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Updated on Friday, May 24 at 02:05 PM EST
The most recently received Mail is at the top.


Falkland Steamer-Ducks,©BirdQuest

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/Bolivar
Subject: 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,


Kingwood
Subject: 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, WV
Subject: 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 Orlando
Subject: 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 County
Subject: 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.
PJ
Subject: 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/Bolivar
Subject: 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	31
Subject: 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 Robins
Subject: 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 County   















   




































   
Subject: 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 iPhone
Subject: 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 County

 

 
Subject: 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 area
Subject: 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, WV
Subject: 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, WV
Subject: 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/Bolivar
Subject: 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 Philippi
Subject: 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 Triplett 
> To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
> Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 3:54 PM
> Subject: Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be
>  
> 
> 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 Wood 
> > To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
> > Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 1:58 PM
> > Subject: Slate article: What the State Birds Should Be
> > 
> > 
> > 
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: 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 iPod
Subject: 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 Triplett 
To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 3:54 PM
Subject: Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be
 

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 Wood 
> To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 1:58 PM
> Subject: Slate article: What the State Birds Should Be
> 
> 
> 
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: 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.


Kingwood
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 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 Wood 
> > To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
> > Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 1:58 PM
> > Subject: Slate article: What the State Birds Should Be
> > 
> > 
> > 
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: 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 Wood 
> To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 1:58 PM
> Subject: Slate article: What the State Birds Should Be
> 
> 
> 
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: 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 Hinkle 
To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 2:57 PM
Subject: Re: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be
 

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" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 2:34 PM
Subject: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be


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 Wood 
To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 1:58 PM
Subject: Slate article: What the State Birds Should Be



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: 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" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 2:34 PM
Subject: a new state-bird - was, article: What the State Birds Should Be


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 Wood 
To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 1:58 PM
Subject: Slate article: What the State Birds Should Be



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: 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 Wood 
To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 1:58 PM
Subject: Slate article: What the State Birds Should Be
 


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: 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 County 
Subject: 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 Philippi
Subject: 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
WV
Subject: 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 Point
Subject: 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 Grove
Subject: 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 WV
Subject: 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.html
Subject: 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 Hale 
To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 1:12 PM
Subject: Blackpolls lingering still....
 

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/Bolivar
Subject: 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.html 

Subject: 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, WV 
Subject: 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, WV
Subject: 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/Bolivar
Subject: 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, WV
Subject: 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 Cooey 
> To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
> Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 3:11 PM
> Subject: Possible juvenile Gyrfalcon - Morgantown
>  
> 
> 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: 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 Cooey 
To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG 
Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 3:11 PM
Subject: Possible juvenile Gyrfalcon - Morgantown
 

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: 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, WV
Subject: 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 Point
Subject: 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, wv
Subject: 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, MD
Subject: 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
County
Subject: 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 Warblers
From: 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, wv
Subject: 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, WV
Subject: 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 located
From: 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.


Kingwood
Subject: 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 iPhone
Subject: 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 County
Subject: 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, WV
Subject: 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 Ferry
Subject: 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.com
Subject: 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   
Subject: 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: Alex 
To: "WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG"  
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 9:21 AM
Subject: Re: song ID request
 




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
Subject: 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   
Subject: 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 KOEGLER
Subject: 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.


Kingwood
Subject: 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.



Kingwood 

Subject: 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 Point
Subject: 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
WV
Subject: 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, Alex  wrote:
>
>
> 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
>
Subject: 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