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3 Feb Webberville Eagle directions [Brush Freeman ] 3 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Ted Eubanks ] 3 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Janet Rathjen ] 3 Feb Fw: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Joann Thompson ] 3 Feb Common Redpoll in Nacogdoches county [peter barnes ] 3 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Thomas Riecke ] 3 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Don Richardson ] 3 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Brush Freeman ] 3 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Marilyn Kircus ] 3 Feb request for opinions - Caldwell County Owl (?) call [Chris Harrison ] 3 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [David Hanson ] 3 Feb Austin Cacophony [James W Kessler ] 3 Feb Bastrop Co. local Interest - Ferruginous Hawk? [Ian Layton ] 3 Feb Kingfisher Trifecta!... eBird Report - Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059), Feb 3, 2012 [Mark and Joanie Hubinger ] 2 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Joseph Kennedy ] 2 Feb Hutton's Vireo at Fort Hood's Belton Lake Outdoor Rec Area (BLORA) ["gil.eckrich" ] 2 Feb Re: man o wars n frigatebirds [Ervin Fleming ] 2 Feb RBA - Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley - February 2, 2012 [Mary Gustafson ] 2 Feb man o wars n frigatebirds [john muldrow ] 2 Feb Re: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers/Portuguese man-o’-war attacking Galveston [Brush Freeman ] 2 Feb Fwd: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers/Portuguese man-o’-war attacking Galveston [Brush Freeman ] 2 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers/Portuguese man-o’-war attacking Galveston [Mark B Bartosik ] 2 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Brush Freeman ] 2 Feb Resaca de la Palma State Park - 2/2/12 Sightings [Sherry Wilson ] 2 Feb Clarification on My Request for for Volunteer help for Hawk Watch [David Hanson ] 2 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach ["Collins, Fred (Commissioner Pct. 3)" ] 2 Feb Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, San Antonio [Sean Paul Kelley ] 2 Feb Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Brush Freeman ] 2 Feb Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach [Les Stewart ] 2 Feb eBird Report - Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059), Feb 2, 2012 [Mark and Joanie Hubinger ] 2 Feb White-eared Hummingbird a No-Show [Joel Simon ] 2 Feb Heard Museum bird banding 2/1/2012 [Tom Heath ] 2 Feb RFI: Goose Island State Park ["Kleb Woods (Commissioner Pct. 3)" ] 1 Feb Valley 2/1- Becard, Purple Sandpiper [Jon McIntyre ] 1 Feb Re: White-eared Hummingbird [Brush Freeman ] 1 Feb White-eared Hummingbird [Joel Simon ] 1 Feb Volunteer Activity Benefiting the GCBO Hawk Watch [David Hanson ] 1 Feb Houston Hummingbirds (2/1) [James Hinson ] 1 Feb 2-1-12 Canyon Towhee @ Warbler Woods [Susan Schaezler ] 1 Feb Common Ground Dove - Sunset Valley/Austin [James Giroux ] 31 Jan Shoal Creek (local Austin interest only) [Ted Eubanks ] 31 Jan Hagerman NWR Tuesday morning birding. [Jack Chiles ] 31 Jan Bird all day at Kleb Woods tomorrow ["Collins, Fred (Commissioner Pct. 3)" ] 31 Jan Peregrine Falcon in Austin [Ted Eubanks ] 31 Jan Re: PUSA yes Jan 29 but brief...please don't rush the birds [Rex Stanford ] 31 Jan Valley Nature Center 310112 ["Raul Garza Jr." ] 31 Jan S. Bastrop but mostly Caldwell Co. Frogs [Brush Freeman ] 31 Jan 2012 Game - First Visit to Hale County [Anthony Hewetson ] 31 Jan The 2012 Game - Hale County vs. the Canyon Lakes of Lubbock [Anthony Hewetson ] 30 Jan Birding Adventures (Coastal Bend birding) on NBC Sports tomorrow p.m. [Patricia Wight ] 30 Jan Western Hidalgo County, 1/29/12 [Dan Jones ] 30 Jan Four Day Trip to the Valley [David Hanson ] 30 Jan Re: Woodcocks and frogs ["muchopoblano AT yahoo.com" ] 30 Jan Purple Sandpiper at Port Mansfield [Jan Maitland ] 30 Jan Bentsen Sunday Bird Walk [Javier Deleon ] 30 Jan Hummingbirds [Allenreyer ] 30 Jan Granger Lake highlights 1/29 [James Giroux ] 30 Jan Possibly melanistic finch [Elizabeth Moon ] 30 Jan Birding Adventures on NBC Sports [Pat Wight ] 30 Jan Indigo Bunting, BAstrop Co. [Ian Layton ] 30 Jan Re: Woodcocks, here is what to listen [Linda Price ] 29 Jan Lake O Pines - Little Gull - No [Luanne Brotherton ] 29 Jan 7th Annual SparrowFest Summary, Saturday Jan 28, 2012 - 3 Sage Thrashers, 3 bluebird species and 16 sparrow species [] 29 Jan Granger Lake 1/29/12: Whooping Cranes, Owls, Sage Thrasher, Longspurs, etc. [Tim Fennell ] 29 Jan Woodcocks, here is what to listen [Brush Freeman ] 29 Jan Woodcocks and frogs [Brush Freeman ] 29 Jan Coopers Hawk; Webberville [Kerri Chambers ] 29 Jan Re: McCown's near Littng Travis Co. [Brush Freeman ] 29 Jan Fw: eBird Report - home, Jan 29, 2012 [] 29 Jan Fish Crows [dennis shepler ] 29 Jan Limestone County today Jan 29, 2012 [peter barnes ] 29 Jan California Gull Etc near Corpus [Jon McIntyre ] 29 Jan McCown's near Littng Travis Co. [Brush Freeman ] 29 Jan 1-29-12 Tundra Swan @ Salt Lake [Warbler Woods ] 28 Jan Brown Jay - Yes for A.M. Crowd [Sam Taylor ] 28 Jan Granger Lake [Ferguson/Prothro Carol/brenda ] Subject: Webberville Eagle directions From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 21:50:50 -0600 Over the past week plus there have been several request for the nest location, some have said they have gone and could not find it. I could guess on a Google image but there are other factors First go completely thru Webberville if coming from Austin, there is a Little Webberville Park but it it not there....Drive a few miles past Webberville and you'll see the Travis Co. park sign...Turn right and go to the park (opens around 8A)....drive thru the park until you come to the restrooms, Park here somewhere. Walk out behind the restrooms to the the volleyball court and then directly to the transmission lines overhead and a bit beyond to a weak fence line....Look a bit to your right across the big field (private) from here and note a orange earth moving machine...Look to the left of this a little in the distant trees and you should easily see the huge nest. A scope is pretty much the ticket but with 8-10X bins an adult bird can be usually seen sitting in the nest...If the chicks have not already grown too large...Check the tree line if not there as they have favorite perches. Hope this helps and sorry for those that drove out and missed finding it. The nest can also be seen from Post Oak road nearby -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Ted Eubanks <tedleeeubanks AT FERMATAINC.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 20:09:49 -0600 David, I would suggest that you study the origins of the conservation ethic in this country. Read Rothrock, Pinchot, Grinnell, Dock, Goddard, etc. Watch this video http://youtu.be/vgb5yOhE90o It is important to understand the forces that influenced conservation in this country, a uniquely American endeavor. This deserves more than a flippant "it is all about hunting" retort. Ted Eubanks Austin, Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Janet Rathjen <j.rathjen AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:06:46 -0800 Today I went to the Clear Lake boat ramp to due my regular survey of the gulls and terns there.  There have been 150-200 Laughing Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls, Capian Terns, Royal Terns and Forter's Terns there for the last few weeks since I started keeping track.  This time a large area of the parking lot was covered with white feathers.  These feathers were not there when I checked last week.  The gulls and terns are molting.  Even one of the Caspian Terns now has a completely black cap.  The feathers are gathered in and near the area where most of the gulls roost.  Judging by the quantity of feathers shown in photograph, the feathers could be coming from the gulls and terns using the beaches now. Janet Rathjen Houston (Clear Lake City), TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Fw: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Joann Thompson <joann510 AT ATT.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:46:14 -0600 GREAT POST! Joann Thompson SWHouston ~..~ ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Hanson" To: Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 4:25 PM Subject: Re: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach >I could not help but read this thread about the feathers on the beach and > in some of the posts the negative undertone towards "waterfowl" hunters. > We > all might want to remember that hunters were the original > conservationists > and indeed have been all or partially responsible for many of the > Wildlife > refuges we all enjoy. Many people do not realize that waterfowl hunters > over 16 years of age are required to purchase a $15 duck stamp each year > to > hunt waterfowl and that 98 Cents of every dollar goes towards purchasing > and maintaining National Wildlife Refuges that benefit many of the birds > we > all enjoy not just waterfowl. Here is the link to the official Federal > Waterfowl Stamp site if you would like to educate yourself more > _http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Texas.htm_ > (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Texas.htm) > Texas Refuges Funded in Part by Federal Duck Stamps > Click below to view refuge profiles: > > * _Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge_ > (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/AnahuacNWR.htm) > * Aransas National Wildlife Refuge > * Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge > (see San Bernard NWR Profile) > * Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge > (see San Bernard NWR Profile) > * Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge > * _McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge_ > (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/McFaddin-TexasPointNWR.htm) > * Muleshoe National Widlife Refuge > * _San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge_ > (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/SanBernardNWR.htm) > * Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge > * Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge > * _Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge_ > (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/TrinityRiverNWR.htm) > > > > In a message dated 2/2/2012 8:20:14 P.M. Central Standard Time, > josephkennedy36 AT GMAIL.COM writes: > > . > > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Common Redpoll in Nacogdoches county From: peter barnes <pbarnes123 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:33:12 -0600 A Common Redpoll was found by David Wolf and is coming to a feeder in Nacogdoches county. Unfortunately, the location is not accessible to birders. Nevertheless, those in north-east and north-central Texas might want to keep their eyes out for unusual winter finches. Peter Barnes Tylert TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Thomas Riecke <riecket13 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:02:55 -0800 There are very few, if any, waterfowl hunters that hunt offshore or in the surf on the Upper Texas Coast. No one hunts the Gulf, they hunt the inner bays and marsh. I would assume these feathers are the result of normal molt of a variety of species, with a cruise ship pillowfight as a second guess. This is the end of the pertinent information in this post.   Since its inception, the Federal Duck Stamp has funded the acquisition of 5,000,000 acres of our 150,000,000 million acre (3.3%) NWR system, I ass-u-me that the rest was purchased with general tax dollars (which hunters obviously also pay). Pittman-Robertson (11% hunting excise tax) and Dingell-Johnson  (10% fishing excise tax) funds are distributed to the states, where they have contributed to the acquisition of 4 million acres of public land (typically WMAs), and contribute to the management (for hunting) of wildlife on 40 million acres of private land. To conclude, public land purchased by hunters makes up 1.4% (9,000,000 acres) of total American public lands (643.2 million acres).   The amount of public land purchased with excise taxes levied at birders is unfortunately still . . . 0 acres.   And to Brush, airboats are the single most effective method for applying bands and radio and satellite transmitters to black-necked stilts, mottled ducks, teal, alligators, and whistling-ducks on the Chenier Plain. I'm assuming you're referring to their use by hunters, but they do good things too.   Going home and hoping Sarkozi doesn't suspend my account again for stirring the pot,   Thomas Riecke Naco TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds gdoches, TX Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Don Richardson <donrich514 AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 15:45:26 -0800 Brush, you are right. There were no "negative undertones" in any of the notes about the feathers on the beach. Hunting stamps and fees do support lots of wildlife. I noticed the number 98% in another note a moment ago. It's interesting how people toss around numbers with such apparent precision. Hunters, I thank you but let's keep it real.  Don Richardson Pearland Texas ________________________________ From: Brush Freeman To: texbirds AT LISTS.TEXBIRDS.ORG Sent: Fri, February 3, 2012 5:10:27 PM Subject: Re: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach David...Since I am the only that mentioned hunters to any degree I must assume you mean me...You need to go back and read my note carefully as there is ZERO in there that denigrates duck hunters in any form or fashion.  I stated what is a common practice with duck hunters and how they clean often ducks at boat launches etc. and I have seen it many times in many places..It is not illegal just messy at times...I think the world of duck hunters and what they ....I just hate airboats . Or maybe someone else blasted them but if they did it did not come to my machine. Brush Freeman Former Duck hunter On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 4:25 PM, David Hanson wrote: > I could not  help but read this thread about the feathers on the beach and > in some of  the posts the negative undertone towards "waterfowl" hunters. > We > all might  want to remember that hunters were the original conservationists > and  indeed have been all or partially responsible for many of the Wildlife >  refuges we all enjoy. Many people do not realize that waterfowl hunters > over 16 years of age are required to purchase a $15 duck stamp each year >  to > hunt waterfowl and that 98 Cents of every dollar goes towards  purchasing > and maintaining National Wildlife Refuges that benefit many of  the birds > we > all enjoy not just waterfowl. Here is the link to the  official Federal > Waterfowl Stamp site if you would  like to educate yourself more > _http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Texas.htm_ > (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Texas.htm) > Texas Refuges  Funded in Part by Federal Duck Stamps > Click  below to view refuge profiles: > >    *  _Anahuac  National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( > http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/AnahuacNWR.htm > ) >    *  Aransas National Wildlife  Refuge >    *  Big Boggy National  Wildlife Refuge > (see San Bernard NWR  Profile) >    *  Brazoria National Wildlife  Refuge > (see San Bernard NWR Profile) >    *  Laguna Atascosa National  Wildlife Refuge >    *  _McFaddin  National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( >http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/McFaddin-TexasPointNWR.htm >m > ) >    *  Muleshoe National Widlife  Refuge >    *  _San  Bernard National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( >http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/SanBernardNWR.htm >m > ) >    *  Santa Ana National  Wildlife Refuge >    *  Texas Point National  Wildlife Refuge >    *  _Trinity  River National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( >http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/TrinityRiverNWR.htm >m > ) > > > > In a message dated 2/2/2012 8:20:14 P.M. Central Standard Time, > josephkennedy36 AT GMAIL.COM writes: > > . > > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > > -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:10:27 -0600 David...Since I am the only that mentioned hunters to any degree I must assume you mean me...You need to go back and read my note carefully as there is ZERO in there that denigrates duck hunters in any form or fashion. I stated what is a common practice with duck hunters and how they clean often ducks at boat launches etc. and I have seen it many times in many places..It is not illegal just messy at times...I think the world of duck hunters and what they ....I just hate airboats . Or maybe someone else blasted them but if they did it did not come to my machine. Brush Freeman Former Duck hunter On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 4:25 PM, David Hanson wrote: > I could not help but read this thread about the feathers on the beach and > in some of the posts the negative undertone towards "waterfowl" hunters. > We > all might want to remember that hunters were the original conservationists > and indeed have been all or partially responsible for many of the Wildlife > refuges we all enjoy. Many people do not realize that waterfowl hunters > over 16 years of age are required to purchase a $15 duck stamp each year > to > hunt waterfowl and that 98 Cents of every dollar goes towards purchasing > and maintaining National Wildlife Refuges that benefit many of the birds > we > all enjoy not just waterfowl. Here is the link to the official Federal > Waterfowl Stamp site if you would like to educate yourself more > _http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Texas.htm_ > (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Texas.htm) > Texas Refuges Funded in Part by Federal Duck Stamps > Click below to view refuge profiles: > > * _Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( > http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/AnahuacNWR.htm > ) > * Aransas National Wildlife Refuge > * Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge > (see San Bernard NWR Profile) > * Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge > (see San Bernard NWR Profile) > * Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge > * _McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( > http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/McFaddin-TexasPointNWR.htm > ) > * Muleshoe National Widlife Refuge > * _San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( > http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/SanBernardNWR.htm > ) > * Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge > * Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge > * _Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( > http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/TrinityRiverNWR.htm > ) > > > > In a message dated 2/2/2012 8:20:14 P.M. Central Standard Time, > josephkennedy36 AT GMAIL.COM writes: > > . > > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > > -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Marilyn Kircus <mbkircus AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 15:02:05 -0800 I heartedly concur with this message. You might think about buying a duck stamp for all your friends and relatives for Christmas, as well as for yourself. Ninty-eight cents of every dollar goes for the purchase of land or habitat improvements - putting the land back into a condition and with the plants needed for local wildlife. And all prey animals need to be harvested for them to stay in balance with their environment. Hunters help fulfill this requirement, while making sure the species continues. Marilyn Kircus Currently volunteering at Sacremento NWR* *Adventures of a Vagabond Volunteer On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 2:25 PM, David Hanson wrote: > I could not help but read this thread about the feathers on the beach and > in some of the posts the negative undertone towards "waterfowl" hunters. > We > all might want to remember that hunters were the original conservationists > and indeed have been all or partially responsible for many of the Wildlife > refuges we all enjoy. Many people do not realize that waterfowl hunters > over 16 years of age are required to purchase a $15 duck stamp each year > to > hunt waterfowl and that 98 Cents of every dollar goes towards purchasing > and maintaining National Wildlife Refuges that benefit many of the birds > we > all enjoy not just waterfowl. Here is the link to the official Federal > Waterfowl Stamp site if you would like to educate yourself more > _http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Texas.htm_ > (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Texas.htm) > Texas Refuges Funded in Part by Federal Duck Stamps > Click below to view refuge profiles: > > * _Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( > http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/AnahuacNWR.htm > ) > * Aransas National Wildlife Refuge > * Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge > (see San Bernard NWR Profile) > * Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge > (see San Bernard NWR Profile) > * Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge > * _McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( > http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/McFaddin-TexasPointNWR.htm > ) > * Muleshoe National Widlife Refuge > * _San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( > http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/SanBernardNWR.htm > ) > * Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge > * Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge > * _Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge_ > ( > http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/TrinityRiverNWR.htm > ) > > > > In a message dated 2/2/2012 8:20:14 P.M. Central Standard Time, > josephkennedy36 AT GMAIL.COM writes: > > . > > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > > -- *Marilyn * Adventures of a Vagabond Volunteer TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: request for opinions - Caldwell County Owl (?) call From: Chris Harrison <crharrison AT SATX.RR.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:54:12 -0600 Texbirders, I was out in Caldwell County (roughly 16 miles NNW of Luling) recording some frog call activity two nights ago. While I was standing by the road recording a group of Spotted and Strecker's Chorus Frogs, I happened to record a single call of what I think is an owl. I am familiar with the calls of our normal, resident owls (Great Horned, Barred, Screech, Barn) but this one didn't match those to my ear. I thought I would post it here to see if anyone else thinks they can ID it. I will leave my opinion to myself for the moment so as not to contaminate your perceptions. The call can be heard a few seconds into this short mp3 recording - http://www.birdsandherps.com/frog_calls/mystery_call.mp3 The bird only called once (assuming it is even a bird??). I recorded the frogs for a while before and after this at the same location and heard no other calls like it. Any opinions? Chris Harrison San Antonio TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: David Hanson <DHanson139 AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:25:47 -0500 I could not help but read this thread about the feathers on the beach and in some of the posts the negative undertone towards "waterfowl" hunters. We all might want to remember that hunters were the original conservationists and indeed have been all or partially responsible for many of the Wildlife refuges we all enjoy. Many people do not realize that waterfowl hunters over 16 years of age are required to purchase a $15 duck stamp each year to hunt waterfowl and that 98 Cents of every dollar goes towards purchasing and maintaining National Wildlife Refuges that benefit many of the birds we all enjoy not just waterfowl. Here is the link to the official Federal Waterfowl Stamp site if you would like to educate yourself more _http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Texas.htm_ (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Texas.htm) Texas Refuges Funded in Part by Federal Duck Stamps Click below to view refuge profiles: * _Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge_ (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/AnahuacNWR.htm) * Aransas National Wildlife Refuge * Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge (see San Bernard NWR Profile) * Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge (see San Bernard NWR Profile) * Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge * _McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge_ (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/McFaddin-TexasPointNWR.htm) * Muleshoe National Widlife Refuge * _San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge_ (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/SanBernardNWR.htm) * Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge * Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge * _Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge_ (http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/Conservation/states/Texas/Profiles/TrinityRiverNWR.htm) In a message dated 2/2/2012 8:20:14 P.M. Central Standard Time, josephkennedy36 AT GMAIL.COM writes: . TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Austin Cacophony From: James W Kessler <jkessler AT KTC.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 15:10:16 -0600 We have the same situation here in Kerrville with Cedar Waxwings and American Robins eating Chinese ligustrum and cherry laurel fruit. I have also noticed the robins eating fermented berries from Chinaberry trees. A few years ago American Robins ate so many Chinaberry tree berries that many of them became drunk and crashed into cars, buildings and other objects and sometimes flew so erratically that they missed the limb they were attempting to perch on. That year we counted over fifty that had been killed by cars. Belted, ringed, and green kingfishers were observed today along the Guadalupe River in Louise Hays Park here in Kerrville. Jim Kessler Kerrville, Texas TOS and ABA life member since 1976 -------------------------------------------------- From: "Ted Eubanks" Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 1:53 PM To: Subject: [texbirds] Austin Cacophony > This morning I awoke to a cacophony of bird songs and sounds. The trees > behind > my house were swarming with cedar waxwings and American robins. They were > feeding on Chinese ligustrum and cherry laurel fruit. I estimated several > hundred of each species. Both began to arrive in my neighborhood a couple > of > weeks ago, but this morning's flock well exceeded all that I had seen to > date. > > Ted Eubanks > Austin, Texas > > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Bastrop Co. local Interest - Ferruginous Hawk? From: Ian Layton <ilayton AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:41:17 -0600 Cindy and I went out this morning and drove the Loop Rd just east of Smithville. While scanning the fields we found (at great distrance) what we think is a Ferruginous Hawk. We have no past experience with this species. I have posted a (very poor quality) photo at https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ETQjtI3twiNNBX80ONn0UgahbjAHFlSYlUTlIRO6Kk4?feat=directlink this was taken with my phone handheld through the eyepiece of my scope at 60x !!!! Any feedback (before I post this sighting to eBird, would be appreciated. Ian -- Ian M. Layton Cedar Creek Bastrop County, TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Kingfisher Trifecta!... eBird Report - Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059), Feb 3, 2012 From: Mark and Joanie Hubinger <mjhubrr AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:30:43 -0500 Goodmorning Texbirders...12 guests enjoyed the birdwalk despite windy conditions. Our highlights: Willow Lakes: HOODED MERGANSER, RINGED KINGFISHER, CLAY-COLORED THRUSH Pintail Lakes: CINNAMON TEAL, LESSER SCAUP, BELTED AND GREEN KINGFISHERS Join us again tomorrow, Saturday Feb. 4 at 8:30 AM Mark & Joanie Hubinger USFWS Volunteers Alamo, Texas Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059), Hidalgo, US-TX Feb 3, 2012 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: Willow & Pintail Lakes 58 species Gadwall 25 American Wigeon 12 Mottled Duck 12 Blue-winged Teal 12 Cinnamon Teal 12 Northern Shoveler 50 Northern Pintail 15 Green-winged Teal 25 Ring-necked Duck 1 Lesser Scaup 1 Hooded Merganser 2 female Ruddy Duck 6 Plain Chachalaca 1 Least Grebe 25 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Neotropic Cormorant 2 White Ibis 1 Black Vulture 20 Turkey Vulture 10 Harris's Hawk 4 American Kestrel 1 Common Gallinule 1 American Coot 50 Killdeer 2 Black-necked Stilt 30 Spotted Sandpiper 1 Solitary Sandpiper 2 Greater Yellowlegs 15 Lesser Yellowlegs 10 Least Sandpiper 20 Stilt Sandpiper 3 Long-billed Dowitcher 30 White-tipped Dove 1 Ringed Kingfisher 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Green Kingfisher 1 Golden-fronted Woodpecker 4 Ladder-backed Woodpecker 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Great Kiskadee 2 Loggerhead Shrike 1 White-eyed Vireo 2 Green Jay X Tree Swallow X Cave Swallow X Black-crested Titmouse 4 Carolina Wren 2 Clay-colored Thrush 1 Northern Mockingbird 1 American Pipit 2 Orange-crowned Warbler 6 Common Yellowthroat 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler 4 Olive Sparrow 4 Northern Cardinal 1 Red-winged Blackbird X Altamira Oriole 1 House Sparrow X This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Joseph Kennedy <josephkennedy36 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:09:18 -0600 Back before Ike, the beach at Bolivar would be covered in feathers in the fall as shorebirds arrived. Many species like dowitchers, godwits and curlew appeared to drop their feathers within a few days of arrival. There were really large windrows in some areas that could be several feet wide and solid beds. The terns and gulls also losing their summer plumage but they eat the smaller feathers. The change in the beach front have changed where birds roost but the currents seem to still bring stuff to the same areas as before Ike. Many birds are starting to molt including the laughing gulls which are starting to get their breeding plumage. In years with large scaup flocks off the beach, they also contributed many feathers as they assumed breeding plumage. Saw zero scaup off the area in any event. The avocet herd has not yet started to shed. There is very little offshore hunting off bolivar unlike further down the coast where much shooting occurs in the bays and laguna madre than out in the actual gulf so that is probably not a source of feathers here. Also most ducks in the gulf here eat clams and nasty things so do not have the flavor that redheads attain feeding on eelgrass further south. On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 3:36 PM, Les Stewart wrote: > I spent a couple of days on Bolivar Peninsula recently. While walking on > the beach 3 days ago about 1 mile west of Rollover Pass, I saw on at least > a mile and probably more, masses of feathers at the high tide line. > Pictures are here. One pictures shows the type of masses that were there > and the other shows a somewhat representative picture of the color and size > of the feathers. > > > https://plus.google.com/photos/106520936287543804269/albums/5704652117089363377 > > Any idea what is going on. There had to be millions of feathers! > > -- > Les Stewart > Nacogdoches, TX > > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > > -- Joseph C. Kennedy on Buffalo Bayou in West Houston Josephkennedy36 AT gmail.com TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Hutton's Vireo at Fort Hood's Belton Lake Outdoor Rec Area (BLORA) From: "gil.eckrich" <gil.eckrich AT ATT.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:04:04 -0600 On Tuesday, 31 Jan, Randy Pinkston reported finding a Townsend's Solitaire and a Hutton's Vireo at Fort Hood's Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA). I went there the next day and met Ken Williams, who was also searching for those two species. We struck out; HOWEVER, I went back there this morning and found and photographed the Hutton's Vireo. This link http://geckrich.com/Hutton's%20Vireo/index.html has pictures of the vireo and detailed map of how to get to BLORA and how to find the Pecan Pavilion, behind which I found the bird. Please note that BLORA is OPEN to the general public. Entry is $4 per vehicle and all the birds on the linked page were photographed at BLORA this morning. Gil Eckrich Belton, TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: man o wars n frigatebirds From: Ervin Fleming <endersgt AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:02:15 -0800 man o war anecdotes:  spent a good bit of time on S Padre and was well educated in their dangers.  While in college, we were climbing the tall dunes north of where the road used to end (pre Hurricane Beulah).  Notice an erratic beach buggy south bound along the water line. couldnt fathom his purpose until he got within a few hundred feet.  they were popping the man o wars with the buggy's tires. ________________________________ From: john muldrow To: texbirds AT LISTS.TEXBIRDS.ORG Sent: Thu, February 2, 2012 7:34:35 PM Subject: [texbirds] man o wars n frigatebirds in jun. of '82, i got my lifer frigatebirds at matagorda at my great aunt n uncle's beach house.  i believe during this same time, i might have still been young enough, i spent some time going around popping man o wars w/ a stick.  became exceedingly painful and became even more so when my grandmother poured vinegar all over me.  after a while, it did seem to work at ending the pain.  i strongly advise against going around and popping 'em w/ sticks.   p.s.--this is the same beach house i got my lifer brown booby in march of '89.  don't at this time have the tbrc #.   john TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds mu TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds ldrow   waco Subject: RBA - Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley - February 2, 2012 From: Mary Gustafson <live4birds AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:03:05 -0500 Please report your finds to the RBA even and especially when the state park offices are closed! See closure information for state parks (affecting trams at 2 sites) at the bottom of this message. . --Mary Gustafson, Mission TX . RBA . * Texas * Lower Rio Grande Valley * February 2, 2012 . To report rare birds, e-mail rgvbirds AT hotmail.com (preferred) or call (956) 584-2731 option 3. . Capitalized birds marked with a + are Review Species for Texas. Please send sightings/photographs to the Texas Bird Review Committee, ecarpeATgmail.com. . Our rare bird alert this week includes: . +PURPLE SANDPIPER +BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE (gone?) Broad-tailed Hummingbird Northern Flicker +DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER +ROSE-THROATED BECARD +BROWN JAY Brown Creeper Mountain Bluebird Tropical Parula Mangrove [Yellow] Warbler +GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER +CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK Green-tailed Towhee Spotted Towhee Eastern Towhee Fox Sparrow Audubon’s Oriole . This is a general reminder that playing recordings is not allowed in Texas State Parks and many LRGV birding sites. All State Park and National Wildlife Refuge visitors must stay on trails. Thank you for not disturbing the wildlife or damaging the vegetation. . General observations: . Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Field Sparrow are all at higher than normal numbers this winter. . Spotted Towhee continue at Valley Nature Center, Estero Llano Grande, Quinta Mazatlan and Falcon State Parks; and also and Quinta Mazatlan. . Couch’s Kingbirds are nearly absent this winter, outnumbered by Tropical Kingbirds. Many normal winter species are in low numbers, including most flycatchers, Lincoln’s Sparrow, House Wren, Pine, Nashville and Black-and-White Warbler. . The Valley from east to west. . A PURPLE SANDPIPER was photographed at Port Mansfield 1/23 and last reported 2/1 in the morning. It was missed in the afternoon. From TX 186 in Port Mansfield, turn right onto Port Road. Follow it to Laguna Dr. and turn right and follow it to Bayview and turn right. Follow it to Matagorda and turn right. Follow Matagorda past the large dredge hill on the left and turn left on Bay Dr. (dirt) to the bay. . Anna’s Hummingbird is still reported occasionally on South Padre Island. . An immature BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was photographed near the jetties at South Padre Island 1/9 and remained through 1/24. The bird was seen from the parking lot by the bait stand at the jetties at Isla Blanca County Park and can also be seen from boat trips to look for the Mangrove Warbler (see below, be sure to ask Scarlet). There are no recent reports. . Mangrove Warbler, a well-marked subspecies of Yellow Warbler that may be distinct enough to warrant full species status, can be seen by contacting the Sealife Center at (956)299-1957. . At Sabal Palm, a female plumaged CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK was found and photographed at Sabal Palm Sanctuary 12/15, sighted 12/18, 1/2, and 1/16. It has been seen most often on the Forest Trail. A DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER was found on 12/18 and continues to 1/28 often on the Native Trail; this subspecies is a TBRC Review Bird. An immature male Anna’s Hummingbird is present at the feeders through 1/25 but has been missed recently. . No recent reports of the Mountain Plover at their traditional wintering site north of Sebastian. To reach the wintering site, from Harlingen go north on US 77 to FM 1018 and turn right. Go east on FM 1018 to FM 2099 and turn left (north). Go north on FM 2099 for a mile or two to Mesquite Road (CR 1600) and turn right (east) and drive through the plowed fields. The Mountain Plovers were about a quarter mile before the road turns to the left on either side of the road. Mesquite Road is impassable after a rain. To reach an excellent area for Sprague’s Pipits, continue on CR 1600 to CR 375 and turn south. The Sprague’s are in the area with short grass and hay bales before CR 1400. Recent reports include many negative reports as the grass gets taller. . Yellow-headed Blackbirds have been reported in large numbers for the LRGV with a whopping 35 at the grain storage near Progreso during the week. . At Estero Llano Grande State Park the ROSE-THROATED BECARD (female) was found on the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival on 11/9 and seen through 2/1 in the Tropical Zone. It is not seen every day. Recently, there are more late afternoon (3-5:30 PM) sightings than morning. An Audubon’s Oriole – rare in Hidalgo County - is also present in the tropical zone, last 1/14. Two Spotted Towhee continue, along with Brown Creeper and Black-throated Gray Warbler. A Sage Thrasher was photographed on 1/20 but not relocated. . Still at Estero, a Broad-tailed Hummingbird continues at the Orchid Tree feeder in the tropical zone through 2/2. An Anna’s Hummingbird was last seen 1/26. Wood Ducks continue irregularly in the park including 1/24, these birds move around. A Black-headed Grosbeak was photographed on 1/11 at the feeding station and continued through 1/26. Barn Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl are sometimes found at roosts. . At Frontera Audubon Center, the female plumaged CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK was last reported 1/18 and the GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER continued through 2/2. . Two Mountain Bluebirds were reported from Santa Ana NWR’s Cattail Lake on 12/7 and the female continued to 1/28. . A Fox Sparrow continues in San Juan at a private residence through at least 1/23. . At the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands recent reports include a Northern Flicker and a large number of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks. . A female CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK continued to at least 1/27 coming to fruit in Allen William’s back yard; call or text Allen to schedule a visit (weekdays preferred, AM feeding time best 956-460-9864). This recently publicized bird has been present since early December but was absent for a week. To reach this site, exit US 83 at Jackson Ave/Sam Houston and proceed west on Jackson Ave/Sam Houston about 1.5 miles to 750 W. Sam Houston. Pre-arrangement required, fee site. . At Quinta Mazatlan, a female Eastern Towhee (first photographed valley record) continues through 1/29. The Tropical Parula has been reported by both the feeders at the Discovery Center and the Amphitheater, and continues to 2/1. To get to the Discovery Center, enter the main gate and take the trail on the left to the orange bar feeders. . Numbers of House Finch, locally very rare in the LRGV, are at Anzalduas County Park with numbers as high as 23 recently. We have a second hand report of a Brown Creeper from this site. . At Bentsen an Anna’s Hummingbird appeared 1/25 briefly. . Five Mountain Bluebirds were on Sparrow Road (FM 2221) on 1/22. A massive flock of Lark Buntings, estimated at 550, were between FM 490 and 14 mile N Rd. A Ferruginous Hawk was found in the area on 1/29. . Green-tailed Towhee were found at Yturria Brush in western Hidalgo County. . A single BROWN JAY remains at the feeding station at Salineno, the first winter one has been present of the last five! Two Brown Jays appeared on 12/3 and one older immature with a black bill and yellow mouth continues to be seen through 2/1. It appears every 2 hours or so. This is the best site for Hooded Oriole and Audubon’s Oriole. . It is not a good winter for Red-billed Pigeon. Numbers generally increase in March. Eight were reported from 2/2. Occasional Muscovy Duck fly by the boat ramp, with two birds on 2/1. . Falcon State Park feeders continue to host Green-tailed Towhee. . Red-crowned Parrots are sometimes seen in the areas of Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen, and Valley Nature Center in Weslaco. Red-crowned Parrots have been found in the neighborhood near Calvary Baptist Church at 1815 North 7th Street in Harlingen. Both Green Parakeets and Red-crowned Parrots are seen in urban areas. . Green Parakeets can be seen staging in McAllen near 10th and Dove (or 10th and Violet) in the evening with recent reports of 400 birds. . WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER INFORMATION - Most sites for White-collared Seedeaters are in Zapata and Webb counties. Information is provided as a service to visiting birders. Sites to check include the San Ygnacio County Park/Seedeater Sanctuary at the foot of Washington Street in San Ygnacio, the Raptor Trail at the west end of San Ygnacio, the library pond in Zapata, Laredo’s Las Palmas Trail or North Central Park. There are recent reports from the library pond in Zapata with up to six birds reported; not all who look are successful at locating these tiny birds! . Access to La Laja Ranch is by advance reservations only – email the owner at Edward.herbst AT att.net. This is a fee site. . FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL INFORMATION - Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls have not been seen or heard at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park since the summer of 2010, when the park was inundated by the Rio Grande. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls are present at El Canelo (overnight guests only – the birds are not at the B & B but nearby in 2011), San Miguelito Ranch, and King Ranch (Norias Division). San Miguelito Ranch will open in March. King Ranch (Norias Division) tours normally resume in March. This owl is very difficult to find at any other location at present. . Directions are provided only for sites not included in the ABA Birders' Guide to the Rio Grande Valley or the Birders' Guide to the Texas Coast. These guides are indispensable for visiting birders. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Site Closures (NOTE THE CHANGES TO STATE PARKS IN THE AREA): . Allen Williams Wildscape, Pharr, open by appointment ONLY; Call or text 956-460-9864. Edinburg Scenic Wetlands World Birding Center, building closed Sunday (grounds open). Bentsen-RGV State Park, building closed and no trams on Monday, grounds open (check in at “iron ranger”). Estero Llano Grande State Park, building closed Monday, grounds open (check in at “iron ranger”). Frontera Audubon Thicket, Weslaco, closed Sunday mornings and all day Mondays except by appointment. Los Ebanos Preserve, San Benito, open by appointment ONLY; Call 956-241-2494. Methodist Camp Thicket, Weslaco, group reservations (fee) only. Contact Estero Llano Grande State Park for information. Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen, closed Sundays and Mondays. Resaca de la Palma State Park, building closed and no tram on Monday and Tuesday, grounds open (check in at “iron ranger”). San Miguelito Ranch is also closed for the season, reopens March 2012. Santa Ana NWR- closed to bicycles Valley Nature Center, Weslaco, closed Sunday morning and Mondays. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mary Gustafson Mission, Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: man o wars n frigatebirds From: john muldrow <qmuldj AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:34:35 -0800 in jun. of '82, i got my lifer frigatebirds at matagorda at my great aunt n uncle's beach house.  i believe during this same time, i might have still been young enough, i spent some time going around popping man o wars w/ a stick.  became exceedingly painful and became even more so when my grandmother poured vinegar all over me.  after a while, it did seem to work at ending the pain.  i strongly advise against going around and popping 'em w/ sticks.   p.s.--this is the same beach house i got my lifer brown booby in march of '89.  don't at this time have the tbrc #.   john TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds muldrow   waco Subject: Re: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers/Portuguese man-o’-war attacking Galveston From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:18:15 -0600 On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 7:09 PM, Brush Freeman wrote: > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Brush Freeman > Date: Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 7:07 PM > Subject: Re: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers/Portuguese man-o’-war > attacking Galveston > To: Mark B Bartosik > > > Yes, for wade fishermen, I doubt that many who have spent anytime in the > gulf and bay waters , including yours truly, have not felt the sudden > delight of a jelly...And for some reason a number of folks have had the > tentacles "work" up the shorts or swimming trunks for a royal joy and a bit > of fireworks. Once they wash ashore and dry no worry. But these > "Zeppelins" in the open drink must be avoided....In 2004 we pulled a few > big fresh ones up from the bays with with nets...their "trot lines" were > almost 20 feet long. None tho as long as your citation but, as said these > were bay birds. > I reckon one has to know the pleasure of a stray tentacle around the > privates to get a real "feel" for jellies...:-) Gulls eat these floaters > sometimes when they often ignore Moon jellies...I don't know why that > is....Maybe more protein than the sub surface bags of water.....A couple of > well experienced friends I know could add much to this thread. > > Brush > > > On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 6:39 PM, Mark B Bartosik wrote: > >> From time to time under right conditions (tides, strong wind blowing from >> right direction, etc) debris is brought from other parts of the Gulf (and >> more stuff is entering from the ocean as well) and piled above the high >> tide line. There are many birds out there in the Gulf and many are >> molting. Look here, not long time ago Galveston shore were under the >> attack of the Portuguese man-o’-war. I found piles of them. Here (in >> photo) is one zooid from this colonial organism - the pneumatophore. >> >> http://www.pbase.com/mbb/image/141202695 >> >> This did not even made a news; I even found the note that earlier this >> winter they were found on Padre Island beaches and some readers commented >> that this is hardly newsworthy. Well, just be sure when you found one (or >> more) do not step on it barefooted. It can be very painful or even fatal >> (yes, deadly) if somebody is allergic to their venom. Pneumatophore is >> harmless but remember that the dactylzooids make up the tentacles that are >> typically 10 meters (30 ft) in length but can be up to 50 meters (165 ft) >> [As in Texas everything is bigger and better expect the worse in this >> case :)]. And they can sting even when man-o’-war is wash up and dead on >> the shore. From description (I know personally one person that was sting) >> pain is horrible and long lasting. >> >> Mark B Bartosik >> Houston, Texas >> http://www.pbase.com/mbb/from_the_field >> >> On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:36:39 -0600, Les Stewart >> wrote: >> >> >I spent a couple of days on Bolivar Peninsula recently. While walking on >> the beach 3 days ago about 1 mile west of Rollover Pass, I saw on at least >> a mile and probably more, masses of feathers at the high tide line. >> Pictures are here. One pictures shows the type of masses that were there >> and the other shows a somewhat representative picture of the color and >> size of the feathers. >> > >> > >> https://plus.google.com/photos/106520936287543804269/albums/57046521170893 >> 63377 >> > >> >Any idea what is going on. There had to be millions of feathers! >> > >> >-- >> >Les Stewart >> >Nacogdoches, TX >> > >> >TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: >> http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds >> >> TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: >> http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds >> >> > > > -- > Brush Freeman > 361-655-7641 > http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ > Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas > > > > > > -- > Brush Freeman > 361-655-7641 > http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ > Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas > > > -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Fwd: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers/Portuguese man-o’-war attacking Galveston From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:09:35 -0600 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Brush Freeman Date: Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 7:07 PM Subject: Re: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers/Portuguese man-o’-war attacking Galveston To: Mark B Bartosik Yes, for wade fishermen, I doubt that many who have spent anytime in the gulf and bay waters , including yours truly, have not felt the sudden delight of a jelly...And for some reason a number of folks have had the tentacles "work" up the shorts or swimming trunks for a royal joy and a bit of fireworks. Once they wash ashore and dry no worry. But these "Zeppelins" in the open drink must be avoided....In 2004 we pulled a few big fresh ones up from the bays with with nets...their "trot lines" were almost 20 feet long. None tho as long as your citation but, as said these were bay birds. I reckon one has to know the pleasure of a stray tentacle around the privates to get a real "feel" for jellies...:-) Gulls eat these floaters sometimes when they often ignore Moon jellies...I don't know why that is....Maybe more protein than the sub surface bags of water.....A couple of well experienced friends I know could add much to this thread. Brush On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 6:39 PM, Mark B Bartosik wrote: > From time to time under right conditions (tides, strong wind blowing from > right direction, etc) debris is brought from other parts of the Gulf (and > more stuff is entering from the ocean as well) and piled above the high > tide line. There are many birds out there in the Gulf and many are > molting. Look here, not long time ago Galveston shore were under the > attack of the Portuguese man-o’-war. I found piles of them. Here (in > photo) is one zooid from this colonial organism - the pneumatophore. > > http://www.pbase.com/mbb/image/141202695 > > This did not even made a news; I even found the note that earlier this > winter they were found on Padre Island beaches and some readers commented > that this is hardly newsworthy. Well, just be sure when you found one (or > more) do not step on it barefooted. It can be very painful or even fatal > (yes, deadly) if somebody is allergic to their venom. Pneumatophore is > harmless but remember that the dactylzooids make up the tentacles that are > typically 10 meters (30 ft) in length but can be up to 50 meters (165 ft) > [As in Texas everything is bigger and better expect the worse in this > case :)]. And they can sting even when man-o’-war is wash up and dead on > the shore. From description (I know personally one person that was sting) > pain is horrible and long lasting. > > Mark B Bartosik > Houston, Texas > http://www.pbase.com/mbb/from_the_field > > On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:36:39 -0600, Les Stewart > wrote: > > >I spent a couple of days on Bolivar Peninsula recently. While walking on > the beach 3 days ago about 1 mile west of Rollover Pass, I saw on at least > a mile and probably more, masses of feathers at the high tide line. > Pictures are here. One pictures shows the type of masses that were there > and the other shows a somewhat representative picture of the color and > size of the feathers. > > > > > https://plus.google.com/photos/106520936287543804269/albums/57046521170893 > 63377 > > > >Any idea what is going on. There had to be millions of feathers! > > > >-- > >Les Stewart > >Nacogdoches, TX > > > >TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > > -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers/Portuguese man-o’-war attacking Galveston From: Mark B Bartosik <mbb22222 AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:39:03 -0600 From time to time under right conditions (tides, strong wind blowing from right direction, etc) debris is brought from other parts of the Gulf (and more stuff is entering from the ocean as well) and piled above the high tide line. There are many birds out there in the Gulf and many are molting. Look here, not long time ago Galveston shore were under the attack of the Portuguese man-o’-war. I found piles of them. Here (in photo) is one zooid from this colonial organism - the pneumatophore. http://www.pbase.com/mbb/image/141202695 This did not even made a news; I even found the note that earlier this winter they were found on Padre Island beaches and some readers commented that this is hardly newsworthy. Well, just be sure when you found one (or more) do not step on it barefooted. It can be very painful or even fatal (yes, deadly) if somebody is allergic to their venom. Pneumatophore is harmless but remember that the dactylzooids make up the tentacles that are typically 10 meters (30 ft) in length but can be up to 50 meters (165 ft) [As in Texas everything is bigger and better expect the worse in this case :)]. And they can sting even when man-o’-war is wash up and dead on the shore. From description (I know personally one person that was sting) pain is horrible and long lasting. Mark B Bartosik Houston, Texas http://www.pbase.com/mbb/from_the_field On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:36:39 -0600, Les Stewart wrote: >I spent a couple of days on Bolivar Peninsula recently. While walking on the beach 3 days ago about 1 mile west of Rollover Pass, I saw on at least a mile and probably more, masses of feathers at the high tide line. Pictures are here. One pictures shows the type of masses that were there and the other shows a somewhat representative picture of the color and size of the feathers. > >https://plus.google.com/photos/106520936287543804269/albums/57046521170893 63377 > >Any idea what is going on. There had to be millions of feathers! > >-- >Les Stewart >Nacogdoches, TX > >TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:33:54 -0600 I think that waterfowl hunters are required to bring their take onshore intact but can breast them out anywhere afterwards. I could be wrong.....I have photos and many finds of "duck debris" from the CTC I am just to lazy to dig for the current regulations now. B On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 4:53 PM, Collins, Fred (Commissioner Pct. 3) < Fred_Collins AT hctx.net> wrote: > Feathers are typical in the Bolivar drift line and likely are a result of > (A) the thousands of roosting (and molting) birds on the flats. Of course > maybe it's (B) (C) a clandestine plan of BP's to develop a pillow factory > to rejuvenate business on the Gulf shore or perhaps it's a "study" being > conducted by a proposed wind farm. > > I suppose a psychologist would assign our political affiliation by which > option we pick. ;-) > > > Fred Collins > > TOS Life Member, HAS and KPC Advisory Board Member > > Director of Kleb Woods Nature Center > for Commissioner Radack, Pct 3 Harris County, Texas > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Birding discussion list for Texas [mailto: > texbirds AT LISTS.TEXBIRDS.ORG] On Behalf Of Les Stewart > Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 3:37 PM > To: texbirds AT LISTS.TEXBIRDS.ORG > Subject: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach > > I spent a couple of days on Bolivar Peninsula recently. While walking on > the beach 3 days ago about 1 mile west of Rollover Pass, I saw on at least > a mile and probably more, masses of feathers at the high tide line. > Pictures are here. One pictures shows the type of masses that were there > and the other shows a somewhat representative picture of the color and size > of the feathers. > > > https://plus.google.com/photos/106520936287543804269/albums/5704652117089363377 > > Any idea what is going on. There had to be millions of feathers! > > -- > Les Stewart > Nacogdoches, TX > > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > > -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Resaca de la Palma State Park - 2/2/12 Sightings From: Sherry Wilson <rollingsoles AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:29:41 -0700 Today was notable for the vocal abundance of some species and the marked absence of others. Carolina Wrens and Long-billed Thrashers were both singing early in the day. There seemed to be a White-eyed Vireo in every bush!. Two nice Black-and-white Warblers were along Flycatcher Trail. Hawks were - ? I did encounter one Sharp-shinned, and yesterday evening a nice Merlin and Osprey along with all the regulars, but today the hawks were gone. I didn't spot a single one on patrol at Ebony or Kiskadee decks. Hope you'll come visit! Bird Walks are Saturday mornigns. The Nature Tram is free and runs hourly every day the Visitor Center is open. While you're here, be sure to check for Blue Metalmark butterflies in the butterfly garden behind the Visitor Center. -- Sherry Wilson Resident Park Host Resaca de la Palma State Park 1000 New Carmen Road Brownsville, TX 78521 956-350-2920 Bird Walks every Saturday - 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Butterfly Walks every Sunday - 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Night Hikes every Friday (must RSVP by 5:00 p.m. Thurs) - small fee Nature Tram Rides - Thursday thru Sunday http://www.facebook.com/resacadelapalma DIRECTIONS: The main entrance to Resaca de la Palma State Park is located on New Carmen Blvd. From Expressway 77/83, exit at Olmito, take FM 1732, follow for 2.5 miles; turn left at New Carmen Road; follow for 1.5 miles; shortly after the gravel hump in the road, turn left to enter the park. *Learn how you can help Texas State Parks:* http://bit.ly/sVdilb Snow Goose 70 (overhead) Gadwall 28 Mottled Duck 17 Blue-winged Teal 4 Northern Shoveler 5 Plain Chachalaca 1 Least Grebe 4 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Neotropic Cormorant 2 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Great Blue Heron 4 Great Egret 2 Snowy Egret 2 Roseate Spoonbill 1 Turkey Vulture X Northern Harrier 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Solitary Sandpiper 1 White-tipped Dove 2 Common Pauraque 10 (around 6:45 AM) Ringed Kingfisher 1 Golden-fronted Woodpecker 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker 6 Least Flycatcher 1 Eastern Phoebe 4 Great Kiskadee 5 White-eyed Vireo 13 Green Jay 4 Black-crested Titmouse 9 Carolina Wren 9 House Wren 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 7 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 8 Northern Mockingbird 1 Long-billed Thrasher 4 Black-and-white Warbler 2 Orange-crowned Warbler 17 Common Yellowthroat 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Wilson's Warbler 1 Olive Sparrow 12 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 4 Red-winged Blackbird 4 Altamira Oriole 2 American Goldfinch 3 TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Clarification on My Request for for Volunteer help for Hawk Watch From: David Hanson <DHanson139 AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:17:38 -0500 I would like to clarify why I am trying to raise money to the Hawk Watch at Smith Point. I seems without some funding help, the hawk watch may not happen this next year. The project I referred to is not a set project but volunteer work of some type to benefit the GCBO and thus the research project. The group approach through ExxonMobils VIP plan allows 5 people(employees, spouses and annuitants) to do 20 cumulative hrs of volunteer work and they will match $2500 per quarter for those hours. If I cannot find help I will do something on my own but it will limit what I can raise. I challenge anyone whose company has a matching program to help where they can. On another note we currently have 3 hummers at the house. Appears to be the Allen's that Sue banded her on 1/15/12, a juvie Rufous and another bird that we had a hard time getting a good look at. The first two have been here for the last four days after being absent for a few days. David Hanson Baytown/Mont Belvieu Area TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds 281-303-0166 Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: "Collins, Fred (Commissioner Pct. 3)" <Fred_Collins AT HCTX.