Nevada Birds

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Recent Postings from
Nevada Birds

Updated on Friday, May 9 at 12:49 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

9 May Fw: eBird Report - The Yurt feeders [Melissa Renfro ]
9 May Re: Washoe Valley - Northern Mockingbird - Flight Display [Brian Adams ]
9 May Red-breasted Mergansers @ South Fork Reservoir, Elko County [Greg Scyphers ]
8 May Painted Bunting Lamoille, NV [Mark and Lois Ports ]
8 May Ash Meadows NWR White-tailed Kite [Carl Lundblad ]
8 May Re: Lemmon Valley sewage treatment pond [Chris Nicolai ]
8 May Re: Washoe Valley - Northern Mockingbird - Flight Display [Bob Goodman ]
8 May Washoe Valley - Northern Mockingbird - Flight Display [Steve Ting ]
8 May Oxbow Park update ["Allison J. Chaney" ]
8 May Lemmon Valley sewage treatment pond [Don Molde ]
8 May Ash Meadows Summer Tanager, Migrants, Etc. [Carl Lundblad ]
8 May Warblers and vireos, west Reno, April 8 [Alan Wallace ]
7 May Rosewood 5/5/07 [SAMARENO ]
7 May Orioles Arrive [SAMARENO ]
7 May Re: WHY DID THE CHUKAR CROSS THE ROAD? [Brian Adams ]
7 May Osprey, Virginia Lake, Reno (5/5-6/08) [Fred Petersen ]
6 May Unlikely sun flower seed consumer [Don Molde ]
5 May Swan Lake and "Ponds", Washoe County NV May 3 & 4 [SAMARENO ]
5 May spring in Lovelock [Deborah Pontius ]
5 May Desert Loop Sunday (lots of migrants) [Greg Scyphers ]
5 May Re: Ash Meadows: peterson Reservoir BLACK and CLAPPER RAILS [Carl Lundblad ]
5 May Re: Ash Meadows: peterson Reservoir BLACK and CLAPPER RAILS [Carl Lundblad ]
5 May Ash Meadows: peterson Reservoir BLACK and CLAPPER RAILS [Carl Lundblad ]
5 May Reno area 4/27/08-5/1/08 [ann murphy ]
5 May Potentially Interesting Book [Pat Wells ]
4 May early spring birding in Nevada [Rose Strickland ]
4 May some other pics of long-eared owl [Chris Gardner ]
4 May Fw: HENDERSON BIRD VIEWING PRESERVE LOCATED NEAR LAS VEGAS [Je Anne ]
4 May Western tanager, ruby-crowned kinglet [David Worley ]
4 May Ash Meadows Eurasian Wigeon Continues: 5/4/08 [Carl Lundblad ]
4 May Long-eared Owl in Las Vegas [Steven Wright ]
4 May Fw: Pruess, Marshes & Clay spring, White Pine County and just over the Utah state line [Melissa Renfro ]
4 May White-winged Dove at Floyd Lamb Park, Las Vegas [Donna Crail-Rugotzke ]
3 May Red Knots @ Carson Lake [Greg Scyphers ]
3 May Desert Loop Migrants 5/3/08 [Carl Lundblad ]
4 May Rancho San Rafael, Reno (5/3/08) [Fred Petersen ]
3 May San Rafael Park [David Worley ]
3 May Carson Lake, Carson Diversion Dam, May 3 [Alan Wallace ]
3 May corn creek trip [Chris Gardner ]
3 May FW: WHY DID THE CHUKAR CROSS THE ROAD? ["M. A. Anderson" ]
3 May WHY DID THE CHUKAR CROSS THE ROAD? ["M. A. Anderson" ]
3 May Re: Double Confusion [Jim Eidel ]
3 May Re: Jay attacking dove [Doug Herr ]
3 May double question [Linda Hiller ]
3 May Evening, Black-headed Grosbeaks, west Reno [Alan Wallace ]
3 May Re: Jay attacking dove [Pat Wells ]
3 May A jaunt around Nevada....Jack Walters-style [Don Molde ]
2 May Ponderosa Dairy [Carl Lundblad ]
2 May Ash Meadows: Black Tern, Wigeon, Landbirds [Carl Lundblad ]
2 May Re: Double Confusion []
2 May Verdi - Grosbeaks etc [Steve Ting ]
2 May Double Confusion [SAMARENO ]

Subject: Fw: eBird Report - The Yurt feeders
From: Melissa Renfro <melsyurt AT WIRELESSBEEHIVE.COM>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 10:49:43 -0700

> Please send to ListServe. These are all feeders sightings: > Location: The Yurt (feeders), 1 Mile below Great Basin N.P. entrance. > White Pine County, NV > Observation date: 4/7/08 > Observer: John B. Free > Weather: Overcast, 44 deg, wind 4-5 > Hawk attack. First Eurasian-collared dove at feeder this season > Flock of American Robins flying in; First Yellow-rump Warbler of the > season. Of Dark-eyed juncos, 2 were Grey-headed. > Number of species: 9 > > Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 > Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 > Pinyon Jay 15 > Mountain Chickadee 1 > American Robin 11 > Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 > Spotted Towhee 1 > Dark-eyed Junco 6 > Cassin's Finch 12 > *********** > > Observation date: Dates: Apr14 - 19 2008 > Observer: John B. Free > weather: Overcast to clear, High winds (gusts to 57mph on Apr14 and 42mph > on 19th. temp. 28 deg to 70 Deg > First sighting of Broad-tail Hummingbird, First flock of Brewer's > Blackbirds at feeder. First Yellow-rump warbler of season > Number of species: 15 > > Wild Turkey 1 > Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 > Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1 > Red-naped Sapsucker 1 > Western Scrub-Jay 2 > Pinyon Jay 30 > American Robin 3 > Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 > Spotted Towhee 1 > White-crowned Sparrow 1 > Dark-eyed Junco 15 > Western Meadowlark 1 > Brewer's Blackbird 12 > Cassin's Finch 30 > American Goldfinch 5 > > ************* > Observation dates: Apr 25 - 30/08 > Observers: John B. Free & Melissa Renfro > Weather: 20 deg to 42 deg. WInds 5 to 6; (trees budding & flowering) > First Green-tailed Towhee AT feeder for season, Return of Mourning Doves; > First Black-headed Grosbeak of season (2 males) Pair of S.W. Wild Turkeys > Number of species: 13 > > Wild Turkey 2 > Eurasian Collared-Dove 2 > Mourning Dove 5 > Broad-tailed Hummingbird 2 > Pinyon Jay 40 > Barn Swallow 1 > Green-tailed Towhee 1 > White-crowned Sparrow 8 > Black-headed Grosbeak 2 > Brewer's Blackbird 25 > Cassin's Finch 50 > Pine Siskin 7 > American Goldfinch 10
Subject: Re: Washoe Valley - Northern Mockingbird - Flight Display
From: Brian Adams <bra356 AT NVBELL.NET>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 10:11:16 -0700

The best Mocker repertoire I heard was many years ago on the north edge of Carson City. A spring male cycled though a list of about ten identifiable species in something like 30 seconds, including both caroling and alarm calls of American Robin, Scrub Jay alarm, Magpie, Red-tailed Hawk cry, Starling chortling, Pinyon Jay, Spotted Towhee trill, Northern Oriole, and even a good whistling flight sound of Mallard duck, plus cricket and some kind of frog chirruping. I was astonished, as it was my first exposure to avian mimicry. I've never heard a better routine since. Brian Adams Reno
Subject: Red-breasted Mergansers @ South Fork Reservoir, Elko County
From: Greg Scyphers <scyph AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 10:00:42 -0700

I found three Red-breasted Mergansers at South Fork Reservoir in Elko County yesterday May 8, 2008. Other birds of note -40-50 Black Terns -30-40 Franklins Gulls -Bonaparte's Gulls -Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler -White Pelicans -Forster's Terns -and many other common migrants. Greg Scyphers
Subject: Painted Bunting Lamoille, NV
From: Mark and Lois Ports <ports AT FRONTIERNET.NET>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 21:16:18 -0700

Pete Bradley let me know that there was a painted bunting and a lazuli bunting together on a feeder in Lamoille, NV on May 8, 2008. The resident wishes to remain anonymous but Pete said we could put the sighting out. If you want to see the photo of the two birds, you can respond directly to me and I can send you a copy. Lois
Subject: Ash Meadows NWR White-tailed Kite
From: Carl Lundblad <carl.lundblad AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:39:28 -0700

