Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The West Virginia Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, July 24 at 12:10 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Thick-billed Lark,©BirdQuest

24 Jul volunteers needed for NABA butterfly count ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 23 Jul Nighthawks [Kevin Cade ] 20 Jul Red Crossbills [John Boback ] 20 Jul Monday's HBC Meeting [Paul Thorn ] 19 Jul Better Late Than Never [Susan Aaron ] 19 Jul Greenbottom [David Patick ] 18 Jul Sharp-shinned Hawk Nest [Rob Tallman ] 17 Jul Pine Siskin [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 15 Jul New Arrivals [Margaret Straley ] 14 Jul Re: hummers ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 14 Jul white swallow, bald eagle, crossbill [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 13 Jul Re: Hermit Thrush nest / Cranesville Swamp [John Boback ] 13 Jul Hermit Thrush nest / Cranesville Swamp [Jon Little ] 13 Jul hummers [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 12 Jul Turkeys [Bruni Haydl ] 11 Jul Hillsboro [Sharon Kearns ] 8 Jul blue grosbeak [Cynthia Ellis ] 8 Jul nite hike [Julie McQuade ] 7 Jul FW: Got Bird Habitat? Get recognized!! [Casey Rucker ] 7 Jul More babies (Tucker) [Casey Rucker ] 7 Jul habitat [Cynthia Ellis ] 7 Jul Pine Siskin, Greenbrier County ["Williams, Barry C" ] 6 Jul hummingbirds [Cynthia Ellis ] 6 Jul habitat [Jean Neely ] 5 Jul Northern Bobwhite - Jefferson County [Matt Orsie ] 5 Jul Confirmation of King Rail Breeding [Matt Orsie ] 5 Jul Hummingbird [Matt Orsie ] 5 Jul Fw: bird habitat loss [Ken Hinkle ] 4 Jul Visiting Greenbriar and Pocahontas Counties [Zach Thompson ] 4 Jul Tanager bath [Shannon Burner ] 2 Jul Fw: McDowell Co Northern saw-whet owl [annmcrae ] 2 Jul whip-poor-will [Cynthia Ellis ] 2 Jul Fw: Migratory Bird Act of 1918 [Ken Hinkle ] 2 Jul Breeding COMMON MERGANSERS ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 30 Jun SANDHILL CRANES and Breeding COMMON MERGANSERS in Randolph County [Mike Burchett ] 30 Jun RBGR [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 28 Jun Wilson's Phalarope at RCBL&D [Tom Igou ] 27 Jun This week's MBC outing [Jon Benedetti ] 26 Jun Purple Finches etc. [Rob Tallman ] 25 Jun Golden-winged warblers [Bob Dean ] 25 Jun The Redstart - from BBC logo to real life [Mike Breiding ] 25 Jun Babies(Summers) [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 25 Jun Re: babies [Jean Neely ] 24 Jun Babies (Tucker) [Casey Rucker ] 19 Jun Peregrine Falcons - Parkersburg [Jon Benedetti ] 19 Jun Butterfly visitor to hummer feeder-Mercer Co., 6-19-08 [annmcrae ] 18 Jun dc cormorant [Cynthia Ellis ] 17 Jun Re: WV-BIRD Digest - 15 Jun 2008 to 16 Jun 2008 (#2008-167) [Jean Neely ] 16 Jun eagle & tern [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 16 Jun Peregrine Falcons - Parkersburg [Jon Benedetti ] 16 Jun Fast Food ["bruni AT citlink.net" ] 16 Jun Wilson's Phalarope at RCBL&D ["Rankin, Gary" ] Subject: volunteers needed for NABA butterfly count From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:08:14 GMT If anyone is interested in assisting with a NABA butterfly count in the Arthurdale area of Preston County this Sunday, please let me know. The count will be cancelled if inclement weather occurs. Gary Felton - Kingwood ____________________________________________________________ You Have 3 New Flings! 3 people want to have a FLING with you! View Your Flings! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/JKFkuJi7W5IAqiyKp3YvTH4AItffct7eHJfqneG3n8eEaILjMVyhXo/ Subject: Nighthawks From: Kevin Cade <dmgraphics AT DAILYMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:38:14 -0400 Heard the "peenting" and saw two nighthawks this morning in downtown Charleston. Subject: Red Crossbills From: John Boback <morlitte AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:50:54 -0700 7 Red Crossbills at Cranberry Nature Center on Saturday afternoon John Boback - Morgantown Subject: Monday's HBC Meeting From: Paul Thorn <p_aculeius AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:36:57 +0000 The July Meeting of the Huntington Bird Club will be held Monday night at 7:30 p.m. Issues on the agenda include the planning of a fall field trip, finding a permanent meeting place, the printing of field checklists, etc. Directions: the meeting will be held at 1593 Campbell Drive. From U.S. Route 60 East turn onto Bonnie Boulevard at the Eastern Heights shopping center, and go one block to a four-way intersection. Turn right onto Norway Avenue and go two blocks. Campbell Drive is on the left side of the road, and the house is the second one on the right after you pass Arnold Court. Paul A. Thorn Huntington Subject: Better Late Than Never From: Susan Aaron <sf46aron AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:58:35 -0400 I finally was able to come home to continue recuperating from the leg fractures. I was anxious as I had been gone for two months and no one filled any feeders. Got a couple of feeders up and was gratifed to see the return of the birds. I even have some young ones, 1 Downey, 1 Red- bellied,and 2 cardinals so far. I heard a towhee in the yard but didn't see it. Susan Aaron Huntington,WV Cabell Co. Subject: Greenbottom From: David Patick <patick AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:45:29 -0400 Mike Griffith and I did some birding around Greenbottom this am.We visited the Locks and things were very quiet with nothing interesting to report.Some of the species seen were: Greenbottom: Least Bittern-1 Great Egret-4 Great Blue Heron-7 Pied-billed Grebe-1 Blue Grosbeak-1 Red-tailed Hawk-1 Red-shouldered Hawk-1 David Patick,MD Huntington,WV 25701 Subject: Sharp-shinned Hawk Nest From: Rob Tallman <robtallman AT WVDNR.GOV> Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:32:12 -0400 Sharon Kearns, Mike Welch, Rick Doyle and myself had great looks at a very newly fledged (in fact we may have inadvertently caused it's fledging just by walking down the trail) Sharp-shinned Hawk yesterday along the Forks of Cranberry Trail in the Cranberry Wilderness (Pocahontas County). After very little searching we found its nest in a Red Spruce within 15 feet of the trail. Also Swainson's Thrush, Magnolia, Black-throated Green, and Yellow-rumped Warblers singing. And at the Cranberry Visitors Center a small flock of Red Crossbills. Rob Tallman Huttonsville,WV Randolph County Subject: Pine Siskin From: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:58:35 -0700 This is kind of a late post. In with the House Finches and Gold Finches, was a single Pine Siskin on the thistle feeder on Sunday. Kim Kazmierski Hurricane, WV Putnam County _________________________________________________________________ Keep your kids safer online with Windows Live Family Safety. http://www.windowslive.com/family_safety/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_family_safety_072008 Subject: New Arrivals From: Margaret Straley <msstraley AT SUDDENLINK.NET> Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:46:54 -0400 Recent fledglings here include Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Flickers, and Redstarts. An early sign of the impending fall migration: Indigo Buntings have begun gorging black oil sunflower seeds. Happy birding, Margaret Straley and Bob Summers Subject: Re: hummers From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:15:24 GMT I'm still one of the folks who have almost no hummers. We have four feeders up and this past weekend I saw only one hummer at only one of the feeders and only one time. But, Davette Saler and I saw several at a campground store at Stonewall Jackson Dam, while we were birding there back in June. So, as others have pointed out, there isn't any shortage of hummers at some locations in the state, but, we certainly have a shortage at my place. Gary Felton - Kingwood -- Jim & Judy Phillips wrote: I notice a good many folks commenting on the lack of hummers. We have 8 feeders out and Judy is filling them at least 3 or 4 times a day. Jim & Judy Phillips Pipestem, WV ____________________________________________________________ Save hundreds on an Unsecured Loan - Click here. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3m3iTgb0BasP7lCUdQpV3t21i0oFenrUjYwL88SfnYHD6NjQ/ Subject: white swallow, bald eagle, crossbill From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:19:25 -0400 We had a strange mix yesterday. In Bellepoint Park(at the base of Bluestone Dam), near Hinton, Summers County we saw a white swallow. As best as we could tell it was a tree swallow. Then on the way home we saw a bald eagle circling over Bluestone Lake. While I was pumping gas, at Speedway, Mercer County, I watched and listened as a red crossbill flew over. We topped the evening off with a common nighthawk calling over the baseball stadium in Salem, VA. We still have lots of hummers at the feeders and at least two young rose-breasted grosbeaks. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV Subject: Re: Hermit Thrush nest / Cranesville Swamp From: John Boback <morlitte AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:11:04 -0700 There is no doubt that Hermit Thrushes are breeders in the higher elevations of Preston County - such as Cranesville. You can hear dawn and dusk chorus's of them at Cranesville throughout the spring and summer months. I haven't found a nest there, but I've seen pairs of them in territories. John Boback Morgantown, WV Subject: Hermit Thrush nest / Cranesville Swamp From: Jon Little <littlejon48 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:22:09 -0400 While birding Cranesville Swamp yesterday (7/12/08), we came upon a pair of agitated Hermit Thrushes. One adult was carrying a single huckleberry in it's mouth and seemed intent to go to the nest. We were on the Blue trail, just south of the powerline cut. The bird with the berry had a large, blue smudge of huckleberry juice on it's right flank. The other bird was giving the alarm call and eventually, the first bird did too, even with the berry in it's mouth. Just as we decided to leave, the first bird dropped down to the ground & popped right back up without the berry, so we assumed she fed it to young in the nest. Although I saw where the nest was, I always avoid walking near on-the-ground nests, so as not to step on them. And always, even when I've been atlasing in the past, I avoid disturbing birds any more than necessary. I would rate this observation as CO-DD/CO-FY. The West Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas listed that there were no nests found in Preston Co. at that time, even though they were found in adjacent Garret Co, MD. I don't have data for any found in Preston Co. since the Atlas project, but I'd be interested in knowing of any. At any rate, it was a new nest species for me, so it was pretty exciting to find! Jon & BJ Little Winchester, VA Subject: hummers From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:18:42 -0400 I notice a good many folks commenting on the lack of hummers. We have 8 feeders out and Judy is filling them at least 3 or 4 times a day. Jim & Judy Phillips Pipestem, WV Subject: Turkeys From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:05:39 -0400 A week ago a female turkey was walking along the edge of the lawn, followed by 10 or 12 chicks. Surprisingly the chicks were about the size of Easter chicks, still covered in down. It was so interesting to watch her walk so cautiously, totally aware of her surroundings. It reminded me of those movie scenes of someone coming home late and walking up the stairs trying to miss the one that creaks so as not to wake anyone. Yesterday, I spotted her (assuming it is the same one, of course) in my neighbor's field. Behind her I saw occasional movement, and after getting my bicocs it was indeed the little ones who seemed to have grown quite a bit in a week. Goldfinches are busy plucking out cat hair stuffed in the suet holder. I had asked my neighbor for some dryer lint since that is supposedly used by birds. Maybe these finches are going "green" because they are totally ignoring it and going for the natural instead. The only other birds added to the regulars under the feeder are the pair of Towhees and yesterday there were two Blue-gray gnatcatchers flitting around the quince bush. Have seen both Orchard and Baltimore orioles at the birdbath. The other day I almost had a run in with a Great-crested flycatcher. I was approaching the front stoop when he came flying in and landed on the railing. Then he turned and flew off. 3 ft is about the closest I've ever been to one. Gorgeous bird. This morning at 4:30 when I turned on the outside light I saw a raccoon under the bird feeder. Not thrilled about that. After daylight, I found his "calling card" on the lawn. He obviously knows where the berries are. A pair of bluebirds are on their second brood. When the first one was almost ready to fledge I opened the box and found a fecal sac at the edge of the nest. I removed it figuring the adult might appreciate a bit of help with the housekeeping. It was white and streaked with purple. After the young had fledged I removed the nest and found a layer of cherry pits on top of the nest and white and purple streaks all over the inside of the box. Didn't know they ate that much fruit. The second nest was completed within the week. Not quite as perfect as the first, but a good job nevertheless with that distinctive cup in the middle. While picking Wineberries last weekend I again saw the Red-headed woodpecker on two consecutive days about a mile down the road. Bruni Haydl Jefferson Co Subject: Hillsboro From: Sharon Kearns <skwalks AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:44:08 -0400 Worm Eating Warblers: While taking a quick walk on the Greenbrier River Trail this am, my husband and I were thrilled to see 2 Worm-eating Warbler fledglings accompanied by parents. One adult got our attention by flying quite close to us and tried to distract us so I knew something was up; as we continued walking on the trail two youngsters flew across our path. Also saw three Redstart females on the trail as well as other assorted birds. Am going out tomorrow with binoculars and a camera. This a.m. was an exercise walk that turned into a bird walk! Also for those in the area this Wednesday July 16, Doren Burrell will be speaking at the Green Bank Library at 6 p.m. The topic is "Wild Birds in Your area." All are invited to this free event. Sharon Kearns Pocahontas County Hillsboro,WV Subject: blue grosbeak From: Cynthia Ellis <ellis_6511 AT MSN.COM> Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 22:24:12 -0400 Today, at the Winfield Locks, saw 1 adult with 2 juvenile Blue Grosbeaks. (Marcia Anderson said they were there, and she was right!) ~Cindy, Putnam County Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1, Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 ellis_6511 AT msn.com ph/fax 304 586-4135 "On any given day more than twice as many people begin their lives (373,000) as end their lives (159,000).~Robert Engelman, author of "More: Population, Nature, and What Woment Want" Subject: nite hike From: Julie McQuade <wvforests AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 11:30:53 -0400 http://gnmparents.com/the-littlest-naturalists-part-v-the-night-hike/ _________________________________________________________________ Need to know now? Get instant answers with Windows Live Messenger. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/connect_your_way.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_messenger_072008 Subject: FW: Got Bird Habitat? Get recognized!! From: Casey Rucker <autoblock AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 18:19:03 -0400 Hello, all, Very pertinent to our habitat discussion is the new program sponsored by Pennsylvania Audubon. I went to their website last week, and when I asked the director of the program, he added West Virginia to the list of states in which the program is applicable. Very quickly! This is now a West Virginia program, too! I urge all of you to follow the links and see the very instructive list of actions we can all take to help restore bird habitats in our own localities. And I second Cindy's kudos to this website (Gary!) for its wise inclusion of conservation issues. Best to all, Casey Rucker P.O. Box 2 Seneca Rocks, WV 26884 304-866-4004 304-866-7074 (fax) -----Original Message----- From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania [mailto:PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG] On Behalf Of SAFFIER, Steven Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 1:02 PM To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: [PABIRDS] Got Bird Habitat? Get recognized!! Hi Friends, Looking for something to do this holiday weekend after the fireworks have fizzled? Register your bird garden with Audubon PA's new Bird Habitat Recognition program. The long-awaited program is finally up and live and we welcome you to explore the website http://pa.audubon.org/habitat/index.html May I suggest you start with the FAQ section on the left? If you don't have bird habitat on your property, now's a great time to plan one and start thinking about a fall planting! For those who work in the environmental, bird, newsletter, or media fields, I have a press release available and a supply of brochures that you can have for your nature center, wild bird store, park facility, etc. Please contact me directly for more information (remember, I get the digest). Bird Habitat Recognition is the first state program of its kind and serves as a pilot for other "Audubon" states...and it's all beginning right here in Pennsylvania! (btw, DE and NJ residents can also register their yard with Audubon PA.) Have a great Fourth!! Steven J. Saffier Audubon At Home Coordinator Audubon Pennsylvania John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove 1201 Pawlings Road Audubon Pa 19403 610-666-5593 x112 www.pa.audubon.org P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. Subject: More babies (Tucker) From: Casey Rucker <autoblock AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 13:00:44 -0400 Hello, all, Today's babies included Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Brown Thrasher and Common Grackle. I also enjoyed a Pipevine Swallowtail on my flourishing milkweed. What a beautiful butterfly! Casey Rucker Dry Fork, WV Subject: habitat From: Cynthia Ellis <ellis_6511 AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 11:03:21 -0400 In the past, I too enjoyed hearing the quail in the Eastern Panhandle too. The Brooks Bird Club "Sortie" research group conducted surveys there in '98. Although the group determined that species warranted the label, "Uncommon," and only 22 birds were noted on 8 Breeding Bird Survey-type counts of 10 miles each (6/24-6/30), I remember being so pleased to hear any at all. It was great to drive around the orchards and hear them call. On the matter of grassland habitats..one excellent resource is the booklet "Conserving Grassland Birds: Managing Small Grasslands Including Conservation Lands, Corporate Headquarters, Recreation Fields, and Small Landfills for Grasslands Birds" available through the Massachusetts Audubon... http://www.massaudubon.org/Birds_and_Birding/grassland/small.php It is gratifying to be part of a listserv that discusses conservation along with observations. ~Cindy, Putnam County Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1, Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 ellis_6511 AT msn.com ph/fax 304 586-4135 "The knowledge we gain by studying birds' movements gives us the power to protect them and to ensure that they are not unduly stressed in their travels." Mona D. Sizer in Bird Watcher's Digest A/M '08 Subject: Pine Siskin, Greenbrier County From: "Williams, Barry C" <Barry.C.Williams AT WV.GOV> Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 08:34:28 -0400 I had a Pine Siskin on my thistle seed feeder on Saturday, July 5. Barry Williams Organ Cave, Greenbrier County Subject: hummingbirds From: Cynthia Ellis <ellis_6511 AT MSN.COM> Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2008 10:22:46 -0400 Matt's experience with hummer absence is interesting. We continue to have good numbers here. We're using 4 feeders and 2 quarts of "juice" per day. Two of the feeders are somewhat single-male dominated, but the other two, at the window near the kitchen sink, get a lot of traffic. At about four p.m. daily, we have a surge of 15-20 birds vying for position. ~Cindy, Putnam County Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1, Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 ellis_6511 AT msn.com ph/fax 304 586-4135 Some men live for warlike deeds, some for women's words. Poor James Audubon lived to look at birds--- Pretty birds and funny birds; all the native fowl From the little cedar waxwing to the great horned owl. ~William Rose Benet Subject: habitat From: Jean Neely <jeaneely AT IX.NETCOM.COM> Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2008 07:06:07 -0400 Good morning, All: Reading the habitat loss submission by Ken Henkle was truly sad, and just below that Matt Orsie reported (as if in validating the previous report): "Heard my first Jefferson county Bobwhite in 3 years just outside of our sub-division here in the Summit Point area this afternoon. In recent years they have become much harder to find...." Indeed so! In fact, I was amazed to read his post since habitat loss is the obvious villain in the disappearance of bobwhite. When I moved here about 30 years ago they were fairly abundant. Re the Virginia post about the mowing, our subdivision adopted a system of mowing for a half-mile meadow of common ground a few years ago. (After a long and protracted years-long battle over "neatness" and "value of hay"!) We now mow 1/4 of it each year in the Fall and let the rest grow. This keeps the bushes and trees at bay, but permits species diversity. In fact, the first time I saw Eastern Kingbird there was the Spring after the grasses had been left unmowed. Jean Neely near Shepherdstown, Jefferson Co. Subject: Northern Bobwhite - Jefferson County From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2008 16:10:52 -0400 Hi All, Catching up on my posts.... Heard my first Jefferson county Bobwhite in 3 years just outside of our sub-division here in the Summit Point area this afternoon. In recent years they have become much harder to find.... Matt Orsie Summit Point, WV Web Site: wvbirder.net Subject: Confirmation of King Rail Breeding From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2008 15:59:45 -0400 All, Just wanted to send out the good news that the King Rails at Greenbottom WMA in Cabell county have successfully bred and Todd Deal got a picture of them last month escorting 6 young. As far as I can tell, this is the first confirmed breeding for this species in the state since 1963. If you have knowledge of anything later than 1963 please let me know. Matt Orsie Summit Point,WV Web Site: wvbirder.net Subject: Hummingbird From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2008 15:46:48 -0400 All, Saw my first RTHU since 5-5-08 around the house while painting this afternoon. Matt Orsie Summit Point,WV Subject: Fw: bird habitat loss From: Ken Hinkle <kencora AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2008 14:26:55 -0400 Another note of interest from the Virginia Bird Listserve. This site is very near the WV-VA state line. Ken Hinkle Bridgewater ----- Original Message ----- From: Bear Mountain Farm To: va-bird AT listserve.com Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2008 10:47 AM Subject: [Va-bird] bird habitat loss I read Lynda's thoughtful article about the New Kent Forestry site and wonder how many of us birders and naturalists experience similar actions and reactions. I had a similar experience this morning, and this was destruction of habitat on property that I "own!" (and I use the term loosely, since I believe we all just temporarily lease the land during our short lifetimes). On the entrance road to Bear Mountain Farm, a small, rather rugged dirt road leads into our farm, and is shared by a couple of other people who have camps further into West Virginia. I walk this road every day, checking out new tracks, families of turkey, birds like Chestnut-sided warblers, Juncoes, Towhees, cuckoos, Chipping Sparrows, etc., species that love this "weed"-filled edge habitat. I often find the nests of ground-nesting birds that I can check on regularly, without disturbing their life processes. I also watch the huckleberries and blueberries start to ripen and wait for the day when I can pick them, and either eat that day or freeze for winter. Two years ago, the owner of one of the cabins decided to mow along the road. He also mowed the wetland area that was home to many frogs, salamanders and other creatures, one of the few places where an animal could get a drink and still be in the cover of the high grasses and sedges that surround the small pond. The time he chose to mow was inopportune for the nesting birds and also the ripening huckleberries that I was waiting to pick! So we asked him not to mow this area on "our side of the road". Last year, we mowed the area selectively and at a time that was past nesting season. Today, when I took my morning walk, the area was entirely mowed again. THe folks are here for their 4th of July celebration, and tractors, 4-wheelers, etc are usually a part of it. I really can't express how sad it is to see a parent bird trying to find the nest and young that have been destroyed by some steel tractor blade. So I decided to talk to the people, rather than hold a grudge and my anger. Wisely I waited until my anger had subsided somewhat. I expressed to them that this was really not their property to mow, that nests had been destroyed, that my blueberries had been ruined for another 2 years at least. I tried to say that when the life of a bird is taken, part of me hurt inside. They were silent, no response, obviously quite uncomfortable with my honest expression of feelings. They had no real reason for mowing, except it was good for their vehicles (in other words, the brambles wouldn't scratch the paint). I also know that they can better see the deer they plan to shoot this fall if they keep the edges mowed. One of the men did ask would it be okay if they mowed later in the year. I said that that might be a good compromise and let me know when they planned to do it. I wished them a happy 4th and left. They were silent. I don't think I made any friends today. How is it that humans can be so different? How did we ever get to the point where we only think of ourselves and our conveniences, rather than the whole picture? Why is it that a manicured lawn, golf course, field is more attractive to the human eye than a rich, diverse productive meadow! Is it ignorance, or is it just self-centeredness? I have run into this so many times in my life, whether it's dealing with coyotes issues, or protection of eagles and raptors. This remains one of the biggest unanswered questions of my lifetime! Thanks for letting me rant a bit- it's wonderful to know that there are plenty of people out there who share similar values and still feel a humble connection to something greater than themselves! Patti Reum Bear Mountain Farm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Visiting Greenbriar and Pocahontas Counties From: Zach Thompson <glorifyenterprisesinc AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 16:32:06 -0400 Dear WV Birders, I am from Roanoke, VA. I am planning a trip up to Greenbriar and Pocahontas Counties. I am looking for: High Elev. Species: Ruffed Grouse Alder Flycatcher Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher Swainson's Thrush Blackburnian Warbler Magnolia Warbler Northern Waterthrush Red Crossbill Pine Siskin Grassland Species: Bobolink Horned Lark Vesper Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Other Species: Golden-winged Warbler Yellow-throated Warbler Swamp Sparrow Bank Swallow Hooded Merganser I am planning to visit the Cranberry Glades, and possibly Droop Mtn & Beartown. I would be grateful for other suggestions of where I might go to find these species. Are other 'target' birds should I be looking for? Thanks! Zach Thompson 540-293-7279 Subject: Tanager bath From: Shannon Burner <shannonann66 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 15:39:47 -0400 Happy (damp!) 4th of July to All! I went out for an early morning walk, trying to beat the rain showers and ended up getting caught in them. With no umbrella or hat on hand, I was beginning to feel pretty miserable, when I looked up and a flash of bright red caught my eye. It was a beautiful male scarlet tanager in the very top of a tree. He was moving about rapidly and was in some pretty odd postions, with some wing flapping and feather ruffling going on. It took me a moment to figure out that he was using the water dripping off of the leaves to bathe with. After a few moments his mate joined him. I have never seen birds bathe in this manner before. Always on the ground, in puddles or grass. It was an unusual and beautiful sight! Shannon Keyser, WV Mineral Co. Subject: Fw: McDowell Co Northern saw-whet owl From: annmcrae <annmcrae AT NETSCOPE.NET> Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 13:02:06 -0400 The following e mail is from a Tennessee birder who spent a week working in Welch, WV , McDowell County. He asked to have the e mail forwarded due to the bird, Northern Saw-whet Owl, he found and thought that the WV birders would like to know about it. Thanks, David, I think I know of a couple of birders who will be glad to hear about your discovery. Ann McRae Bluefield, WV- Mercer County -----Original Message----- From: davchaffin AT aol.com To: annmcrae AT netscope.net Date: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:50 PM Subject: McDowell Co Northern saw-whet owl On 26Jun08, at about 7:20am, I was birding on Talman Village Road 0.4 mi from the top of the hill near the high school. Using an imitation of an eastern screech-owl to identify the chip of a warbler, that turned out to be a male hooded, I heard the 7-note toot of a NSWO. It never called again. A similar occurrence happened to me in the Georgia mountians about 15 years ago, and it was also in June. Sorry for the delay in getting this info out, but the entire week of work in Welch, I had no internet coverage where I was staying, and the hospital prevented access to email. Ann, if you could forward this to the WV listserv, I would appreciate it. David C. Chaffin, M.D. Cleveland TN Bradley Co -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: whip-poor-will From: Cynthia Ellis <ellis_6511 AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 13:01:26 -0400 We enjoy having campfires here some evenings. This year I noticed that the whip-poor-will calls very regularly at 9:30. Had a campfire last night. Heard the whip-poor-will at 9:30. ~Cindy Ellis Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1, Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 ellis_6511 AT msn.com ph/fax 304 586-4135 "Oh beautiful, for smoggy skies, insecticided grain, For strip-mined mountains majesty above the asphalt plain. America, America, man sheds his waste on thee, And hides the pines With billboard signs, From sea to oily sea." ~George Carlin Subject: Fw: Migratory Bird Act of 1918 From: Ken Hinkle <kencora AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 12:52:14 -0400 ----- Original Message ----- From: Harry & Melitta Glasgow To: Listserve Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 12:23 PM Subject: [Va-bird] Migratory Bird Act of 1918 Subscribers to this service, being birders, are reminded that tomorrow, July 3, marks the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Migratory Bird Act of 1918. The Act is the United States implementation of an agreement between the U.S. and Great Britain (for Canada) to protect migratory birds. The statute makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill or sell birds listed therein ("migratory birds"). The statute does not discriminate between live or dead birds and also grants full protection to any bird parts including feathers, eggs and nests. Over 800 species are currently on the list. Bless the little triumphs in life. Harry Glasgow Friends of Huntley Meadows -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Breeding COMMON MERGANSERS From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 16:50:05 GMT Mike and all: As far as I'm aware, the first observation in recent years of suspected breeding by Common Mergansers in the state was in 2001 on Cheat River at Rowlesburg by my father. During August he observed both adult and juvenile Common Mergansers. Since then, there have been multiple sightings of Common Mergansers during breeding season from mulitple locations in the state, with I believe, the majority occuring in the Cheat River watershed. This far south is in the historical breeding range of Common Mergansers with records from as far south as Mexico. A nest containing eggs was discovered in Mercer County in May of 1897. Gary Felton - Kingwood -- Mike Burchett wrote: Hi All, This afternoon while at a swimming hole in Randolph County, a female COMMON MERGANSER and about six young swam by. The young were still pretty small (a guess would be about five inches long). The location was on Shavers Fork about four miles East of Elkins, not far off 33. I know these birds have just been confirmed breeding in Maryland a few years ago, and have been found possibly every year since. Does anyone know what their breeding status is in this state? I could obtain a GPS location if anyone is interested. Late Report: During the week of May 19th, I observed three SANDHILL CRANES flying over Pheasant Mountain, which is a few miles North of Elkins and a part of the Mon National Forest. They were flying towards the SSE and were at least a mile high over the mountain. An exact date is in my notes which I do not have on me at the moment. Cheers and Good Birding, Mike Burchett Cassity, WV (for a few more weeks) Churchville, MD ____________________________________________________________ Beauty Product Reviews Read Unbiased Beauty Product Reviews and Join Our Product Review Team! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/JKFkuJi7UvsJGnXmKPnXpTppZS4droIe0K3zfffioXtaCI6r6yZfem/ Subject: SANDHILL CRANES and Breeding COMMON MERGANSERS in Randolph County From: Mike Burchett <mBird023 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:38:06 -0400 Hi All, This afternoon while at a swimming hole in Randolph County, a female COMMON MERGANSER and about six young swam by. The young were still pretty small (a guess would be about five inches long). The location was on Shavers Fork about four miles East of Elkins, not far off 33. I know these birds have just been confirmed breeding in Maryland a few years ago, and have been found possibly every year since. Does anyone know what their breeding status is in this state? I could obtain a GPS location if anyone is interested. Late Report: During the week of May 19th, I observed three SANDHILL CRANES flying over Pheasant Mountain, which is a few miles North of Elkins and a part of the Mon National Forest. They were flying towards the SSE and were at least a mile high over the mountain. An exact date is in my notes which I do not have on me at the moment. Cheers and Good Birding, Mike Burchett Cassity, WV (for a few more weeks) Churchville, MD Subject: RBGR From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:35:19 -0400 On Saturday, we saw our first of the season young rose-breasted grosbeak at the feeder. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV Subject: Wilson's Phalarope at RCBL&D From: Tom Igou <Tomigou3 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:37:37 EDT Following up on David Patick, Wendell Argabrite & Gary Rankin's e-mails I went to RCBL&D & the Fish Hatchery on 6/27/08 at 7AM. Parking in the picnic area I spotted the Phalarope immediately flying over the ponds. 3 Spotted Sand. were present, along with 1 Willow Flycatcher, 1 Dickcissel in the weedy area & numerous Cliff Swallows flying over the ponds. In the Hatchery area I observed 3 singing Blue Grosbeaks & a pair sitting on the wire fence facing Rt 2 & other pair on the road facing the Ohio River. Cannot ever remember seeing 7 Blue Grosbeaks in one day! Also, 4 Grasshopper Sps. on the 4th road from the end & many young Cliff Swallows Went back to the pond area & spotted/heard a Va. Rail & saw 1 Osprey on the nest. Birding down Rt. 2 to Glenwood Swamp. At the 1st road past the Cabell line is the stream access road--at the end, going down to the Ohio River I spotted/heard a Prothonotary Warbler. And finally at Gen. Jenkins house was a Marsh Wren & a Black Vulture mixed in with 14 Turkey Vultures circling over the swamp. Tom Igou Huntington, WV **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007) Subject: This week's MBC outing From: Jon Benedetti <jon.benedetti AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:50:23 -0400 The Mountwood Bird Club outing on Thursday and Friday was attended by Eula Elliott, Jeanette & Dick Esker, Jeanie & Gene Hilton, Allan Elberfeld, Bernie Heavener and me. We birded some private property near Muddlety, Cranberry Glades, Lansing Road and the New River Gorge below the Bridge, and the Muddlety Wetlands (hereafter also known to us as the Wild Rose Wetlands). The highlights of the trip were: Red Crossbill - 7 - at the visitor Center at Cranberry Glades Swainson's Warbler - 1 - singing male at Fern Creek, off Lansing Road American Bittern - 1 - flyover at Muddlety Wetlands Birds: (* means of particular note to one or more of the folks on the trip.) Great Blue Heron Green Heron Turkey Vulture Wood Duck Red-shouldered Hawk *Broad-winged Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Killdeer Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo * Common Nighthawk Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker - we saw more Hairies than Downies Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Eastern Wood-pewee Acadian Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird White-eyed Vireo * Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow * Common Raven Tree Swallow Northern Rough-winged Swallow Barn Swallow Carolina Chickadee * Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse * Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren House Wren * Ruby-crowned Kinglet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Eastern Bluebird * Hermit Thrush - singing Wood Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher European Starling Cedar Waxwing * Blue-winged Warbler * Northern Parula * Yellow Warbler * Magnolia Warbler * Yellow-rumped Warbler - feeding a young one * Black-throated Green Warbler * Yellow-throated Warbler * Cerulean Warbler * Black-and-white Warbler * American Redstart * Ovenbird * Northern Waterthrush * Common Yellowthroat * Hooded Warbler * Canada Warbler * Yellow-breasted Chat Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow * Dark-eyed Junco Northern Cardinal Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird * Purple Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow My list showed 83 species, but I may have missed one or two. Jon Benedetti Vienna, WV jon.benedetti AT gmail.com Subject: Purple Finches etc. From: Rob Tallman <robtallman AT WVDNR.GOV> Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:03:56 -0400 I have had a family group of 5 PUFI at my feeders for several days now - it is fun to watch the way they interact with each other. They seem to show up sporadically in May and June but are regular visitors the rest of the year. Also family groups of Common Grackles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Indigo Buntings. At least 10 RT Hummingbirds - the young ones have found their way to the feeders and in the woods behind the house Kentucky, Cerulean and Hooded Warblers and Wood and Hermit Thrushes continue to sing. Rob Tallman Huttonsville,WV Randolph County Subject: Golden-winged warblers From: Bob Dean <Bobdean52 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:12:32 EDT Hello all, Some friends and I went to the area of the Brewster's Warbler sighting early Sun. morning. Did not find the Brewster's, but did see at least 5 Golden-wings; the most I've ever seen in one area. Most of the birds were banded with a color band combination as part of a post grad project by a WVU student who was in the area. Interesting stuff. We also saw a black-billed cuckoo and short-eared owl in Pocahontas Co. and 8 warbler species on the Highland Scenic Highway including mourning and yellow-rumped warblers. Happy trails, Bob Dean Martinsburg, Berkeley Co., WV _bobdean52 AT aol.com_ (mailto:bobdean52 AT aol.com) **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007) Subject: The Redstart - from BBC logo to real life From: Mike Breiding <mike AT WILDWONDERFULWV.US> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:47:14 -0400 Greetings, Having seen the BBC Redstart logo since infancy and not often seeing the bird itself I am pleased to report we have a nesting pair just a few feet from our woodside deck. The male started to sing about a month ago and never stopped. We would get good looks of him singing in the Shagbark hickory just out the back door. Now, there is less song, but we see the female regularly. This AM as I sat on the deck drinking my coffee she came in not 10 feet from me and poked around in the as yet unplanted half whiskey barrel. The sun, which was striking here from from the front shone through the yellow tail feathers making then look like translucent panels. Yesterday, as I lounged in the bathtub next to the picture window (one of my favorite birding spots) she came in not 3 feet away and flitted around in the dogwood tree just outside the window. Hopefully we will see them next year as well. Mike Breiding Morgantown WV www.EpicRoadTrips.us Subject: Babies(Summers) From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:24:30 -0400 We have an invasion of juvenile downy woodpeckers that started last week. This week a red-bellied woodpecker joined them. Our tree swallows in the box on the end porch hatched WV Day and sound stronger everyday day. Other young ones, in the yard lately, have been towhees, starlings(I got rid of at least a dozen eggs), house finches, grackles and white-breasted nuthatch. We have a pair of rose-breasted grosbeaks as regular visitors to the feeder so we will probably see their young soon. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV Subject: Re: babies From: Jean Neely <jeaneely AT IX.NETCOM.COM> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:30:43 -0400 Me, too, Casey! Three new titmice learning from parents how to use the feeder; bluebirds getting flying lessons, etc. New subject: I have noticed a distinct set of additions to my unchanged woodland habitat bird species population. For the first time this year, nesting bluebirds, a catbird, robins in the yard, and for the past couple of weeks--a singing prothonotary warbler and Acadian flycatcher. I've been here 29 years and these are 'firsts'. This habitat hasn't changed, but the birds have. Is this because of overcrowding? I wonder since there's no appreciable difference in nearby habitat either that would drive the birds into questionable areas. ?? Jean Neely near Shepherdstown, Jefferson Co. -----Original Message----- >From: WV-BIRD automatic digest system >Sent: Jun 25, 2008 12:00 AM >To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >Subject: WV-BIRD Digest - 19 Jun 2008 to 24 Jun 2008 (#2008-171) > >There is 1 message totalling 29 lines in this issue. > >Topics of the day: > > 1. Babies (Tucker) > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:22:50 -0400 >From: Casey Rucker >Subject: Babies (Tucker) > >Hello, all, > >It looks like a terrific year for mast here in our rainforest (>43" already >this year). I've been enjoying baby Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, >Common Yellowthroat and Chipping Sparrows in my yard. Great time of year! > >Cheers, > >Casey Rucker > >P.O. Box 2 > >Seneca Rocks, WV 26884 > >304-866-4004 > >304-866-7074 (fax) > > > >------------------------------ > >End of WV-BIRD Digest - 19 Jun 2008 to 24 Jun 2008 (#2008-171) >************************************************************** Subject: Babies (Tucker) From: Casey Rucker <autoblock AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:22:50 -0400 Hello, all, It looks like a terrific year for mast here in our rainforest (>43" already this year). I've been enjoying baby Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Common Yellowthroat and Chipping Sparrows in my yard. Great time of year! Cheers, Casey Rucker P.O. Box 2 Seneca Rocks, WV 26884 304-866-4004 304-866-7074 (fax) Subject: Peregrine Falcons - Parkersburg From: Jon Benedetti <jon.benedetti AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:38:39 -0400 Today I went to Belpre briefly to look for the Peregrines. Got there at 12:25 p.m. Saw no Falcons and no activity in the area of the nest. About 12:48 p.m. I found one adult Peregrine sitting up in the under-structure for the roadway of the old Route 50 Bridge. It was near the center line of the roadway toward the Ohio side from the nest area. Still no activity near the nest. About 12:55 p.m. I heard and saw an adult Peregrine flying back and forth under the bridge. It flew up onto the high peak of the old Route 50 Bridge closest to Ohio. When I checked, the bird that was under the bridge was gone. Still no activity anywhere around the nest area. The adult Peregrine Falcon was still on the high peak of the bridge when I left at 1:00 p.m. Jon Benedetti Vienna, WV Wood County jon.benedetti AT gmail.com Subject: Butterfly visitor to hummer feeder-Mercer Co., 6-19-08 From: annmcrae <annmcrae AT NETSCOPE.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:44:08 -0400 At about 12:30 p.m. today, I was checking out one of the hummingbird feeders--and saw not a hummer but a Yellow Tiger Swallowtail butterfly sitting on the feeder sipping from the opening for 3 to 4 minutes. Good thing that male Ruby thr. hummer didn't catch the butterfly. Not that the hummer would have hurt it but there would have been a vigorous defense of the feeder. The hummer doesn't tolerate chickadees or finches who sometimes check out the feeder, too. Ann McRae Bluefield, WV Mercer County Subject: dc cormorant From: Cynthia Ellis <ellis_6511 AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:33:01 -0400 Double Crested Cormorant on banks of Kanawha River near Winfield Locks today. Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1, Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 ellis_6511 AT msn.com ph/fax 304 586-4135 "How do you like to go up in a swing, Up in the air so blue? Oh I do think it the pleasantest thing Ever a child can do." Subject: Re: WV-BIRD Digest - 15 Jun 2008 to 16 Jun 2008 (#2008-167) From: Jean Neely <jeaneely AT IX.NETCOM.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:51:45 -0400 Since I get this list in a digest form, I see all posts at once. I must say the below messages for this morning are very interesting and exhibit that birders really do more than just "twitch"! Thanks, folks!! Jean Neely Near Shepherdstown -----Original Message----- >From: WV-BIRD automatic digest system >Sent: Jun 17, 2008 12:00 AM >To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >Subject: WV-BIRD Digest - 15 Jun 2008 to 16 Jun 2008 (#2008-167) > >There are 4 messages totalling 134 lines in this issue. > >Topics of the day: > > 1. Wilson's Phalarope at RCBL&D > 2. Fast Food > 3. Peregrine Falcons - Parkersburg > 4. eagle & tern > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:55:50 -0400 >From: "Rankin, Gary" >Subject: Wilson's Phalarope at RCBL&D > >After talking to Wendell Argabrite a few days ago, I decided to try and >see if the Wilson's Phalarope was still at the Robert C. Byrd Lock and >Dam. Wendell indicated that the last time he saw it, the phalarope was >flying between the fish hatchery and ponds across the road from the >hatchery. > >=20 > >Yesterday morning I made the trip to RCBL&D, parked in the picnic area >parking lot and began walking along the concrete walk closest to the >entrance road toward the ponds. As the walkway forked, I saw the Spotted >Sandpiper that Dave Patick reported as territorial, sitting on top of a >small dead tree trunk (no limbs). It was very territorial and I >subsequently saw a second Spotted Sandpiper join the first one farther >along the pond. Then I heard a soft call and looked up to see the >Wilson's Phalarope flying from the direction of the fish hatchery toward >the larger of the two ponds (I was on the walkway between the two >ponds). The phalarope flew around me for a couple of minutes and I got >great looks. It seemed to be about the size of a Solitary Sandpiper, but >is actually is a little larger. It flew back and forth between the >hatchery and the two ponds several times during the 45 min that I was >there. Eventually it landed in the marshy area near the smaller pond >(closest to the picnic area) and I accidently flushed it. > >=20 > >I also saw the Osprey parents and one chick (the second one must have >been blocked by the parent), a willow flycatcher, E. Kingbird, the >Dickcissel (right where Dave reported it), and lots of Cliff Swallows. > >=20 > >Gary Rankin > >Lavalette, WV > >=20 > >Gary O. Rankin, Ph.D. > >Professor & Chair > >Depart.of Pharmacology, Physiology & Toxicology - BBSC > >Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine > >Marshall University > >One John Marshall Drive > >Huntington, WV 25755 > >TEL:304-696-7313 > >FAX:304-696-7391 > >------------------------------ > >Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:30:47 +0000 >From: "bruni AT citlink.net" >Subject: Fast Food > >Yesterday morning I watched a doe who had some deerflies(?) on the >side of her belly. All of a sudden a Phoebe swooped in and plucked >something off her side. It did repeated this maneuver several times. >I'm not sure if it actually got the flies or smaller insects. I >remember witnessing this same thing a number of years ago. > >As annoying as it is to have the deer nibble on everything, last >evening at dusk there was a doe and her little fawn drinking from >their waterbucket. They were in a cloud of fireflies which seemed to >mirror the bright spots on the fawn. Really magical. > >Bruni Haydl >Jefferson Co > >------------------------------ > >Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:03:18 -0400 >From: Jon Benedetti >Subject: Peregrine Falcons - Parkersburg > > This afternoon from 3:05 until 3:35 I looked for the peregrines at >the nest area. One adult was under the roadway structure about 15 >feet to the left of the nest area. There was no activity at the nest >area the whole time I was there. > > At 3:22 the second Adult flew in to the Ohio end, downriver side of >the third arch of the Railroad Bridge from the Ohio side. After a >couple minutes it flew away. > > At 3:30 a barge came under the bridge. At 3:32 the first adult flew >out from under the bridge, at 3:32 it flew back up into the >under-structure. At 3:33 it flew to the railing on top of the second >pier out in the Ohio River from either side. (Where they often sit.) >The bird was still there at 3:35 when I left. > > Jon Benedetti > Vienna, WV > Wood County >jon.benedetti AT gmail.com > >------------------------------ > >Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:07:26 -0400 >From: Jim & Judy Phillips >Subject: eagle & tern > >We paddled on the Bluestone River in Bluestone S.P., Summers Co. on = >Sunday. We saw an adult bald eagle with several common grackles mobbing = >it. Also, we saw a tern. I think it was a common tern but couldn't get a = >good look at it. >Jim & Judy Phillips >Summers County >Pipestem, WV > >------------------------------ > >End of WV-BIRD Digest - 15 Jun 2008 to 16 Jun 2008 (#2008-167) >************************************************************** Subject: eagle & tern From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:07:26 -0400 We paddled on the Bluestone River in Bluestone S.P., Summers Co. on Sunday. We saw an adult bald eagle with several common grackles mobbing it. Also, we saw a tern. I think it was a common tern but couldn't get a good look at it. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV Subject: Peregrine Falcons - Parkersburg From: Jon Benedetti <jon.benedetti AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:03:18 -0400 This afternoon from 3:05 until 3:35 I looked for the peregrines at the nest area. One adult was under the roadway structure about 15 feet to the left of the nest area. There was no activity at the nest area the whole time I was there. At 3:22 the second Adult flew in to the Ohio end, downriver side of the third arch of the Railroad Bridge from the Ohio side. After a couple minutes it flew away. At 3:30 a barge came under the bridge. At 3:32 the first adult flew out from under the bridge, at 3:32 it flew back up into the under-structure. At 3:33 it flew to the railing on top of the second pier out in the Ohio River from either side. (Where they often sit.) The bird was still there at 3:35 when I left. Jon Benedetti Vienna, WV Wood County jon.benedetti AT gmail.com Subject: Fast Food From: "bruni AT citlink.net" <bruni@CITLINK.NET> Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:30:47 +0000 Yesterday morning I watched a doe who had some deerflies(?) on the side of her belly. All of a sudden a Phoebe swooped in and plucked something off her side. It did repeated this maneuver several times. I'm not sure if it actually got the flies or smaller insects. I remember witnessing this same thing a number of years ago. As annoying as it is to have the deer nibble on everything, last evening at dusk there was a doe and her little fawn drinking from their waterbucket. They were in a cloud of fireflies which seemed to mirror the bright spots on the fawn. Really magical. Bruni Haydl Jefferson Co Subject: Wilson's Phalarope at RCBL&D From: "Rankin, Gary" <rankin AT MARSHALL.EDU> Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:55:50 -0400 After talking to Wendell Argabrite a few days ago, I decided to try and see if the Wilson's Phalarope was still at the Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam. Wendell indicated that the last time he saw it, the phalarope was flying between the fish hatchery and ponds across the road from the hatchery. Yesterday morning I made the trip to RCBL&D, parked in the picnic area parking lot and began walking along the concrete walk closest to the entrance road toward the ponds. As the walkway forked, I saw the Spotted Sandpiper that Dave Patick reported as territorial, sitting on top of a small dead tree trunk (no limbs). It was very territorial and I subsequently saw a second Spotted Sandpiper join the first one farther along the pond. Then I heard a soft call and looked up to see the Wilson's Phalarope flying from the direction of the fish hatchery toward the larger of the two ponds (I was on the walkway between the two ponds). The phalarope flew around me for a couple of minutes and I got great looks. It seemed to be about the size of a Solitary Sandpiper, but is actually is a little larger. It flew back and forth between the hatchery and the two ponds several times during the 45 min that I was there. Eventually it landed in the marshy area near the smaller pond (closest to the picnic area) and I accidently flushed it. I also saw the Osprey parents and one chick (the second one must have been blocked by the parent), a willow flycatcher, E. Kingbird, the Dickcissel (right where Dave reported it), and lots of Cliff Swallows. Gary Rankin Lavalette, WV Gary O. Rankin, Ph.D. Professor & Chair Depart.of Pharmacology, Physiology & Toxicology - BBSC Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Marshall University One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 TEL:304-696-7313 FAX:304-696-7391