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25 May Hammerquist Rd. (Pennington County) [Richard Latuchie ] 25 May Warblers ["Ricky Olson" ] 24 May Orioles [mick zerr ] 24 May Townsends Warbler ["Ricky Olson" ] 24 May Raven -Harding CO ["Ricky Olson" ] 24 May Magnolia, RC [] 23 May Magnolia Warbler (Jackson Park) [Richard Latuchie ] 23 May Roy Lake warblers [MARK OTNES ] 23 May Possible Western Wood-Pewee at Mina Lake [MARK OTNES ] 23 May Re: Outdoor Campus morning [linda ] 23 May Fwd: [mou-net] possible White-winged Tern, Lyon Co [douglas chapman ] 23 May Spring meeting in Mobridge ["Jocelyn Baker" ] 22 May Twenty-one Warbler Day ["Gary & Cindy Olson" ] 22 May Lazuli Buntings [gil ] 22 May Ft Pierre ["Ricky Olson" ] 22 May SDOU Mobridge gathering ["cjtaft372000" ] 22 May Lake Thompson Common Nighthawk ["Boldt, Joshua" ] 22 May RE: Ditto Orioles, plus Scarlet Tanager ["Johnson, Christi" ] 22 May Ditto Orioles, plus Scarlet Tanager [Barbara Hartinger ] 22 May Osprey - Douglas County ["rookie.birder" ] 22 May Caspian Tern ["Schultze, William" ] 22 May Orioles galore ["SDH20fowler" ] 22 May draft bird checklist from Mobridge SDOU meeting field trips [Nancy Drilling ] 22 May draft bird checklist from Mobridge SDOU meeting field trips [Nancy Drilling ] 22 May Jackson Park [Richard Latuchie ] 21 May SDOU at Mobridge [mick zerr ] 21 May Buntings ["R&M Mabie" ] 21 May Storm Birds at Whitewood ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 21 May Hot Springs feeder/yard update ["Peggy" ] 21 May Outdoor campus today ["brdfsd AT sio.midco.net" ] 21 May PENNINGTON CTY.: RAPID CITY, CANYON LAKE PARK SURVEY ["Jocelyn Baker" ] 21 May Reminder of Comment Deadline Upper Great Plains Wind Energy D PEIS TODAY May 21st [Nancy Hilding ] 21 May Western Tanager (Pennington Cty) [Richard Latuchie ] 20 May state birds [mick zerr ] 20 May Prothonotary Warbler [] 20 May Prothonotary Warbler, Rapid City [] 20 May Blue-winged Warbler In Sioux Falls [David Boardman ] 20 May Red Knot, Flight Lake, Potter county [Nancy Drilling ] 19 May Blackburnian Warbler ["Doug Backlund" ] 19 May Prothonatory Warbler [] 19 May NHBC Field Trip - Saturday, May 25. ["Gene " ] 19 May Scarlet Tanager in Aberdeen [Brian Kringen ] 19 May A few more new arrivals in Pierre [Charlene Bessken ] 19 May Northern Waterthrush [Charlene Bessken ] 19 May Ice water bath Pennington Co. ["Caroline Stafford" ] 18 May Blackburnian Warbler- Custer County, SD ["mccloym" ] 18 May Little Blue Heron, Buff-breasted Sandpipers, more ["Terry Sohl" ] 17 May Eurasian Wigeon [] 17 May Marsh Wren at Lowe's [Barbara Hartinger ] 17 May Scissor-tailed Flycatcher [Lynn Barber ] 16 May Dewey Gevik [mick zerr ] 15 May Yellow-throated Vireo ["Chris Anderson" ] 15 May HARDING CTY.: GARDNER LAKE - EURASIAN WIGEON ["Jocelyn Baker" ] 15 May Wigeon Update ["Ricky Olson" ] 15 May Lazuli Bunting in Vermillion. ["Kim" ] 14 May a must see story [mick zerr ] 14 May RTHummingbird [Barbara Hartinger ] 14 May Pennington Co. birds [] 14 May Indigo Bunting ["Kim" ] 14 May Photos from Sunday ["rookie.birder" ] 14 May Baltimore Oriole ["Boldt, Joshua" ] 14 May Few FOY's Today ["Gary & Cindy Olson" ] 14 May Lazuli Bunting Clay County [Gary and Jan Small ] 14 May Cape May Warbler in Sioux Falls [douglas chapman ] 14 May June Bird Notes Deadline [douglas chapman ] 14 May PENNINGTON CTY.: Rapid City, Canyon Lake Park Survey ["Jocelyn Baker" ] 13 May Eurasian Wigeon [] 14 May FOYs NE SD ["SDH20fowler" ] 13 May Lawrence County Day 2-WRMC ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 13 May Sica Hollow to Hecla [MARK OTNES ] 13 May White-eyed Vireo ["Gary & Cindy Olson" ] 13 May Lacreek trip 5/11 ["Peter" ] 13 May Black-headed grosebeak ["Vogelmann, James" ] 13 May Shorebirds etc ["Ricky Olson" ] 13 May Codington County Birds [] 13 May Black-Throated Green Warbler [Nelda Holden ] Subject: Hammerquist Rd. (Pennington County) From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 10:40:30 -0600 A really nice couple of hours early this morning. Highlights included lots of Black-headed Grosbeak, a Western Wood-Pewee, Red-headed Woodpecker (FOY), Bell's Vireo (FOY), Blue Grosbeak (FOY), Blackpoll and Tennessee Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat(FOY), Common Nighthawk (FOY), Say's Phoebe, Wilson's Snipe, and Upland Sandpiper. Dick Latuchie Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Warblers From: "Ricky Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 10:19:42 -0500 The Townsend's and the male Black-throated Blue Warbler were at Fisherman's Point this morning. Sharing is half the fun of birding Ricky D. Olson FT Pierre SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Orioles From: mick zerr <zerrmick AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 21:09:42 -0700 (PDT) The Sioux Falls feeders were very busy today. The following were seen: Hairy, Downy, and Red-bellied woodpeckers, Pine Siskins (late), Chipping Sparrow, Cowbird, Starling, C.Grackle, N. Cardinal, House finch, Robin, Goldfinch, House Wren, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, BC Chickadee, 7 Orchard Orioles, and 8 Baltimore Orioles. See the first spring Orchard at: http://flic.kr/p/eqxQC2 Mick Zerr [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Townsends Warbler From: "Ricky Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 20:48:51 -0500 This evening there was a female Townsends Warbler along Stilling Basin two track road at Fisherman's Point. Also still Magnolia & Blackpoll Warblers. Sharing is half the fun of birding Ricky D. Olson FT Pierre SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Raven -Harding CO From: "Ricky Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 15:12:19 -0500 Doug Backlund just called and wanted me to post this sighting. This afternoon a Common Raven was flying around croaking over Reva Gap Campground in Harding County. Sharing is half the fun of birding Ricky D. Olson FT Pierre SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Magnolia, RC From: <mmelius AT hcinet.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 14:38:21 -0400 (EDT) I birded Jackson Park in Rapid City this morning. I found a Magnolia Warbler, possibly heard another one. Thanks for the heads-up on that. Got a big surprise when I arrived there, a Bobolink heard and seen in the large grassy area. Other birds of interest: Blackpoll Warbler Ovenbird A. Redstart YB Chat Catbirds, several Least Flycatcher Also saw FOY Blue Grosbeak along a Custer Co. road this morning. Michael Melius ------------------------------------ Subject: Magnolia Warbler (Jackson Park) From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 18:35:46 -0600 This evening I had a male Magnolia Warbler in Jackson Park, my first in Pennington County. It was fairly windy, and not many birds around, but also a male Wilson's Warbler, and a male American Redstart. Must have been boys night out. Dick Latuchie Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Roy Lake warblers From: MARK OTNES <markotnes AT cableone.net> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 16:09:34 -0500 I birded Roy Lake in Marshall County for about 3 hours this morning. Both Gary Olson and I birded the island on the west side of Roy Lake together for a short time. We found a pretty good fall-out of warblers. West Roy Lake: Tennessee Warbler - abundant Blackpoll Warbler - common Yellow Warbler - abundant Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1 Northern Parula - 1 Magnolia Warbler - 3+ Ovenbird - 1 Blackburnian Warbler - 1 Northern Waterthrush - 1 Wilson's Warlber - 1 East Roy Lake: Connecticut Warlber - 1 (Gary called later saying he had two birds chasing each other) Cape May Warbler - 1 Nashville Warbler - 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 I took a quick run through Sica Hollow. The most unusual bird there was a late Dark-eyed Junco at the far west side of the park. Other than calling Yellow-throated Vireos, it was pretty quiet. I saw some Veery's but they weren't calling. I saw a single female Scarlet Tanager. There was no sign yet of Eastern Wood-Pewees. Other birds seen were: Blackpoll Warbler - 1 Tennesee Warbler - uncommon Mourning Warbler - 1 Magnolia Warbler - 5 American Redstart - common Blue-headed Vireo - 1 Yellow-throated Vireo - 6 Mark Otnes Fargo ND 701-241-4194 markotnes AT cableone.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Possible Western Wood-Pewee at Mina Lake From: MARK OTNES <markotnes AT cableone.net> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 15:57:54 -0500 I want to add to Gary Olson's post about Mina Lake in Edmonds County yesterday. I believe I had a Western Wood-Pewee at the lake. I saw a pewee that I just assumed to be an eastern but later I repeatedly heard the call of the Western Wood-Pewee. I know this isn't enough for a rare bird report and I didn't get a recording of its call. Mark Otnes Fargo ND 701-241-4194 markotnes AT cableone.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Outdoor Campus morning From: linda <JhnsnLn AT aol.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 14:18:32 -0400 (EDT) Hi all, I had some fine birding this am just walking around the Outdoor Campus (east). Indigo B., Warblers: Chestnut-sided, Blackpolls, Redstarts (bythe bridge on the south woodland trail), Yellow & Tennesee everywhere,Yellowthroat, Green Heron, 2 Redtailed Hawks soaring & calling overhead, Least& Traills Flycatchers, Hairy & Downy, N. Flicker, Song Sparrow, House Finch,Baltimore Oriole, House Wren, Swainson’s Thrush, Robin, Starlings FY, Mallardwith young. Linda J. Sioux Falls Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use • Send us Feedback . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Fwd: [mou-net] possible White-winged Tern, Lyon Co From: douglas chapman <dougchapman3 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 09:51:02 -0500 If this is confirmed--what a great find. And a truly beautiful bird--think Black Tern with white wings! Doug Begin forwarded message: > From: Kim R Eckert > Subject: [mou-net] possible White-winged Tern, Lyon Co > Date: May 22, 2013 7:34:57 PM CDT > To: MOU-NET AT LISTS.UMN.EDU > Reply-To: Kim R Eckert > > This morning, May 22, Garrett Wee of Cottonwood MN photographed what appears to be a possible White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus): > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/73121423 AT N07/8783909796/in/pool-79514222 AT N00/ > > The location was at Lone Tree Lake in Lyon Co: from Cottonwood go 1.5 mi W on Main St to 290th Ave, then 1.0 mi N to the lake. > > After I was sent this photo from a friend in CA who had happened across the image on the internet, I called Paul Egeland who used to live in Cottonwood and had Garrett's phone number. He then called Garrett who told him > that he had been photographing something else at the time, didn't notice the terns in the image until he got home, and then later went out to try and relocate it without success. Paul also said he was sure that Garrett wouldn't mind if this was posted on mou-net on his behalf. > > Please keep in mind that this ID is only tentative since the image is only marginal in quality, and since Garrett took no other photos and wrote no description (since he didn't realize it was there at the time). > > > Kim R Eckert > eckertkr AT gmail.com > http://www.mbwbirds.com > > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Spring meeting in Mobridge From: "Jocelyn Baker" <osprey AT midco.net> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 06:05:07 -0600 Many thanks to Jeff Palmer, Dave Swanson and others who planned the meeting. And to the field trip leaders, Nancy, Scott, Ricky and others. It was a great meeting and the birding was really great. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, plus all of the warblers, etc.- we sure did hit it right! Jocie Baker Jocelyn Lee Baker Rapid City, South Dakota [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Twenty-one Warbler Day From: "Gary & Cindy Olson" <olsonfam AT nvc.net> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 22:09:26 -0500 After a cold breezy start to the morning, I thought perhaps birding would be slow today. Only species of note in the morning was a Cape May Warbler at the cemetery surrounded by numerous Tennessee. After that I found other things to do until mid afternoon. I was just on my way out when Mark Ottnes called and said he had a Northern Parula and Connecticut Warbler at Mina Lake. I'll be right there! Found the Connecticut rather quickly! A lifer for me! Thanks Mark!!!! From there I found an additional 20 species of warblers for a 21 warbler day! Not bad! I'll take that any day. Warbler list includes: Connecticut, Chestnut-sided, N.Waterthrush, Yellow, Black & White, Blackpoll, Redstart, Orange-Crowned, Tennessee, Yellow-rumped, Bay-breasted, Cape May, Wilson's, Black-throated Green, Ovenbird, Mourning, Nashville, Common Yellowthroat, Blackburnian, Magnolia and Canada! NO I did not locate the Northern Parula. Drats! Also at Mina today highlights include: Yellow-throated Vireo, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Spotted Towhee, Veery, Broad-winged Hawk, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Midges we're thick and swallows and flycatchers we're having a real good time. Gary Olson Aberdeen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Lazuli Buntings From: gil <blank107 AT sio.midco.net> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 19:24:50 -0600 During the last several days, here in Sioux Falls, I have been inundated by Indigo and Lazuli Buntings. At one time, I had 10 individuals of both species feeding below my feeders. Of special interest are the Lazuli Buntings. I've counted 3 nonbreeding males and 2 females. See photos. Gil Blankespoor http://www.flickr.com/photos/46805577 AT N03/8779679719/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/46805577 AT N03/8786224158/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/46805577 AT N03/8760350999/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/46805577 AT N03/8786213598/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/46805577 AT N03/8786204132/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Ft Pierre From: "Ricky Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 16:25:09 -0500 The last few days were perfect for warblers. Even though very wet and ticky. Cape May's and Golden seen the last 2 days along the Missouri River from Echo Point to Fisherman's Point. Also several Magnolia's. Today I saw a stunning male Black-throated Blue along the stilling basin at Fisherman's Point. Also I thought Mobridge was one of the birdest meeting's and enjoyed it even with the weather. Sharing is half the fun of birding Ricky D. Olson FT Pierre SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: SDOU Mobridge gathering From: "cjtaft372000" <cjtaft AT mac.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:33:53 -0000 From two of the ND folks that were there, we want to say "Thanks for the welcome, fun, and birding!" We have been with you folks before a couple of other times. You'll probably see us again one of these times. Thanks much, Charles and Sue Taft Minot, ND ------------------------------------ Subject: Lake Thompson Common Nighthawk From: "Boldt, Joshua" <joshua.boldt AT dsu.edu> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:03:40 +0000 Sorry for the delayed report, but I also visited Lake Thompson this weekend and saw a really neat bird I had never seen before... I saw a Common Nighthawk at 3:24pm, Sunday, which I thought was an odd time of day. I have some blurry, but still somewhat ok, pictures of him if anyone wants to see them. He was flying around eating bugs on the wing. Also saw a Bald Eagle fishing, a Gray Catbird hiding, and the plethora of Kingbirds that Terry Sohl mentioned - some of them fighting over territory quite vigorously. Wish I had seen the Little Blue Heron. Monday night at Lake Herman I saw 5 Orchard Orioles, many Yellow Warblers and Blackpoll Warblers (more than ten of each), and three Tennessee Warblers, and an Eastern Wood Pewee, as well as more E and W Kingbirds. Look at the growth on this bird's chin in these two pictures. Is that normal? (and help me decide for sure what it is, please) http://www.flickr.com/photos/boldtcave/sets/72157633581365525/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Ditto Orioles, plus Scarlet Tanager From: "Johnson, Christi" <Christi.Johnson AT wyn.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 14:47:54 -0500 Same at Richmond Lake (north of Aberdeen) - we have been "hosting" over 20 Orioles for over a week. A mix of Baltimore and Orchards - both mature and immature pairs. We are currently feeding nectar, oranges, apples, and grape jelly. One unintended side-effect to having this many orioles is so much pressure on our hummingbirds. We are witnessing a lot of bullying and chasing. The orioles are actually feeding on our hummingbird nectar feeders (we bought feeders without perches - thinking that would help, but no luck - the orioles are now feeding "on the wing"). In an effort to reduce this pressure, we have provided oranges and apples to multiple neighbors to try to spread out the orioles, but to no avail. Does anyone have any other ideas? I'd hate to lose our hummingbirds as they usually stay all summer. Thanks, Christi Johnson Richmond Lake From: sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Barbara Hartinger Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 2:34 PM To: SDH20fowler Cc: sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [sd-birds] Ditto Orioles, plus Scarlet Tanager Oriole numbers absolutely unprecedented here. We just (1:30 CDT ) counted EIGHT male Baltimore Orioles on the front yard jelly feeder. Late yesterday there were EIGHT male Orchard Orioles in charge of the same feeder. Been like this all week, with good numbers of females and immature males of both species also vying for space on two separate stations (front yard and back yard) offering both jelly and orange halves. (Yesterday I bought a full 12-jar case of HyVee grape jelly, since we're now dispensing more than one two-quart jar per day. Another jelly customer reported five Orchard Orioles and said he's never had more than one pair.) Possibly more significant for us, tho, is a male Scarlet Tanager, spotted at 11:15 this morning and continuing to hang around this afternoon checking out all the feeders. This bird is only the second male Scarlet Tanager I have ever seen...the first about 55 years ago. I saw a female Scarlet Tanager here Monday morning, so I was hopeful! We also continue to have an Indigo Bunting. Barb Hartinger 44.2N/96.6W Brookings County Quoting SDH20fowler > > 4 full-colored Baltimore Oriole males 2 full color Orchard Oriole > males one first year male Orchard Oriole (who is dominating the > feeder) and 2 male Rose-breasted grosbeaks (one immature) using my > feeders (grape jelly, orange halves and sunflower seeds). Also saw > some tennessee warblers using the grape jelly. Thats a first for me. > > Barry Parkin > Aberdeen, SD > > > The information in this electronic mail ("e-mail") message may contain information that is confidential and/or privileged, or may otherwise be protected by work product or other legal rules. It is solely for the use of the individual(s) or the entity (ies) originally intended. Access to this electronic mail message by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, be advised that any unauthorized review, disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this information, or any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. Please notify the sender immediately if you have received this electronic message by mistake, and destroy all copies of the original message. The sender believes that this e-mail and any attachments were free of any virus, worm, Trojan horse, malicious code and/or other contaminants when sent. E-mail transmissions cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free, so this message and its attachments could have been infected, corrupted or made incomplete during transmission. By reading the message and opening any attachments, the recipient accepts full responsibility for any viruses or other defects that may arise, and for taking remedial action relating to such viruses and other defects. Neither Wyndham Worldwide Corporation nor any of its affiliated entities is liable for any loss or damage arising in any way from, or for errors or omissions in the contents of, this message or its attachments. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Ditto Orioles, plus Scarlet Tanager From: Barbara Hartinger <hartinger AT itctel.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 14:34:28 -0500 Oriole numbers absolutely unprecedented here. We just (1:30 CDT ) counted EIGHT male Baltimore Orioles on the front yard jelly feeder. Late yesterday there were EIGHT male Orchard Orioles in charge of the same feeder. Been like this all week, with good numbers of females and immature males of both species also vying for space on two separate stations (front yard and back yard) offering both jelly and orange halves. (Yesterday I bought a full 12-jar case of HyVee grape jelly, since we're now dispensing more than one two-quart jar per day. Another jelly customer reported five Orchard Orioles and said he's never had more than one pair.) Possibly more significant for us, tho, is a male Scarlet Tanager, spotted at 11:15 this morning and continuing to hang around this afternoon checking out all the feeders. This bird is only the second male Scarlet Tanager I have ever seen...the first about 55 years ago. I saw a female Scarlet Tanager here Monday morning, so I was hopeful! We also continue to have an Indigo Bunting. Barb Hartinger 44.2N/96.6W Brookings County Quoting SDH20fowler > 4 full-colored Baltimore Oriole males 2 full color Orchard Oriole > males one first year male Orchard Oriole (who is dominating the > feeder) and 2 male Rose-breasted grosbeaks (one immature) using my > feeders (grape jelly, orange halves and sunflower seeds). Also saw > some tennessee warblers using the grape jelly. Thats a first for me. > > Barry Parkin > Aberdeen, SD > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: Osprey - Douglas County From: "rookie.birder" <Kelly.Preheim AT k12.sd.us> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 18:32:42 -0000 I birded Corsica Lake this morning and enjoyed watching an Osprey fishing. Warblers seen were: Ovenbird, Wilson's, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-rumped, Yellow, Tennessee, Blackpoll, and American Redstarts. There were about 35 American Goldfinches there. I also saw Black-crowned Night Heron, Spotted and Semipalmated Sandpipers. There were several Eastern Phoebes and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks along with many Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Swainson's Thrush, and many others. Yesterday I had an Indigo Bunting appear as a new yard bird for me. Kelly Armour, SD ------------------------------------ Subject: Caspian Tern From: "Schultze, William" <William_Schultze AT fws.gov> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 13:03:19 -0500 A couple of refuge personnel saw a Caspian Tern on the highway along the south end of Putney Slough this morning.....6 miles north and 5 1/2 miles east of Bath. -- Bill Schultze Wildlife Biologist Sand Lake NWR/WMD 39650 Sand Lake Dr. Columbia, SD 57433 605-885-6320X23 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Orioles galore From: "SDH20fowler" <pintail AT abe.midco.net> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 16:56:43 -0000 4 full-colored Baltimore Oriole males 2 full color Orchard Oriole males one first year male Orchard Oriole (who is dominating the feeder) and 2 male Rose-breasted grosbeaks (one immature) using my feeders (grape jelly, orange halves and sunflower seeds). Also saw some tennessee warblers using the grape jelly. Thats a first for me. Barry Parkin Aberdeen, SD ------------------------------------ Subject: draft bird checklist from Mobridge SDOU meeting field trips From: Nancy Drilling <nancy.drilling AT rmbo.org> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 09:24:39 -0600 Oops, this should read 198 species, not 298. Please let me know if you have additions or changes to this list. Nancy Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe Eared Grebe Western Grebe Clark's Grebe American White Pelican Double-crested Cormorant American Bittern Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Cattle Egret Black-crowned Night-heron Glossy Ibis White-faced Ibis Snow Goose Canada Goose Wood Duck Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Canvasback Redhead Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Ruddy Duck Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Cooper's Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Golden Eagle American Kestrel Ring-necked Pheasant Sharp-tailed Grouse Wild Turkey Virginia Rail Sora American Coot Black-bellied Plover Semipalmated Plover Piping Plover Killdeer Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Solitary Sandpiper Willet Spotted Sandpiper Upland Sandpiper Long-billed Curlew Hudsonian Godwit Marbled Godwit Ruddy Turnstone Red Knot Sanderling Semipalmated Sandpiper Least Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Baird's Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Dunlin Stilt Sandpiper Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson's Phalarope Red-necked Phalarope Franklin's Gull Bonaparte's Gull Ring-billed Gull California Gull Common Tern Forster's Tern Black Tern Rock Pigeon Eurasian Collared-dove Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Eastern Screech-owl Great Horned Owl Burrowing Owl Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Red-headed Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Olive-sided Flycatcher Eastern Wood-pewee Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Alder Flycatcher Willow Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Say's Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Western Kingbird Eastern Kingbird Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Loggerhead Shrike Bell's Vireo Blue-headed Vireo Warbling Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay Black-billed Magpie American Crow Horned Lark Purple Martin Tree Swallow N. Rough-winged Swallow Bank Swallow Cliff Swallow Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Marsh Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Eastern Bluebird Veery Gray-cheeked Thrush Swainson's Thrush Wood Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher European Starling Cedar Waxwing Golden-winged Warbler Tennessee Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Palm Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Black-and-white Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush Common Yellowthroat Wilson's Warbler Canada Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat Scarlet Tanager Spotted Towhee Chipping Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow Field Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Lark Sparrow Lark Bunting Savannah Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Harris's Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Chestnut-collared Longspur Rose-breasted Grosbeak Black-headed Grosbeak Lazuli Bunting Indigo Bunting Bobolink Red-winged Blackbird Western Meadowlark Yellow-headed Blackbird Brewer's Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Orchard Oriole Baltimore Oriole House Finch Pine Siskin American Goldfinch House Sparrow -- Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory - *Celebrating 25 years of bird conservation * Rapid City, SD Tel: 605-791-0459 *www.rmbo.org* [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: draft bird checklist from Mobridge SDOU meeting field trips From: Nancy Drilling <nancy.drilling AT rmbo.org> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 09:23:22 -0600 Currently at 298 species. Please let me know if you have additions or changes to this list. Nancy Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe Eared Grebe Western Grebe Clark's Grebe American White Pelican Double-crested Cormorant American Bittern Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Cattle Egret Black-crowned Night-heron Glossy Ibis White-faced Ibis Snow Goose Canada Goose Wood Duck Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Canvasback Redhead Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Ruddy Duck Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Cooper's Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Golden Eagle American Kestrel Ring-necked Pheasant Sharp-tailed Grouse Wild Turkey Virginia Rail Sora American Coot Black-bellied Plover Semipalmated Plover Piping Plover Killdeer Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Solitary Sandpiper Willet Spotted Sandpiper Upland Sandpiper Long-billed Curlew Hudsonian Godwit Marbled Godwit Ruddy Turnstone Red Knot Sanderling Semipalmated Sandpiper Least Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Baird's Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Dunlin Stilt Sandpiper Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson's Phalarope Red-necked Phalarope Franklin's Gull Bonaparte's Gull Ring-billed Gull California Gull Common Tern Forster's Tern Black Tern Rock Pigeon Eurasian Collared-dove Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Eastern Screech-owl Great Horned Owl Burrowing Owl Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Red-headed Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Olive-sided Flycatcher Eastern Wood-pewee Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Alder Flycatcher Willow Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Say's Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Western Kingbird Eastern Kingbird Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Loggerhead Shrike Bell's Vireo Blue-headed Vireo Warbling Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay Black-billed Magpie American Crow Horned Lark Purple Martin Tree Swallow N. Rough-winged Swallow Bank Swallow Cliff Swallow Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Marsh Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Eastern Bluebird Veery Gray-cheeked Thrush Swainson's Thrush Wood Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher European Starling Cedar Waxwing Golden-winged Warbler Tennessee Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Palm Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Black-and-white Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush Common Yellowthroat Wilson's Warbler Canada Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat Scarlet Tanager Spotted Towhee Chipping Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow Field Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Lark Sparrow Lark Bunting Savannah Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Harris's Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Chestnut-collared Longspur Rose-breasted Grosbeak Black-headed Grosbeak Lazuli Bunting Indigo Bunting Bobolink Red-winged Blackbird Western Meadowlark Yellow-headed Blackbird Brewer's Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Orchard Oriole Baltimore Oriole House Finch Pine Siskin American Goldfinch House Sparrow [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Jackson Park From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 07:55:49 -0600 Last night I spent some time at Jackson Park, looking for Lynn Barber's Prothonotary Warbler. No luck, but there were quite a few birds there, including Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, and Blackpoll Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-Pewee, Black-backed Grosbeak, and lots of Swainson's Thrushes. Dick Latuchie Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: SDOU at Mobridge From: mick zerr <zerrmick AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 22:07:58 -0700 (PDT) Folks, some slides/video from the Mobridge SDOU meeting are at:   http://flic.kr/s/aHsjFbXqMq Flickr has a new format, and it has not been too friendly, so you can also see the slides/video at: http://youtu.be/3bkauAo43Wg Glad to see the folks from North Dakota who came down. Thanks to Dave, Jeff, Nancy, Scott, Ricky and others who organized the meetings, guided us, or other assists. It was a good weekend with great birds, very interesting presentations, and great people. Coming up: * Sioux Falls Bird Club/Dakota Birders birding at the Freeman Wildlife Preserve, Brandon, SD on June 8. (this is a rescheduled event) *  SD Grassland Coalition Birding event at Montrose, SD June 14-15   http://www.sdgrass.org/events.html * Dakota Birders/Purple Martin Association program and Sand Lake birding, Columbia, SD June 15  https://www.facebook.com/PMAD2012 Mick Zerr [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Buntings From: "R&M Mabie" <rmmabie AT hcinet.net> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 22:25:45 -0500 There was an Indigo Bunting in my backyard on Sunday and two Lazuli Buntings there today. Ron Mabie Pickstown, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Storm Birds at Whitewood From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 20:19:33 -0600 We returned from the Spring SDOU meeting on Sunday to find 1.5 inches of rain in the rain gage at our home South of Whitewood. The rain continued and we have now passed 5 inches of rain in the gage and Whitewood Creek is roaring. Along with the rain came some interesting birds. This morning we had a FOY Western Tanager that spent the day with us at our feeders. We have had Western Tanagers before around the feeding area, but never feeding. The male Tanager took a fancy to our suet mix (flour, lard, corn meal, and peanut butter) and spent the day on/off hanging on the suet log like a woodpecker and feeding on the suet. We put out grapes and some jelly, but that was ignored. We also had a Tennessee Warbler this morning, which is rare for this area and the first ever here. Other visitors included one male Lazuli Bunting and a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak. There were also large numbers (20-25) of American Goldfinches and Chipping Sparrows. A good day at the feeders. Vic/Donna Fondy 605-269-2553 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Hot Springs feeder/yard update From: "Peggy" <kazmac19 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 23:22:42 -0000 If this ends up being posted twice, I apologize. It's been a feeding frenzy the last few days at the feeders and in the yard with the cloudy, rainy days! I was able to finally add the western tanager to my life list as one came to the suet feeder today (after being here for five years it was quite exciting). A horde of red crossbills, goldfinches and pine siskins have been here for several weeks now and eating me out of house and home but I expect they will be moving on sometime soon. Other birds: downy and hairy woodpeckers, northern flicker, all three nuthatches (rb, wb and pygmy), blue jay, house finch, bullock's oriole, black-headed grosbeak, lazuli bunting, lesser goldfinch, spotted towhee, robin, turkey, chipping sparrow, western and eastern kingbirds, EC and mourning doves. No canyon wrens and very few bluebirds in the neighbor this year. Happy birding! Peggy McNamara Hot Springs, SD ------------------------------------ Subject: Outdoor campus today From: "brdfsd AT sio.midco.net" <brdfsd@sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 17:50:05 -0500 Did not see any unusual warblers in the early afternoon. Did see a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, several Blackpoll Warblers and a Green Heron among the usual species. See good birds. Rosemary Draeger Sioux Falls brdfsd AT sio.midco.net ------------------------------------ Subject: PENNINGTON CTY.: RAPID CITY, CANYON LAKE PARK SURVEY From: "Jocelyn Baker" <osprey AT midco.net> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 15:34:33 -0600 34 species and 528 individuals were observed by 6 surveyors on Monday, May 20, 2013 at Canyon Lake Park, Rapid City. Species and individual bird numbers were greatly reduced by strong winds. Waterfowl numbered only 6 species. 5 swallow species were present with 200 Tree, 50 Violet-green and 15 Northern Rough-winged. Birders are welcome to join the group any Monday at 6:15 a.m. at the west side boat ramp. Jocelyn Lee Baker Rapid City, South Dakota [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Reminder of Comment Deadline Upper Great Plains Wind Energy D PEIS TODAY May 21st From: Nancy Hilding <nhilshat AT rapidnet.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 13:39:18 -0600 Nancy Hilding President Prairie Hills Audubon Society REMINDER OF Upper Great Plains Wind Energy Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement COMMENTS ARE DUE TODAY 5/21 >> on-line by midnight Mountain Time. The Draft PEIS is available on the project Web site at: http://plainswindeis.anl.gov http://www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/ricesolar/index.html Commenting on-line at http://plainswindeis.anl.gov/involve/comments/index.cfm The official deadline to comment on this draft PEIS is Tuesday, May 21st, midnight mountain time, however someone I talked to at one of the agencies involved told me that comments received within a week of the deadline will still be considered (please don’t rely on this, it is not official statement, but it was un-officially offered, so they may do so) Kelly Fuller at American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is following this D - PEIS and ABC has submitted exhaustive comments, which I (Nancy – nhilshat AT rapidnet.com) can e-mail ASAP to interested folks. Or contact: . Tel: (202) 234-7181, ext. 212 https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/03/22/2013-06614/upper-great-plains-wind-energy-draft-programmatic-environmental-impact-statement-doeeis-0408 ============ Below find excerpts from >>> Federal Register /Vol. 78, No. 56 / Friday, March 22, 2013 /Notices DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Western Area Power Administration DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Upper Great Plains Wind Energy Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (DOE/EISˆ0408) AGENCIES: Western Area Power Administration, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Notice of Public Hearings. ----------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, the U.S. Department of Energy, Western Area Power Administration (Western) and the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have, as joint lead agencies, prepared the Upper Great Plains Wind Energy Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Draft PEIS).1 The Draft PEIS evaluates issues associated with wind energy development within Western‚s Upper Great Plains Customer Service Region (UGP Region), which encompasses all or parts of the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, and upon the Service‚s landscape-level grassland and wetland easements in the same area. The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utility Services (RUS) have participated as cooperating agencies. Public hearings will be held during the public comment period on the Draft PEIS. The Draft PEIS s available on the project Web site at: http://plainswindeis.anl.gov http://www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/ricesolar/index.html. The public comment period on the Draft PEIS starts with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register and will continue until May 21, 2013. Western and the Service will consider all electronic and written comments on the Draft PEIS received or postmarked by that date. Agencies, interested parties, and the public are invited to submit comments on this Draft PEIS at any time during the public comment period. You may submit comments electronically, using the online comment form available on the project Web site (http://plainswindeis.anl.gov/index.cfm), orally or written at the hearings, or by letter to WESTERN/FWS Draft Wind Energy PEIS Comments, c/o John Hayse, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Avenue˜EVS/ 240, Argonne, IL 60439. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on Western‚s proposed programmatic environmental evaluation procedures for wind energy project interconnections, and general information about interconnections with Western‚s transmission system, contact Nicholas Stas, Regional Environmental Manager, Upper Great Plains Customer Service Region, Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 35800, Billings, MT 59107ˆ5800, telephone (406) 255ˆ2810, facsimile (406) 255ˆ 2900, email stas AT wapa.gov. For information on the PEIS process, or to receive a copy of the Draft PEIS, contact Mark Wieringa, NEPA Document Manager, Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 281213, Lakewood, CO 80228ˆ8213, telephone (800) 336ˆ7288, facsimile (720) 962ˆ 7263, email wieringa AT wapa.gov. For information on the Service’s participation in the PEIS, contact Lloyd Jones, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3275 11th Street, Coleharbor, ND 58531ˆ9419, telephone (701) 442ˆ 5474 ext. 111, facsimile (701) 442ˆ5546, email Lloyd_Jones AT fws.gov. For general information on the DOE NEPA process, please contact Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance (GCˆ54), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, telephone (202) 586ˆ4600 or (800) 472ˆ2756. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In response to an increase in wind energy development Western and the Service have interests in streamlining their procedures for conducting environmental reviews of wind energy applications by implementing standardized evaluation procedures and identifying measures to address potential environmental impacts associated with wind energy projects in the UGP Region. As joint lead agencies, Western and the Service have cooperatively prepared this PEIS to (1) assess the potential environmental impacts associated with wind energy projects within the UGP Region that may interconnect to Western‚s transmission system, or that may propose placement of project elements on grassland or wetland easements managed by the Service; and (2) evaluate how environmental impacts would differ under alternative sets of environmental evaluation procedures, best management practices, and mitigation measures that the agencies would request project developers to implement (as appropriate for specific wind energy projects). The objective of the PEIS is to support the environmental review process by having already addressed general environmental concerns. The Draft PEIS analyzes, to the extent practicable, the impacts resulting from development of wind energy projects and the effectiveness of best management practices and mitigation measures in reducing potential impacts. Impacts and mitigation have been analyzed for each environmental resource, and all aspects of wind energy projects have been addressed, including turbine, transformer, collector line, access road, substation installations, and operational and maintenance activities. The environmental procedures and mitigation strategies have been structured to complement Western‚s Open Access Transmission Service Tariff. Many of the impacts resulting from wind energy infrastructure development, including siting wind turbines, access roads, underground collector lines, overhead lines, and substations, are well known. Similarly, effective best management practices and mitigation measures have been developed to reduce the environmental impacts of constructing and operating wind energy projects. The Draft PEIS collected and analyzed this information as it applies to wind energy development in the six states included in the UGP Region. Specifically, the Draft PEIS has: 1. Defined areas with a high potential for wind energy development near the UGP Region‚s transmission system in anticipation of future wind-generation interconnection requests. 2. Defined natural and human environment resources in areas with high wind energy development potential, including Native American lands, to support analyses of the environmental impacts and development of wind energy projects. 3. Identified standardized environmental evaluation procedures, best management practices, and mitigation measures to be used by interconnection applicants for identifying and reducing wind energy development impacts of their projects on the natural and human environment. 4. Initiated a programmatic Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultation for federally listed and proposed threatened and endangered species within the study area boundaries established for the PEIS. 5. Provided guidance for interconnection applicants that includes information about natural resources within areas with a high potential for wind development, requirements for subsequent site-specific environmental reviews, and appropriate best management practices and mitigation measures to address adverse environmental impacts related to wind projects and associated transmission system enhancements. The Service maintains a grassland and wetland easement program to support and enhance waterfowl populations in the Prairie Pothole Region. The Service has developed a plan that will, in some circumstances, allow partial release of an easement for wind generation purposes, only with defined conditions and on a specified area, in exchange for additional easement acreage being conveyed to the Service. A streamlined approach for compliance (NEPA, National Historic Properties Act [NHPA], and ESA) for subsequent site specific wind development projects in the future would result from this PEIS. In accordance with the NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321), and CEQ regulations (40 CFR parts 1500ˆ1508), 1501.5(b), Western and the Service have served as joint lead agencies in the preparation of the Draft PEIS. Western and the Service are engaged in informal consultation under Section 7 of the ESA in support of the PEIS process. A Programmatic Biological Assessment has been prepared for listed and candidate species occurring in the UGP Region, and it is expected that the Ecological Services Field Office will issue a letter of concurrence as a result of this consultation. CEQ regulations require that Western and the Service invite any Federal, State, or local agency or tribal government with jurisdiction by law or special expertise in wind energy development and/or electricity transmission operation to be a cooperating agency. Reclamation, BIA, and RUS have participated as cooperating agencies in the preparation of the Draft PEIS. Other agencies or state or tribal governments could become cooperating agencies at their request. Public Involvement and Comments Interested parties are invited to review the Draft PEIS and provide comments. The comment process is intended to involve all interested agencies (Federal, State, county, and local), public interest groups, businesses, and members of the public. The outcome of this PEIS may affect or apply to tribal resources. Therefore, Western and the Service have consulted with potentially affected tribes throughout the development of the Draft PEIS to jointly evaluate and address the potential effects, if any, of the proposed action. No specific concerns have been identified, mainly because specific projects and locations have not yet been developed. Once individual projects are proposed, project-specific consultations with tribes would be conducted in accordance with Executive Order 13175 ŒŒConsultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments‚‚ (65 FR 67249), the President‚s memorandum of November 5, 2009, ŒŒTribal Consultation‚‚ (http:// www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/memorandum-tribal-consultationsigned-president), agency-specific guidance on tribal interactions, and applicable natural and cultural resource laws and regulations (e.g., NEPA, ESA, NHPA, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act). The public is encouraged to communicate information and comments on issues it believes Western and the Service should address in the Final PEIS. The Agencies request that reviewers provide specific information and comments on factual errors, missing information, or additional considerations that should be corrected or included in the Final PEIS. Individual respondents may request confidentiality. The names, street addresses, and city or town information of those providing comments will be part of the administrative record, and will be subject to public disclosure unless confidentiality is requested. Such a request must be stated prominently at the beginning of the comment. We willhonor requests to the extent allowed by law. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety, consistent with applicable law. After gathering public comments on what issues should be addressed in the Final PEIS, Western and the Service will identify and provide rationale in the Final PEIS on those issues addressed and those issues beyond the scope of the PEIS. Depending on the extent and nature of the comments received, the agencies may republish the entire PEIS incorporating responses to comments, or publish an abbreviated Final version that, together with the Draft PEIS, would constitute the Final PEIS. Final PEIS Schedule and Availability Western and the Service anticipate that comments will be incorporated and the Final PEIS to be available to the public in October, 2013. Separate Records of Decision addressing each agency‚s Federal actions will be issued by Western and the Service not sooner than 30 days following distribution of the Final PEIS, or about October, 2013. Dated: March 15, 2013., Anita J. Decker, Acting Administrator, Western Area Power Administration., Dated: March 15, 2013. Noreen Walsh, Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2013ˆ06614 Filed 3ˆ21ˆ13; 8:45 am], BILLING CODE 6450ˆ01ˆP VerDate Mar< ============= Nancy Hilding Black Hawk, SD 57718 nhilshat AT rapidnet.com 605-787-6779 605-787-6466 ============= Nancy Hilding 6300 West Elm Black Hawk, SD 57718 nhilshat AT rapidnet.com 605-787-6779 605-787-6466 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Western Tanager (Pennington Cty) From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 07:13:24 -0600 I came home a little early yesterday because we had to euthanize our 19 yr old cat, Daisy last night. I know, birders aren't supposed to love cats, but that's the way it is. Seeing the first Western Tanager of the year in our yard gave me the feeling things were going to be ok. Dick Latuchie Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: state birds From: mick zerr <zerrmick AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 16:30:51 -0700 (PDT) Folks, this interesting article (on state birds) heads up from the Iowa List-serv folks.  