Around 7:15 this evening I observed a WHITE-TAILED KITE in the Carson Slough area on Ash Meadows NWR. To reach the location travel north from refuge headquarters about 3.5 miles. Between Rogers and Fairbanks Spring the road will turn from north-south to east-west and then back to the north. At the turn back north another old decomissioned road heads south and is blocked by a metal cable. Park here, look for the pile of sandbags. This approach requires high-clearance. Alternatively, with low clearance, travel north on Highway 373 from Death Valley Junction to Amargosa Valley. Turn east on Imvite Road and follow it several miles to Fairbanks Spring. From Fairbanks turn south into the refuge's north entrance and continue south about 1/2 mile or less to the parking area described above. Walk south along the old cable road about 400 meters to where it makes a 45 degree bend to the west. From here look 100 meters southeast to a row of screwbean mesquite. The kite was flying inthis area and perched for a long time on a small ash with a dead top. Evidence of successful breeding elsewhere on the refuge today included 2 VERMILION FLYCATCHER fledglings and one Phainopepla Fledgling. Good Birding Carl Lundblad Amargosa Valley, NV
Subject: Re: Lemmon Valley sewage treatment pond
From: Chris Nicolai <nicolai AT UNR.NEVADA.EDU>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 19:07:43 -0700

I was at the Lemmon Valley ponds last week and got some bad pictures of a nice adult drake blue-winged teal. Chris Nicolai PhD Student Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology University of Nevada Reno (775)784-6393
Subject: Re: Washoe Valley - Northern Mockingbird - Flight Display
From: Bob Goodman <Pandion36 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:12:17 EDT

Steve - The mockingbird in my yard's sole remaining tree came around this spring with his great list of songs, and a few times ended with a bullfrog. Wonder where it was hanging around. Cheers, Bob Goodman **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)
Subject: Washoe Valley - Northern Mockingbird - Flight Display
From: Steve Ting <scting AT CHARTER.NET>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 17:07:54 -0700

Northern Nevada - Washoe Valley - Sage area just east of Washoe Lake Hello all, There are several Northern Mockingbirds setting up breeding territories around Washoe Valley. One of them has been exhibiting the "Flight Display" courtship display (described below). "A singing male jumps upward, flaps his wings once or several times, ascends a meter or two above the perch, and then parachutes down, wings open, onto the same or a nearby perch. White wing patches are conspicuous during the display, and the bird sings continuously (Breitwisch and Whitesides 1987, J. Baylis unpubl. data), generally a limited subset of its repertoire (KCD). Unmated, territorial males give flight displays an order of magnitude more frequently than mated males (Breitwisch and Whitesides 1987). The frequency of the flight display fluctuates yearly (KCD). In one year when all the males in a population returned to their respective breeding territories, the display was almost nonexistent. In previous and subsequent years, when new males resided on some of the territories, it was common." From Birds of North America OnLine (http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/007/articles/behavior) The bird also has quite a repertoire of songs from the other local species. While singing it incorporates sounds from California Quail, Loggerhead Shrikes and Western Scrub-Jay's. There may also be some other species songs in his renditions as well. It is very entertaining to listen to and try and guess which songs are which. There are a few territorial disputes with a nearby Loggerhead Shrike as well. The Shrike seems to be the victor, chasing the Mockingbird away from his/her territory. I did see a couple Mockingbirds chasing a Scrub-Jay away from their territory however. I was able to get a few photos to demonstrate the "Flight Display". One of the photos is a composite of four consecutive frames showing the bird just before jumping, then his leap into the air. They can be seen at this link - http://stingphotography.com/phlogs/2008/may/8-may.html Regards, Steve Steve Ting www.stingphotography.com
Subject: Oxbow Park update
From: "Allison J. Chaney" <achaney AT HERITAGE.NV.GOV>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 15:43:00 -0700

Birders: I corresponded briefly with NDOW about the status of Oxbow Park in Reno. Many of you know that much of the park was damaged pretty severely in a fire a week or so ago. Kim Toulouse (NDOW) informed me that at this point in time they do not have a definitive date for re-opening. However, they do anticipate re-opening the park in phases; with the first phase involving the front area including the pond deck and the river decks. The remaining portion of the park will probably remain closed until the fall. This, of course, is dependent on removal of safety hazards, trail work etc. Kim hopes to have the front area of the park open in the next few weeks. He will keep me posted on when the park will re-open and I'll make sure to pass that information along to you. He will also let me know of any volunteer opportunities in the near future for those who may be interested in helping restore the park. I'll also do my best to post information on the Lahontan Audubon Society website, nevadaaudubon.org. Ali Chaney Conservation Chair, LAS
Subject: Lemmon Valley sewage treatment pond
From: Don Molde <skyshrink AT AOL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 17:39:06 -0400

Hi Birders....The Lemmon Valley sewage treatment pond (north of Reno and a few miles east on the Lemmon Valley exit) had a nice selection of duck species,today, including Lesser Scaup. Wilson's and Red-necked phalarope were present, along with Bonaparte's gulls (not yet in breeding plumage). On the spit in the center of the north pond, there were a number of dowitcher species, Least Sandpipers, and several Dunlin. A scope is handy for best viewing.
Subject: Ash Meadows Summer Tanager, Migrants, Etc.
From: Carl Lundblad <carl.lundblad AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 07:57:44 -0700

We finally had a really good wave of landbird arrivals yesterday including: Western Wood-pewee: Jackrabbit Spring Area "Western" Flycatcher: Point of Rocks Yellow Warbler: Numerous in several locations Wilson's Warbler: Numerous including 12+ at Bradford Spring MacGillivray's Warbler: 1 at Bradford Spring Yellow-breasted Chat: 1 at Point of Rocks SUMMER TANAGER: Female at Bradford Spring Blue Grosbeak: 2 at Bradford Spring, 1 near Longstreet Spring INDIGO BUNTING: Male at Bradford Spring A good count of 28 Franklin's Gulls were loafing at Crystal Reservoir this morning which was otherwise pretty quiet. Good Birding Carl Lundblad Amargosa Valley, NV
Subject: Warblers and vireos, west Reno, April 8
From: Alan Wallace <wallacealan AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 07:43:41 -0700

Seen this morning along the Truckee River near Oxbow Park in west-central Reno: Orange-crowned Warbler (muted color), Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Black-headed Grosbeak (all very vocal), and two noisily displaying Black-chinned Hummingbirds. By far, the most vocal and abundant birds were Lesser Goldfinches. The pair of nesting Red-tailed Hawks did a brooding shift change as I walked by. Alan Wallace Reno NV
Subject: Rosewood 5/5/07
From: SAMARENO <samareno AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 10:11:54 -0700

I went out to see if the pond on Mira Loma had water. It had a shallow amount which let a ton of mud birds find plenty of feeding ground. The tule islands where the Canada Geese used to nest are mostly gone except bits that are just a few inches above water. There were mallards on it but probably not for nesting as the Mallards were male. But there was a pair of Pintails on one, maybe they will? Most of the list..... Yellowleg (sp.) - 1 Willet - 1 LB Dowitchers - 15 Western Sandpipers - 4 (by HV-VFD) Wilson's Phalaropes - 10 Pied-billed Grebe-1 Avocets Black-necked Stilts AM Coots DC Cormorant-1 Common Merganser - 2 Pintail-3 Mallards Cinn Teal Gadwall YH Blackbirds RW Blackbirds Marsh Wrens - 3 (seen, more heard) Song Sparrows - 2 (seen, more heard) Eu Starlings Rock Pigeon And...2 Muskrats and a ton of HUGE carp everywhere in the pond by HV-VFD Sue Anne Marshall a.k.a. samareno "at" yahoo.com --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
Subject: Orioles Arrive
From: SAMARENO <samareno AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 10:02:00 -0700

FYI: 2 Bullocks Orioles have been hanging out in the neighbors yard for the last several days. Along with what I swear would be a RC Kinglet that is white where it should be yellow. I am trying to find time to go look for it again. Susie Sue Anne Marshall a.k.a. samareno "at" yahoo.com --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
Subject: Re: WHY DID THE CHUKAR CROSS THE ROAD?
From: Brian Adams <bra356 AT NVBELL.NET>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 09:18:19 -0700

Many years ago I saw a Chukar cross N. Virginia St just south of the Bonanza Casino. This makes more sense, as this is at the base of Peavine Mountain which holds a resident Chukar population. Also keep in mind that some Chukar have been released in the fields near the Sage Hill Clays shooting facility on the east side of South Meadows. Most of those were subsequently hunted out but it is possible (if not likely) that an escaped Chukar could actually have survived in the general vicinity. Or someone else could be raising Chukar in south Reno. I would guess it is a "wild" bird. Chukar, while normally associated with steep arid mountain terrain, do in fact come down to the "flats" in search of food and water, and will fly surprisingly long distances if they have an elevated take-off point, then walk back up. Brian Adams Reno
Subject: Osprey, Virginia Lake, Reno (5/5-6/08)
From: Fred Petersen <fugle AT AOL.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 00:54:41 -0400

Virginia Lake, Reno, Washoe Co (5/5-6/088) The birding has been comparatively slow at VL the last couple of days, with many fewer gulls than previously (and nothing unusual) and with most of the winter waterfowl also gone (including the long-enduring Horned Grebes). Here are the highlights Eared Grebe--3-4 (both days) Western Grebe--1 (continues) Snowy Egret--2 (5/6) Osprey--1-2 (5/5) Spotted Sandpiper--3 (5/5) The Osprey was fishing over the N end of the lake when I arrived just before noon yesterday but was chased off after a few minutes by a crow (there's at least one active crow's nest in the vicinity, probably in one of the big pines). The egrets were standing together on the island near where a pair had nested successfully last year. There were 2 male Black-headed Grosbeaks at my feeders in NW Reno this afternoon, the first of the season. Fred Petersen
Subject: Unlikely sun flower seed consumer
From: Don Molde <skyshrink AT AOL.COM>
Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 10:42:56 -0400

Hi birders.....Since there has been discussion of bird behavior recently, I thought I'd mention that we have a male Downy woodpecker at our feeders who flies to a cylindrical mesh sun flower feeder, pulls out an individual seed, flies a short distance to the same spot on a cottonwood tree, and opens the seed while somehow bracing it against the bark of a branch. I haven't seen that before.
Subject: Swan Lake and "Ponds", Washoe County NV May 3 & 4
From: SAMARENO <samareno AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 14:47:06 -0700

Hi went out Sat for the cleanup and Sunday to see what I missed. Lots of peeps on the playa WEST (toward Military Rd) from the cement blind. Passarines at the boardwalk and in the reeds/rushes. The usual were out there with the "Best Birds"being... Semi-palmated Plovers - 12-15 (Sunday) Dunlin - 50ish Willets - 2 Wilson's Warbler - 1 Hummingbird (sp) - 1 female Canvasback - 2 Pintail - 1 Female (Sky Vista) Grackle - 1 (by indust. bldgs.) No White-crowned Sparrows along the road to the ponds! Song Sparrow - just because it was INSIDE the watermelon s/o left as a feeder at the boarwalk. (1 dead Barn Owl- so sad) Mushroom - 1 15" cluster discovered by "Gramma Sharon" (look for the little "cairn" of rocks along the left side as you drive up to the boardwalk.) There was a really red "dowitcher-type" that was too far back for detail even for scopes, so in light of all the knots seen lately, maybe it will turn into one? Otherwise in no particular order - Gadwall, Mallards, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Ducks, No Shoveler (1), Least Sandpipers, Western Sandpiper, LB Dowitchers, Avocets, BN Stilts, Eared Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe (Sky Vista # 2 pond), Gull (sp), Egret Species (thought Snowy but someone else said Great), WF Ibis flocks, Canada Geese, No Harrier, Marsh Wren, V Rail (many heard at lake and 1 seen at Sky Vista #1), Sora (heard), Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Meadowlark, Robins, too many Cowbirds, RW Blackbirds, many YH Blackbirds, Ravens, Yellow-rumped Warblers, House Sparrows, House Finch, Barn Swallows, Swallow (sp), Eu Starlings and who knows what else. Sue Anne Marshall a.k.a. samareno "at" yahoo.com --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
Subject: spring in Lovelock
From: Deborah Pontius <deborahpontius AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 11:27:59 -0700

migration is showing in Lovelock as well. In the last week we have seen first of the year blackchinned hummers and western tanager (pointed out by the High School principal where I work no less, (What is this cool bird?). I will convert them all yet!. The turkey vultures have been here jsut about a month, and the irrigation has brought out the flocks of ibis, egrets, herons and some pelicans by the ditches. Also saw bullock's oriole up by UNR on Friday. We will be headed out this week to pre-trip for the spring wings trip this weekend. Looking especially for owl and raptor fledglings and where the heron rookery is this year. -- Debbie Pontius deborahpontius AT gmail.com
Subject: Desert Loop Sunday (lots of migrants)
From: Greg Scyphers <scyph AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 11:22:58 -0700

I birded the desert loop on Sunday. Not a lot to report. Lots of normal migrants with high numbers of warblers at Miller's Rest Stop. Tonopah Water Reclamation Facility (Esmeralda Co.) -White Pelicans (9), Great Egrets (4), Snowy Egret, Ring-billed Gulls, Cinnamon Teal (2), Spotted Sandpiper. Tonopah Cemetery (Esmeralda Co.) -Plumbeous Vireo, No. Mockingbirds, Yellow Warbler, Cassin's Finches, Bullocks Orioles, Lark Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Western Tanager, Western Kingbird, others. Milllers Rest Stop (Esmeralda Co.) -Wilson's Warblers (~6), Orange-crowned Warblers (~6), Yellow-rumped Warblers (~50), Yellow-rumped "Myrtle" Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (~5), Yellow Warbler (~15), Lazuli Bunting, Eurasian Collared-Doves, Pine Siskins, American Goldfinches, Cassin's Finches, Lesser Goldfinches, Ruby-crown Kinglet, Willow Flycatcher, Bullock's Orioles, Cooper's Hawk, Yellow-headed Blackbirds (Everywhere), Chipping Sparrows, etc.... Silver Peak (Esmeralda Co.) -Willet, Black-bellied Plover (3), Snowy Plovers, Semipalmated Plovers, etc... Arlemont Ranch, Dyer (Esmeralda Co.) -Gray, Dusky & Willow Flycatchers, Black-chinned Hummingbird and many other normal migrants. Sage Hen Road Trees, Dyer (Esmeralda Co.) -Sage Thrasher, Western Wood-Pewee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, etc. Circle L Ranch, Dyer (Esmeralda Co.) -Blue-winged Teal (2), Cinnamon Teal (2), etc.. Pond, Dyer (Esmeralda Co.) -Black-headed Grosbeaks, Green Heron, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Warbling Vireo. Walker Lake (Mineral Co.) -Osprey (2) Fallon (Churchill Co.) -Cattle Egret (2) Greg Scyphers
Subject: Re: Ash Meadows: peterson Reservoir BLACK and CLAPPER RAILS
From: Carl Lundblad <carl.lundblad AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 10:20:02 -0700

OK, one more thing. The Black Rails wer calling around 5:55am. Clapper Rails continued to call for about the next 30-40 minutes. On 5/5/08, Carl Lundblad wrote: > > A few more location details. From the cable blocking the old road in the > Peterson Parking Lot the GIS measured distance is just aobut 200 meters > northwest to the Black Rail location. GPS coordiates (UTM, NAD83) E559102 > N4033650. > > On 5/5/08, Carl Lundblad wrote: > > > > On a marsh bird survey at Peterson Reservoir (Ash Meadows NWR) this > > morning Ed Kluender and I heard 2 BLACK RAILS giving their low gravelly > > "grrrr" calls. We also heard 2-3 and saw well one YUMA CLAPPER RAIL. > > > > I apparently botched the recording of the Black Rails (I know, I > > know...), but I feel confident that we'll be able to obtain diagnostic audio > > recordings later in the week. We did obtain recordings of at least one > > Clapper Rail, which I guess is not technically a review species here. > > > > The location of the Black Rails was about 100 meters north of the > > southeast corner of the reseroir. Walk north along the edge of the > > reservoir (be prepared to wade through moderately deep water and mud) to > > where a low set of dunes lines its eastern edge. At the south end of this > > set of dunes was where the Black Rails were calling. A Clapper could be > > heard just north of this spot with a couple more another 100-150 meters > > north. > > > > These are very likely the only pair of Black Rails in Nevada and this is > > an active survey route, so PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING PLAYBACK to attract > > these birds or cause them to call. The best strategy would be to show up > > early in the morning or late in the evening and exercise a great ammount of > > patience. It is illegal to play the recordings of endangered species such > > as Yuma Clapper Rail. > > > > Good Birding > > > > Carl Lundblad > > Amargosa Valley, NV > > > >
Subject: Re: Ash Meadows: peterson Reservoir BLACK and CLAPPER RAILS
From: Carl Lundblad <carl.lundblad AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 10:15:38 -0700

A few more location details. From the cable blocking the old road in the Peterson Parking Lot the GIS measured distance is just aobut 200 meters northwest to the Black Rail location. GPS coordiates (UTM, NAD83) E559102 N4033650. On 5/5/08, Carl Lundblad wrote: > > On a marsh bird survey at Peterson Reservoir (Ash Meadows NWR) this > morning Ed Kluender and I heard 2 BLACK RAILS giving their low gravelly > "grrrr" calls. We also heard 2-3 and saw well one YUMA CLAPPER RAIL. > > I apparently botched the recording of the Black Rails (I know, I know...), > but I feel confident that we'll be able to obtain diagnostic audio > recordings later in the week. We did obtain recordings of at least one > Clapper Rail, which I guess is not technically a review species here. > > The location of the Black Rails was about 100 meters north of the > southeast corner of the reseroir. Walk north along the edge of the > reservoir (be prepared to wade through moderately deep water and mud) to > where a low set of dunes lines its eastern edge. At the south end of this > set of dunes was where the Black Rails were calling. A Clapper could be > heard just north of this spot with a couple more another 100-150 meters > north. > > These are very likely the only pair of Black Rails in Nevada and this is > an active survey route, so PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING PLAYBACK to attract > these birds or cause them to call. The best strategy would be to show up > early in the morning or late in the evening and exercise a great ammount of > patience. It is illegal to play the recordings of endangered species such > as Yuma Clapper Rail. > > Good Birding > > Carl Lundblad > Amargosa Valley, NV >
Subject: Ash Meadows: peterson Reservoir BLACK and CLAPPER RAILS
From: Carl Lundblad <carl.lundblad AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 10:06:50 -0700

On a marsh bird survey at Peterson Reservoir (Ash Meadows NWR) this morning Ed Kluender and I heard 2 BLACK RAILS giving their low gravelly "grrrr" calls. We also heard 2-3 and saw well one YUMA CLAPPER RAIL. I apparently botched the recording of the Black Rails (I know, I know...), but I feel confident that we'll be able to obtain diagnostic audio recordings later in the week. We did obtain recordings of at least one Clapper Rail, which I guess is not technically a review species here. The location of the Black Rails was about 100 meters north of the southeast corner of the reseroir. Walk north along the edge of the reservoir (be prepared to wade through moderately deep water and mud) to where a low set of dunes lines its eastern edge. At the south end of this set of dunes was where the Black Rails were calling. A Clapper could be heard just north of this spot with a couple more another 100-150 meters north. These are very likely the only pair of Black Rails in Nevada and this is an active survey route, so PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING PLAYBACK to attract these birds or cause them to call. The best strategy would be to show up early in the morning or late in the evening and exercise a great ammount of patience. It is illegal to play the recordings of endangered species such as Yuma Clapper Rail. Good Birding Carl Lundblad Amargosa Valley, NV
Subject: Reno area 4/27/08-5/1/08
From: ann murphy <amurphy0607 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 08:14:13 -0700

Submitted on behalf of Ed Kurtz: At Bartley Ranch on 4/27/08 I saw 1 Western Kingbird. At Sparks Marina on 4/30/08 there were 3 Forster's Terns. Also a pair of Yellow-headed Blackbirds. At Paradise Park on 5/1/08 I saw 1 Gray Flycatcher. Also 1 Hairy Woodpecker. Posted for Ed Kurtz by Ann Murphy ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Subject: Potentially Interesting Book
From: Pat Wells <patriciaw AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 07:01:37 -0700

Sightings: Extraordinary Encounters with Ordinary Birds by Sam Keen Illustrations by Mary Woodin Chronicle, #14.95 cloth ISBN 978-0-8118-5976-9 Pat Wells Carson City, NV
Subject: early spring birding in Nevada
From: Rose Strickland <rosenreno AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 19:49:16 -0700

birders, Dennis and I spent over a week birding in southern Nevada and then in eastern Nevada, returning today to a welcome rainfall in Reno. Spring migration is in full swing. The weather was hot and windy, then cold and windy, but the birding was terrific. Trip highlights: Corn Creek (4/25 and 26): Lesser Nighthawks and a Common Poorwill showed up in the evening. A Black-chinned Hummingbird is nesting in the trees below the fish house, along with warblers, orioles, flycatchers. Spring Mountains: Scott's Orioles were in the blooming Joshua tree woodland, at about 6,000 feet along the Lee Canyon Road. No Grace's Warblers or Hermit Thrushes yet, but we found Broad-tailed Hummingbirds and Plumbeous Vireos in Lee Canyon, and Black-headed Grosbeaks and Lazuli Buntings in Kyle Canyon. Red Rock NCA: birding with the Titus's, we found singing Black- chinned Sparrows, Gray Vireos, and Rufous-crowned Sparrows, all near Willow Spring. The wildflowers were spectacular, with orange mallow, pink mariposa lilies, white cliff-rose, lavender Mojave aster and others covering the desert, especially in the recent burned areas. A redbud tree was in full lavender bloom at the base of a waterfall in Lost Creek Canyon. Ash Meadows NWR: American and Least Bitterns were in full cry at Peterson Reservoir, along with early warblers, phalaropes and swifts and swallows. Searchlight joshua tree forest: we found a Gilded Flicker near the old windmill in a pair with an orange No. Flicker. Meadow Valley Wash (south of Caliente, NV): we were treated to numerous Summer Tanagers, a singing Yellow-breasted Chat, a Hooded Oriole, an early Olive-sided Flycatcher near Elgin, and a friendly Canyon Wren in this spectacular scenic canyon. Lahontan Valley wetlands: Snowy Plovers were chasing flies in the small briny waterways along Hwy. 50 near Sand Mountain. At Carson Lake, we refound birds located by Greg Scyphers, all near the first tower: 2 Red Knots (hanging out with the dozens of Black-bellied Plovers), 2 Whimbrels, a Peregrine Falcon, and Dunlins. We also had a flyby of 20 Black Terns following a Forster's Tern and saw 2 Solitary Sandpipers (not together!) along with calling curlews and the regular marsh birds. Rose Strickland
Subject: some other pics of long-eared owl
From: Chris Gardner <ChrisGardner05 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 21:18:59 EDT

Steve, Barb, and Josh were nice enough to let me stop by and see the long-eared owl at their house. It had flown from the wall to a pine tree and I got a few more photos but it was hard since it was deep inside. The owl was surprisingly small, maybe 10-12" long. Also, it appears much slimmer in my photos since it was stretching out trying to hide in the tree. _http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/559849978stBDom_ (http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/559849978stBDom) Chris Ruiz-Gardner Las Vegas **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)
Subject: Fw: HENDERSON BIRD VIEWING PRESERVE LOCATED NEAR LAS VEGAS
From: Je Anne <gann2 AT COX.NET>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 17:56:27 -0700

The following birds were seen by the staff and visitors from April 28, 2008 thru May 4, 2008. We had Eighty-one (81) species seen this week. Things were moving through this week!!!!! Canada Goose (one pair with 5 babies and a single parent with 4 babies Gadwall Amercian Wigeon Mallard BLUE-WINGED TEAL (seen since 4/29, up to 5 drake's on pond 4) Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail (5/4 seen by Jim Healey) Green-winged Teal Redhead Ring-necked Duck Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Ruddy Duck Gambel's Quail Pied-billed Grebe Eared Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Least Bittern (Female seen by Jim Healey on 5/4) Great Egret (6 one pond 4, 5/1) Snowy Egret Green Heron Black-crowned Night Heron White-faced Ibis Turkey Vulture Virginia Rail (5/1 pond 6 seen by Je Anne) Sora Common Moorhen American Coot Killdeer Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Greater Yellowlegs Willet (5/1 seen by Je Anne) Spotted Sandpiper Wimbrel LONG-BILLED CURLEW (4/29 2 seen by Je Anne) Western Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson's Phalarope Red-necked Phalarope Frankllin's Gull Ring-billed Gull Caspian Tern (2 seen by Je Anne and JJ (Wisconsin), pond 6, 5/3) Rock Pigeon WHITE-WINGED DOVE (4/28 near Visitor Center seen by Je Anne) Mourning Dove LESSER NIGHTHAWK (5/2 seen by Jim Healey) Black-chinned Hummingbird Black Phoebe Say's Phoebe WARBLING VIREO 4/30 near pond 3 seen by Jim Healey) Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Northern Rough-winged Swallow Cliff Swallow Barn Swallow Verdin Marsh Wren Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Crissal Thrasher European Starling American Pipit (5/4 seen by Jim Healey) Myrtle's Warbler Audubon's Warbler Lucy's Warbler WILSON'S WARBLER (5/1 near Visitor Center seen by Je Anne) Western Tanager CHIPPING SPARROW (5/3 near pond 6 & 7 seen by Je Anne and JJ (Wisconsin) Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird Yellow-headed Blackbird Great-tailed Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird BULLOCK'S ORIOLE (5/3 male near visitor center, seen by Je Anne and JJ (Wisconsin) House Finch House Sparrow Don't forget your hat, water and sunscreen. Dress in layers. OPEN 6:00 AM TO 3:00 PM. You need about two hours to bird the Preserve Directions from the I515 (US93 & 95), take exit 64, Sunset Road east. Follow the signs (blue signs with white letters) to Moser, turn left (north). Key in #100 at the gate for entrance to the Preserve. For more information call 702-267-4180. BEST IN BIRDING, JE ANNE BRANCA
Subject: Western tanager, ruby-crowned kinglet
From: David Worley <daveworl AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 20:47:47 -0400

This morning we had a male western tanager stop in one of our front yard pines at out place north of the university, a first for our place. We have also had a ruby-crowned kinglet visiting the pines, and a northern mockingbird singing in the area. Robins are singing in the early mornings, before 05:00, when I go out to get the paper. Dave Worley Reno, Nevada
Subject: Ash Meadows Eurasian Wigeon Continues: 5/4/08
From: Carl Lundblad <carl.lundblad AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 17:45:42 -0700

