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03 Feb Re: Coronach? ["Ryan Dudragne" ] 3 Feb Re: Coronach? [] 3 Feb Re: Re: Birding Weather [] 03 Feb Re: 2012 Saskatchewan Year List ["jrbirdboy" ] 03 Feb Re: 2012 Saskatchewan Year List ["Val T" ] 03 Feb Re: Birding Weather ["Val T" ] 03 Feb Re: Birding Weather ["prairiesfran" ] 03 Feb Where to bird in Coronach? ["Kevin" ] 2 Feb Golden-crowned Kinglets ["Nick Saunders" ] 02 Feb VARC Spring Workshops ["Derek Matthews" ] 2 Feb Birds in Rochdale Pk [K M ] 02 Feb Coronach? ["Kevin" ] 02 Feb Re: Birding Weather ["Kevin" ] 02 Feb 2012 Saskatchewan Year List [Ryan Dudragne ] 02 Feb Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings ["auntielyk" ] 02 Feb 2 out of 3 - Thanks! ["youngdi59" ] 1 Feb Re: Birding Weather [Joseph Stookey ] 01 Feb Red Crossbills in Saskatoon ["nikovich71" ] 1 Feb Re: Birding Weather [] 01 Feb Re: Northern Goshawk and Harris's Sparrow? ["nikovich71" ] 01 Feb Birding Weather ["Kevin" ] 1 Feb Re: Northern Goshawk and Harris's Sparrow? [K M ] 31 Jan Re: Re: American Crows at McIntosh Street and 7th Ave., Regina [] 01 Feb Northern Goshawk and Harris's Sparrow? ["youngdi59" ] 01 Feb Re: American Crows at McIntosh Street and 7th Ave., Regina ["auntielyk" ] 01 Feb Snowy Owl ["skyman845" ] 01 Feb Re: American Crows at McIntosh Street and 7th Ave., Regina ["Ryan Dudragne" ] 31 Jan Hillsdale, Regina [Ryan Dudragne ] 31 Jan American Crows at McIntosh Street and 7th Ave., Regina [] 31 Jan Common Grackle on McCarthy [K M ] 30 Jan Golden Eagle seen today near Craven [] 31 Jan Coyote in a Tree ["auntielyk" ] 30 Jan TC Douglas in Regina [K M ] 30 Jan Snowy owl YouTube [Joseph Stookey ] 30 Jan Re: Winter Bird List 2011/2012 ["Ryan Dudragne" ] 30 Jan Re: 2011 Saskatchewan Year List (Final) [Ryan Dudragne ] 29 Jan Nature Regina Field Trip [K M ] 29 Jan American Robin in Saskatoon ["Richard Hedley" ] 29 Jan VARC - 2011 Year end Report ["Derek Matthews" ] 29 Jan Re: Winter Bird List 2011/2012 ["Kevin" ] 29 Jan Re: 2011 Saskatchewan Year List (Final) [Stan Shadick ] 29 Jan Winter Bird List 2011/2012 [Ryan Dudragne ] 29 Jan 2011 Saskatchewan Year List (Final) [Ryan Dudragne ] 28 Jan Re: Last 2 Pics ["prairiesfran" ] 28 Jan Last 2 Pics ["clh459" ] 28 Jan Re: wakamow... ["prairiesfran" ] 28 Jan Re: wakamow... ["nikovich71" ] 28 Jan wakamow... ["prairiesfran" ] 27 Jan Prairie Falcon on Pinkie Rd ["auntielyk" ] 27 Jan Re: Snowy Owls ["skyman845" ] 27 Jan The Great Backyard Bird Count ["skyman845" ] 26 Jan Forestry Farm Birding Today ["Nick Saunders" ] 26 Jan Saskatoon Nature Society field trip to Saskatchewan River Valley - Jan. 28 [Stan Shadick ] 26 Jan Sharp-shinned Hawk and others [Ryan Dudragne ] 25 Jan Re: Snowy Owls [Ralph Goff ] 26 Jan Snowy Owls ["zedbander" ] 25 Jan Cooper's Hawk ["Nick Saunders" ] 25 Jan Townsend's Solitaire in Saskatoon ["c.salisbury47" ] 25 Jan Red Crossbills at Quinn Drive Alley, Regina [] 25 Jan Test [] 25 Jan Wakamow Valley Trip ["Terry Ford" ] 24 Jan No Subject ["William Davenport" ] 24 Jan RE: Re: calves and ravens ["Dan Heffernan" ] 24 Jan Re: calves and ravens ["Kevin" ] 24 Jan To Margo and back to McTaggart ["Val T" ] 23 Jan Re: calves and ravens ["ChrisB" ] 22 Jan First Nuthatch ["Ralph Goff" ] 22 Jan Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon ["nikovich71" ] 22 Jan nature regina ["Jim Nordquist" ] 22 Jan Re: Northern Birds [Joseph Stookey ] 22 Jan Northern Birds [Daniel Giesbrecht ] 22 Jan Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon ["clh459" ] 22 Jan Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon ["nikovich71" ] 22 Jan Estevan & Area ["Kathy H" ] 22 Jan Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon [C Lh ] 22 Jan RE: Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon ["B&L McDonald" ] Subject: Re: Coronach? From: "Ryan Dudragne" <pl8guy AT sasktel.net> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:42:15 -0000 Kevin, One thing to keep in mind if going to Coronach is that the reservoir and channels are on SaskPower property, and any visitors to these areas must adhere to company protocol. This includes asking permission (and checking in, etc.) at the main office since no unauthorized personnel/vehicles are allowed in these areas without it. A couple of water bodies are easily viewed from the main road, however. Fog should not be much of an issue this weekend as the temperature hovers around zero degrees; certainly it would be much thicker when temperatures are low. We had at least one Golden Eagle hanging around on the Christmas Bird count. The potential is there for several species, good luck if you go. Best of Birding, Ryan Dudragne Regina, SK --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, tsb2001 AT ... wrote: > > Kevin > We generally get fewer reports for Coronach on an annual basis no doubt in part because of the distances involved. I have only been there > than ten times. > > The fog issue from reports and experience is a major one especially when the temperatures are cold. > > The better areas, I think include the open channels for waterfowl and the surrounding power structures which often have raptors. > > > Enjoy your birding > Bob L > Regina > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Kevin > To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com > Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 11:19 AM > Subject: [Saskbirds] Coronach? > > > > I don't think we've heard any reports from Coronach lately especially with their open water. Has anyone been birding there recently? > > Kevin > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Coronach? From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:59:36 -0600 Kevin We generally get fewer reports for Coronach on an annual basis no doubt in part because of the distances involved. I have only been there > than ten times. The fog issue from reports and experience is a major one especially when the temperatures are cold. The better areas, I think include the open channels for waterfowl and the surrounding power structures which often have raptors. Enjoy your birding Bob L Regina ----- Original Message ----- From: Kevin To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 11:19 AM Subject: [Saskbirds] Coronach? I don't think we've heard any reports from Coronach lately especially with their open water. Has anyone been birding there recently? Kevin [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Re: Birding Weather From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:28:58 -0600 Val and Franni I appreciate the kind and generous words. For me, learning is always a collective and ongoing process. We all contribute to this by sharing our observations and being supportive. Enjoy your birding Bob L Regina ----- Original Message ----- From: Val T To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 9:28 AM Subject: [Saskbirds] Re: Birding Weather Hi Bob. Your comments are much appreciated. We are very fortunate to have your expertise and no matter how much we think we do know we should all take time to take note of such comments as we can and are able to learn, hopefully with a bit of humbleness. You and others have been a great inspiration to Doyle and I. Val - McTaggart --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, tsb2001 AT ... wrote: > > Kevin > I think the birds that are being seen now are winter stragglers. The American Crows, American Robins and Northern Flickers that I saw yesterday most certainly were in that category. The Red-tailed Hawk has been here all winter. > > The first birds moving into the area are usually the flocks of Horned Larks. I have not read of any reports of these flocks yet being seen on the roads. Sometimes, a few of these winter;however, when you see them in numbers that usually suggests the very beginning of the spring passage of birds. Next comes the crows and Mountain Bluebirds;however, this is all to come later not now. > > Enjoy your birding > Bob L > Regina > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Kevin > To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com > Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 7:52 AM > Subject: [Saskbirds] Birding Weather > > > > You have to wonder if the increase in some sightings (more flickers, crows, merlins, some of the robins) means early spring returners OR more likely an increase in the number of birders out enjoying the warm weather. Which is forecast to continue for almost two weeks. The projected daytime highs until mid Feb are not forecast to be below -3 or -4oC. Amazing. > > Does anyone know if this weather pattern from Dec till Feb also affected the states south of us? I know migration is a mixture of factors but if they are experiencing the same weather then it will be interesting to see if it affects the speed of returns. > > I had heard that December 2011 was one of the warmest on record and suspect January 2012 must be close too. > > Kevin > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: 2012 Saskatchewan Year List From: "jrbirdboy" <jrbirdboy AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:24:28 -0000 Ryan, We've had HORNED LARKS all winter. I had some close looks in the last cold spell. They seem to come nearer the roads when its cold for some reason. Joel --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, Ryan Dudragne wrote: > > Good Evening All, > > We are now one month into 2012, and already spring seems to have arrived > (for now, at least). > > Already we are sitting at 80 species for the year, which is quite good > for the month of January. A couple of expected species not yet reported > for the year include Spruce Grouse, Horned Lark, and Lapland Longspur. > > Thank you to all who have reported their new sightings thus far. Please > alert me to any errors of omission or otherwise, as well as any > questions or comments you may have. As usual, the year list is posted > to the FILES section of Saskbirds. Happy Birding! > > Cheers, > > Ryan Dudragne > Regina, SK > > > New to the list: /Everything! > > /__ > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: 2012 Saskatchewan Year List From: "Val T" <val_doyle_thomas AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:39:13 -0000 Hi Ryan. We had Lapland Longspurs last week (in January) - a small flock on on the south side of the highway by Yellow Grass. Sorry about the omission. We also saw a small flock of Snow Buntings yesterday fly up east of Lang. Our count of Snowy Owls between Milestone and Regina was seven, two being mainly 'white'. Our seven-year-old granddaughter spent a weekend with us and on the way back to Regina we stopped by the barn with the two fir trees in front of it north of Corrine to watch a Snowy Owl which flew off the roof down to the ground. She had the binoculars and it actually looked up and walked a bit. When her mom asked what we did for the weekend her comment "I saw a Snowy Owl". Val - McTaggart --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, Ryan Dudragne wrote: > > Good Evening All, > > We are now one month into 2012, and already spring seems to have arrived > (for now, at least). > > Already we are sitting at 80 species for the year, which is quite good > for the month of January. A couple of expected species not yet reported > for the year include Spruce Grouse, Horned Lark, and Lapland Longspur. > > Thank you to all who have reported their new sightings thus far. Please > alert me to any errors of omission or otherwise, as well as any > questions or comments you may have. As usual, the year list is posted > to the FILES section of Saskbirds. Happy Birding! > > Cheers, > > Ryan Dudragne > Regina, SK > > > New to the list: /Everything! > > /__ > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Birding Weather From: "Val T" <val_doyle_thomas AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:28:56 -0000 Hi Bob. Your comments are much appreciated. We are very fortunate to have your expertise and no matter how much we think we do know we should all take time to take note of such comments as we can and are able to learn, hopefully with a bit of humbleness. You and others have been a great inspiration to Doyle and I. Val - McTaggart --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, tsb2001 AT ... wrote: > > Kevin > I think the birds that are being seen now are winter stragglers. The American Crows, American Robins and Northern Flickers that I saw yesterday most certainly were in that category. The Red-tailed Hawk has been here all winter. > > The first birds moving into the area are usually the flocks of Horned Larks. I have not read of any reports of these flocks yet being seen on the roads. Sometimes, a few of these winter;however, when you see them in numbers that usually suggests the very beginning of the spring passage of birds. Next comes the crows and Mountain Bluebirds;however, this is all to come later not now. > > Enjoy your birding > Bob L > Regina > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Kevin > To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com > Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 7:52 AM > Subject: [Saskbirds] Birding Weather > > > > You have to wonder if the increase in some sightings (more flickers, crows, merlins, some of the robins) means early spring returners OR more likely an increase in the number of birders out enjoying the warm weather. Which is forecast to continue for almost two weeks. The projected daytime highs until mid Feb are not forecast to be below -3 or -4oC. Amazing. > > Does anyone know if this weather pattern from Dec till Feb also affected the states south of us? I know migration is a mixture of factors but if they are experiencing the same weather then it will be interesting to see if it affects the speed of returns. > > I had heard that December 2011 was one of the warmest on record and suspect January 2012 must be close too. > > Kevin > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Birding Weather From: "prairiesfran" <prairiesfran AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:07:09 -0000 Bob for newby birders, your comment below is muchly appreciated. While busy trying to learn by sight (with a bad memory!) and learn calls, it's always a bonus to learn which birds arrive in each season, and when they leave. Thanks for your below. Franni in Regina --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, tsb2001 AT ... wrote: > > Kevin > I think the birds that are being seen now are winter stragglers. The American Crows, American Robins and Northern Flickers that I saw yesterday most certainly were in that category. The Red-tailed Hawk has been here all winter. > > The first birds moving into the area are usually the flocks of Horned Larks. I have not read of any reports of these flocks yet being seen on the roads. Sometimes, a few of these winter;however, when you see them in numbers that usually suggests the very beginning of the spring passage of birds. Next comes the crows and Mountain Bluebirds;however, this is all to come later not now. > > Enjoy your birding > Bob L > Regina > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Kevin > To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com > Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 7:52 AM > Subject: [Saskbirds] Birding Weather > > > > You have to wonder if the increase in some sightings (more flickers, crows, merlins, some of the robins) means early spring returners OR more likely an increase in the number of birders out enjoying the warm weather. Which is forecast to continue for almost two weeks. The projected daytime highs until mid Feb are not forecast to be below -3 or -4oC. Amazing. > > Does anyone know if this weather pattern from Dec till Feb also affected the states south of us? I know migration is a mixture of factors but if they are experiencing the same weather then it will be interesting to see if it affects the speed of returns. > > I had heard that December 2011 was one of the warmest on record and suspect January 2012 must be close too. > > Kevin > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: Where to bird in Coronach? From: "Kevin" <kmscouts AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:29:25 -0000 If the weather and roads are decent this weekend then I was thinking I might make a drive that I've done before to Assiniboia and back via Weyburn. (Or if I leave early enough via Estevan.) I was thinking I might detour to Coronach. Are there any particular areas to bird in winter near Coronach. I'll go to the open water at the power plant and hope this time it's not misty... the 2-3 times I've been there in the past in winter the temperature has been such that there's been a thick fog off the water and you can't see more than a few metres. But I don't know any other areas. A long detour just for the open water esp as it would be about the same to reach Estevan where there is open water. Thanks. Kevin ------------------------------------ Subject: Golden-crowned Kinglets From: "Nick Saunders" <nikovich AT sasktel.net> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:51:28 -0600 Good evening all, Today I had 2 female Golden-crowned Kinglets show up in my backyard. These were in a 'foraging flock' comprised of 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches and about 6 Black-capped Chickadees. A pair of House Finch also showed up this afternoon, as well as the local Raven (once again, eating the unshelled peanuts) , and 2 Yellow-shafted Flickers were having a drink. A Downy Woodpecker was calling from a nearby yard and another flock of around 40 Bohemian Waxwings were once again in the neighbours mountain ash tree. Cheers, Nick Saskatoon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: VARC Spring Workshops From: "Derek Matthews" <Derek AT birdvancouver.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:31:51 -0000 The Vancouver Avian Research Centre has just posted spring dates for Bird Monitoring and Banding and Bird Identification Workshops. Bird Identification Workshop: • April 28 – 29 Bird Monitoring and Banding Workshop: • May 11 – 13 • June 8 - 10 The Bird Identification Workshop is designed for beginner and intermediate birders who may wish to participate in citizen science projects such as the BC Breeding Bird Atlas or similar programs or who just want to take their bird knowledge and identification skills to the next level. This course covers groups, topography, field marks, song, habitat, molt, ageing and more and includes a guided field session to the Colony Farm banding station. Although developed for beginner and intermediate birders the ornithological aspects of the course benefit even the most experienced birders and the workshop is invaluable for birders traveling overseas. The Bird Monitoring and Banding Workshop is designed for people with little or no bird banding or bird in the hand experience and provides a fantastic opportunity to see birds up close and personal, to learn about their plumage, molt sequences and life habits. Most of all, these workshops are designed to be a fun and interesting experience and a way to take your interest in birds and the environment to the next level. See what people who have attended the workshops have to say and why the average rating from course participants is 9.5 out of 10!! http://www.birdvancouver.com/testimonials.html Full details of course schedules and content and registration information can be found online at: http://www.birdvancouver.com/workshops.html Derek Matthews Vancouver Avian Research Centre Vancouver, BC www.birdvancouver.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Birds in Rochdale Pk From: K M <dragonflypondsk AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:35:35 -0800 (PST) Hi everyone.  Had a bit of a very small group go through- saw 2 Dark-eyed Juncos (heard more), a female Downy Woodpecker, House Sparrows, and when everyone was relaxed and sunning themselves- a Merlin swooped by : )      Kim in Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Coronach? From: "Kevin" <kmscouts AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:19:04 -0000 I don't think we've heard any reports from Coronach lately especially with their open water. Has anyone been birding there recently? Kevin ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Birding Weather From: "Kevin" <kmscouts AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:17:53 -0000 I agree. I was really commenting more on birders getting out and birding. When the temperatures were -20 or more there was a definate drop in sightings. Although it would still be interesting to see if the winter stragglers south of us in ND or MO tended to move north earlier with the warm weather. The main migration coming later. I usually tell people that being a birder is great as we see signs of spring much earlier than most people and thus get excited that spring is coming even though we might be surrounded by cold, winter weather. Spring to a birder is shown by: *Great Horned Owls started to nest at early as February *Overwintering horned larks that were in small flocks are now seen as individual birds on territory - even if the territory is a pure white expanse of snow. *Then the return of horned larks and usually some crows. *The movement of overwintering Canada Geese from their collective groups to individual pairs sitting on ponds and sloughs that can still be frozen solid. *The return of bluebirds which is often the tip of the migration and then floodgates open up and we start to see many species coming back. A wonderous time of the year. Kevin --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, tsb2001 AT ... wrote: > > Kevin > I think the birds that are being seen now are winter stragglers. The American Crows, American Robins and Northern Flickers that I saw yesterday most certainly were in that category. The Red-tailed Hawk has been here all winter. > > The first birds moving into the area are usually the flocks of Horned Larks. I have not read of any reports of these flocks yet being seen on the roads. Sometimes, a few of these winter;however, when you see them in numbers that usually suggests the very beginning of the spring passage of birds. Next comes the crows and Mountain Bluebirds;however, this is all to come later not now. > > Enjoy your birding > Bob L > Regina > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Kevin > To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com > Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 7:52 AM > Subject: [Saskbirds] Birding Weather > > > > You have to wonder if the increase in some sightings (more flickers, crows, merlins, some of the robins) means early spring returners OR more likely an increase in the number of birders out enjoying the warm weather. Which is forecast to continue for almost two weeks. The projected daytime highs until mid Feb are not forecast to be below -3 or -4oC. Amazing. > > Does anyone know if this weather pattern from Dec till Feb also affected the states south of us? I know migration is a mixture of factors but if they are experiencing the same weather then it will be interesting to see if it affects the speed of returns. > > I had heard that December 2011 was one of the warmest on record and suspect January 2012 must be close too. > > Kevin > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: 2012 Saskatchewan Year List From: Ryan Dudragne <pl8guy AT sasktel.net> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:04:45 -0600 Good Evening All, We are now one month into 2012, and already spring seems to have arrived (for now, at least). Already we are sitting at 80 species for the year, which is quite good for the month of January. A couple of expected species not yet reported for the year include Spruce Grouse, Horned Lark, and Lapland Longspur. Thank you to all who have reported their new sightings thus far. Please alert me to any errors of omission or otherwise, as well as any questions or comments you may have. As usual, the year list is posted to the FILES section of Saskbirds. Happy Birding! Cheers, Ryan Dudragne Regina, SK New to the list: /Everything! /__ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings From: "auntielyk" <cbk.lyk AT sasktel.net> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:24:13 -0000 This morning about 9:30 I relocated the small flock of Cedar Waxwings I saw yesterday afternoon in the same berry bushes south of Spruce Island Overlook. About 10 a.m. they lifted into the tallest tree before flying off and I was able to count 29 for sure. Most of them were Cedar Waxwings but there were at least 5 Bohemians. Also in this same spot I saw a Brown Creeper, M Downy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, 4 Black-capped Chickadees and 2 House Sparrows. On Spruce Island nearby there were 3 Black-billed Magpies and a Red Fox. This afternoon Kim, Bob and I saw a Townsend's Solitaire in AE Wilson Park also a Yellow-shafted Flicker, 3 Common Redpolls and the other usuals. Kim and I saw the coyote again as well. On the way home I saw 3 Snowy Owls :) Another beautiful day! Laurie in Lakeridge Regina ------------------------------------ Subject: 2 out of 3 - Thanks! From: "youngdi59" <youngdi59 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:37:37 -0000 Well, I had two out of three right - Red-breasted Nuthatch and Harris's Sparrow. What I had thought was a Northern Goshawk was actually a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Thanks again Nick! Dianne Young Martensville ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Birding Weather From: Joseph Stookey <joseph.stookey AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:00:02 -0800 (PST) HI, As I was leaving the U of S in Saskatoon over lunch hour, a beautiful Prairie Falcon landed on a lamp post, just east of the University on 108th street.  I was not really out "birding", but I could not help notice it.  It also made me wonder if it would have been there if the day was a typical cold winter day!  Perhaps. Joe ________________________________ From: Kevin To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 7:52:45 AM Subject: [Saskbirds] Birding Weather   You have to wonder if the increase in some sightings (more flickers, crows, merlins, some of the robins) means early spring returners OR more likely an increase in the number of birders out enjoying the warm weather. Which is forecast to continue for almost two weeks. The projected daytime highs until mid Feb are not forecast to be below -3 or -4oC. Amazing. Does anyone know if this weather pattern from Dec till Feb also affected the states south of us? I know migration is a mixture of factors but if they are experiencing the same weather then it will be interesting to see if it affects the speed of returns. I had heard that December 2011 was one of the warmest on record and suspect January 2012 must be close too. Kevin [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Red Crossbills in Saskatoon From: "nikovich71" <nikovich AT sasktel.net> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:17:39 -0000 Good afternoon all, I just spent the past hour and a half trawling some back alleys in my neighborhood and observed a flock of 10 Red Crossbills. They were high in the spruce trees on Glasgow St. then flew off towards the Broadway area. They definitely seem to be the crossbill of choice right now. I've only seen a single flock of White-winged this season. A dozen or more Common Redpolls also made a fly over, and I found a single female Downy Woodpecker, at least 8 Red-breasted Nuthatches and many Black-capped Chickadees. Yesterday there was a flock of around 20 or so Bohemian Waxwings in our back alley, feasting on Mountain Ash berries. Cheers, Nick Saskatoon ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Birding Weather From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:46:35 -0600 Kevin I think the birds that are being seen now are winter stragglers. The American Crows, American Robins and Northern Flickers that I saw yesterday most certainly were in that category. The Red-tailed Hawk has been here all winter. The first birds moving into the area are usually the flocks of Horned Larks. I have not read of any reports of these flocks yet being seen on the roads. Sometimes, a few of these winter;however, when you see them in numbers that usually suggests the very beginning of the spring passage of birds. Next comes the crows and Mountain Bluebirds;however, this is all to come later not now. Enjoy your birding Bob L Regina ----- Original Message ----- From: Kevin To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 7:52 AM Subject: [Saskbirds] Birding Weather You have to wonder if the increase in some sightings (more flickers, crows, merlins, some of the robins) means early spring returners OR more likely an increase in the number of birders out enjoying the warm weather. Which is forecast to continue for almost two weeks. The projected daytime highs until mid Feb are not forecast to be below -3 or -4oC. Amazing. Does anyone know if this weather pattern from Dec till Feb also affected the states south of us? I know migration is a mixture of factors but if they are experiencing the same weather then it will be interesting to see if it affects the speed of returns. I had heard that December 2011 was one of the warmest on record and suspect January 2012 must be close too. Kevin [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Northern Goshawk and Harris's Sparrow? From: "nikovich71" <nikovich AT sasktel.net> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:59:37 -0000 Hi Dianne, I left you a comment on your blog :-) Cheers, Nick ------------------------------------ Subject: Birding Weather From: "Kevin" <kmscouts AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:52:45 -0000 You have to wonder if the increase in some sightings (more flickers, crows, merlins, some of the robins) means early spring returners OR more likely an increase in the number of birders out enjoying the warm weather. Which is forecast to continue for almost two weeks. The projected daytime highs until mid Feb are not forecast to be below -3 or -4oC. Amazing. Does anyone know if this weather pattern from Dec till Feb also affected the states south of us? I know migration is a mixture of factors but if they are experiencing the same weather then it will be interesting to see if it affects the speed of returns. I had heard that December 2011 was one of the warmest on record and suspect January 2012 must be close too. Kevin ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Northern Goshawk and Harris's Sparrow? From: K M <dragonflypondsk AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 05:42:31 -0800 (PST) Hi Dianne. Hi everyone.    The sparrow is definitely a Harris's.    Really neat shot of the hawk.        Kim in Regina ________________________________ From: youngdi59 To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 10:51:05 PM Subject: [Saskbirds] Northern Goshawk and Harris's Sparrow?   Isn't this weather fantastic? I've been going out at lunch time with my camera to see what I can see. In the last two days I've seen a Northern Flicker, a House Finch, a Red-breasted Nuthatch and what I think is a Northern Goshawk. This is in Saskatoon in the Westview neighbourhood around Caroline Robins Community School where I work as an EA. Then today after school I wandered around the neighbourhood along Spadina Crescent and saw what I think is a Harris's Sparrow. If anyone would like to check out my pictures and see if I'm on the right track with my identifications, I'd really appreciate it. http://dianneyoung.ca/2012/01/31/this-weather-is-for-the-birds/ Dianne Young Martensville [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Re: American Crows at McIntosh Street and 7th Ave., Regina From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:38:01 -0600 Laurie I saw 3 YS Northern Flickers all together later as I walked east in the Quinn Drive Alley and then a Merlin. Enjoy your birding Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: auntielyk To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 10:21 PM Subject: [Saskbirds] Re: American Crows at McIntosh Street and 7th Ave., Regina Plus a Downy Woodpecker, Pine Siskins, a male Yellow-shafted Flicker and 4 Robins :) Laurie in Lakeridge Regina --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, tsb2001 AT ... wrote: > > This morning on my way over to A.E.Wilson Park, I saw 4 Crows together in a tree at the above location. They appeared to be courting-cawing and posturing. > > I finally saw the over-wintering Red-tailed Hawk on Spruce Island, Wascana Lake, earlier this morning.. This bird apparently roosts at that location as it has been reported several times later in evening here. > > Did not see either Townsend's Solitaire this morning. I did see, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, a Hairy Woodpecker, House Finches, House Sparrows, Black-billed Magpies plus a single Canada Goose during my travels. > > Enjoy your birding > Bob L > Regina > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Northern Goshawk and Harris's Sparrow? From: "youngdi59" <youngdi59 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:51:05 -0000 Isn't this weather fantastic? I've been going out at lunch time with my camera to see what I can see. In the last two days I've seen a Northern Flicker, a House Finch, a Red-breasted Nuthatch and what I think is a Northern Goshawk. This is in Saskatoon in the Westview neighbourhood around Caroline Robins Community School where I work as an EA. Then today after school I wandered around the neighbourhood along Spadina Crescent and saw what I think is a Harris's Sparrow. If anyone would like to check out my pictures and see if I'm on the right track with my identifications, I'd really appreciate it. http://dianneyoung.ca/2012/01/31/this-weather-is-for-the-birds/ Dianne Young Martensville ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: American Crows at McIntosh Street and 7th Ave., Regina From: "auntielyk" <cbk.lyk AT sasktel.net> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:21:11 -0000 Plus a Downy Woodpecker, Pine Siskins, a male Yellow-shafted Flicker and 4 Robins :) Laurie in Lakeridge Regina --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, tsb2001 AT ... wrote: > > This morning on my way over to A.E.Wilson Park, I saw 4 Crows together in a tree at the above location. They appeared to be courting-cawing and posturing. > > I finally saw the over-wintering Red-tailed Hawk on Spruce Island, Wascana Lake, earlier this morning.. This bird apparently roosts at that location as it has been reported several times later in evening here. > > Did not see either Townsend's Solitaire this morning. I did see, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, a Hairy Woodpecker, House Finches, House Sparrows, Black-billed Magpies plus a single Canada Goose during my travels. > > Enjoy your birding > Bob L > Regina > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: Snowy Owl From: "skyman845" <skyman845 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:20:34 -0000 I have mead a point to take the "detour" home after work. This detour takes me along the grid road to the east of the SIAST campus to rainbow bridge before I re-enter the residential area. over the past few days I typically see 3 birds; however, they are not always the same birds. For example yesterday right at the bridge was a pure white bird, and today it was replaced by a mostly white with some very minor black barring, the other birds have varying degress of barring, from very heavy to moderate. I also read today in the States where the irruption is really being noticed, that many of the birds are stressed and very under-weight. Greg in Regina ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: American Crows at McIntosh Street and 7th Ave., Regina From: "Ryan Dudragne" <pl8guy AT sasktel.net> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:20:37 -0000 I observed the Red-tailed Hawk in the fading minutes of the afternoon, at 17:47. It was perched conspicuously on a snag along the western side of Spruce Island. This was my first sighting of the winter also; although it has been known to be there early in the morning, my wish to be there early in the morning was not. Two Mallards were sitting on the edge of an open patch just north of Sruce Island. Best of Birding, Ryan Dudragne Regina, SK --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, tsb2001 AT ... wrote: > > This morning on my way over to A.E.Wilson Park, I saw 4 Crows together in a tree at the above location. They appeared to be courting-cawing and posturing. > > I finally saw the over-wintering Red-tailed Hawk on Spruce Island, Wascana Lake, earlier this morning.. This bird apparently roosts at that location as it has been reported several times later in evening here. > > Did not see either Townsend's Solitaire this morning. I did see, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, a Hairy Woodpecker, House Finches, House Sparrows, Black-billed Magpies plus a single Canada Goose during my travels. > > Enjoy your birding > Bob L > Regina > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: Hillsdale, Regina From: Ryan Dudragne <pl8guy AT sasktel.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:29:32 -0600 Good Afternoon all, It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood, and one more in a string of beautiful days ahead. Bird highlights on my walk back from classes just now included a Northern Flicker with 2 Blue Jays on Patterson Drive, and a Brown Creeper, with which I was mutually paired from the corner of McNiven Ave all the way to my backyard. Interestingly, the two vocal Blue Jays were near the tops of a couple spruce trees when a Northern Flicker flew up and displaced one, then seemed to remain 'on guard' for several minutes. Assertion of territory perhaps? The nuthatches (3+) were also vocal and active around my neighbour's pine trees. Best of Birding, Ryan Dudragne Regina, SK [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: American Crows at McIntosh Street and 7th Ave., Regina From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:23:32 -0600 This morning on my way over to A.E.Wilson Park, I saw 4 Crows together in a tree at the above location. They appeared to be courting-cawing and posturing. I finally saw the over-wintering Red-tailed Hawk on Spruce Island, Wascana Lake, earlier this morning.. This bird apparently roosts at that location as it has been reported several times later in evening here. Did not see either Townsend's Solitaire this morning. I did see, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, a Hairy Woodpecker, House Finches, House Sparrows, Black-billed Magpies plus a single Canada Goose during my travels. Enjoy your birding Bob L Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Grackle on McCarthy From: K M <dragonflypondsk AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:28:01 -0800 (PST) Hi everyone.  Today I went in search of Laurie's Crabapple Climbing Coyote : ) in AE Wilson. Found lots of scat embedded with crabapples but no Coyote.  I did run into Brett Q and together we saw 4 RB Nuthatches, 2 Bl-capped Chickadees, some groups of House Finches, Magpies, and House Sparrows. Just after we had each gone our separate ways, I saw a Townsend's Solitaire at the top of a Spruce Tree by the parking lot at the corner of Dieppe and I believe it is 5 or 6th St. I went and got Brett and together we searched around Dieppe and the parking lot but couldn't find it again.  On the way home, I saw a male Common Grackle on McCarthy, just north of Mikkelson's. It was hanging around the work trucks that are parked on the median.      Kim in Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Golden Eagle seen today near Craven From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:26:00 -0600 Today near noon, I scoped a distant Golden Eagle perched on a large power structure located at the top of the Qu'Appelle Valley North Wall. This large hydro line intersects # 99 just east of Craven. During the Craven/Lumsden CBC, Curtis Pollack observed a Golden Eagle somewhat nearby at the microwave tower site situated high atop the Craven Hill. . On December 10, 2011, I saw a bird at the same location as today's bird. The bird faced away much of the time allowing extended views of its 'golden nape'. All plumages feature this useful specific field mark if the bird is perched and can be seen well.. Also, note the relatively smaller buteo shaped head of the Golden Eagle in comparison to the relatively larger more massive head and bill of the of the Bald Eagle. There are of course many other identification cues for this species to differentiate it from a Bald Eagle. Check the link below. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/id/ac (The Bald Eagle is linked at the bottom of the page.) A flock of 200+- Bohemian Waxwings were seen first drinking and bathing and later sunning nearby in trees at the edge of the Craven Dam. This is only my first sighting of this species since November 19 at Pasqua Lake. I finally saw the Wascana Park group of wintering Cedar Waxwings at Quinn Drive, very recently. I counted 5 Snowy Owls on roadside poles during the drive on # 11 to Craven from Regina. These were all seen northwest of Condie towards Lumsden. Another one was perched on a stop sign northeast of Sinton. It flushed when we were mere meters away affording great close up views. Last night near dark, I heard then saw a juv plumaged Pine Grosbeak calling from the spruce spire along Quinn Drive. Enjoy your birding Bob L Regina Bob L Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Coyote in a Tree From: "auntielyk" <cbk.lyk AT sasktel.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:12:57 -0000 Such a beautiful day for my last day of January birding! A few firsts for me--saw a Snowy Owl sitting at the top of a Spruce tree on Armour Rd--haven't personally seen one in a tree before. AE Wilson was full of magpies today and the chickadees were in spots I usually don't see them--the reason became obvious when I saw a coyote across from Boreal Island not far from Dieppe School playground. He was after a fruit snack in what I call a crabapple tree but am not sure if it is one. He climbed the tree several times after being interrupted by people walking on the path beside it. I had ample opportunity for some photos and video clips. I'm sure he had a big grin on his face!! Took a swing SE of Regina as far as the Rowat grid then up Grand Coulee Road to Armour Road again. Saw a total of 19 Snowy Owls. At Condie I found a couple of Ravens, a BB Magpie and a M Ring-necked Pheasant. Hope your day was as satisfactory as mine felt! Laurie in Lakeridge Regina ------------------------------------ Subject: TC Douglas in Regina From: K M <dragonflypondsk AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:50:28 -0800 (PST) Hi everyone.   At approx. 5:15pm, there was a Merlin (saw 1, possibly heard 2) calling from the top of a Spruce south of the TC Douglas Building in Regina.      Kim in Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Snowy owl YouTube From: Joseph Stookey <joseph.stookey AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:53:34 -0800 (PST) Hi, Since this seems to be the season of the snowy owl, I thought I would pass on a link to a YouTube creation by the Cornell Ornithology Lab.  It is very nice. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufkcx-UqljM&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Cornell+Lab+eNews&utm_campaign=13c060f63f-Cornell_Lab_eNews_January_20121_24_2012&utm_medium=email Joe SW of Saskatoon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Winter Bird List 2011/2012 From: "Ryan Dudragne" <pl8guy AT sasktel.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:14:01 -0000 Kevin, The asterisk indicates an unusual or relatively uncommon winter species. So for example, while Red-necked Grebe is a fairly common bird in Saskatchewan, one definitely would not expect to find it in a normal winter. I use it more for my own reference in my list document than anything, but there it is. Cheers, Ryan Dudragne --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Kevin" wrote: > > Just curious why some birds in the list have an asterix beside them? > > Kevin > > > > --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, Ryan Dudragne wrote: > > > > Good Evening All, > > > > It's me again! Now that the busy Christmas Bird Count season is over and > > February is nearly upon us, I figured now is probably a good time for > > another update of the Winter Bird List. Since the previous update on > > Dec. 13 we have added 12 more species for a total of 103 species so > > far. Pretty good! > > > > We are 3 birds ahead of this time last year, and as of today we have one > > more month of winter birding left (23:59:59 of Feb. 29th). Which is > > good, considering that we are still missing a few species: > > > > Spruce Grouse > > Eastern Screech-Owl > > Barred Owl > > Boreal Owl > > Northern Saw-whet Owl > > Lapland Longspur > > Red-winged Blackbird > > Purple Finch > > > > If you or someone you know can provide a good report for one of these > > missing birds, please let us know! As usual, please alert me to any > > errors , questions or comments. Can't beat the great weather we have > > been having for most of the winter, but all the same, stay safe on the > > roads and good luck! > > > > > > Best of Birding, > > > > Ryan Dudragne > > Regina, SK > > > > New to the list:/Green-winged Teal, Ruffed Grouse, Cooper's Hawk, > > Northern Goshawk, Great Grey Owl, Short-eared Owl, American Three-toed > > Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Boreal > > Chickadee, American Tree Sparrow, Red Crossbill/ > > > > > > Saskatchewan Winter Bird List 2011/2012 > > > > 1. Greater White-fronted Goose* > > 2. Snow Goose* > > 3. Cackling Goose > > 4. Canada Goose > > 5. Gadwall > > 6. American Wigeon > > 7. Mallard > > 8. Northern Pintail > > 9. Green-winged Teal > > 10. Canvasback > > 11. Redhead > > 12. Ring-necked Duck > > 13. Lesser Scaup > > 14. White-winged Scoter > > 15. Long-tailed Duck* > > 16. Bufflehead > > 17. Common Goldeneye > > 18. Barrow's Goldeneye > > 19. Hooded Merganser > > 20. Common Merganser > > 21. Red-breasted Merganser > > 22. Ruddy Duck > > 23. Gray Partridge > > 24. Ring-necked Pheasant > > 25. Ruffed Grouse > > 26. Willow Ptarmigan > > 27. Sharp-tailed Grouse > > 28. Wild Turkey > > 29. Pied-billed Grebe* > > 30. Horned Grebe* > > 31. Red-necked Grebe* > > 32. Western Grebe > > 33. American White Pelican > > 34. Double-crested Cormorant > > 35. Bald Eagle > > 36. Northern Harrier > > 37. Sharp-shinned Hawk > > 38. Cooper's Hawk > > 39. Northern Goshawk > > 40. Red-tailed Hawk > > 41. Rough-legged Hawk > > 42. Golden Eagle > > 43. American Kestrel > > 44. Merlin > > 45. Gyrfalcon > > 46. Prairie Falcon > > 47. American Coot > > 48. Killdeer > > 49. Herring Gull > > 50. Rock Pigeon > > 51. Mourning Dove > > 52. Eurasian Collared Dove > > 53. Great Horned Owl > > 54. Snowy Owl > > 55. Northern Hawk Owl > > 56. Great Gray Owl > > 57. Short-eared Owl > > 58. Downy Woodpecker > > 59. Hairy Woodpecker > > 60. American Three-toed Woodpecker > > 61. Black-backed Woodpecker > > 62. Northern Flicker > > 63. Pileated Woodpecker > > 64. Northern Shrike > > 65. Gray Jay > > 66. Blue Jay > > 67. Black-billed Magpie > > 68. American Crow > > 69. Common Raven > > 70. Horned Lark > > 71. Black-capped Chickadee > > 72. Boreal Chickadee > > 73. Red-breasted Nuthatch > > 74. White-breasted Nuthatch > > 75. Brown Creeper > > 76. Golden-crowned Kinglet > > 77. Townsend's Solitaire > > 78. American Robin > > 79. Varied Thrush > > 80. European Starling > > 81. Bohemian Waxwing > > 82. Cedar Waxwing > > 83. American Tree Sparrow > > 84. White-throated Sparrow > > 85. Harris' Sparrow > > 86. Dark-eyed Junco > > 87. Snow Bunting > > 88. Northern Cardinal* > > 89. Western Meadowlark > > 90. Yellow-headed Blackbird > > 91. Rusty Blackbird > > 92. Common Grackle > > 93. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch > > 94. Pine Grosbeak > > 95. House Finch > > 96. Red Crossbill > > 97. White-winged Crossbill > > 98. Common Redpoll > > 99. Hoary Redpoll > > 100. Pine Siskin > > 101. American Goldfinch > > 102. Evening Grosbeak > > 103. House Sparrow > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: 2011 Saskatchewan Year List (Final) From: Ryan Dudragne <pl8guy AT sasktel.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:08:29 -0600 Thank you Stan, I am glad you had success in finding these species this year-- I was not so lucky later in the summer. I will include these records in the final tally. Ross Dickson also reports a flock of 4 Smith's Longspur at Last Mountain Lake NWA on Sept 10 and scattered small groups for the next few days. The addition of these three species brings the final tally to 305 for the year 2011. 2012 list coming up by the end of the month! Best of Birding, Ryan Dudragne Regina, SK --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, Stan Shadick wrote: > > Hi Ryan, > > I am not sure if I reported them to Saskbirds previously, but my Avisys > records confirm that I saw both Dusky Flycatcher and MacGillivray's > Warbler in the centre block of Cypress Hllls on June 14, 2011. > > Stan Shadick > > On 1/29/2012 12:17 AM, Ryan Dudragne wrote: > > Fellow Birders, > > > > With 2012 now well underway, here is a glimpse of birding in > > Saskatchewan from yesteryear. With the addition of a few belated > > records at the end of the year we managed to reach a respectable total > > of 302 species. Not bad, considering we had a couple of misses - namely, > > Harlequin Duck, Chimney Swift, Dusky Flycatcher, MacGillivray's Warbler, > > Smith's Longspur, and Field Sparrow (no reliable record). > > > > We were fortunate enough to find about sixteen or so rarities, including > > one newly confirmed record for the province (Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, one > > previous sight record in 1990). These notable birds are below: > > > > Red-throated Loon - 03 November 2011 -- Buena Vista (LML) > > Red Phalarope - 23 May 2011 -- S. of Herbert > > Sabine's Gull - 29 September 2011 -- Buck Lake > > Lesser Black-backed Gull - 14 April 2011 -- Regina > > White-winged Dove - 23 June 2011 -- Denholm > > Red-headed Woodpecker (Jun. 16) -- Grasslands NP > > Red-bellied Woodpecker (Jan. 01); cont'd from Nov. 2010; Crooked River > > Stellar's Jay - July 2011 -- Regina > > Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 28 May 2011 -- Last Mtn Reg. Park > > Wood Thrush - 09 May 2011 -- Last Mtn Reg. Park > > Golden-winged Warbler - 03 June 2011 --Saskatoon > > Northern Parula - 04 June 2011 --Saskatoon > > Black-throated Blue Warbler - 08 September 2011 -- Last Mtn Reg. Park > > Townsend's Warbler - 27 August 2011 --Swift Current; Sep 15 near Hodgeville > > Summer Tanager - 16 May 2011 -- Regina; Oct. 10 N of Saskatoon > > Northern Cardinal - 24 March 2011 Prince Albert; May 21 White City; Aug. > > 12 Yorkton > > > > Although many of the gulls and birds such as Northern Cardinal, Summer > > Tanager, and Black-throated Blue Warbler are now making annual or > > near-annual appearances, I have still chosen to include them in the > > above list. Also of worthy mention in that vein would be Thayer's Gull. > > Sadly, Red-headed Woodpecker is now considered to be rare as populations > > decline and it is no longer recorded every year. > > > > I would like to thank everyone for making contributions, suggestions, > > and corrections to this year list, and helping to make 2011 another very > > good year for birding in Saskatchewan. > > > > Once again, if I have missed any species in the list (files section of > > Saskbirds) please let me know and I will update the list accordingly. > > Ditto for any revised first dates of observation (in parentheses). > > Also, please feel free to fire off any questions or comments you might > > have ( pl8guy AT ... ).Otherwise this is the final edition for > > 2011. Thanks again, and now onto 2012! > > > > > > Best of Birding, > > > > Ryan Dudragne > > Regina, SK > > > > > > _2011 Saskbirds Saskatchewan Year List_ (Final Copy) > > see FILES section of Saskbirds > > > > /RJMD > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > Subject: Nature Regina Field Trip From: K M <dragonflypondsk AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:03:32 -0800 (PST) Hi everyone.  Today, Nature Regina had a field trip to the southern outskirts of Regina. We hit Cinema 6 Rd., a bunch of grids east of Hwy 6, Rowatt Rd, and grids west of Hwy 6. We finished off by coming back to Regina by way of SIAST.  Thanks to Keith Barr for leading the trip and Lauren Mang for arranging NRegina field trips.  There were 10 of us in 3 cars. In approx. 2 hrs, we saw 13 Snowy Owls (4 very light, 3 medium, and 5 dark birds), 1 Great-horned Owl, 20 or so Snow Buntings, House Sparrows, and 3 Pigeons. We saw 1 mammal- a Red Fox.     We were discussing the coloration of the Snowy Owls. In the fall, most of the Snowies we had seen were dark- for us we figured we had seen 1 or 2 light individuals for every 15-20 birds. Today, we saw 4 almost pure white birds out of 13. Has anyone else noticed this? Kim in Regina   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: American Robin in Saskatoon From: "Richard Hedley" <dick_hedley AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:59:40 -0000 Hi, Today I saw my first American Robin of the winter. I was walking to the grocery store and the Robin was in someone's back yard near Cumberland and Main st. Also on the way home, I saw a flock of Red Crossbills, probably the same flock that has been hanging around that part of Saskatoon for some time now. -Richard ------------------------------------ Subject: VARC - 2011 Year end Report From: "Derek Matthews" <Derek AT birdvancouver.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:04:39 -0000 Hi Birders and Banders, All the rain and snow this month has meant little or no banding at Colony Farm but it has given us the opportunity to work on the VARC year end report for 2011 which we've just finished and put up for anyone interested. http://birdvancouver.com/pdf/varc_2011yearendreport.pdf It's a fairly large file so please give it a moment or two to load! Cheers. Derek Derek Matthews Vancouver Avian Research Centre Vancouver, BC www.birdvancouver.