Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The Utah List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Saturday, March 13 at 04:04 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Hooded Grosbeak,©Sophie Webb

13 Mar Another Fun Birding Day in Utah County Just Before the Storm ["Mark Mossing" ] 13 Mar Greater White-fronted Geese in Utah County [David Wheeler ] 12 Mar Friday outing [ConnieM ] 12 Mar NORTHERN PYGMY OWL RELOCATED [Bryant Olsen ] 12 Mar AI Report - 3-12-10 ["Mark Mossing" ] 12 Mar Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson...in a birding movie?? (no sightings) ["B.G. Sloan" ] 12 Mar North Harbor Road & Lower Parkway River Trail , American Tree Sparrow, Wilson's Snipes [] 12 Mar Thanks for the migration map info! [cheri ] 12 Mar Bear River Refuge Road & Bird Update [] 11 Mar 3/11 - Swede Lane, Utah County [Jeff Bilsky ] 11 Mar Hummingbird Migration maps? [cheri ] 10 Mar Ross's geese and Greater White Fronted Goose [Robert Williams ] 11 Mar Deer Creek Reservoir and State Park [ Ned Bixler] [] 10 Mar Mandarin Returns to Beus Park ["Kristin Purdy" ] 10 Mar Re: Bird Cinema [ConnieM ] 10 Mar Bird Cinema [] 09 Mar Kane Co. Ruddy,Com. G.Eye,Bufflehead [cheri ] 9 Mar UCB March Meeting - Thursday, 11th. [Utah Birds ] 9 Mar Sugarhouse Yard Bird Sightings [Jeff Bilsky ] 8 Mar Northern Pymy Owl [Bryant Olsen ] 8 Mar Skipper Bay Geese [Jeff Bilsky ] 8 Mar Washington County Birds March 7/2010 - Vermilion Flycatcher pair [Matt Mills ] 8 Mar Washington County Birds March 7/2010 - Vermilion Flycatcher pair [Matt Mills ] 7 Mar Spring Birds, take 2 [Bryant Olsen ] 7 Mar Spring Birds [Bryant Olsen ] 7 Mar March Antelope Island Survey [Steve Sommerfeld ] 7 Mar Recent Photo Essays, along With Other Images Posted... ["rich young" ] 7 Mar GREATER WHITE- FRONTED GOOSE [] 7 Mar Central Utah Birding - 3/6/10 ["Mark Mossing" ] 7 Mar Utah Co. [Carl Ingwell ] 7 Mar Provo dike [STEVEN BRERETON ] 7 Mar Western Meadowlark--AI [Paul Higgins ] 7 Mar Female Great tailed Grackles [] 6 Mar 16 Cackling geese west of Ogden (minima ssp., I believe) [David Wheeler ] 6 Mar Lee Kay Ponds - Salt Lake County ["STEPHEN T CARLILE" ] 6 Mar Plain 'ole Redwings-Antelope Island [Paul Higgins ] 6 Mar Fw: eBird Report - Antelope Island , 3/6/10 [Doug Roberts ] 6 Mar FW: eBird Report - Skipper Bay Trail , 3/6/10 [Eric Huish ] 6 Mar Sandhill Cranes [Utah Birds ] 6 Mar BIGBY (green birding) newsletter (no sightings) ["B.G. Sloan" ] 6 Mar Bluebird [pat Jividen ] 6 Mar ScientificAmerican.com: Endangered in a Dangerous Land: Afghanistan expands its protected species list, including the [] 6 Mar Snow Geese, Ross's Goose & Cackling Goose [Carl Ingwell ] 5 Mar 3/5 - Provo Airport Dike / Skipper Bay Trail (Sage Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Ross's Goose, Snow Geese) [Jeff Bilsky ] 5 Mar Clark's Grebe - Lindon Boat Harbor and Geneva Settling ponds - 3/5/10 [Eric Huish ] 4 Mar Birds Photographed along the Salt Lake/Jordan River Parkway from April 2009 through January 2010 [Utah Birds ] 4 Mar Fwd: eBird Report - Skipper Bay Trail , 3/4/10 (Snow Geese, Ross's Goose continue) [Jeff Bilsky ] 4 Mar Lindon Boat Harbor & Geneva Settling ponds (Ned Bixler) [] 3 Mar Red-breasted Merganser [Dave Hanscom ] 3 Mar Downtown SLC Peregrine Falcons [Bryant Olsen ] 03 Mar Kane Co. Where to check out waterfowl? [cheri ] 3 Mar Rendezvous Park-Logan, 3/3/10 [Craig Fosdick ] 3 Mar Ross's geese [Robert Williams ] 03 Mar Northern saw-whet owl in Millcreek Canyon, Salt Lake Co. ["David Wheeler" ] 3 Mar Re: Juvenile Sharpie [Jerry Lig ] 2 Mar Re: Juvenile Sharpie [ConnieM ] 3 Mar Juvenile Sharpie [] 2 Mar Clark Grebe [Utah Birds ] 1 Mar Fwd: eBird Report - Provo Airport Dike , 3/1/10 (Red-breasted Merganser) [Jeff Bilsky ] 2 Mar Benjamin Slough [] 1 Mar Fwd: eBird Report - Skipper Bay Trail , 3/1/10 (SNOW GEESE, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW) [Jeff Bilsky ] 01 Mar Washington County follow-up ["David Wheeler" ] 01 Mar Varied thrush ["David J. Allan" ] 1 Mar Eagles and a Duck [Utah Birds ] 01 Mar Washington Co. loon, scoter, and Egyptian geese (Yup, you ["David Wheeler" ] 28 Feb Bewick's Wren--Antelope Island [Paul Higgins ] 28 Feb Provo Airport Dike , 2/27/10 [Jon Watkins ] 28 Feb 1st Redtail in Park City [kimberly roush ] 27 Feb SKIPPER BAY TRAIL [] 27 Feb Snipe hunt [ConnieM ] 26 Feb 2/26 - Parley's Mitigation/ Mountain Dell Area [Jeff Bilsky ] 26 Feb Continunig Washington County Rare Birds [Webmail rfridell ] 27 Feb Rush Valley , 2/26/10 (Ned Bixler) [] 26 Feb A few raptors today; Geese tomorrow? [Matt Mills ] 26 Feb Gunnison Bend Reservoir [] 26 Feb Bird Refuge Road - Eagles at Salt Creek [] Subject: Another Fun Birding Day in Utah County Just Before the Storm From: "Mark Mossing" <mossing1 AT q.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:04:00 -0700 Location: Skipper Bay Trail Observation date: 3/13/10 Notes: The 3 Great White-Fronted Geese were seen in field a short distance east of the trail. Thanks to the Utah Cty Birders group at the trail that gave me the lead. Weather was cloudy with misty rain. Temps started in the low 40's and ended in the mid 30's. A cold front came through halfway through my tour. Number of species: 35 Greater White-fronted Goose 3 Snow Goose 2 Canada Goose 100 Gadwall 9 American Widgeon 10 Mallard 35 Northern Shoveler 42 Northern Pintail 16 Hooded Merganser 2 Double-crested Cormorant 2 Northern Harrier 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Rough-legged Hawk 1 American Kestrel 2 American Coot 18 Sandhill Crane 2 Killdeer 4 Ring-billed Gull 20 California Gull 24 Rock Pigeon 8 Mourning Dove 3 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 5 American Crow 13 Common Raven 12 Black-capped Chickadee 6 Marsh Wren 2 European Starling 150 Song Sparrow 13 White-crowned Sparrow 10 Dark-eyed Junco 9 Red-winged Blackbird 130 Western Meadowlark 14 House Finch 12 House Sparrow 19 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Location: Provo Airport Dike Observation date: 3/13/10 Notes: Sage sparrows were along the south leg as you are driving east just before the extension. Weather was cloudy and cold. Temp was 40ish. Number of species: 34 Canada Goose 24 Gadwall 12 American Wigeon 4 Mallard 16 Cinnamon Teal 7 Northern Pintail 8 Redhead 5 Bufflehead 7 Common Goldeneye 1 Double-crested Cormorant 2 Northern Harrier 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 3 American Coot 20 Sandhill Crane 2 Killdeer 14 Ring-billed Gull 14 California Gull 31 Northern Flicker 3 Black-billed Magpie 7 American Crow 12 Common Raven 18 Marsh Wren 8 American Robin 7 European Starling 89 Sage Sparrow 20 Song Sparrow 14 White-crowned Sparrow 12 Dark-eyed Junco 10 Red-winged Blackbird 56 Western Meadowlark 8 Yellow-headed Blackbird 16 House Finch 20 House Sparrow 18 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Location: NE Shoreline Fields Observation date: 3/13/10 Notes: This area is all fields between Lindon and Lehi, as close to the northeast Utah Lake shoreline as you can drive. Around the Lindon and AmFk put-ins. Weather was cloudy and mix rain/snow. Temp was in the mid 30's. Big storm coming in. Mountain Bluebirds were the remarkable thing for me. Number of species: 13 Canada Goose 45 Mallard 23 Northern Pintail 14 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 3 American Coot 12 Mountain Bluebird 6 European Starling 78 White-crowned Sparrow 34 Red-winged Blackbird 50 Western Meadowlark 8 House Finch 10 House Sparrow 15 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Mark Mossing Draper, Utah mossing1 AT q.com _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Greater White-fronted Geese in Utah County From: David Wheeler <dumpster_42 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:17:56 -0800 (PST) Yesterday I saw three Greater White-fronted Geese in the fields northeast of Utah Lake State Park (accessed by the road that turns north just over the bridge just before the park's toll gate. The geese were with a large flock of Canada geese. I didn't see any Cackling geese, but there was a small group of some sort of smaller race of Canada goose (smaller than our resident subspecies but with similar bill proportions). There were also two Snow-type geese. I know at least one was a Snow goose, and the other looked to be the same size & bill shape, so I am pretty sure was also a Snow goose. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Friday outing From: ConnieM <connie.mcmanus AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:26:47 -0700 I went up to Sherwood Hills today. There wasn't much, but I did see some goodies. RedBreasted Nuthatches 3 (heard 4) Black-Capped Chickadees Mt. Chickadees Pine siskins American crows Common Ravens gull spp (Flying over head) I wanted to check out Mantua Lake, but it was still frozen. Now open water that I could see, so I continue onward to Brigham City. Took the dirt road west of I-15 (go past the I-15 Southbound on ramp and turn left just before the Truck stop) Great Tailed Grackles Red Winged Black birds Red-winged hawk And all the frogs were singing... it must be spring or close to! It was a beautiful day and if felt good to get outside. -- Connie McManus Nibley, Cache County, Utah_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: NORTHERN PYGMY OWL RELOCATED From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:01:21 -0800 (PST) I was able to relocate the N. PYGMY OWL I heard a few days ago up Neff's Canyon(S.L. county),this time with fully charged batteries, and a back up set. It was in the same place, about an hour before sunset, and when I arrived I started mimicking their call, and he started calling back in the top of a fir about 50ft from me! I got a few photos(see http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4427927007/ )before he flew off up slope, were he continued to call, and I was able to relocate him and get a video(see http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4428684928/ ). Although he would respond to my poor imitation, he wouldn't come in to investigate me. Regardless, he let me get very close, and didn't seem very bothered by me, but the lighting was such that none of my photos are top notch. Hope he sticks around for awhile. Other interesting birds around were a juvenile COOPER'S HAWK, STELLAR'S JAYS, and a singing T. SOLITAIRE. Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: AI Report - 3-12-10 From: "Mark Mossing" <mossing1 AT q.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:31:20 -0700 Burrowing owl seen at ground box just southwest of visitors' center. Location: Antelope Island SP -- Antelope Island Observation date: 3/12/10 Notes: Spent the morning birding with Valarie Stewart. Highlight of the trip to AI was the burrowing owl. Weather was clear. Temps in the 50's. Number of species: 33 Ruddy Duck 15 Chukar 6 Ring-necked Pheasant 2 American White Pelican 25 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Northern Harrier 3 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 2 Prairie Falcon 1 American Coot 12 Ring-billed Gull 20 California Gull 25 Rock Pigeon 5 Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 Mourning Dove 4 Burrowing Owl 1 Northern Flicker 2 Loggerhead Shrike 2 Black-billed Magpie 3 American Crow 8 Common Raven 6 Horned Lark 1 American Robin 4 European Starling 300 American Pipit 4 Song Sparrow 2 White-crowned Sparrow 12 Dark-eyed Junco 23 Red-winged Blackbird 60 Western Meadowlark 40 Brewer's Blackbird 8 American Goldfinch 4 House Sparrow 20 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Mark Mossing Draper, Utah mossing1 AT q.com _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson...in a birding movie?? (no sightings) From: "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:12:49 -0800 (PST) >From my blog: http://bit.ly/bMJUPY Bernie Sloan My birding blog: http://bird-bs.blogspot.com Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/birdbs _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: North Harbor Road & Lower Parkway River Trail , American Tree Sparrow, Wilson's Snipes From: utahbixlers AT comcast.net Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:35:49 +0000 (UTC) The American Tree Sparrow was found along North Harbor Road on South side. The snipes were found in the last section of the Lower Parkway River Trail. Location:     North Harbor Road & Lower Parkway River Trail - Provo Observation date:     3/12/10 Number of species:     16 Canada Goose     2 Mallard (Domestic type)     26 Common Goldeneye     1 Northern Harrier     1 Red-tailed Hawk     1 American Kestrel     2 American Coot     47 Killdeer     2 Wilson's Snipe     5 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)     4 Black-billed Magpie     13 American Robin     12 European Starling     46 American Tree Sparrow     1 White-crowned Sparrow     15 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)     1 Red-winged Blackbird     115 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Thanks for the migration map info! From: cheri <blujeans3 AT aol.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:53:41 -0500 I really appreciate the response to my map request. Alot of really helpful and enjoyable info. wow! ebird is quite the site! I didn't realize they had so many features. I need a rainy day to explore that site. Cheri Kane Co. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bear River Refuge Road & Bird Update From: Betsy_Beneke AT fws.gov Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:01:28 -0700 Hi All, Road crews are working today to fill in soft spots and smooth the county road prior to Tundra Swan Day, which is tomorrow in northern Utah! I'm still recommending only vehicles with high clearance, or 4 wheel drive on the road - but it IS in pretty good shape, and fairly dry - for now. There is one area that is likely to be one lane - near the Canada Goose Club. Stop - make sure no one else is coming through - and proceed when clear. We have a variety of interesting activities planned, including a digital photography workshop from 12:00 - 3:00 (pre-registration required by calling 435.734.6422 - or contacting me). Family naturalist activities from 11:00 to 1:00 and of course, swan viewing all day. Thousands of swans can be seen along the auto tour route - in the usual places. Unit 1 at the northwest corner and in Unit 2. There's still quite a bit of ice in Unit 2, so some birds were fairly close to the road on the south and east sides of the tour. Tons of ducks as well - no shorebirds as of yesterday, though, except for killdeer. Rough-legged hawks are gone, bald eagles seem to be on the move. No grebes, night herons or other birds observed. Kind of quiet yet, except for waterfowl. A poster with details for Tundra Swan Day can be found on our web site at: http://www.fws.gov/bearriver. Betsy Beneke Outdoor Recreation Planner Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 2155 West Forest Street Brigham City UT 84302 435.734.6436 office http://www.fws.gov/bearriver_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: 3/11 - Swede Lane, Utah County From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:39:35 -0700 I birded Swede Lane in Utah County this evening just before sunset. Highlights: 1 PRAIRIE FALCON on a pole on SR-77 heading west towards Swede Lane, 2 SANDHILL CRANES that flew by, and a NORTHERN SHRIKE that gave great, diagnostic looks. The water at the end of the road was quite open and had a good number of WESTERN/CLARKS GREBES and a couple DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS further out. Location: Swede Lane (Utah Co.) Observation date: 3/11/10 Number of species: 25 Canada Goose 5 Mallard 2 Ring-necked Pheasant 4 Western/Clark's Grebe 15 Double-crested Cormorant 2 Northern Harrier 4 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Prairie Falcon 1 American Coot 4 Sandhill Crane 2 Killdeer 1 gull sp. 15 Northern Flicker 5 Northern Shrike 1 Black-billed Magpie 2 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Marsh Wren 2 American Robin 20 European Starling 10000 Spotted Towhee 1 Song Sparrow 11 White-crowned Sparrow 16 Dark-eyed Junco 7 Red-winged Blackbird 50 Western Meadowlark 6 American Goldfinch 1 House Sparrow 9 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) http://www.utahbirds.org/counties/utahco/SwedeLane.htm -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Hummingbird Migration maps? From: cheri <blujeans3 AT aol.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:58:23 -0500 Hello Birders, Does anyone know of an online Hummingbird Migration map for our neck of the woods? I'd appreciate having the link if you don't mind? Thanks in advance! Feeders are out, Cheri Kane Co. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Ross's geese and Greater White Fronted Goose From: Robert Williams <iamcool_really AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:33:24 -0700 drove out to Benjamin Slough today and found 7 Sandhill Cranes, about 200 pintails, various other species and i think a ross's goose my scope broke down so i just had my binoculars, but as best as i could tell it was a ross's goose quite small, very short neck, and small bill. i also drove over by skipper bay to look for the Greater White Fronted goose and it was still present with a group of about 50 Canada geese and close enough to the road to give me good views (at the first bend coming from skipper bay) with just the binose! i also saw 7 adult male buffel heads around on the dike road a very cool sight! Good Luck Robert Williams _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469228/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Deer Creek Reservoir and State Park [ Ned Bixler] From: utahbixlers AT comcast.net Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:53:25 +0000 (UTC) From: Ned Bixler - utahbixlers AT comcast.net   Subject: eBird Report - Deer Creek Reservoir and State Park Location:     Deer Creek Reservoir and State Park Observation date:     3/10/10 Notes:     lake only open along the edges, and where the river comes into the lake Number of species:     24 Tundra Swan     1 Gadwall     4 American Wigeon     27 Mallard     23 Northern Pintail     17 Ring-necked Duck     2 Bufflehead     5 Common Goldeneye     62 Pied-billed Grebe     1 Double-crested Cormorant     1 Bald Eagle     3 Red-tailed Hawk     1 American Kestrel     1 American Coot     97 Ring-billed Gull     1 Eurasian Collared-Dove     11 Mourning Dove     2 Black-billed Magpie     17 American Robin     9 European Starling     83 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)     17 Red-winged Blackbird     7 Western Meadowlark     1 House Sparrow     16 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Mandarin Returns to Beus Park From: "Kristin Purdy" <kristinpurdy AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:57:45 -0700 The male Mandarin Duck was at Beus Park in Ogden, Weber County, again yesterday. I also heard about the duck's appearance over the last few months from Carl Taylor, the Utah Waterfowler's Alliance member who assumed maintaining the Wood Duck nest boxes at the park from Wasatch Audubon. Carl saw the Mandarin at Beus beginning in October. It visited on an off until the winter freeze-up reduced the open water dramatically. The bird began appearing again recently as more water opened. Kris_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: Bird Cinema From: ConnieM <connie.mcmanus AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:28:34 -0700 Betsy, thanks for sharing the link. I watched a few of the videos and especially liked the Wattled Jacana... my, what BIG FEET you have!! All the better to walk atop tall grasses with, my dear! loved it all ConnieM On Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 12:17 PM, wrote: > Hello All - > > Have any of you ever heard of this web site, and if so, what do you know > about them? > > http://birdcinema.com > > > Betsy Beneke > Outdoor Recreation Planner > Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge > 2155 West Forest Street > Brigham City UT 84302 > 435.734.6436 office > http://www.fws.gov/bearriver > > _______________________________________________ > Birdtalk mailing list > Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk > -- Connie McManus Nibley, Cache County, Utah_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bird Cinema From: Betsy_Beneke AT fws.gov Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:17:36 -0700 Hello All - Have any of you ever heard of this web site, and if so, what do you know about them? http://birdcinema.com Betsy Beneke Outdoor Recreation Planner Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 2155 West Forest Street Brigham City UT 84302 435.734.6436 office http://www.fws.gov/bearriver_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Kane Co. Ruddy,Com. G.Eye,Bufflehead From: cheri <blujeans3 AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:56:23 -0500 Withstood the elements and saw a few ducks on a newly thawed sewage pond off of 89 near the Mt Carmel Junction. This is our first March here in Utah so we are learning as we go. Being landlocked in Ohio anything on water is a treat. Saw Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck and Common Goldeneye pairs. Several Ring- necked and Gr. W. Teals. many gulls as well. They flew off by the time we mucked our way closer to the pond. Good Times, Cheri _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: UCB March Meeting - Thursday, 11th. From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 16:37:27 -0800 (PST) MARCH MEETING:� � Thursday, March 11th, 2010 California Condors of Southern Utah - by DWR Biologist, Jimmy Parrish. A presentation on the current population of the Utah condors, their management and cooperative research programs with Arizona and public involvement programs. Should be very educational. � Meet at 7:00 PM in the Bean Museum Auditorium on the BYU Campus. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Sugarhouse Yard Bird Sightings From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 09:31:36 -0700 Working from home this morning gave me a chance to see what's going on in my yard bird-wise today. So far I have had 2 new yard birds: Song Sparrow and Eurasian-Collared Dove. My yard often has 20+ Mourning Doves but this is the first of the ever-expanding Eurasian. Also, I have a few Pine Siskins in addition to the usual House Finches, Starlings, House Sparrows and Black-Capped Chickadees. I am on Bryan Ave between 11th and 13th East. -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Northern Pymy Owl From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 19:46:56 -0800 (PST) This evening I heard, and then saw, a Northern Pygmy Owl up Neff's Canyon,Salt Lake County. I was on the top of a Fir about 1 1/2 mile up canyon from the trailhead. It was near sunset, and called for at least a half hour, until I had to leave. Of course my camera battery went dead before I could get a decent photo, but I am sure I will see one again soon for another shot(note sarcasism). I did get some audio though, see it at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4418286411/ . I hope it finds a mate and they nest here,seems to be good habitat. Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Skipper Bay Geese From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 14:41:41 -0700 The goose trifecta continues at Skipper Bay with 2 Snow Geese, 1 Ross's Goose, and 1 Cackling Goose all in the vicinity of the Osprey nest platforms as of a few minutes ago. The White Geese were on the North side, sleeping the day away, close to the trail. The Cackler was on the south side, foraging, also relatively close to the trail. Good looks at all. Beautiful day to squeeze in some birding... -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Washington County Birds March 7/2010 - Vermilion Flycatcher pair From: Matt Mills <mattymills2005 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 10:22:49 -0800 (PST) Hey all, On our way back from birding in San Diego over the weekend Casey Day, Jordan Ohlson, Stephanie Alvarenga and I made a few brief stops in Washington County yesterday. At the Hurricane Sewage ponds were 11 SNOW GEESE along with a group of around 30 AMERICAN AVOCETS. At Quail Creek Reservoir the YELLOW-BILLED LOON continues along with the WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and 2 COMMON LOONS. There was also a BALD EAGLE soaring around the reservoir. At Cox Park the male VERMILION FLYCATCHER has been joined by a female and there were 4 SAY's PHOEBES. Thanks to all who previously reported these birds it was very rewarding to see them. Cheers Matt Mills mattymills2005 AT yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Washington County Birds March 7/2010 - Vermilion Flycatcher pair From: Matt Mills <mattymills2005 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 10:21:48 -0800 (PST) Hey all, On our way back from birding in San Diego over the weekend Casey Day, Jordan Ohlson, Stephanie Alvarenga and I made a few brief stops in Washington County yesterday. At the Hurricane Sewage ponds were 11 SNOW GEESE along with a group of around 30 AMERICAN AVOCETS. At Quail Creek Reservoir the YELLOW-BILLED LOON continues along with the WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and 2 COMMON LOONS. There was also a BALD EAGLE soaring around the reservoir. At Cox Park the male VERMILION FLYCATCHER has been joined by a female and there were 4 SAY's PHOEBES. Thanks to all who previously reported these birds it was very rewarding to see them. Cheers Matt Mills mattymills2005 AT yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Spring Birds, take 2 From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 21:52:44 -0800 (PST) Today I headed up to Ogden bay and saw some good birds. At least 10 SANDHILL CRANES,some dancing, a flock of 29 A.W. PELICANS, 1 D.C.CORMORANT,2 CINNAMON TEAL, a flock of YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS flew over singing, 65 SNOW GEESE flew over, lots of BALD EAGLES,TUNDRA SWANS, and various ducks. I was not able to relocate the reported 16 minima Cackling Geese at the "Oxbow", but I did see one TAVERNER'S CACKLING GOOSE mixed in with the hundreds of CANADA GEESE near bye. Photos: Sandhill Cranes http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4415197823/ A.W. Pelicans http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4415211173/ Cackling Goose http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4415980904/ Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Spring Birds From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 20:05:47 -0800 (PST) Today I headed up to Ogden bay and saw some good birds. At least 10 SANDHILL CRANES,some dancing, a flock of 29 A.W. PELICANS, 1 D.C.CORMORANT,2 CINNAMON TEAL, a flock of YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS flew over singing, 65 SNOW GEESE flew over, lots of BALD EAGLES,TUNDRA SWANS, and various ducks. I was not able to relocate the reported 16 minima Cackling Geese at the "Oxbow", but I did see one TAVERNER'S CACKLING GOOSE mixed in with the hundreds of CANADA GEESE near bye. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: March Antelope Island Survey From: Steve Sommerfeld <ssfeld AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 19:14:37 -0700 Beautiful day today on the island, not too cold and quiet. Lots of winter birds have gone and our spring arrivals haven't made it quite yet. Here's the results of our Antelope Island Bird Survey today. We had 35 species. 1. Canada Goose 2. Mallard 3. Common Goldeneye 4. Ruddy Duck 5. Chukar 6. Ring-necked Pheasant 7. American White Pelican 8. Double-crested Cormorant 9. Great Blue Heron 10. Northern Harrier 11. Prairie Falcon 12. Virginia Rail 13. Ring-billed Gull 14. California Gull 15. Rock Pigeon 16. Great Horned Owl 17. Burrowing Owl 18. Long-eared Owl 19. Northern Flicker 20. Loggerhead Shrike 21. Black-billed Magpie 22. Common Raven 23. Horned Lark 24. Rock Wren 25. Hermit Thrush 26. American Robin 27. European Starling 28. Spotted Towhee 29. Song Sparrow 30. White-crowned Sparrow 31. Dark-eyed Junco 32. Red-winged Blackbird 33. Western Meadowlark 34. House Finch 35. American Goldfinch Cindy Sommerfeld_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Recent Photo Essays, along With Other Images Posted... From: "rich young" <richbyoung AT isp.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 19:04:29 -0700 I wish to thank those of you who have emailed me with your praise for my recently posted Photo links. They can all be accessed, along with new ones forthcoming by following this link: http://www.richbyoung.com/ Thank you again. your responses are certainly appreciated. Richard Young _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: GREATER WHITE- FRONTED GOOSE From: utahbixlers AT comcast.net Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 22:34:16 +0000 (UTC) Along North Harbor road (Provo) - half way between Lakeshore road and Skipper Bay. On North side of road. It was with large groups of Canada Geese. Ned Bixler_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Central Utah Birding - 3/6/10 From: "Mark Mossing" <mossing1 AT q.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 15:10:44 -0700 Here are my very first e-bird listings for my birding today at various central Utah locations. Some other reservoirs were frozen over. Location: Benjamin Slough Observation date: 3/6/10 Number of species: 33 Canada Goose 120 Gadwall 20 Mallard 70 Northern Shoveler 25 Northern Pintail 175 Green-winged Teal 30 Bufflehead 16 Common Goldeneye 20 Ring-necked Pheasant 4 Bald Eagle 1 Northern Harrier 6 Red-tailed Hawk (Western) 4 Rough-legged Hawk 1 American Kestrel 4 Sandhill Crane 4 Ring-billed Gull 18 California Gull 14 Rock Pigeon 10 Eurasian Collared-Dove 8 Mourning Dove 14 Black-billed Magpie 11 Horned Lark 15 Black-capped Chickadee 12 American Robin 34 European Starling 135 White-crowned Sparrow (Mountain) 46 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 12 Red-winged Blackbird 75 Western Meadowlark 22 Brewer's Blackbird 12 House Finch 23 American Goldfinch 8 House Sparrow 16 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Location: Goshen Observation date: 3/6/10 Number of species: 35 Canada Goose 78 Gadwall 20 Mallard 12 Cinnamon Teal 8 Northern Pintail 22 Green-winged Teal 8 Bufflehead 16 Common Goldeneye 12 Pied-billed Grebe 12 Bald Eagle 1 Northern Harrier 8 Red-tailed Hawk (Western) 4 Rough-legged Hawk 1 American Kestrel 4 American Coot 18 Sandhill Crane 6 Killdeer 10 Rock Pigeon 12 Eurasian Collared-Dove 6 Mourning Dove 16 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 5 Black-billed Magpie 9 Common Raven 120 Horned Lark 13 Marsh Wren 2 American Robin 24 European Starling 130 Song Sparrow 2 White-crowned Sparrow (Mountain) 23 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 8 Red-winged Blackbird 55 Western Meadowlark 12 Brewer's Blackbird 8 House Finch 22 House Sparrow 18 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Location: Burriston Ponds Observation date: 3/6/10 Number of species: 29 Canada Goose 10 Gadwall 8 Northern Pintail 6 Bufflehead 2 Common Goldeneye 4 Ring-necked Pheasant 1 California Quail 6 Pied-billed Grebe 12 Northern Harrier 2 Red-tailed Hawk 2 American Kestrel 4 Killdeer 8 Eurasian Collared-Dove 4 Mourning Dove 12 Northern Flicker 2 Black-billed Magpie 8 Common Raven 14 Horned Lark 6 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Marsh Wren 1 American Robin 40 European Starling 125 Cedar Waxwing 3 Song Sparrow 2 Dark-eyed Junco 12 Red-winged Blackbird 43 Western Meadowlark 8 House Finch 7 House Sparrow 11 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Mark Mossing Draper, Utah mossing1 AT q.com _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Utah Co. From: Carl Ingwell <carlingwell AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 14:48:50 -0700 Brittany Badger and I birded some Utah Co. Spots this morning. I won't bore anyone with a complete list. Highlights: Jordan River trail AT Lehi- 12 Sandhill Crane Provo Airport Dike- Double Crested Cormorant, 2 Tree Swallow Skipper Bay Trail- Cackling Goose, Ross's Goose and 2 Snow Geese._______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Provo dike From: STEVEN BRERETON <breretons AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 14:30:23 -0700 Drove the dike at about noon today. Spotted my first Double Crested Cormorant of the year. Other species: Bald Eagles 8, including a watching one flying towards my direction and making a beautiful landing on the ice. Buffleheads-many Cinnamon Teals Mallards Gadwalls Coots Great Blue Heron-1 Red-winged blackbirds Starlings Rock Doves Northern Harriers Red Tailed Hawk White Crowned Sparrows Marsh Wrens Song Sparrows Robins Various Gulls: California and Ring-billed American American Kestral Killdeer Pied billed Grebe Canadian Geese On Friday I walked Skipper Bay Trail, highlights being Snow Geese-3 Ross Geese-1 Northern Pintails Spotted Towhee Downy Woodpeckers-3 Among many other birds. Nice to see the water breaking up! Caren _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Western Meadowlark--AI From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 10:04:20 -0800 (PST) Western Meadowlark, Antelope Island, Davis County, Utah. � http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/meadowlarkwestern � � _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Female Great tailed Grackles From: Zaffisc AT aol.com Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 09:49:22 EST Two female Great-tailed Grackles were seen Saturday, March 6th at about 3pm at the TA truck stop/gas station parking lot at the Tooele exit off I-80, exit 99. They were walking around the cars near the Burger King/ Taco Bell area. Candy Zaffis_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: 16 Cackling geese west of Ogden (minima ssp., I believe) From: David Wheeler <dumpster_42 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 22:40:06 -0800 (PST) I saw a tight little flock of 16 Cackling geese (I'm pretty sure they were of the minima subspecies, but I'll double-check) west of Ogden, south of the farming community of Warren. There is a pasture around some old oxbows/abandoned river channel 0.5 miles north of the intersection of 950 South & 5900 W which had many Canada geese, a bunch of swans, some ducks and 16 (yes, six-teen) tiny Cackling geese. These geese were very obvious because they were tiny (much smaller than the usual Cacklers we get in Utah), fairly dark, with really short necks, very small & round heads, and very short stubby bills that were almost invisible compared to the Canada geese around it. The flock was very tight, sticking together as it wandered through the other waterfowl. I've been wanting to see this subspecies in Utah for years. To get there, take the Ogden 12th Street Exit and go west several miles until you get to 5900 West. Turn right (north) onto 5900 W, and go a half mile. The pasture with the oxbow ponds is on the left-hand side (west of ) the small highway and is hard to miss. When I saw them, they were near the north end of the pasture. But they were so obvious, I noticed them from clear on the south end. What an odd little spot, with the swans and all... Happy hunting, David Wheeler _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Lee Kay Ponds - Salt Lake County From: "STEPHEN T CARLILE" <carlilest AT msn.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 23:39:32 -0700 Made a brief visit to Lee Kay Ponds today in northwestern Salt Lake County. Not a lot of species, but did see my first American Avocets of the year. Also Common Mergansers and quite a few Canvasbacks and Ring-necked Ducks. Here is the list - 17 species seen. Canada Goose (6+) Common Goldeneye (12+) Common Merganser (7) Canvasback (24+) Ring-necked Duck (24+) Bufflehead (5) Redhead (5) Mallard (5) American Coot (3) California Gull Ring-billed Gull American Avocet (2) Song Sparrow (1) Red-winged Blackbird (5) Brewer's Blackbird (12+) European Starling Raven (2) Thaks, Stephen_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Plain 'ole Redwings-Antelope Island From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 21:42:04 -0800 (PST) Red-winged Blackbird, Antelope Island, Davis County, Utah � http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/blackbirdredwinged � � _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Antelope Island , 3/6/10 From: Doug Roberts <djrob1943 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 18:23:45 -0800 (PST) Hi All, Report includes pond near gatehouse. Doug ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "do-not-reply AT ebird.org" To: djrob1943 AT yahoo.com Sent: Sat, March 6, 2010 5:21:23 PM Subject: eBird Report - Antelope Island , 3/6/10 Location: Antelope Island Observation date: 3/6/10 Number of species: 11 Canada Goose 6 Double-crested Cormorant 9 Great Blue Heron 1 American Kestrel 2 California Gull 100 Black-billed Magpie 3 Common Raven 4 European Starling 20 Western Meadowlark 2 Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 Brewer's Blackbird 15 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: FW: eBird Report - Skipper Bay Trail , 3/6/10 From: Eric Huish <poorwill_ AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 18:52:48 -0700 Another checklist for skipper bay trail. Ned Bixler, Jeff Cooper and I were out there from 3:00 pm to 5:45. We couldn't find the Cackling Goose. We did see a Peregrine Falcon, Sandhill Crane, and only 1 starling! > Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 20:43:59 -0500 > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > To: poorwill_ AT hotmail.com > Subject: eBird Report - Skipper Bay Trail , 3/6/10 > > > > Location: Skipper Bay Trail > Observation date: 3/6/10 > Notes: 46�f, partly cloudy. Birding with Ned Bixler and Jeff Cooper. > Number of species: 34 > > Snow Goose 2 > Ross's Goose 1 > Canada Goose 400 > American Wigeon 75 > Mallard 120 > Cinnamon Teal 6 > Northern Shoveler 8 > Northern Pintail 40 > Green-winged Teal 150 > Ring-necked Pheasant 1 > California Quail 9 > Great Blue Heron 1 > Bald Eagle 2 > Northern Harrier 1 > Red-tailed Hawk 2 > American Kestrel 1 > Peregrine Falcon 1 Played tag with a raven while a bunch of magpies gathered and scolded from a tree. Then shot low over the fields towards all the waterfowl. > Sandhill Crane 1 > Killdeer 1 Heard Only > Ring-billed Gull 1 > gull sp. 15 > Downy Woodpecker 1 > Northern Flicker 2 > Black-billed Magpie 15 > Common Raven 2 > Black-capped Chickadee 2 > American Robin 6 > European Starling 1 > American Pipit 30 > Song Sparrow 4 > White-crowned Sparrow 1 > Dark-eyed Junco 4 > Red-winged Blackbird 100 > Western Meadowlark 2 > American Goldfinch 3 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Sandhill Cranes From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 17:47:04 -0800 (PST) Birdnet Email -- from the website‏   It was submitted by mossing1 AT q.com on Saturday, March 06, 2010 at 18:42:21   Subject:   Email_Address: mossing1 AT q.com   Message: Went out today searching for sandhill cranes in Utah County. Found two pairs in and around Benjamin Slough and three pairs in a stubble corn field about 3 miles east of Goshen just south of Route 6. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: BIGBY (green birding) newsletter (no sightings) From: "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 16:58:23 -0800 (PST) Just thought I would pass this along for those of you who are interested in BIGBYing (green birding)...the latest issue of the BIGBY newsletter: � http://www.sparroworks.ca/greenbirding/downloads/Bigby_newsletter_1_pdf.pdf � Bernie Sloan My birding blog: http://bird-bs.blogspot.com Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/birdbs � � _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bluebird From: pat Jividen <birderpat AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 17:30:35 -0700 Seen my first Mt. bluebirds in the tabby valley today. Pat _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: ScientificAmerican.com: Endangered in a Dangerous Land: Afghanistan expands its protected species list, including the From: connie.mcmanus AT gmail.com Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 13:34:47 -0500 (EST) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Snow Geese, Ross's Goose & Cackling Goose From: Carl Ingwell <carlingwell AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 11:08:55 -0700 Steve & Cindy Sommerfield, Jeff Bilsky and I found two Snow Geese, one Ross's Goose and one Cackling Goose at the end of Skipper Bay trail. Skipper Bay trail is near Utah Lake State Park._______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: 3/5 - Provo Airport Dike / Skipper Bay Trail (Sage Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Ross's Goose, Snow Geese) From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 19:38:32 -0700 Just after work this afternoon (4pm-6pm) I birded the Provo Airport Dike and the Skipper Bay Trail. At the dike, the highlight was a SAGE SPARROW close to the Southeast Corner of the main drive. This is on the airport side as opposed to the Lake side where they have been seen in the past. Some nice fowl have moved into the moat although I did not relocate the Red-breasted Merg from the other day. At Skipper Bay, the SNOW GEESE and ROSS'S GOOSE continue near the North end (good chance to pick up both species without taking a long drive). There was a SAVANNAH SPARROW that hopped up and gave a very brief song, and allowed for great looks near the South end by the first East/West fence. A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was the first I've seen there in awhile as well. Good Birding. Location: Provo Airport Dike Observation date: 3/5/10 Number of species: 22 Canada Goose 25 Mallard 5 Cinnamon Teal 6 Bufflehead 14 Common Goldeneye 1 Chukar 1 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Northern Harrier 2 American Kestrel 1 American Coot 20 gull sp. 10 Northern Flicker 2 Black-billed Magpie 3 Marsh Wren 2 American Robin 22 European Starling 100 Spotted Towhee 1 Sage Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 2 White-crowned Sparrow 5 Red-winged Blackbird 15 House Finch 11 American Goldfinch 6 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Location: Skipper Bay Trail Observation date: 3/5/10 Number of species: 30 Snow Goose 3 Ross's Goose 1 Canada Goose 500 American Wigeon 100 Mallard 200 Cinnamon Teal 1 Northern Pintail 50 Green-winged Teal 30 duck sp. 100 Great Blue Heron 1 Northern Harrier 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 1 Killdeer 2 gull sp. 25 Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 5 Black-billed Magpie 4 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 4 American Robin 10 European Starling 50 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Savannah Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 8 White-crowned Sparrow 5 Dark-eyed Junco 2 Red-winged Blackbird 40 Western Meadowlark 1 American Goldfinch 10 House Sparrow 10 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Clark's Grebe - Lindon Boat Harbor and Geneva Settling ponds - 3/5/10 From: Eric Huish <poorwill_ AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 15:41:45 -0700 Saw my first Clark's Grebe of the year in a narrow gap between the ice on Utah Lake south of Lindon Boat Harbor. Location: Lindon Boat Harbor and Geneva Settling ponds - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 3/5/10 Notes: 37�f, partly cloudy. Utah lake still 95% iced over. Long narrow gap in the ice out on utah lake had the mergs, pintail, grebe and others. Ice free settling ponds contained most of the geese, gadwall and gw teal. Number of species: 24 Canada Goose 37 Gadwall 80 American Wigeon 1 Mallard 8 Northern Shoveler 9 Northern Pintail 25 Green-winged Teal 50 Common Merganser 60 Clark's Grebe 1 In a gap in the ice out on utah lake. Drove back down the road to get an ID. Great Blue Heron 2 Bald Eagle 1 Northern Harrier 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 5 American Coot 8 Herring Gull 1 gull sp. 20 Fly Over Northern Flicker 2 Black-billed Magpie 2 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Heard Only Marsh Wren 1 Heard Only American Robin 32 European Starling 3 Song Sparrow 5 Red-winged Blackbird 80 This report was generated automatically by eBird Eric Huish Pleasant Grove UT poorwill_ AT hotmail.com 801-360-8777 _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Birds Photographed along the Salt Lake/Jordan River Parkway from April 2009 through January 2010 From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 14:14:21 -0800 (PST) Birdnet Email -- from the website‏ Subject:   Email_Address: richbyoung AT isp.com   Message: For any who are bored with waiting for the Spring migration, you might be entertained by viewing some bird photos: Birds Photographed along the Salt Lake/Jordan River Parkway from April 2009 through January 2010. You will find photos of 48 bird species listed for the Jordan River area, taken as I strolled the area for exercise with camera in hand. Here is a link: http://www.richbyoung.com/main-jordan-list.html    Richard B. Young       _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Skipper Bay Trail , 3/4/10 (Snow Geese, Ross's Goose continue) From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 12:52:44 -0700 A quick lunch time stroll at Skipper Bay - mainly just hoping for the Ross's Goose and found it with the 3 Snow Geese towards the end of the trail (North side) past the Osprey platforms and relatively close to the trail providing great side by side looks. Didn't have time to pick through many of the Gulls and Ducks due to time constraints. Killdeer numbers are really growing over the past few days. Good Birding. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Date: Thu, Mar 4, 2010 at 12:49 PM Subject: eBird Report - Skipper Bay Trail , 3/4/10 To: jbilsky AT gmail.com Location: Skipper Bay Trail Observation date: 3/4/10 Number of species: 22 Snow Goose 3 Ross's Goose 1 Canada Goose 500 American Wigeon 200 Mallard 10 Cinnamon Teal 1 Northern Pintail 18 Green-winged Teal 1 duck sp. 300 Northern Harrier 2 American Kestrel 1 Killdeer 12 Ring-billed Gull 2 gull sp. 100 Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 3 Black-billed Magpie 4 Black-capped Chickadee 2 European Starling 200 Song Sparrow 5 White-crowned Sparrow 15 Red-winged Blackbird 200 House Finch 2 House Sparrow 5 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Lindon Boat Harbor & Geneva Settling ponds (Ned Bixler) From: utahbixlers AT comcast.net Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 16:37:14 +0000 (UTC) ----- From: Ned Bixler - utahbixlers AT comcast.net Sent: March 4, 2010 Location:     Lindon Boat Harbor & Geneva Settling ponds Observation date:     3/4/10 Number of species:     17 Canada Goose     84 Gadwall     65 Mallard     36 Northern Shoveler     3 Northern Pintail     21 Green-winged Teal     75 Red-tailed Hawk     1 American Kestrel     2 Virginia Rail     1 American Coot     17 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)     1 Black-billed Magpie     7 American Robin     23 European Starling     64 Song Sparrow     1 White-crowned Sparrow     4 Red-winged Blackbird     21 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Red-breasted Merganser From: Dave Hanscom <hanscom AT cs.utah.edu> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 20:27:04 -0700 (MST) I decided to drive down to Provo to look for the RB Merganser reported by Mr. Bilsky a couple of days ago. Along the way (I live in Park City), I stopped at Deer Creek to check out the places where the ice has melted, and what to my wondering (wandering?) eyes should appear but a RB Merganser. Saved me a trip down the canyon. The only open water is at the inlet, where the Provo River crosses SR-113, and the southeast corner of the reservoir where SR-113 intersects US-189. The merganser was in the latter location, but I'll bet he moves around, with lots the fishermen floating around in their boats. Also decided to check out Wallsberg for the Lewis' Woodpeckers reported by Eric and KC back in January, but had no luck. Could one of you guys provide more specific information on that location? I took a big tour around the valley and did find lots of turkeys up near the end of Little Hobble Creek Road, but not much else of interest. One additional stop was the Lower River Road in Francis and Bench Creek Road in Woodland. No luck on grosbeaks or waxwings. Amazing how things change from one year to another! Speaking of which, has anyone seen any crossbills this winter? I usually find one or two along the Beaver Creek Trail at this time of year, but so far none in 2010. Nice to see spring in the air. The migration can't be far behind. Dave Hanscom _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Downtown SLC Peregrine Falcons From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:16:54 -0800 (PST) Went to check on the Peregrine Falcons in downtown SLC, and found� 2,presumable the breeding pair, on the top of the Key Bank building, exhibiting courtship behavior. After awhile they both flew off to the west. See a photo at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4405623574/ Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Kane Co. Where to check out waterfowl? From: cheri <blujeans3 AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:01:51 -0500 Hello This is our First Late Winter living here in Utah. Can anyone direct us to ponds etc. in Kane Co. ? Snow geese? Thanks! Cheri (living N of Glendale Just S of Highway 14) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Rendezvous Park-Logan, 3/3/10 From: Craig Fosdick <craig.fosdick AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:26:53 -0700 Walked the railroad tracks from Rendezvous Park to 1000 S and back this afternoon. Lots of Robin action-singing, bathing, feeding on berries (still working on identifying the tree species), plus nice extended looks at a VIRGINIA RAIL at the second bridge, and a WOOD DUCK flying out of Rendezvous Park. The Song Sparrows were pretty talkative too. No Varied Thrush or Bohemian Waxwings....I wish. Impressive was a EUROPEAN STARLING mimicking both Yellow Warbler chips and chorus frog calls. The golf course pond on 1000 S had only a couple of Mallards, 4 coots, a Canada Goose, and a Ring-necked Duck. Yesterday I had a lone male CASSIN'S FINCH n my yard in Logan, and the day before that a BROWN CREEPER in the yard. On Monday I snowshoed up Franklin Basin Rd, and found very few birds, but two AMERICAN DIPPERS, one singing, were very enjoyable. Checklist for Rendezvous Park below. Good birding, Craig. Craig Fosdick Logan, Utah. Location: Rendezvous Park Observation date: 3/3/10 Number of species: 15 Canada Goose 2 Wood Duck 1 Mallard 4 Ring-necked Duck 1 Virginia Rail 1 American Coot 4 Mourning Dove 1 Northern Flicker 2 Black-billed Magpie 1 Black-capped Chickadee 3 American Robin 25 Cedar Waxwing 35 Song Sparrow 2 Red-winged Blackbird 60 House Finch 5 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Ross's geese From: Robert Williams <iamcool_really AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 16:48:24 -0700 Hey birding people i drove around the dike todaycommon merganser-1cinnamon teal- 10buffle head- 8 (6 males all together very nice views!)red head-1mallards lesser scoupnorthern harriers bald eagles-3canada geese marsh wren cootspied billed grebewhite crowned sparrow house finch on the skipper bay traillot's of pin tails widgeon'smallards canada geese there was one green winged teal loads of flickers and kill deers the best was the three snow geese still present and giving great looks with an addition 1 Ross's goose! they were about 2/3 of the way down the trail good luck robert williams _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Northern saw-whet owl in Millcreek Canyon, Salt Lake Co. From: "David Wheeler" <dswheeler AT utah.gov> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:27:17 -0700 Last night I took a wee night hike on the Desolation Trail in Millcreek Canyon. I was rewarded with lovely views of a singing Saw-whet owl (there's nothing like that startled joy when an owl suddenly starts singing close to you in the forest and you realize you are being watched, you are not alone). Its facial disk looked paler by flashlight beam than shown in the National Geographic field guide --almost like a Boreal owl. It was doing two different calls -- its regular, even, saw-whetting "whee whee whee whee whee whee...", but also bursts of a quicker sounding version almost like some of the European Boreal owl songs: "wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wi". [This is within the repertoire of the saw-whet also, so no need to get twitchy.] Further up the trail I was enchanted by a repeated prolonged whine (also in the repertoire of this delightful species). It was funny on the lower portion of the trail to see my faithful hound standing at attention, ears all cocked up whenever I whistled at the owl (sweet Mojo is very well trained and is accustomed to rushing obediently to my side, eager to please, whenever I whistle). I mention the various calls because it is important to remember that owls don't just do one call/song per species, but instead have a whole variety of songs and calls depending on their moods, excitement levels, and even genders. A begging whine is different from an alarm call, a territorial call alone is different than the one they use when a rival shows up and needs to be run off. When you live in the dark, sound is even more important than visual cues. I urge you all to go out some night this spring to enjoy the silence and the song. Happy birding, David_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: Juvenile Sharpie From: Jerry Lig <jerrylig AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 17:39:19 +0000 Hi All: Juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawks (such as Mike's) start molting in April acquiring adult plumage throughout summer, so almost all will be in full juvenile plumage at this point. Sometimes they lose feathers during winter from crashing through brush and such, and those feathers are replaced with adult feathers. Anyway, hope this helps Jerry _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469228/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Re: Juvenile Sharpie From: ConnieM <connie.mcmanus AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 21:47:39 -0700 Well, he/she certainly knows where the diner is! What a perch! I loved your photos. thanks for sharing. ConnieM On Tue, Mar 2, 2010 at 7:58 PM, wrote: > > I had what I think is a juvenile Sharp-shinned hawk in my back > yard tonight. I believe it is a Juvenile Sharp-shinned, but I thought any > juveniles would have adult plumage by now. Anyway, I was able to capture > several pictures but most of them were a bit blurry because I had to take > the pictures through my dirty windows. I've posted a couple of them on > pbase. > > > > http://www.pbase.com/mfish/image/122434977 > > > > > > Mike Fish > > Logan, Utah > > > > _______________________________________________ > Birdtalk mailing list > Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk > -- Connie McManus Nibley, Cache County, Utah_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Juvenile Sharpie From: avx AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 02:58:47 +0000 (UTC) I had what I think is a juvenile Sharp-shinned hawk in my back yard tonight. I believe it is a Juvenile Sharp-shinned, but I thought any juveniles would have adult plumage by now. Anyway, I was able to capture several pictures but most of them were a bit blurry because I had to take the pictures through my dirty windows. I've posted a couple of them on pbase. http://www.pbase.com/mfish/image/122434977 Mike Fish Logan, Utah _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Clark Grebe From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 14:16:42 -0800 (PST) Birdnet Email -- from the website‏ It was submitted by CDSlinkerd AT msn.com on Tuesday, March 02, 2010 at 13:33:31   Subject: Clark Grebe   Email_Address: CDSlinkerd AT msn.com   Message: Just for information on birds, I seen A Clark Grebe, one, in the Water at Farmington Bay last week. Feb 27th. He / She is here early, very early. I took a photo and its very close up. but it was raining and the photo is not to sharp... love See this bird....   _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Provo Airport Dike , 3/1/10 (Red-breasted Merganser) From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 22:02:15 -0700 The Red-breasted Merganser was at the bend in the moat on the East side of the dike. It was a male and here's 4 seconds of me accidentally having my point and click set on video instead of photo. Whoops. http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=baedc17cd162dd78&sid=8CasmTJw0aqNng Location: Provo Airport Dike Observation date: 3/1/10 Number of species: 19 Canada Goose 100 Tundra Swan 2 Mallard 2 Cinnamon Teal 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 duck sp. 35 Ring-necked Pheasant 8 Northern Harrier 2 American Kestrel 1 gull sp. 25 Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 Northern Flicker 1 Marsh Wren 6 American Robin 3 European Starling 300 Song Sparrow 5 White-crowned Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 10 Red-winged Blackbird 250 Brewer's Blackbird 150 House Finch 15 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Benjamin Slough From: utahbixlers AT comcast.net Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 03:53:05 +0000 (UTC) ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Ned Bixler utahbixlers AT comcast.net Sent: Monday, March 1, 2010 8:20:34 PM GMT -07:00 US/Canada Mountain Subject: eBird Report - Benjamin Slough , 3/1/10 Location:     Benjamin Slough Observation date:     3/1/10 Number of species:     15 Canada Goose     200 Mallard     150 Northern Pintail     280 Green-winged Teal     212 Redhead     32 Northern Harrier     3 Red-tailed Hawk     1 American Coot     18 Killdeer     1 Ring-billed Gull     55 California Gull     15 European Starling     66 Red-winged Blackbird     1 Western Meadowlark     1 House Sparrow     42 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Skipper Bay Trail , 3/1/10 (SNOW GEESE, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW) From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 14:10:55 -0700 Location: Skipper Bay TrailObservation date: 3/1/10 Notes: Snow Geese just North of the canal that runs adjacent to the Osprey nesting platforms. Tree Sparrow near beginning of trail. Number of species: 19 Snow Goose 3 Canada Goose 500 Mallard 38 Northern Pintail 75 duck sp. 200 Northern Harrier 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 1 Killdeer 2 gull sp. 150 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 4 Black-billed Magpie 5 Black-capped Chickadee 4 European Starling 300 American Pipit 3 American Tree Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 4 Dark-eyed Junco 35 Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed) 1 Red-winged Blackbird 175 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Location: http://www.utahbirds.org/counties/utahco/SkipperBayTrail.htm -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Washington County follow-up From: "David Wheeler" <dswheeler AT utah.gov> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:20:31 -0700 I just wanted to follow-up on my posting to birdnet this morning. 1) A local birder has confirmed that a Great egret does indeed frequent the little pond above the softball fields in Ivins. Again, the plumage was spectacular (sigh), and it clearly had little fear of humans. 2) There was a lone Black-tailed gnatcatcher hoarsely calling in what we have always referred to as the Welcome-Springs Wash, on Saturday. It was hanging with a happy mob of Bushtits. 3) There was one (1) lone bushtit at Lytle Ranch. Now, when was the last time you saw a lone Bushtit? An exile?? David _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Varied thrush From: "David J. Allan" <dallan1 AT xmission.com> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:16:05 -0700 I apologize for the late report, but I am temporarily without internet access from my home. Better late than never I suppose. I was sitting on my patio, taking a break from spring-time yard chores Saturday (2/27) afternoon, when a VARIED THRUSH flew in to give me another bird to add to my yard list. The thrush provided good views for five or more minutes before flying into a large tangle of brush off in a corner of my backyard. I don't know if it's still hanging around. I had other things I had to do Saturday afternoon, and didn't have much time Sunday to watch the yard. I'll report if I see it again in case anybody wants to try to add it to their Millard County list. David Allan Oak City, Millard Co, UT _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Eagles and a Duck From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 08:59:41 -0700 Flora Duncan sent some picture that didn't make it through. Here's a link to the same photos: http://trailsofnature.blogspot.com/2009/03/aerial-combat-over-lake-tapps.html _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Washington Co. loon, scoter, and Egyptian geese (Yup, you From: "David Wheeler" <DSWHEELER AT utah.gov> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:07:00 -0700 First, let me just say I've tried to send this report via Yahoo mail, remotely-accessed Groupwise, and another e-mail platform whose name I don't even know. None of these attempts apparently worked. However, I am grateful I didn't wake up this morning with twenty postings of this e-mail on the Birdnet. My apologies for how late this is getting out (that is, assuming this fourth approach even works). The previous attempts already began with an apology you can read below (a duplication of contriteness for which I apologize). Here goes for about the 21st time (but this time on a different computer)... >>>>>>>>> Sorry for not getting this info out sooner (I'm a bit of a Luddite and have no cell phone to call in marvels from the field--sponsors are, of course, welcome). But, belatedly, Washington County continued to be the place to be this weekend for those who couldn't bear another night of NBC's boycott of Olympic curling: 1) Quail Creek Reservoir: YELLOW-BILLED LOON (lovely views) and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (a big surprise to me while fruitlessly searching for the Pacific loon) both Friday and Saturday. All three species of mergansers were there as well, as well as a couple of Common loons. 2) Sand Hollow Reservoir: I only observed this place from afar, being too cheap to pay for admittance. At least one HORNED GREBE and lots of Greater scaup were there. 3) Hurricane (fields behind POTW--sewage lagoons): I happened to stumble onto this place en route to Sand Hollow, simply because I saw the Snow geese there. Upon my return, I read the other postings on birdnet and noticed that, not surprisingly, Rick was all over this place, reporting two species I did not notice (Lesser white-fronted goose & Ross' goose). I actually THOUGHT I saw White-fronted geese, but when I put some glass on the issue, they had evolved into a pair of EGYPTIAN GEESE! I took a distant picture or ten, just in case anyone cared, but I suspect each goose will be comprised of one or two pixels at best from that distance. That's only my second time in Utah to see this species, and a first amounting to an Egyptian social group. Obviously, these must be escapees from some collection somewhere. [Rick, what's the story on these beasts?] The geese were there late Saturday afternoon, and I didn't stick around too long because I had never seen Sand Hollow Reservoir and wanted to see it before light drained from the soggy day. 4) St. George. The VERMILION FLYCATCHER male continues to delight at the edge of Cox Park (thank you to the Buyers for excellent directions!), but I failed to find the Swamp sparrow (less stunning but harder to find in Utah) nearby. 5) SnowCanyon State Park. The ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD and absurdly tame Roadrunner (which let me get about 8 feet from it with my camera) were still at the campground as of Saturday afternoon. The Anna's was on a scrubby tree (Turbinella oak??) behind the camp host, who had three feeders hidden behind his spot. The roadrunner was savaging some worms (yeah, snake hunters indeed) in an open grassy area on the north part of the campground. I think I MAY POSSIBLY HAVE seen a Great Egret in one of the fountain-decorated Las-Vegasesqe desert ponds in this corner of the wold, this one near a jogging trail in Ivins near Snow Canyon and just up hill of some baseball fields. A local gentleman sporting fishing gear assured me the "crane" was there every day, so someone local passing that way might keep an eye out, should the mood strike. [Rick, has one been hanging around there lately?] The "crane" was either a Great or Snowy egret (I could not turn around fast enough to see it safely because of a concrete median barrier which my dilapidating little car could not hope to surmount like a Hummer, held together as it is with rust unsuited to big bumps). Either way, it was an egret in full breeding splendor fluffed out in the wind--breeding plumage indeed! It was a wonderful white contrast to the prevailing orange background. I can see why womenfolk almost drove egrets the way of the Passenger pigeon a hundred years ago in their quest to decorate their hats. Alas, no luck on any thrashers. I used to think Bendire's thrashers were relatively easy to find. Perhaps the frigid temperatures, which seemed to suppress everything on the Slope,were partly to blame. Also, the trails in Zion NP were too snow-covered for safe ascent beyond a few hundred yards for my ill-conceived night hike (so no news on what Spotted owls do this time of year other than giggle at fools from distant crags). Oops, I must relinquish the computer to my dear, hovering wife, who has more important things to do on this computer than my blathering. Happy birding, David_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Bewick's Wren--Antelope Island From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:38:26 -0800 (PST) Bewick's Wren, Ladyfinger Point, Antelope Island, Davis County, Utah. February 28, 2010. � http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/wren_bewicks_2282010 � � _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Provo Airport Dike , 2/27/10 From: Jon Watkins <jwatkins.riverton AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:51:08 -0700 Son Kendall and I had a pleasant drive around the PAD yesterday evening. 2 Bald Eagles shared a feast out on the iced-over lake, a lone Sage Sparrow on the west road, and a jittery Chukar jogged in front of our slow-moving car for 100 feet or so before reversing direction as we inched by. Location: Provo Airport Dike > Observation date: 2/27/10 > Number of species: 19 > > Canada Goose 45 > Mallard 2 > Chukar 1 > Ring-necked Pheasant 2 > California Quail 4 > Bald Eagle 2 > Northern Harrier 3 > Red-tailed Hawk 1 > American Coot 22 > gull sp. 8 > Rock Pigeon 12 > Marsh Wren 1 > American Robin 12 > European Starling 10 > Sage Sparrow 1 > Song Sparrow 2 > White-crowned Sparrow 6 > Red-winged Blackbird 8 > Brewer's Blackbird 225 > House Finch 4 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) >_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: 1st Redtail in Park City From: kimberly roush <kroush AT xmission.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:15:48 -0700 Still buried in snow so nice to see a redtail return! Right over the ridge between Pinebrook and Summit Park. Kimberly Roush Pinebrook _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: SKIPPER BAY TRAIL From: utahbixlers AT comcast.net Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:49:01 +0000 (UTC) From: Ned Bixler - utahbixlers AT comcast.net Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 3:45:22 PM GMT -07:00 US/Canada Mountain Subject: eBird Report - SKIPPER BAY TRAIL , 2/27/10 Location:     SKIPPER BAY TRAIL Observation date:     2/27/10 Notes:     as the afternoon continued, more waterfowl were coming in for the evening - the numbers for waterfowl maybe low because there are fields with standing water, on private land, that can not be scoped from the trail. Number of species:     20 Snow Goose     3 Canada Goose     950 Gadwall     4 American Wigeon     165 Mallard     450 Northern Shoveler     65 Northern Pintail     210 Green-winged Teal     125 Great Blue Heron     5 Northern Harrier     4 Red-tailed Hawk     3 American Kestrel     1 Ring-billed Gull     32 California Gull     13 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)     2 Black-billed Magpie     4 Black-capped Chickadee     1 American Robin     2 European Starling     1500 sparrow sp.     2 Red-winged Blackbird     250 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Snipe hunt From: ConnieM <connie.mcmanus AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:28:15 -0700 Wow! Springzacomin'! What a gorgeous day in Cache Valley! I went by the fish hatchery pond (Hwy 30, mm108 as per Betsy Beneke's report) and saw 8 common snipes - or are they Wilson's? Anyway, they were happily feeding away in the pond. I didn't see 30 of them, but I don't doubt the other 22 were hangin' some place else. I also saw 2 GREAT BLUE HERONS 10 KILLDEER. The only ducks were mallards -- seems to be mallard mania time. so long for now and happy birding! -- Connie McManus Nibley, Cache County, Utah_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: 2/26 - Parley's Mitigation/ Mountain Dell Area From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:23:03 -0700 Location: Parley's Creek Mitigation Area/ Alexander Trail/ Mountain Dell Golf Course Observation date: 2/26/10 Notes: 1 Moose was observed up on the mountainside East of the golf course Number of species: 11 Mallard 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 3 Western Scrub-Jay 1 Black-billed Magpie 12 Black-capped Chickadee 6 Townsend's Solitaire 1 American Robin 2 Spotted Towhee 8 Song Sparrow 2 Dark-eyed Junco 6 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Continunig Washington County Rare Birds From: Webmail rfridell <rfridell AT burgoyne.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:57:15 -0700 Hello, As of today (2/26/09), the Yellow-billed Loon and White-winged Scoter are still at Quail Creek State Park and the male Vermilion Flycatcher is still hanging around the fields adjacent to Cox Park in St. George. Also there is a nice variety (and numbers) of geese passing through Washington County. This morning there was a large flock of Canada Geese, 25 Snow Geese, 4 Ross's Geeese, and 2 Greater White-fronted Geese in the fields behind the SR-9 (Hurricane) Sewage Ponds, and Rob Dobbs and I observed a large flock of geese in the Washington Fields this afternoon including ~75 Snow Geese (one blue phase) and 5 Ross's Geese. There was also an immature Mute Swan with the geese in the Washington Fields. Rob also observed an adult Mute Swan (and 3 Tundra Swans) at Sand Hollow State Park. Regards, Rick Fridell Hurricane, UT_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Rush Valley , 2/26/10 (Ned Bixler) From: utahbixlers AT comcast.net Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:47:30 +0000 (UTC) Location:     Rush Valley Observation date:     2/26/10 Notes:     Road 199 to Dugway Number of species:     8 Red-tailed Hawk     1 American Kestrel     1 Prairie Falcon     3 Western Scrub-Jay     2 Common Raven     20 American Robin     13 European Starling     97 sparrow sp.     3 House Finch     3 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: A few raptors today; Geese tomorrow? From: Matt Mills <mattymills2005 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:48:03 -0800 (PST) Eric Huish e-mailed me last night to mention that he'd seen a dozen or so Bald Eagles migrating over Pleasant Grove yesterday afternoon. I went out today for about an hour and a half along the foothills in Provo and managed to see - 1 ad BALD EAGLE and a few local raptors - 2 COOPER's HAWK, 1 ad dark morph RED TAILED HAWK, and a GOLDEN EAGLE. There was a fair amount of passerine activity below the parking lot of the 'Y' and I had 4 or 5 Spotted Towhees, along with the expected birds (robins, juncos, flickers, jays, magpies). With Jacks report of all the geese remaining in Delta that begs the question - is anyone planning on going down there tomorrow? Matt Mills Provo mattymills2005 AT yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Gunnison Bend Reservoir From: Roostertael AT aol.com Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:17:59 EST Hi, All of us procrastinators still can see the geese. I went down this morning and there are 15 or 20 thousand on the lake. Quite a few Ross's Geese and several Blue Geese. With a bit of help from a guy with a spotting scope, I got some photos of two Snow Geese with neck bands. White lettering on black, numbers KRU and JYX. Also one Ross's Goose with a neckband, white lettering on blue, T3U. If you have trouble identifying Ross's Geese, just look for the one with a blue band!!! I had three flyovers from the whole flock. Awesome!, but don't look up, especially with your mouth open. Jack Binch _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bird Refuge Road - Eagles at Salt Creek From: Betsy_Beneke AT fws.gov Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:46:04 -0700 REFUGE ROAD INFORMATION: Friday, February 26, 2010 - There's a 2-3 mile stretch of road around the Canada goose club (between 4 and 7 miles west of the education center) that's in horrible shape. I would recommend only 4-wheel drive or a vehicle with high clearance try to go through there for the next day or two. The road crew said they'd fill in soft spots and blade the entire area this afternoon, so it's in better shape for the weekend - but it's soft and I'm betting it will be rutted up pretty quickly. Looks like we're going to have nice, warm temps all next week with no precip. It shouldn't take long for the road to shape up. The auto tour route is muddy and slippery as well - your car will get pretty dirty - but you won't sink out of sight. I promise. Drive slowly and pay attention. Shoulders are soft. The culvert installation project just west of the Center is going well and the road guys tell me they plan to open Forest Street late in the day on Friday, March 5, so road should be open for the weekend. Until then, you'll have to use the detour. BIRD INFORMATION As of Friday, February 26, 2010 - TUNDRA SWANS are starting to show up. I counted about 1000 birds today from the refuge auto tour. Lots of CANADA GEESE too, and a few ducks - mostly MALLARD, COMMON MERGANSER, COMMON GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEAD. Someone reported snow geese earlier this week, but I didn't see any today. On the refuge, the only open water, with lots of birds is in the southeast corner of the tour route - go south from the restroom 3 1/2 miles to the observation deck - quite a few birds in that corner. And then go as far as the 2nd parking area to the west - lots of birds to the south of the tour in that area as well. Unit 2 (inside the tour route) is still totally ice-covered. Virtually no birds on the west or north side of the loop today. The Reeder Canal is opening up (2 miles west of the Center) and had some buffleheads and common goldeneye in it today. There were also a few swans and geese about 1/2 mile west of where the pavement begins - right before the Bear River Club - some sheet water on the south side of the road and some on the north side by the river. I'm sure there will be more open water every day - things change quickly! There are many, many Canada geese in all the ag fields throughout our area. I scanned for cranes - no luck. There are still quite a few ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS around. SALT CREEK WMA - Compton's Knoll EAGLES!!! Because our road is so nasty, I decided to take a quick trip up to Compton's Knoll. I counted 98 bald eagles from the knoll - there could easily be more in the area, as I didn't spend much time there. There isn't much open water right below the knoll, but it's starting. There were maybe 50 tundra swans, some goldeneye, bufflehead, mallards and common mergansers there as well. I didn't look anywhere else in the area. TUNDRA SWAN DAY at Bear River is Saturday, March 13. We should have lots of birds to look at by then. I'm sending out a poster for the day's events this afternoon - check our web site at http://www.fws.gov/bearriver. Highlight for the day is a FREE three-hour digital photography workshop with Terry Halbert. We've had him here twice before and he's gotten great reviews! Kids activities from 11:00 - 1:00. And swan viewing all day! If you have questions, holler! Betsy Beneke Outdoor Recreation Planner Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 2155 West Forest Street Brigham City UT 84302 435.734.6436 office http://www.fws.gov/bearriver_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk