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24 May Hacker [Susan Aaron ] 24 May Cerulean Warbler - Shannondale Springs WMA [Deb Hale ] 24 May Barred Owl calling [Gary Felton ] 24 May state bird [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 23 May Tucker County Spring Migration Count - Take 2 [Marquette Crockett ] 23 May Florida Sojourn edux No CRCA, but one lifer [Jeff Del Col ] 23 May Flycatchers [Herb & Sarah Myers ] 23 May Broad winged hawk, CV [Paula Jean Hallberg ] 23 May Red-headed Woodpecker - Altona Marsh [Deb Hale ] 23 May Tucker County Spring Migration Count [Marquette Crockett ] 23 May Red Head Woodpeckers [Ms Diane Holsinger ] 23 May Shanandale Springs Walk [James Farley ] 23 May Pricketts Fort - A Few Shorebirds [John Boback ] 23 May Spring Bird Activity [Herb & Sarah Myers ] 22 May whip-poor-will [Nan McDaniel ] 22 May Blue-winged warblers and Northern waterthrush - Jefferson County [Bird Mom ] 22 May WV's rare and common breeding land birds [Terry Bronson ] 22 May Last of the Blackpolls? [Deb Hale ] 22 May FL Interlude Update [Jeff Del Col ] 22 May Re: grosbeak plates - new state-bird - was, What the State Birds Should Be [Crissa Cooey ] 21 May Sparrows [Wima ] 21 May grosbeak plates - new state-bird - was, What the State Birds Should Be [Gary Felton ] 21 May drop in Pine Siskins [Gary Felton ] 21 May Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be [michael welch ] 21 May Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be [Jim Triplett ] 21 May Your place in nature [michael welch ] 21 May Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be [michael welch ] 21 May a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be [Gary Felton ] 21 May Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be [Ken Hinkle ] 21 May a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be [Gary Felton ] 21 May Willow flycatcher - Jefferson County [Bird Mom ] 21 May Florida Interlude [Jeff Del Col ] 21 May TEWA and BLWA 21-May-2013 [LeJay Graffious ] 21 May State Bird [Susan Aaron ] 21 May Black-billed Cuckoo - Jefferson county [Matt ] 21 May Common Loons [Ms Diane Holsinger ] 20 May whip-poor-will [Sharon Kearns ] 20 May sora, blue grosbeaks, bobolinks, pb grebe etc in Grant Co this past weekend [Frederick Atwood ] 20 May Re: Blackpolls lingering still.... [Gary Felton ] 20 May State bird [Paul Mckay ] 20 May What the State Bird should be . . .according to Slate [Paula Jean Hallberg ] 20 May Blackpoll warblers, Cedar waxwings, Yellow-billed cuckoo and Chimney swifts - Jefferson County yard [Bird Mom ] 20 May Slate article: What the State Birds Should Be [Brad Wood ] 20 May Cliff Swallows nest building in large numbers at new Cheat Lake bridge; Botanic Garden update [Terry Bronson ] 20 May Blackpolls lingering still.... [Deb Hale ] 20 May Towhee nest and yard birds [Bruni Haydl ] 19 May Re: Possible juvenile Gyrfalcon - Morgantown [michael welch ] 19 May Re: Possible juvenile Gyrfalcon - Morgantown [Gary Felton ] 19 May Possible juvenile Gyrfalcon - Morgantown [Crissa Cooey ] 19 May Cooper's Rock forest regeneration area--lots of migrants [Terry Bronson ] 19 May Blue Grosbeak arrived, Siskins leaving ["Rankin, Gary" ] 19 May Henslow's [Matt Orsie ] 18 May Whippoorwill - Centerville Road, Rock Cave, Upshur County [Holly Canfield ] 18 May Jefferson County May 18 [Rob Hilton ] 18 May New Experiences [Herb Myers ] 18 May Today's MBC outing [Jon Benedetti ] 18 May Olive-sided Flycatcher and Bay-breaster Warblers [Alex ] 18 May Bird id question [Holly Canfield ] 18 May Morgantown--Dorsey's Knob Park [Terry Bronson ] 18 May Arboretum Bird Walk [Derek Courtney ] 17 May Brown Thrasher nest located [Gary Felton ] 17 May Pine Siskins [Terry ] 17 May Hummingbird [Herb Myers ] 17 May Marion and Wetzel County Atlasing [Terry Bronson ] 17 May Blackpolls win out - nearly 20 of them in the Ferry this morning! [Deb Hale ] 17 May Saw-whet Owl Report help [Joey Herron ] 17 May Henslow's Sparrow and White-rumped Sandpipers- Yes. Jefferson County [Carol Del-Colle ] 17 May Re: song ID request [Alex ] 17 May Bay-breasted warbler - Jefferson County yard [Bird Mom ] 17 May BIRDING OGLEBAY [Debby KOEGLER ] 17 May Phoebe nest in Core Arboretum [Gary Felton ] 17 May Morgantown area siskins [Gary Felton ] 17 May Bobwhites + Shorebirds [Matt ] 17 May Old Hemlock, 17-May-2013 [LeJay Graffious ] 17 May song ID request [Larry Schwab ] 17 May Re: song ID request [Alex ] Subject: Hacker From: Susan Aaron <sf46aron AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 14:51:38 -0400 I apologize for something being sent out in my name. I didn't send it. If you see anything that begins with Hi don't open it. I'm trying to clean it up. Susan Aaron Huntington,WV Cabell Co.Subject: Cerulean Warbler - Shannondale Springs WMA From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 12:52:18 -0400 I didn't hear any Blue-winged, and I'm pretty sure the waterthrush I saw & heard chipping near the parking area was a Louisiana, but I definitely heard a CERULEAN deep in the upper Old Farm Trail woods - though I didn't see him. That made my walk this morning worthwhile because otherwise the wind and cold made my fingertips down to the first knuckle turn white. What month is this?? A WILD TURKEY hen that we startled up into flight nearly gave me & my pup heart attacks! In all, I saw/heard 46 species there. On the way home I stopped at the water tower along Rissler Road, where a female COMMON MERGANSER sat on a river rock. At that moment, a mama WOOD DUCK swam behind her with 8-9 ducklings trailing behind. Lush! Stay warm, Deb Hale Harpers Ferry/BolivarSubject: Barred Owl calling From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 06:57:34 -0700 A Barred Owl was calling from the near-by woods yesterday afternoon, KingwoodSubject: state bird From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 07:53:09 -0400 I saw the notes Dr. Bibbee had about the state bird. Apparently he tabulated the votes for Mercer County. The choice in Mercer Co. was tufted titmouse. Mercer Countians also wanted white oak for the state tree. Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: Tucker County Spring Migration Count - Take 2 From: Marquette Crockett <marquettecrockett AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 19:56:16 -0400 Just in (thank you so much Paulita Cousin) - We added an osprey and a whippoorwill to our count, bringing the total to 111 species. Really great count folks!Subject: Florida Sojourn edux No CRCA, but one lifer From: Jeff Del Col <delcolja AT AB.EDU> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 19:48:35 -0400 No Caracara yet, but I did see a Short-tailed Hawk this evening---a lifer. Two more Swallow-tailed Kites today and a Tri-colored Heron. I'll be visiting a good birding site tomorrow where I've seen Prothonotary Warblers in the past. Jeff Del Col, Still near OrlandoSubject: Flycatchers From: Herb & Sarah Myers <hesemyers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 17:04:24 -0400 On my way to volunteering at the visitors center of the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, I stopped at the boardwalk to see if I could find my FOY Willow Flycatcher. As soon as I got out of the car, I heard one singing where they often are to the right of the boardwalk. I walked down the boardwalk to perpendicular to where the bird was. Then there were two flycatchers singing. There was an Alder Flycatcher singing in an adjacent hawthorn to the one where the Willow Flycatcher was. It was a great comparison but I still doubt I could tell them apart if they weren't singing. Herb Myers, Harman, Randolph CountySubject: Broad winged hawk, CV From: Paula Jean Hallberg <pjerhall AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 16:30:16 -0400 I was making my own spring migration back to Canaan Valley and was welcomed by the sight of a broad winged hawk flying low in the Wildlife Refuge near Timberline Road. PJSubject: Red-headed Woodpecker - Altona Marsh From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 16:28:41 -0400 A short stop at Altona this afternoon, happy to find the Red-headed Woodpecker nearly first thing when we entered the marsh. (Just past the bridge on the right-hand side in a skinny sycamore.) He was still 'quirring' away in that nasal voice of his on our way out. Beautiful. Such a rare treat around these parts. Also present: 2 Spotted Sandpipers and a Willow Flycatcher among the usual suspects. Rgds, Deb Hale Harpers Ferry/BolivarSubject: Tucker County Spring Migration Count From: Marquette Crockett <marquettecrockett AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 15:39:41 -0400 Thanks to all of the volunteers who participated in the Tucker County migration count last weekend! The weather was a bit gloomy, but the rain held off for most of the day and we were able to find a total of 109 species (barring any late additions). Notable species included bald eagle, merlin, northern harrier, all sorts and shapes of flycatchers and a pretty impressive warbler list. We also saw a sharp-shinned hawk carrying a very depressed looking frog and a HUGE eastern spiny softshell turtle. Species Total Canada Goose 101 Wood Duck 16 Mallard 9 Common Merganser 3 Wild Turkey 3 Great Blue Heron 3 Turkey Vulture 26 Bald Eagle 1 Northern Harrier 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk 1 American Kestrel 1 Merlin 1 Killdeer 7 Spotted Sandpiper 6 Mourning Dove 19 Rock Dove (pigeon) 11 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 2 Black-billed Cuckoo 3 Barred Owl 3 Chimney Swift 25 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Red-bellied woodpecker 6 Downy woodpecker 4 Hairy woodpecker 5 Northern (yellow-shafted) flicker 6 Pileated Woodpecker 3 Eastern Wood Peewee 8 Acadian Flycatcher 34 Alder Flycatcher 14 Willow Flycatcher 1 Least Flycatcher 10 Eastern Phoebe 29 Great Crested Flycatcher 3 Eastern Kingbird 2 Blue-headed vireo 26 Red-eyed vireo 124 Warbling vireo 2 Blue Jay 35 American Crow 32 Common Raven 4 Tree swallow 5 Northern rough-winged swallow 3 Barn swallow 33 Black-capped chickadee 26 Tufted titmouse 34 Red-breasted nuthatch 4 White-breasted nuthatch 11 Brown Creeper 2 Carolina wren 21 House wren 24 Winter wren 2 Golden-crowned kinglet 8 Blue-gray gnatcatcher 6 Eastern bluebird 8 Veery 7 Wood thrush 40 Hermit thrush 6 American Robin 245 Gray Catbird 19 Brown Thrasher 10 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 181 Cedar Waxwing 5 Northern Parula 18 Yellow Warbler 20 Chestnut-sided Warbler 25 Magnolia Warbler 26 Black-throated Blue Warbler 28 Yellow-rumped Warbler 11 Black-throated Green Warbler 45 Blackburnian Warbler 13 Yellow-throated Warbler 8 Bay-breasted Warbler 1 Blackpoll Warbler 2 Black and White Warbler 13 American Redstart 61 Worm-eating Warbler 1 Ovenbird 27 Northern Waterthrush 7 Louisiana Waterthrush 20 Kentucky Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 42 Hooded Warbler 13 Canada Warbler 6 Scarlet Tanager 31 Eastern Towhee 58 Chipping Sparrow 42 Field Sparrow 21 Savannah Sparrow 5 Grasshopper Sparrow 6 Song Sparrow 46 Swamp Sparrow 9 Dark-eyed Junco 29 Northern Cardinal 32 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3 Indigo Bunting 40 Bobolink 22 Red-winged Blackbird 139 Eastern Meadowlark 32 Common Grackle 42 Brown-headed Cowbird 5 Orchard Oriole 2 Baltimore Oriole 16 Purple Finch 1 House Finch 3 American Goldfinch 44 House Sparrow 31Subject: Red Head Woodpeckers From: Ms Diane Holsinger <dhworkout AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 12:18:52 -0700 Birded around Mathias & other areas early this morning Saw Red Head Woodpeckers four different locations that I birded this morning Kimsey Dam had three RHWpeckers flying around Not much action there except the RHWpeckers Eagle at the nest Northern Waterthrush on Terra Alta Road really agitated by my being present Pine Grove Church Kestrels were being harassed by RHWoodpeckers & GCFL & American RobinsSubject: Shanandale Springs Walk From: James Farley <jamesfarley AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 12:20:38 -0400 PVAS sponsored a Wednesday morning walk At Potomac Springs which included the new path that our WMA has opened above the meadow area. The new area had some deep woods and open meadow areas adding to the path along the river from the existing route to the meadow. We were 9 in number, joined by veteran birders, Joette Borzik and Sandy Sagalkin, who kept us on our toes. We encountered a couple of migrating Wood warblers. We saw a Northern Waterthrush along with several Louisiana Waterthrushes so we had a good reference to discuss the differences. Joette had us all learning and listening for the Blue Winged Warbler Another great find. The river is calming some and it was good to see some Common Mergansers (three females-no young) feeding in the rapids. We saw or heard 61 species including: Canada Goose Mallard Common Merganser Double-breasted Cormorant Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Osprey Bald Eagle Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Chimney Swift Belted Kingfisher Red Bellied Woodpecker Downey Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Eastern Pee-Wee Arcadian Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Yellow Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Rough-winged Swallow Carolina Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White Breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Eastern Bluebird Wood Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird European Starling Cedar Waxwing Blue-winged Warbler Northern Parula Yellow Warbler Black Throated Blue Winged Warbler Black and White Warbler American Redstart Northern Waterthrush Louisiana Waterthrush Common Yellow Throat Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Northern Cardinal Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Orchard Oriole Baltimore Oriole American Goldfinch Jim Farley Jefferson CountySubject: Pricketts Fort - A Few Shorebirds From: John Boback <morlitte AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 09:55:35 -0400 Hi All: There were a few shorebirds on the mud flats at Pricketts Fort this morning: Killdeer (1) Least Sandpiper (2) Spotted Sandpiper (2) American Black Duck (1) can't fly Green Heron (5) Also, there is a NRW Swallow nest in the stone wall beside the old boat ramp. John Boback Morgantown, WV Sent from my iPhoneSubject: Spring Bird Activity From: Herb & Sarah Myers <hesemyers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 08:05:48 -0400 On Tuesday, I heard my FOY Alder Flycatchers while emptying recycling into the bins in the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center parking lot. This morning on our walk up the mountain, we saw a female Chestnut-sided Warbler collecting and carrying nesting material into an old, wild apple tree from which we made delicious applesauce last year. It produced large, red, sweet apples. If we don't get apples this year, maybe we'll get Chestnut-sided Warbler babies or both. In the pasture across from the apple tree, we heard a Blue-winged Warble singing. I don't recall hearing one sing in that location before. On the way down the mountain, we saw two male American Redstarts chasing each other. They would fan their tails. The orange tail spots glowed spectacularly in the morning sky light. Herb Myers, Harman, Randolph CountySubject: whip-poor-will From: Nan McDaniel <fordrun AT SUDDENLINK.NET> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 21:31:30 -0400 Heard a Whip-poor-will calling in the woods near our house in Charleston at 8:50 p.m. this evening. Beautiful! We have lived here 13 years and this is the first spring we have ever heard one calling. Nan McDaniel Charleston - South Hills areaSubject: Blue-winged warblers and Northern waterthrush - Jefferson County From: Bird Mom <pep4223 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:49:36 +0000 I heard a Blue-winged warbler this morning at Shannondale Springs WMA as I was driving toward the boat launch on the entrance road. I then joined Jim Farley's PVAS birding outing. We were fortunate to see a Northern waterthrush on the walk along the rock ledge and river, in addition to at least 3 Louisiana waterthrushes (LOWA) . One of the LOWA's was carrying nesting material, while others were singing. I heard a second Blue-winged warbler on a "new" loop trail at Shannondale. This bird appeared to be on territory, spending his time singing rather than foraging enroute to somewhere else. The "new" loop trail is a bit rough because it was just created, but is greatly appreciated , as you had to backtrack previously. The second Blue-winged warbler was located by walking the trail past the old barn (Old Farm Trail), then when the trail splits, take the RIGHT fork that is a fresh dozer trail. Follow the fresh dozer trail until it hits a narrower trail created by using pesticides/weed killers (ugh!) Follow the "pesticide trail" until you reach an open area created by a dozer last season ( has one season of annual growth).  T here are numerous Autumn olive and other shrub clumps around, making great habitat for birds. I heard a second Blue-winged warbler  singing in one of the open shrub/short tree clumps. The loop trail connects the Old Farm trail with the trail that takes you to the ruins. Total loop trail length is about 1.5 to 2 miles. You walk through different habitats that were otherwise not accessible before. BIRDMOM Jefferson County, WVSubject: WV's rare and common breeding land birds From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 14:39:41 -0400 Partners in Flight, a partnership of governmental and private environmental organizations dedicated to the conservation of land birds, developed a database of land bird populations in 2007 based largely on U.S. Breeding Bird Survey data. In perusing the data, I found the following pertaining to WV that may be of interest. I reported on the common birds a couple of years ago, but the data bear repeating. Remember, these data are for breeding birds, not migrants passing through. Also, they only include land birds, so do not include waterfowl, waders, shorebirds, gulls, etc. Also, these are rough estimates, and certainly there have been changes in the last 10 years that might affect the numbers and percentages, but the general patterns should be pretty much the same. If interested in the complete list, please email me by Friday, May 24. (I will be leaving May 25 for 3 1/2 weeks in the field.) Least common land breeding birds in WV: Osprey--20 birds White-throated Sparrow--90 Ring-necked Pheasant--110 Loggerhead Shrike--110 Common Nighthawk--140 Dickcissel--150 Henslow's Sparrow--160 Northern Waterthrush--180 Black Vulture--300 Alder Flycatcher--300 Purple Finch--700 Red-headed Woodpecker--900 Brown Creeper--900 Contrast that with the most common land breeders: Red-eyed Vireo--2,300,000 American Robin--2,200,000 Northern Cardinal--1,100,000 Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher--1,000,000 Wood Thrush--1,000,000 European Starling--1,000,000 Indigo Bunting--920,000 Chipping Sparrow--770,000 Song Sparrow--760,000 Acadian Flycatcher--500,000 Red-winged Blackbird--500,000 Common Grackle--500,000 Another way to look at it is the percentage of the global population of land breeders that breeds in WV. Any way you look at it, these have to be considered the iconic WV land bird species: Cerulean Warbler--35.0% Blue-winged Warbler--13.3% Worm-eating Warbler--12.3% Louisiana Waterthrush--10.9% Acadian Flycatcher--10.3% Scarlet Tanager--9.8% Yellow-throated Warbler--9.1% Wood Thrush--7.2% Kentucky Warbler--6.6% Hooded Warbler--6.3% Yellow-throated Vireo--5.3% It will be very interesting to see what data are accumulated in the WV Breeding Bird Atlas project, now entering its fifth year of collecting data. -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Last of the Blackpolls? From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 12:21:54 -0400 No blackpolls at Murphy this morning. But there were 5 passing through Bolivar Heights around 11:30 AM - along with an equal number of American Redstarts. I finally got an eye on one of the blackpolls from below him, his orangey legs bringing back fond memories of my autumn yard visitor. The redstart I spied was a first-year male. A dozen or so Cedar Waxwings foraged through the tall oaks and tulip poplar (a pretty sight). One couple stayed close together; I caught them smooching. Behind the latticework of tall leafy trees, 2 adult bald eagles soared in the patch of blue sky with vultures. A pewee sang his heart out on a nearby bare branch. Also heard/seen on Bolivar Heights this morning: YB Cuckoo Indigo Buntings Red-eyed vireo Great-crested Flycatcher among others. Deb Hale Harpers Ferry/BolivarSubject: FL Interlude Update From: Jeff Del Col <delcolja AT AB.EDU> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 10:13:44 -0400 Many thanks to all those who responded with advice for finding a Crested Caracara. I will be heading for Joe Overstreet Landing in the next couple days--depending on family obligations. It's about a 1-1/2 hour drive from where I am. Today's highlight was a pair of adult Swallow-tailed Kites soaring and wheeling over the house with that astonishing grace that is theirs alone. Jeff Del Col, Usually in PhilippiSubject: Re: grosbeak plates - new state-bird - was, What the State Birds Should Be From: Crissa Cooey <crissacooey AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 01:39:55 -0400 I also think the Golden Eagle is a good choice as we are just discovering how many are wintering in the state. I like the Great Horned Owl as well. What about the Cerulean or Golden-winged Warbler? Much of their breeding habitat is in danger due to mountain top removal and other destructive practices in the state. Changing the state bird to one of them could boost conservation efforts to save critical habitat. Crissa Cooey > Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 14:27:30 -0700 > From: wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM > Subject: grosbeak plates - new state-bird - was, What the State Birds Should Be > To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > Both of my vehicles have grosbeak plates, I don't mind one iota the extra cost > and I'm glad the extra fee goes for non-game. > > > Besides, as someone else pointed out, it's a great looking plate. > > I'm still though, pushing for Great Horned Owl for the new state-bird. > That's a bird that even most of the general public are familiar with. > I say we start a campaign. > > Great Knot, even though I mentioned it, is too obscure. > > > Kingwood again > > > > ________________________________ > From: Jim TriplettSubject: Sparrows From: Wima <wjar AT HUGHES.NET> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 21:18:34 -0400 Saw a savannah sparrow this morning sitting on fence wire another sparrow joined it. With bins discovered it was a grasshopper sparrow (FOY) watched as it sang could not hear it well. Wilma Jarrell Wileyville Sent from my iPodSubject: grosbeak plates - new state-bird - was, What the State Birds Should Be From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 14:27:30 -0700 Both of my vehicles have grosbeak plates, I don't mind one iota the extra cost and I'm glad the extra fee goes for non-game. Besides, as someone else pointed out, it's a great looking plate. I'm still though, pushing for Great Horned Owl for the new state-bird. That's a bird that even most of the general public are familiar with. I say we start a campaign. Great Knot, even though I mentioned it, is too obscure. Kingwood again ________________________________ From: Jim TriplettSubject: drop in Pine Siskins From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 14:18:19 -0700 Pine Siskins at the feeder, have dropped here from app. 15 to 2. KingwoodSubject: Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be From: michael welch <winterfinch AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 14:18:58 -0600 I am unsure about the details of the decision-making as that was before my time in WV, but I can say that the Wildlife Diversity (non-game) unit of DNR receives $15 per plate per year from registrations of the rose-breasted grosbeak plates. The cost for the plate is $15 above a normal registration and DNR gets every penny of it, which is unusual for specialty plates in the state. The proliferation of other special-interest groups being granted their own specialty plate has impacted funding for non-game wildlife programs, but I'm sure their funding is just as important to them. Michael Welch Randolph Co. > Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 15:54:53 -0400 > From: jimtrippy AT SUDDENLINK.NET > Subject: Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be > To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > I was on the committee that chose the Red-breasted Grosbeak for the WV license plate. The deal at that time was that the Non-Game Wildlife Division of the DNR (as it was called at that time) would receive $1 from each license plate sold. I don't know if this is still the case. > > The DNR wanted the Cardinal but they were out voted by me and Bob Dean. They felt that it would be recognized. We felt that something different was needed. We wanted a bird that people would ask, "What is that bird?" If you have this license plate, you are aware that is exactly the reaction of people when they see your license plate. It is an eye catcher. I have had birders from other states immediately recognize that we are from WV after seeing the Red-breasted Grosbeak on our license plate. > > The Tufted titmouse was our unofficial state bird, nominated by one of the Brooks brothers (I think AB) until the legislature made the Cardinal our official state bird. I am sure others can comment with more knowledge about the subject than me. > > Most people recognize the red bird as the Cardinal but would they relate to the others? Maybe a blue bird (bluejay or Eastern bluebird), brown sparrow or the little yellow jobs they see in the summer, probably not. > > Grat Knot? Yeah. Steve Gilispie would love that since he took a photo of the only one ever seen in WV and most of the other lower 48. > > Jim Triplett > Charleston > jimtrippy AT suddenlink.net > > > > On May 21, 2013, at 2:34 PM, Gary Felton wrote: > > > It's too bad that birders can't choose a different state-bird. But in fairness, the state > > bird should be one that the general public recognizes and can associate with. It's too bad > > though that WV doesn't have any endemics, which the public could relate to. > > But what about Sutton's Warbler? That's pretty close to being unique to WV and perhaps > > it's time that the public is educated in regards to the bird-life in this state. > > > > I don't like Cardinal and since WV is the, "Mountain State", I thiink the state bird should > > be one that's thought about in relation to mountains. How about Mourning Warbler, > > Red-breasted Nuthatch, Rose-breasted Grosbeak (after all, it's already on some of > > the license plates), or Brown Creeper? Ruffed Grouse, Whip-poor-will, or > > Woodcock, would be better than Northern Cardinal. If the state-fossil can be > > changed, why not the state-bird. The paleontologists in the state, both professional > > and amateur, pushed to get that changed and were successful. > > > > If it was up to me as a birder, and I based my decision or almost-unigueness to WV, > > I'd pick Great Knot. > > > > > > Kingwood > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Brad WoodSubject: Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be From: Jim Triplett <jimtrippy AT SUDDENLINK.NET> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 15:54:53 -0400 I was on the committee that chose the Red-breasted Grosbeak for the WV license plate. The deal at that time was that the Non-Game Wildlife Division of the DNR (as it was called at that time) would receive $1 from each license plate sold. I don't know if this is still the case. The DNR wanted the Cardinal but they were out voted by me and Bob Dean. They felt that it would be recognized. We felt that something different was needed. We wanted a bird that people would ask, "What is that bird?" If you have this license plate, you are aware that is exactly the reaction of people when they see your license plate. It is an eye catcher. I have had birders from other states immediately recognize that we are from WV after seeing the Red-breasted Grosbeak on our license plate. The Tufted titmouse was our unofficial state bird, nominated by one of the Brooks brothers (I think AB) until the legislature made the Cardinal our official state bird. I am sure others can comment with more knowledge about the subject than me. Most people recognize the red bird as the Cardinal but would they relate to the others? Maybe a blue bird (bluejay or Eastern bluebird), brown sparrow or the little yellow jobs they see in the summer, probably not. Grat Knot? Yeah. Steve Gilispie would love that since he took a photo of the only one ever seen in WV and most of the other lower 48. Jim Triplett Charleston jimtrippy AT suddenlink.net On May 21, 2013, at 2:34 PM, Gary Felton wrote: > It's too bad that birders can't choose a different state-bird. But in fairness, the state > bird should be one that the general public recognizes and can associate with. It's too bad > though that WV doesn't have any endemics, which the public could relate to. > But what about Sutton's Warbler? That's pretty close to being unique to WV and perhaps > it's time that the public is educated in regards to the bird-life in this state. > > I don't like Cardinal and since WV is the, "Mountain State", I thiink the state bird should > be one that's thought about in relation to mountains. How about Mourning Warbler, > Red-breasted Nuthatch, Rose-breasted Grosbeak (after all, it's already on some of > the license plates), or Brown Creeper? Ruffed Grouse, Whip-poor-will, or > Woodcock, would be better than Northern Cardinal. If the state-fossil can be > changed, why not the state-bird. The paleontologists in the state, both professional > and amateur, pushed to get that changed and were successful. > > If it was up to me as a birder, and I based my decision or almost-unigueness to WV, > I'd pick Great Knot. > > > Kingwood > > > > > ________________________________ > From: Brad WoodSubject: Your place in nature From: michael welch <winterfinch AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 13:48:42 -0600 As you find yourself revisiting old haunts and finding new habitats looking for birds this season, please remember to keep basic birding ethics in mind. This time of year is great fun when it comes to finding colorful migrants that visit WV for a short time each year to breed before heading back to their homes, but keep in mind the impacts that you may be having simply by going out to see them. The advent of mobile devices not only makes it easier to map out a trip, look up IDs in the field, and share your finds and experiences on various social websites, it also makes it much easier to make a complete destructive nuisance out of yourself in ways not imagined just 10 years ago. If you have gotten into the habit of using your iPhone to play species-specific songs in order to bring the birds out of hiding so you can see them more easily, stop. This is one of the most negatively impactful practices that you could undertake during the breeding season. Not only is it lazy, it violates Rule #1 in the Code of Birding Ethics (http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html). One thing that many may not even consider when in the field are the effects of simple conversation, especially when birding in a group. Tim Boucher, senior conservation geographer for the Nature Conservancy, wrote a concise introduction to this issue a while back entitled "Shut the Hell Up", copied here for your enjoyment: "Aahh: The tranquility of nature…a quiet walk in the forest…just you and nature…soaking it in…birds singing around you…peace on Earth…and then the peace is shattered by hikers, birders, nature-lovers — by their TALKING! But it’s not just your peace they’re disrupting. Now you have data: Their talking alone can reduce the number of species that you see — by up to a third! Outrage! This recent study in a Peruvian forest has proven what loners like me (or “solitude lovers,” as I like to call us) have suspected for ages: If you talk while in the field, you will see and hear less. Birds (and mammals, too, probably) are impacted by even a low speaking volume (such as 50db, that found in a library). The consequence? A decline of 35% in total detections and 33% in species richness. Even worse, not only do you see and hear less, but it appears there’s less to actually see: talking also impacts birds’ breeding behavior, predator detection, and territory defense. Ultimately, the more sensitive (and usually rarer) species may move away from the area of disturbance. So, by all means, get out and enjoy nature...just talk about it before and after!" (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1744-7429.2010.00660.x/abstract) If you want to read a bit further, this study (http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCRP020.pdf/$file/FCRP020.pdf) from the UK takes a look at a whole host of impacts that many types of human recreation have on wildlife in general. Just keep in mind that your love for birds does not dampen your impact on them. Only your conscious decision to walk softly, be quite, and keep a respectful distance will do that. Michael Welch Randolph Co.Subject: Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be From: michael welch <winterfinch AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 13:16:26 -0600 West Virginia supports one of the largest populations of wintering golden eagles in the east.Nobody says it has to be a breeding bird! Michael WelchRandolph Co.Subject: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 12:16:04 -0700 Here's another possibility, how about Great Horned Owl? Kingwood again. ________________________________ From: Ken HinkleSubject: Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be From: Ken Hinkle <kencora AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 14:57:27 -0400 In 1949 when I was in 6th grade, someone decided that the school kids of WV should vote to select the state bird. Yes, the Tufted Titmouse was the unofficial state bird at that time, and it would be fine with me if the Titmouse had reminded so. Of course the school kids most of whom were pretty unknowledgeable about birds went for the common birds like Robin and the Cardinal which won out. I love Cardinals, but why a bird that several other states already had as a state bird including VA where I have lived for the past 40 years (just across the border from WV). I recall at that time there was a man in the Agricultural Department at WVU named Tubby Boggs. He recommenced the Wild Turkey as the WV state bird, and I nominated the turkey in my school class, but was hooted down by some of the other kids. WV could do far worse than having the Wild Turkey as state bird. Ken Hinkle Bridgewater, VA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gary Felton"Subject: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 11:34:23 -0700 It's too bad that birders can't choose a different state-bird. But in fairness, the state bird should be one that the general public recognizes and can associate with. It's too bad though that WV doesn't have any endemics, which the public could relate to. But what about Sutton's Warbler? That's pretty close to being unique to WV and perhaps it's time that the public is educated in regards to the bird-life in this state. I don't like Cardinal and since WV is the, "Mountain State", I thiink the state bird should be one that's thought about in relation to mountains. How about Mourning Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Rose-breasted Grosbeak (after all, it's already on some of the license plates), or Brown Creeper? Ruffed Grouse, Whip-poor-will, or Woodcock, would be better than Northern Cardinal. If the state-fossil can be changed, why not the state-bird. The paleontologists in the state, both professional and amateur, pushed to get that changed and were successful. If it was up to me as a birder, and I based my decision or almost-unigueness to WV, I'd pick Great Knot. Kingwood ________________________________ From: Brad WoodSubject: Willow flycatcher - Jefferson County From: Bird Mom <pep4223 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 16:42:43 +0000 I had a FOY Willow flycatcher singing on Smith Road near the illegal dump.  It was still there when I left at noon. BIRDMOM Jefferson CountySubject: Florida Interlude From: Jeff Del Col <delcolja AT AB.EDU> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 09:47:46 -0400 I am in Apopka near Orlando for the next few days. This morning, so far, I've seen a GB heron, a Great Egret, a mottled pattern immature Litte Blue Heron, several DC Cormorants and a RSHA. NOPAs are calling from every magnolia and palm in the nieghborhood. My goal on this trip is to spot a Crested Carcara, but the state population of the adults is estimated at only around 500, so chances are not that good. There is a Bald Eagle's nest about half a mile from where I am staying, and Sandhill Cranes wander the area all day. Jeff Del Col, Usually in PhilippiSubject: TEWA and BLWA 21-May-2013 From: LeJay Graffious <lejaygraffious AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 09:46:51 -0400 On the morning dog walk I had a nice selection on birds. I have_not _heard the Henlow's in the neighbors' fields for two days. Nice finds were a Tennessee Warbler and Blackpoll Warbler. Old Hemlock, Preston, US-WV 21-May-2013 08:00 - 09:20 Protocol: Traveling 1.5 mile(s) Comments: walked Buckwheat Trail, the Galloway Road to bench. 34 species Wild Turkey 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Blue-headed Vireo 2 Red-eyed Vireo 5 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 2 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 4 Wood Thrush 1 American Robin 2 Gray Catbird 1 Ovenbird 3 Tennessee Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 3 Hooded Warbler 4 American Redstart 4 Northern Parula 2 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 2 Eastern Towhee 4 Chipping Sparrow 2 Savannah Sparrow 1 Rex Galloway Field Northern Cardinal 3 Indigo Bunting 3 Bobolink 1 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Eastern Meadowlark 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 LeJay Graffious Brandonville Preston County WVSubject: State Bird From: Susan Aaron <sf46aron AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 09:40:24 -0400 My brother said that when he was young, the state bird was the Tufted Titmouse. For what it's worth, I think it should have been officially adopted in 1949 instead of the Cardinal. Susan Aaron Huntington,WV Cabell Co.Subject: Black-billed Cuckoo - Jefferson county From: Matt <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 07:12:27 -0400 A yard bird first this AM with a singing Black-billed Cuckoo. He gave Shadow and I and chorus for about 15 minutes before moving on. This has become the best spring migration for me with this species. Good Birding Matt Orsie - Summit PointSubject: Common Loons From: Ms Diane Holsinger <dhworkout AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 04:03:57 -0700 On my way to a bird meeting in Highland County stopped at Brandy Wine Lake There was a CLoon NOT in breeding plumage There was another CLoon at the dam on Broad Run Rd about one mile out of Brandy Wine This Loon Had a huge fish & was trying to get it down the hatch Heard YBCU & Scarlet Tanger at Brandy Wine Wild Turkey flew in front of the car going to Sugar GroveSubject: whip-poor-will From: Sharon Kearns <skwalks AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 22:15:03 -0400 Upon returning from a meeting of the Bath-Highland Bird Club (excellent program about Golden-winged Warbler recruitment in Highland Co.), Kitty Bailey and I heard an Eastern Whip-poor-will calling tonight at 9:45 near or on my farm. Sharon Kearns Hillsboro, Pocahontas County WVSubject: sora, blue grosbeaks, bobolinks, pb grebe etc in Grant Co this past weekend From: Frederick Atwood <fredatwood AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 16:26:46 -0700 Hello WV birders It was my first time back to my cabin and nearby areas in nearly a month, so I had 39 FOYs in my total of 116 species on 24 ebird lists, despite the drizzly and cool cloudy weather. Friday, en route from No. Virginia to Cabins I stopped in Moorefield (Hardy) and then the Patterson Creek Rd area (Grant). Saturday I birded Little Mt (private) and Powers Hollow near my cabin, then went to Royal Glen (formerly River) Rd and Hogueland (former Houghlin) Rd near Cabins. From there I headed over to South Mill Creek Lake (Grant) before returning to my cabin for a nap and to grade some papers. Sunday I went up to Dolly Sods (socked in by drizzling clouds) via Hogueland, Ridge, and Country (formerly Maysville) Rds, Stony River Dam Rd pond and nearby Grizzly Rd all in Grant Co. As I drove back to VA Sunday evening (after grading more papers), I checked Hogueland Rd again hoping for the dickcissels, loggerhead shrike, or maybe an Upland Sandpiper, none of which could be found on any of my visits there. Highlights for me were my first wv sora, my first spotted sandpiper at my cabin (calling as it flew over the in the dark), a late (?) pied-billed grebe, the nighttime sounds at the cabin, a wonderful time with bobolinks, and photographing wildflowers while listening to hermit thrushes in the boreal forest of dolly sods. Here are the highlights by location: Moorefield (Cunningham Rd to Sheetz by rte 48 exit) Friday May 17 18 killdeer 3 spotted sandpiper 3 least sandpiper (sheetz) indigo bunting (first of year) 3 warbling vireo Patterson Creek Rd area (Thorn Run, Martin Rd, and Belle Babb) Friday May 17 wood duck 2 drakes at Belle Babb black duck 1 at Belle Babb ring-necked duck 1 drake at Belle Babb 1 common merganser at Belle Babb 2 green heron at Belle Babb spotted sandpiper 7 Thorn Run, 1 Martin, 4 belle babb solitary sandpiper 1 Thorn Run, 1 Martin, 2 belle babb least sandpiper 1 thorn run grasshopper sparrows singing on territory 2 Thorn Run white-crowned sparrow 1 adult at Thorn Run double-crested cormorant 1 adult at Martin Rd farm pond and probably the same bird at Belle Babb since it flew in from that direction Cabin on Little Mt overlooking Powers Hollow, Cabins: various times throughout the weekend; Also Little Mt and Powers Hollow Sat AM 3 whip-poor-wills singing at night joining the cacophony of spring peepers and american toads singing in the farm ponds in the hollow below me. 3 barred owls hootin and hollerin up and down the hollow. Great views of black-and-white warbler 5 feet from my deck. A nighthawk calling as it flew up the hollow Saturday at dusk. I wonder if it is nesting down at the abandoned quarry? A Baltimore Oriole singing down below me in the hollow Saturday AM: species 100 for my cabin list. A spotted sandpiper calling as it flew by at night Sat. Species 101 for my cabin list. 2 turkeys gobbling at dawn on Saturday AM. A female hummingbird hovered two feet from my face staring me in the eyes as if to say, where is the sugar-water?!? (I immediately put some out for her.) A flight of 65 blue jays flying between the canopy tree-tops up over Little Mt as it cleared at 6:15 on Sunday evening just before I left. Singing male Cerulean Warbler escorting female at the place where they have been breeding for the last few springs on Little Mt. Another cerulean singing down in Powers Hollow just before the first house on the right as you come up from Cabins. Warblers: surprising how few were present this weekend here. Black and white, redstart, cerulean, pine, magnolia, chestnut-sided, blackpoll, bt green, canada, parula. Red-breasted Nuthatch. I am surprised it has not left for the higher altitudes yet as the juncos have done. Royal Glen Rd, near Cabins Sat AM May 18 1 common merganser 1 cliff swallow remarkably few warblers: both waterthrushes, redstart, yellow, chestnut-sided, blackpoll, yellowthroat 16 indigo buntings 1 grasshopper sparrow singing in field near rte 28/55 1 female kestrel Hogueland Rd, near Cabins Sat AM, Sun AM May 19, Sun PM Looked very carefully with binocs and scope for shrike and upland sandpipers. Listened everywhere for dickcissel. Found none. Lots of bobolinks (17 m, 2 f) and meadowlarks (29) 3 singing prairie warblers at the cedars (Geary) 6 grasshopper sparrows, 5 of them singing on territory, all along the road. a female harrier flying over the cedars Sat and foraging in the field between Hogueland and Ridge rd on Sunday Willow Flycatchers singing in two locations a singing horned lark near the first big bend in the road 4 yellow warblers singing in various locations Last year there were a few locations with blue grosbeaks. No sign of them here yet this year. S Mill Creek Lake Saturday early afternoon orchard oriole female gathering cat-tail fluff, accompanied by male 6 spotted sandpiper 5 solitary sandpiper only warblers were blackpoll, black-and-white, yellow 3 green herons no sign of the bald eagles today Overlooking Keplinger Cattle farm near intersection of Country Rd and Ridge Rd SUnday AM (Grant) I heard a drumming ruffed grouse and a red-headed woodpecker and both a grasshopper and savannah sparrow. Maysville (Country) Rd from Ridge Rd to Maysville Sunday May 19 AM Drizzling. There is a place where the road crosses a creek just before BB Farm Rd. There is a little cattail marsh here. A sora whinnied here once, my first in WV. Also singing at various points along this road were 3 blue grosbeaks and 2 grasshopper sparrows. 4 cliff swallows were flying over BB Farm. Stony River Dam Rd Sunday late AM in the drizzle was one of my favorite highlights because it wasn't just ticking off another species, but rather savoring the moment and enjoying the blessing of being out in a beautiful place with great views of birds. Here the long grass meadows were full of bobolinks, not far away like at Hogueland Rd, but right up close, singing from perches and during flight displays, chasing females and each other. Some were along the roadside others up at the crest of the hill. I counted 13 males and 4 females on both sides of the road. In the background was the constant rattling and sweet whistling of meadowlarks. Superb. ALso here at the lake was a pied-billed grebe in breeding plumage, 7 cliff swallows, 2 bank swallows, 5 spotted sandpipers, and 2 more singing grasshopper sparrows. Usually there are some bald eagles hanging out around here, but I could not find any on this visit. Nearby at Grizzly Rd of of Jordan Run Rd there was a green heron, a great blue heron, a solitary sandpiper, 2 spotted sandpipers, and 2 more cliff swallows. Finally up at Dolly Sods, visibility was no more than 100 feet most of the time, and there weren't many birds singing except towhees and yellowthroats, but another one of my highlights was at the Northland Trail loop. I expected it to be a short 10 minute visit but it turned into doing the loop twice in 62 minutes as I photographed the Fringed Polygalas, Painted Trilliums, and Shadbush flowers dripping with drizzle drops, while I soaked in the songs of hermit thrushes, purple finch, and magnolia, black-throated green, chestnut-sided, and yellow-rumped warblers. A real feast. Other birds hear or seen at Dolly Sods or its access rd were golden-crowned kinglet, a luxuriously singing winter wren, a least flycatcher, ovenbird, blackpoll, redstart, wood thrush, and many more. Got to go All the best Fred Atwood Oakton, Fairfax Co VA Cabins, Grant Co WV Frederick D. Atwood fredatwood AT yahoo.com Flint Hill School, 10409 Academic Dr, Oakton, VA 22124 703-242-1675 http://www.agpix.com/fredatwood http://www.flinthill.org http://tea.armadaproject.org/tea_atwoodfrontpage.htmlSubject: Re: Blackpolls lingering still.... From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:44:06 -0700 heard one here this morning Kingwood ________________________________ From: Deb HaleSubject: State bird From: Paul Mckay <paulmck57 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:34:03 -0400 I haven't had a chance to read article, since i am working but how about that pretty hybrid Suttons Warbler?Subject: What the State Bird should be . . .according to Slate From: Paula Jean Hallberg <pjerhall AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:29:50 -0400 A bit off topic, but see if you agree with what the author thinks the WV state bird should be . . .. PJ http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/05/state_bird_improvements_replace_cardinals_and_robins_with_warblers_and_hawks.2.htmlSubject: Blackpoll warblers, Cedar waxwings, Yellow-billed cuckoo and Chimney swifts - Jefferson County yard From: Bird Mom <pep4223 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 19:14:25 +0000 The Blackpoll warblers  have been singing in my yard the last few days. I've also been hosting a decent sized flock of Cedar waxwings, who have been high pitch whistling throughout the day . The Eastern phoebe nest is still active, and we are looking forward to seeing them fledge.  I hear a Yellow-billed cuckoo at least once a day, and sometimes numerous times. Wish I could actually see it, but it wasn't meant to be this time of year.  My wildflower gardens are really looking alive. Haven't seen many dragonflies around the pond yet. This morning, I had a number of Chimney swifts circling the house and pond. One or two dive bombed down low over the backyard feeding . Go for it guys!  I've not had more than a flyover or two of Chimney swifts, so this swift activity was neat. BIRDMOM Jefferson County, WVSubject: Slate article: What the State Birds Should Be From: Brad Wood <woodb20 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 13:58:04 -0400 http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/05/state_bird_improvements_replace_cardinals_and_robins_with_warblers_and_hawks.html This is a very funny take on a topic I'm sure most of us have given some thought. Florida's state bird is really the northern mockingbird?? And why isn't WV's bird the rose-breasted grosbeak? There are a few poorly researched recommendations (Tennessee Warbler and Connecticut Warbler for TN and CT). Otherwise, enjoy!Subject: Cliff Swallows nest building in large numbers at new Cheat Lake bridge; Botanic Garden update From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 13:27:51 -0400 I stopped at the I-68 bridge across Cheat Lake and the adjacent Route 857 bridge that opened last fall on my way home this morning specifically to check for CLIFF SWALLOW nesting. A few pairs have nested on the I-68 bridge in past years. The new Route 857 bridge seems to be in great demand for nesting. I counted about 50 Cliff Swallows clinging to the short girder just below the bridge deck on the upstream side, as viewed from the fishing parking lot on the east side of the bridge. The birds were clinging vertically to the bottom lip of the girder, and as I scoped them at first I thought they were Barn Swallows since they seemed to have long pointed tails. Then I noticed that those tails were really the wings and that the real tails were tucked under the bottom of the girder, obscuring the buffy rumps. Many birds seemed to be only an inch or two from their neighbors. My guess is that they were holding their spots while their mates were sortieing for mud. It looked like they had just begun building, since I couldn't see any partially completed nests. Another 25 birds seemed to be in the air at all times. After observing those birds, I left to go to the I-68 bridge, but noticed many swallows landing on the ground near the end of the Route 857 bridge. It turned out there was a good-sized puddle there with mud. Many birds were landing and gathering mud, then flying to one of the two bridges--a near constant stream back and forth. At the I-68 bridge, from the spot under the bridge where one observes ducks during waterfowl season there have been 6-8 Cliff Swallow nests visible on the upstream side of the bridge. Most of them appeared occupied today with heads poking out of many. An earlier scope view from the end of the Route 857 bridge had revealed another 10 or so nests on the I-68 bridge that are not visible from under the latter. Including birds in flight, I estimated 50 birds at the I-68 bridge. There is also another muddy area directly under the bridge where mud-gathering was in progress. At neither bridge did I observe any activity on the downstream side, though there is no good vantage point for the downstream side of the I-68 bridge. So the total of Cliff Swallows was maybe 125 birds--dozens more than I've observed there before. This must be one of the higher counts in the state, though I note an eBird record high count of 154 birds by Cynthia Ellis in August 2012, which presumably includes birds hatched that year. If most of the Cheat Lake birds nest successfully and have several young, there could be 300+ birds there later this summer. That would be fantastic news for this not so common species. I also noted about 10 Barn Swallows gathering mud. They appeared to be all going to the I-68 bridge, and I observed almost all of them disappearing into the holes in the hollow girders. So it appears they are building inside the girders out of the weather, while the Cliff Swallows are building on the outside of the girders under the overhang of the bridge deck. Verrrrry interesting! Earlier in the morning I had spent nearly 2 hours at the WV Botanic Garden, where I tallied 38 species. Most notable were: YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO--3 heard only Ruby-throated Hummingbird--1 Eastern Wood-Pewee--2 ACADIAN FLYCATCHER--6 Great Crested Flycatcher--1 Eastern Phoebe--1 carrying food near the wetlands boardwalk. I looked underneath as best I could, but didn't see any way a nest could be placed since there were no ledges to place one on. Blue-headed Vireo--1 Common Raven--2, flying back and forth across the old reservoir. There has to be a nest in the Snake Hill Road area. GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH--1, first of year. Very quiet and shyly hopping about in the underbrush, but allowing for a few good views. Gray Catbird--4 Cedar Waxwing--3 Ovenbird--3 LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH--3 Hooded Warbler--3 Common Yellowthroat--2 Scarlet Tanager--1 Indigo Bunting--2 -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Blackpolls lingering still.... From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 13:12:35 -0400 I counted 5 Blackpoll warblers around Murphy Farm this morning (also a Prothonotary in the woods - a new visitor). A pair of Tree Swallows was active - we watched one pick up some dry grass on the sandy gravel drive and return to his nesting site - in the mouth of one of the cannons - too cool. And 10 Blackpolls at Bolivar Heights around noon today. I heard 3 of them singing from 3 adjacent trees, but wouldn't you know I could not locate any of them to see - but then I've miles to go, rooms to clean before I sleep, etc. etc. Always in a hurry! Deb Hale Harpers Ferry/BolivarSubject: Towhee nest and yard birds From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 09:24:10 -0400 I may have stumbled onto a Rufous-sided Towhee nest while walking my dog yesterday. We were walking along the gravel road when she pulled over to the side and was very interested in going down the slope. I pulled her back and then noticed something brown going through the tall grass and then emerge, clinging to a dry stalk. The female Towhee was obviously upset and letting the whole world know. Within a split second the male Towhee joined her. I have often seen and heard Towhees in that area this year and last year as well. We will stay on the other side of the road in that particular area for a while so as not to disturb them again. While acting on a impulse to make a Rhubarb-Strawberry pie yesterday afternoon my kitchen window provided great birding. The first bird taking a bath was a male Indigo Bunting followed by a pair of Thrashers, Bluebirds, Robins, Chipping Sparrows, Orchard Orioles and other regulars. A few days earlier there were also some Pine Siskins splashing around. The suet is still getting customers such as the Pileated and other woodpeckers, Catbirds, Carolina Wren, Brown Thrashers and Cardinals. Because it gets a bit soft I just put one cake out at a time. The other day the male Pileated was feeding. When the female flew in he moved and let her have his place. Chivalry is not dead after all. As often as I've seen it I still find it touching to see the male Cardinal feed his mate. I checked the box with the Titmice nest yesterday and was greeted by seven gaping mouths. So far so good on that nest. Not far from it are Bluebird and Tree Swallow nests with hatchlings. Saw a House Wren trying to get into the Tree Swallow box but the parent ran it off and blocked the entrance from the outside. Don't want another nest to fall victim to their murderous ways. My prized WB Nuthatch nest was empty when I checked last week. I'm fairly certain that they all reached maturity and fledged, given how long the parents were going in and out of the box with food. Since this was not one of my usual tenants, I wanted it to be a good nesting experience for them by refraining from opening the box much in hopes that they will come back to my yard next year. Baltimore Orioles are showing up in different stages of plumage. One landed on the crooked twig right outside my window another one on the back of the chair on the patio. Not too often do you get to see these colorful birds from two feet away. Bruni Haydl Charles Town, WVSubject: Re: Possible juvenile Gyrfalcon - Morgantown From: michael welch <winterfinch AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 21:15:45 -0600 It might be worth checking with any local falconers also. I have seen a Harris' hawk in east Tennessee , so it seems that anything's possible. Michael WelchRandolph Co > Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 14:20:26 -0700 > From: wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM > Subject: Re: Possible juvenile Gyrfalcon - Morgantown > To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > A leucistic Red-tailed Hawk, which i inhabits that area, has been mis-identified in the past as a Gyr Falcon. > > > Kingwood > > > ________________________________ > From: Crissa CooeySubject: Re: Possible juvenile Gyrfalcon - Morgantown From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 14:20:26 -0700 A leucistic Red-tailed Hawk, which i inhabits that area, has been mis-identified in the past as a Gyr Falcon. Kingwood ________________________________ From: Crissa CooeySubject: Possible juvenile Gyrfalcon - Morgantown From: Crissa Cooey <crissacooey AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 15:11:14 -0400 I was making my way up to the mileground earlier today when I was stuck in a little bit of traffic. Perched on a sign near the enterance to the WVU organic farm was a raptor about the size of a red-tailed hawk. It had light brown and white plumage, large dark eyes, and dark gray bands on it's tail. What really got my attention was the HEAVY brown and white speckling on it's back. The chest was also heavily streaked. I noticed white on the throat thay may have went down into the chest a little bit (didn't get the best look) but not any bare spots on the lower chest or belly. The best match I could come up with was a juvenile Gyrfalcon. What I saw looked very similar to the first 3 images at the following website (but with A LOT of speckling on it's back): http://kiwifoto.com/galleries/birds/gyrfalcon/ Has anyone heard about any sightings in the Morgantown area for them?Subject: Cooper's Rock forest regeneration area--lots of migrants From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 14:06:25 -0400 On April 16 I discovered a logged over area off Chestnut Ridge Road north of I-68 in Cooper's Rock State Forest east of Morgantown. Accessed along a logging road from near the Ken's Run trailhead, the area was logged a few years ago and is beginning to regenerate significant shrubby vegetation. I found 23 species then. Today I went back and found 36 species. Highlights included: CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER--They have taken over the place. I counted 15, and I'm sure there were more. Most of them singing steadily. Maybe they like it so much because it's located on Chestnut Ridge? AMERICAN REDSTART--5, plus 3 along entrance road Ovenbird--2 Northern Parula--1 female perched on a webworm nest in a bush. Trying to get a yummy worm, but couldn't figure out how to get inside the web. Finally gave up and flew off. Hooded Warbler--4, plus 1 along entrance road KENTUCKY WARBLER--1, plus 2 along entrance road Common Yellowthroat--3, plus 1 along entrance road BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER--3 YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO--1 heard BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO--1 heard and seen Ruby-throated Hummingbird--1. Always great to see a Hummer out in the wilderness not living off a feeder. Eastern Wood-Pewee--1 Red-eyed Vireo--5, plus 4 along entrance road Common Raven--2. They have to have a nest somewhere in the woods behind the maintenance building on Chestnut Ridge Road. I see or hear one every time I'm there. Gray Catbird--6, plus 2 at Ken's Run trailhead Scarlet Tanager--4, plus 1 along entrance road ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK--3 Indigo Bunting--5, plus 1 at Ken's Run trailhead Eastern Towhee--12, plus 4 at Ken's Run trailhead Field Sparrow--5 PURPLE FINCH--1 male Baltimore Oriole--3 Afterward, I stopped at the Old Route 73 end of the Cooper's Rock Hemlock Trail, with these notables: Red-eyed Vireo--6 Blue-headed Vireo--1 VEERY--2, first-of-year for me but heard only Wood Thrush--2 Gray Catbird--3 Ovenbird--1 Black-throated Blue Warbler--2 Hooded Warbler--1 Scarlet Tanager--2 -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Blue Grosbeak arrived, Siskins leaving From: "Rankin, Gary" <rankin AT MARSHALL.EDU> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 14:20:14 +0000 I heard a Blue Grosbeak calling in our neighborhood yesterday. We have had Blue Grosbeaks in the area for many years, but last year, I didn't hear one in our area. So it is good to have one this year. After hosting about 20+ pine siskins over the last 10 days, there was only one at the feeders this morning. Looks like they finally decided to head north. Gary Rankin Lavalette, WV Wayne Co.Subject: Henslow's From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 06:22:49 -0400 Still on Lloyd as mentioned in previous posts. Matt Orsie - Summit PointSubject: Whippoorwill - Centerville Road, Rock Cave, Upshur County From: Holly Canfield <canfield99 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 22:10:42 -0400 I was leaving a friend's home about 9 pm this evening and heard whippoorwills. This was about 1.8 miles out Centerville Road in Rock Cave. It's in the about the next mountain over from my brother's home, where he's heard whippoorwill. Holly C Buckhannon, wvSubject: Jefferson County May 18 From: Rob Hilton <rob.hilton.2010 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 21:31:31 -0400 Lisa Shannon and I visited Jefferson County today, finding 87 species. Our first stop was Lloyd Road, some time around 8 am, where we heard then saw the Henslow's Sparrow found earlier in the week by Matt Orsie. A Grasshopper Sparrow was also present. We then went to the Burr Road industrial pond, where we did not see any sandpipers. Other birds of possible interest are Common Merganser -- 3 females on rocks in the Shenandoah; 1 around 10 am near where Bloomery Road bends north to pass under the super duper new Route 9 bridge, and 2 around 5 pm at Shannondale Springs WMA Common Loon -- 1 in full breeding regalia and very close to land at Shannondale Springs Semipalmated Plover -- 1; this and the next two species were seen together at Altona Marsh Spotted Sandpiper -- 6 Least Sandpiper -- 2 Willow Flycatchers are back at Altona Marsh (my first of the year) Yellow-rumped Warbler -- Lisa spotted a single, silent bird at Altona Marsh Even though I knew it was underway, it was sad to see the house-building finally going forward at Candlewood Road. Good birding, Rob Hilton Silver Spring, MDSubject: New Experiences From: Herb Myers <hesemyers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 18:27:02 -0400 This afternoon I saw something I don't recall seeing before. I was at the Mason Lake of the Pedlar WMV. I saw brown birds skimming over the water touching it periodically. At first I thought they were Northern Rough-winged Swallows. However they had totally brown bodies which were cigar shaped. As they soared up higher and higher, it was clear that they were Chimney Swifts. Were they drinking or bathing or both? Fascinating. I was at the fields beside the Walmart north of Morgantown. I was hoping to find Blue Grosbeaks but was not successful. However, I had the best encounters I have ever had with Grasshopper Sparrows. One sat on a rock at some distance from me but then flew to another rock much closer and sang. I was too surprised or absent minded to take a picture with the camera that has hanging on my shoulder. The Yellow-breasted Chats were laughing at me. However, later I drove the dirt road out into the grassy field. As I sat and listened, a Grasshopper Sparrow perched on a white post near my car and sang. I got some good pictures with that second chance. Isn't birding so exciting and surprising! Herb Myers, Harman, Randolph CountySubject: Today's MBC outing From: Jon Benedetti <jon.benedetti AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 18:09:30 -0400 Today's Mountwood Bird Club outing to Mountwood Park was attended by
Joyce Boone, Cindy Burkhardt, Nancy Cornes, Jeanette & Dick Esker, Jeanie &
Gene Hilton, Jerry Westfall, Mike Wine and I. Thanks to everyone's eyed
and Jerry & Jeanie's ears we had a very productive morning.
Highlights:
Green Heron - Mike had one very early
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Eastern Wood-pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher - Jeanie heard it first
Eastern Kingbird
White-eyed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Eastern Bluebird
Wood Thrush
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Cedar Waxwing
Blue-winged Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Magnolia Warbler - Jerry heard it far off
Yellow-throated Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Louisiana Waterthrush
Kentucky Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Hooded Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Indigo Bunting
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Not sure I got everything.
Jon Benedetti
Vienna, WV
Wood County
jon.benedetti AT gmail.com
Subject: Olive-sided Flycatcher and Bay-breaster WarblersFrom: Alex <aatsiatsos AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 13:31:51 -0700 Olive-sided Flycatcher continues with cooperative Bay-breasted Warblers. I heard and tried to record several other warbler songs, but they didn't come out well. E-bird also considers White-Throated Sparrows rare at this time of year in this part of the world. Alex Tsiatsos Inwood, WV Berkeley, US-WV May 18, 2013 6:40 AM - 8:25 AM Protocol: Traveling 0.6 mile(s) Comments: low 60s F, heavy clouds 35 species Canada Goose 3 Great Blue Heron 1 Black Vulture 2 Mourning Dove 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 2 Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 good looks at the dark vest and also three beers Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 2 Eastern Kingbird 1 Red-eyed Vireo 3 Blue Jay 4 Carolina Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Carolina Wren 4 Eastern Bluebird 2 Wood Thrush 3 American Robin 4 Gray Catbird 1 Northern Mockingbird 1 Brown Thrasher 1 Cedar Waxwing 2 American Redstart 1 Magnolia Warbler 1 Bay-breasted Warbler 2 breeding males in full colors Blackpoll Warbler 4 Eastern Towhee 2 White-throated Sparrow 1 tan Scarlet Tanager 1 Northern Cardinal 4 Indigo Bunting 1 Common Grackle 1 Baltimore Oriole 1 American Goldfinch 3 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14159448 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/)Subject: Bird id question From: Holly Canfield <canfield99 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 16:31:33 -0400 I know this is limited info, and a positive id is unlikely. I was sitting in my driveway after weeding a flowerbed, having a very mild asthma attack, so needless to say I didn't go running for my binoculars. I saw a large sparrow sized bird fly up onto a power line. It was a greyish on it's back, a pale almost white belly, and top of it's tail was blue - not bright blue but noticeable. Was this possibly a female indigo bunting? I don't believe it was a drab female bluebird, I didn't notice any rufous. I live on the edge of town, with farmland and woods nearby. holly c Buckhannon, wvSubject: Morgantown--Dorsey's Knob Park From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 13:18:42 -0400 The final Introduction to Birding class of Mountaineer Audubon met this morning. Due to anticipated traffic and parking problems at the Core Arboretum about the time we would have arrived due to WV University Commencement programs, I opted to take the class birding at Dorsey's Knob Park instead. We had good views and heard the songs and calls of many spring migrants, and old friends as well, including: Mourning Dove--2 Chimney Swift--several Red-bellied Woodpecker--1 male Pileated Woodpecker--1 briefly seen. Red-eyed Vireo--several Blue Jay--a few Tree Swallow--a couple Northern Rough-winged Swallow--2 Carolina Chickadee--2, with 1 singing the 4-note "fee-bee-fee-bay" song. Tufted Titmouse--heard only White-breasted Nuthatch--heard only House Wren--several singing vigorously, including one uncharacteristically perched high up on top of a bare-leaved tree. Eastern Bluebird--a pair American Robin--a couple Brown Thrasher--a couple Northern Mockingbird--1 Eastern Towhee--a few Field sparrow--heard only. Scarlet Tanager--A male and female. Northern Cardinal--a few Indigo Bunting--A couple of males were definite crowd pleasers. Red-winged Blackbird--several near the pond. Brown-headed Cowbird--a singing male perched on a utility pole doing his gurgling song. We were close enough to hear it and actually see his throat move prior to the gurgle. Baltimore Oriole--Singing heard frequently, but only brief views. Orchard Oriole--Adult males and females and a first-year male. Frenetic chases going on after most of the class left. -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Arboretum Bird Walk From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 11:38:21 -0400 Hi all,
Today was the final spring Arboretum walk here in Morgantown sponsored
by the Mountaineer Audubon club. I was joined by 4 eager participants as we
found some of the expected breeding birds for north-central WV. I also
checked the pond behind Health South for shorebirds, but only a Killdeer
was present. Full list of Arboretum birds as follows:
Canada Goose 12
Mallard 3
Osprey 1 (seen by me before the walk)
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1
Chimney Swift 8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Acadian Flycatcher 2
Eastern Phoebe 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Yellow-throated Vireo 1 (heard by Larry Schwab)
Red-eyed Vireo 10 (some singing very slowly, closer to Blue-headed or
Yellow-throated in tempo)
Blue Jay 12
American Crow 6
Barn Swallow 1
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 10
House Wren 1
Carolina Wren 14
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Wood Thrush 3
American Robin 15
Gray Catbird 2
Brown Thrasher 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 3
American Redstart 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Eastern Towhee 4
Song Sparrow 5
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 12
Indigo Bunting 8
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 15
American Goldfinch 1
Good birding,
Derek
Subject: Brown Thrasher nest locatedFrom: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 19:24:21 -0700 I found the location of the Brown Thrasher nest which I posted about a few days ago. It's only about 40 feet from the house, but unfortunately, it's smack dab in the middle of a Multi-floral Rose bush and I'm not going in there. I observed both male and female entering multi times today. KingwoodSubject: Pine Siskins From: Terry <tharmon1954 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 21:37:54 -0400 I, too, continue to feed a flock of around 20 birds. They have been hanging around for about a week now Terry Harmon Elkins Sent from my iPhoneSubject: Hummingbird From: Herb Myers <hesemyers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 20:24:42 -0400 I heard and saw my FOY Cerulean Warbler along Route 250 near Hundred, WV this afternoon. Driving with car windows open is easy on a warm day like this and the birds were singing even in the middle of the afternoon. My wife just reported a possible hummingbird collision at home. Two male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were contesting the feeder. They appeared to collide. The one went to his usual perch guarding the feeder. The other sat on our power line for awhile and then was found on the ground below the power line. He was alive and drank a bit from the feeder when they held it to him. He is still there on the ground. We wonder what his outcome will be and whether there is more we should do. If only they would learn to share! After all the feeder does have four ports! Herb Myers, Harman, Randolph County reporting from Marion CountySubject: Marion and Wetzel County Atlasing From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 19:56:13 -0400 An all-day trip for the WV Breeding Bird Atlas took me to western Marion and southeastern Wetzel Counties this morning. The afternoon was devoted to selecting abundance count locations in Tyler and Wetzel Counties in blocks that are otherwise complete, so I did not record any observations. Highlights: GLOVER GAP-6 block, western Marion County, already had 71 species and was virtually complete, but I was able to add 2 more along Huey Run Road near the reservoir: GREEN HERON--1 RUFFED GROUSE--2 drumming Upgrades included: Gray Catbird--2 chasing each other back and forth for quite a while, 11 birds total Brown Thrasher--1 carrying either nest material or food Red-winged Blackbird--1 carrying nesting material, 1 carrying food Others of particular interest: Wild Turkey--2 females Great Blue Heron--1 ACADIAN FLYCATCHER--1, first of year for me White-eyed Vireo--3 Red-eyed Vireo--8 Ovenbird--3 Louisiana Waterthrush--1 American Redstart--5 CERULEAN WARBLER--1 Yellow Warbler--4 Common Yellowthroat--3 Hooded Warbler--1 Scarlet Tanager--1 Indigo Bunting--2 Baltimore Oriole--1 GLOVER GAP-3 block just to the west, not a priority block. At Curtisville Lake Park: Turkey Vulture--1 (new to Atlas) European Starling--there appear to be nests in the eaves of the new pavilion at the RV area (upgrade) Also: Canada Goose--2 broods of 5 and 1 with parents Eastern Kingbird--1 Baltimore Oriole--2 BIG RUN-6 in southeastern Wetzel County. I checked Pickenpaw Road, Buck Run Road, and Fallen Timber Road. New species and upgrades: Tufted Titmouse Carolina Wren Eastern Bluebird--carrying food American Robin--carrying a dragonfly Brown Thrasher Yellow-throated Warbler Chipping Sparrow Also of note: Great Blue Heron--1 Acadian Flycatcher--1 Eastern Phoebe--6 White-eyed Vireo--3 Yellow-throated Vireo--1 Red-eyed Vireo--8 Ovenbird--3 Louisiana Waterthrush--1 BLUE-WINGED WARBLER--1 Northern Parula--1 Yellow Warbler--1 Common Yellowthroat--3 KENTUCKY WARBLER--1 Hooded Warbler--2 American Redstart--3 Scarlet Tanager--6 Indigo Bunting--2 Baltimore Oriole--1 -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Blackpolls win out - nearly 20 of them in the Ferry this morning! From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 13:31:18 -0400 I ran all over the battlefields near town this morning (now am ready for a nap) to catch up on the warblers: Murphy Farm and Bolivar Heights: 19 Blackpolls 4 Black-throated Greens 2 Blackburnian 1 Magnolia 1 Chestnut-sided 1 Worm-eating Louisiana Waterthrush (chipping) Of course I did not see any of them but a glimpse of one Blackpoll. A few scattered leftover Yellow-rumps in both places. Pewees are filling the woods. Acadian Flycatcher and Scarlet Tanagers, Yellow-throated Vireos present. I also ran at S. Schoolhouse (it is my way to save time) - sad to see a team of tractors mowing all the high grass. The meadowlarks song suddenly seemed mournful. A grasshopper sparrow looked visibly (& audibly) shaken. I only saw 2 of these guys when last visit I heard 7. After grocery shopping, I stopped to see Matt's Henslow's sparrow. Even in the quickly warming afternoon the guy hiccuped for us - though we had to wait a while. I think Matt's ruse of getting all the bird gals to pay him a visit is working. ;-) Deb Hale from Bolivar/Harpers FerrySubject: Saw-whet Owl Report help From: Joey Herron <wvsawwhet AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 10:29:51 -0700 Anyone know how to contact Sieglinde Stevens................she posted on eBird that she heard a Saw-whet in Harrison County recently and I would like to get more details........ Any info would be appreciated......... Joey Herron Fairmont WV Marion Co. wvsawwhet AT yahoo.comSubject: Henslow's Sparrow and White-rumped Sandpipers- Yes. Jefferson County From: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 17:28:06 +0000 Greetings all,   After Matt reported the Henslow's Sparrow yesterday morning, I drove over to Lloyd road, which is not very far from where I live in Summit Point. I was over there around 8:15 am and got to hear it. I was not able to see it due to the tall grass and its secretive manner, but I did at least get to hear what is a life bird for me.  I was glad that I was able to get over there in the early morning when I did , since I had to leave soon after to go to the Bowie Maryland area for the day and only had a short window of time devote to finding this wonderful visitor to Jefferson County.    Today around 9:30 am., I dropped by Burr Industrial Pond to try to find the White-rumped Sandpipers that were reported there yesterday. I was able to locate two of them busily moving along the edge of the pond searching for "goodies" in the mud flats there.  One Least Sandpiper and a Killdeer were also at the pond.   The only other time I have seen a White-rumped sandpiper was last year on May15 at the same pond. I believe, Matt had reported that one too, and I got to go see it last year as a life bird. Thanks Matt for finding and reporting such great birds for the rest of us to hear and see.    Happy birding,        Carol Del-Colle         Summit Point          Jefferson County  ÂSubject: Re: song ID request From: Alex <aatsiatsos AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 10:01:55 -0700 Thanks to everyone who responded. The unanimous opinion is that it is the song of an Olive-sided Flycatcher. It was on the highest bare snag on a hill next to Middle Creek in Inwood, -- Alex ________________________________ From: AlexSubject: Bay-breasted warbler - Jefferson County yard From: Bird Mom <pep4223 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 16:50:29 +0000 Finally! I thought I had a Bay-breasted warbler in the yard yesterday, but I wasn't certain. At 11:30 AM today, I heard a strong "t-see--t-see--t-see--t-see" over and over again in the driveway, which seems to be a preferred spot (tall tree cover) for good birds. The Bay-breasted warbler has been my nemesis bird, so of course I couldn't locate it in the tall fully leafed trees. Maybe next time? This is also a new yard bird, making it # 108 on the yard list. Cedar waxwings are whistling up a storm today too. BIRDMOM Jefferson County, WV ÂSubject: BIRDING OGLEBAY From: Debby KOEGLER <kullbeach AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 12:49:16 -0400 Just got back from a mid-morning bird walk in Oglebay. Interesting sightings: 1. Eastern kingbird nesting at Upper Schenk Lake! 2. Tufted titmouse gathering nesting material from the tail of a resting Raccoon … hysterical to watch!!!! Happy birding… DEB KOEGLERSubject: Phoebe nest in Core Arboretum From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 07:54:42 -0700 My son told me he saw an active Phoebe nest in the Core Arboretum at Morgantown. If anyone is interested if locating it for the BBA, let me know. KingwoodSubject: Morgantown area siskins From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 07:52:43 -0700 My son, who lives in the Canyon road area of Morgantown, told me that he has app. 30 Pine Siskins at their feeders. KingwoodSubject: Bobwhites + Shorebirds From: Matt <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 10:44:39 -0400 Every spring I go to the orchards on National Fruit road just south of Gerrardstown, WV expecting "this year" to be the first one when I don't hear or see Northern Bobwhite. With their numbers greatly down in the last 15 years in the eastern panhandle it may only be a matter of time. When I first moved to Summit Point I would occasionally see coveys of Bobwhite walking across the road with young. That has not happened in years now. I'm happy to report that this is NOT the year. I heard three calling in the orchards this morning. Altona Marsh had good numbers of shorebirds mentioned below. Also Cedar Waxwings were in good supply and another Black-billed Cuckoo. Orchards on National Fruit rd (NF) Altona Marsh (AM) Burr Industrial Pond (BI) Notables and Shorebirds: Northern Bobwhite 3 (NF) Killdeer 1 (BI) Spotted Sandpiper 1 (AM) Solitary Sandpiper 2 (AM) Greater Yellowlegs 1 (AM) Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 (AM) Least Sandpiper 23 (AM,BI) White-rumped Sandpiper 2 (BI) Blackburnian Warbler 1 (NF) Vesper Sparrow 3 (NF) Grasshopper Sparrow 2 (NF) Matt Orsie - Summit PointSubject: Old Hemlock, 17-May-2013 From: LeJay Graffious <lejaygraffious AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 10:09:51 -0400 Great walk on Old Hemlock with my setter this morning. First of the year birds were E. Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycather, Black-and-white Warbler, Henslow's Sparrow and Bobolink. Another highlight was seeing two resident Barred Owls hunting over lane and then later calling. I assume they are feeding young. Old Hemlock, Preston, US-WV 17-May-2013 07:45 - 09:45 Protocol: Traveling 1.75 mile(s) Comments: Wagon Wheel Trail, Old Fields Trail and Pasture Trail. 33 species Turkey Vulture 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Barred Owl 2 two in the lane Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 First of the Year Acadian Flycatcher 5 First of the Year Eastern Phoebe 2 Blue-headed Vireo 2 Red-eyed Vireo 11 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 5 Brown Creeper 1 Wood Thrush 3 American Robin 1 Ovenbird 14 Black-and-white Warbler 1 First of the Year Hooded Warbler 14 Northern Parula 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 13 Eastern Towhee 5 Chipping Sparrow 2 Henslow's Sparrow 3 First of the Year in Joe Galloway and Rex Galloway Fields Scarlet Tanager 4 Northern Cardinal 2 Indigo Bunting 4 Joe Galloway and Rex Galloway Fields Bobolink 1 First of the Year Red-winged Blackbird 5 Joe Galloway and Rex Galloway Fields Eastern Meadowlark 1 Joe Galloway field Brown-headed Cowbird 2 LeJay Graffious Brandonville Preston County WVSubject: song ID request From: Larry Schwab <larryschwab AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 09:29:33 -0400 Alex,the extended amplitude configurations on your sonogram are, I believe, the calls of an Olive-sided Flycatcher. In the background also are songs of Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, and Northern Cardinal. Best wishes, Larry Schwab On 5/17/13, AlexSubject: Re: song ID request From: Alex <aatsiatsos AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 06:21:11 -0700 I think I know what bird sang this song (link below) this morning, but I haven't heard the song before, and I was hoping that someone more familiar with it might confirm what it is. The song in question appears at 12 seconds, 26 seconds and 34 seconds in the recording. I apologize for the poor quality of the recording, but hopefully the song is clear enough: http://soundcloud.com/user36021118/vn-20130517-00004-1 I also could see the bird, and it looked right for what I think it is, but it was so silhouetted that I couldn't see every field mark. Alex Tsiatsos Berkeley County |