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Winter Bird List 2011/2012 From: "Kevin" <kmscouts AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:39:41 -0000 Just curious why some birds in the list have an asterix beside them? Kevin --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, Ryan Dudragne wrote: > > Good Evening All, > > It's me again! Now that the busy Christmas Bird Count season is over and > February is nearly upon us, I figured now is probably a good time for > another update of the Winter Bird List. Since the previous update on > Dec. 13 we have added 12 more species for a total of 103 species so > far. Pretty good! > > We are 3 birds ahead of this time last year, and as of today we have one > more month of winter birding left (23:59:59 of Feb. 29th). Which is > good, considering that we are still missing a few species: > > Spruce Grouse > Eastern Screech-Owl > Barred Owl > Boreal Owl > Northern Saw-whet Owl > Lapland Longspur > Red-winged Blackbird > Purple Finch > > If you or someone you know can provide a good report for one of these > missing birds, please let us know! As usual, please alert me to any > errors , questions or comments. Can't beat the great weather we have > been having for most of the winter, but all the same, stay safe on the > roads and good luck! > > > Best of Birding, > > Ryan Dudragne > Regina, SK > > New to the list:/Green-winged Teal, Ruffed Grouse, Cooper's Hawk, > Northern Goshawk, Great Grey Owl, Short-eared Owl, American Three-toed > Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Boreal > Chickadee, American Tree Sparrow, Red Crossbill/ > > > Saskatchewan Winter Bird List 2011/2012 > > 1. Greater White-fronted Goose* > 2. Snow Goose* > 3. Cackling Goose > 4. Canada Goose > 5. Gadwall > 6. American Wigeon > 7. Mallard > 8. Northern Pintail > 9. Green-winged Teal > 10. Canvasback > 11. Redhead > 12. Ring-necked Duck > 13. Lesser Scaup > 14. White-winged Scoter > 15. Long-tailed Duck* > 16. Bufflehead > 17. Common Goldeneye > 18. Barrow's Goldeneye > 19. Hooded Merganser > 20. Common Merganser > 21. Red-breasted Merganser > 22. Ruddy Duck > 23. Gray Partridge > 24. Ring-necked Pheasant > 25. Ruffed Grouse > 26. Willow Ptarmigan > 27. Sharp-tailed Grouse > 28. Wild Turkey > 29. Pied-billed Grebe* > 30. Horned Grebe* > 31. Red-necked Grebe* > 32. Western Grebe > 33. American White Pelican > 34. Double-crested Cormorant > 35. Bald Eagle > 36. Northern Harrier > 37. Sharp-shinned Hawk > 38. Cooper's Hawk > 39. Northern Goshawk > 40. Red-tailed Hawk > 41. Rough-legged Hawk > 42. Golden Eagle > 43. American Kestrel > 44. Merlin > 45. Gyrfalcon > 46. Prairie Falcon > 47. American Coot > 48. Killdeer > 49. Herring Gull > 50. Rock Pigeon > 51. Mourning Dove > 52. Eurasian Collared Dove > 53. Great Horned Owl > 54. Snowy Owl > 55. Northern Hawk Owl > 56. Great Gray Owl > 57. Short-eared Owl > 58. Downy Woodpecker > 59. Hairy Woodpecker > 60. American Three-toed Woodpecker > 61. Black-backed Woodpecker > 62. Northern Flicker > 63. Pileated Woodpecker > 64. Northern Shrike > 65. Gray Jay > 66. Blue Jay > 67. Black-billed Magpie > 68. American Crow > 69. Common Raven > 70. Horned Lark > 71. Black-capped Chickadee > 72. Boreal Chickadee > 73. Red-breasted Nuthatch > 74. White-breasted Nuthatch > 75. Brown Creeper > 76. Golden-crowned Kinglet > 77. Townsend's Solitaire > 78. American Robin > 79. Varied Thrush > 80. European Starling > 81. Bohemian Waxwing > 82. Cedar Waxwing > 83. American Tree Sparrow > 84. White-throated Sparrow > 85. Harris' Sparrow > 86. Dark-eyed Junco > 87. Snow Bunting > 88. Northern Cardinal* > 89. Western Meadowlark > 90. Yellow-headed Blackbird > 91. Rusty Blackbird > 92. Common Grackle > 93. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch > 94. Pine Grosbeak > 95. House Finch > 96. Red Crossbill > 97. White-winged Crossbill > 98. Common Redpoll > 99. Hoary Redpoll > 100. Pine Siskin > 101. American Goldfinch > 102. Evening Grosbeak > 103. House Sparrow > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: 2011 Saskatchewan Year List (Final) From: Stan Shadick <stan.shadick AT usask.ca> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:22:02 -0600 Hi Ryan, I am not sure if I reported them to Saskbirds previously, but my Avisys records confirm that I saw both Dusky Flycatcher and MacGillivray's Warlber in the centre block of Cypress Hllls on June 14, 2011. Stan Shadick On 1/29/2012 12:17 AM, Ryan Dudragne wrote: > Fellow Birders, > > With 2012 now well underway, here is a glimpse of birding in > Saskatchewan from yesteryear. With the addition of a few belated > records at the end of the year we managed to reach a respectable total > of 302 species. Not bad, considering we had a couple of misses - namely, > Harlequin Duck, Chimney Swift, Dusky Flycatcher, MacGillivray's Warbler, > Smith's Longspur, and Field Sparrow (no reliable record). > > We were fortunate enough to find about sixteen or so rarities, including > one newly confirmed record for the province (Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, one > previous sight record in 1990). These notable birds are below: > > Red-throated Loon - 03 November 2011 -- Buena Vista (LML) > Red Phalarope - 23 May 2011 -- S. of Herbert > Sabine's Gull - 29 September 2011 -- Buck Lake > Lesser Black-backed Gull - 14 April 2011 -- Regina > White-winged Dove - 23 June 2011 -- Denholm > Red-headed Woodpecker (Jun. 16) -- Grasslands NP > Red-bellied Woodpecker (Jan. 01); cont'd from Nov. 2010; Crooked River > Stellar's Jay - July 2011 -- Regina > Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 28 May 2011 -- Last Mtn Reg. Park > Wood Thrush - 09 May 2011 -- Last Mtn Reg. Park > Golden-winged Warbler - 03 June 2011 --Saskatoon > Northern Parula - 04 June 2011 --Saskatoon > Black-throated Blue Warbler - 08 September 2011 -- Last Mtn Reg. Park > Townsend's Warbler - 27 August 2011 --Swift Current; Sep 15 near Hodgeville > Summer Tanager - 16 May 2011 -- Regina; Oct. 10 N of Saskatoon > Northern Cardinal - 24 March 2011 Prince Albert; May 21 White City; Aug. > 12 Yorkton > > Although many of the gulls and birds such as Northern Cardinal, Summer > Tanager, and Black-throated Blue Warbler are now making annual or > near-annual appearances, I have still chosen to include them in the > above list. Also of worthy mention in that vein would be Thayer's Gull. > Sadly, Red-headed Woodpecker is now considered to be rare as populations > decline and it is no longer recorded every year. > > I would like to thank everyone for making contributions, suggestions, > and corrections to this year list, and helping to make 2011 another very > good year for birding in Saskatchewan. > > Once again, if I have missed any species in the list (files section of > Saskbirds) please let me know and I will update the list accordingly. > Ditto for any revised first dates of observation (in parentheses). > Also, please feel free to fire off any questions or comments you might > have ( pl8guy AT sasktel.net ).Otherwise this is the final edition for > 2011. Thanks again, and now onto 2012! > > > Best of Birding, > > Ryan Dudragne > Regina, SK > > > _2011 Saskbirds Saskatchewan Year List_ (Final Copy) > see FILES section of Saskbirds > > /RJMD > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Subject: Winter Bird List 2011/2012 From: Ryan Dudragne <pl8guy AT sasktel.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:36:12 -0600 Good Evening All, It's me again! Now that the busy Christmas Bird Count season is over and February is nearly upon us, I figured now is probably a good time for another update of the Winter Bird List. Since the previous update on Dec. 13 we have added 12 more species for a total of 103 species so far. Pretty good! We are 3 birds ahead of this time last year, and as of today we have one more month of winter birding left (23:59:59 of Feb. 29th). Which is good, considering that we are still missing a few species: Spruce Grouse Eastern Screech-Owl Barred Owl Boreal Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Lapland Longspur Red-winged Blackbird Purple Finch If you or someone you know can provide a good report for one of these missing birds, please let us know! As usual, please alert me to any errors , questions or comments. Can't beat the great weather we have been having for most of the winter, but all the same, stay safe on the roads and good luck! Best of Birding, Ryan Dudragne Regina, SK New to the list:/Green-winged Teal, Ruffed Grouse, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Great Grey Owl, Short-eared Owl, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, American Tree Sparrow, Red Crossbill/ Saskatchewan Winter Bird List 2011/2012 1. Greater White-fronted Goose* 2. Snow Goose* 3. Cackling Goose 4. Canada Goose 5. Gadwall 6. American Wigeon 7. Mallard 8. Northern Pintail 9. Green-winged Teal 10. Canvasback 11. Redhead 12. Ring-necked Duck 13. Lesser Scaup 14. White-winged Scoter 15. Long-tailed Duck* 16. Bufflehead 17. Common Goldeneye 18. Barrow's Goldeneye 19. Hooded Merganser 20. Common Merganser 21. Red-breasted Merganser 22. Ruddy Duck 23. Gray Partridge 24. Ring-necked Pheasant 25. Ruffed Grouse 26. Willow Ptarmigan 27. Sharp-tailed Grouse 28. Wild Turkey 29. Pied-billed Grebe* 30. Horned Grebe* 31. Red-necked Grebe* 32. Western Grebe 33. American White Pelican 34. Double-crested Cormorant 35. Bald Eagle 36. Northern Harrier 37. Sharp-shinned Hawk 38. Cooper's Hawk 39. Northern Goshawk 40. Red-tailed Hawk 41. Rough-legged Hawk 42. Golden Eagle 43. American Kestrel 44. Merlin 45. Gyrfalcon 46. Prairie Falcon 47. American Coot 48. Killdeer 49. Herring Gull 50. Rock Pigeon 51. Mourning Dove 52. Eurasian Collared Dove 53. Great Horned Owl 54. Snowy Owl 55. Northern Hawk Owl 56. Great Gray Owl 57. Short-eared Owl 58. Downy Woodpecker 59. Hairy Woodpecker 60. American Three-toed Woodpecker 61. Black-backed Woodpecker 62. Northern Flicker 63. Pileated Woodpecker 64. Northern Shrike 65. Gray Jay 66. Blue Jay 67. Black-billed Magpie 68. American Crow 69. Common Raven 70. Horned Lark 71. Black-capped Chickadee 72. Boreal Chickadee 73. Red-breasted Nuthatch 74. White-breasted Nuthatch 75. Brown Creeper 76. Golden-crowned Kinglet 77. Townsend's Solitaire 78. American Robin 79. Varied Thrush 80. European Starling 81. Bohemian Waxwing 82. Cedar Waxwing 83. American Tree Sparrow 84. White-throated Sparrow 85. Harris' Sparrow 86. Dark-eyed Junco 87. Snow Bunting 88. Northern Cardinal* 89. Western Meadowlark 90. Yellow-headed Blackbird 91. Rusty Blackbird 92. Common Grackle 93. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch 94. Pine Grosbeak 95. House Finch 96. Red Crossbill 97. White-winged Crossbill 98. Common Redpoll 99. Hoary Redpoll 100. Pine Siskin 101. American Goldfinch 102. Evening Grosbeak 103. House Sparrow [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: 2011 Saskatchewan Year List (Final) From: Ryan Dudragne <pl8guy AT sasktel.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:17:03 -0600 Fellow Birders, With 2012 now well underway, here is a glimpse of birding in Saskatchewan from yesteryear. With the addition of a few belated records at the end of the year we managed to reach a respectable total of 302 species. Not bad, considering we had a couple of misses - namely, Harlequin Duck, Chimney Swift, Dusky Flycatcher, MacGillivray's Warbler, Smith's Longspur, and Field Sparrow (no reliable record). We were fortunate enough to find about sixteen or so rarities, including one newly confirmed record for the province (Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, one previous sight record in 1990). These notable birds are below: Red-throated Loon - 03 November 2011 -- Buena Vista (LML) Red Phalarope - 23 May 2011 -- S. of Herbert Sabine's Gull - 29 September 2011 -- Buck Lake Lesser Black-backed Gull - 14 April 2011 -- Regina White-winged Dove - 23 June 2011 -- Denholm Red-headed Woodpecker (Jun. 16) -- Grasslands NP Red-bellied Woodpecker (Jan. 01); cont'd from Nov. 2010; Crooked River Stellar's Jay - July 2011 -- Regina Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 28 May 2011 -- Last Mtn Reg. Park Wood Thrush - 09 May 2011 -- Last Mtn Reg. Park Golden-winged Warbler - 03 June 2011 --Saskatoon Northern Parula - 04 June 2011 --Saskatoon Black-throated Blue Warbler - 08 September 2011 -- Last Mtn Reg. Park Townsend's Warbler - 27 August 2011 --Swift Current; Sep 15 near Hodgeville Summer Tanager - 16 May 2011 -- Regina; Oct. 10 N of Saskatoon Northern Cardinal - 24 March 2011 Prince Albert; May 21 White City; Aug. 12 Yorkton Although many of the gulls and birds such as Northern Cardinal, Summer Tanager, and Black-throated Blue Warbler are now making annual or near-annual appearances, I have still chosen to include them in the above list. Also of worthy mention in that vein would be Thayer's Gull. Sadly, Red-headed Woodpecker is now considered to be rare as populations decline and it is no longer recorded every year. I would like to thank everyone for making contributions, suggestions, and corrections to this year list, and helping to make 2011 another very good year for birding in Saskatchewan. Once again, if I have missed any species in the list (files section of Saskbirds) please let me know and I will update the list accordingly. Ditto for any revised first dates of observation (in parentheses). Also, please feel free to fire off any questions or comments you might have ( pl8guy AT sasktel.net ).Otherwise this is the final edition for 2011. Thanks again, and now onto 2012! Best of Birding, Ryan Dudragne Regina, SK _2011 Saskbirds Saskatchewan Year List_ (Final Copy) see FILES section of Saskbirds /RJMD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Last 2 Pics From: "prairiesfran" <prairiesfran AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:34:33 -0000 LOL! I had nuthatches on the brain Sorry 'bout that, for sure. Fixed. --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "clh459" wrote: > > Named Nuthatches, Were they not Black capped chickadees? > ------------------------------------ Subject: Last 2 Pics From: "clh459" <clh459 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:53:20 -0000 Named Nuthatches, Were they not Black capped chickadees? ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: wakamow... From: "prairiesfran" <prairiesfran AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:15:57 -0000 Thanks, Nick! Will do. Intend to go camping at Coldwell Regional Park this summer, haven't been there since 1971 (to camp) - but drove by last summer and now want to hunker down with a tent for a few days there. Looking forward to all kinds of birds what with all the water and trees there. It's a very quiet park. It's not too far from Pike Lake, so will do both. Thx for the tip. Franni --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "nikovich71" wrote: > > Franni, > > If you ever make it up this way again, Pike Lake Provincial Park (about 30-40 mins from Saskatoon as the crow flies ), also has very tame Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches and on occasion a tame Downy Woodpecker or two. > I have photos of all three on my wife's hand feeding on peanuts or sunflower seeds. > The birds in this park have been very naturalized and accustomed to humans for many years. > Very often, as you pull into the parking lot near the nature trail, the Chickadees will descend upon you for a treat the second you leave the car. > Its a very nice way to spend a couple of hours on a fine winters day. > > Cheers, > > Nick > > S'toon > > > > --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "prairiesfran" wrote: > > > > From Regina: Headed out to Wakamow Valley armed with pine nuts this morning. Had intended to stop at Wallyworld for peanuts, but found in the area where they sell bulk nuts that they had pine nuts/bag/$6 so went for it. > > > > Saw 5 ravens and 2 magpies on the way, along the path at the park: 5 pine siskins, and heard chickadees and HOO YA! My sister and I both fed nuthatches from our hand! What a thrill! > > > > Did a round-about route home through the Avonlea dirt hills / Dunnet Regional Park and Rouleau/Dog River... and saw 1 hawk (not close enough/not knowledgeable enough to ID from the distance we were!) - and 3 snowy owls all within 10 miles S of Regina on the #6. (2 braving the hurricane winds on the poles, and 1 in the field.) > > > > Still smiling about the nuthatches! thx for the tips~! > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: wakamow... From: "nikovich71" <nikovich AT sasktel.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:52:52 -0000 Franni, If you ever make it up this way again, Pike Lake Provincial Park (about 30-40 mins from Saskatoon as the crow flies ), also has very tame Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches and on occasion a tame Downy Woodpecker or two. I have photos of all three on my wife's hand feeding on peanuts or sunflower seeds. The birds in this park have been very naturalized and accustomed to humans for many years. Very often, as you pull into the parking lot near the nature trail, the Chickadees will descend upon you for a treat the second you leave the car. Its a very nice way to spend a couple of hours on a fine winters day. Cheers, Nick S'toon --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "prairiesfran" wrote: > > From Regina: Headed out to Wakamow Valley armed with pine nuts this morning. Had intended to stop at Wallyworld for peanuts, but found in the area where they sell bulk nuts that they had pine nuts/bag/$6 so went for it. > > Saw 5 ravens and 2 magpies on the way, along the path at the park: 5 pine siskins, and heard chickadees and HOO YA! My sister and I both fed nuthatches from our hand! What a thrill! > > Did a round-about route home through the Avonlea dirt hills / Dunnet Regional Park and Rouleau/Dog River... and saw 1 hawk (not close enough/not knowledgeable enough to ID from the distance we were!) - and 3 snowy owls all within 10 miles S of Regina on the #6. (2 braving the hurricane winds on the poles, and 1 in the field.) > > Still smiling about the nuthatches! thx for the tips~! > ------------------------------------ Subject: wakamow... From: "prairiesfran" <prairiesfran AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:33:50 -0000 From Regina: Headed out to Wakamow Valley armed with pine nuts this morning. Had intended to stop at Wallyworld for peanuts, but found in the area where they sell bulk nuts that they had pine nuts/bag/$6 so went for it. Saw 5 ravens and 2 magpies on the way, along the path at the park: 5 pine siskins, and heard chickadees and HOO YA! My sister and I both fed nuthatches from our hand! What a thrill! Did a round-about route home through the Avonlea dirt hills / Dunnet Regional Park and Rouleau/Dog River... and saw 1 hawk (not close enough/not knowledgeable enough to ID from the distance we were!) - and 3 snowy owls all within 10 miles S of Regina on the #6. (2 braving the hurricane winds on the poles, and 1 in the field.) Still smiling about the nuthatches! thx for the tips~! ------------------------------------ Subject: Prairie Falcon on Pinkie Rd From: "auntielyk" <cbk.lyk AT sasktel.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:21:11 -0000 Saw my first Prairie Falcon on Pinkie Rd north of Dewdney about noon today. At AE Wilson Park this morning I saw BC Chickadees, RB Nuthatches, House Finches, Downy Woodpecker, house sparrows, raven, magpie and ONE ROBIN! Laurie in Lakeridge Regina ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Snowy Owls From: "skyman845" <skyman845 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:29:32 -0000 I picked up two today on the way home. I often take the back way into the south east of Regin and take the grid south and east of SIAST. Today I saw a very heavily barred bird, that appeared brown in colour, I thought at first it was a hawk, then right at Rainbow Bridge I saw a mostly white bird. Greg in Regina --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, Ralph Goff wrote: > > On 1/25/2012 7:24 PM, zedbander wrote: > > For the past few winters, Marten Stoffel and I have been attaching wing tags to Snowy Owls, closely following the protocol used in the Turkey Vulture tagging project. To date, we have tags on 53 owls. > > > I think this is the first winter in a long while that I have not seen a > single Snowy Owl yet. > > Ralph at Lipton > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: The Great Backyard Bird Count From: "skyman845" <skyman845 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:26:29 -0000 The Great Backyard Bird Count is approaching fast, so mark Feb. 17-20, 2012, in your calendars. This is a great opportunity to get out and spend time in the field counting birds, and is a great way to celebrate the approaching spring season, and shake off those winter blues (not that anyone is blue with this weather). How this works for those who have not participated before is you can count as little as looking out your window at your feeder, or do an extensive count of all of your favourite birding haunts. All you need is a postal code or town name to enter your counts. You can count once a day or 10 times a day, or you can go out and count each and every day of the count period. Do not worry about entering each day that your backyard bird comes to visit your feeder, the good scientists and statisticians at Cornell have formulas they use to correct for repeat observations. It is free to participate in and provides valuable data that give a snap shot of the birding population and ranges in North America. Check out the website http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ for more information, and I will post again before the count period. Additionally I will be posting daily results to the group. Greg Kratzig in Regina ------------------------------------ Subject: Forestry Farm Birding Today From: "Nick Saunders" <nikovich AT sasktel.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:03:57 -0600 Good evening folks, Today on this fine day in Saskatoon, I decided to take a look around the Forestry Farm Park and Zoo area, to see if I could re-locate my friend Craig Salisbury's Townsend's Solitaire for my Winter list, and see what else I could find. I ended up seeing a nice amount of species. Here are my highlights : Townsend's Solitaire - I located the lone thrush atop a spruce tree, giving a one-note whistle-call. I saw it again a few hours later eating crabapples in a tree not far from the superintendents residence. Red-shafted Northern Flicker - I need to check my photos to see if this is a hybrid bird. From what I saw, it had a red 'moustache' and also red/orange on the wings. Not something we see too often in Saskatoon. I've seen one like this at Holiday Park, and another visited my old backyard on 4th St. in 2008. Pine Grosbeak - 5 or 6 individuals, feeding on berries within the park White-winged Crossbill - 4 , in the highest reaches of some of the spruce trees near the main entrance. I haven't seen this species for a few months until now. Bohemian Waxwing - 20 - a small flock near the wedding stand Downy Woodpecker - 1 female Merlin - 1 female , sitting in a spruce, drawing attention to itself by getting mobbed by Chickadees near the Nature Society's bird feeder. Common Redpoll - 14 or so around the park Blue Jay - 7 in the park Red-breasted Nuthatch - 2 in the park On the way home , my wife and I spotted a Sharp-shinned Hawk swoop down behind some houses on Clarence Avenue into someone's yard, probably after something at a feeder. This morning about 60 Canada Geese flew over my backyard , and the Raven came back for more peanuts. All in all a good day of birding! Cheers, Nick Saskatoon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Saskatoon Nature Society field trip to Saskatchewan River Valley - Jan. 28 From: Stan Shadick <stan.shadick AT usask.ca> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:24:58 -0600 Hello, The Saskatoon Nature Society is organizing a field trip to the Saskatchewan River Valley north of Carrot River on Saturday, January 28. We will look for northern owls and songbirds. Check the society website for details www.saskatoonnaturesociety.sk.ca Stan Shadick ------------------------------------ Subject: Sharp-shinned Hawk and others From: Ryan Dudragne <pl8guy AT sasktel.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:10:00 -0600 Good Afternoon All, I was out of class early this afternoon so I decided to take the 'scenic route' back home. Heading north from the University I walked along Wascana trail system, through the Centre of the Arts grounds, over to 23rd, down Jubilee and home. The 'spring' along the lake just north of campus was very productive today, with 2 Hairy and 1 Downy woodpeckers, 5 American Robins, 3+ Pine Siskins (tough to view), and 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches. Near the intersection of Jubilee and Langley Pl in Hillsdale were 2 more Pine Siskins, 2 Red-breasted and 1 White-breasted nuthatch. After lunch (~1400), I traversed the alleys along both sides of Quinn Drive, starting with the well-known south alley. Within a block of starting I met another birder (Laurie __) who mentioned seeing some Cedar Waxwings a few houses up. Sure enough, I found them actively feeding/moving in some bare trees. I eventually counted at least 15 individuals in the flock. Other Quinn Drive birds included Rock Pigeon (~35 in one yard), Downy Woodpecker (2), Black-capped Chickadee (2), Red-breasted Nuthatch (3), House Finch (3), Pine Siskin (3), House Sparrow. Finally, I scoured the Wascana grounds from the nursery to the Legislature, coming up with about 4-5 Black-billed Magpie, 1 Black-capped Chickadee, 1 adult Sharp-shinned Hawk (perched on snag on Spruce Island), and 7 Canada Geese (north of Leg along Albert St.) Cheers, Ryan PS: I have been pretty quiet lately-- year and winter updates are forthcoming, this weekend! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Snowy Owls From: Ralph Goff <alfg AT sasktel.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:32:52 -0600 On 1/25/2012 7:24 PM, zedbander wrote: > For the past few winters, Marten Stoffel and I have been attaching wing tags to Snowy Owls, closely following the protocol used in the Turkey Vulture tagging project. To date, we have tags on 53 owls. > I think this is the first winter in a long while that I have not seen a single Snowy Owl yet. Ralph at Lipton > ------------------------------------ Subject: Snowy Owls From: "zedbander" <danzaz AT sasktel.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:24:25 -0000 For the past few winters, Marten Stoffel and I have been attaching wing tags to Snowy Owls, closely following the protocol used in the Turkey Vulture tagging project. To date, we have tags on 53 owls. The study area is bounded by the South Saskatchewan River, Lake Diefenbaker and the Missouri Coteau with Kyle as the main urban centre, but these owls can move around a lot during each winter. Our success story is A14,a mature female who has occupied the same territory just east and south of Kyle for four winters. Her territory has expanded this year, perhaps because she could or perhaps because food is more scarce. Other owls stop in her territory, but not for long. From another tagging study, we expected encounters in subsequent years with 15% of the tagged owls. However, beside A14, we have had reports of just two other owls in years after their tagging. We're hoping that some of the keen-eyed observers from this group may be able to help us check for tagged owls in other parts of the province. So, if you do observe a Snowy Owl, and can safely check the right wing for a tag (a white tag with black alpha/numeral combinations), we would very much like to hear about it. Dan Matador, Sk ------------------------------------ Subject: Cooper's Hawk From: "Nick Saunders" <nikovich AT sasktel.