Get ready to be chastised for your state bird.          http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/05/state_bird_improvements_replace_cardinals_and_robins_with_warblers_and_hawks.html Mick Zerr [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Prothonotary Warbler From: dalybar AT aol.com Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:49:12 -0400 (EDT) It has been pointed out to me that my link for the photo for the Prothonotary Warbler should not include the period, but should be: http://www.lynnbarber.com/id94.html Lynn Barber Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Prothonotary Warbler, Rapid City From: dalybar AT aol.com Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:23:20 -0400 (EDT) Amazing! As I was being battered by the wind and drizzle at Jackson Park this morning, a bright orangey-yellow warbler with obvious white tail spots dashed across in front of me. I followed and it turned out to be what I was pretty sure it was going to be - a Prothonotary Warbler. A bird I NEVER expected to see in SD, much less in Rapid City. It w was visible from about 11:40-11:50. One of my many pictures is at http://www.lynnbarber.com/id94.html. The bird disappeared along the stream after about 10 minutes. Call (682-365-6531) or email me for directions if you want to try for it. Lynn Barber Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Blue-winged Warbler In Sioux Falls From: David Boardman <dboardman53 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 09:23:01 -0700 (PDT)    There was a Blue-winged Warbler at the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls this morning. I had great views of it from about 8:10 am to 8:25am. just south of the bridge near the Campus building on the outer trail. It was in a with a bunch of Tennesee, Yellow, and Blackpoll Warblers.   Dave Boardman Sioux Falls                    [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Red Knot, Flight Lake, Potter county From: Nancy Drilling <nancy.drilling AT rmbo.org> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 07:34:30 -0600 Sunday evening, just before sunset, I found a Red Knot in breeding plumage foraging on a mudflat at Flight Lake in Potter county. It was on the west side of 311 Ave, about 50 - 100 yds north of 154 St. There was also a Piping Plover blending in nicely with the gravel on 311 Ave., at 153 St. Nancy Drilling -- Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory - *Celebrating 25 years of bird conservation * Rapid City* * [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Blackburnian Warbler From: "Doug Backlund" <dougback AT wildphotosphotography.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 22:25:32 -0500 A male Blackburnian Warbler was at the viewing blind at Farm Island this evening, along with a nice assortment of other warblers, including a male Bay-breasted. Doug Backlund Pierre, SD www.wildphotosphotography.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Prothonatory Warbler From: littlebend AT q.com Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 22:46:48 -0400 (EDT) Birded Union Grove state park this weekend.  The warblers were a bit slow but we did have several nice birds highlighted by a Prothonatory Warbler.  Also had Northern Parula, Bay-breasted, and Black-throated-green among others.  This evening back at Foggy Bottom in Stanley County I had a Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and a Mourning Warbler among others. Kenny Miller Pierre [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: NHBC Field Trip - Saturday, May 25. From: "Gene " <gene AT neopaleo.net> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 20:22:39 -0600 NHBC Field Trip - Saturday, May 25. The Northern Hills Bird Club (NHBC) will conduct a field trip to the Whitney Preserve and nearby areas in Hot Springs. Participants will meet at 7 a.m. at Dale's Family Restaurant 745 Battle Mountain Avenue, Hot Springs, and depart at 7:30. Participants should bring a lunch and drinks, as this trip may go into the early afternoon. For more information please contact Gene Hess at 605-791-0630. Birders of all levels and non-members of NHBC are welcome to participate free of charge. Gene K. Hess Rapid City, SD Gene K. Hess Rapid City, SD ------------------------------------ Subject: Scarlet Tanager in Aberdeen From: Brian Kringen <bkringen AT abe.midco.net> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 21:15:49 -0500 My wife and I were feeling a bit down that we were not able to attend the spring SDOU meeting in Mobridge this weekend. But we were rewarded this evening by a beautiful male Scarlet Tanager shining in this evening's sun! It was seen along the east bank of Moccasin Creek, south of the 6th Ave. bridge. A great find for Aberdeen! We were able to at least get out on Saturday for our annual "Big Day" in Brown-Day-Marshall Counties. Highlights included: Male Blackburnian Warbler (one at Amsden Lake, Day Co. and the other in Melgaard Park, Aberdeen) Black-Bellied Plover, Day Co. 4 Ruddy Turnstones along the almost-submerged road at the intersection of 408th Ave and 108th St, southeast of the Hecla rookery Glossy Ibis, a mile east of the main part of the Hecla rookery The Hecla rookery is up and running, with lots of birds on their nests. The Ibis numbers are holding strong. Lots of Snowy Egrets everywhere, and the Cattle Egrets are back, too. Looked in vain for a stray Little Blue Heron at Hecla, but nothing as of Saturday…. Also added a few more warbler species to our yearly total, including Wilson's, Nashville, Chestnut-Sided, and Bell's, Warbling, and Blue-Headed (Solitary) Vireos. So the weekend turned out all right after all--and the Aberdeen Area finally got some much-needed rain!!! Brian Kringen Aberdeen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: A few more new arrivals in Pierre From: Charlene Bessken <ladyhawk155 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 08:18:26 -0600 Just saw my first western kingbird of the year and a Bell's vireo is singing across the street. I was working on a project near the visitor center of Oahe Downstream Rec Area this week where there was a Bell's vireo singing on Friday. Eastern kingbirds and a Baltimore oriole aslo showed up at Oahe this week. Charlene "Charlie" Bessken Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Northern Waterthrush From: Charlene Bessken <ladyhawk155 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 07:12:24 -0600 Maybe it was the storm last night . . . I have a northern waterthrush wandering around my yard this morning. It's not the first one I've seen here, but I don't see them in my yard very often. A pair of rose-breasted grosbeaks are at the feeders for the first time this year. The black-headed grosbeaks have been back for about a week. Charlene "Charlie" Bessken Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Ice water bath Pennington Co. From: "Caroline Stafford" <carolinestafford AT rocketmail.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 02:12:39 -0000 After the thunderstorm dropped hail all over and shredded my plants, there were the grackles in the birdbath, amidst the floating hailstones, bathing away like it was high summer! ------------------------------------ Subject: Blackburnian Warbler- Custer County, SD From: "mccloym" <mccloym AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 21:20:09 -0000 Hi all, A male Blackburnian Warbler was found about 11:00 this morning at the Game Lodge Group Campground in Custer State Park (Custer County) by Kellen Mortensen of the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. The bird was foraging in a birch along Grace Coolidge Creek about 30 meters Northeast of the pedestrian bridge at the southern end of the group campground. The bird was observed for well over an hour by upwards of 12 observers. A couple photos can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=633855896642572&set=a.630462223648606.1073741827.100000545021359&type=1&theater and can be emailed upon request. Thanks, Mike McCloy Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory ------------------------------------ Subject: Little Blue Heron, Buff-breasted Sandpipers, more From: "Terry Sohl" <tlsohl AT alliancecom.net> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 00:57:59 -0500 Took the day off and had a wonderful day birding, from Newton Hills up to Lake Thompson. In the morning at Newton Hills, warbler numbers weren't great, but there was some variety. Ovenbirds were singing everywhere, and I also saw American Redstarts, Wilson's Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Blue-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, and Northern Waterthrush. The usual summer birds were there...Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Scarlet Tanagers, Wood Thrush, Eastern Towhee, etc. Saw Warbling, Red-eyed, and Yellow-throated Vireo as well. I then headed up towards the Lake Thompson area, which was really active. Saw only the 2nd Little Blue Heron I've seen in the state, on the north end of Lake Thompson (with photos). It was hanging out in a group of about a dozen Snowy Egrets, and there were also 2 very orangish cattle egrets and 3 or 4 Great Egrets with them. At one of my favorite shallow wetland/lake areas on the NW edge of Lake Thompson, shorebirds were everywhere, and variety was very high. The highlight...at least 18 Buff-breasted Sandpipers, who for a day at least, were acting like "shorebirds" and were near the water's edge. Also at this spot...many Dunlin, Stilt Sandpipers, White-rumped Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers, peeps, Wilson's Phalarope, and Hudsonian Godwit (sure I'm missing others, there were hundreds of shorebirds here). There was also a White-faced Ibis at this spot. There were a few more White-faced Ibis at Lake Whitewood. It was nice to see the return of both eastern and western Kingbirds on the fencelines, as well as singing Bobolinks and just one Dickcissel (so far). Strangest thing I guess...11 Snow Geese at Madison Waterfowl Production Area (NW side of Lake Madison, and again, 12 Snow Geese at Lake Thompson. Think the strange spring weather has them confused as well. Great day for not only birds but for photos. Going to take a while to process them all, but here's some: http://sdakotabirds.com/species_photos/buff_breasted_sandpiper_10.htm http://sdakotabirds.com/species_photos/wading_largewater/little_blue_heron_1 4.htm http://sdakotabirds.com/species_photos/ovenbird_11.htm http://sdakotabirds.com/species_photos/shorebirds/hudsonian_godwit_13.htm http://sdakotabirds.com/species_photos/yellow_bellied_sapsucker_27.htm http://sdakotabirds.com/species_photos/bobolink_11.htm http://sdakotabirds.com/species_photos/baltimore_oriole_14.htm http://sdakotabirds.com/species_photos/wilsons_warbler_7.htm http://sdakotabirds.com/species_photos/northern_shoveler_14.htm Terry Sohl Brandon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Eurasian Wigeon From: cemiller AT sdplains.com Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 20:17:20 -0600 Friday 5/17 6:30 P.M. Went to Gardner Lake after work to look for the Eurasian Wigeon. He was still present in a new location just north and west of the spillway. While watching him with the spotting scope I was able to get real good looks at a Whimbrel, only the second one I have seen in Harding County. Charlie Miller Buffalo, S.D. ------------------------------------ Subject: Marsh Wren at Lowe's From: Barbara Hartinger <hartinger AT itctel.com> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:12 -0500 About 9 a.m. Friday morning, a Marsh Wren in Lowe's Garden Center, Brookings, greatly enamored of the Easy Elegance rose bushes. Also there a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Late afternoon in our yard, an Indigo Bunting in addition to MANY goldfinches, multiple orioles, hummingbirds, RB Grosbeaks, Grey Catbirds, and House Wrens. (Harris Sparrows are diminishing in number.) Also the first time we've ever had both male and female Red-Bellied Woodpeckers in the yard at this time of year. Barb Hartinger 44.2N/96.6W (Brookings County) ------------------------------------ Subject: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher From: Lynn Barber <dalybar AT aol.com> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 18:15:21 -0500 Nancy Drilling found a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher south of Timber Lake, 11 miles south on the road to Whitehorse this afternoon. Lynn Barber Rapid City Sent from my iPad ------------------------------------ Subject: Dewey Gevik From: mick zerr <zerrmick AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 20:01:16 -0700 (PDT) Yesterday I drove out to Dewey Gevik Outdoor Learning Area just west of Wall Lake in Minnehaha Co. SD, to see if there was any water left, since we had little rain and little water survived the winter. Expecting the worst, I was tickled to find the water level was still up to the SFBC blind. In an hour of observing from the blind, the birds were very cooperative.      http://www.flickr.com//photos/siouxfalls/sets/72157633497195193/show/ The following were seen: 70 Wilson's Phalaropes.  See them spinning on the video. 25 American Golden Plovers 12 N.Shovelers 15 Mallards 22 Canada Geese, some on nests 8 Wood ducks 20 Blue-winged Teal.  See them dabbling on the video. You can see how the stay tipped by using there feet as propellers. 25 C Grackles 20 RW Blackbirds 4 Song Sparrows 2 Redheads 4 Gadwall 5 RB Gulls 1 Franklin's Gull 10 Barn Swallows 3 Lesser Yellowlegs 25 Coot 5 Killdeer 2 Least SP 1 Crow Sandpiper species Mick Z. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Yellow-throated Vireo From: "Chris Anderson" <canderson1 AT sio.midco.net> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 20:51:52 -0500 Tonight I heard and then tracked down a Yellow-throated Vireo while running at the Big Sioux Rec Area in Brandon (Minnehaha Co.). Yellow-rumped Warbler numbers seemed down from the weekend, and Yellow Warbler numbers were up. There were also about 40 Harris's Sparrows in with the Chippers along the main park road. I've been getting a lot of Harris's at home as well, typically 10-15 in the last week or so. There was also an Indigo Bunting singing up by the gazebo by the park. Chris Anderson Sioux Falls ------------------------------------ Subject: HARDING CTY.: GARDNER LAKE - EURASIAN WIGEON From: "Jocelyn Baker" <osprey AT midco.net> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 17:42:47 -0600 George Prisbe and I observed the wigeon today, May 15, at 12:30 at the south end of the lake. A Palm Warbler was also observed. Jocie Baker Jocelyn Lee Baker Rapid City, South Dakota [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Wigeon Update From: "Ricky Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 09:08:03 -0500 The Eurasian Wigeon was still at Gardner Lake late yesterday afternoon. Sharing is half the fun of birding Ricky D. Olson FT Pierre SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Lazuli Bunting in Vermillion. From: "Kim" <kkc AT vyn.midco.net> Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 13:15:30 -0000 At 7:15 AM this morning, I observed a male Lazuli Bunting in our backyard, perched in a Linden tree. Kim Callahan/Vermillion ------------------------------------ Subject: a must see story From: mick zerr <zerrmick AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 18:40:40 -0700 (PDT) Folks, if you missed the birding story on CBS evening news, it is worth your time.         http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57584486/blind-birdwatchers-learn-to-see-by-hearing-sounds/ Mick Z.   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RTHummingbird From: Barbara Hartinger <hartinger AT itctel.com> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 19:16:12 -0500 FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbird today, 5/14. Dripping with orioles (first Baltimore male on 5/8, followed now by three more male adults, one juvenile male, and at least two females; also Orchard Oriole on 5/13, followed by female today, 5/14. FOY RBGrosbeak on 4/30 (early), followed by at least one more male and a female about 5/8. Brown Thrasher present on 5/8. House Wrens present as of 5/11. Barb Hartinger 44.2N/96.6W (3 miles S. of Aurora, Brookings County) ------------------------------------ Subject: Pennington Co. birds From: dalybar AT aol.com Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 19:25:06 -0400 (EDT) Yesterday, I found 3 American Three-toed Woodpeckers on Ditch Creek Rd., west of Hill City. This morning I took a brief trip to Jackson Park in Rapid City, and relocated the Palm Warbler. No new-for-the-year warbler species found. About noon after a morning meeting and finding Chimney Swifts in downtown Rapid City, I headed east to Wall. I found my first Bobolink there (later a few more on Sage Creek Road). At Quinn Lake, there were about 75 American White Pelicans and 3 Black Terns, plus Double-crested Cormorants and the usual ducks. As I headed south on Sage Creek Rd., I stopped along a winding portion of the road where there is brush along the road, and as I rolled down my window I heard a Bell's Vireo. I eventually found the vireo, and then heard a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, which I also got to see. I did not expect either of those species today (or possibly ever, in the county). There were numerous Eastern and Western Kingbirds and very many Lark Buntings (my estimates added to about 80 on Sage Creek Rd.). I concluded the trip on Hammerquist Rd. where I found a single Bullock's Oriole (male) and a single Orchard Oriole (male). Lynn Barber Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Indigo Bunting From: "Kim" <kkc AT vyn.midco.net> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 23:18:29 -0000 At 5:30 PM this afternoon, we had a male Indigo Bunting in our backyard. Though I've seen them in the country, this is the first I've ever observed in town. Kim Callahan/Vermillion ------------------------------------ Subject: Photos from Sunday From: "rookie.birder" <Kelly.Preheim AT k12.sd.us> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 22:23:16 -0000 http://www.flickr.com/photos/rookiebirder/sets/72157633491336852/ Here are some photos from Sunday's birding adventure. ------------------------------------ Subject: Baltimore Oriole From: "Boldt, Joshua" <joshua.boldt AT dsu.edu> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 22:09:23 +0000 Nothing too special but Baltimore Oriole - FOY for me - at DSU campus (Lake County, Madison, SD). He was very bright in the sunlight in a big tree with 12 to 15 Yellow-rump Warblers and some sparrows, including some Clay-colored Sparrows. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Few FOY's Today From: "Gary & Cindy Olson" <olsonfam AT nvc.net> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 14:31:25 -0500 Got out early this morning before the wind & temps went up. NO White-eyed Vireo today. Only FOY warbler was A.Redstart. Others for me we're: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Field Sparrow, Bobolink, Eastern & Western Kingbirds. Better temps tomorrow. Need rain already! Gary Olson Aberdeen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Lazuli Bunting Clay County From: Gary and Jan Small <garyandjansd AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 14:14:25 -0500 We had a beautiful male Lazuli Bunting today in our yard a couple miles east of Vermillion. Gary and Jan Small [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Cape May Warbler in Sioux Falls From: douglas chapman <dougchapman3 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 12:15:40 -0500 Birders: There is a Cape May Warbler in the Crab apple tree in my yard as I type. I love that bird. So breathtaking. Doug Douglas Chapman Sioux Falls, SD <") ( \ / |`` [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: June Bird Notes Deadline From: douglas chapman <dougchapman3 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 10:19:58 -0500 Hi All, Please be advised that due to the fire in my home, I have extended the deadline for the June issue of Bird Notes to May 22. That will also give someone a good chance to include the summary of our Spring Meeting in Mobridge, 17-19 May. even if it rains, we'll have birds. Doug Douglas Chapman, Editor SDOU Bird Notes Sioux Falls, SD sfbirdclub AT sio.midco.net <") ( \ / |`` [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: PENNINGTON CTY.: Rapid City, Canyon Lake Park Survey From: "Jocelyn Baker" <osprey AT midco.net> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 04:49:43 -0600 54 species and 563 individuals were observed by six surveyors at Canyon Lake Park on Monday, May 13. 9 waterfowl species including Ruddy Duck were present. Sparrows were migrating through the park and included the following: Chipping, Clay-colored, Field, Lark, Savannah, Song, Lincoln's and White-crowned. Other birds included: Greater Yellowlegs, Peregrine Falcon, Least Flycatcher, Swainson's Thrush, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Waterthrush, and Spotted Towhee. Jocelyn Lee Baker Rapid City, South Dakota [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Eurasian Wigeon From: cemiller AT sdplains.com Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 22:58:51 -0600 Checked Gardner Lake after work the Euasian wigeon was still present in the same location. Charlie Miller Buffalo, S.D. ------------------------------------ Subject: FOYs NE SD From: "SDH20fowler" <pintail AT abe.midco.net> Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 04:12:18 -0000 14 FOYs today and 85 total species...shouldnt have stopped to fish at 7. Prob would have made a 100. House Wren-my backyard in Aberdeen Yellowthroat-Moccasin Creek Brown Co Yellow Warbler (many)-Aberdeen Brown Thrasher-Aberdeen Baltimore Oriole-Aberdeen Grey Catbird-Aberdeen Western Kingbird-Day County American Golden-Plover-Codington Co Eastern Kingbird-Roberts Co Peregrine Falcon-Roberts Co Chestnut-Collared Longspur-Roberts C0 Semipalmated Plover-Roberts Co Least Sandpiper-Roberts Co Bank Swallow-Day Co My daughter also reported a loon to me at Scatterwood Lakes in Edmunds/Faulk Co. I would say it is prob true as she has been up close and personal to Loons in Minnesota. But wouldnt bet my life on it. I did not see any loons at Blue Dog/Rush Lake today. Barry Parkin Aberdeen PS Thanks gary for the call. Maybe we will get that vireo tomorrow. ------------------------------------ Subject: Lawrence County Day 2-WRMC From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 20:16:24 -0600 We birded the Lawrence County portion of Vanocker Canyon and also Galena Road area today as part of the WRMC. Area very dry and only 213 birds for the day and 37 species. New sightings for us today on the WRMC included Broad-winged and Coopers Hawks, Gray Jay, Townsend’s Solitaire, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Ovenbird. We also had a Black and White Warbler in the feeder area this morning at our home South of Whitewood. Vic/Donna Fondy 605-269-2553 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Sica Hollow to Hecla From: MARK OTNES <markotnes AT cableone.net> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 17:17:16 -0500 Had my first real bird trip of the year for South Dakota. I started and Sica Hollow and worked my way to Hecla. Sica Hollow was still very brown with barely a hint of green. Yellow-rumped Warblers were very common with just a few other warblers present Black-and-White, Yellow, Orange-crowned and Ovenbird. Just west of Lake City there were over 200 Harris Sparrow on the along the road and in the ditch on the north end of a shelter belt. There were a lot of peeps migrating in the open county and quite a few small groups of Hudsonian Godwits. I got one flock of American Golden Plovers just east of Renzienhausen GPA. Other than Ibis (got at least one glossy) wader numbers seemed low around Hecla. There was a single Ruddy Turnstonee on 104st Street just east of Hecla by the old sewage ponds. I think I got about 108 species on the day, nothing rare, but fun to get out. Mark Otnes Fargo ND markotnes AT cableone.net 701-241-4194 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: White-eyed Vireo From: "Gary & Cindy Olson" <olsonfam AT nvc.net> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 16:02:17 -0500 Found a White-eyed Vireo this morning at Moccasin Creek. He was in the shrubs close to Dakota Street. That's a life bird for me! Also today FOY Magnolia Warbler, Common Yellow-throat, Gray Catbird, House Wren and Balitmore Oriole. Lots of sparrows and lots of Yellow Warblers today. Gary Olson Aberdeen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Lacreek trip 5/11 From: "Peter" <petermhill AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 20:59:01 -0000 Had a good field trip to Lacreek NWR in Bennett County on Saturday, organized by the Prairie Hills Audubon society. I believe there were 9 or 10 of us, mostly from RC, and me from Pine Ridge. It was a beautiful day, and we saw lots of birds. I wasn't the one keeping track of the total list (plus I had to leave about midway through the day), but since no one else has posted on the trip here, I thought I would mention it here. Highlights (at least before my departure, and therefore the ones I am aware of) were a FOY Swainson's Hawk, a Great Horned Owl, a couple of White-throated Sparrows, and a (singing) male Northern Cardinal, that a few of us got good looks at. Spring appears to be here today. Contemplating turning the AC on today! Good birding, everyone. Peter Hill Pine Ridge Shannon Co ------------------------------------ Subject: Black-headed grosebeak From: "Vogelmann, James" <vogel AT usgs.gov> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 08:50:50 -0500 Last Friday (May 10) we had a black-headed grosbeak at our feeder (with three rose-breasted grosbeaks) just east of Sioux Falls. I have not seen it since, but this is the first one that I've seen here. Jim Vogelmann Jim Vogelmann Research Ecologist USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center 47914 252nd Street Sioux Falls, SD 57198 Tel: (605) 594-6062 vogel AT usgs.gov [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Shorebirds etc From: "Ricky Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 07:40:53 -0500 I checked our only mud flat yesterday ( 11 miles east of Pierre just south of Hwy 14). Several species present the best were : Black-bellied Plovers, a Piping Plover and a few Sanderlings. I did see 3 Palm Warblers, Many Yellow-rumped Warblers, a few Orange-crowned and Yellow Warblers. Some FOY species were: Black-headed Grosbeak Lark Sparrow Lark Bunting Sharing is half the fun of birding Ricky D. Olson FT Pierre SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Codington County Birds From: carlson2322 AT wat.midco.net Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 00:32:29 -0500 I had a really good day of birding yesterday in Codington County with a total of 48 species. I spent the morning in Rauville Township: Cliff Swallow, Bank Swallow, Red Winged Blackbird, Eurasian Collared Doves, Canada Goose, Am. Coot, Wood Duck, Common Grackle, Brown Headed Cowbird, Hooded Merganser, Pied Billed Grebe, Yellow Warbler, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Mallard, Blue Winged Teal, English Sparrow, Robin, Killdeer, Horned Lark, Western Meadowlark, Belted Kingfisher, _BLACK BILLED MAGPIE_ _(for me, a first for Codington County, [Rauville Township, Sec. 34W]_), Northern Harrier, Red Tailed Hawk, Clay Colored Sparrows, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, Barn Swallow, Upland Sandpiper, Am. Crow, R.N. Pheasant. In the afternoon, in Kampeska Township; Gadwall, Yellow Headed Blackbird, A.W. Pelican, Double Crested Cormorant, Pintail Duck, Franklin Gull, Shoveler, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Egret, Forster Tern, an incredibly fast unidentified Falcon swooping on some peeps, Western Grebe, Brown Thrasher, Chipping Sparrow, House Finch, Chickadee. And, a small flock of peeps which I believe were _WESTERN SANDPIPERS _on the SE shore of Goose Lake. Due to their black legs, this should rule out the Least Sandpiper. They are changing from winter to breeding plumage. See pictures. I believe they are more like Western than Semipalmated, with de-curved, longer, sharper bill than the more common Semipalmated Sandpiper. The rusty color of the feathers of the head and back would also suggest a western. But my observation could be challenged by more experienced birders. Erland Carlson, Watertown, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Black-Throated Green Warbler From: Nelda Holden <neldaholden AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 00:24:32 -0500 My family took me out to the new Blood Run Nature Center on Mothers Day. We had the Black-throated green warbler. My granddaughter photographed it and this is how I identified it because I did not see the bird. Nelda, Brookings [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------