Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The Utah List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, July 2 at 09:07 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Quail Plovers,©BirdQuest

2 Jul Re: Birders from Illinois [Dave Hanscom ] 2 Jul Re: Rufous Hummingbird, Indigo Bunting [Mark Stackhouse ] 02 Jul Rufous Hummingbird, Indigo Bunting ["David J. Allan" ] 2 Jul How do I unsubscribe? [Elaine Price ] 2 Jul Washed out bird color question [Buck Russell ] 1 Jul 7/01 JSMB Peregrine update (pm) [Steve Sommerfeld ] 1 Jul 7/01 JSMB Peregrine update (am) [Steve Sommerfeld ] 1 Jul Blue Grouse help [Glenda Cotter ] 30 Jun 6/30 JSMB Peregrines update [Steve Sommerfeld ] 30 Jun Blue Grosbeak--Goshen, Utah County, Utah [Paul Higgins ] 30 Jun Birders from Illinois [Utah Birds ] 30 Jun Rufous Hummers here in Kane co. [] 30 Jun Fwd: FW: Car Wash Robbery [] 30 Jun Utah County - Gray Vireo [Dennis Shirley ] 29 Jun Tony Grove - Woodpeckers ["Fish, Michael" ] 30 Jun Bear River Refuge Road opening July 3 [] 30 Jun Ruddy Duck [Alona Huffaker ] 30 Jun Re: Indigo Bunting [Dave Hanscom ] 30 Jun Sage Grouse Conservation [Bill Fenimore ] 30 Jun JSMB Peregrine Update ["Alba Ellsworth" ] 30 Jun Tony Grove Woodpeckers ["Fish, Michael" ] 29 Jun JSMB Peregrine update [Steve Sommerfeld ] 29 Jun Fwd: Indigo Bunting [Utah Birds ] 29 Jun fwrd: peregrines [Utah Birds ] 29 Jun Fighting Sparrows [Milt Moody ] 29 Jun Red-breasted Merganser ["Kristin Purdy" ] 28 Jun Mew Gull at Antelope Island Causeway [Cameron Cox ] 28 Jun Need Help With The Peregrine Falcons ["Pomera Fronce" ] 29 Jun Re: BBS Birds [] 28 Jun Re: BBS Birds [Jason Pietrzak ] 28 Jun BBS Birds [Larry Tripp ] 28 Jun (no subject) [Dennis Shirley ] 28 Jun Merlin, etc... in Fishlake NF - Richfield District [Jason Pietrzak ] 28 Jun Common Yellowthroats-- Bear River Meadows [Paul Higgins ] 27 Jun Fw: eBird Report - Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench Trailhead , 6/27/09 [Dennis Shirley ] 27 Jun Utah County Birders field trip: Utah county owls [Lu Giddings ] 27 Jun Magnolia Warbler and Red-eyed Vireo Photos [Utah Birds ] 26 Jun hummers [Carol Gwynn ] 26 Jun Northern Goshawk at the Spruces Campground, Big Cottowood Canyon ["STEPHEN T CARLILE" ] 26 Jun Phalaropes have arrived ["John CAVITT" ] 26 Jun Drumming Mystery Bird - help sought [Jason Pietrzak ] 26 Jun Ouray NWR General Waterbird Survey [] 26 Jun Bear River Tour [Carol Gwynn ] 25 Jun Garfield Co. big day [JOEL and KATHY BEYER ] 25 Jun scrub jay - california quail ["geoff hardies" ] 25 Jun Band-tailed Pigeons in Cottonwood Heights [] 24 Jun GSLA's monthly Farmington Bay field trip ["Deedee &/or Dick O'Brien" ] 24 Jun Juvenile Bullocks Orioles [Susan Gray ] 24 Jun Green Heron [] 24 Jun Juvenile Bullock's Orioles [Utah Birds ] 23 Jun Hairy Woodpecker--Powder Mountain, Weber County, Utah [Paul Higgins ] 23 Jun GSLAudubon Field trips for July/Aug [Sylvia Gray ] 22 Jun Moab BBS morning - Indigo Bunting, Snow Goose, Peregrine Falcon [Jason Pietrzak ] 22 Jun summer tanager [Utah Birds ] 22 Jun Purple Martin are back [Bryant Olsen ] 21 Jun Launching Say's Phoebe's AIC [Paul Higgins ] 21 Jun New Yard Bird ["Jim Lofthouse" ] 21 Jun 6/20 - Nebo Loop [Jeff Bilsky ] 20 Jun Chimney Rock Pass Road - Utah County ["STEPHEN T CARLILE" ] 20 Jun Fw: eBird Report - Diamond Fork Canyon , 6/20/09 [Dennis Shirley ] 20 Jun Bird Refuge auto tour open today only - Movie Premiere! [] 20 Jun RE: help identifying [Utah Birds ] 20 Jun Black swifts? [] 20 Jun Baby Grebes? [Carol Gwynn ] 19 Jun California Quail and Black-headed Grosbeak Pictures [Tim Avery ] 19 Jun help identifying [Susan Gray ] 19 Jun Mirror Lake Highway [] 19 Jun Fw: eBird Report - East Tintic Mountains , 6/18/09 [Dennis Shirley ] 19 Jun Fw: eBird Report - Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench Trailhead , 6/19/09 [Dennis Shirley ] 19 Jun Fw: eBird Report - Payson Lakes , 6/18/09 [Dennis Shirley ] 19 Jun Fw: eBird Report - Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench Trailhead , 6/16/09 [] 19 Jun Fw: eBird Report - Rock Canyon , 6/15/09 [Dennis Shirley ] 19 Jun Sending out a little feeler re a City Creek Canyon bird checklist [David Jensen ] 19 Jun Utah ebird update [Colby Neuman ] 19 Jun Re: NO SIGHTING - KILLER CAT IN MY YARD [Jeff Bilsky ] 19 Jun 6/18/09 - Silver Lake to Lake Solitude (Big Cottonwood Canyon) [Jeff Bilsky ] Subject: Re: Birders from Illinois From: Dave Hanscom <hanscom AT cs.utah.edu> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 20:07:05 -0600 (MDT) Your questions are very general, so I'll give you general answers. It would be helpful to know what species you'd particularly like to see, or what kind of terrain you'd like to visit. The best place to find information about birding anywhere in Utah is the utahbirds.org website. You'll find places to bird for each county in the state, along with birds you'll likely find there. And you can click on Hotline Sightings and Reports to see all the Birdnet emails that have come in recently to find out what others have been seeing and where. Also linked to that web page are the local birding organizations. Great Salt Lake Audubon is a Salt Lake City group, Wasatch Audubon is in Ogden, and Utah County Birders are in the Provo area. All have field trips, and everyone's welcome. Click on the State Calendar of Activities link to find out about field trips while you're here. For example, GSLA has a trip to Brighton on Saturday, July 11. If you're interested in mountain species, this would be an excellent choice. Click on the Checklists link to find a bunch of lists for various parts of the state. The Farmington Bay and Antelope Island lists would be most representative of Great Salt Lake bird species. The shorebird migration hasn't really started yet, although people have reported seeing Wilson's Phalaropes. The Antelope Island Causeway is the best place to look for such things if you want to see what you can find. I live in Park City and could give you information on places to bird up here, but it sounds like you've already been here and may have checked out the local spots. If not, I'll be happy to make recommendations if you tell me what you'd like to see at our elevation. I'm in the phone book if you'd rather call than email me. Hope that helps a little. Dave Hanscom On Tue, 30 Jun 2009, Utah Birds wrote: > From: Jean M. Spitzer > Date: 6/30/09 > Email addresses: comfortmusic AT earthlink.net & bobspitzer1 AT msn.com > > We are from Illinois and are in Park City for several days. We want to > bird around Salt Lake City and the Lake itself. I have downloaded > 'Popular Birding Places in Salt Lake County plus the county map. We > don't have a set time to return home as we are driving, but would enjoy > knowing the best places to bird in and around the city and the Lake. > > jean Spitzer > > P.S. please email Bob Spitzer, as we leave 7/1 for Colorado, then come > to Park City UT on 7/9-12. > > Is there a good place to go to first to find bird lists in the area > requested? If there is a group going out to bird watch, please notify > us by our cell, so we can go along. Bob's cell is:630 222-3307. Mine > is: 630 207 5105. We don't know where we'll be staying in SLC, but > trust we will find a place. We are at the Park City Peaks Hotel from > 7/9-12, then we leave Park City. > > We need some ideas. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: Rufous Hummingbird, Indigo Bunting From: Mark Stackhouse <westwings AT sisna.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 17:10:41 -0600 I meant to report last night that I had an adult male Rufous Hummingbird yesterday on a BBS at Deseret Ranch. Yes,it seems that fall migration has begun . . . Mark Stackhouse On Jul 2, 2009, at 4:56 PM, David J. Allan wrote: > Hey all, > > I just noticed my first rufous hummingbird of the season in my Oak > City backyard. Guess southern migration is underway. > > If anybody saw the Indigo Bunting near Elberta today, please let me > know. That's one of a couple of birds my 10 year old daughter is > longing to see, and I should have the time to chase it Friday if > it's still around. > > Thanks and Enjoy! > > David Allan > _______________________________________________ > Birdtalk mailing list > Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Rufous Hummingbird, Indigo Bunting From: "David J. Allan" <dallan1 AT xmission.com> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:56:43 -0600 Hey all, I just noticed my first rufous hummingbird of the season in my Oak City backyard. Guess southern migration is underway. If anybody saw the Indigo Bunting near Elberta today, please let me know. That's one of a couple of birds my 10 year old daughter is longing to see, and I should have the time to chase it Friday if it's still around. Thanks and Enjoy! David Allan _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: How do I unsubscribe? From: Elaine Price <priceatklinta AT yahoo.se> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 15:46:05 +0000 (GMT) Could someone kindly tell me how I unsuscribe to birdnet?  Thanks a lot.   Elaine Price __________________________________________________________ Går det långsamt? Skaffa dig en snabbare bredbandsuppkoppling. Sök och jämför priser hos Kelkoo. http://www.kelkoo.se/c-100015813-bredband.html?partnerId=96914325_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Washed out bird color question From: Buck Russell <winstonga AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 04:52:42 +0000 Over the years I’ve noticed that our birds in Utah seem to be a little duller in color (washed out) than their counterparts back east. I’ve read and heard that the reason our birds are not so colorful is due to the arid environment here in the west. This past weekend I birded in the Rio Rancho, New Mexico area and was surprised at how bright and colorful the birds were. Although the Rio Grande River area was lush and green, less than a mile from the river was very dry and arid. New Mexico looked a lot more arid than northern Utah. Any ideas on why New Mexico birds look a lot more colorful and vibrant? This weekend I finally saw Scaled Quails. I spent hours searching for these birds in southern Utah when they were reported a couple of years ago, but this past weekend they were plentiful next to the hotel. In hindsight I should have birded hotels in southern Utah. Buck Russell _________________________________________________________________ Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_QuickAdd_062009 _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: 7/01 JSMB Peregrine update (pm) From: Steve Sommerfeld <ssfeld AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 22:10:07 -0600 We left both young peregrines on the north face of the JSMB in the rain tonight. "Early" took a couple good flights today, with no crashes. "Lexie" on the other hand had a slight mishap and ended up in the flowers. We were able to get her in hand, band her and release her on the north roof top of the JSMB. Guess What? I was wrong! *LEXIE IS A BOY! *We're not changing the name, but I'll refer to her as a him from now on. Cindy Sommerfeld_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: 7/01 JSMB Peregrine update (am) From: Steve Sommerfeld <ssfeld AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:21:52 -0600 Many of you have emailed me saying you have noticed the nest box is empty. The last fledgling bailed out at 5:55 this morning. She flew east to the Administration Building, where her brother, "Early" was perched. She interacted with her brother for a few hours. We are calling our new fledgling "Lexie". Around 11:30 a.m. one of the adults brought in prey and fed "Lexie". As of 1:00 this afternoon both birds were on the north west corner of the Administration Building. (This is the building directly east of JSMB) They don't usually return to the nest box. So the cameras won't help. Just come down and see them. Cindy Sommerfeld_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Blue Grouse help From: Glenda Cotter <glenda.cotter AT utah.edu> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:52:39 -0600 Friends of a friend are in town and would love to see Blue Grouse "near" SLC. I've seen them once at Alta very early in the season, but do not have a reliable spot to recommend. Does anyone know of a good place to see them nearby? Also, has anyone seen Williamson's Sapsuckers near Brighton this year? Thanks for any advice/suggestions you can offer. Glenda Cotter_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: 6/30 JSMB Peregrines update From: Steve Sommerfeld <ssfeld AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:14:18 -0600 Our two young Peregrines had a good day today. "Early" (the little male Peregrine) spent his day testing out his wings. He took seven or eight good flights. A few of the landings were awkward, but he's getting better. All flights stayed reasonably close to JSMB. Parents were near and brought prey to him at least twice. As for our second baby, she did much wing flapping and lots of observing. (my guess is it's a she) She hasn't left the nest box yet. Both young ones were very vocal whenever an adult came near. Neither of them needed our assistance today. Again the parents gave us a wonderful aerobatic show this evening. It's a beautiful place to enjoy beautiful birds. Well worth coming to see. Bob Walters from DWR is there from sun up to sun down along with many volunteers. Just look for the crazy people with binoculars, radios, and towels. The nest box is on the east face close to the north end of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Cindy Sommerfeld_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Blue Grosbeak--Goshen, Utah County, Utah From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:47:15 -0700 (PDT) Blue Grosbeak, Goshen, Utah County, Utah.   June 30, 2009 http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/grosbeakblue _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Birders from Illinois From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:27:32 -0600 (Sent from a website form) From: Jean M. Spitzer Date: 6/30/09 Email addresses: comfortmusic AT earthlink.net & bobspitzer1 AT msn.com We are from Illinois and are in Park City for several days. We want to bird around Salt Lake City and the Lake itself. I have downloaded 'Popular Birding Places in Salt Lake County plus the county map. We don't have a set time to return home as we are driving, but would enjoy knowing the best places to bird in and around the city and the Lake. jean Spitzer P.S. please email Bob Spitzer, as we leave 7/1 for Colorado, then come to Park City UT on 7/9-12. Is there a good place to go to first to find bird lists in the area requested? If there is a group going out to bird watch, please notify us by our cell, so we can go along. Bob's cell is:630 222-3307. Mine is: 630 207 5105. We don't know where we'll be staying in SLC, but trust we will find a place. We are at the Park City Peaks Hotel from 7/9-12, then we leave Park City. We need some ideas. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Rufous Hummers here in Kane co. From: blujeans3 AT aol.com Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:14:50 -0400 Hello!? We came home (9 days gone) to a male and female fufous hummingbird at the feeders.What a super welcome home. ? This is our first summer living in Utah and I? did expect to see rufous at some point but this seemed early to me. Maybe I have my facts mixed up with another hummingbird. I was expecting a mid July arrival. Is anyone in SW Utah getting rufous yet? Cheri M. Lydia's Canyon_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Fwd: FW: Car Wash Robbery From: Akwehl AT aol.com Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:38:22 EDT ************** A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222377075x1201454393/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62& bcd=JunestepsfooterNO62) Bill Krueger National Oilwell Varco Orange, California ________________________________ From: RICHARD REVENTLOW [mailto:rreventlow AT mac.com] Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 6:32 PM Subject: Car Wash Robbery Bill owns a company that manufactures and installs car wash systems. Bill's company installed a car wash system in Frederick , Md. Now, understand that these are complete systems, including the money changer and money taking machines. The problem started when the new owner complained to Bill that he was losing significant amounts of money from his coin machines each week. He went as far as to accuse Bill's employees of having a key to the boxes and ripping him off. Bill just couldn't believe that his people would do that, so they setup a camera to catch the thief in action. Well, they did catch him on film! [cid:X.MA2.1246065602 AT aol.com] That's a bird sitting on the change slot of the machine. [cid:X.MA3.1246065602 AT aol.com] The bird had to go down into the machine, and back up inside to get to the money! [cid:X.MA4.1246065602 AT aol.com] That's three quarters he has in his beak! Another amazing thing is that it was not just one bird -- there were several working together. Once they identified the thieves, they found over $4000 in quarters on the roof of the car wash and more under a nearby tree. [cid:X.MA5.1246065602 AT aol.com] And you thought you heard of everything by now!! !! And to think the phrase 'bird brain' is associated with being dumb. Not these birds. Share the story!! ________________________________ Save energy, paper and money -- get the Green Toolbar. ________________________________ Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Utah County - Gray Vireo From: Dennis Shirley <colimawarbler AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:31:23 -0700 (PDT) Hi Again, I was out in the Indigo Bunting area this morning and found a GRAY VIREO. Actually there were three. I think there were adults and young in the spot. Follow the directions to the bunting spot as previously given. Just before the bunting road, [maybe o.1 mile] turn right. I put another pink flag here. You will be going north and paralleling the bunting road. Go about 0.45 miles. You will go up and down the other side of a small ridge. A three rock cairn is the spot to park. The total distance from the pink Walk up the 30 yard hill to the right. At the top you should hear the vireos calling in the junipers in front of you. They sound similar to a plumbeous, but the phrases aren't as abrupt and I think more mellow. They also make a purring sound often. If they aren't calling and you have a tape place one quick note or two, then be ready to duck. I played the call briefly to verify for sure that's what they were and one almost flew in the truck with me. At the top of the hill is a dead juniper branch arrow which points to the birds.  Carol Jean Nelson, Paul Higgins, and I again saw the bunting and vireos this afternoon at about 3:30pm, so they're both still there and hopefully will be for a while to come. But for those doing the Utah County June Big Month, it's the 11th hour and you better take off quick. As for me, I'm going to take the evening off, roast hot dogs on the backyard fireplace, and watch my feeders for an early rufous hummingbird at my feeders. It's been a fun month!!! Dennis _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Tony Grove - Woodpeckers From: "Fish, Michael" <Michael.Fish AT atk.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:22:25 -0600 I went up to Tony Grove (about 30 miles up Logan Canyon) on Sunday and spent about four hours hiking around and trying to find birds. I had my three young kids with me so I couldn't do any hard core bird sneaking. On the north end of the nature trail (boardwalk trail) that loops around the lake, there were several Western Tanagers in the pines. They were my favorite, but they are difficult to get close to (especially with kids). With a 600mm lens or > you could capture some nice pictures. There was a nesting pair of Hairy Woodpeckers, in an island of trees between the white pine trail and the boardwalk nature trail. The nesting area is closer to the white pine trail. The Woodpeckers are maybe 200 yards north of the Tony Grove parking lot. They are coming and going frequently to the nest with food for their babes. The Woodpeckers are making plenty of noise so they are hard to miss. The male squawks or "keeks" at most passersby on the trail - although few of them notice him. If you do stop to notice him, he and the miss's will give you an earful of peeks and keeks. There were several other common birds around the lake, but I found a jack-pot of woodpeckers down the road from the lake. As the road makes the big bend through the aspen area 2-3 miles below Tony grove, there is a road that takes off to the west (paved for first 100 feet and then dirt - no problem for a car) and heads up to what I call the Bunch Grass overlook. I'm not sure what the official name of the road is. Bunch Grass is the name of the canyon area to the north of the overlook. Anyway, The road heads west for maybe a quarter mile and then turns to the north. Just a couple hundred yards after you start heading north you will see several quaking aspen trees on the east side of the road (downhill side) with sap rings drilled or hammered around them from the woodpeckers. The trees are only about 20-30 feet off the dirt road. I turned my car off and sat and watched from the comfort of my car while 17 different woodpeckers came to the trees within 20 minutes. The birds would jump from tree to tree to lap up the sap. Much to my dismay, I could only stay a short while because I had to get back home. If anybody wants to see a lot of Woodpeckers and get some good pictures, this would be a hot spot. I saw a few Hairy Woodpeckers but mostly what I think are Red Napped Sapsuckers. I'm not real good with woodpecker identification, but there were a lot of them in the area. The lighting is a bit challenging for photos with diffused sunlight through the trees, but most of the time I just watched and didn't take pictures. I wished I could have stayed longer to watch. I was in that location at about 4pm and the birds were very active. Also, If you want to see a House Wren, you can almost always spot one in the snowmobile trailer parking loop just after you pull off the highway to head up to Tony Grove Lake. There is an island of trees and shrubs in the middle of the parking loop near the restrooms that nearly always has a house wren flitting about. Mike Fish P.S. Very few wild flowers were out at Tony Grove, give it another two weeks. Also the day-use fee is now 5 dollars. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bear River Refuge Road opening July 3 From: Betsy_Beneke AT fws.gov Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:42:47 -0600 Hi All - The county road providing access to the auto tour route loop at Bear River will be open to the public on the morning of July 3. It likely will remain open the rest of this year. It MAY be necessary to close the road for a day or two later in July, or August to complete shoulder work. Contractors dumped and spread an area of new gravel along the road shoulders in a few spots, and avocets IMMEDIATELY moved in and built nests all over the gravel. So, contractors now have to wait for young to hatch and birds to move out of the area before finishing their work. I laughed. The contractors didn't. I'm off to the wilds of northern Minnesota for 3 weeks...land of great gray owls and Connecticut warblers! Betsy Beneke Outdoor Recreation Planner Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 2155 West Forest Street Brigham City UT 84302 435.734.6436 office http://bearriver.fws.gov_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Ruddy Duck From: Alona Huffaker <jlhjah AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:58:40 -0600 Bonnie Williams and I were surprised to see a beautiful Ruddy Duck in the moat at the Provo Airport Dyke this morning. At 10 am it was west of the airport extension and if you look to the north, it was in the moat about halfway between the tower and that white thingy in the field. It swam to the east. Really pretty with it's white spot, cinnamon color and blue bill! Alona Huffaker _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009 _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: Indigo Bunting From: Dave Hanscom <hanscom AT cs.utah.edu> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:57:23 -0600 (MDT) My thanks also to Dennis, who I met this morning on my way back from seeing the Indigo Bunting. I also had success finding the Long-eared Owls and Pinyon Jays that he provided directions to last week. A special bonus was a pair of Northern Mockingbirds about a quarter mile north of Chimney Rock, in the same area where the Pinyon Jays were hanging out. Dave Hanscom On Mon, 29 Jun 2009, Utah Birds wrote: > From: thygerson AT byu.edu > Date: Monday, June 29, 2009 at 18:09:15   > Subject: Indigo Bunting > > On Monday (June 29) I followed Dennis Shirley's detailed directions > given in a previous hotline report and located the pink ribbon > indicating where he saw an Indigo bunting. I found the bird singing at > noon. Other birds in the same area were Lark Sparrows and Black-throated > Sparrows. > > If you continue on the road past where the Indigo Bunting has been > reported to a round-about, you can turn around to exit back the way you > came in--it's 75 yards before the train tunnel. You should know that > ashes from a campfire contains dozens of nails. Fortunately, I escaped > without a flat tire. > > For those doing a "Big Utah County Month of June" we all owe Dennis for > scouting for birds and leading field trips. For my list, his help has > added demonstrably to my total numbers. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Sage Grouse Conservation From: Bill Fenimore <birderb AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:17:32 -0600 FYI. Fed funds to be used to aid sage grouse in Montana By MATTHEW BROWN , 06.26.09, 11:00 AM EDT BILLINGS, Mont. -- A federal agency has designated 13 areas across Montana where it will encourage changes in livestock grazing practices and other steps by landowners to help prevent the continued decline of sage grouse. Decades of habitat loss to farms, oil and gas drilling and residential development have sharply reduced sage grouse populations. The chicken-sized bird is now under consideration for the list of threatened and endangered species. The Natural Resources Conservation Service says its "Greater Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Strategy" for Montana could help reverse the bird's decline. NRCS spokesman Larry Cooper said the agency will steer conservation money from the 2008 farm bill to private landowners in the 13 areas considered most crucial for sage grouse. Participation is voluntary. There are about 27 million acres of sage brush steppe habitat in Montana. However, most grouse live within the 9 million acres listed as crucial. Conservation measures that could be taken in those areas include new grazing plans to reduce the impact of livestock, removal of power lines where birds that prey on sage grouse often perch and adding markers to fences that grouse otherwise could run into and die. There is no set amount of money pegged for such efforts. Rather, Cooper said his agency will now consider sage grouse concerns when giving out money through existing programs. "We've had programs that addressed this issue, but this is the first time we've taken the time to research this and come up with a recommended strategy we can all uniformly follow," he said. A representative of the Environmental Defense Fund said the NRCS approach to sage grouse in Montana was a "good step" that should be repeated in other states. "It's targeting the practices" of farmers and ranchers, said EDF's Ted Toombs. "You can graze in ways that might harm the bird, and you can graze in ways that might benefit the bird." The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering whether the greater sage grouse merits more federal protections across all or part of its 11-state range. Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Bill Fenimore_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: JSMB Peregrine Update From: "Alba Ellsworth" <dellswort AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:10:44 -0700 Thanks so much for the update on the falcon little one. I worried about him all day yesterday, thinking he was probably dead. It would be good if there was a blog to keep us updated on what is going on, especially after they are both out of the nesting box. Do they return to the box after they learn to fly? Several of my family members in Arizona and Utah and friends in other staes have watched the progress of the baby falcons since they hatched. The five and seven year old children have been fascinated and will miss them when they are gone. It has been a fun experience. Thanks again. Alba Ellsworth_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Tony Grove Woodpeckers From: "Fish, Michael" <Michael.Fish AT atk.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:27:23 -0600 I went up to Tony Grove (about 30 miles up Logan Canyon) on Sunday and spent about four hours hiking around and trying to find birds. I had my three young kids with me so I couldn't do any hard core bird sneaking. On the north end of the nature trail (boardwalk trail) that loops around the lake, there were several Western Tanagers in the pines. They are difficult to get close to (especially with kids), but with a 600mm lens or > you could capture some nice photos. There was a nesting pair of Hairy Woodpeckers, in an island of trees between the white pine trail and the boardwalk nature trail. The nesting area is closer to the white pine trail. The Woodpeckers are maybe 200 yards north of the Tony Grove parking lot. They are coming and going frequently to the nest with food for their babes. The Woodpeckers are making plenty of noise so they are hard to miss. The male squawks or "keeks" at most passersby on the trail - although few of them notice him. If you do stop to notice him, he and the miss's will give you an earful of peeks and keeks. There were several other common birds around the lake, but I found a jack-pot of woodpeckers down the road from the lake. As the road makes the big bend through the aspen area 2-3 miles below Tony grove, there is a road that takes off to the west (paved for first 100 feet and then dirt - no problem for a car) and heads up to what I call the Bunch Grass overlook. I'm not sure what the official name of the road is. Bunch Grass is the name of the canyon area to the north of the overlook. Anyway, the road heads west for maybe a quarter mile and then turns to the north. Just a couple hundred yards after you start heading north you will see several aspen trees on the east side of the road (downhill side) with sap rings drilled or hammered around them from the woodpeckers. The trees are only about 20-30 feet off the dirt road. I turned my car off and sat and watched from the comfort of my car while 17 woodpeckers came to the trees within 20 minutes. The birds would jump from tree to tree to lap up the sap and sometimes there would be two or three Woodpeckers at the same time. Much to my dismay, I could only stay a short while because I had to get back home. If anybody wants to see a lot of Woodpeckers and get some good pictures, this would be a hot spot. I saw a few Hairy Woodpeckers but mostly what I believe are Red Naped Sapsuckers. I'm not real good with woodpecker identification, but there were a lot of them in the area. The lighting is a bit challenging for photos with diffused sunlight through the trees. I wished I could have stayed longer to watch. I was in that location at about 4pm and the birds were very active. Also, If you want to see a House Wren, you can almost always spot one in the snowmobile trailer parking loop just after you pull off the highway to head up to Tony Grove Lake. There is an island of trees and shrubs in the middle of the parking loop near the restrooms that almost always has a house wren flitting about. Mike Fish P.S. Very few wild flowers were out at Tony Grove, give it another two weeks. Also the day-use fee is now 5 dollars. I have a few pictures posted at www.pbase.com/mfish _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: JSMB Peregrine update From: Steve Sommerfeld <ssfeld AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:26:09 -0600 One of the Peregrine falcon youngsters did fly out of the nest box, this morning around 7:30. He flew to the building just east of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (JSMB) . After a successful landing he attempted to head back toward the nest box. Unable to gain altitude he ended up in the flowerbed. He was captured, deemed healthy by a Vet, banded, and released on top of the JSMB. Because of his earlier than expected flight he has been named "Early". Yes, our Vet said he is a he. As of 9:30 this evening he was still up top JSMB on the north side. With some vocals he has made his parents aware of his location. This evening several of us watching were treated to some incredible aerobatics by the parents. Cindy Sommerfeld_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Fwd: Indigo Bunting From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:11:23 -0700 (PDT) Birdnet Email -- from the websiteâ€�   It was submitted by thygerson AT byu.edu  on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 18:09:15   Subject: Indigo Bunting   Email_Address: thygerson AT byu.edu   Message: On Monday (June 29) I followed Dennis Shirley's detailed directions given in a previous hotline report and located the pink ribbon indicating where he saw an Indigo bunting. I found the bird singing at noon. Other birds in the same area were Lark Sparrows and Black-throated Sparrows.   If you continue on the road past where the Indigo Bunting has been reported to a round-about, you can turn around to exit back the way you came in--it's 75 yards before the train tunnel. You should know that ashes from a campfire contains dozens of nails. Fortunately, I escaped without a flat tire.   For those doing a "Big Utah County Month of June" we all owe Dennis for scouting for birds and leading field trips. For my list, his help has added demonstrably to my total numbers.     _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: fwrd: peregrines From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:48:22 -0700 (PDT) Birdnet Email -- from the websiteâ€� It was submitted by CEGoet AT hotmail.com on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 13:24:51   Subject: peregrines   Email_Address: CEGoet AT hotmail.com   Message: One of the peregrine nestlings on the Joseph Smith building fell out of the nest this AM. Anyone know if it survived? _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Fighting Sparrows From: Milt Moody <miltonmoody AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:20:37 -0700 (PDT) I just saw a very strange thing:  When I went to my kitchen window there were two male House Sparrows locked in what looked to be a death grip on my lawn.  They were rolling around, flapping their their wings, but mainly hooked together at their bills and neither one would let go.  There were 3 female House Finches (ya, that's finches) looking on with heightened interest.  I watched for a minute or so wondering how long this was going to go on, when a pair of California Quail left their small chicks and , lead by the female, came over to the fighting birds. (Maybe the sparrows were setting a bad example for their young kids?!)  Anyway, the female quail stepped in to break up the fight and started pecking the sparrows on their heads, which seemed to do the trick. After 4 or 5 good pecks, the sparrows flew off.  I've never seen anything like that.  There seemed to be some sort of inter-species concern for proper social behavior or something.  I was left shaking my head in amazement. Milt Moody _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Red-breasted Merganser From: "Kristin Purdy" <kristinpurdy AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:42:05 -0600 For the third or fourth year in a row, Scott Baxter has photographed a Red-breasted Merganser in the summer on the Willard Spur, an area that's generally fresh water to brackish between the southern border of Bear River MBR and Willard Reservoir in Box Elder County. While Scott's images are excellent, I can't tell if the bird is a drake in eclipse plumage (which is what I suspect) or a hen. The merganser Scott photographed in previous years was an adult drake. This is an interesting record/pattern considering that the species' breeding range is Alaska east across Canada's northwest provinces and territories and southeast from there across the remaining provinces through the northern tip of the Great Lakes, the maritimes, and northern New England. Kris _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Mew Gull at Antelope Island Causeway From: Cameron Cox <cameron_cox AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:54:27 -0500 Greetings, This evening Ken Behrens and I observed and photographed a third-cycle (second summer) Mew Gull mixed into the hoards of California Gulls about 2 miles down the Antelope Is Causeway. I expect this is both fairly uncommon in Utah and quite out of season. Otherwise, huge flocks (tens of thousands) of Wilson's Phalaropes and excellent looks at a Burrowing Owl were highlights. Cameron Cox Cameron_cox AT hotamail.com _________________________________________________________________ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Need Help With The Peregrine Falcons From: "Pomera Fronce" <pinkstring AT xmission.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:30:52 -0600 Greetings - Please see the posting below from Bob Walters. The young falcons can get pretty wild and crazy at times so we'll need lots of help! Thanks - Pomera Help us help the young falcons - their first flights are expected soon The flight training period should begin soon and we need volunteers to help safeguard the young falcons during their first flights. Beginning June 30, we will need volunteers on hand for every daylight hour during the flight training period. You will also help answer questions about the falcons from passersby. No experience is needed. All you will need are a pair of binoculars, leather gloves and a flimsy towel - although we also recommend a water bottle and sunscreen. If you would like to serve as a member of the 2009 Salt Lake City Peregrine Falcon Watchpost and Rescue Team, please arrange to attend a short training at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29. Meet just east of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on the northeast corner of where South Temple and Main Street meet in downtown Salt Lake City _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: BBS Birds From: tanager AT timaverybirding.com Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:27:52 +0000 Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -----Original Message----- From: Jason Pietrzak Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:15:38 To: Larry Tripp Cc: Subject: Re: [Birdnet] BBS Birds _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Re: BBS Birds From: Jason Pietrzak <jaypie77 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:15:38 -0600 Larry, Are Gray Catbirds considered unusual in southern Utah during summer? I saw one a week ago in Capitol Reef at the group camping area. It was going on and on making a huge racket. I think I might have seen more further down in the area of the regular campsites as well. No Zone-tailed Hawks though (yet). Was it easy to tell them apart from Turkey Vultures? Jason On Sun, Jun 28, 2009 at 8:14 PM, Larry Tripp wrote: > Doing two breeding bird surveys this month have yielded a couple unusual > birds that may be of interest. Along hwy 14 in Kane County there were a pair > of Zone-tailed Hawks earlier this week. This route starts south of Alton and > goes through some great areas that I wish I had more time to bird. Some good > birds certainly go through there. > And a couple weeks back doing a different survey there was a Gray Catbird > along Pinto Creek in Washington County.Late migrant I guess. It was In the > exact same spot that I saw a Male Hooded Warbler last year while doing the > survey. Same tree even! Another area that I need more time to bird. > > I just need a job birding full time!! > > Larry Tripp > > > ------------------------------ > Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. Check it out. > > _______________________________________________ > Birdnet mailing list > Birdnet AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet >_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: BBS Birds From: Larry Tripp <ltripp29 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:14:32 -0700 Doing two breeding bird surveys this month have yielded a couple unusual birds that may be of interest. Along hwy 14 in Kane County there were a pair of Zone-tailed Hawks earlier this week. This route starts south of Alton and goes through some great areas that I wish I had more time to bird. Some good birds certainly go through there. And a couple weeks back doing a different survey there was a Gray Catbird along Pinto Creek in Washington County.Late migrant I guess. It was In the exact same spot that I saw a Male Hooded Warbler last year while doing the survey. Same tree even! Another area that I need more time to bird. I just need a job birding full time!! Larry Tripp _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_BR_life_in_synch_062009_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: (no subject) From: Dennis Shirley <colimawarbler AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:28:30 -0700 (PDT) Hi, Early this morning I found an INDIGO BUNTING near Elberta, southwest Utah County. It was a brilliant male who was singing from the tops of scattered junipers when I drove up and continued until I left the area 45 minutes later. I was really surprised to find him here. The area is a juniper/sage slope habitat more tyical for sage sparrow, Bewick's Wren, and bushtits, but of course I couldn't find any of these. If you are interested, here are the directions to the spot. Go to the intersection of US 6 and 68 in Elberta. Turn north on 68 and go 0.9 mile. Across the street from the large grain silos on the right, turn left onto the gravel road that goes diagonally northwest up the gradual slope. Go to the base on the mountain, which is about 4.0 miles. At the last dirt/gravel/rock road that goes right before dropping down into the wash and entering the canyon, turn right. I stuck a splintered board in the ground where you turn. Go 0.2 miles along this road, which actually used to be an old railroad grade track. At the unlikely spot I tied a pink flagging on a sagebush. The bunting was singing in the scattered junipers at this apot. You can't miss it if its singing. If it isn't all you can do is look around. About another 0.2 miles is an old railroad tunnel. It's an interesting area to explore and it's public BLM land. A pair of Say's Phoebe are nesting at the tunnel entrance. Go get it! Dennis PS. - By the way, those of you who are wondering, I did make it back in time for church. Hey, when you do a "Big", you have to lengthen your stride _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Merlin, etc... in Fishlake NF - Richfield District From: Jason Pietrzak <pietrzak AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:47:42 -0600 I've been plugging recent lists into ebird and one of them was flagged as unusual, a Merlin seen in Fishlake NF. I didn't think it was that strange, as it was at high altitude and in the right habitat, but... Anyway, the Merlin was high up in the forests just south of Richfield. It was perched at the top of a conifer on the edge of a field and it was too dark and dreary from the poor weather to get any subspecies info or a photo. Other species seen up there included Hairy Woodpeckers, Olive-sided Flycatchers, Western Wood Pewees, Mountain Chickadees, Hermit Thrushes... Also saw a really healthy looking 8-point bull Elk, which seemed somewhat early for that. Good nature-watching! Jason Pietrzak Moab, UT_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Common Yellowthroats-- Bear River Meadows From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:31:47 -0700 (PDT) Commmon Yellowthroats--Bear River Meadows, Rich County, Utah June 27, 2009 http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/yellowthroatcommon _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench Trailhead , 6/27/09 From: Dennis Shirley <colimawarbler AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:01:12 -0700 (PDT) Following is the bird list of the last of five Utah County Birders field trips for June, 2009. Highlights include: American Three-toed Woodpecker, Purple Martin, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Fox Sparrow, and the always-hard-to-find-when-you-need-one, STELLER'S JAY. There were 26 paticipants. Of interest to those working on the June Big Month, if you had attended all five trips and saw all the birds seen, you would now have 143 birds on your list. Not too bad, for a little bit of effort and a few hours of lost sleep! It's been a hoot[especially on the six species owl prowl], with each trip having between 24-30 participants, some good birds, and a bunch of fun loving and excitable birders. Go get your misses. You still have 72 hours left. Dennis --- On Sat, 6/27/09, do-not-reply AT ebird.org wrote: > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > Subject: eBird Report - Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench Trailhead , 6/27/09 > To: colimawarbler AT yahoo.com > Date: Saturday, June 27, 2009, 9:06 PM > > > Location:     Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench > Trailhead > Observation date:     6/27/09 > Number of species:     43 > > Cooper's Hawk     1 > American Kestrel     2 > Broad-tailed Hummingbird     2 > Red-naped Sapsucker     2 > Downy Woodpecker     2 > Hairy Woodpecker     2 > American Three-toed Woodpecker     2 > Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)     3 > Olive-sided Flycatcher     1 > Western Wood-Pewee     1 > Hammond's Flycatcher     1 > Cordilleran Flycatcher     1 > Warbling Vireo     1 > Steller's Jay     2 > Clark's Nutcracker     1 > Common Raven     2 > Purple Martin     4 > Tree Swallow     2 > Violet-green Swallow     1 > Mountain Chickadee     5 > Red-breasted Nuthatch     5 > Brown Creeper     2 > House Wren     1 > Golden-crowned Kinglet     1 > Ruby-crowned Kinglet     4 > Mountain Bluebird     3 > Hermit Thrush     2 > American Robin     10 > Yellow Warbler     2 > Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)  >    4 > MacGillivray's Warbler     2 > Western Tanager     3 > Green-tailed Towhee     3 > Chipping Sparrow     6 > Fox Sparrow     2 > Song Sparrow     3 > Lincoln's Sparrow     3 > White-crowned Sparrow (Mountain)     5 > Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed)     4 > Black-headed Grosbeak     2 > Lazuli Bunting     1 > Cassin's Finch     1 > Pine Siskin     10 > > 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: Utah County Birders field trip: Utah county owls From: Lu Giddings <seldom74 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:43:11 -0600 Dennis Shirley and Bryan Shirley have spent a great deal of time birding Utah county the last few weeks. Thursday evening a large group of birders were the direct beneficiaries of their efforts. In spite of gusting winds, driving rains, and threatening clouds, a group of 25 birders, including a brief cameo by Bryan Shirley, began by viewing barn owls in Payson. We then made the drive to Elberta to take a quick look at the large family of burrowing owls reported a few days ago by Bryan Shirley. At this point we returned to Payson and started up the Nebo Loop road. We birded for a few minutes around the turn-off to Blackhawk Campground and then were joined by Dennis Shirley who shared his recent owling finds with us. By 11:30 pm we'd had very good looks at four owl species, fleeting looks at a great-horned owl perched on a sign along the canyon road, and had also had northern saw-whet owls call to us in two different locations although it was not our good fortune to see them. Six owl species in as many hours is an excellent night's work. Many thanks to Dennis and Bryan for their excellent field work and their generosity in sharing with us. And also, thank you to all of you who participated. It was good to see so many familiar faces and also, so many new faces too. Lu Giddings a partial trip list: 27 species Swainson's Hawk Killdeer Rock Pigeon Eurasian Collared-Dove Mourning Dove Barn Owl Flammulated Owl Western Screech-Owl Great Horned Owl Burrowing Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Common Poorwill Broad-tailed Hummingbird Western Kingbird Horned Lark Mountain Bluebird Hermit Thrush American Robin European Starling Yellow-rumped Warbler Western Tanager Chipping Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Western Meadowlark Great-tailed Grackle Cassin's Finch House Sparrow_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Magnolia Warbler and Red-eyed Vireo Photos From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:54:30 -0600 Mark Stackhouse sent in some pictures of the Magnolia Warbler and Red-eyed Vireo he found at Deseret Ranch. http://www.utahbirds.org/hotlinephotos/2009/MagnoliaWarbler.htm _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: hummers From: Carol Gwynn <cgwynn AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:35:59 -0600 I have heard two Broad-tailed Hummingbirds on the east side of the Salt Lake Valley this week, which I found odd. They are usually all still in the mountains at this time of year. Maybe the cold weather convinced some to stay at lower elevations than usual. I think it's still a bit early for southbound hummer migration. Carol G. _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Northern Goshawk at the Spruces Campground, Big Cottowood Canyon From: "STEPHEN T CARLILE" <carlilest AT msn.com> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:20:37 -0600 At a non birding event I saw a Northern Goshawk this evening, Friday, before the downpour at the Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Seen swooping down trying to catch ground squirrels at the overgrown ball diamond in the group camping area at the east end. Good look but did not see the bird again. Also saw Hammond's Flycatcher, Hermit Thrush, Mountain Chickadee, Song Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Thaks, Stephen_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Phalaropes have arrived From: "John CAVITT" <jcavitt AT weber.edu> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:07:06 -0600 The current storm coming in from the north brought at least 3 flocks over my house in Hooper! I estimate the largest at around 300 birds. The other two were smaller ~100. The heavy rain forced them to land in an alfalfa field across the road. The shorebird migration has returned again to GSL! JFC John F. Cavitt PhD, Director Office of Undergraduate Research Associate Professor Mailing Address Dept. of Zoology Weber State University 2505 University Circle Ogden, UT 84408-2505 (801) 626-6172 (801) 626-8541 cell:(801) 791-4438 FAX: (801) 626-7445 homepage: http://faculty.weber.edu/jcavitt "A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise." Aldo Leopold _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Drumming Mystery Bird - help sought From: Jason Pietrzak <pietrzak AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:00:48 -0600 My spring bird surveys have reached a conclusion and, going through my records, I have found a couple of unsolved mysteries that I'd nearly forgotten and which I'd appreciate feedback on. Mystery Bird #1 Date: May 1, 2009 Time: Sunrise Location: Approximately 5 miles north of Hovenweep National Monument Visitor's Center For those unfamiliar with the area, there are a series of small rocky hills with shallow valleys and mostly dry creeks in between. I was in a wet creek valley, it was about sunrise or just before, cool temperature around 45 F, no wind or clouds, and I heard a strange drumming sound coming from the distance (I guestimated 150 meters). I had to be somewhere so I couldn't hang around and investigate, but what I heard reminded me of the Sage Grouse Leks in Wyoming that I'd seen a year ago. Drumming was not Woodpecker-like, and it was not constant, but it was regular for the 15 minutes I listened to it. Grouse-like birds seen in the area included Wild Turkeys and Gambel's Quail in HUGE numbers. Any thoughts? I appreciate anything you've got! Jason Pietrzak Moab, UT_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Ouray NWR General Waterbird Survey From: Diane_Penttila AT fws.gov Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:35:41 -0600 Ouray National Wildlife Refuge General Waterbird Survey 6/25/09 The following birds were seen within the survey route: Canada geese 798 Mallard 204 Gadwall 466 Green-winged teal 8 Cinnamon teal 48 Blue-winged teal 8 Northern shoveler 2 Northern pintail 11 American wigeon 4 Wood duck 1 Ringneck 18 Bufflehead 2 Redhead 115 Ruddy duck 130 American coot 745 Double-crested cormorant 84 Great blue heron 55 Black-crowned night heron 7 Snowy egret 3 Cattle egret 2 White-faced ibis 26 American white pelican 23 American bittern 2 Sora 1 Killdeer 17 American avocet 3 Black-necked stilt 7 Spotted sandpiper 6 Clark's grebe 12 Western grebe 100 Eared grebe 75 Pied-billed grebe 78 American kestrel 5 Red-tailed hawk 14 Turkey vulture 8 Forster's tern 6 Ring-billed gull 4 Diane Penttila Ouray NWR Randlett, UT (435)545-2522 x 12 diane_penttila AT fws.gov_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Bear River Tour From: Carol Gwynn <cgwynn AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:10:15 -0600 The tour at Bear River Bird Refuge was a success yesterday. About 50 species were seen in 3 hours, including Eastern Kingbird, Peregrine Falcon, numerous Sandhill Cranes, close to a dozen Curlews (including young), and the highlight - dancing grebes. Both Clark's and Western grebes had chicks, most of them "teenagers." Also seen were many Great Egrets, and at least 5 Blue-winged Teal, more than I have ever seen in one place in Utah. Two Snowy Plovers were on the mudflat near the red gun club. Avocets are nesting right next to the road in this same area. A couple of the nests have been marked with spray paint, and I don't know if the birds are still incubating the visible eggs. I suspect not. A word of caution: After the tour, I went out a ways on the road towards the refuge, but didn't stay long. Birding this road can be very dangerous right now. Huge trucks involved in the roadwork farther out barrel down the road and kick up so much dust that a car becomes invisible. Getting smashed by a truck was not on my list, so I abandoned the pursuit. The new film, Wings of Thunder, being shown at the visitor's center, is worth the time. The photography is spectacular. Carol Gwynn _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Garfield Co. big day From: JOEL and KATHY BEYER <twobirders AT q.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:51:43 -0600 While at Bryce Canyon NP for our breeding bird survey, Kathy and I decided to try a big day on Monday for Garfield County. We started at Bryce Canyon, drove Highway 12, visited Escalante State Park, Calf Creek R.A., Tropic Reservoir, and Panguitch Lake, and ended back at Bryce Canyon (our campsite). Species count for the day was 103. Highlights were a Peregrine Falcon at Bryce Canyon City, a pair (m & f) of Indigo Buntings along Calf Creek, Blue Grosbeak and Ash-throated Flycatcher (also Calf Creek), a female Wild Turkey trailed by 3 young near Cannonville, approximately 300 Common Ravens gorging on grasshoppers just west of Red Canyon on Hwy 12, Pine Grosbeaks bathing at a leaky water tap at Tropic Res. campground, a Grace's Warbler foraging on the ground in Bryce Canyon (no neck strain!), and Pygmy Nuthatches and Warbling Vireos feeding young at the nest hole/nest (Bryce Canyon). Our Bryce Canyon BBS was noteworthy for the large number of Red Crossbills, and scarcity of woodpeckers. Joel _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: scrub jay - california quail From: "geoff hardies" <ghardies2 AT msn.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:53:42 -0600 Sitting outside watching the quail with a new batch of very little ones, a scrub jay landed on a chair and eyed the family for a minute. Then it swept down and grabbed a little one and flew right off without touching the ground. No commotion whatsoever from the quail parents. Geoff Hardies _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Band-tailed Pigeons in Cottonwood Heights From: western.tanager AT gmail.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:17:57 +0000 Just had 2 flyover Band-tailed Pigeon at 7000 South and 3200 East in Salt Lake. Cheers Tim Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: GSLA's monthly Farmington Bay field trip From: "Deedee &/or Dick O'Brien" <d-dobrien AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:51:44 -0600 Today at Farmington Bay the gate by Goose Egg Island to the west dike was open (bulldozer inside gate digging away at southern edge of Egg Island and filling dump truck). The Unit 1 pond is suffering from heavy algae due (I assume) to high nutrients in the water, but birds persisted. HOWEVER, on the west side of the dike there were really lovely wetlands and green uplands filled with ibis, Franklin's gulls, avocets, stilts that were a delight. As we left 70 or so Pelicans left Unit 1 and kettled up over the wetlands. Saw nothing unusual but totaled 50 species and enjoyed them all. Canada Goose Gadwall Mallard Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Canvasback Redhead Ruddy Duck Ring-necked Pheasant Pied-billed Grebe (only 1 and on a nest) Eared Grebe Western Grebe Clark's Grebe American White Pelican Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron (lots of juveniles- all sizes) Snowy Egret Black-crowned Night-Heron White-faced Ibis American Kestral Sora (heard) American Coot Killdeer Black-necked Stilt American Avocet unidentified sandpiper (possibly Baird's) Franklin's Gull California Gull Caspian Tern Forster's Tern Mourning Dove Western Kingbird Eastern Kingbird Black-billed Magpie Common Raven Cliff Swallow Barn Swallow Marsh Wren American Robin European Starling Common Yellowthroat (heard) Red-winged Blackbird Western Meadowlark (one had unusual song) Common Grackle Great-tailed Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird House sparrow Deedee_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Juvenile Bullocks Orioles From: Susan Gray <smcmillan50 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:38:13 -0600 I have no idea of the sex of the orioles, but I LOVED your story - makes me want to move up to Logan. I wish I could get anything to nest in my yard! Susan Gray cell 801/712-9643 > Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:00:50 -0600 > From: birdtalk-request AT utahbirds.org > Subject: Birdtalk Digest, Vol 42, Issue 34 > To: birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > > Send Birdtalk mailing list submissions to > birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > birdtalk-request AT utahbirds.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > birdtalk-owner AT utahbirds.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Birdtalk digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Hairy Woodpecker--Powder Mountain, Weber County, Utah > (Paul Higgins) > 2. Juvenile Bullock's Orioles (Utah Birds) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:42:11 -0700 (PDT) > From: Paul Higgins > Subject: [Birdtalk] Hairy Woodpecker--Powder Mountain, Weber County, > Utah > To: "birdtalk AT utahbirds.org" > Message-ID: <823881.29781.qm AT web32008.mail.mud.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Hairy Woodpecker, Powder Mountain,Weber County, Utah June 23, 2009 > > http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/woodpeckerhairy > > Paul > > > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: http://secureserver.securesites.net/pipermail/birdtalk/attachments/20090624/e8a542a6/attachment.html > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:37:16 -0600 > From: Utah Birds > Subject: [Birdtalk] Juvenile Bullock's Orioles > To: Birdtalk > Message-ID: > <223f3c850906240737t7573c1ffj364e9b953929265e AT mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Mike Fish sent in a couple of juvenile Bullock's pictures with a > question. Here's the link: > > http://www.utahbirds.org/hotlinephotos/2009/BullocksOrioles.htm > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Birdtalk mailing list > Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk > > End of Birdtalk Digest, Vol 42, Issue 34 > **************************************** _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009 _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Green Heron From: bryan AT bshirleybirding.com Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:11:05 -0700 _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Juvenile Bullock's Orioles From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:37:16 -0600 Mike Fish sent in a couple of juvenile Bullock's pictures with a question. Here's the link: http://www.utahbirds.org/hotlinephotos/2009/BullocksOrioles.htm _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Hairy Woodpecker--Powder Mountain, Weber County, Utah From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:42:11 -0700 (PDT) Hairy Woodpecker, Powder Mountain,Weber County, Utah   June 23, 2009 http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/woodpeckerhairy Paul _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: GSLAudubon Field trips for July/Aug From: Sylvia Gray <pdggray AT xmission.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:39:36 -0600 Eric, Deedee O'Brien said you might be interested in this information. If you can spread the word - thanks. Sylvia _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Moab BBS morning - Indigo Bunting, Snow Goose, Peregrine Falcon From: Jason Pietrzak <pietrzak AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:13:23 -0600 This morning I went down the Colorado through Moab for a kinda late-season BBS. For those who don't know it, the area is mostly pretty tight with thin strips of riparian between the edges of the river and the canyon walls. There's a brief stretch through town which brought in almost all the Western Kingbirds and the lone Hummer. Many surprise hits, misses, and near-misses but highlights included: Snow Goose seen a couple miles upstream from Big Bend - it was still quite dark when I saw it, but the bill was clear enough for an ID. No obvious signs of injury. Indigo Bunting was southwest of town on Kane Creek Road about 10 miles out of town. I heard two separate individuals and managed to spot one of them singing from the top of a Tamarisk. Peregrine Falcon was flying east on the river. Probably a mile or two south of Big Bend. May be responsible for future disappearance of aforementioned Snow Goose. Below I have the numbers from the count - I probably heard/saw more than this, but I only kept track of BBS numbers and a couple of memorable birds off the timer. Good birding! Jason Pietrzak Moab, UT Snow Goose 1 Mallard 1 Great Blue Heron 4 Black-crowned Night-Heron 3 Turkey Vulture 4 Peregrine Falcon 1 Spotted Sandpiper 1 Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 Mourning Dove 1 White-throated Swift 35 Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 Western Wood-Pewee 1 Say's Phoebe 7 Ash-throated Flycatcher 24 Western Kingbird 15 Plumbeous Vireo 1 Black-billed Magpie 1 Common Raven 12 Violet-green Swallow 18 Cliff Swallow 11 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Juniper Titmouse 1 Bushtit 3 Rock Wren 12 Canyon Wren 11 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 30 American Robin 9 European Starling 5 Virginia's Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 12 Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 Yellow-breasted Chat 27 Spotted Towhee 56 Chipping Sparrow 4 Black-throated Sparrow 2 Song Sparrow 1 Blue Grosbeak 4 Indigo Bunting 2 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Bullock's Oriole 3 House Finch 40 House Sparrow 20_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: summer tanager From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:44:43 -0700 (PDT) Birdnet Email -- from the websiteâ€� It was submitted by Matt Johnstone  on Monday, June 22, 2009 at 14:16:20   Subject: summer tanager   Email_Address: johnstonem1 AT michigan.gov   Message: My wife and I were visiting Dinosaur NM from Michigan and had a first spring male summer tanager at Josie's Ranch in Dinosaur on June 12. Head and vent were red, red blotches elsewhere on bird, including wings, wings about same color as rest of bird, no wing bars. This seems to be quite out of range for NE Utah. This is a bird I'm very familiar with, having lived in the southeast for many years. The bird responded to an Eastern screech owl imitation (probably not the most appropriate to pull out birds in Utah, but the only imitation I can whistle).   Matt Johnstone     _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Purple Martin are back From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:07:33 -0700 (PDT) The PURPLE MARTINS I found last summer in the Strawberry Valley have returned as of yesterday. See a photo at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/3651680566/  Other good birds in the valley were CASPIAN TERNS, WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, a female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD that came to my feeder, and a GRAY CATBIRD in Daniels Canyon. Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Launching Say's Phoebe's AIC From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:31:56 -0700 (PDT) Say's Phoebe's--AIC http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/phoebesayslaunching Paul _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: New Yard Bird From: "Jim Lofthouse" <jloft AT digis.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:53:34 -0600 We moved to this lot on the Eastern side of Paradise in early 1994. We haven't seen any wrens here in all those years, even though wrens are quite common closer to the Little Bear River which runs by the West side of Paradise. Today there is a male House Wren staking out a nest box and singing. It will be interesting to see if he attracts a mate. Always fun to have a new visitor. This is species #88 for the yard list. http://donce.lofthouse.com/jamaica/housewren_0.jpg Jim http://donce.lofthouse.com/jamaica/spring.htm _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: 6/20 - Nebo Loop From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:52:42 -0600 I attempted to bird the complete Nebo Loop yesterday - mainly hoping to catch a glimpse of Purple Martins. However, that never happened. The storm caught me and sent me back the way I had came before reaching where I presume the Martins hang out - although I must've been pretty close. Anyone who can provide more precise directions, I would appreciate it - as well as a tip on a good spot for American Three-toed Woodpecker. The lower end of the Canyon, pretty much right when you enter was packed with YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS along the stream. I also had 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS. Complete list is below. The storm was impressive coming at the mountain as I watched from high up and had no choice but to enter down into it. Torrential rains, hail, heavy fog. Pretty scary conditions to drive through and I think I'd best check the weather report before I venture up to 8,000' in a Honda Civic again.... Location: Payson Canyon Observation date: 6/20/09 Number of species: 31 Turkey Vulture 2 Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Broad-tailed Hummingbird 8 Western Wood-Pewee 5 Willow Flycatcher 2 Warbling Vireo 15 Tree Swallow 5 Violet-green Swallow 20 Cliff Swallow 10 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Mountain Bluebird 2 American Robin 25 European Starling 5 Virginia's Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 MacGillivray's Warbler 2 Yellow-breasted Chat 10 Western Tanager 5 Spotted Towhee 1 Song Sparrow 1 Lincoln's Sparrow 2 White-crowned Sparrow 4 Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed) 7 Lazuli Bunting 4 Bullock's Oriole 1 Pine Siskin 5 Lesser Goldfinch 2 American Goldfinch 1 -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com www.endlesswilderness.com twitter.com/Bilsky_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Chimney Rock Pass Road - Utah County From: "STEPHEN T CARLILE" <carlilest AT msn.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:29:34 -0600 After going on the Utah County Birders Diamond Fork trip this morning that Dennis has reported on, I decided to go home via the west side of Utah Lake (Highway 68) and check out Chimney Rock Pass Road. (The Utah County Birders visited this area last week.) Not many species, but highlights were family of 9 Burrowing owls that Dennis gave me directions to and a family of 6 Long-billed Curlews. Also lots of adult and juvenile Sage Thrashes and Lark Sparrows. To get to Chimney Rock Pass Road turn west off Highway 68 at mile marker 7. A total of 20 species. Here is the list. Ibises, Spoonbills and Storks - White-faced Ibis (24+ along Highway 68) Vultures - Turkey Vulture (1) Hawks and Falcons - Red-tailed Hawk (1) Plovers and Sandpipers - Long-billed Curlews (6 - two adults and 4 juveniles; no curved bills yet on the juvies and dad/mom wasn't to happy with me) Gulls, Terns an Alcids - California Gull (100+ inflight, there is a landfill along Highway 68)) Doves and Pigeons - Mourning Dove (24+) Qwls - Burrowing Owl (9 birds, 2 adults and 7 juveniles, along Highway 64, just south of highway marker 7) Goatsuckers - Common Nighthawk (4) Flycatchers - Western Kingbird (3) Shrikes - Loggerhead Shrike (1) Jays and Crows - Common Raven (12+) Larks - Horned Lark (3) Thrashers - Sage Thrasher (30+, lots of juveniles with males (?) singing - second nesting?) Sparrows - Brewer's Sparrow (12+), Lark Sparrow (10+) (lots of singing birds for both) Grosbeaks and Cardinals - Lazuli Bunting (1) Blackbirds and Orioles - Western Meadowlark (6), Yellow-headed Blackbird (24+ along Highway 68), Brewer's Blackbird (3 along Highway 68) Finches - House Finch (2) Thanks, Stephen_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Diamond Fork Canyon , 6/20/09 From: Dennis Shirley <colimawarbler AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:50:49 -0700 (PDT) Here's the bird list for this mornings Utah County Birders field trip to Diamond Fork, Wahnrodes Canyon, and lower Payson Canyon. We jumped around between storms, but were able to see several of our target birds including; Black Phoebe, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Willow Flycatcher, Sora[heard only], and Olive-sided Flycatcher. No Lewis's Woodpecker was found. Dennis --- On Sat, 6/20/09, do-not-reply AT ebird.org wrote: > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > Subject: eBird Report - Diamond Fork Canyon , 6/20/09 > To: colimawarbler AT yahoo.com > Date: Saturday, June 20, 2009, 2:42 PM > > > Location:     Diamond Fork Canyon > Observation date:     6/20/09 > Number of species:     45 > > Mallard     1 > Turkey Vulture     1 > Swainson's Hawk     2 > Red-tailed Hawk (Western)     1 > Golden Eagle     2 > American Kestrel     2 > Sora     1 > Spotted Sandpiper     2 > Eurasian Collared-Dove     2 > Mourning Dove     8 > White-throated Swift     5 > Broad-tailed Hummingbird     1 > Red-naped Sapsucker     2 > Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)     3 > Olive-sided Flycatcher     1 > Western Wood-Pewee     1 > Willow Flycatcher     2 > Black Phoebe     1 > Western Kingbird     2 > Plumbeous Vireo     2 > Warbling Vireo     2 > Western Scrub-Jay     1 > Black-billed Magpie     1 > Violet-green Swallow     2 > Northern Rough-winged Swallow     1 > Cliff Swallow     10 > Barn Swallow     5 > House Wren     2 > Mountain Bluebird     2 > American Robin     12 > Gray Catbird     3 > European Starling     4 > Cedar Waxwing     3 > Yellow Warbler     8 > Yellow-breasted Chat     3 > Western Tanager     2 > Spotted Towhee     2 > Chipping Sparrow     6 > Song Sparrow     2 > Black-headed Grosbeak     4 > Lazuli Bunting     6 > Red-winged Blackbird     4 > Brown-headed Cowbird     3 > Bullock's Oriole     2 > American Goldfinch     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: Bird Refuge auto tour open today only - Movie Premiere! From: Betsy_Beneke AT fws.gov Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:03:28 -0600 Hi All - Just a reminder that Bear River's auto tour route loop will be open TODAY ONLY - Saturday, June 20 - for our Wings of Thunder film premiere event. I was just out there this morning, opened the construction gate at 6:00 a.m., and there were birds EVERYWHERE. The Curlew Flats area is green and lush from all the rain - looks like April! I saw 3 pairs of curlews in the area - all with young. The short-eared owl put on a show for me. Ibis, gulls, ducks, pelicans, kingbirds - everyone was hollering as the sun was rising. GORGEOUS! The road will be closed at the end of today. It will be open again for 4th of July weekend - and will likely remain open for MOST of the rest of the summer. I'll try to keep you posted. The wildlife education center will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm today. Wings of Thunder will be shown in the auditorium on the hour from 10:00 to 4:00. There will also be a special evening showing at 9:30 pm in Brigham City - outdoors - at 20 North Main Street (next to the old courthouse). Our film will be followed by the feature length film, Happy Feet. This showing is free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, the movies will be shown here at our wildlife education center. For a list of today's activities, please visit our web site "Events" section at: http://bearriver.fws.gov. Come and help us celebrate the competion of this new film about Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. It's pretty darn cool! If you cannot attend today, the film will be available to the public for viewing daily from now on. It's 1/2 hour long. Copies of the DVD are available in the Avocet Corner Bookstore for $10.00. Proceeds go to the refuge's education programs. Buy a DVD and receive a 24x36 movie poster FREE today! If you have questions, please call us. The Information Desk phone will be answered 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today (435.734.6422). Betsy Betsy Beneke Outdoor Recreation Planner Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 2155 West Forest Street Brigham City UT 84302 435.734.6436 office http://bearriver.fws.gov_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: RE: help identifying From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:11:57 -0600 (Forwarded Message from Tim Avery) Susan, The picture from Silver Lake is our local "gray-headed" form of the Dark-eyed Junco, found throughout the mountains in Utah during the breeding season. You can see the rufous patch on the back, and the dark markings around the eye. Here are some pics of one up close: http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/displayimage.php?album=topn&cat=-378&pos=1&id=ghju The second bird is an American Robin. Cheers, Tim -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Birdtalk] help identifying From: Susan Gray Date: Fri, June 19, 2009 9:06 pm To: Bird Talk I am new to birding so I am still learning. I walked the loop at Silver Lake today and found a bird that I thought was a Northern Parula, I have attached a picture idenitify.jpg- but not good quality (I forgot my Canon SLR- UGH!). I know this would be rare for this area, but is it possible? I also have a picture of a bird that I can't figure out (identify2.jpg)- this was taken in Herriman in a field - he was sitting on a large irrigation system. I really appreciate any help - I am trying to learn as much as I can, but it can get frustrating at times. Susan Gray cell 801/712-9643 _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Black swifts? From: comptonxrayman AT aol.com Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:52:27 -0400 Does anyone know if Black Swifts are nesting at Bridal Veil Falls this year? Bill Compton Park City_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Baby Grebes? From: Carol Gwynn <cgwynn AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:03:12 -0600 If anyone happens to notice any baby Western or Clark's grebes in your travels, could you let me know? I'd like to find some to photograph, if it stops raining long enough to make that possible. Thanks, Carol G. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: California Quail and Black-headed Grosbeak Pictures From: Tim Avery <western.tanager AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:13:26 -0600 Took these over the past week in the Cottonwood Heights area: http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=589&id=caqu Good Birding Tim_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: help identifying From: Susan Gray <smcmillan50 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:06:31 -0600 I am new to birding so I am still learning. I walked the loop at Silver Lake today and found a bird that I thought was a Northern Parula, I have attached a picture idenitify.jpg- but not good quality (I forgot my Canon SLR- UGH!). I know this would be rare for this area, but is it possible? I also have a picture of a bird that I can't figure out (identify2.jpg)- this was taken in Herriman in a field - he was sitting on a large irrigation system. I really appreciate any help - I am trying to learn as much as I can, but it can get frustrating at times. Susan Gray cell 801/712-9643 _________________________________________________________________ Microsoft brings you a new way to search the web. Try Bing™ now http://www.bing.com?form=MFEHPG&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFEHPG_Core_tagline_try bing_1x1 _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Mirror Lake Highway From: Roostertael AT aol.com Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:22:59 EDT Hi, I went to see if the road was open. Yup. Not a lot of birds up high, and the upper campgrounds are not open yet, including Trial Lake, Lily Lake, Moosehorn, and Mirror Lake. They could open in a week I think. Washington Lake CG is open and where I saw a Gray Jay and Pine Grosbeak. Old reliable Highline Trail at Mirror Lake yielded a male and female Three-toed Woodpecker. Missed on crossbills and sapsuckers. Lots of Yellow-rumps, Chipping Sparrows, Robins and Pine Siskins and a couple of Clark's Nutcrackers. Lots of fisher-people at all of the lakes. A fun find was at home. I have at least two fledgling Scrub Jays trying to figure out how to open peanuts. Jack Binch **************Download the AOL Classifieds Toolbar for local deals at your fingertips. (http://toolbar.aol.com/aolclassifieds/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000004)_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Fw: eBird Report - East Tintic Mountains , 6/18/09 From: Dennis Shirley <colimawarbler AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:43:23 -0700 (PDT) Here's the bird list for the second Long-eared Owl trip UCB did on thursday.The list includes some species that were seen after the group split into different directions. --- On Fri, 6/19/09, do-not-reply AT ebird.org wrote: > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > Subject: eBird Report - East Tintic Mountains , 6/18/09 > To: colimawarbler AT yahoo.com > Date: Friday, June 19, 2009, 5:14 PM > > > Location:     East Tintic Mountains > Observation date:     6/18/09 > Number of species:     49 > > Chukar     1 > White-faced Ibis     40 > Turkey Vulture     2 > Swainson's Hawk     10 > Red-tailed Hawk (Western)     2 > Killdeer     1 > Franklin's Gull     3 > California Gull     60 > Eurasian Collared-Dove     2 > Mourning Dove     20 > Burrowing Owl     3 > Long-eared Owl     3 > Common Nighthawk     2 > Black-chinned Hummingbird     2 > Broad-tailed Hummingbird     1 > Gray Flycatcher     1 > Dusky Flycatcher     1 > Western Kingbird     4 > Loggerhead Shrike     1 > Western Scrub-Jay     2 > Pinyon Jay     9 > Black-billed Magpie     4 > Common Raven     6 > Horned Lark     10 > Barn Swallow     2 > Juniper Titmouse     4 > Rock Wren     3 > Bewick's Wren     1 > Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     4 > Mountain Bluebird     2 > American Robin     12 > Northern Mockingbird     1 > Sage Thrasher     6 > European Starling     20 > Virginia's Warbler     1 > Black-throated Gray Warbler     2 > Western Tanager     3 > Spotted Towhee     4 > Chipping Sparrow     6 > Brewer's Sparrow     4 > Lark Sparrow     10 > Black-throated Sparrow     1 > Lazuli Bunting     1 > Western Meadowlark     4 > Brewer's Blackbird     2 > Brown-headed Cowbird     1 > House Finch     2 > American Goldfinch     1 > House Sparrow     2 > > 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 - Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench Trailhead , 6/19/09 From: Dennis Shirley <colimawarbler AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:38:44 -0700 (PDT) Just an early morning extension of the night before. Nothing real exciting except lots of deer and elk moving into the high country. Did see first Olive-sided Flycatcher for month. No luck on Grouse or Pygmy Owl at usual spots. Purple Martin numbers at colony are building. --- On Fri, 6/19/09, do-not-reply AT ebird.org wrote: > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > Subject: eBird Report - Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench Trailhead , 6/19/09 > To: colimawarbler AT yahoo.com > Date: Friday, June 19, 2009, 5:19 PM > > > Location:     Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench > Trailhead > Observation date:     6/19/09 > Number of species:     22 > > American Kestrel     1 > Broad-tailed Hummingbird     2 > Red-naped Sapsucker     1 > Downy Woodpecker     3 > Hairy Woodpecker     3 > Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)     4 > Olive-sided Flycatcher     1 > Warbling Vireo     2 > Purple Martin     9 > Tree Swallow     2 > Violet-green Swallow     6 > Mountain Chickadee     2 > Red-breasted Nuthatch     6 > Ruby-crowned Kinglet     3 > Mountain Bluebird     4 > Hermit Thrush     2 > American Robin     15 > Yellow-rumped Warbler     3 > Chipping Sparrow     6 > Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed)     6 > Cassin's Finch     2 > Pine Siskin     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: Fw: eBird Report - Payson Lakes , 6/18/09 From: Dennis Shirley <colimawarbler AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:32:19 -0700 (PDT) Since it was the first clear night we've had in this area I think in June, I spent two hours last night owling in Payson Canyon. The owls were active for the first little while, then things got real quiet, and so did I. I spent the night on the mountain. The WSO were along the Payson Canyon City Park area. The Flammulated were near Maple Lake [also Poorwill] and Pete Winward Reservoir. Dennis --- On Fri, 6/19/09, do-not-reply AT ebird.org wrote: > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > Subject: eBird Report - Payson Lakes , 6/18/09 > To: colimawarbler AT yahoo.com > Date: Friday, June 19, 2009, 5:21 PM > > > Location:     Payson Lakes > Observation date:     6/18/09 > Number of species:     3 > > Flammulated Owl     2 > Western Screech-Owl     3 > Common Poorwill     1 > > 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 - Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench Trailhead , 6/16/09 From: colimawarbler AT yahoo.com Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:49:20 -0700 (PDT) Tuesday morning was spent on the Nebo Loop/Payson Canyon. The grove of conifers at the Nebo Bench/Monument Trailhead was full of woodpeckers and by the looks of things they've been there all winter. Piles of chipped off bark are under practically every tree. I saw no less than six-Hairy, three-Northern Three-toed, one-Downy, several Northern Flicker, and one-Red-Naped Sapsucker in the area. The trees are apparently full of bugs. Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Mountain Chickadee, Hammond's Flycatcher, and Red Crossbills were also there. Additionally,the Purple Martin's are back at the usual spot near the highest point on the loop. Dennis --- On Tue, 6/16/09, do-not-reply AT ebird.org wrote: > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > Subject: eBird Report - Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench Trailhead , 6/16/09 > To: colimawarbler AT yahoo.com > Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 10:13 PM > > > Location:     Nebo Loop - Nebo Bench > Trailhead > Observation date:     6/16/09 > Number of species:     25 > > Broad-tailed Hummingbird     3 > Red-naped Sapsucker     1 > Hairy Woodpecker     6 > American Three-toed Woodpecker     3 > Northern Flicker     4 > Hammond's Flycatcher     2 > Warbling Vireo     2 > Common Raven     2 > Purple Martin     4 > Tree Swallow     2 > Violet-green Swallow     10 > Mountain Chickadee     6 > Red-breasted Nuthatch     12 > Brown Creeper     2 > Ruby-crowned Kinglet     4 > Mountain Bluebird     7 > Hermit Thrush     2 > American Robin     12 > Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)  >    6 > Western Tanager     6 > Chipping Sparrow     14 > Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed)     6 > Cassin's Finch     2 > Red Crossbill     12 > Pine Siskin     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: Fw: eBird Report - Rock Canyon , 6/15/09 From: Dennis Shirley <colimawarbler AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:31:49 -0700 (PDT) Here's a list of birds seen at Rock Canyon, Utah County, last monday morning with Bryan and a group from Japan. The CANYON WREN was the target bird for the morning. --- On Tue, 6/16/09, do-not-reply AT ebird.org wrote: > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > Subject: eBird Report - Rock Canyon , 6/15/09 > To: colimawarbler AT yahoo.com > Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 10:23 PM > > > Location:     Rock Canyon > Observation date:     6/15/09 > Number of species:     18 > > California Quail     2 > Turkey Vulture     1 > American Kestrel     1 > Mourning Dove     8 > Black-chinned Hummingbird     6 > Broad-tailed Hummingbird     2 > Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)     2 > Western Wood-Pewee     2 > Western Scrub-Jay     4 > Barn Swallow     2 > Canyon Wren     1 > American Robin     3 > European Starling     4 > Yellow Warbler     1 > Spotted Towhee     2 > Black-headed Grosbeak     2 > Lazuli Bunting     3 > House Finch     2 > > 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: Sending out a little feeler re a City Creek Canyon bird checklist From: David Jensen <dlj11350 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:27:56 -0700 (PDT) I've had this idea in my head for years to do up a checklist for the birds of City Creek Canyon in SLC. I've birded the canyon for +-30 years and have kept good records of all I've seen (but of course I haven't seen them all). My list stands at somewhere around 120 species. I was just wondering if anyone who has birded the canyon or lives near it (or overlooking it and puts out feeders every year) would be interested in pooling lists (including all the other info that appears on most other checklists) and coming up with a comprehensive one. My only concern is that I'm not sure what I'd do with it if and when it was completed - is there a need for one? If I set out to really do this it may take a big chunk of time to complete. Anyway, I'll read all feedback I receive and get back to you. Thanks. You can either respond at birdtalk or contact me privately at dlj11350 AT yahoo.com. David Jensen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Utah ebird update From: Colby Neuman <colby.neuman AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:07:17 -0700 Hi all, I've contacted some of you off list asking for suggestions and comments you may have regarding filters, hotspots, etc. for ebird in Utah, but I guess it finally dawned on me, why not ask everyone ;) First, I'm curious how many of you look at the ebird map on a regular basis found at the following link... http://birdingonthe.net/gmaps/eBirdMap.html Reply to me personally unless you feel a group discussion needs to ensue. In order for a species to show up on the ebird map, I have to set the filter for a particular species to zero for the month so if someone sees 1 or 10 individuals of a particular species, it shows up on the map regardless. However, if I have the filter set for a particular species to flag any a sighting of 2 or more individuals and someone observes 10 individuals of that particular species, it does not show up on the map (though I still have to review it). Originally I had a number of species like Harris' Sparrow, Eurasion Wigeon, Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, etc. set to flag sightings of these particular species if more than one bird was observed at a time...as two individuals of any of these species showing up at the same location at the same time is quite rare in Utah. However, this setting then prevents these species from showing up on the ebird map when birders may have an interest in following up on some of these sightings even though for example one Harris' Sparrow putting on an appearance somewhere in Utah in January isn't *that* rare...though certainly noteworthy. So if a lot of birders are using this map on a regular basis then I will try and adjust the filter settings for some of these species that I currently have set to flag at small numbers (but not one) to flag single individual sightings so they appear on the ebird map. Just let me know if you feel strongly one way or the other. In addition, let me know if you're puzzled as to why a certain species is flagged or a certain number of a species is flagged...I may realize I wasn't thinking when I setup the filter for that particular region, and I need to change it so please don't by shy. A couple months ago, I added several generic ID complexes and/or bird families to the regular lists that are often not identifiable to the species level on a quick view so you don't have to search for them each time you enter a list...such as Western/Clark's Grebe, accipter sp., hummingbird sp., swallow sp., empidonax sp., etc.. Theoretically this makes entering a list easier for the user (and reviewing for me), which hopefully increases the likelihood that you continue to spend the time to enter more lists into ebird. So again, let me know if you feel there's a something else that I currently don't have automatically appearing on the regular list that fits into this category. I also recently gained the ability to accept hotspot suggestions, merge hotspots, move hotspot points, rename hotspots, etc. so I would also like to encourage everyone that uses ebird to go through their personal locations and suggest hotspots, particularly if you feel like you and possibly even one or two more birders in Utah (or out of state birders for some of the places in and around the national parks of southern UT) will visit your location even once or twice a year. Also, let me know if you feel a hotspot location is marked in a location that's not representative of the true hotspot or if you feel the name could be refined, and I'll see what I can do. Now for hopefully some helpful suggestions and explanations of a few things when it comes to entering lists into ebird... Let's use Big Cottonwood Canyon as an example... When you're entering a list into ebird for your trip to Big Cottonwood Canyon and your list includes birds you observed at your house in Salt Lake, birds seen en route to the canyon, and then birds in the canyon, I strongly encourage you to submit a generic list under 'Salt Lake' County or if you're coming from another county then just enter the list under the state location 'Utah'. If you're willing to keep track of the birds you observe once you're in the canyon (but it's a list you keep for the whole time you spend in the canyon), please be sure to enter the list in the location, *Big Cottonwood Canyon* and not let's say *Big Cottonwood Canyon--Spruces Campground*. If you are more ambitious, I encourage you to look ahead of time, note the hotspots (or think of locations you think would be worthwhile suggesting as hotspots or just personal locations), and keep track of the birds you observe at these more specific locations. For example I'd use *Big Cottonwood Canyon* for my drive up the canyon (traveling count), *Big Cottonwood Canyon--Spruces Campground* as an area count, and *Big Cottonwood Canyon--Silver Lake to Lake Solitude Hike* as another traveling count, etc.. There is no right or wrong way of keeping track of lists, but I would like to encourage everyone to be aware of the appropriate times to enter lists into these more general and specific locations. Most of the time I've noticed these problems occur with out of state birders that are unfamiliar with our birding locations...which usually involves me having to email them asking them to change the location of their list, and if I don't get response, I end up invalidating the whole list (which sucks) as I can't be sure what birds were seen at the said location vs. another location on their trip. Many of these next heads up are ones that national ebird has stressed, but I'm going to repeat them as well... If you have even a remotely okay guestimate of the distance you traveled while birding or the size of the area you birded and the time it took, please take the time to fill out the traveling, stationary or area count information when you enter a list. This information is critical for national ebird to come up with bird densities and distribution in their modeling. In addition, if you kept track of a list from a location, and it's complete...in that you recorded all the birds you identified, please be sure to click *yes* on 'Are you submitting a complete checklist of the birds you saw/heard'. This is critical in their modeling as well. Also, if you notice that you have a personal location (blue point) and a hotspot (red point) exists for that same location, please take the time (I admittedly need to do this for several points) to merge your personal location to the hotspot. This adds your data in with everyone else's data for that location. Directions are found at the following link... http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/new-location-management-tools-launched For those still using birding software programs (Thayers, Birder's Diary, etc.), ebird has developed ways to take all your data from these programs and load them into ebird so please look into it if you're still using one of these programs. Once again, thank you to everyone that is using ebird! Let me know if you ever have a question, suggestion, comment, etc.. Thanks to everyone, we really are starting to collect a sizeable amount of data where anyone can go into the database and start to find out average arrival/departure dates, distribution of a species at any point in the year in the state, interannual variability, migration patterns, abundances at some of the more frequently birded locations such as Antelope Island, Provo Airport Dike, etc...the information collected and analysis that can be done is literally almost endless. Colby_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: NO SIGHTING - KILLER CAT IN MY YARD From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:01:47 -0600 Well last night I witnessed this cat being struck and killed by a car not far from home. Unfortunate demise. I gathered him up and brought him to my vet for disposal so that nothing else would get injured trying to scavenge his remains. On Tue, Jun 9, 2009 at 2:36 PM, Jeff Bilsky wrote: > I just witnessed a neighborhood cat hunt and kill a bird in my yard. He has > been hanging in my yard quite a bit lately but this is the first time I've > seen him make a kill before I had the chance to chase it away. No collar. No > ID. The bird it got I believe was a young starling so I'm not too terribly > upset but still this little predator needs to be stopped. Any ideas? > > -- > Jeff Bilsky > Salt Lake City > jbilsky AT gmail.com > www.endlesswilderness.com > twitter.com/Bilsky > > > > -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com www.endlesswilderness.com twitter.com/Bilsky_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: 6/18/09 - Silver Lake to Lake Solitude (Big Cottonwood Canyon) From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:57:56 -0600 Birded the hike from Silver Lake to Lake Solitude last night - not quite making it to Lake Solitude before turning back. A couple of seemingly interesting birds for that altitude. I saw a DOWNY WOODPECKER just West of Silver Lake and I heard a SWAINSON'S THRUSH singing near Silver Lake as well. I had a Swainson's last week at the Spruces so I suppose there are a few that go higher up. Comments welcome on how unusual those sightings are for that altitude. No Williamson's or 3 toed seen yet, but I'm sure they're around. I also located a MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE nest in a nest hole that was used by Red-naped Sapsuckers last year. Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon - Silver Lake to Lake Solitude Hike Observation date: 6/18/09 Number of species: 24 Mallard 1 Broad-tailed Hummingbird 2 Red-naped Sapsucker 1 (heard) Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2 Western Wood-Pewee 15 (heard everywhere) Warbling Vireo 2 Steller's Jay 1 Clark's Nutcracker 1 (heard) Violet-green Swallow 16 Mountain Chickadee 5 (1 pair near a nest hole) Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 (heard) Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10 Swainson's Thrush 1 (singing by Silver Lake) Hermit Thrush 22 American Robin 18 Yellow-rumped Warbler 9 MacGillivray's Warbler 1 Chipping Sparrow 2 Lincoln's Sparrow 3 White-crowned Sparrow 2 Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed) 8 Pine Siskin 3 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com www.endlesswilderness.com twitter.com/Bilsky_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk