulture Cow Bay From: "bernard burke" <blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:19:11 -0400 There was a Turkey Vulture in the vicinity of Cow Bay / Dyke Roads this afternoon heading towards I believe Cole Harbor. I briefly attempted to relocate it for decent photos but was unsuccessful. Bernard Burke blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca DartmouthSubject: N. Shrike, Dovekie, Barrow's Goldeneye, Blue-winged Teal From: "David Currie" <david_currie AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 13:01:47 -0400 Hi all Azor Vienneau, Mike King and I put in an effort from Sambro Harbour back into Halifax which gave us a few highlights. At Sambro we had one Dovekie off Bull Point Rd and could not find any more anywhere along the coast but there were many Black Guillemots. There was a Northern Shrike at the end of Sandy Cove Rd. It was perched on wires very near the National Research Council's facility. We had robins in a few separate areas including Sambro, Chebucto and Jollimore but only small groups of 2-15. There was a male Barrow's Goldeneye in close at Tuft's Cove at about 12:00 noon. Mike wanted to add that he saw the Blue-winged Teal at Hartlen Point's back cove area yesterday, Jan 16th which is a great winter bird. David Currie 31 Old Birch Rd Dartmouth, NSSubject: Possible golden eagle From: Chris Field <field AT mathstat.dal.ca> Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:47:35 -0400 (AST) Saw an eagle this morning in Blandford flying along the shore which I think may be a golden eagle. Have had reports of a possible golden eagle in this area over the past two years but this is the first time I've seen the bird. To me it looked very much like the second year bird shown in Sibley. Slightly mottled appearance underneath but not the mottled white I usually see with bald eagles. As it turned in the early morning sun, the head and nape shone bright golden and it's flight showed a slight dihedral. Didn't pay quite enough attention to the head and tail length comparison but have the impression of a longish tail. According to Ann Moffat who has been seeing this eagle, it tends to scout the shore shortly after sunrise and appears to be coming from the Deep Mountain area or the Upper Blandford road. This morning it disappeared in the direction of Tancook or East Ironbound. Her sister who lives between Mill Cove and Northwest Cove has also seen what may be the same bird later in the day. -- Chris Field Math and Statistics Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S., Canada, B3H 3J5 email : field AT mathstat.dal.ca Phone : 902-494-3339 or 902-494-2572 Fax : 902-494-5130Subject: Black-headed Gull at Sullivan's Pond From: Pat McKay <pat.mckay AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:00:48 -0400 Hello All, The lovely sunshine this morning tempted me out with my new camera. At Sullivan's Pond I found one Black-headed Gull on the ice with multitudinous Herring Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls and a fair number of Iceland Gulls. Pat McKaySubject: Orioles, Chat in Halifax From: Susann Myers <myerss AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:52:11 -0400 The 10 Baltimore Orioles continue to tend my feeders in Halifax daily. Late this morning, I saw a Yellow-breasted Chat in one of the small feeding cages. I suspect that it arrived yesterday, as the grapes in the cage were fully eaten for the first time yesterday, not just poked into as the orioles leave them. Cheers, Susann MyersSubject: Orioles, Chat in Halifax From: Susann Myers <myerss AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:52:11 -0400 The 10 Baltimore Orioles continue to tend my feeders in Halifax daily. Late this morning, I saw a Yellow-breasted Chat in one of the small feeding cages. I suspect that it arrived yesterday, as the grapes in the cage were fully eaten for the first time yesterday, not just poked into as the orioles leave them. Cheers, Susann MyersSubject: Sambro to the NWArm From: Chris Field <field AT mathstat.dal.ca> Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:59:13 -0400 (AST) Spent several hours with Fulton Friday afternoon checking out the ocean. In Sambro inner harbour, had a pied-billed grebe. At Chebucto Head, there were 6 common murres and 3 black-legged kittiwakes. From Fergusons Cove, saw 6 dovekies. Black guillemots were plentiful (20+). Curiously we had no thick-billed murres or razorbills. In Sambro, saw 2 bald eagles and a red-tailed hawk. Checked out the eider flocks looking for king eiders. From Ferguson's Cove at about 4:20, Fulton had a probable female king eider in a flock in the harbour off Point Pleasant. The bird had a square head and short bill which was all he could distinguish at the distance of about 2km in the fading light. -- Chris Field Math and Statistics Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S., Canada, B3H 3J5 email : field AT mathstat.dal.ca Phone : 902-494-3339 or 902-494-2572 Fax : 902-494-5130Subject: Species From: David Young <youngdavid02 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:25:31 -0400 Two birds of some interest in my yard at Little Harbour, Shelburne County. An American Woodcock two days ago and a Fox Sparrow yesterday. The Woodcock was probing hard in the only bare ground around and not a very large spot. -- Dave Young 2937 West Sable Rd. RR#1 Sable River,Nova Scotia Canada B0T 1V0 youngdavid02 AT gmail.com Fax: 902-656-2561 PH: 902-656-2225Subject: VARIED THRUSH From: John Nickerson <jonsannick AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:10:38 -0400
WE SAW THE VARIED THRUSH AT 104 ROCK ROAD IN WEST PUBNICO AT 2;10 P.M.TODAY
IN YARMOUTH 1 SNOW GOOSE
AT DANIELS HEAD THERE WAS 24 DUNLIN
JOHNNY SANDRA NICKERSON TERRY EDNA CROWELL
ETHELDA MURPHY DOROTHY POOLE
_________________________________________________________________
Subject: FWD: Varied Thrush in Lower West PubnicoFrom: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:33:59 -0400 "Varied Thrush", "Jan. 10, 1010", "1 Male", "Lower West Pubnico", "Ted C. D'Eon, Anthony D'Eon", "Seen and photographed at Christine and Anthony D'Eon's feeder" Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627dSubject: harlequin and great cormorant From: Stuart & Rachel Smith <rsmelbourne AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:38:37 -0400 One harlequin and one great cormorant were among the birds seen at Cape Ste. Mary's on Saturday. The harlequin was close to the boats in the harbour. RachelSubject: spotted towhee From: "shirleylovesbirds" <shirley.t.hughes AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:28:24 -0000 We saw the spotted towhee just one street up from Graham Hawkins place on Northcliffe drive. I think its called Lakeside Drive. Mike and Fulton called us yesterday afternoon and waited for us to arrive. We had tried 8 times at Grahams place. We also got to see the odd gull.This was on Saturday Jan 9th. I know some people have been there and were not aware that there was a platform feeder near the left hand trees. Its hard to see because there is a standing pallet in front of it. Good luck ShirleySubject: PAartially aneumelanistic Blue Jay, Hammonds Plains, HRM From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:27:03 -0400 All: I'm responnding to good friend Eric Mills' mild rebuke of my use of arcane terminology by putting a PARTIALLY ANEUMELANISTIC Blue Jay on the NS-RBA photo site (at the end of "other passerines"). The bird was photo'd by Fern McCuish and the photo forwarded to me by by Ken McKenna. Again, this is a rare sight on a common bird, so perhaps is o.k. here. I go into a lengthy description on NatureNS, for those who wish to wade through it, of why this bird is so pretty yet peculiarly messy, using all sorts of nasty terminology. For other sensible people, briefly, it lacks black pigment in the back, flanks, and head, and the feathers are accordingly rendered weak and messy, especially the blue feathers of the back, which are full of little air holes that produce the blue colour by refraction and reflection. All best, Ian Ian McLarenSubject: Short Eared Owl From: "jtrubinca" <jtrubinca AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:13:28 -0000 A mature Short Eared Owl at Cutter Crt. in Brule Point. It was sitting on a garden fence post in my back yard today Sunday January 10, 2010. Also there were 200 Common Golden Eyes and 250 Snow Buntings. JohnSubject: D.-c. Cormorant, Halifax waterfront From: "Eric L. Mills" <E.Mills AT Dal.Ca> Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:48:13 -0400 Not rare, but scarce: a near-adult Double-crested Cormorant roosting inside the enclosure just N of Bishop's Landing on the downtown Halifax waterfront late this afternoon.Subject: Feather pigments From: "Eric L. Mills" <e.mills AT dal.ca> Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 11:27:36 -0400 Ian has given us an account of pigment anomalies in birds. The nomenclature is a bit overwhelming, although one can always fall back on the original article in Birding that established the terminology he mentioned. To save a lot of memory work, I suggest "pigmentally-challenged" (politically-correct, and maybe attention-getting too) for anomalously coloured birds, followed by a short description of what they look like. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Eric L. Mills 286 Kingsburg Road RR#1, Rose Bay, Nova Scotia B0J 2X0, Canada e.mills AT dal.ca ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZSubject: Feather pigments From: "Eric L. Mills" <E.Mills AT Dal.Ca> Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 11:27:36 -0400 Ian has given us an account of pigment anomalies in birds. The nomenclature is a bit overwhelming, although one can always fall back on the original article in Birding that established the terminology he mentioned. To save a lot of memory work, I suggest "pigmentally-challenged" (politically-correct, and maybe attention-getting too) for anomalously coloured birds, followed by a short description of what they look like. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Eric L. Mills 286 Kingsburg Road RR#1, Rose Bay, Nova Scotia B0J 2X0, Canada e.mills AT dal.ca ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZSubject: Odd gull at prospect From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:53:35 -0400 All: Mike King and Fulton Lavender stopped by with photos of the odd gull reported yesterday at Propect. The bird does not answer to Yellow-legged, comparisons of photos suggest it may be the same bird photo'd at Prospect Hbr. by Blake Maybank last Feb. and March . He and others concluded that it was a Lesser Black-backed, but Blake thought at the time that it was odd and not kil\ke a usual graelsii LLBG. It does seem, as had been reported by Fulton and Mike, to seem rather stocky, short primaried, and long legged for LBBG. It does put one in mind of illustrations of the W. Siberian species (or subspecies of LBBG) Heuglen's Gull, Larus heugleni. Anyway, still worth more study, but Yellow-legged Gull is not indicated. Cheers, Ian McLarenSubject: Odd gull, head of Prospect Bay From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:06:17 -0400 All: Mike King and Fulton Lavender phoned to report an odd gull nnear the head of Prospect Bay. You drive on the Prospect Rd until the turnoff to Lower Prospect and search the ice for gulls on the left (East) of that road. This is where a bormal Lesser Black-backed Gull (LBBG) has been seen in the past. Mike took photos, but here is a description as I remember it relayed by phone from Fulton. It is yellow-legged, but appears paler-backed than a graellsii LBBG, and structurally seems wrong for LBBG - shorter primary extension and stockier, more like Herring Gull, but with relatively long legs. It has some smudging around eye and a bit on the nape. The description suggests that it _could_ be an adult or third winter Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michehellis) but Fulton is correctly and cautiously not ruling out a Herring X LBBG hybrid. This is a bird well worth seing and studying, but I'm stuck without a car at present. Cheers, Ian Ian McLarenSubject: An aneumelanistic House Sparrow From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:40:29 -0400 All: Not a rare species, but a rare bird nonetheless, is an "aneumelanistic" House Sparrow that I photographed at Gareth Harding's feeders on Bauer St., Halifax, late this afternoon. It is a lovely buff overall, with no black pigments, but retains the underlying brown pigments (phaeomelanin). I have put a lengthy explanation of terminology for plumage abnormalities on naturens (which for those who don't belong to that group, can be monitored by searching for that name). I will put the photo of this on the NS-RBA photo site. Cheers, Ian Ian McLarenSubject: Mergansers NW Arm From: Lynn <dlkarchewski AT live.com> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 14:05:41 -0400 Friday, January 8, 2010 At 8:15 am, on the NW Arm from the roundabout, Five ? Mergansers - too far away for positive ID. Two were smaller so may have been something else but they looked to be a fishing as a flock. Happy New Year & good birds to all! Lynn :0)Subject: OC Warbler - Photos Posted To Photo File Section From: Gayle MacLean <duartess2003 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 04:30:09 -0800 (PST) Hi All,
For folks who might be interested, I have posted 2 photos taken yesterday of
the Orange-crowned Warbler that has been visiting my suet feeders this winter.
Best viewed in the 'Large' image format offered.
Gayle MacLean
Dartmouth
__________________________________________________________________
Reclaim your name AT ymail.com or AT rocketmail.com. Get your new email address
now! Go to http://ca.promos.yahoo.com/jacko/
|