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:56:21 -0600 Good afternoon everyone, Just before lunch today I spotted an immature soaring Cooper's Hawk over Gladmer Park, here in town. Its rounded-off tail was nicely fanned out , eliminating what I initially thought was a young Sharp-shinned Hawk. I really don't see enough of this species during winter , so a sighting at this time of the year is always welcome! Just a shame one wasn't seen on our bird count on Boxing Day. Cheers, Nick S'toon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Townsend's Solitaire in Saskatoon From: "c.salisbury47" <cs1066 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:45:45 -0000 This morning at 11:15 I saw a Townsend's Solitaire feeding on ornamental crabapples at the Forestry Farm, about 1/2 block south of the Superintendent's Residence, on the west side of the exit road. Craig Salisbury, Saskatoon ------------------------------------ Subject: Red Crossbills at Quinn Drive Alley, Regina From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:38:31 -0600 All Yesterday morning, I studied a group of Red Crossbills -a bright male, a female and two striped juveniles, clustered in the smaller cones at the top of a mature backyard spruce, Quinn Drive Alley. I am studying this species each opportunity in an effort to discriminate among the challenging various types. The male appeared a vermillion color rather than the typical brick orange/red, I associate with this species. The smaller bills of these birds resembled a type # 3 (Sibley) . The call notes also appeared less emphatic and more musical. Unfortunately, they all soon flushed and flew across the Marsh towards the Conexus Arts Center. The crossbills were being harassed by an aggressive Red-breasted Nuthatch which was vigorously protecting its food supply. Seeds within cones are of course a favourite food source for both crossbill species. I think crossbills of either species- White winged or Red, have been largely absent from Regina this winter. Either species may nest opportunistically within the City although White-winged are typically more regularly observed sometimes during their courtship activities in this urban forest. Also, in the Quinn Drive area, were 4 Pine Siskins, 2 Black-capped Chickadees and a couple of House Finches. This afternoon, I searched the Boreal Island area in Dieppe and the Avenue C and Lakeshore Drive site near the Legislature in Wascana Park unsuccessfully looking for both previously reported in Townsend's Solitaires. Enjoy your birding Bob L Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Test From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:34:57 -0600 Bob L Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Wakamow Valley Trip From: "Terry Ford" <tford4455 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:16:54 -0000 A beautiful day greeted us this morning (24th) so my wife and I decided to make the trip from Regina to Moose Jaw's Wakamow Valley Park. We hadn't left the city when we saw a Red fox walking along the airport fence line. We saw our first Snowy owl on a telephone pole along the #1. Following Kevin's previous directions to the letter we found the exact spot in the park where we hoped to see the tame Nuthatches. As we walked along the entrance road a gentlemen driving by stopped and showed us the Great Horned owl he had just taken a picture of, he showed us the spot and sure enough he was still there, a first for me and thanks to that fellow nature lover who pointed him out. I got off a couple of pictures before he took flight (pics forwarded). We found the feeding station and took out our bag of prized pine nuts (money was no object for the pleasure to follow), within seconds of holding out our hands the RB & WB Nuthatches and BC Chickadees were landing, snatching a nut and taking flight. It was the most amazing experience to see them this close, feel their light as a feather weight on your finger and hear their happy chirps. I swear I could hear them breathe. We spent a pleasant hour with a dozen or more of these feathered friends. (pictures forwarded) While there a pair of Downy woodpeckers visited the feeder as well as 3 Pine Siskens. The drive home revealed another 6-7 Snowys along #1 as well as an Antelope. If the weather holds I'm sure we will make this trip again. Terry Regina ------------------------------------ Subject: No Subject From: "William Davenport" <wdav AT shaw.ca> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:10:44 -0600 While having breakfast in the Bessborough this morning, we saw a mature Bald Eagle flying north along the riverbank. Bill Saskatoon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Re: calves and ravens From: "Dan Heffernan" <d.heffernan AT shaw.ca> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:39:55 -0600 Re: Newfoundland dish: sounds like bullturrken to me. Dan Heffernan, Prince Albert From: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kevin Sent: January 24, 2012 7:47 AM To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [Saskbirds] Re: calves and ravens Someone here will likely know exactly but I don't think Ravens are protected. If I remember correctly under the migratory bird act there were three groups that were not protected and left under provincial jurisdiction: Crow Family, Blackbird Family and the Gallinaceous birds. The first two as they can cause major agricultural damage and the latter as they are eaten and rarely migrate anyway. Something tells me that cormorants might be in this category too. So if Ravens are protected then that's likely under provincial law but I still suspect if they are pests, such as blinding calves, they could be legally killed. Not that many ranchers I know would care about the legaility of killing one if it were attacking his/her calves. In most provinces EVERYTHING is protected unless there is legislation that allows a regulated killing of it. Of course no one cares if you kill mice or snakes but I think technically the way most wildlife acts are written, you could be charged unless there is a designated "kill this Critter" provision. This is old history to me so I might be wrong. When I lived in Newfoundland, Newfoundlanders had seasons and bag limits for things like turrs (both murrs), bullbirds (dovkies), and I think sea pigeons (gullimots) although I don't remember every eating the latter. It was an exemption to the migratory bird act listed in the agreement for NF to join confederation in 1949 - although apparently the Canadian gov't did not have the legal right to confer such excemptions under the Act. So what was and wasn't exempt under the migratory bird act was a little more general knowledge. Kevin - trying to remember 20+ year old knowledge P.S. Long before there was the idea of Turduckin... Newfoundlanders would bake a bullbird inside a turr. And I think the turr in some cases might have been in a chicken. --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com , "ChrisB" wrote: > > I certainly have noticed that the population of ravens has dramatically increased over the years. When I was a kid, I remember that magpies were responsible for picking at a lot of the soft tissue on calves such as eyes and hoof soles, if there were birds or nests nearby they were shot and destroyed. This is when I decided that magpies were vile birds. My folks no longer have cattle, I imagine that they would have been battling the ravens now. > > I had heard something about ravens being a protected bird a couple of years ago, however, I do think that where they start causing problems for producers some action has to be taken. (Unfortunately, when man takes action he usually decimates populations, therein lies the problem.) > > Christine B > Yorkton, Sk > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: calves and ravens From: "Kevin" <kmscouts AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:46:32 -0000 Someone here will likely know exactly but I don't think Ravens are protected. If I remember correctly under the migratory bird act there were three groups that were not protected and left under provincial jurisdiction: Crow Family, Blackbird Family and the Gallinaceous birds. The first two as they can cause major agricultural damage and the latter as they are eaten and rarely migrate anyway. Something tells me that cormorants might be in this category too. So if Ravens are protected then that's likely under provincial law but I still suspect if they are pests, such as blinding calves, they could be legally killed. Not that many ranchers I know would care about the legaility of killing one if it were attacking his/her calves. In most provinces EVERYTHING is protected unless there is legislation that allows a regulated killing of it. Of course no one cares if you kill mice or snakes but I think technically the way most wildlife acts are written, you could be charged unless there is a designated "kill this Critter" provision. This is old history to me so I might be wrong. When I lived in Newfoundland, Newfoundlanders had seasons and bag limits for things like turrs (both murrs), bullbirds (dovkies), and I think sea pigeons (gullimots) although I don't remember every eating the latter. It was an exemption to the migratory bird act listed in the agreement for NF to join confederation in 1949 - although apparently the Canadian gov't did not have the legal right to confer such excemptions under the Act. So what was and wasn't exempt under the migratory bird act was a little more general knowledge. Kevin - trying to remember 20+ year old knowledge P.S. Long before there was the idea of Turduckin... Newfoundlanders would bake a bullbird inside a turr. And I think the turr in some cases might have been in a chicken. --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "ChrisB" wrote: > > I certainly have noticed that the population of ravens has dramatically increased over the years. When I was a kid, I remember that magpies were responsible for picking at a lot of the soft tissue on calves such as eyes and hoof soles, if there were birds or nests nearby they were shot and destroyed. This is when I decided that magpies were vile birds. My folks no longer have cattle, I imagine that they would have been battling the ravens now. > > I had heard something about ravens being a protected bird a couple of years ago, however, I do think that where they start causing problems for producers some action has to be taken. (Unfortunately, when man takes action he usually decimates populations, therein lies the problem.) > > Christine B > Yorkton, Sk > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: To Margo and back to McTaggart From: "Val T" <val_doyle_thomas AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:20:17 -0000 We made a trip to visit our daughter today. On the way up #35 to Wadena area we counted 40 Common Ravens, one Snowy Owl, eight Black-billed Magpies and 23 Rock Pigeons. Mammal sighting - one coyote. When we drove past Lipton we were thinking of Ralph and the Turkey Vultures! Anyway wish we had the yard our daughter and s-i-l have for birds. They live in an area surrounded by bush and lakes. Well I'd swear if they even 'think' of putting up a feeder, something neat comes along. We took them up a hummingbird feeder last summer and within minutes they had five Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. So anyway their yard is sort of campground style, like ours, nothing very fancy, and they have a larger old curvy tree out front. They hang two feeders from it plus rub peanut butter on a large area where a limb has been cut off. So today we watched constant activity of three White-breasted Nuthatches, one Red-breasted Nuthatch, five Black-capped Chickadees, five Pine Grosbeaks (one is a beautiful reddish colouring), four Common Redpolls, one Black-billed Magpie, one huge female Hairy Woodpecker, one male Downy Woodpecker and about six House Sparrows. They just kept the tree a buzzing with life. Good driving day and quite enjoyable. Val T - McTaggart ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: calves and ravens From: "ChrisB" <spooky.fish1 AT sasktel.net> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:26:16 -0600 I certainly have noticed that the population of ravens has dramatically increased over the years. When I was a kid, I remember that magpies were responsible for picking at a lot of the soft tissue on calves such as eyes and hoof soles, if there were birds or nests nearby they were shot and destroyed. This is when I decided that magpies were vile birds. My folks no longer have cattle, I imagine that they would have been battling the ravens now. I had heard something about ravens being a protected bird a couple of years ago, however, I do think that where they start causing problems for producers some action has to be taken. (Unfortunately, when man takes action he usually decimates populations, therein lies the problem.) Christine B Yorkton, Sk [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: First Nuthatch From: "Ralph Goff" <alfg AT sasktel.net> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:17:02 -0700 Saw my first Nuthatch in several years today. In its typical position hanging on to the side of a maple tree. Just about had my camera ready to shoot and it flew away. Ralph at Lipton [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon From: "nikovich71" <nikovich AT sasktel.net> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:53:34 -0000 Nope, not a crack at you at all :-) Best of birding! Nick --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "clh459" wrote: > > Sorry, if this crack was meant for me I thought it was on topic. Geese in cold water, ducks in cold water. Anyone see a connection? > > --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "nikovich71" wrote: > > > > Also, a subject title and 'on topic' posts would be handy sometimes too :-) > > > > Just my 3 and a half cents. > > > > Just spied a Merlin sitting atop one of our spruce trees, keeping everything else a few blocks away no doubt! > > > > Nick > > > > S'toon > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: nature regina From: "Jim Nordquist" <j.nordquist AT accesscomm.ca> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:33:57 -0600 I took part in a Nature Regina field trip this afternoon. It is one they do every winter,just a short hop out to Sherwood Forest (that’s in England,Ok it is just wesr of Regina) to see a feeder that NR looks after. The first bird seen was a snowy owl on a pole. Next were three Sharp tails in hedgerow,just south of Sherwood forest. At the feeder we saw lots of BC Chickadees,two white breast nuthatches, one downy wood pecker.We then walked a loop around the place coming back to the feeder. We saw nothing until we got back to the feeder and saw some UFOs leaving. I am pretty sure one was a house sparrow. We go to check the caretaker’s house and as we go there,up pops this mixed flock and heads back to the main feeder,being very skittish the whole time. Nothing but an optimistic humming bird feeder at the caretakers,so back to the main feeder,but with a little stealth. We see feeding under the feeder,a DE Junco,a house sparrow(positive)and maybe a redpoll. Back to the cars. standing at the cars chatting,we got overflown by a flock of some sort of winter finches,no idea,no ID. On the way back home is Snowy owl number two. It was almost blended into the gray sky but his shape(can’t spell silouhette) gave him away. Everybody got decent looks at it and then off again. I stopped in town to let Ruth Englund off at her house and saw more house finches in her backyard than I have seen in a long time. Last owl. As I was turning almost the last turn to my house,I see out the corner of my right eye,a snowy owl landing on a pole in the airport property. I wonder if showed up on their radar,it was huge. Jim Nordquist Regina,Sask [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Northern Birds From: Joseph Stookey <joseph.stookey AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:59:29 -0800 (PST) Hi, Just picking up from the earlier comments about stating our location and giving a title to the message, then I would have named the following message - "Holy cow - I saw a wolverine!"  That's just me; I get excited about rare sightings!  :)  Very nice.  I would love to see one in the wild. Joe SW of Saskatoon, off Vanscoy Hwy ________________________________ From: Daniel Giesbrecht To: "Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com" Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 2:43:17 PM Subject: [Saskbirds] Northern Birds   Well, it has been quite some time since last I posted, so I figured better late than never! Happily enough, my first bird of 2012 was a lone Great Horned Owl, which I thought was quite appropriate as raptors are among my favorite bird species to spot. In late December I managed to spot a Townsend's Solitaire in Dalmeny. It was serenading me from the top of a spruce as I was up on scaffolding changing windows at someone's residence with a co-worker. I wish every day at work could be like that... During the past week or two my job has required me to do some renovating work up at Candle Lake. Driving on the way there it is usually to dark to see anything yet, but on the way back in the evening some days we still catch a bit of light. On Thursday I spied a Northern Hawk Owl, which is one of the birds I was most looking forward to seeing in 2012. A few others include White-winged Crossbills, Nuthatches, Downy Woodpecker, Common Redpoles, and quite a few Evening Grosbeaks calling off in the distance. As for mammals, there are a few very tame deer that will come to eat right out of your hand, and though I did not feed them they still came within a few paces of me. Also a young Moose crossed our path one day. And much to my surprise, one evening we had a Wolverine cross our path as we were driving. Out of all the Saskatchewan mammals that I've seen, to see a Wolverine was probably one of my favorites. It ran across the road several hundred meters in front of us, then stopped at the edge of the trees briefly before running off again. What a sight to see! Hopefully this colder weather won't discourage the birds too much, it is quite a treat to see Geese on occasion as they lounge around in Saskatoon by the river, or to catch a glimpse of a White-throated sparrow calling with its high-pitched 'seep' notes as it forages with a flock of Chickadees outside of Warman. Though for all of our mild weather, I have yet to see a winter Robin. I see that others have commented on how they also noticed the near absence of this wonderful Thrush, I wonder why this is? I hope to see some of you this Saturday as I head out with Mr Stoffel on the Saskatoon Nature Society's annual northern Owl trip. If we're lucky, maybe I will get to practice my Owl banding skills, though they can be quite a handful. ;) So long for now, Daniel, Martensville, SK [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Northern Birds From: Daniel Giesbrecht <bird.freak AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:43:17 -0800 (PST) Well, it has been quite some time since last I posted, so I figured better late than never! Happily enough, my first bird of 2012 was a lone Great Horned Owl, which I thought was quite appropriate as raptors are among my favorite bird species to spot. In late December I managed to spot a Townsend's Solitaire in Dalmeny. It was serenading me from the top of a spruce as I was up on scaffolding changing windows at someone's residence with a co-worker. I wish every day at work could be like that... During the past week or two my job has required me to do some renovating work up at Candle Lake. Driving on the way there it is usually to dark to see anything yet, but on the way back in the evening some days we still catch a bit of light. On Thursday I spied a Northern Hawk Owl, which is one of the birds I was most looking forward to seeing in 2012. A few others include White-winged Crossbills, Nuthatches, Downy Woodpecker, Common Redpoles, and quite a few Evening Grosbeaks calling off in the distance. As for mammals, there are a few very tame deer that will come to eat right out of your hand, and though I did not feed them they still came within a few paces of me. Also a young Moose crossed our path one day. And much to my surprise, one evening we had a Wolverine cross our path as we were driving. Out of all the Saskatchewan mammals that I've seen, to see a Wolverine was probably one of my favorites. It ran across the road several hundred meters in front of us, then stopped at the edge of the trees briefly before running off again. What a sight to see! Hopefully this colder weather won't discourage the birds too much, it is quite a treat to see Geese on occasion as they lounge around in Saskatoon by the river, or to catch a glimpse of a White-throated sparrow calling with its high-pitched 'seep' notes as it forages with a flock of Chickadees outside of Warman. Though for all of our mild weather, I have yet to see a winter Robin. I see that others have commented on how they also noticed the near absence of this wonderful Thrush, I wonder why this is? I hope to see some of you this Saturday as I head out with Mr Stoffel on the Saskatoon Nature Society's annual northern Owl trip. If we're lucky, maybe I will get to practice my Owl banding skills, though they can be quite a handful. ;) So long for now, Daniel, Martensville, SK [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon From: "clh459" <clh459 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:08:37 -0000 Sorry, if this crack was meant for me I thought it was on topic. Geese in cold water, ducks in cold water. Anyone see a connection? --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "nikovich71" wrote: > > Also, a subject title and 'on topic' posts would be handy sometimes too :-) > > Just my 3 and a half cents. > > Just spied a Merlin sitting atop one of our spruce trees, keeping everything else a few blocks away no doubt! > > Nick > > S'toon > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon From: "nikovich71" <nikovich AT sasktel.net> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:42:50 -0000 Also, a subject title and 'on topic' posts would be handy sometimes too :-) Just my 3 and a half cents. Just spied a Merlin sitting atop one of our spruce trees, keeping everything else a few blocks away no doubt! Nick S'toon ------------------------------------ Subject: Estevan & Area From: "Kathy H" <hedegardk AT accesscomm.ca> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:01:35 -0600 Hi Birders: I went for a drive around my usual route west to Rafferty Dam, down the west side of Boundary (Fisherman's Road) to the warm water channel and bays and up the east side, to the 'new' Woodlawn, then home. There's a nasty west wind out there. Thankfully, we don't have much snow to blow around. First of all, no Snowy Owls. I especially checked out the places where some have been all through the winter so far. No doubt the past week of -41C wind chills decided the fate of any bird/animal that was on the verge of starvation. I saw: Canada Geese, 1000s Mallard, 100s Lesser Scaup, 2 Common Goldeneye, 13 American Coot, 4 Bald Eagle, 1 Common Raven, 1 Ring-necked Pheasant, 1 Common Redpoll, ~30 Snow Bunting, 4 In my yard: Eurasian Collared-Doves, ~40 American Goldfinch, 3 House Finch, 5 House Sparrows, ~50 Blue Jay, 1 Hope the weather is kinder to birds and birders this coming week Kathy in Estevan http://stilllifewithbirder.blogspot.com/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon From: C Lh <clh459 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:33:13 -0800 (PST) We seen a group of 10 mallards on Hwy 59 at the bridge by Katepwa.  Bet they were sorry they didnt go south.  Picture loaded. Carol http://users.accesscomm.ca/carolsplace/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon From: "B&L McDonald" <bl.mcdonald AT sasktel.net> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:21:43 -0600 Here is a link to the Moose Jaw River Watershed Stewards: http://www.mjriver.ca/ I'm not sure what their affiliation is with Sask Watershed Authority, but I'm sure they work closely together on common interests for the Moose Jaw River. and here is the link to Wakamow Valley Authority: http://wakamow.ca/ Both have contact links for further information. Bill, Moose Jaw From: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kevin Sent: January-22-12 11:24 AM To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [Saskbirds] Re: Canada Geese on South Sk River in Saskatoon Good point about identifying locations. Yes Wakoma is MJ. It is or used to be a river authority like Meewasin and Wascana and I think Chinook in Swift Current. Someone can correct me but I think there used to be 6 river authorities located in cities. The 4 above and I think but am not sure PA and Estevan. Yet I did a search and couldn't find reference to any other than Meewasin and Wascana. I'm wondering if the old river authority structure which had limited geographic range along the rivers were absorbed by the new Sask Watershed Authority which was responsible for the whole watersheds? Meewasin has its own legislation which might be why it still exists. Likely the same for Wascana too. I'm sure someone out there will know the history. Kevin --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com , "sk_fish1" wrote: > > Having to walk the dog is also a good time to do a little birding along the walk. Saturday morning was not a particularly nice day with snow and wind but down along the river in the trees was better. It was here just above the weir that I saw the Canada's huddled along the river edge, some 300 + by my count trying to sleep the day away. > > I returned today, Sunday morning, in similar weather conditions to find even more Canada's along the west bank ice shore edge and on "Goose Island" north tip. This time I came with a camera. I will try to down load a couple of the images. > > In addition to the Canada's were Common Goldeneye above and below the weir diving almost non stop. There was a flock of 20+ just above the weir yesterday but not today. > > One final thought, it would be nice if users of this site could at the very least make it clear where they are speaking about. I read a post this morning from Wakoma Valley. I hope I have the spelling correct but I am not sure where this place is, Moose Jaw?? > > Thanks > Ron in Saskatoon > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------