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4 Feb Re: Bat flying around before dusk [Steve Mace ] 3 Feb Bat flying around before dusk [Deborah Beutler ] 4 Feb common goldeneye, yellow-rumped warbler and one not idetified [Wilma Jarrell ] 3 Feb peent [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 3 Feb Watters Smith State Park and Jackson Mills 4-H Center [Terry Bronson ] 3 Feb Jefferson county waterfowl [Matt ] 3 Feb Singing Horned Lark, Common Mergansers, Ring-billed Gull- Jefferson County [Carol Del-Colle ] 3 Feb More Common Goldeneyes, other neighborhood birds, Harpers Ferry [Deb Hale ] 3 Feb 2011 CBC's [Jane Whitaker ] 3 Feb morning walk [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 2 Feb American Woodcock [Mike Griffith ] 2 Feb wide variety of waterfowl/Winfield Locks [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 2 Feb Randolph County Crossbills ["Tallman, Robert E" ] 2 Feb Re: birds, recently [Bruni Haydl ] 2 Feb Cheat Lake RB Merganser; Core Arboretum update [Terry Bronson ] 2 Feb Re: birds, recently [Terry Bronson ] 2 Feb We are now within Bald Eagle safe dates! [Richard Bailey ] 2 Feb FOY Yellow-bellied Sapsucker- Yard/Summit Point [Carol Del-Colle ] 2 Feb birds, recently [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 2 Feb ruffed grouse [Wilma Jarrell ] 1 Feb RS nest [Bruni Haydl ] 1 Feb Winter finches defy prognosticators ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 1 Feb Turkey Vulture Roost/Cross Lanes [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 1 Feb Vulture Roost [] 1 Feb Randolph Countyr Mergansers ["Tallman, Robert E" ] 31 Jan Golden-crowned Kinglets [Willa Grafton ] 31 Jan Screech Owl [Rennie Talbert ] 31 Jan Northern Pintail - Claymont Court [Matt ] 31 Jan Pied-billed Grebe at Teter Creek Lake in Barbour County [Kyle Aldinger ] 31 Jan Showing off [Bruni Haydl ] 30 Jan Cheat Lake additions [Ryan Tomazin ] 30 Jan Barbour-Randolph-Tucker-Preston Counties loop; Canaan Valley Shrike--maybe [Terry Bronson ] 30 Jan American Pipits --- Harrison Co.; Waterfowl --- Cheat Lake [Derek Courtney ] 30 Jan 50+ Siskins (Tucker) [Casey Rucker ] 30 Jan open water has helped ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 30 Jan ducks and bald eagle [Wilma Jarrell ] 29 Jan Ross's Goose, Bonaparte's Gull, Red Crossbills and other FOY's [Matt ] 30 Jan Surf Scoter and American wigeons on Shenandoah River - Jefferson County [Bird Mom ] 29 Jan Brooke County - A Bufflehead [John Boback ] 29 Jan Preston notables - Black Vultures, ducks, Rusty Blackbird ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 29 Jan Moncove Lake, Monroe County [Sharyn Ogden ] 29 Jan Multiplying Meadowlarks, Harpers Ferry [Deb Hale ] 29 Jan Another huge Wild Turkey flock [Terry Bronson ] 28 Jan Ride [Herb & Sarah Myers ] 28 Jan Purple Finches and Robin [Ginnie ] 28 Jan Pleasant Creek WMA and Tygart Lake birds [Terry Bronson ] 28 Jan test message [Ginnie ] 28 Jan Pipits, waterfowl, and raptors in Hardy County ["David E. Carr" ] 27 Jan eagles near Winfield ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ] 28 Jan Country Club pond Report - Jefferson County [Bird Mom ] 28 Jan Shenandoah River and CC pond report - Jefferson County [Bird Mom ] 27 Jan Red-Tails pairing up [Bruni Haydl ] 26 Jan Record Wild Turkey flocks ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 26 Jan It's all happening at Murphy Farm, Harpers Ferry [Deb Hale ] 26 Jan Re: Record Wild Turkey flocks [Joan Carr ] 26 Jan Mercer County ponds [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 26 Jan Jeepers Creepers- 6 on one tree. [Carol Del-Colle ] 26 Jan Re: Record Wild Turkey flocks [Deborah Beutler ] 26 Jan Record Wild Turkey flocks [Terry Bronson ] 26 Jan Re: Northern Pintail [Matt Orsie ] 25 Jan Re: Northern Pintail [John Boback ] 25 Jan Northern Pintail [Willa Grafton ] 25 Jan Bonus temps and birds two days in a row [Bruni Haydl ] 24 Jan Re: Huge Wild Turkey flock in Preston County [Wendell Argabrite ] 24 Jan Re: Huge Wild Turkey flock in Preston County [John Boback ] 24 Jan Ross's goose [Kevin Cade ] 24 Jan Size of wild turkey flock [James Evans ] 24 Jan Huge Wild Turkey flock in Preston County [Terry Bronson ] 24 Jan waterfowl & such [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 24 Jan Golden Eagle/Bald Eagle [sharon kearns ] 24 Jan Ring-billed Gull, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead/ Mergansers- Shenandoah River [Carol Del-Colle ] 23 Jan Ross' Goose in Charleston [Doren Burrell ] 23 Jan location of atlas blocks and safe dates [Donna Mitchell ] 23 Jan Merlin, Northern Harrier, Tundra Swans, Merganser hat trick - Jefferson county [Matt ] 23 Jan Bald Eagles at Belmont WV [Beth Mankins ] 23 Jan Add barred owls to the atlas! [Richard Bailey ] Subject: Re: Bat flying around before dusk From: Steve Mace <sdmace AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 02:52:19 +0000 I saw one flying in McClintic WMA here in Mason County a couple of days ago. It was about the same time of day as your bat. I'm fearful we have White-nose Syndrome. Sent from Steve Mace On Feb 3, 2012, at 9:43 PM, Deborah BeutlerSubject: Bat flying around before dusk From: Deborah Beutler <Deborah.Beutler AT MAIL.WVU.EDU> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 21:43:15 -0500 I know this is a bird list server but I thought my observation might be of interest to nature lovers. During the last two evenings, I have observed a small bat flying around the Morris Creek Watershed area (on the border of Fayette and Kanawha counties). Two things struck me as odd about this observation: 1) it was flying around in February when most bats should be hibernating or farther south and 2) it was more than an hour before sunset. The bat this evening was flying over a freshwater pond; I assume it was looking insects. I watched it flying around at night. It was almost glowing with the sun shining on its golden brown fur. It seemed to be healthy. Has anyone else observed bat flying around in February in the bright light of the sun? The birding was rather dull with a few Northern Cardinals, several Carolina Chickadees, and distant calls of Pileated Woodpeckers and American Crow. Deb Deborah K. Beutler, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Biology Faculty Athletic Representative Biology Club Advisor Director of the Central and Southern West Virginia RSEF 2110 Orndorff Hall WVU Institute of Technology Montgomery, Fayette Co., West Virginia 25136 Office Phone: 304-442-3202 www.wvutech.eduSubject: common goldeneye, yellow-rumped warbler and one not idetified From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT HUGHES.NET> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 02:28:04 +0000   This afternoon I birded north of Hannibal Lock and Dam. One common goldeneye has joined the canvasback, bufflehead, and ruddyducks, with the usual mallards and Canada geese. One pied-billed grebe, belted kingfisher, three killdeer and ring-billed gulls. Saw the first of season yellow-rumped warblers today. Suprise of the day was a very unexpected bird I got a brief look at as we were walking up bike and walking trail. Saw movement in tree thought it was probably a junco. Got bins on it as the bird  turned to reveal a bright yellow breast and neck. As it looked below a limb once to show a white eye ring. Flew across trail into brushy area inside of fence. Could not relocate it. After we had dinner I returned to try to find it again with no luck. To brief of time to id this one for sure. Wilma Jarrell Wetzel Co. wjar AT hughes.netSubject: peent From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:02:28 -0500 We heard our first of the season woodcock this evening at 6:10. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: Watters Smith State Park and Jackson Mills 4-H Center From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:53:14 -0500 Deciding to do something different, I headed this morning to 2 areas I had never birded before. Watters Smith Memorial State Park is in far southern Harrison County between Clarksburg and Weston. I was really impressed with the mixture of habitats in this historical park, which includes the 1795 log cabin and outbuildings of pioneer Watters Smith and the more modern home of his descendants. It is mostly forested, but has some nice bottomland along a creek and several meadow/grassy areas. I can see that Louisiana Waterthrushes and Yellow-throated Warblers would love it. In fact, I nominated it as an eBird hotspot. The southern half is in WV Breeding Bird Atlas block West Milford-6, a priority block which has already been half-completed. The northern half is in West Milford-5, which has not been covered at all since it's not a priority block. I found a respectable 18 species in the dead of this abnormally mild winter. Mostly usual suspects, but the following were of note: Red-shouldered Hawk--2, near each other, both screaming periodically Yellow-bellied Sapsucker--1 female Also Flicker, Red-bellied, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers. Brown Creeper--1 Eastern Bluebird--3 Hermit Thrush--1 possible. Flushed in woods and flew off low to ground. Never got a good look at it, but size, habitat, and behavior seemed right. Field Sparrow--2 Dark-eyed Junco--4 Sparrow species--15, flushed from the weeds with the Juncos and Field Sparrows, but barely seen. Most likely Juncos. At midday, I visited the Jackson Mills State 4-H Conference Center just north of Weston in Lewis County. Fortunately, no activities were going on and I was able to wander around the entire grounds. The Center is in non-priority block Weston-1. Only 13 species there, all usual suspects, the most notable being: Red-tailed Hawk--1 Pileated Woodpecker--1 Northern Mockingbird--2 At both locations, Tufted Titmice were singing away like spring was here. One White-breasted Nuthatch and one Carolina Wren were also belting it out. I was able to add my first species of 2012 to the Breeding Bird Atlas--the coveted House Sparrow in Weston-1! -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Jefferson county waterfowl From: Matt <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:19:56 -0500 All,
The Shenandoah river has returned to a normal flow allowing the
dabblers more access points. An Eastern Phoebe was seen along Bloomery
road between the "S" turn and Moulton Park. Ring-billed and Herring
Gulls were near the Rt 9 bridge.
CC = Country Club road pond CL - Claymont creek
SR = Shenandoah River
Gadwall 121 CC
American Wigeon 2 CC
American Black Duck 3 (2 SR, 1 CL)
Mallard 15 (3 SR, 12 CL)
Northern Pintail 1 CL
Common Merganser 38 SR
Hooded Merganser 2 SR
Pied-billed Grebe 2 SR
Eastern Phoebe 1 SR
Ring-billed Gull 3 SR
Herring Gull 3 SR
Good Birding,
Matt Orsie
Summit Point
Subject: Singing Horned Lark, Common Mergansers, Ring-billed Gull- Jefferson CountyFrom: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:46:52 +0000 Greetings,    Yesterday a little before noon, I dropped by Candlewood Drive to check things out. All in all, it was very quiet except for a wonderful Horned Lark who was singing his heart out from the top of one of the wooden posts near the curb.  I sat in the car with the window down and just enjoyed his serenade. Eventually, he flew down into the grass and worked his way toward the field.  Through my binoculars, I got some very good looks at him singing. Sweet!     Next I took a ride by the Shenandoah on Rissler and Bloomery. Not too many species of waterfowl were present, although the Common Mergansers took the lead with 38 of them spread out up and down the river. The majority of them I saw from Rissler Road as they splashed and chased one another. More than half of the Mergansers on the river were males. On Rissler, I also found a group of 5 American Black Ducks. Only saw 3 Mallards.  On Bloomery a little ways down river from the dam, I found a Ring-billed Gull with a fish dangling from its beak. When I first saw it, the gull was in the water and seemed to be struggling with what to do with the fish. He finally flew,with fish still firmly in place, over to a rock, and began to try to get a better hold on his prey,so as to be better able to partake of his lunch . When I left, he seemed to be doing very well.    Some of the other usual suspects were seen and heard. The owl was not home.       Happy birding,              Carol Del-Colle           Summit Point            Jefferson CountySubject: More Common Goldeneyes, other neighborhood birds, Harpers Ferry From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 13:16:40 -0500 This morning I counted a whopping 35 COMMON GOLDENEYES on the Potomac at Harpers Ferry (in their same favorite spot near Lock 34). A COMMON RAVEN, being chased by two A. Crows, and an adult BALD EAGLE, flying across the river and settling on a branch near the old eagle's nest, were other highlights of my walk. A little later I encountered - finally - my first flock of about 15 CEDAR WAXWINGS this winter on the Bradford pear trees here in town, plus 10 FISH CROWS perched in a neighborhood tree, and 3 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS circling and making noise over the woods near Nash Farm (the same area where I saw a family of them in late spring). I was out of town for a few days, so nice to come back to this beautiful, magical setting of Harpers Ferry. Deb Hale Harpers Ferry/BolivarSubject: 2011 CBC's From: Jane Whitaker <jane.whitaker AT ME.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:40:11 -0500 Fellow birders; As you are probably aware the Audubon CBC portal is still not functional. I need the WV CBC's to write the report for the Brooks Bird Club REDSTART. I presently have the following CBC's: Canaan, Charleston/Kanawha, Hardy, McDowell, Mountaineer(Morgantown), Parkersburg, Pipestem, and Raleigh. If any of you have access to other completed counts would you please email them to me or pass this info on to your count compiler. Our publishing deadline is early March. Thanks for your help. Jane Whitaker, jane.whitaker AT me.comSubject: morning walk From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:37:32 -0500 On my morning walk on Pipestem State Park, I found the following: winter wren 15 robins 2 red-shouldered hawks 1 sharp-shinned hawk being chased by 2 dozen blue jays 3 pileated woodpeckers Song sparrows, bluebirds, cardinals, chickadees, titmice, Carolina wrens and white-breasted nuthatches were all in fine voice. Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: American Woodcock From: Mike Griffith <birdonawire47 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:59:56 -0500 American Woodcocks were displaying this evening at the entrance to Beech Fork State Park (Cabell Co.) and at the mouth of Butler Adkins Branch (Wayne Co.) - one at each location. Also, a Barred Owl was calling at the first location. This is the first definite Woodcock display I have observed this year. Mike Griffith HuntingtonSubject: wide variety of waterfowl/Winfield Locks From: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:06:56 -0800 Hi All, I birded at the Winfield Locks and Dam area today. What a nice variety of waterfowl! Most were on the 3rd pond. I wore brown, so I think I blended in, nothing flew while I was there. List of birds seen, sorry not numbers: Mallards Canada Geese Redheads Canvasbacks Green-winged Teal Common Goldeneye-only 1 Ring-necked Ducks Wigeon Gadwalls Coots Hooded Mergansers Cormorants Kingfisher Great Blue Heron Swamp Sparrow Red-tailed Hawk-2 Kim Kazmierski Hurricane, WVSubject: Randolph County Crossbills From: "Tallman, Robert E" <Robert.E.Tallman AT WV.GOV> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:08:44 -0500 This morning I spotted a nice flock of RW Crossbills along the Shavers Fork near the mouth of Beaver Creek. I counted 18 individuals, but I could hear several more chattering in the trees that I could not see. These are the first RW Crossbills I've seen on Cheat Mountain since 2010. Rob Tallman Huttonsville,WV Randolph CountySubject: Re: birds, recently From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:43:11 -0500 Both male and female Flickers are at the suet daily. They also like the homemade peanut suet I offer for a treat. Bruni Haydl Charles TownSubject: Cheat Lake RB Merganser; Core Arboretum update From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:39:57 -0500 This morning at the WVU Core Arboretum in Morgantown I found 21 species, almost all usual suspects, with the following being most notable: Canada Goose--36, constantly honking, a lot of chasing going on Pied-billed Grebe--2 Great Blue Heron--1 Belted Kingfisher--1 Eastern Bluebird--2 Yellow-rumped Warbler--1 Singing birds included Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Song Sparrow, and Eastern Bluebird. At Cheat Lake in late morning north of the I-68 bridge: Red-breasted Merganser--1 male sleeping north of the bridge Canvasback--11 Redhead--12 Common Goldeneye--5 Bufflehead--61 Mallard--25 Hooded Merganser--2 at Sunset Harbor Marina Scaup species--8, too distant to be sure South of I-68 bridge: Bufflehead--15 Ruddy Duck--5 Lesser Scaup--5 Mallard--41, could have been same flock seen earlier north of the bridge At Cheat Lake Park in early afternoon only the following were present: Canada Goose--1 Mallard--1 Hooded Merganser--2 Pied-billed Grebe--3 -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Re: birds, recently From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:20:01 -0500 I have a male Flicker that comes to our suet feeders regularly--at least a couple of times a day. Have not seen a female yet. On 2/2/12, Jim & Judy PhillipsSubject: We are now within Bald Eagle safe dates! From: Richard Bailey <rsbailey76 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:11:13 -0500 Hi folks, As of 2/1 we are now within bald eagle and English sparrow safe dates! These two species are probably in different places on your priority list, but it is important that we get as much data as we can on ALL species breeding in WV. Other species now able to be reported: Great-horned Owl, Barred Owl, Red Crossbill, Rock Pigeon. ** NEXT UP: common raven, carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, carolina wren, screech owl - all on 3/1 ** What Donna said last time bears repeating: Just a reminder that if you don't know what Breeding Bird Atlas block you are in, you can go to the following web site: http://martes.dnr.state.wv.us/BreedingBirdsAtlas/AbundanceSurvey/AbundSurv.aspx Scroll to the bottom and put in the "find" box any information you can remember from your location such as a town, cemetery, road name, school, etc. along with the county name and WV. It won't always find where you are but it's pretty good. Example: Barbour County High School, Barbour County, WV. It takes me right to the Belington 1 block. Also, there are 3 ways you can look up when birds are in their "safe dates". One lists the species phylogenetically, another lists the birds by the starting safe date which is the most useful early in the season, and the last by the ending safe date which will be more useful at the end of the breeding season. They can all be found under the Atlas Information tab at the following web site: http://martes.dnr.state.wv.us/BreedingBirdsAtlas/default.aspx However, I know that everyone is busy with all kinds of things, so at the very least a report via the listserv is valuable, particularly if you include good location information so that I can pull it up on a map. Any questions, feel free to give me a call or email Rich richard.s.bailey AT wv.gov 304-637-0245Subject: FOY Yellow-bellied Sapsucker- Yard/Summit Point From: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:58:06 +0000 Finally got my first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker of the year. It joined 3 other woodpecker species in the yard yesterday.   Happy birding,     Carol Del-Colle     ----- Forwarded Message ----- Yard-Summit Point , Jefferson County, Jefferson, US-WV Feb 1, 2012 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM Protocol: Stationary Comments:   The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was the first one I have seen for this year (2012). 18 species Mourning Dove  5 Red-bellied Woodpecker  2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1 Downy Woodpecker  2 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Carolina Chickadee  2 Tufted Titmouse  3 White-breasted Nuthatch  2 Brown Creeper  5 Carolina Wren  1 European Starling  1 Song Sparrow  1 White-throated Sparrow  7 Dark-eyed Junco  3 Northern Cardinal  4 House Finch  1 American Goldfinch  3 House Sparrow  5 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)Subject: birds, recently From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 08:37:01 -0500 I saw a couple dozen robins in Pipestem State Park yesterday. On Tuesday, I stopped by the Glenwood Sewage Lagoons in Mercer County(between Bluefield & Princeton) and saw 75 mallards, 15 black ducks, a common goldeneye and a male green-winged teal. Also, that day, I saw a sharp-shinned hawk catch a bird in our yard and carry it to a fence post dining area. We have been having a female pileated woodpecker on our suet lately. This is only the second winter I have had such a treat. In 40 years or so of feeding the birds, I have never seen a flicker at our suet. I wonder how many folks on the list-serv have had flickers on the feeder? The song sparrows and chickadees have been singing for a couple of weeks now in our neighborhood. Yesterday, I heard my first of the season full song from a cardinal. Happy Groundhog Day! Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: ruffed grouse From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT HUGHES.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 02:33:53 +0000 Watched 2 red-tailed hawks flying together then land in different trees in same area this afternoon. Walking back through a neighbors woods I flushed 3 ruffed grouse. A treat seeing this group. Wilma Jarrell Wetzel Co. wjar AT hughes.netSubject: RS nest From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:50:19 -0500 I've been seeing these hawks almost daily and this morning while dogwalking I saw one of them fly over me with something in its talons, land on the nest just briefly and then continue on to my yard. Hmm! Made me wonder if the female was in the nest and he was delivering breakfast. Will definitely keep an eye on the nest. Walking to the river late afternoon I scanned the water and the far shore for activity. Turned out an adult eagle and Kingfisher were in a sycamore on "my" side of the river. They both took off as I got close to shore. That'll teach me to not overlook what is right in front of my nose. Bruni Haydl Charles TownSubject: Winter finches defy prognosticators From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:08:55 GMT Posted on annother listserv. Newspaper article about the predictions in the Winter Finch Forecast being wrong this year. Wonder why? See: http://bit.ly/ymA8Rv ____________________________________________________________ 60-Year-Old Mom Looks 27 Mom Reveals Free Wrinkle Trick That Has Angered Doctors! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4f29aa379d2f4643555st03vucSubject: Turkey Vulture Roost/Cross Lanes From: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:41:27 -0800 Howdy Birders, Thought I would chime in on the Vulture Roost, too.. Since before Christmas, there have been 200+ -300 Turkey Vultures flying in to roost on Koontz Drive in Cross Lanes. My Mom and Dad live on a road off of Koontz, so that is why I've been able to see them. I haven't checked super close, but I made out one Black Vulture. I'll try to check closer the next time I'm over during the evening hours. Kim Kazmierski Hurricane, WVSubject: Vulture Roost From: trfox AT WIREFIRE.COM Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:17:08 -0500 Watched approximately 75 vultures go to roost in downtown Grantsville, Calhoun County last evening. The count included three Black Vultures. Tom Fox Millstone, WVSubject: Randolph Countyr Mergansers From: "Tallman, Robert E" <Robert.E.Tallman AT WV.GOV> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:01:40 -0500 While floating and squirrel hunting the Tygart Valley River between Valley Bend and Dailey (Randolph County) yesterday I observed 2 Hooded Mergansers and at least 12 Common Mergansers. Also several raptors including: Northern Harrier, RSHA, SSHA, RTHA and AMKE. Also a large flock of Black Vultures. Rob Tallman Huttonsille,WV Randolph CountySubject: Golden-crowned Kinglets From: Willa Grafton <wgrafton1 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:24:43 -0500 Three GC kinglets on the tree farm this evening. I know others have been posting them, but I always get excited when I see them this time of year. Love them. Nothing else real exciting. Saw 19 mallards on the lake (Salt Lick #4). Not one other bird. I've been seeing the kingfisher, but didn't show up this evening. Willa Grafton Heaters,WV Sent from my iPhoneSubject: Screech Owl From: Rennie Talbert <renniett AT FRONTIER.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:21:22 -0500 I was walking my dog at Barboursville Park this evening when I decided to check on the screech owl denning over there. The previous couple of times I've been over there he was gone. Today he was sleeping away in his den. He was the only bird of note. Rennie Talbert Huntington, WVSubject: Northern Pintail - Claymont Court From: Matt <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:12:46 -0500 All,
It was a nice finish to the month seeing a FOY drake Northern
Pintail in the creek that runs by Claymont Court off of Huyett road. The
current house at Claymont was built in 1840 by Bushrod
Washington
Subject: Pied-billed Grebe at Teter Creek Lake in Barbour CountyFrom: Kyle Aldinger <kaldinge AT MIX.WVU.EDU> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:54:42 -0500 Hey all, Terry's post with the Pied-billed Grebes at Teter Creek Lake reminded my that I saw the same species at the same location on 29 May 2008. The reason I bring this up is that this is a species of statewide conservation concern and rarity for the atlas. Unfortunately, my observation could not be submitted because the atlas had not started yet, but it may be a place to check this summer (safe dates for Pied-billed Grebes 15 May - 15 July)! They are common during the winter, but so far only 5 blocks have Pied-billed Grebes reported for the atlas!! Kyle Aldinger Morgantown, WVSubject: Showing off From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:32:38 -0500 While chatting with a neighbor who had stopped by this morning I noticed the male Pileated on the suet cake. People can't help but be impressed by these giants. As I'm explaining the markings of the male, the female flies in and starts feeding on the other suet cake. I was thrilled. This is the first time I've seen her since last spring when they both frequented the feeder. A few minutes later I noticed the RS hawk sitting in the same walnut tree, right off the patio. Another chance to show off. ):-) I always appreciate these opportunities to possibly increase someone's interest in birds. Seeing these magnificent birds up close without the need for binoculars just never gets old. Bruni Haydl Jefferson CoSubject: Cheat Lake additions From: Ryan Tomazin <wvwarblers AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:49:21 -0500 Hello All, LeJay Graffious brought me to bird around Cheat Lake, but the only place we had anything was near the bridge and down the road: Hooded Merganser - 2M, 2F Common Goldeneye - 8 Bufflehead - at least 25-35 Redhead - 10 or so Lesser Scaup - 10-15 Pied-billed Grebe - 1 Ruddy Duck - 14 past bridge, 22 down the dead end road at a private marina Canvasback - 2M, 2F Ryan Tomazin | Bridgeville, PASubject: Barbour-Randolph-Tucker-Preston Counties loop; Canaan Valley Shrike--maybe From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:03:04 -0500 I had a Breeding Bird Atlas meeting in Elkins today, so I birded a bit on the way down and some on the way back. Highlights: Barbour County: Route 92 between Claude and Cove Run Roads: American Crow--300. I understand this is a resident flock. Teter Creek Lake Wildlife Management Area--lake 95% unfrozen: Pied-billed Grebe--3 Tygart Valley River in Belington: Domestic Greylag Goose--20. 11 were the usual grey plumage, 9 were white or mostly white. Domestic Swan Goose--4 Canada Goose--1 Mallard--5 All these birds were together just north of the bridge downtown. Tucker County: Timberline Road, Canaan Valley: Red-bellied Woodpecker--1 American Tree Sparrow--4 Cortland Road, Canaan Valley: Red-tailed Hawk--1 immature along South Cortland Road Black-capped Chickadee--4 Blue Jay--2 European Starling--132 Northern Shrike--maybe. I saw a bird fly to the top of a conifer tree between Sagebrush Lane and Coffman Lane Road, at the low spot where there are a few cattails. A very quick 1-handed binocular look revealed what looked like a grayish bird with blackish wings. The bird flew off almost immediately, though, into more conifers, and by the time I could park and get out, I couldn't find it. I did, however, find a Blue Jay where I thought the bird flew, so perhaps that was what I saw. Route 32 north of Canaan Loop Road at Canaan Heights: Common Raven--4 Black Vulture--1 Preston County: Cheat River south of Rowlesburg along Route 72: Common Merganser--4. There was a little half-hearted displaying going on by the 3 males. -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: American Pipits --- Harrison Co.; Waterfowl --- Cheat Lake From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:32:14 -0500 Hi all,
Did a small bit of birding today. Waterfowl numbers were low at Cheat
Lake and diversity dwindling. I didn't check Cheat Lake park as LeJay
already had that area covered. I had a small flock of about 20 American
Pipits and 1 Killdeer across from United Hospital Center in Harrison County
this afternoon as a driveby. Could have been more but I didn't see anything
else that struck me as different species-wise. Numbers are mostly estimates
as I didn't spend much time counting. Best to you all.
Cheat Lake --- Marinas
Mallard 40
Ruddy Duck 25
Bufflehead 5
Cheat Lake --- I-68 Bridge
Mallard 20
Lesser Scaup 2
Canvasback 3
Redhead 4
Common Goldeneye 5
Bufflehead 25
Cheat Lake --- Sunset Harbor
Mallard 10
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Good birding,
Derek
Subject: 50+ Siskins (Tucker)From: Casey Rucker <autoblock AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:01:55 -0500 Hi, all, The Pine Siskin population at my feeders has risen above 50 in the last few days. House Finches, Purple Finches and American Goldfinches show up in much smaller numbers, and the Carolina Wren is still hanging in there. The last Northern Shrike sighting I know of is last Tuesday (1/24), on the fence line on Coffmans/Old Timberline Road. Good birding, Casey Rucker Dry Fork, WVSubject: open water has helped From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:25:56 GMT This time last year, I don't think I had seen more than 30, or 35 species of birds in Preston Couny. That was partially due to winter starting with a vengence on Dec. 1 and not letting up until sometime in March. As of now, I've seen 62 species in Preston County. That's due in part to the mild winter we've been having, which has resulted in some open water, plus, some lingerers I normally don't see in Preston County in January, such as Towhee, Gray Catbird and Chipping Sparrow. Except for one trip to the Cranesville area, all of my Preston County birding has been done around Kingwood and in the Reedsville/Masontown area (UDC), Even if February turns ugly and I don't see any new species, I'm still ahead of the game compared to the last two winters. Gary Felton - Kingwood ____________________________________________________________ 57 Year Old Looks 27 Local Woman Reveals Wrinkle Secret That Has Doctors Angry. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4f26d30b7ea9557145cst03vucSubject: ducks and bald eagle From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT HUGHES.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:53:48 +0000 Â Â Â Â Â Â Checked the river at Proctor and above the dam in New Martinsville
this afternoon. Observed a male northern pintail, a red-tailed hawk, 2
great-blue heron and 3 pied-billed grebe at Proctor.
     Above dam a pair of canvasback, 2 ring-necked duck, 1 bufflehead, 16
ruddyduck, a juvenile bald eagle, and 23 ring-billed gulls.   Â
At home saw a golden-crowned kinglet. First of year and number 51 for Wetzel
County.
Saw a black vulture, sharp-shinned hawk, and red-shouldered hawk in Upshur
County that I have not seen in Wetzel County this month.
                                                               Â
Wilma Jarrell
Wetzel Co.
wjar AT hughes.net
Subject: Ross's Goose, Bonaparte's Gull, Red Crossbills and other FOY'sFrom: Matt <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:15:30 -0500 All,
I can echo John Boback's lament of no waterfowl! I spent the last
few days birding a couple of hours here and a couple of hours there with
Wendell Argabrite and Mike Griffith on the West Virginia west coast. No
waterfowl to say the least (combination of weather this winter, river is
very high, and frequent hunters in the backwater areas). Definitely the
most dismal waterfowl numbers I've ever seen on the Ohio river during
this time of year. Having said that all things are relative and 14
species of duck were seen on the trip.
I came back home today through Cranberry Glades. Just a dusting of snow
on the ground. I even drove the Scenic Hwy (Rt 150) from the south end
to Williams River. Above 4,000 ft the road was crunchy with some icy
spots but was drivable. Only an inch of snow at Black Mtn (4,500+ ft).
The number of Red Crossbills seen near the visitor's center was
outstanding. I counted 34 which is a personal high count in WV. Also
present were Red-breasted Nuthatches (4) and Pine Siskins (7).
I also stopped at the Belle Babb road reservoir and the 2 Martin road
ponds (off of Balle Babb) in Grant county. Saw 10 species of duck in
these three water areas and they are all within one air mile of each other.
Ducks seen in these three areas:
American Black Duck 45
Mallard 14
Green-winged Teal 4
Canvasback 2
Redhead 2
Ring-necked Duck 1
Bufflehead 1
Common Goldeneye 1
Hooded Merganser 2
Ruddy Duck 1
New FOY's for the year:
Ross's Goose - Coonskin Park, Charleston
Double-crested Cormorant - many
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2)
Peregrine Falcon - Pt Pleasant bridge going into Ohio
Bonaparte's Gull - Huntington - Harris Riverside Park
Red-breasted Nuthatch (4)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - Beach Fork SP
Cedar Waxwing - Fish Hatchery - RCB Locks
Eastern Towhee (2) - Greenbottom WMA
Savannah Sparrow - Fish Hatchery - RCB Locks
Fox Sparrow (4) - Greenbottom WMA
Red Crossbill (34)
Where are all the Common Grackles and Purple Finches?
Good Birding,
Summit Point
Subject: Surf Scoter and American wigeons on Shenandoah River - Jefferson CountyFrom: Bird Mom <pep4223 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:56:56 +0000 A late afternoon drive at 4:30 PM on Bloomery Road was fairly quiet except for a lone Surf scoter ( that was being spied on by Barry Marts when I arrived) located near the Zimmerman's property.  I found a pair of American wigeon n ear the Route 9 bridge as seen from  John Rissler Road at 5:00 PM. And I also heard a starling that was imitating a red-tailed hawk perfectly . The Canada geese (300ish) were unsettled at Country Club ponds at 5:30 PM. Small flocks would fly in, and then others would leave in a fuss. There were about 45 Gadwall and 28 Mallards also present. BIRDMOM Jefferson County, WVSubject: Brooke County - A Bufflehead From: John Boback <morlitte AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:01:11 -0500 Hi All: Today I birded the Ohio River in Brooke County along the rail trail south of Wellsburg. I checked about three miles of the river on foot and came up with: Bufflehead (1) female type Ring-billed Gull (3) At least it was one more duck than I had on the river last weekend. John Boback Washington County, PASubject: Preston notables - Black Vultures, ducks, Rusty Blackbird From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:15:41 GMT UDC this morning; Pied-billed Grebe Northern Pintail Black Duck - few Mallard - several Green-winged Teal - pair Hooded Merganser - several Black Vulture - 7 Turkey Vulture - few American Kestrel Northern Mockkingbird Rusty Blackbird American Tree Sparrow Other common resident birds not listed Gary Felton - Kingwood ____________________________________________________________ 53 Year Old Mom Looks 33 The Stunning Results of Her Wrinkle Trick Has Botox Doctors Worried http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4f25a934d258684894ast02vucSubject: Moncove Lake, Monroe County From: Sharyn Ogden <aussiebwat AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:20:07 -0500 Have been travelling up to Moncove lake over the last few weekends. Below are sightings from these visits American coots have increased from 250 to 600 plus yesterday mallards, 2 pair hooded mergansers 1 pair Juvenile goshawk 1 Red Shouldered Hawk 1 3rd year Bald Eagle 1 4th year Bald Eagle 1 Mature Bald Eagles 2 various titmice Ring Neck Ducks 40 plus Redheaded Ducks 3 pair Canada Geese 20 and a partridge in a pear tree (okay, so no partridge but it just ended the list nicely) Sharyn Ogden Blacksburg VA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Deb Hale"Subject: Multiplying Meadowlarks, Harpers Ferry From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:11:37 -0500 We counted 21 E. MEADOWLARKS flying over the fields of Murphy Farm this morning (& there may have been more taking turns resting in the grass). They are really starting to sing again, too. Also, my band of N. FLICKERS graced the trees & fields: we estimated 14 of them. 4 Common RAVENS were seen & heard. And one immature BALD EAGLE sat perched along the river's edge. We left the park before 10 AM; the birds were only starting to warm up. Full list follows. Deb Hale *Harpers Ferry/Bolivar* Murphy Farm, Jefferson, US-WV Jan 29, 2012 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: clear skies, chilly but mild, no wind 17 species Canada Goose 2 flying over Turkey Vulture 2 Bald Eagle 1 immature; perched on tree down along Shenandoah River Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 14 educated guess; saw 6 earlier in the walk flying from trees, about 14 later on flying from grass - figured they were all part of the same band Pileated Woodpecker 1 American Crow 8 Common Raven 4 Tufted Titmouse 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Carolina Wren 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 14 Dark-eyed Junco 14 Eastern Meadowlark 21 we counted them as they flew up into the air; could be more - This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)Subject: Another huge Wild Turkey flock From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:25:28 -0500 I received another reply a couple of days ago to my query on large turkey flocks. Jim Phillips saw 200 at the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area in the 1980s. Again, note that this was over 20 years ago and that recent sightings have been much smaller. I believe Gary Felton's reply of 120 in Preston County did go directly to this list serv. A few other folks replied with flocks in the 50-bird range. -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Ride From: Herb & Sarah Myers <hesemyers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:20:01 -0500 We took a ride late afternoon through snow squalls to Whitmer and over the mountain to Job looking for Golden Eagles where we saw them last year. We did not see any, but we did not strike out on raptors. Below Whitmer along the Dry Fork, we saw a mature Bald Eagle and a female American Kestrel. It was nice to see the latter since I haven't seen any around here this winter. Herb Myers, Harman, Randolph CountySubject: Purple Finches and Robin From: Ginnie <cronen AT ZOOMINTERNET.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:20:41 -0500 This is still a test run for me. So it will have some content, I will mention that the first Purple finches arrived at our feeders on Jan. 18. the next day the first Robin of the year was in the side yard and yesterday, Jan. 27 I heard a Kingfisher along the creek across the road for the first time this winter. I have intended to learn for a long time how to make entries. Then Matt Orsie mentioned a couple years ago that they almost never receive reports for the area between Parkersburg and Clarksburg, so I said I’d send some. Also need to send some so others know where I am working on BBA II. I have done a BBS run in southern Ritchie County for several years and Tom Fox before me, I’m well acquainted with neighbors and the area, so have quite a lot to send in if I can learn to do that. (Right now I have a couple of computer people with me to see if they can help me.) Ginnie Cronenberger Petroleum Ritchie CountySubject: Pleasant Creek WMA and Tygart Lake birds From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:19:40 -0500 Despite several hunters running their dogs, I was able to find a few nice birds this morning at Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area in Barbour County. West of Routes 119/250: Red-shouldered Hawk--2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker--1 Eastern Bluebird--3 Yellow-rumped Warbler--4 Eastern Towhee--1 American Tree Sparrow--1 Swamp Sparrow--1 11 other common species East of Routes 119/250 in area between that road and the railroad trestle: Red-shouldered Hawk--1 heard Hairy Woodpecker--2 Eastern Bluebird--1 American Robin--3 Yellow-rumped Warbler--8 8 other common species Other area locations: Tygart Lake, south end: Mallard--6 American Black Duck--4 Ring-necked Duck--3 Common Merganser--1 Bailey Road: Common Raven--1 Yellow-rumped Warbler--2 -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: test message From: Ginnie <cronen AT ZOOMINTERNET.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:28:59 -0500 This is a test message to check access to the dist list. Ginnie Cronenberger, Ritchie CountySubject: Pipits, waterfowl, and raptors in Hardy County From: "David E. Carr" <dec5z AT CMS.MAIL.VIRGINIA.EDU> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:47:49 -0500 This morning I had a flock of about 60 American Pipits in the fields at the top of Big Ridge Rd. in Hardy County, WV. Kimsey Run Lake hosted single Ring-necked and Ruddy Duck hens. Surprisingly there were no eagles at the lake, but I did see a female American Kestrel and a fly-over male Northern Harrier. Parker Hollow Lake hosted a single immature Bald Eagle, and I saw an adult Bald Eagle in a tree at the edge of the Lost River north of Baker. David Carr Arkansaw, WV Hardy CountySubject: eagles near Winfield From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:23:36 -0500 A pair of adult Bald Eagles was noted today, 3 pm, at the Hometown
backwater, on the north side of the Kanawha River in the Winfield area.
~Cindy Ellis,
Putnam County
--
Cynthia D. Ellis
RR 1 Box 163
Red House, WV 25168
304 586-4135
304 206-0083
cdellis AT wildblue.net
Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.
~W.C. Fields
Subject: Country Club pond Report - Jefferson CountyFrom: Bird Mom <pep4223 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:15:45 +0000 I forgot to include today's late afternoon Country Club pond report in my last posting. 75 Gadwall 65 Canada geese 6 Mallards BIRDMOM Jefferson County, WVSubject: Shenandoah River and CC pond report - Jefferson County From: Bird Mom <pep4223 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:02:47 +0000 Late this afternoon, a drive of Bloomery Road along the Shenandoah River yielded 1 P ied-billed grebe between the S-turn and Moulton Park and a raft of 14 Bufflehead (3 males and 11 females) at River Riders property. There were also 11 Common mergansers (5 males and 6 females) at BTI Whitewater property and a nice looking Red-shouldered hawk near the Route 9 bridge . On John Rissler Road, I found 37 Common mergansers (18 males and 19 females) on the river near the church driveway. The Barred owl was not seen , but is hopefully somewhere inside the nest cavity. Wishful thinking. Hope it finds a valentine.  I also saw a flock of about 20 Cedar waxwings in Shepherdstown this morning. BIRDMOM Jefferson County, WVSubject: Red-Tails pairing up From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:16:12 -0500 Two days ago a neighbor stopped by. As we were looking at the bird activity around the patio, I spotted movement in the woods beyond. Turned out to be a Red-tailed hawk, beautifully displaying its tail as it flew up into the tree. It was followed by its mate, the afternoon sun highlighting its tail as well. The next day I saw another pair of RTHWs in the unbuilt section of Eastland, off Old Cave Rd. Coming back from our walk this morning I found the resident RSHW pair, sitting side by side on a walnut tree limb in my yard. After all the postings about large flocks of turkeys it was amusing to see the outline of one lone turkey hen on the horizon of the high field off Marlow Rd. There were no doubt others where I couldn't see them. Bruni Haydl Charles TownSubject: Record Wild Turkey flocks From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:08:51 GMT My two highest totals have been app. 120 and 88, both in Preston County. Gary Felton ---------- Original Message ---------- From: Deborah BeutlerSubject: It's all happening at Murphy Farm, Harpers Ferry From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:29:52 -0500 Not really. But this morning was rather more exciting than usual. First,
the dogs scared up 7 Eastern Meadowlarks from the field (I'd only been
seeing 3 or 4 there), which joined up with 7 more in the air. These flew
around together for a little while then split up again into their original
two bands and flew off.
Then we spotted two adult Bald Eagles perched in one tree branch along the
Shenandoah. A little further north along the river another adult sat by
himself.
My husband bellowed for me ("Come, Deb, come!!"), his impatience wearing
thin as per the usual I lagged behind checking out the birds; I finally
heeded his call - he'd wanted me to see the gulls swarming above. They were
still there: about 45 Ring-billeds swarming for 5 minutes or so above the
field.
No other surprises other than 6 Blue Jays and 1 Common Raven and a YB
Sapsucker in the woods. Full list follows.
Deb Hale
Harpers Ferry/Bolivar
Murphy Farm, Jefferson, US-WV
Jan 26, 2012 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: two dogs and two people bellowing at the dogs stirs up the
birds. Cool morning, no wind, grey skies, threat of rain
21 species
Canada Goose 6
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 5
Black Vulture 4
Turkey Vulture 1
Bald Eagle 3 all adults perched on two trees down along Shenandoah
River
Ring-billed Gull 45
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 10
Common Raven 1 heard coming from KOA Kamp area
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 8
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Eastern Bluebird 4
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 24
Dark-eyed Junco 25
Eastern Meadowlark 14 saw 7 initially fly from the grass; another
group of 7 joined them in the air; then they split up again into the two
bands and flew off
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Subject: Re: Record Wild Turkey flocksFrom: Joan Carr <joan-of-art AT SUDDENLINK.NET> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:24:10 -0500 Hi All. My husband and I own 60+ acres of mountainsides and hollows across the Tug River from Williamson, WV, Mingo County. The wild turkeys here dig up "squirrel corn" which is related to "Dutchman's britches". However, the "squirrel corn" has small corms underground which look like grains of corn and the turkeys love it. When we go up in the woods in the winter, we can see where the turkeys have torn up the ground litter digging for the corms. Cheers, Joan "Of art and Nature" Carr South Williamson, KY They were looking for food in the litter on a mountainside, not a planted field.Subject: Mercer County ponds From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:20:52 -0500 I checked the ponds and lakes around Mercer County yesterday. Most of them had Canada geese and mallards. The sewage lagoons at Glenwood also had a female common goldeneye, a drake American wigeon and several American black ducks. Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: Jeepers Creepers- 6 on one tree. From: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:41:50 +0000 Greetings,   I just looked out at the side maple tree which has a suet block on it, and it was "alive" with Brown Creepers. There were 6 on it at the same time! The day before yesterday, a Feederwatch day, I had 5 again for the second time. Today's count of 6 was totally unexpected, but a wonderful sight to behold. I think the little guys are hanging out in the wooded areas on our property, and then come in together from time to time to partake of the suet and check out the two maples near the house. They are more than welcome, and quite a sight.    Happy birding,      Carol Del-Colle      Summit Point       Jefferson County ÂSubject: Re: Record Wild Turkey flocks From: Deborah Beutler <Deborah.Beutler AT MAIL.WVU.EDU> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:26:16 -0500 Yesterday, I had the largest flock I've ever seen in West Virginia with 27 birds. They were looking for food in the litter on a mountainside, not a planted field. It was in the Morris Creek Watershed, on the Kanawha and Fayette County border, about 5 miles west of Montgomery. Deb Deborah K. Beutler, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Biology Faculty Athletic Representative Biology Club Advisor Director of the Central and Southern West Virginia RSEF 2110 Orndorff Hall WVU Institute of Technology Montgomery, Fayette Co., West Virginia 25136 Office Phone: 304-442-3202 www.wvutech.edu >>> Terry BronsonSubject: Record Wild Turkey flocks From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:39:28 -0500 I received 2 responses to my query the other day about the largest Wild Turkey flocks ever recorded in WV. The absolute record appears to be in Roane County near Spencer, where Bob Summers and Margaret Straley noted 220 birds in a neighbor's cornfield about 15 years ago. That must have been truly awesome, with the field looking like a moving carpet of big black birds. The neighbor deliberately left corn for the turkeys. The neighbor died and the new owners no longer plant corn, so they have seldom seen over 90 birds in the area since. I also heard from James Evans, who once had well over 100 birds caught under a net during a Turkey transplantation project in Barbour County. He has also seen flocks of over 100 birds at several other locations. Both noted that Turkey flocks no longer seem to be as large as they used to be. I'd guess that hunting may have something to do with that, but the natural ebb and flow of bird survival due to natural predation, severe winters, and habitat loss must also surely play a part. -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Re: Northern Pintail From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:03:51 +0000 Willa, From my perspective it is an uncommon duck in Dec and Jan in WV but is usually somewhere in the state during that time. I've seen Northern Pintails every winter between Dec 15th and Jan 15th for the last 7 years (except this winter). Weather plays a big part on what and how many waterfowl you see during this time frame. Some Northern Pintail migrants winter in the Chesapeake Bay and along the east coast. The mid-winter birds we see may come into our region and find the habitat good with open water so they stick around. In the case of your bird, it's now late January and that's when they begin their push back north with the heaviest movement being in February. Status, population and distribution are always in flux with birds. Matt Orsie Summit Point ----- Original Message ----- From: "Willa Grafton"Subject: Re: Northern Pintail From: John Boback <morlitte AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:21:50 -0500 I looked through my birding records and found that I've seen Northern Pintails in January in Brooke, Monongalia, and Marion counties. As far as the northern part of the state is concerned, I consider it an uncommon migrant and only see them a few times a year. I can't speak for it's status in the EP or more southerly portions of WV. John Boback Washington County, PASubject: Northern Pintail From: Willa Grafton <wgrafton1 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:54:50 -0500 I checked out the lake, Salt Lick Dam # 4, on our property here in Heaters, this evening. Three mallards, a kingfisher and one Northern Pintail. According to George Hall's, WV Birds, the late date for this pintail is Dec. and the earliest is late Feb. Has anyone seen a Northern pintail recently? I never post unless I see something that I feel is out of the ordinary habit of a bird or maybe when I see something new in my area. Just curious about this guy??? Happy Birding! Willa Grafton Sent from my iPhoneSubject: Bonus temps and birds two days in a row From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:12:25 -0500 Yesterday morning on my dogwalk I saw the flock of Cedar Waxwings (between 35-40) in the subdivision next door dining on cedar berries and Bradford pear fruit. A mocker trying to throw his weight around was being ignored by all. Approaching my house I was just wondering where the RSHW was when I looked over the roof and saw it sitting in a walnut tree in the back yard. This morning the Cedar Waxwings were there again, foraging among four pear trees. It is so cool to be able to walk by them at close range and not spook them into flight. The family of five bluebirds were also in their favorite spot. By the time I got to my driveway the pair of RSHWs were waiting for me in the yard. Bruni Haydl Charles Town, WVSubject: Re: Huge Wild Turkey flock in Preston County From: Wendell Argabrite <wargabrite AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:05:43 -0500 Many years ago I found a group of about 20 to 25 Ruffed Grouse in a small pine grove. There had been a very heavy snow and I think they had gathered in the thick Pines because the ground was almost bear and they could feed. Except for family groups I have never seen more than 2 or 3 Rough Grouse together before or since.. Wendell Argabrite 111 Jefferson Park Dive Huntington, WV 25705 304-736-5747 wargabrite AT aol.com -----Original Message----- From: John BobackSubject: Re: Huge Wild Turkey flock in Preston County From: John Boback <morlitte AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:53:48 -0500 I once had a flock of over 100 Ruffed Grouse in Barbour County in 1984. I am still in utter disbelief, but I know what I saw. I watched them for perhaps ten minutes. These days I am happy to see one grouse. John Boback Washington County, PASubject: Ross's goose From: Kevin Cade <dmgraphics AT DAILYMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:03:28 -0500 Ross's goose was on the pond around noon today (Jan. 24) at Coonskin Park in Charleston. Kevin Cade Putnam CountySubject: Size of wild turkey flock From: James Evans <wildlife99 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:03:17 -0500 I have seen several flocks of over 100 birds in WV. Once had a flock of well over 100 birds under a cannon net when trapping and transplanting. They flew up and actually picked the net up and I only caught about 20. This was in Barbour County. Large flocks are becoming much less common in the northern part of WV.Subject: Huge Wild Turkey flock in Preston County From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:48:01 -0500 This morning I encountered the largest Wild Turkey flock I've ever seen along the Decker's Creek Rail Trail in Preston County between Kingwood Pike and Burke Road. My exact count was 90 birds, though it's possible I could have missed a couple that were obscured by birds in front of them. They were moving from one grove of trees (looked like Oaks due to leaves still on trees) across a field and under the bottom wire or board of a fence to another grove of trees. The last bird in line, obviously suffering from fear of fences, balked at the fence, stepped back a few steps, circled around a couple of times, then flew over the fence. I'm wondering if this could be a record high for this species. Has anyone encountered a flock this large in the state? The highest total reported to eBird is 56 birds by Randy Bodkins at Hog Hollow near Stonewall Jackson Lake on 3/3/05. (Interestingly, I also reported the record-high eBird Wild Turkey flock for NH when I lived there--78 birds back in August 2008.) Other than the Turkeys, birds were few and far between this morning. Just a few others of note: Canada Goose--About 50 in a field along Zinn Chapel Road visible from the rail trail, a few flyovers elsewhere Gadwall--2 at the WVU Reedsville Farm pond Hooded Merganser--ditto Turkey Vulture--10, plus 4 at a roadkill Raccoon along Hornbeck Road on my way home Red-shouldered Hawk--1 heard north of McKinney Cave Road Red-tailed Hawk--1 near the Red-shoulder, another at the WVU Reedsville Farm Common Raven--2 flying over near the Turkeys Eastern Bluebird--5 near the Turkeys, 3 between Burke Road and McKinney Cave Road American Tree Sparrow--3 next to the small water treatment plant -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: waterfowl & such From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:08:12 -0500 After the big fallout of waterfowl on Cheat Lake,we decided to check the water in our area over the weekend. We visited Mt. Valley Lake at Jumping Branch and then drove along New River from the mouth of the Bluestone River to Sandstone Falls. The only recent arrivals were a lesser scaup and 4 common goldeneyes. The streams were pretty full after the rains. Here's what we had: Cooper's hawk red-tailed hawk red-shouldered hawk bald eagles 5 great blue herons belted kingfishers common mergansers ring-necked ducks mallards Canada geese buffleheads hooded mergansers lesser scaup common goldeneyes ring-billed gulls Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: Golden Eagle/Bald Eagle From: sharon kearns <skwalks AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:50:52 -0500 On 1/23 a beautiful adult Golden Eagle landed on the Eagle Tree and stayed for about 12 minutes. What a thrill to see this magnificent bird. I reported it yesterday but msg got returned so here goes again with the correct ( I hope ) address. The bird landed at 3:31 pm after the rains left. It stayed awhile looking around the area. The particular tree it landed on was a tree that Bald Eagles and Ospreys have used before and in fact this morning, Jan 24th, I had an adult Bald Eagle land and stay for about an hour. If this tree ever goes, I am going to put out a call for help to erect a replacement platform, as many large raptors use the tree for preening and viewing. : 0) Also on 1/23 in the late pm I had a pair of Kestrels, one Young Red-tailed Hawk, 3 AM Crow, 10 Tree Sparrows, 2 Mallards, 2 Ravens, 7 Starlings. When I went over towards the eagle tree I found a well-picked deer carcass nearby, possibly the reason for the impressive birds. Also today 1/24/2012, in addition to the Bald Eagle , the pair of Kestrels were back, as was the young Red-tailed Hawk, 74 Am Crows, 8 Ravens, 1 Mourning Dove, 4 Juncos 2 Blue Jays, 18 Starlings, 1 Mockingbird, 7 Song Sparrows as of 10:20 am. Sharon Kearns Thistle Ridge Farm Hillsboro, Pocahontas Co, WVSubject: Ring-billed Gull, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead/ Mergansers- Shenandoah River From: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:00:08 +0000 Greetings,   Yesterday morning, after going over to check out the Horned Larks and Snow Buntings in the field at Cattail Run Rd, where I also was fortunate to be when the Tundra Swans that Matt posted yesterday flew over, I then went down to the river. I spent a little time there, and then had to take care of some business in town, so went back to the river again in the afternoon. Between the morning and afternoon trips to the river on Bloomery, Rissler, and Wilt Roads, I saw a Ring-billed Gull sitting a rock near the rough waters at the sharp curve on B loomery, as well as, a  male Red-breasted Merganser a pair of Common Mergansers and 2 Black Ducks. Eleven Hooded Mergansers were between the sharp curve and Moulton Park. There was also one female Bufflehead in that same general area. Between the park and the Bridge, I found one female Lesser Scaup.  A Killdeer could be heard flying over the river from Rissler Rd.   Other birds of note found in my travels were: Pileated Woodpecker, Red-shouldered Hawk, and 3 Kingfishers.   Eight of the birds I found yesterday were FOY for me:        Tundra Swan        Lesser Scaup        Bufflehead        Red-breasted Merganser        Killdeer        Ring-billed Gull        Horned Lark        Snow Bunting      A very nice day of birding indeed.                 Happy birding,                Carol Del-Colle                Summit Point                 Jefferson County            ÂSubject: Ross' Goose in Charleston From: Doren Burrell <g.immer AT DOREN.NET> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:55:43 -0500 Several people have observed a Ross' Goose at Coonskin Park in Charleston on Monday, January 23, 2011. This bird was first sighted by Donnie Good this morning and then other people were able to view the bird both out on the grass of the golf course and on the pond where Mallards and Canada Geese usually hang out. It was seen as late as 4:00 on Monday so there is a chance it may still be around on Tuesday. Doren Burrell Kanawha County Charleston, WVSubject: location of atlas blocks and safe dates From: Donna Mitchell <dmitchellbirding AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:22:09 -0500 Just a reminder that if you don't know what Breeding Bird Atlas block you are in when you hear your owls, you can go to the following web site: http://martes.dnr.state.wv.us/BreedingBirdsAtlas/AbundanceSurvey/AbundSurv.aspx Scroll to the bottom and put in the "find" box any information you can remember from your location such as a town, cemetery, road name, school, etc. along with the county name and WV. It won't always find where you are but it's pretty good. Example: Barbour County High School, Barbour County, WV. It takes me right to the Belington 1 block. Also, there are 3 ways you can look up when birds are in their "safe dates". One lists the species phylogenetically, another lists the birds by the starting safe date which is the most useful early in the season, and the last by the ending safe date which will be more useful at the end of the breeding season. They can all be found under the Atlas Information tab at the following web site: http://martes.dnr.state.wv.us/BreedingBirdsAtlas/default.aspx In addition to the barred and great horned owls that Rich mentioned, the rock pigeon is also now within it's safe date. Why not take the kids and go on an owl hunt to a block near you? Donna Mitchell Central and Southwest Coordinator, WV Breeding Bird Atlas II Barbour County, WVSubject: Merlin, Northern Harrier, Tundra Swans, Merganser hat trick - Jefferson county From: Matt <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:47:31 -0500 All, Went out at various times today. First in the cold and rain with snow still on the ground in the early morning and again late in the afternoon when the snow was gone but it was very windy. On the river in the Moulton Park area was a drake Red-breasted Merganser with a pair of Common Goldeneye. Also of note were a pair of Gadwall. Checked out the larks / buntings on Cattail Run road in the morning and had 7 Tundra Swans fly over the fields towards a hidden pond beyond the fields. Late in the afternoon I met up with Bob Dean and Stan Roach at the Cattail Run road location. The snow was gone and it was harder to pick things up. One Snow Bunting was gleaned from the Horned Larks. In addition, a FOY Merlin zoomed over the larks and a "Gray Ghost" paid a visit as well. Matt Orsie Summit PointSubject: Bald Eagles at Belmont WV From: Beth Mankins <mankinscb AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:26:07 +0000 Running a lunch errand was treated to four immature bald eagles at French Creek at Belmont, WV, about noon. They were actively soaring and diving at one another moving from the bay at French Creek across the Ohio River. Watched until they moved out of sight toward Backwater Baits below Newport OH. From the white undercarriges, my impression where they were 2nd years. No adults were with them. Beth Mankins Pleasants County WVSubject: Add barred owls to the atlas! From: Richard Bailey <rsbailey76 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:39:40 -0500 Hi all, FYI we are now within barred owl safe dates for the WV breeding bird atlas. Night birds are often under-represented in these projects, and any help we can get is great! To find out more about the atlas: http://martes.dnr.state.wv.us/BreedingBirdsAtlas/default.aspx To register and submit to the atlas: http://bird.atlasing.org/Atlas/WV/ We can't do it without dedicated volunteers! Submit your 8-hooters! Rich Bailey WVDNR Ornithologist |