See subject line. Carl Lundblad Amargosa Valley
Subject: Long-eared Owl in Las Vegas
From: Steven Wright <sgwright78 AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 16:25:42 -0400

In our back yard in Las Vegas a Long-eared Owl landed on the wall only five feet from our kitchen window. He arrived around noon and is still sitting there as I post. We were wondering if it is a juvenile or adult. I attched some photo links. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2465584276_6794a4a069_b.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2465584296_8763f40656_b.jpg
Subject: Fw: Pruess, Marshes & Clay spring, White Pine County and just over the Utah state line
From: Melissa Renfro <melsyurt AT WIRELESSBEEHIVE.COM>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 07:44:49 -0700

Location: Pruess Reservoir, Millard County, UT (3 miles S of Garrison, UT) Observation date: 5/3/08 Observers: Melissa Renfro & John B. Free Weather: Overcast to mostly cloudy, wind 5 to 6, 50 deg Great Blue Heron Nest Building / On Nest, Black-crowned Night Heron (on nest), Shovelers displaying. One of two Loons in winter plumage. Large flock of mixed gulls spiraling flights and landing on reservoir. Common Raven On nest Number of species: 27 American Wigeon 2 Mallard 15 Northern Shoveler 15 Redhead 2 Ring-necked Duck 7 Bufflehead 1 Ruddy Duck 250 Common Loon 4 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Eared Grebe 9 Western Grebe 1 Double-crested Cormorant 4 Great Blue Heron 9 Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 Northern Harrier 1 American Coot 4 Black-necked Stilt 13 American Avocet 45 Willet 4 Wilson's Phalarope 7 Ring-billed Gull 100 California Gull 200 Black-billed Magpie 1 American Crow 1 Common Raven 2 Violet-green Swallow 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 11 ******************* Location: Marshes & Clay Spg ( 1 Mile Southeast of Pruess res.) Millard County, UT.) Observation date: 5/3/08 Observers: Melissa Renfro & John B. Free Weather: Mostly cloudy, 50 deg, wind 6 Canada Goose Pair with 4 goslings Number of species: 10 Canada Goose 12 American Wigeon 2 Mallard 2 Cinnamon Teal 2 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Snowy Egret 1 Northern Harrier 2 American Coot 8 Great Horned Owl 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Subject: White-winged Dove at Floyd Lamb Park, Las Vegas
From: Donna Crail-Rugotzke <crail AT NEVADA.EDU>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 03:35:14 -0400

My friend and I saw a White-winged Dove at Floyd Lamb Park in Las Vegas. The dove was next to the largest pond. Donna Crail-Rugotzke, Las Vegas
Subject: Red Knots @ Carson Lake
From: Greg Scyphers <scyph AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 22:44:33 -0700

I birded Carson Lake, Fallon today May 3rd and found some nice birds. The following is only a partial list. The highlight of the day was 2 or 3 RED KNOTS mixed in with the Black-bellied Plovers near the first tower and in the big water area opposite the beginning of Lott Freeway. It has been about 6 years since I have seen a Red Knot in Nevada. This is a relatively rare bird in Nevada. The shorebird habitat was relative good today near the first tower out towards the end of Lott Freeway and in the big water opposite the start of Lott Freeway. Red-breasted Merganser (female) Peregrine Falcon - diving and chasing the shorebirds. Whimbrel - lone bird near first tower. Black-bellied Plovers (many) Long-billed Curlew Dowitchers (100's to thousands) Semipalmated Plovers (many) Snowy Plover Spotted Sandpipers Dunlin Least and Western Sandpipers Yellowlegs Bonaparte's Gulls (2) Forster's Terns Caspian Tern Greg Scyphers
Subject: Desert Loop Migrants 5/3/08
From: Carl Lundblad <carl.lundblad AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 21:29:06 -0700

I spent the day orienting myself to the Nye/Esmeralda Desert Loop and some of its migrant traps. I birded Beatty, Torrance Ranch, Tonopah Cemetary, Miller's Rest Stop, Sage Hen Road, Circle L Ranch, Oasis CA, and Lida. No real vagrants but an excellent volume and decent diversity of migrants made for an enjoyable day in the field. Birds which I found notable included: Blue-winged Teal: 2 at Circle L Ranch in irrigation puddle Spotted Sandpiper: 1, same location Sora: Beatty and Torrance Ranch Virginia Rail: Torrance Ranch Wilson's Snipe: Torrance Ranch Great Horned Owl: Adult and fledgling at Torrance Ranch Black-Chinned Hummingbird: Torrance Ranch Costa's Hummingbird: Torrance Ramch Anna's Hummingbird: Amargosa River, Beatty Dusky Flycatcher: Seen in numbers at most locations Gray Flycatcher: Only a few, largely outnumbered by Dusky Cassin's Kingbird: 1 in Lida Cassin's Vireo: Seen at most locations, often 2-3 Steller's Jay: 1 at Circle L Ranch House Wren: 1 at Miller's Rest, trapped in and rescued from the Men's Room Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: Most Locations NASHVILLE WARBLER: 1 south of Beatty, pond at Vanderbilt Road Virginia Warbler: 1 female on river in Beatty, another at Circle L Orange-crowned Warbler: Multiples in most locations Yellow Wabler: Common Everywhere Yellow-rumped Warbler: Common to abundant, 1 Myrtle at Circle L Ranch Townsend's Warbler: Male at Torrance Ranch MacGillivray's Warbler: 2 along river in Beatty Wilson's Warbler: Abundant in most locations, 100+ throughout the day Common Yellowthroat: Most unusual was an adult male foraging in poplars at Circle L Ranch Western Tanager: 2 in Beatty, 1 at Tonopah Cemetary, 1 at Circle L Ranch Black-headed Grosbeak: 4-5 at Circle L Ranch Blue Grosbeak: 1 female at Tonopah Cemetary Lazuli Bunting: 1 female at Circle L Ranch Lark Sparrow: 1 at Torrance Ranch, a few along Sage Hen Road in Fishlake Valley American Goldfinch: Circle L Ranch Lesser Goldfinch: Circle L Ranch Cassin's Finch: Abundant at all sites north of Beatty Carl Lundblad Amargosa Valley, NV
Subject: Rancho San Rafael, Reno (5/3/08)
From: Fred Petersen <fugle AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 00:09:34 -0400

Rancho San Rafael, Reno, Washoe Co (5/3/08) We birded RSR this lovely spring morning, spending most of our time N of McCarran chasing down the Great Horned Owl family. We ended up finding both adults and all 3 (maybe, but at least 2) of the fledglings scattered in the trees downstream of the nest. Other birds (unless stated o/w, all were in the riparian zone along Evans Creek, N. of McCarran) Pied-billed Grebe*--1 Peavine Pond Cooper's Hawk--1 immature** Virginia Rail--at least 1 pair (lots of grunting calls) Spotted Sandpiper--1 Herman's Pond Black-chinned Hummingbird--2*** Western Kingbird--3 (in noisy flock) (FOS) Nashville Warbler--1 (FOS) Yellow Warbler--1 male, Evans Creek below Herman's Pond Common Yellowthroat--1 male (FOS) Wilson's Warbler--1 male Golden-crowned Sparrow--1**** Bullock's Oriole--2 males (FOS) *I don't know the sex of the Pied-billed Grebe (I've never heard it call) which has been at the pond since late March. I also don't know what's keeping it there, since there's no nesting cover. **Cooper's Hawk. I haven't seen the adult pair since early April and it looks as if it's vacated the old nesting territory along the creek downstream of Herman's Pond. If so, this will be the second year in a row that the species hasn't bred at RSR. ***One of the 2 Black-chins was a male, the other a female working on a nest on a low cottonwood branch overhanging the footpath along the creek. I found the nest--which looks to be about half-finished, maybe more--quite by chance when she buzzed onto it with a load of fluff and cobwebs within 5 or 6 ft of where I was standing gazing upwards at the owlets. She seemed totally unconcerned about my presence and made 8 or 10 additional visits with nesting material during the 10 minutes or so I remained in the vicinity. Here's a photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fugl/; if you enlarge it enough (double-click it and then hit the "all sizes" button) you can just make out the cobweb she's holding in her bill. ****I also had a Golden-crowned sparrow (and 2 White-crowns) at my backyard feeders (NW Reno, not far from RSR). Fred Petersen
Subject: San Rafael Park
From: David Worley <daveworl AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 22:09:10 -0400

Took a pleasant afternoon walk through San Rafael Saturday afternoon. A northern mockingbird and several robins foraged or perched west of the ball field north of McCarran, and a black-billed magpie flew into the trees near the creek. A gadwall pair as well as mallards and domestic/hybrid ducks swam on Herman's Pond, with a killdeer and a spotted sandpiper working the pond edge. The killdeer chased off the spotted on several occasions. Tree swallows flew over the pond and perched near a bird box to the west. Barn and cliff swallows also flew over the area, though I didn't see any sign of fresh nest building in the tunnel under McCarran. A Wilson's warbler, my first of season, foraged in willows below the pond. A red-tail pair worked the area, with one bird diving unsuccessfully on something south of the walk. A prairie falcon flew over the southern part of the park from the west, circled, and gradually worked off to the south- southeast. This time of the year, I would think that might be a nesting bird - somewhere on Peavine? Brewer's blackbirds and a few brown-headed cowbirds called about Herman's Pond, and red-winged blackbirds sanging from willows and cattails north of McCarran. A single very fluffy-looking great horned owl meandered about on a branch by the nest, while the two adults perched in a poplar over the trail to the east. Several yellow-rumped warblers foraged in the willows. Most were Audubon's, but one had the clear white throat of a Myrtle. A Bewick's wren sang in the willows, and a number of lesser goldfinches plus a few house finches foraged and called in the willow stand in the north part of the park. A cloudy, spring-like afternoon. Dave Worley Reno, Nevada
Subject: Carson Lake, Carson Diversion Dam, May 3
From: Alan Wallace <wallacealan AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 18:40:53 -0700

On this gorgeous Saturday, I visited the Carson Diversion Dam and Carson Lake, both in Churchill County. Swallows and Western Kingbirds were common through the Fallon area. Overall, though, I thought numbers were lower than I might expect and that the passerine migration really hasn't kicked into gear. Of the 61 total species, the highlights (for me) were: Diversion Dam: Osprey, Townsend's and Wilson's Warblers (one each), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Swainson's Hawk, Gray Flycatcher (the only flycatcher), Green-tailed Towhee. No vireos or orioles. Carson Lake: 30-plus each of Semipalmated Plovers and Black-bellied Plovers, 100-200 Long-billed Dowitchers, Lesser and Spotted Sandpipers, Forster's Tern, American White Pelican, Long-billed Curlew, Willet, Great and Snowy Egrets, Savannah, Song, Chipping, and Lark Sparrows, and oodles of White-faced Ibis, American Avocets, Cinnamon Teal, and Black-necked Stilts. I don't think I heard or saw a single Horned Lark, which is unusual. Marsh Wrens and Virginia Rails made the cattail-lined marshes sound alive. As Rose Strickland noted on April 13, the water levels are low, and many normally submerged areas are just exposed grass. Alan Wallace Reno NV
Subject: corn creek trip
From: Chris Gardner <ChrisGardner05 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 20:09:40 EDT

Went with the Red Rock Audubon Society to Corn Creek on a field trip. Got some pictures of the crossbill, oriole, orange-crowned warbler and more here - _http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/559849978stBDom_ (http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/559849978stBDom) Chris Ruiz-Gardner Location: Corn Creek Observation date: 5/3/08 Number of species: 31 Black-crowned Night-Heron 3 Black-chinned Hummingbird 4 Anna's Hummingbird 1 Western Wood-Pewee 1 Gray Flycatcher 1 Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 Plumbeous Vireo 1 American Crow 4 Common Raven 1 Tree Swallow 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 8 Verdin 2 Bewick's Wren 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 European Starling 2 Phainopepla 4 Orange-crowned Warbler 3 Yellow Warbler 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler 20 MacGillivray's Warbler 1 Wilson's Warbler 12 Western Tanager 4 White-crowned Sparrow 1 Black-headed Grosbeak 4 Lazuli Bunting 8 Red-winged Blackbird 4 Great-tailed Grackle 10 Bullock's Oriole 8 House Finch 8 Red Crossbill 1 American Goldfinch 4 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)
Subject: FW: WHY DID THE CHUKAR CROSS THE ROAD?
From: "M. A. Anderson" <fleetsurgeon AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 17:05:23 -0700

Correction and addition: Thursday, was May 1st... South Virgina Street is in Reno, NV. R/M. Anderson > Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 16:47:42 -0700 > From: fleetsurgeon AT HOTMAIL.COM > Subject: WHY DID THE CHUKAR CROSS THE ROAD? > To: NVBIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > Well, folks...you know the answer... > > But, why it was crossing South Virginia Street at the Winco Shopping Center, on Thursday evening around 6 pm on April 30th is anybody's guess. Perhaps, they were running a special on Chukar Chow. > > Respectfully submitted, > Mary Anderson
Subject: WHY DID THE CHUKAR CROSS THE ROAD?
From: "M. A. Anderson" <fleetsurgeon AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 16:47:42 -0700

Well, folks...you know the answer... But, why it was crossing South Virginia Street at the Winco Shopping Center, on Thursday evening around 6 pm on April 30th is anybody's guess. Perhaps, they were running a special on Chukar Chow. Respectfully submitted, Mary Anderson
Subject: Re: Double Confusion
From: Jim Eidel <grja9 AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 09:10:31 -0700

Stellar's Jays also eat young birds like Barn Swallows. Corvids are nest robbers...... red of tooth and claw. Jim Eidel ----- Original Message ---- From: "mjelpers AT AOL.COM" To: NVBIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Friday, May 2, 2008 5:17:57 PM Subject: Re: Double Confusion Hi, Susie -- I can't tell you what species the smaller bird was, but it sounds to me like the jay was trying to kill it.? I have seen scrub-jays engage in this behavior before with recently fledged young of other species.? I've seen a scrub-jay kill and fly off with a fledgling California Towhee (in southern California), which is a pretty good-sized bird, and barely been able to get off the ground with it.? The last time I saw the behavior, it was with a fledgling European Starling that was able to fly, but not very well.? Jays generally are not able to take an adult bird, even a small one, if it is in reasonably good health because they simply can't catch it.? But a fledgling, definitely.? Perhaps the smaller bird was a fledgling mourning dove, or a dove that fledged prematurely because the jay raided its nest. Mary Jo Elpers -----Original Message----- From: SAMARENO To: NVBIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Fri, 2 May 2008 2:19 pm Subject: Double Confusion Reno, NV 05/02/08 - approx 10:00 am I saw something that has me doubley confused. There was a Scrub Jay attacking a little bird behind my office this morning. The jay was chasing it through the trees and ended up on the ground in front of where I was standing. The bird was hunched over and all puffed up. It was head bobbing and trying to keep pretty much facing away from the jay. The jay would make feints and kind of jump on it and occasionally peck at it. It did this for several minutes. They let us get about 5 feet away and watch without moving. Then, the jay stopped and flew away. Maybe because I moved closer or because the bird made its way under a huge juniper type bush. As for the "victim" bird, that's my other bit of confusion. The bird was pretty much a tiny fully feathered adult dove/pigeon. It had the kind of shape (especially the face feathers) that reminds me of my mom's old "fancy" pigeons. Compared to a dove/pigeon it was less than 1/2 the size of one as I don't think it could have been 6 inches. This bird had a big black eye with a white eyering that extended in a bit down to a tiny little dark bill. Also, the color seemed to be far lighter overall than a MODO or pigeon. It was very pale and had beautiful feathering with nicely colored edges along the body feathers. The wings from the rear kind of reminded me of a sandpiper. But it had short legs. It also had a shorter tail than any dove I have seen and the tail was wide and squared off. BTW: the reason I don't think it was sick was that when I went out because my photos were terrible, the bird flew right away. I was originally watching the jay behavior. I was assuming it was after a female House Sparrow or H Finch. Then, when I noticed the oddity of the little guy, I was trying to get a photo, which really messed me up since I was worried about overall lighting and not the bird's coloring. So, I didn't get as much detail as I should. Fred told me you can't really bird and photograph at the same time. It's true in my book. Confusion #1: I was wondering what the jay might have been doing. Was the jay trying to eat it? I have heard that they will raid nests but not that they attack adult birds. This may have been a sick or injured bird as it was fluffed up, but I was mainly thinking it was just upset. Confusion #2: Can anyone think what this little guy might have been? The only thing I can come up with is some kind of a caged bird escapee. Any suggestions? All info greatly appreciated, Susie Sue Anne Marshall a.k.a. samareno "at" yahoo.com --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
Subject: Re: Jay attacking dove
From: Doug Herr <wildlightphoto AT EARTHLINK.NET>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 08:54:38 -0700

>Several years ago I watched in horror and fascination as a jay killed, >eviscerated, and ate much of a full grown mourning dove. This happened in my >parents' back yard in Berkeley, CA, during severe drought. I had previously >been unaware of jays as predators. I have seen a Western Scrub Jay attacking a Mourning Dove fledgeling. Apparently this behavior is not infrequent. Doug Herr Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com
Subject: double question
From: Linda Hiller <greenacres23 AT CHARTER.NET>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 08:59:39 -0700

Hi Samantha! I'm guessing you've had some responses about your question to the listserve by now, but here's my 2 cents worth. The dove in question ... we're seeing a lot of the lighter doves here in Carson Valley ... they're either Ringed Turtle Doves or the Eurasian Collared Doves. They're similar, and frankly, I haven't taken the time to key these birds out yet, but they're definitely making a showing here. I know your description doesn't exactly match, but check your birdbook and see if this could be your dove. As for the scrub jays, well, they are a species that I love, but we have to remember that they're corvids, and as such, they're opportunists, very smart, and let's admit it, they're bullies! For the past two days I've been hearing the constant alarm call of an American robin out front by one of my feeding stations. I've been unable to see what the problem was, even after checking several times. Not seeing any raptors in trees or cats on the ground, just figured a robin pair was probably starting to nest and were generally nervous. Yesterday, the volume cranked up a bit and I looked out to see two robins just sqawking at a scrub jay on the ground, innocently eating bird food, like "What Me Worry?" They were staring at it and chirping at it accusingly, and there were no other predators in sight. I suspect the robins are indeed starting to nest here, and the constant presence of scrubs in their territory is giving them the heebie-jeebies. Robins are no dummies, either. Hope this helps. Is anyone seeing these lighter doves in Reno much? Also, we're having a blast with our Bullock's orioles here at our grape jelly feeders, the Oriolefest! They are neon-orange right now and singing up a storm. You can buy the Oriolefest online, and I know they have jelly feeders at Wild Birds Unlimited off Plumb in Reno, so check it out. Good birding, all ... Linda Hiller in Jacks Valley, south of Carson City
Subject: Evening, Black-headed Grosbeaks, west Reno
From: Alan Wallace <wallacealan AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 08:52:16 -0700

This morning (May 3) in my west-Reno back yard near Mayberry and McCarran, I've had two adult female Evening Grosbeaks and two adult male Black-headed Grosbeaks. It makes for a great nearly side-by-side comparison. The Evening Grosbeaks are the first that I've ever seen in the yard. Also present are about 20 Cassin's Finches, one lingering White-crowned Sparrow, and a female and male Black-chinned Hummingbird that can't seem to amicably share the feeder. Alan Wallace Reno NV
Subject: Re: Jay attacking dove
From: Pat Wells <patriciaw AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 07:00:19 -0700

Several years ago I watched in horror and fascination as a jay killed, eviscerated, and ate much of a full grown mourning dove. This happened in my parents' back yard in Berkeley, CA, during severe drought. I had previously been unaware of jays as predators. Pat Wells Carson City, NV
Subject: A jaunt around Nevada....Jack Walters-style
From: Don Molde <skyshrink AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 00:43:50 -0400

Hi birders....Since it has been just over three years since Jack Walters died, I thought it appropriate...in honor of his memory and the esteem with which I regarded him...to do a trip similar to the first one I did with him several years ago. This involved a 4-day, 1250 mile tour of a few of his favorite spots. This posting may be longer than others since, contrary to my usual practice, I kept a list this trip. Tuesday....April 29th - Miller's Rest Stop (13 miles west of Tonopah): noon/somewhat windy. 17 species seen: Three warbler species: Yellow, Y.R., Wilsons; Bullock's Oriole, Lark sparrows, Lesser/American goldfinches, and large numbers of Brown=headed Cowbirds, Red-winged and Yellow-headed blackbirds - Warm Springs (50 miles east of Tonopah; Jct of Hwys 6/375): Abandoned buildings/ clump of trees a short distance south/west side of Hwy 375): 5 species, including Cassin's finches, Spotted Sandpiper, Dusky flycatcher. - Echo Canyon Reservior...a few miles south of Warm Springs on Hwy 375: 10 species, including 6 common duck species, Spotted Sandpiper. - Crystal Springs (Jct Hwys 375/318/93) 5 p.m.: Belted Kingfisher, female. I took a look at Key-Pittman lakes, but much too windy for a scope. Wednesday....April 30th: Caliente area to start. Nice/cool morning. Wind came up later. - Rose (city) Park: FOS Western Tanager, Cassin's Kingbird, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Yellow Warbler among 5 species. - Kershaw-Ryan State Park (two miles south of Caliente)....7 a.m. 16 species. Since the birding was such fun, here is most of the list: Warblers: Y.R., Wilson's, Lucy's, Orange-crowned, Black-throated Gray, Yellow. Bullock's Oriole. Lazuli Bunting, Gray flycatcher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Black Phoebe, Black-chinned Hummingbird. Special notes: There were many hummers flitting about, building nests and defending territories. There may well have been other hummingbird species present. The best birding that time of morning was immediately behind the main restroom complex where a sunny patch of nice habitat was very birdy. This summer, an irrigation system for the park will be installed (?more water for birds?) as well as a camping area near the entrance. - Rainbow Canyon....selected birding spots along the road south of Kershaw- Ryan State Park towards Elgin....perhaps 10 miles. Disregard the Road Closed signs. Also excellent birding till the wind came up mid-morning. 13 species, which included: Ash-throated flycatcher, Lazuli Bunting, Gray Vireo, Bell's Vireo, Summer Tanager (brilliant male), 3 species of Swallows. Special note: There were several Gray Vireo singing along the road. Oddly, the one I saw...singing.....and the Bell's Vireo...not singing but did come to its call...were in the same tree. Pahranagat NWR: Wednesday, 1 p.m. The north end of Upper Pahranagat Lake (north of the North Marsh Dike) had lots of mud flats, and did have "peeps' and other shore birds, but they were beyond binocular range, and the wind was so brisk it was not possible to use the scope. Corn Creek (25 miles north of Las Vegas)....Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. Windy and quiet, though I added a Townsend's Warbler, Western Wood Pewee, Ash- throated flycatcher, Gray flycatcher, Lazuli Bunting, White-winged Dove and a few other things. Thursday, May 1st.... - Corn Creek....6:30 a.m. 45 degrees, cold north wind. All the birding activity was in the fruiting trees in the "orchard" which were in the sun. One of those trees had....literally at the same time....the following birds in it: Wilson's, Y.R. warblers, Bullock's Oriole, Am. Goldfinch, Lesser Goldfinch, Black-headed Grosbeak, Cedar Waxwing, Western Tanager, Gray Flycatcher, Chipping Sparrow, Pine Siskin, Cassin's finch, Cassin's Kingbird, Black-chinned hummer, Lincoln's Sparrow, House finch, Lazuli Bunting. Quite a sight!! - Indian Springs Sewage Pond...8:30 a.m...not much warmer! Even though one views only one pond through a fence now, it was worth a stop. 17 species present, including 5/6 Swallow species...missing only N. Rough- winged. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Eared Grebe, a couple dozen Wilson's Phalarope, a baker's dozen Spotted Sandpipers and assorted duck species were present. - Torrance Ranch, the TNC property about 6 miles north of Beatty on Olin Road (I think that's the correct name). One can simply open the gate and proceed to the parking area. Presently, the bird bander is in residence. 11 a.m, and windy. Thinking I'd see little, I nearly passed by. Glad I didn't. Here's what I saw on the leeward side of the tree line: Brown-crested flycatcher, Summer tanager (female), Gray flycatcher, warblers: Y.R., Wilson's, MacGillivray's, Common Yellow-throat, Costa's and Black-chinned Hummers, Lincoln Sparrow, Bullock's Oriole, Great-horned Owl, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Plumbeous/Cassin's vireo....couldn't make up my mind. Had some yellow on it. Special note: The bander caught the Summer Tanager the day before. He'd not seen/caught the Brown-crested flycatcher. He's only seen those birds at Torrance Ranch once before...several years ago. - Miller's Rest Stop...Thursday, April 1st, 2:45 p.m. 13 species seen. Lots of Cassin's finches. Lark Sparrows were present. Added an Orange- crowned Warbler. Plenty of American/Lesser goldfinches. Bullock's Oriole. Friday, April 2nd... - Miller's Rest Stop....7 a.m., 35 degrees. Cold, not very birdy. Nothing new. Left. - Fish Lake Valley...west of Tonopah...along Hwy 264 which runs through Dyer. Combining what I saw at Indian Creek Crossing/Sage Hen Road/Circle L Ranch...all of which are a few miles north of Dyer on Hwy 264...I had 18 species. Very few warblers. Many Cassin's finches. Nice family of Lark Sparrows...in full breeding plumage.Swainson's hawks were present, flying and nesting. Black-headed Grosbeak x 1. Cooper's Hawk. More Gray flycatchers, and even a Steller's Jay. If Jack had been along, I'm sure he'd have said we saw some pretty good birds.
Subject: Ponderosa Dairy
From: Carl Lundblad <carl.lundblad AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 20:29:31 -0700

Birds at the Ponderosa Dairy in Amargosa Valley this afternoon included: Cinnamon Teal 2 Eared Grebe 1 White-faced Ibis 11 Prairie Falcon 1 Black-bellied Plover 5 Semipalmated Plover 19 American Avocet 14 Black-necked Stilt 18 Long-billed Dowitcher 2 Willet 2 Spotted Sandpiper 9 Wetern Sandpiper 4 Least Sandpiper 10 Wilson's Phalarope 23 Burrowing Owl 2 The Ponderosa Dairy is private property with birding only by prior arrangement. Other birds around Amargosa Valley included Swainson's Hawks, a Wilson's Warbler, and 2-3 Lark Sparrows. Carl Lundblad Amargosa Valley, NV
Subject: Ash Meadows: Black Tern, Wigeon, Landbirds
From: Carl Lundblad <carl.lundblad AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 20:19:41 -0700

Despite apparent heavy waterfowl turnover overnight the Eurasian Wigeon was still pesent today at the south end of Crystal Reservoir. Larids continued to be numerous with the most conspicuous new arival a single BLACK TERN. Shorebirds were not real abundant but included 9 species including 3 Semipalmated Plovers, 21 American Avocets, and 4 Red-necked Phalaropes. I targeted various sites on refuge for landbirds this morning without a huge ammount of luck. POINT OF ROCKS: Dusky Flycatcher 1 Ash-throated Flycatcher 4 Cassin's Vireo 1 Verdin 6 including 1 fledgling Bewick's Wren 3 House Wren 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher 7+ including 2-3 fledglings Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Hermit Thrush FOS Crissal Thrahser 1 Phainopepla 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 2 Wilson's Warbler 1 Brewer's Sparrow 3 BRADFORD SPRING: Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 Gray Flycatcher 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 4 Bewick's Wren 1 Bullock's Oriole COLLINS RANCH Gray Flycatcher 1 Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 Verdin 6 including another fledgling Bewick's Wren 1 Ruby-cronwed Kinglet 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Lesser Goldfinch 2 A Black-crowned Night-heron was at Fairbanks Spring and a Lesser Nighthawk at Rogers Spring. Good Birding Carl Lundblad Amargosa Valley, NV
Subject: Re: Double Confusion
From: mjelpers AT AOL.COM
Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 20:17:57 -0400

Hi, Susie -- I can't tell you what species the smaller bird was, but it sounds to me like the jay was trying to kill it.? I have seen scrub-jays engage in this behavior before with recently fledged young of other species.? I've seen a scrub-jay kill and fly off with a fledgling California Towhee (in southern California), which is a pretty good-sized bird, and barely been able to get off the ground with it.? The last time I saw the behavior, it was with a fledgling European Starling that was able to fly, but not very well.? Jays generally are not able to take an adult bird, even a small one, if it is in reasonably good health because they simply can't catch it.? But a fledgling, definitely.? Perhaps the smaller bird was a fledgling mourning dove, or a dove that fledged prematurely because the jay raided its nest. Mary Jo Elpers -----Original Message----- From: SAMARENO To: NVBIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Fri, 2 May 2008 2:19 pm Subject: Double Confusion Reno, NV 05/02/08 - approx 10:00 am I saw something that has me doubley confused. There was a Scrub Jay attacking a little bird behind my office this morning. The jay was chasing it through the trees and ended up on the ground in front of where I was standing. The bird was hunched over and all puffed up. It was head bobbing and trying to keep pretty much facing away from the jay. The jay would make feints and kind of jump on it and occasionally peck at it. It did this for several minutes. They let us get about 5 feet away and watch without moving. Then, the jay stopped and flew away. Maybe because I moved closer or because the bird made its way under a huge juniper type bush. As for the "victim" bird, that's my other bit of confusion. The bird was pretty much a tiny fully feathered adult dove/pigeon. It had the kind of shape (especially the face feathers) that reminds me of my mom's old "fancy" pigeons. Compared to a dove/pigeon it was less than 1/2 the size of one as I don't think it could have been 6 inches. This bird had a big black eye with a white eyering that extended in a bit down to a tiny little dark bill. Also, the color seemed to be far lighter overall than a MODO or pigeon. It was very pale and had beautiful feathering with nicely colored edges along the body feathers. The wings from the rear kind of reminded me of a sandpiper. But it had short legs. It also had a shorter tail than any dove I have seen and the tail was wide and squared off. BTW: the reason I don't think it was sick was that when I went out because my photos were terrible, the bird flew right away. I was originally watching the jay behavior. I was assuming it was after a female House Sparrow or H Finch. Then, when I noticed the oddity of the little guy, I was trying to get a photo, which really messed me up since I was worried about overall lighting and not the bird's coloring. So, I didn't get as much detail as I should. Fred told me you can't really bird and photograph at the same time. It's true in my book. Confusion #1: I was wondering what the jay might have been doing. Was the jay trying to eat it? I have heard that they will raid nests but not that they attack adult birds. This may have been a sick or injured bird as it was fluffed up, but I was mainly thinking it was just upset. Confusion #2: Can anyone think what this little guy might have been? The only thing I can come up with is some kind of a caged bird escapee. Any suggestions? All info greatly appreciated, Susie Sue Anne Marshall a.k.a. samareno "at" yahoo.com --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
Subject: Verdi - Grosbeaks etc
From: Steve Ting <scting AT CHARTER.NET>
Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 15:03:43 -0700

Northern Nevada - Verdi - 10 miles west of Reno Hello all, The bad news is that several Evening Grosbeaks were present in Verdi a couple weeks ago but disappeared after a couple days. The good news is that the Black-headed Grosbeaks have arrived in Verdi as well as Mogul where Alan reported seeing some earlier this week. A single White-crowned sparrow was also still present. Some photos of the Grosbeaks and a few other species can be seen at this link - http://stingphotography.com/phlogs/2008/may/2-may.html Regards, Steve Ting www.stingphotography.com Species seen this AM in Verdi (only birded a very small area): Location: Verdi, Washoe County, NV, US Observation date: 5/2/08 Number of species: 21 California Quail - Callipepla californica X Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura X Rock Pigeon - Columba livia X Band-tailed Pigeon - Patagioenas fasciata X Eurasian Collared-Dove - Streptopelia decaocto X Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura X Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens X Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus X Steller's Jay - Cyanocitta stelleri X Western Scrub-Jay - Aphelocoma californica X European Starling - Sturnus vulgaris X White-crowned Sparrow - Zonotrichia leucophrys 1 Black-headed Grosbeak - Pheucticus melanocephalus 5 Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus X Brewer's Blackbird - Euphagus cyanocephalus X Brown-headed Cowbird - Molothrus ater X Cassin's Finch - Carpodacus cassinii X House Finch - Carpodacus mexicanus X Lesser Goldfinch - Carduelis psaltria X American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis X House Sparrow - Passer domesticus X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Subject: Double Confusion
From: SAMARENO <samareno AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 14:19:04 -0700

Reno, NV 05/02/08 - approx 10:00 am I saw something that has me doubley confused. There was a Scrub Jay attacking a little bird behind my office this morning. The jay was chasing it through the trees and ended up on the ground in front of where I was standing. The bird was hunched over and all puffed up. It was head bobbing and trying to keep pretty much facing away from the jay. The jay would make feints and kind of jump on it and occasionally peck at it. It did this for several minutes. They let us get about 5 feet away and watch without moving. Then, the jay stopped and flew away. Maybe because I moved closer or because the bird made its way under a huge juniper type bush. As for the "victim" bird, that's my other bit of confusion. The bird was pretty much a tiny fully feathered adult dove/pigeon. It had the kind of shape (especially the face feathers) that reminds me of my mom's old "fancy" pigeons. Compared to a dove/pigeon it was less than 1/2 the size of one as I don't think it could have been 6 inches. This bird had a big black eye with a white eyering that extended in a bit down to a tiny little dark bill. Also, the color seemed to be far lighter overall than a MODO or pigeon. It was very pale and had beautiful feathering with nicely colored edges along the body feathers. The wings from the rear kind of reminded me of a sandpiper. But it had short legs. It also had a shorter tail than any dove I have seen and the tail was wide and squared off. BTW: the reason I don't think it was sick was that when I went out because my photos were terrible, the bird flew right away. I was originally watching the jay behavior. I was assuming it was after a female House Sparrow or H Finch. Then, when I noticed the oddity of the little guy, I was trying to get a photo, which really messed me up since I was worried about overall lighting and not the bird's coloring. So, I didn't get as much detail as I should. Fred told me you can't really bird and photograph at the same time. It's true in my book. Confusion #1: I was wondering what the jay might have been doing. Was the jay trying to eat it? I have heard that they will raid nests but not that they attack adult birds. This may have been a sick or injured bird as it was fluffed up, but I was mainly thinking it was just upset. Confusion #2: Can anyone think what this little guy might have been? The only thing I can come up with is some kind of a caged bird escapee. Any suggestions? All info greatly appreciated, Susie Sue Anne Marshall a.k.a. samareno "at" yahoo.com --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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