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:53:50 -0600 Feathers are typical in the Bolivar drift line and likely are a result of (A) the thousands of roosting (and molting) birds on the flats. Of course maybe it's (B) (C) a clandestine plan of BP's to develop a pillow factory to rejuvenate business on the Gulf shore or perhaps it's a "study" being conducted by a proposed wind farm. I suppose a psychologist would assign our political affiliation by which option we pick. ;-) Fred Collins TOS Life Member, HAS and KPC Advisory Board Member Director of Kleb Woods Nature Center for Commissioner Radack, Pct 3 Harris County, Texas -----Original Message----- From: Birding discussion list for Texas [mailto:texbirds AT LISTS.TEXBIRDS.ORG] On Behalf Of Les Stewart Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 3:37 PM To: texbirds AT LISTS.TEXBIRDS.ORG Subject: [texbirds] Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach I spent a couple of days on Bolivar Peninsula recently. While walking on the beach 3 days ago about 1 mile west of Rollover Pass, I saw on at least a mile and probably more, masses of feathers at the high tide line. Pictures are here. One pictures shows the type of masses that were there and the other shows a somewhat representative picture of the color and size of the feathers. https://plus.google.com/photos/106520936287543804269/albums/5704652117089363377 Any idea what is going on. There had to be millions of feathers! -- Les Stewart Nacogdoches, TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, San Antonio From: Sean Paul Kelley <spkelley AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:30:47 -0600 My father and I visited the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center this morning south of San Antonio. It was a pretty good morning, weather notwithstanding. Of course, the highlight of the morning was the Vermilion Flycatcher. Photos of the day and a handful of unidentified birds can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/seanpaulkelley/sets/72157629148428211/ A list of what we saw: 100+ Northern Shovelers 2 Buffleheads 2 Ruddy Ducks 1 Eared Grebe 7 Snowy Egrets 1 Little Blue Heron 1 Black-crowned Night Heron 3 Cattle Egret 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Great Egret 3 Black Vultures 1 Red-tailed Hawk 3 Crested Caracaras 2 American Kestrels 100+ American Coots 10+ Kildeers 1 Spotted Sandpiper 1 Common Snipe 1 Golden-fronted Woodpecker 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker 3 Eastern Phoebe 1 Vermilion Flycatcher 3 Loggerhead Shrikes 10+ Northern Mockingbirds 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 10+ Yellow-rumped Warblers 1 White-crowned Sparrow 1 Swamp Sparrow 1 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Savannah Sparrow 9 Northern Cardinals 20+ Red-winged Cowbirds 2 Western Meadowlarks Sean Paul Kelley Central Austin TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:24:27 -0600 I can not tell from the photo the species, but be aware that duck hunters often breast out birds while they are returning by boat to the ramp and large numbers of waterfowl feathers can be found washed up on beaches....I do not know about millions but I have seen thousands of duck feathers and even carcasses wash onto beaches after the hunters "off shore" breasted out and in rare cases, plucked their take. I suspect this is what is happening here, but closer photos may prove these to be of other species. I think duck (but not goose) season is finally over. Brush On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 3:36 PM, Les Stewart wrote: > I spent a couple of days on Bolivar Peninsula recently. While walking on > the beach 3 days ago about 1 mile west of Rollover Pass, I saw on at least > a mile and probably more, masses of feathers at the high tide line. > Pictures are here. One pictures shows the type of masses that were there > and the other shows a somewhat representative picture of the color and size > of the feathers. > > > https://plus.google.com/photos/106520936287543804269/albums/5704652117089363377 > > Any idea what is going on. There had to be millions of feathers! > > -- > Les Stewart > Nacogdoches, TX > > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > > -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Mass Quantities of Feathers on Bolivar Beach From: Les Stewart <stewart54321 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:36:39 -0600 I spent a couple of days on Bolivar Peninsula recently. While walking on the beach 3 days ago about 1 mile west of Rollover Pass, I saw on at least a mile and probably more, masses of feathers at the high tide line. Pictures are here. One pictures shows the type of masses that were there and the other shows a somewhat representative picture of the color and size of the feathers. https://plus.google.com/photos/106520936287543804269/albums/5704652117089363377 Any idea what is going on. There had to be millions of feathers! -- Les Stewart Nacogdoches, TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: eBird Report - Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059), Feb 2, 2012 From: Mark and Joanie Hubinger <mjhubrr AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:16:23 -0500 Hi Texbirders...good birding today for our 15 guests. Willow Lakes highlights...2 HOODED MERGANSER and RINGED KINGFISHER. Pintail Lakes...2 PEREGRINE FALCON put on a good show chasing each other along with the waterfowl, which included CINNAMON TEAL, REDHEAD, LESSER SCAUP, and STILT SANDPIPER. In all there were 13 duck species and 10 shorebird species. Join us tomorrow for another 8:30AM birdwalk in your National Wildlife Refuge! Mark & Joanie Hubinger USFWS Volunteers Alamo, Texas Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059), Hidalgo, US-TX Feb 2, 2012 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) 63 species Gadwall 30 American Wigeon 30 Mottled Duck 20 Blue-winged Teal 20 Cinnamon Teal 10 Northern Shoveler 40 Northern Pintail 20 Green-winged Teal 30 Redhead 4 Ring-necked Duck 1 Lesser Scaup 4 Hooded Merganser 2 Ruddy Duck 8 Least Grebe 30 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Neotropic Cormorant 2 American White Pelican 8 Great Egret 2 White Ibis 1 Turkey Vulture X Osprey 1 Harris's Hawk 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Peregrine Falcon 2 Common Gallinule 1 American Coot 50 Killdeer 6 Black-necked Stilt 30 Spotted Sandpiper 3 Solitary Sandpiper 2 Greater Yellowlegs 10 Lesser Yellowlegs 10 Least Sandpiper 40 Stilt Sandpiper 4 Long-billed Dowitcher 40 Wilson's Snipe 1 Common Ground-Dove 1 White-tipped Dove 1 Ringed Kingfisher 1 Golden-fronted Woodpecker 6 Ladder-backed Woodpecker 4 Eastern Phoebe 2 Great Kiskadee 8 Loggerhead Shrike 1 White-eyed Vireo 4 Green Jay 6 Tree Swallow X Cave Swallow X Black-crested Titmouse 6 Carolina Wren 6 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Long-billed Thrasher 1 European Starling X American Pipit 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 8 Common Yellowthroat 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler 4 Olive Sparrow 6 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird X Great-tailed Grackle 2 Altamira Oriole 3 House Sparrow X This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: White-eared Hummingbird a No-Show From: Joel Simon <joel.simon44 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:03:09 -0800 Hi All Was out at the crack of dawn to hopefully get photos but it did not return.  At least seven rufous commanded the feeders making it tough even for the two Anna's, one adult female and one beautiful adult male.  It is noon now but will post if it returns. Joel Simon Swinney Switch TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds in Live Oak County Subject: Heard Museum bird banding 2/1/2012 From: Tom Heath <heathwtom AT NETSCAPE.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:25:36 -0500 The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney, TX Bird Banding Report Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012 Banding Team: Denise, Karen, Linda & Tom Total species banded - 6 Total birds banded - 8 Eastern Phoebe - 1 Blue Jay - 2 Spotted Towhee - 1 Northern Cardinal - 2 Brown Thrasher - 1 Hermit Thrush - 1 No recaptures Tom Heath, Plano TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: RFI: Goose Island State Park From: "Kleb Woods (Commissioner Pct. 3)" <klebwoods AT HCTX.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:13:13 -0600 Kleb Woods is leading a Senior Birding Bus Trip to Goose Island State Park next Friday, February 10th. I haven't seen much on texbirds about interesting birds at the park this year. Are there any Anna's Hummingbirds at the feeders? Have there been any other interesting birds in the park recently? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kendra Kocab Naturalist: Kleb Woods Nature Center Commissioner Steve Radack Harris County Precinct 3 www.pct3.hctx.net TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Valley 2/1- Becard, Purple Sandpiper From: Jon McIntyre <mcintyrebirds AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:10:24 -0600 Today Steve Taylor and I birded Port Mansfield, South Padre Island, Sable Palm, and Estero Llano Grande State Park. Here are the highlights- Purple Sandpiper- AT 8:30am Port Mansfield at previous location. See pic here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47124804 AT N03/6804538217/in/photostream Rose-Throated Becard- AT 5:15pm at Estero Llano Grande SP. See pic here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47124804 AT N03/6804538317/in/photostream/ Aplomado Falcon- Old Port Isabel Road Black-Throated Green Warbler- Sable Palm Sandwich Tern- SPI Jetty Others saw and heard the Dusky-Capped Flycatcher this morning at Sable Palm. No sign of the Kittiwake at SPI. Jon McIntyre Port Aransas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: White-eared Hummingbird From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 19:08:40 -0600 What the...Wow!.....Not only is that a darn good find on the coastal plain but as far as I can tell , the first Texas winter record....The late date being Oct. 20 and the early date being April 7. Great find Joel and Vicki. Brush On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 6:53 PM, Joel Simon wrote: > Hi All, > This afternoon at 5:30 pm a male White-eared Hummingbird showed up at one > of our feeders. I ran in to get my camera > and set it up at that feeder, but of course it came to a different feeder > so I got no pictures. Hopefully, it will be here in the > morning. We will be home all day tomorrow but will be gone on Friday. > Visitors welcome, call (361) 876-2429 for directions. > Joel and Vicki Simon > Swinney Switch in Live Oak Co > TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: > http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > unty > > -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: White-eared Hummingbird From: Joel Simon <joel.simon44 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:53:36 -0800 Hi All, This afternoon at 5:30 pm a male White-eared Hummingbird showed up at one of our feeders.  I ran in to get my camera and set it up at that feeder, but of course it came to a different feeder so I got no pictures.  Hopefully, it will be here in the morning.  We will be home all day tomorrow but will be gone on Friday. Visitors welcome, call (361) 876-2429 for directions. Joel and Vicki Simon Swinney Switch in Live Oak Co TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds unty Subject: Volunteer Activity Benefiting the GCBO Hawk Watch From: David Hanson <DHanson139 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:05:38 -0500 I am an ExxonMobil retiree and my wife and I are looking for other ExxonMobil employees or annuitants who would be willing to join us in a group project that would benefit the Smith Point Hawk Watch held by the GCBO each year. ExxonMobil is willing to match funds or hours of work done by their employees, annuitants and there spouses or dependent children so if you are interested in helping please get in touch with me by email or you can call 281-303-0166 David and Jan Hanson TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Baytown/Mont Belvieu Area Subject: Houston Hummingbirds (2/1) From: James Hinson <jmhinson AT ATT.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:11:19 -0800 Went and checked out the hummer action again in the yard of Steven and Ann Williams in W. Houston this morning to see if any new birds had taken up residence, and was pleased to find several new arrivals. Their yard is now holding 4 immmature male Rufous, 3 female Rufous, 1, and probably 2 immature male ALLEN'S, a nicely marked immature male BROAD-TAILED, and a female Rufous/Allen's. The William's are gracious hosts, and birders are welcome to check out their hummers at any time. Their address is 7730 Stonesdale(you local birders know how to get there), which is in Copperfield. Their phone # is 281-463-3620. Birders don't forget to TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds sign the guess book! Jim Hinson Houston, Texas Subject: 2-1-12 Canyon Towhee @ Warbler Woods From: Susan Schaezler <susan AT SCHAEZLER.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:28:37 -0600 2-1-12 Canyon Towhee AT Warbler Woods Richard Grant and I just had a Canyon Towhee! Susan Schaezler WarblerWoods.org 501(c)(3 ) Cibolo/Schertz Sent from my iPad TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Common Ground Dove - Sunset Valley/Austin From: James Giroux <jamesagiroux AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 08:55:06 -0600 Yesterday afternoon 1/31 I went for a 3rd try for the Sunset Valley Sage Thrasher. Strike three for the Thrasher, but I did find a Common Ground Dove. From the parking lot behind City Hall, the bird was in the large leafless bushy area about 100 yards southwest. Google map for Common Ground Dove and Sage Thrasher http://g.co/maps/ju2k4 If you are in the area, also check out a pond about one minute away from the above location to find a dozen Ring-necked Ducks and 4 Least Grebes. Google map for Least Grebes and Ring-necked Ducks http://g.co/maps/22ksw James Giroux Austin, TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Shoal Creek (local Austin interest only) From: Ted Eubanks <tedleeeubanks AT FERMATAINC.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:27:04 -0600 This evening I found two new birds for Shoal Creek this winter. I found two spotted towhees and a winter wren, both species near the 35th Street bridge. Ted Lee Eubanks Austin, Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Hagerman NWR Tuesday morning birding. From: Jack Chiles <chilesjack AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:52:35 -0800 Our group tallied 66 species today. It was windy and warm and the sparrow numbers seemed to be down a lot maybe a factor of the wind. There were no geese present on the refuge. Duck numbers were also down.The lake level has risen a couple of feet and the marshes now have plenty of water. Gadwall 18 Mallard 200 Northern Shoveler 25 Northern Pintail 18 Green-winged Teal 3 Canvasback 2 Redhead 25 Ring-necked Duck 25 Lesser Scaup 2 Double-crested Cormorant 5 Great Blue Heron 8 Black Vulture 6 Turkey Vulture 2 Bald Eagle 1 Northern Harrier 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Red-tailed Hawk 7 American Kestrel 3 American Coot 90 Killdeer 8 Greater Yellowlegs 2 Least Sandpiper 5 Long-billed Dowitcher 2 Wilson's Snipe 1 Ring-billed Gull 3 Forster's Tern 8 Mourning Dove 15 Great Horned Owl 1 Red-headed Woodpecker 4 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 4 Loggerhead Shrike 2 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 12 Carolina Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 2 Brown Creeper 1 Carolina Wren 3 Eastern Bluebird 8 American Robin 100 Northern Mockingbird 4 Brown Thrasher 1 European Starling 60 Cedar Waxwing 30 Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 Spotted Towhee 1 Field Sparrow 3 Vesper Sparrow 15 Savannah Sparrow 12 Fox Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 4 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Swamp Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 5 Harris's Sparrow 7 White-crowned Sparrow 3 Dark-eyed Junco 45 Northern Cardinal 4 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Eastern Meadowlark 1 Western Meadowlark 1 meadowlark sp. 73 Common Grackle 400 American Goldfinch 4 House Sparrow 1 Jack Chiles Volunteer Hagerman NWR TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Bird all day at Kleb Woods tomorrow From: "Collins, Fred (Commissioner Pct. 3)" <Fred_Collins AT HCTX.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:05:11 -0600 Kleb Woods will be holding its annual Winter Bird survey on February 1, 2012. Birders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. We will meet at the nature center at 7:00 AM and split into groups to cover the entire park. You are welcome to come earlier than 7 AM to look for owls on your own. If you arrive later in the day, go to the nature center and check on the door for phone numbers and locations of each party. We will take a lunch break from 12-1 PM and then birds until dark. Dress for the weather. Last year's highlights included Brown-headed and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Eastern Towhee. This year we hope to find recently seen species, such as Woodcock, Red-shafted Flicker, Harris's Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Nutmeg Mannikin...and maybe even find a new park bird. The Big Day Survey, as with all park activities, is free and open to the public. BTW, our report of our Granger area bus trip last Friday is in the archives, it did not distribute this morning. Or request a report from me that includes pictures in a Word Document. Fred Collins (281) 357-5324 Director: Kleb Woods Nature Center Cypress Top Historical Park Commissioner Steve Radack Harris County Precinct 3 www.pct3.hctx.net TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Peregrine Falcon in Austin From: Ted Eubanks <tedleeeubanks AT FERMATAINC.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:07:24 -0600 Yesterday, while walking Shoal Creek, I noticed a peregrine falcon roosting atop the Monarch condos. Ted Lee Eubanks Austin, Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: PUSA yes Jan 29 but brief...please don't rush the birds From: Rex Stanford <calidris AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:59:06 -0600 Thanks to Tripp for providing some excellent, very practical, advice about what should guide our efforts to photograph birds, in the interest of protecting, first, the birds themselves and, secondly, in the interest of other birders who might wish to see the birds later: "I always watch the bird I am photographing, when it starts watching me instead of going about its normal routine, I back out and let it return to feeding or whatever it might be up to." If birders wish to protect the rights of birds to be there, feed there, or do whatever they may be doing there, they also should be vigilant, as they approach, for signs that the birds near the "target bird" are getting apprehensive, are on the alert, and getting ready to fly. (This can be a very easy matter for photographers to miss because they are looking at a narrow, usually telescopic, view and can miss what is happening even very nearby.) The target species' neighbors are birds of other species, so one should pay attention to the signs of stress that one's approach is creating in the "neighborhood" of the target bird, even if it consists of other species. If nearby birds get stressed enough by one's approach to provide detectable signs of it, they may fly and/or produce alarm calls at any additional approach. Their doing so may put the target bird to flight, stressing it and depriving it of what it wants just as surely as if it alone were the first to react to one's approach. One's attention may be drawn, almost inexorably, to the coveted species, which may seem presently unperturbed, but, quite possibly, some nearby birds, including others species, will "have your number" as a potentially threatening approacher. They may not be ready to tolerate any more! Thus an approaching birder should carefully monitor the situation. We need to remember that flight-inducing short observer distance, mode (e.g., standing upright), or too rapid an approach can put stress on the target bird/species and others as well. In some cases, they may already be under great stress. For example, the habitat for PUSA foraging at Port Mansfield may be considerably far from optimal, so the bird needs to find and be able to acquire whatever it finds without disturbance. It may be worthwhile to mention that a direct, straight-on approach to any bird can be one of the surest ways to flush it because the increase of the size of the bird's image on the retina (i.e., the receptor area of its eye), along with no evidence of side movement, says "It's headed for you." An angular, oblique, approach can reduce distance slowly while one moves noticeably sideways relative to the bird. Many of us have used this successfully to allow a relatively close approach because birds naturally fear a direct approach on them. Approaches by groups of persons simultaneously, especially head-on, can pose a special threat to birds. I am not discussing the events of this past Saturday (01/28/12) that were mentioned by Tripp because I was not there to observe them but only heard second- and third-hand reports of them when I was there the next day. I imagine everyone would agree that those wishing to see or photograph rare birds should be vigilant that one's eagerness to see something does not actually result in harm to it and/or to the opportunity of oneself and others to see it. Based on what I heard second-hand on Sunday, I have no way of assessing the claims that certain persons actually were (italics are my emphasis) "chasing it from one end of the tidal pool to the next until the bird finally gave up and left." This involves a set of interpretations about why the PUSA moved to various locales and then left the area. Making such interpretations justifiably seems to me no easy task, so I will not engage in it. Anyhow, the PUSA, absent for some hours on Saturday, was back at the areas where it often, on other days, had been seen by 4:30 PM on Saturday, as I reported to TEXBIRDS on behalf of Harry Forbes, whose photos of the PUSA I have seen. Shorebirds feed where the feeding is good. Where that is can depend on tidal circumstances, prevailing winds, predator activity, and human activity of various kinds in a given potential feeding area. Interestingly, the PUSA was not the only shorebird usually present there that was not present this past Sunday (01/29/12). The other shorebirds usual in the area either were not seen by my wife and me on Sunday or were very few, Willets excepted. This might have been due to circumstances not specific to the PUSA site, for we found the same notable absences at Port Mansfield's Fred Stone County Park on Sunday. That is on the north side of town. In fact, the Port Mansfield PUSA, so far as I know, has not been reported to stay long at any one particular location, whether that be within (or around) either of the two pools where it sometimes has been seen or in the wider area there. It often has been noted as absent on occasions where no human provocation of it has been reported. Habitat down here may be far from optimal for this bird, whose preferred winter-feeding habitat often consists of the rocky, waved-washed shores and jetties of the northeastern USA. The habitat characteristics at Port Mansfield may require it to search regularly in order to feed adequately. For this reason, too, it is very important that observers and photographers desiring to approach the bird hold in mind as a top priority that it be undisturbed. That might be aided by the precautions voiced both by Tripp and by me. By the way, the area where the PUSA has been seen was visited by a large number of non-birders all afternoon this past Sunday. Future efforts to find this bird might benefit by knowing that the non-birder visitors, with various interests, were active widespread in the area, so Sundays may be a far less than optimal time for seeing the PUSA, if it I still around. Rex Stanford McAllen, TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Valley Nature Center 310112 From: "Raul Garza Jr." <nunieoi AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:49:31 -0600 Hello, Below is my e-bird list from just a bit ago. 2 Spotted Towhee still continue as well a couple of Verdin. Muggy kind of morning, still quite a bit of activity! Valley Nature Ctr. (LTC 057), Hidalgo, US-TX Jan 31, 2012 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) 41 species Black-bellied Whistling-Duck 2 Plain Chachalaca X Turkey Vulture X Cooper's Hawk 1 Harris's Hawk 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Killdeer 2 Rock Pigeon 1 White-winged Dove 2 Mourning Dove 5 Inca Dove 17 White-tipped Dove 3 Green Parakeet 15 Buff-bellied Hummingbird 2 Golden-fronted Woodpecker X Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Great Kiskadee 5 White-eyed Vireo 2 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Green Jay 2 Black-crested Titmouse 4 Verdin 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5 Hermit Thrush 1 Clay-colored Thrush 2 Gray Catbird 1 Northern Mockingbird X Long-billed Thrasher 4 Curve-billed Thrasher 2 Ovenbird 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 11 Yellow Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 Spotted Towhee 2 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 2 Great-tailed Grackle X House Sparrow X Raul Garza Jr. Asst. Park Technician Valley Nature Center 301 S. Border Ave. Weslaco, Texas 78596 Hidalgo County TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: S. Bastrop but mostly Caldwell Co. Frogs From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:40:54 -0600 I met with a land owning couple in Caldwell Co. this morning primarily for some habitat stuff, also to start some surveys perhaps. While this was not a birding trip per se, there were a few highlights there and not far away. The owners allowed that not far from their property, a neighbor had record at least 10" of rain in about 4 hours and likely more as the rain gauge they had only held 10"...The results of the flash flooding were obvious all over including on some of the county gravel roads...Saw fences in many locations washed out.....As a result we were unable to access as much of the property as we had hoped but perhaps later in the season. Highlights of the drive down and back A flock of ~65 white geese including 3 Ross's. I don't recall ever seeing a Ross's in this neck of the woods but such things are hard for me to keep track of. Perhaps as many a 8-10,000 Am. Robins Mountain Bluebird 1(maybe two, one flew before I got on it) Pileated Woodpecker 1 heard only Harris's Sparrow 6-7 A field full of Caracaras feasting I presume, on earthworms....I did not slow down to count but an est. might be around 40-45. Barred Owl 1 heard only And the best of all......while we were walking an old dike along a ravine flooded out on both sides, we flushed not one but 2 Woodcocks, The highlight for all of us for the day. Several folks have asked about frog locations....Caldwell and S. Bastrop Co. have to many to count right now...I heard frogs of 3 species, and at least some almost everywhere there was water....Just stop your truck and listen especially those shallow waters with submerged weeds. -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: 2012 Game - First Visit to Hale County From: Anthony Hewetson <terrverts AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:42:33 -0800 I spent eight hours in Hale County on Sunday, 29 Januar Greetings All: I spent eight hours in Hale County on Sunday, 29 January 2012.  During my visit I wandered from the Lubbock/Hale County line along FM 179, FM 54, and Interstate 27 to Abernathy; then along Interstate 27, FM 54, and FM 400 to Plainview; then along Highway 70, FM 789, FM 784, CR EE, CR 235, and FM 789 to Petersburg; then along CR 397, CR 312, CR 310, CR 330, FM 400, CR 325, CR T, and CR 2060 to Abernathy; then along Interstate 27 to the Hale/Lubbock County line.  Specific sites visited included Abernathy City Park, the Abernathy Cemetery, Travis Trussell Park (Plainview Duck Pond), the Plainview Cemetery, the Plainview Landfill, Muleshoe NWR - Hale County, the Petersburg Cemetery, and the Abernathy Golf Course.  Conditions were generally pleasant - warm, sunny, light breeze - but hideously drought-stricken with all water found artificially sustained by the activities of humankind.  Over the course of the day I tallied 2 species of butterfly, 0 species of amphibian, 1 species of reptile, 56 species of bird, and 3 species of reptile - bringing me up to 4% of my goal of 50 species of butterfly, 0% of my goal of 8 species of amphibian, 7% of my goal of 15 species of reptile, 37% of my goal of 150 species of bird, and 20% of my goal of 15 species of mammal - a nice head start against what will surely be a good visit to the Canyon Lakes of Lubbock in February. The day's list: 1 Orange Sulphur 2 Dainty Sulphurs 5 Red-eared Sliders 2200 dark geese 153 Cackling Geese 563 Canada Geese 12 Wood Ducks 4 Gadwalls 4 American Wigeons 18 Mallards 2 Northern Shovelers 30 Northern Pintails 2 Hooded Mergansers 1 Northern Bobwhite 1 Ring-necked Pheasant 1 Great Blue Heron 5 Northern Harriers 6 Red-tailed Hawks 2 Ferruginous Hawks 6 American Kestrels 1 Merlin 2 American Coots 1702 Sandhill Cranes 9 Ring-billed Gulls 256 Rock Pigeons 34 Eurasian Collared Doves 2 White-winged Doves 47 Mourning Doves 2 Great Horned Owls 4 Northern Flickers 1 Say's Phoebe 2 Loggerhead Shrikes 4 Blue Jays 57 American Crows 5 Chihuahuan Ravens 46 Horned Larks 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 139 American Robins 1 Northern Mockingbird 1 Sage Thrasher 41 European Starlings 1 Chestnut-collared Longspur 23 McCown's Longspurs 1 Vesper Sparrow 3 Lark Buntings 2 Savannah Sparrows 2 Song Sparrows 1 White-throated Sparrow 46 White-crowned Sparrows 3 Dark-eyed Juncos 511 Red-winged Blackbirds 48 meadowlarks 4 Eastern Meadowlarks 17 Western Meadowlarks 1 Yellow-headed Blackbird 2 Rusty Blackbirds 370 Brewer's Blackbirds 131 Great-tailed Grackles 280 Brown-headed Cowbirds 10 House Finches 21 House Sparrows 1 Eastern Cottontail 11 Blac TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds k-tailed Prairie Dogs 1 Coyote Anthony 'Fat Tony' Hewetson; Lubbock Subject: The 2012 Game - Hale County vs. the Canyon Lakes of Lubbock From: Anthony Hewetson <terrverts AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:55:45 -0800 As drought is devastating the wildlife of my region, it Greetings All: As drought is devastating the wildlife of my region, it has been a little difficult - in fact, downright distressing - for me to get excited about local crittering this coming year.  I have decided, as I want to see some critters in my area this year while exploring some new, however hopeless, territory, to once again pit a LOCAL RIPARIAN HOTSPOT against a PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING COUNTY.  This year's RIPARIAN HOTSPOT: the roughly seven mile long corridor represented by the Canyon Lakes of Lubbock, running from Buddy Holly Park (Lake One), just inside northwest Loop 289, gradually east-southeast to where the North Fork of the Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos River intersects East Loop 289 - essentially, the river and associated lakes within Loop 289.  Any park land along this corridor will be fair game but I will not include the Lubbock Cemetery.  This year's CHALLENGING COUNTY: the 1005 square miles of Hale County just to the north of Lubbock - which includes many, many square miles of agricultural land; many less square miles of grassland/brushland; several small towns and one decently large city; many cemeteries/woodlots/abandoned homesteads; three-four close to permanent bodies of water. If the drought continues, I fully expect Hale County to get stomped in every category: butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.  If we get something along the lines of normal rainfall, I expect Hale County to emerge triumphant in terms of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.  For the time being, I will keep my goals the same for both competitors: 50 species of butterfly, 8 species of amphibian, 15 species of reptile, 150 species of bird, and 15 species of mammal.  I will make six, eight-hour visits to each site (Hale County gets January, March, May, July, September, and November - putting my thumb on the scales, bird-wise, with the two peak migration months - and the Canyon Lakes of Lubbock get February, April, June, August, October, and December). I will post the results from my first visit to Hale County separately and, given the rules on texbirds, would encourage folk who want the full list of critters each month to get in touch with me at terrverts AT yahoo.com so that I can put you on my e-mail list.  David Sarkozi gets a little twitchy when my posts start including more butterflies/amphibians/reptiles/mammals than birds - which generally starts happening along TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds about April. Anthony 'Fat Tony' Hewetson; Lubbock Subject: Birding Adventures (Coastal Bend birding) on NBC Sports tomorrow p.m. From: Patricia Wight <pcwight AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:41:58 -0600 Again, thanks to whoever posted this originally. The program on the Texas Coastal Bend is scheduled to be re-broadcast tomorrow at 2:30 EST. It's not the best birding program I've seen, but enjoyable anyway. This is the channel that had been called "Versus" (same one that has been broadcasting the* Tour de France*). Here's a link to the website where it appears you can watch the older programs online. http://www.birdingadventures.com/batv_destgroup.php?id_del=6 Pat Wight Rockport (& Houston) TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Western Hidalgo County, 1/29/12 From: Dan Jones <antshrike1 AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:17:53 -0600 I spent Sunday morning wandering around western Hidalgo County in search of county year birds. First stop was Yturria Brush tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR. Rather than make the lenthy walk from the parking area on US 83, I drove up the road that goes north along the east boundary of the refuge to the caliche pit. I parked where the high tension lines cross and walked in from there. After the scant winter rains, things are a bit greener but birds are still sparse. Best stuff included Say's Phoebe, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Lark Bunting and Vesper, White-crowned and Black-throated Sparrows. Next I drove up FM 2221 (Sparrow Road) and stopped several times and saw nothing. Where 2221 bends sharply to the east, I took the dirt road west and found a Sage Thrasher about a quarter mile down. Farther down the road, past the gas comressor station, was a nice flock of Vesper Sparrows and Lark Buntings. Tiny pics has been giving me problems lately, so I'm trying Photobucket. http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n610/antshrike/SageThrasherFM22211-29- 12020_resize.jpg Returning to the crossroads and heading north, I found a flock of about 100 Lark Buntings near the large gas field. After a while the road comes to a T and I turned to the right. After an abandoned farmhouse, there is another gas field to the right which had a beautiful Ferruginous Hawk circling over it. http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n610/antshrike/FerruginousHawkmile141- 29-12069_resize.jpg http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n610/antshrike/FerruginoushawkMile141- 29-12071_resize.jpg Dan Jones, Weslaco TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Four Day Trip to the Valley From: David Hanson <DHanson139 AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:58:12 -0500 Jan and I just spent four days on a guided trip to the Valley. We stayed in Harlingen as base camp and went different directions each day. Unfortunately the hotel we stayed in was having trouble with their internet connection so I did not try to make any up to date posts on Tex-bird. The only rarity we actually found was the Golden-crowned Warbler at Frontera and I think only 6 or 7 of us actually saw it and we could never find it again. And of course I did not get a photo of it. The others we looked far managed to stay hidden while we were there. The Brown Jay had just left the feeder when we arrived so we missed it as well. Anyway Jan and I took lots of photos of beautiful birds we did find so here they are starting at this photo and running all the way to the end of the gallery. We were also happy to see that the Rufous Hummingbird was here when we got up this morning. _http://hansonnaturephotography.smugmug.com/Nature/Texas-Birds/17293655_vKBN QB#!i=1691576244&k=b5f8cD8_ (http://hansonnaturephotography.smugmug.com/Nature/Texas-Birds/17293655_vKBNQB#!i=1691576244&k=b5f8cD8) David and Jan Hanson TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Baytown/Mont Belvieu Area Subject: Re: Woodcocks and frogs From: "muchopoblano AT yahoo.com" <muchopoblano@YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:25:53 -0800 I have heard one Woodcock, so far, about 2 weeks ago in the woods next to our property. As for them starting earlier this year, the USDA is revising their hardiness zone map this year to reflect that zones are warmer. Here's a link: http://www.bigblogofgardening.com/usda-plant-hardiness-zone-map-2012-revision/     Kathy Stanford Celina, TX >________________________________ > From: Brush Freeman >To: texbirds AT LISTS.TEXBIRDS.ORG >Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 6:58 PM >Subject: [texbirds] Woodcocks and frogs > >  I was down the road abit listening to see what frogs were present.  The >sound of Strecker's Chorus Frogs was almost over powering as the rolled >that bent pulley along.  Also for the first time this "spring" I heard a >couple of Spotted Chorus Frogs...I am on a toad (Bufo) quest hoping that >there is a 1 in a million chance of finding a Houston as I am so near the >current defined range...In very similar habitat and soils.  I realized I >forgot my recorder in the even of that unlikely possibility.. > >About half way to the cabin  just moments ago , I could hear the distinct >sound of a displaying woodcock but I could not see it until I took a turn >on the road up to the cabin, and there against a fading red sky was this >odd critter doing it's very odd display against that back drop.  It did >this over and over in silhouette, going at least 150' up into the air... >before continuing past the tree line where I could no longer see it....You >have to see/hear this display to realize just how "goofy" they can appear. >I don't know that this has even been filmed and put on the Internet but >likely so given everything else is on there.  It would be worth looking for >if interested > >  I am surprised at the display on this date for in recent years they seem >to be completing that activity earlier in the year each year...Maybe the >rains...... > >-- >Brush Freeman >361-655-7641 >http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ >Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas > >TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds : http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds > > > > Subject: Purple Sandpiper at Port Mansfield From: Jan Maitland <maitlandj AT FLASH.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:57:28 -0800 If anyone finds the Purple Sandpiper at PM, please continue to post on Texbirds. My sister and I are thinking of going down there this next weekend if it continues to be seen. Thanks, Jan Maitland Red Oak, TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Bentsen Sunday Bird Walk From: Javier Deleon <Javier.Deleon AT TPWD.STATE.TX.US> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:12:28 -0600 Hello everyone, About 14 of us had a great time seeing what was around the park this morning during the Sunday morning Bird Walk. There were not many unusual birds in the park, but plenty of local birds. Of note were the following: Two Clay-colored Thrushes at the Ebony Grove feeders. There have been up to four at the Nature Center feeders, but we visited that feeding station just after a raptor passed through so it was pretty slow for a while. Two Black-headed Grosbeaks at the Acacia Loop/Kiskadee Trail feeder. There was some speculation that we had two since our Christmas Bird Count in January, but we finally saw both Grosbeaks perched right next to each other. Great looks! Northern Beardless-tyrannulet near the park's large pavilion. This was a heard only bird, but another tyrannulet has been showing up pretty regularly at the nature center most afternoons. After the walk, there was a beautiful adult Gray Hawk on a high perch along Roadrunner Crossing. Species list for Sunday below: Species Blue-winged Teal 2 Northern Shoveler 12 Green-winged Teal 6 Plain Chachalaca 12 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Neotropic Cormorant 3 Double-crested Cormorant 4 Anhinga 2 Great Blue Heron 1 Great Egret 2 Black Vulture 4 Osprey 1 Northern Harrier 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Crested Caracara 1 American Kestrel 1 Killdeer 4 Black-necked Stilt 1 Least Sandpiper 6 Stilt Sandpiper 12 Long-billed Dowitcher 1 Forster's Tern 2 Common Ground-Dove 2 White-tipped Dove 1 Golden-fronted Woodpecker 3 Ladder-backed Woodpecker 2 Black Phoebe 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Vermilion Flycatcher 1 Great Kiskadee 12 Loggerhead Shrike 2 Green Jay 12 Black-crested Titmouse 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Clay-colored Thrush 2 Northern Mockingbird 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 Northern Cardinal 6 Pyrrhuloxia 1 Black-headed Grosbeak 2 Red-winged Blackbird 30 Altamira Oriole 6 Don't forget to join us every Wednesday and Sunday morning from 8am - ~10am for our weekly Bird Walks! Best, Javier de León Natural Resource Specialist Bentsen - Rio Grande Valley State Park World Birding Center 2800 South Bentsen Palm Drive Mission, TX 78572 956-584-9156 Learn how you can help Texas State Parks: TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Hummingbirds From: Allenreyer <allenreyer AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:04:08 -0500 I've had a number of good hummingbirds coming to my feeders. A few days ago, I had a Black-chinned and then the past two days, I've had a female Rufous (I wonder if it's the one I've been seeing for the past five years), and a juvenile male Rufous. Last night, it my Arizona Ash tree it the yard, a Barred Owl was hooting away. Got good looks at her. Al Reyer Columbus, TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Granger Lake highlights 1/29 From: James Giroux <jamesagiroux AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:46:21 -0600 My stepfather and I spent the morning birding in the Granger Lake area yesterday 1/29, and had the following highlights: Lark Bunting 5 - FM 1331 1.7 miles east of Dam Rd Sage Thrasher 1 - FM 1331 1.7 miles east of Dam Rd Say's Phoebe 1 - half way down Granger Dam Rd McCown's Longspur ~15 - County Rd 360 at the bend just west of 359 Lapland Longspur ~5 - County Rd 360 at the bend just west of 359 We were not able to find the Whooping Cranes or the Burrowing Owl. Thanks to Tim Fennell for helping us out with the Longspur IDs. James Giroux Austin, TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Possibly melanistic finch From: Elizabeth Moon <emoon1 AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:39:31 -0600 Sunday, January 29, a dark little bird appeared in a mixed crowd of House and Purple finches in our yard. The back was dark brown, with a little color showing toward the neck. The breast appeared brown with a wash of purplish red. Purple/red also colored the dark head and nape, with the brown giving the appearance of very, very dark red. The bird appeared slightly smaller than the other finches, though that could have been an effect of a dark bird next to lighter ones. It had white "wing bars" like a House Finch, though (perhaps only against the darker base color) they appeared slightly wider. I was not able to photograph this bird. Has anyone seen or heard of a melanistic form of House or Purple finch (or anything else this bird might be?) I looked at Redpolls, which are not even supposed to be here, but I've never seen a Redpoll and am stymied. Elizabeth Moon Williamson County TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Birding Adventures on NBC Sports From: Pat Wight <pcwight AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:38:36 -0600 Thanks to whoever posted about this program. It was fun to watch. Pat Wight Rockport (and Houston) TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Indigo Bunting, BAstrop Co. From: Ian Layton <ilayton AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:53:29 -0600 TexBirders, This maybe nothing, but I just observed a male Indigo Bunting at my feeder this morning. From everything I can find this is an extremely early find. Does anyone have any other reports from South-Central Texas this early (or earlier)? Picture at https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6kzweTqBJN0MtYDcGqlf7gahbjAHFlSYlUTlIRO6Kk4?feat=directlink -- Ian M. Layton Cedar Creek Bastrop County, TX TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: Woodcocks, here is what to listen From: Linda Price <lprice AT MAC.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:37:23 -0600 I uploaded three woodcock recordings to Xeno-Canto. All three are recorded on Simmons Rd in Harrison County yesterday evening. Thanks to the Brotherton's for finding this location. Here is the link. http://www.xeno-canto.org/species/Scolopax-minor The link to Xeno-Canto shows a list of Woodcock recording with map locations. These recording are the only southern recordings west of Tennessee in the Xeno-Canto archive. Unfortunately there was a well pump clanking in the background! I've gotten so used to them I didn't notice at the time. One Peent recording is very short but the soft lead-in sounds before the Peent can clearly be heard. Another Peent recording has an Eastern Screech Owl trill in the background. It occurs near the end of the recording. The Screech Owl sound is very soft but you may be able to hear it. I thought David B. would appreciate that. The third recording has American Woodcock trills and flight sounds. It sounded to me like there were at least 4 woodcocks there, probably more. I saw three of them which was very nice. The only way I can find them is to hear them. Seeing them was a nice bonus. TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Lake O Pines - Little Gull - No From: Luanne Brotherton <birder10050 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:47:55 -0800 Luanne and I looked for a couple of hours this afternoon with no luck for the Little Gull previously found at Lake O Pines. TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds David Brotherton, Daingerfield Subject: 7th Annual SparrowFest Summary, Saturday Jan 28, 2012 - 3 Sage Thrashers, 3 bluebird species and 16 sparrow species From: drbirdie AT AOL.COM Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:06:53 -0500 Hi Texbirders, The 7th annual SparrowFest was conducted yesterday on a chilly, sunny, windy day at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Two years of drought have resulted in extremely limited food resources for native grassland birds, but we still managed to find some good birds, including 16 species of sparrows, some of them in good numbers, and a good time apparently was had by all. Bill Reiner, Randy Pinkston and Jeff Patterson conducted trips on the Flying X and Simons tracts of Balcones Canyonlands NWR, and I led two tours (morning and afternoon) of Cow Creek Road, a public road that follows Cow Creek through parts of Burnet and Travis Counties, and is adjacent to several refuge tracts. Stars of the show were three species of bluebird summoned by Bill Reiner on his afternoon trip (and also observed in the morning at the Flying X by Jeff Patterson and one of his trip participants), 3 Sage Thrashers in two locations, and of course the sparrows, enough of which are hanging on in the drought to still provide a satisfying sparrowhawking experience for most trip participants. One Grasshopper Sparrow located by Jeff and others at the Flying X after lunch perched in one spot for over 20 minutes as all trip participants (and instructors) had great scope views and added the bird to their respective trip lists. That and two other birds found with it were the only Grasshopper Sparrows of the day. We had some glaring misses, including LeConte's Sparrow and Lincoln's Sparrow. Normally, those birds are fairly plentiful, and numbers of each would have run several score for the entire day. In fact, until this year we have been able to provide excellent views of shy LeConte's Sparrows to almost everyone who has ever participated in SparrowFest. To spend an entire winter day, however, in suitable habitat and miss Lincoln's Sparrow in central Texas is downright shocking. Other birds filled the void, though. Spotted Towhees, Dark-eyed Junco and Harris's Sparrows were all present in somewhat higher numbers than usual, (or were more visible than usual), and the prospect of "exotic" birds like Sage Thrasher and Western Meadowlark (Bill found one of the latter during his scouting run on Friday afternoon) kept the adrenalin going for many of us, and rewarded a few lucky individuals who relocated those regional specialties. My trips to Cow Creek and environs had 12 species of sparrow both morning and afternoon, so even though the numbers of birds were low, we still were able to sample a fairly good diversity, which of course is part of what makes central Texas special. In summary, despite the wind and drought and low numbers of birds, everyone that I heard from seemed to have a really great time. We did get a bit of rain last week, and some of the forbs and winter grasses are already beginning to green up. If we get timely rains later this year, we could have a good crop of grass this summer and fall, and good numbers of birds again next winter. So if you weren't able to join us this year, please stay tuned for next year's event, which will be held again in late January or early February. Many thanks to Bill Reiner for locating lots of great birds and leading great trips to Simons Tract morning and afternoon, to Randy Pinkston for helping out with the Simons tour in the morning and Flying X in the afternoon, for bringing sparrow study skins again, and for presenting a short talk on Junco identification (cut shorter by an "Emberizid Emergency" alert when the Grasshopper Sparrows were located), and to Jeff Patterson for leading two great trips around the Flying X, and for finding what Randy dubbed "the world's most cooperative Grasshopper Sparrow) for all to see. Thanks also to refuge manager Deborah Holle and refuge staff for allowing access and supporting our SparrowMania. Special thanks to Carol Schwope and the fire crew for coordinating recent burns with our planned activities. Many, many thanks to Cathy Harrington for helping organize SparrowFest, and to her husband John who cooked an incredible dinner and two other meals for all participants, and to Sandi Gilchrist, Dub Lyon and all the other Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR volunteers who help make this event possible. An annotated list of the 64 bird species seen yesterday is appended below. 7th annual SparrowFest bird list (Saturday Jan 28, 2012): Gadwall Redhead - a surprise flyover at Flying X, I believe Wild Turkey - 20+ - Cow Creek Rd, afternoon, including 5 birds observed magically walking under the bottom wire of a barbed-wire fence Northern Bobwhite - 5 - Covey at Flying X Double-crested Cormorant - 2 - Flyover at Flying X Black Vulture Turkey Vulture Northern Harrier - 1 - Flying X Cooper's Hawk - 1 - Simons morning Red-tailed Hawk - Several locations American Kestrel - 3+ - Flying X, Cow Creek, Simons White-winged Dove - 3 - Cow Creek Rd Mourning Dove - Small numbers in scattered locations Common Ground-Dove - Simons Greater Roadrunner - 1 - Cow Creek Rd Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1 - Simons afternoon trip Ladder-backed Woodpecker - Small numbers Northern Flicker - 2 - Flying X Eastern Phoebe - Small numbers on most trips Loggerhead Shrike - 1 - Flying X, late afternoon Western Scrub-Jay - Small numbers American Crow - 2+ - Flying X, morning Common Raven - 5 - Flying X, afternoon Carolina Chickadee - Cow Creek and a few in other scattered locations Black-crested Titmouse - Small numbers Brown Creeper - 1 - Simons (a rarity out here) Carolina Wren - Small numbers Cow Creek and perhaps other trips Bewick's Wren - Small numbers Golden-crowned Kinglet - Simons morning Ruby-crowned Kinglet Eastern Bluebird - 10+ - Small numbers all three trip locations Western Bluebird - 5 - Possibly 6, 1 bird at Flying X morning with Eastern Bluebirds, 5 birds (including 3 males) at Simons afternoon trip in a single-species flock Mountain Bluebird - 5+ - Flying X Hermit Thrush - 1 - Cow Creek afternoon American Robin - 1000+ - Hundreds or thousands foraging in recently burned areas of Flying X, and also in juniper berries at other locations Northern Mockingbird - Small numbers Sage Thrasher - 3 - 2, Simons morning, 1 Flying X afternoon European Starling - 2 - Cow Creek Rd, and perhaps a few in other locations Cedar Waxwing - 30+ - Cow Creek Rd, Flying X and probably also Simons Orange-crowned Warbler - 2+ - 1 Simons morning, 1 Cow Creek afternoon Yellow-rumped Warbler - 10+ - Small numbers along Cow Creek Rd, and Flying X (Myrtle-type only) Spotted Towhee - 50+ - Good numbers all locations in a variety of habitats Rufous-crowned Sparrow - 5+ - Small numbers Simons and Flying X Chipping Sparrow - 9 - Cow Creek Rd only; small flock on morning trip, then one bird on afternoon trip Field Sparrow - 40+ - Small numbers on most trips Vesper Sparrow - 40+ - Small numbers on most trips Lark Sparrow - 10+ - Simons only Black-throated Sparrow - 3 - Simons only Lark Bunting - 10+ - Simons afternoon only Savannah Sparrow - 30+ - Small numbers on most trips Grasshopper Sparrow - 3 - Flying X during lunch break Fox Sparrow - 6 - Simons morning trip; Cow Creek both trips, including one close, long, scope-view for a lifer for one afternoon trip participant at our last stop of the day Song Sparrow - 15+ - Very small numbers most trips, Cow Creek had best numbers, and the afternoon Cow Creek trip had one bird perched in open for several minutes White-throated Sparrow - 2 - Two birds both trips Cow Creek (seen well by all in the morning, but skulked in afternoon) Harris's Sparrow - 25+ - Small numbers on most trips, better numbers than usual White-crowned Sparrow - 30+ - Small numbers on most trips, but very much reduced from normal Dark-eyed Junco - 80+ - Good numbers on most trips Northern Cardinal - 40+ - Good numbers Cow Creek, small numbers elsewhere Red-winged Blackbird - Small group flyover Simons afternoon Meadowlark sp - 80+ - Small numbers on most trips House Finch - 8+ - Small numbers Flying X and Cow Creek Rd Lesser Goldfinch - 2 - Refuge HQ (Cow Creek morning trip) American Goldfinch - 10+ - Small numbers on most trips House Sparrow - 2+ - Cow Creek Rd only It was a good day to be a sparrowhawk. Good birding ya'll, Byron Stone, Austin TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Granger Lake 1/29/12: Whooping Cranes, Owls, Sage Thrasher, Longspurs, etc. From: Tim Fennell <tfennell AT FLASH.NET> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:37:41 -0800 I birded the Granger Lake area of Williamson County fro Texbirders, I birded the Granger Lake area of Williamson County  from 7:30 am - 2:30 pm today (1/29/12). The major highlights included the number of people out to see the Whooping Cranes, singing Horned Larks and Eastern and Western Meadowlarks, multiple Coyote pairs doing their "Can you believe there are only two of us making all this racket?" routines well into the morning, and five beautiful Bucks running through a Pecan bottom. Bird species highlights of the 83 species recorded included Greater White-fronted and Ross' Geese, Neotropic Cormorants, Sandhill and Whooping Cranes (all 6 from Friendship Park shortly after sunrise-all then disappeared-until the family with the unbanded juvenile showed up in the same area from at least noon until 2:00 pm), Black-Bellied Plovers, Burrowing and Short-eared Owls, a Say's Phoebe, spending some time with the possible Willis Creek Pacific Wren, a Sage Thrasher (on FM 1331, my long-overdue county first thanks to James Giroux and his friend who's name escapes me), Lark Buntings, and McCown's, Lapland and Chestnut-collared Longspurs. Cheers, Tim Fennell Round Rock, TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds TX Travis Audubon Society Subject: Woodcocks, here is what to listen From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:11:49 -0600 Turn the volume up to hear the trills at the end are hard to hear.....Otherwise a good recording that captures it pretty much all in situ.......Just one I found on a quick online search http://monarchbfly.com/2009/04/15/american-woodcock-display-video/ -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Woodcocks and frogs From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:58:28 -0600 I was down the road abit listening to see what frogs were present. The sound of Strecker's Chorus Frogs was almost over powering as the rolled that bent pulley along. Also for the first time this "spring" I heard a couple of Spotted Chorus Frogs...I am on a toad (Bufo) quest hoping that there is a 1 in a million chance of finding a Houston as I am so near the current defined range...In very similar habitat and soils. I realized I forgot my recorder in the even of that unlikely possibility.. About half way to the cabin just moments ago , I could hear the distinct sound of a displaying woodcock but I could not see it until I took a turn on the road up to the cabin, and there against a fading red sky was this odd critter doing it's very odd display against that back drop. It did this over and over in silhouette, going at least 150' up into the air... before continuing past the tree line where I could no longer see it....You have to see/hear this display to realize just how "goofy" they can appear. I don't know that this has even been filmed and put on the Internet but likely so given everything else is on there. It would be worth looking for if interested I am surprised at the display on this date for in recent years they seem to be completing that activity earlier in the year each year...Maybe the rains...... -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Coopers Hawk; Webberville From: Kerri Chambers <kerridiann.chambers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:47:23 -0600 I was watching the birds at the feeders through an open window and a Coopers Hawk swooped down and grabbed one of the songbirds. He landed on the ground about 10 feet from my window, adjusted his grip and flew off with the bird. The songbirds were taken by complete surprise and they haven't returned for 20 min. I saw many hawks today including a close-up of a Red-tailed Hawk as I drove down 969 in Webberville, as well as 6 American Kestrels. Kerri Chambers Webberville TX kerridiann.chambers AT gmail.com Sent from my iPhone TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Re: McCown's near Littng Travis Co. From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:14:34 -0600 meant around 9:50A On Sun, Jan 29, 2012 at 2:13 PM, Brush Freeman wrote: > Was on a private property west of Littng this AM around 95 and had a > flock of longspurs fly over heading SW. Maybe 60...All I actually heard > were McCown's. Bins were landowner's truck as it was not a birding trip > .... cultural stuff flagging > > -- > Brush Freeman > 361-655-7641 > http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ > Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas > > > -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Fw: eBird Report - home, Jan 29, 2012 From: txbrush AT SBCGLOBAL.NET Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:46:13 -0800 The Zone-tailed Hawk continues in the neighborhood. I haven't been out to look for a while, but I saw the brief encounter below, when I was out gardening in the front yard.   Regards, Tim Brush Edinburg, TX home, Hidalgo, US-TX Jan 29, 2012 4:20 PM Zone-tailed Hawk  1     flushed  by scolding Blue Jay along canal east of McKee--eventually drifted east Blue Jay  1     part of small flock that has been in neighboood for years This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Fish Crows From: dennis shepler <dawgler AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:46:21 -0600 Howdy texbirders, Spent the morning in eastern Harris County. Stephane Lorenz peaked my interest so I went to Wilson Rd. No luck with the Crows. I went to where we used to get them back in the 60's and sure enough 6 Fish Crows were at the Deussen Park boat ramp. They were very vocal and responded to my vocalizations. Three of them were walking around on the dock. The group of them flew back and forth to the pine trees in the loop. Nice. In addition, there was a Common Loon and Bonaparte's Gull near the dam. As usual for this time of year, there were big flocks Chipping Sparrows, interspersed with them were numerous Pine Warblers. Also, I had 250+ Tree Swallows along Aquaduct Road. Good flocks of woodland birds in Eisenhauer Park. A couple of Common Gallinules were at Sheldon. Didn't see the Glaucous Gull. If you go to Monument Inn be sure to cross the street and go to the bluff to scan the gulls there. Lots of gulls but, the usual suspects, today. Ciao Dennis Shepler Western Harris County -- W. Dennis Shepler TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Limestone County today Jan 29, 2012 From: peter barnes <pbarnes123 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:06:40 -0600 Dennis Scott, Judy Wright and I spent the morning in Limestone County, birding the NW end of Lake Limestone, where FM 3371 crosses the lake, and Fort Parker State Park. The former location had most of the birds. We had two flyover Snow Geese, 200+ Gadwall, 70+ Green-winged Teal and a smattering of American Wigeons, Northen Pintails, Mallards, a Wood Duck and a Redhead. American White Pelicans were constantly flying past, and both meadowlarks were calling here. Sparrow variety was reasonable, and we tallied nine species for the morning, including a Lincoln's and 8 Vesper Sparrows at Fort Parker State Park. Peter Barnes Tyler TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: California Gull Etc near Corpus From: Jon McIntyre <mcintyrebirds AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:27:06 -0600 Today I birded the beach from Port Aransas to the entrance of the Padre Island National Seashore. Here are the highlights- Adult California Gull- Near the last access road before you go into the national seashore. Lesser Black-Backed Gull- Adult at marker 61, 3rd winter bird just south of Bob Hall Pier Cinnamon Teal- Male at El Cortez Pond Northern Gannet- one way off near marker 97. Jon McIntyre Port Aransas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: McCown's near Littng Travis Co. From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:13:36 -0600 Was on a private property west of Littng this AM around 95 and had a flock of longspurs fly over heading SW. Maybe 60...All I actually heard were McCown's. Bins were landowner's truck as it was not a birding trip .... cultural stuff flagging -- Brush Freeman 361-655-7641 http://texasnaturenotes.blogspot.com/ Finca de los Alacranes., Utley,Texas TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: 1-29-12 Tundra Swan @ Salt Lake From: Warbler Woods <warblerwoods AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:59:49 -0600 1-29-12 Tundra Swan AT Salt Lake Tundra Swan continues AT Salt Lake, Guadalupe County, Texas Salt Lake, Guadalupe County Click for sighting map: http://bit.ly/wbnwiy 1 Tundra Swan ( 29.64739, -97.65032) Susan Schaezler Don Schaezler Sent from my iPad TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Brown Jay - Yes for A.M. Crowd From: Sam Taylor <samuel.jt82 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:42:46 -0600 It was a chilly day at the Salineno feeders, but fortunately it didn't keep the Brown Jay away. It showed up around 10 a.m. and stayed at the feeders for about 15 minutes. I'm not sure if it was seen again later in the day. Another highlight was the classic looks at Hooded, Altamira and Audubon's orioles, at one point feeding next to each other for a good photo op. Also, my wife and I saw a White-tailed Hawk surfing the wind currents near Hwy. 83 about a mile west of the turn off to Salineno. Photos and other details of the day are on my blog: http://lonestarbirds.blogspot.com/ Sam Taylor San Antonio,TX. TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Granger Lake From: Ferguson/Prothro Carol/brenda <jipseez AT MAC.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:32:44 -0600 Brenda and I went again to Granger Lake today. It was quiet, no sign of Whooping Cranes or anything else unusual. Birds like Nor Cardinals and Eastern Bluebirds were acting as if Spring was here, competing for territories, picking out Bluebird boxes, etc. Had not seen the post about McGown's Longspurs until tonight. Looked for Longspurs all afternoon but no luck. Had huge flocks of BH Cowbirds with maybe Common Grackles mixed in…hard to tell. Still is was pleasant birding on a nice day. Carol Ferguson Leander, TX an RVer TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds