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Updated on Sunday, May 11 at 11:15 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.


Little Ringed Plover

11 May Location Correction for Scissor-tail ["Jud Johnston" ]
11 May Addendum: Shorebirding in the Shoals area this morning ["Greg D. Jackson" ]
11 May Shorebirding in the Shoals area this morning ["Greg D. Jackson" ]
11 May Good Birds at Dauphin Island (May 11, 2008) ["Howard Horne" ]
10 May Open Country Birds - and some others, too ["Larry Gardella" ]
10 May Swainson's Warbler is back in Hoover ["Greg D. Jackson" ]
10 May Update For Anniston May 9, 2008 / Plus An Answer to The Orange-breasted RBG ["numberonebirder" ]
9 May rosebreasted grosbeak ["Jon and Dawn Yoder" ]
8 May Pectoral Sandpipers ["Lucy and Bob Duncan" ]
08 May Grosbeak (Rose-breasted or hybrid)??? Orange-breasted?? ["numberonebirder" ]
08 May Update For Anniston May 8, 2008 RBG EVERYWHERE! ["numberonebirder" ]
7 May Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - Limestone County ["Jud Johnston" ]
07 May Update For Anniston May 7, 2008 RBG EVERYWHERE! ["numberonebirder" ]
06 May Re: North Alabama Big Day...Addendum []
06 May North Alabama Big Day...Addendum []
6 May Fun time at Ruffner Mountain ["Greg D. Jackson" ]
05 May North AL Big Day, May 5, 2008 []
05 May Sunday birding at Ruffner Mountain, Birmingham ["scotduncan26" ]
5 May apples and oranges ["Lucy and Bob Duncan" ]
05 May Update For Anniston May 5, 2008 ["numberonebirder" ]
4 May Cape May Warbler - Marion Co. ["Jud Johnston" ]
4 May Huntsville-Decatur today (4 May) ["Greg D. Jackson" ]
4 May Fw: [MISSBIRD] Rig birds May 3&4, 08 ["Lucy and Bob Duncan" ]
04 May The Warblers are back- Dauphin Island report 5/3/08 [Chazz Hesselein ]
04 May U-pick Bobolinks ["scotduncan26" ]
3 May Harpersville today (3 May) ["Greg D. Jackson" ]
03 May fallout forecast? ["David and Carrie" ]
2 May Miss. Kites, Monte Sano [Bert Harris ]
02 May Like the swallows returning to Capistrano.... ["mbraid" ]
2 May Monte Sano Golden-winged [Bert Harris ]
1 May Fw: Monte Sano migrants ["Larry Gardella" ]
1 May Monte Sano migrants [Bert Harris ]
01 May Incidental birding (300+ Whimbrels) [Chazz Hesselein ]
30 Apr Re: Dauphin Island Fallout 4-29-08 ["scotduncan26" ]
30 Apr Re: Dauphin Island Fallout 4-29-08 [Matt Smith ]
29 Apr Dauphin Island Fallout 4-29-08 [Chazz Hesselein ]
30 Apr Anniston Update For April 29, 2008 ["numberonebirder" ]
29 Apr White Dove: one more comment... ["Howard Horne" ]
29 Apr RE: White Dove ["Barry Fleming" ]
29 Apr birding Gulf Breeze today ["Lucy and Bob Duncan" ]
29 Apr Re: White Dove ["Howard Horne" ]
28 Apr FT. Morgan and Dauphin Is. today ["Lucy and Bob Duncan" ]
28 Apr Re: White Dove ["Gregory J. Harber" ]
29 Apr White Dove ["David and Carrie" ]
28 Apr Birmingham area birding 27-28 April ["Greg D. Jackson" ]
28 Apr Late Report-Bird-a-thon in NW Alabama []
27 Apr Willow Flycatcher ["Larry Gardella" ]
27 Apr Re: fallout?? [Chazz Hesselein ]
27 Apr fallout?? ["Lucy and Bob Duncan" ]
27 Apr Spring Outdoor Festival-Saturday, May 3 ["john_trent00" ]
27 Apr Mon Louis Island ["Jabe Fincher" ]
27 Apr Turtledove? Photo ["David and Carrie" ]

Subject: Location Correction for Scissor-tail
From: "Jud Johnston" <egrosbeak AT centurytel.net>
Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 22:14:58 -0600
ALbirders,

It appears the directions for the scissor-tailed flycatcher near Athens were 
erroneous. The correction follows. Sorry for any inconvenience. 


Jud Johnston
Winfield, AL


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Addendum: Shorebirding in the Shoals area this morning
From: "Greg D. Jackson" <g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 19:11:47 -0600
Forgot to add that despite the fierce wind, just driving down Gunwaleford
Road we saw seven Dickcissels on the fencelines, allowing great views.
One pair was even engaged in intimate activity!

Greg

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Greg D. Jackson" 
To: "AL Birds" 
Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 5:39 PM
Subject: [ALBIRDS] Shorebirding in the Shoals area this morning


> AL Birders:
>
> Debi and I hadn't checked the NW AL shorebird spots this spring, so we ran
> up this morning following the wet frontal passage.  Shorebirds are few and
> far between inland in Alabama in most years -- unfortunately it often
> involves a long drive for many of us for even modest results.
>
> The west wind was absolutely howling today -- gale force at times.  Trying
> to work through the peeps at The Sinks near Leighton, facing straight into
> the wind, was maddening; factor in often cloudy conditions, distant birds
> requiring good scope views, and the birds feeding in heavy stubble made
> this almost intolerable.  By scoping as much as possible using my car door
> as a shield, I was able to eventually sort out 10 species of shorebirds
> there, including White-rumped Sandpipers and alternate-plumaged Dunlin.
>
> Along Colbert CR 22 Chicken Pond was virtually dry (and devoid of birds),
> and Hog Pond had only Spotteds; Steve Mc had told me the Marthaler Ponds
> were dry, so I didn't even look.  We then went to Church Pond off
> Gunwaleford Road west of Florence, which has been productive lately.  More
> White-rumpeds and another gaudy Dunlin were on hand amongst other small
> shorebirds, with much better viewing conditions facing north while
> sheltering behind the truck.  Mud conditions are excellent here.
>
> Just nice to have a chance to see some shorebirds -- we need more good
> shoreline up this way!
>
> Greg
>
> Greg D. Jackson
> Birmingham, AL
> g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
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>
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>
Subject: Shorebirding in the Shoals area this morning
From: "Greg D. Jackson" <g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 17:39:47 -0600
AL Birders:

Debi and I hadn't checked the NW AL shorebird spots this spring, so we ran up 
this morning following the wet frontal passage. Shorebirds are few and far 
between inland in Alabama in most years -- unfortunately it often involves a 
long drive for many of us for even modest results. 


The west wind was absolutely howling today -- gale force at times. Trying to 
work through the peeps at The Sinks near Leighton, facing straight into the 
wind, was maddening; factor in often cloudy conditions, distant birds requiring 
good scope views, and the birds feeding in heavy stubble made this almost 
intolerable. By scoping as much as possible using my car door as a shield, I 
was able to eventually sort out 10 species of shorebirds there, including 
White-rumped Sandpipers and alternate-plumaged Dunlin. 


Along Colbert CR 22 Chicken Pond was virtually dry (and devoid of birds), and 
Hog Pond had only Spotteds; Steve Mc had told me the Marthaler Ponds were dry, 
so I didn't even look. We then went to Church Pond off Gunwaleford Road west of 
Florence, which has been productive lately. More White-rumpeds and another 
gaudy Dunlin were on hand amongst other small shorebirds, with much better 
viewing conditions facing north while sheltering behind the truck. Mud 
conditions are excellent here. 


Just nice to have a chance to see some shorebirds -- we need more good 
shoreline up this way! 


Greg

Greg D. Jackson
Birmingham, AL
g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Good Birds at Dauphin Island (May 11, 2008)
From: "Howard Horne" <hhorne AT earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 22:22:38 -0000
Hi all,

Tom and Joan Seigwald and I birded Dauphin Island today (May 11, 2008). The 
island was 

suprisingly very active bird-wise with a good number of migrants at the Shell 
Mounds. 

Many birds appeared to be putting down with the change over to Northwest winds. 
Here 

are the highlights:

11 Species of Warbler:
Yellow Warbler (very common)
Magnolia Warbler (common)
Bay-breasted Warbler (common)
Black-throated Green (several)
Blackpoll Warbler (1- 2; females) 
Blackburnian (2; both male and female)
American Redstart
Black-and-White Warbler
Ovenbird (1)
Hooded Warbler (1 female)
Chestnut-sided Warbler (1)

Red-eye Vireo (very common – abundant)
Both Scarlet and Summer Tanagers (fewer than previous weeks)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (fewer than previous weeks)
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Indigo Bunting
Blue Grosbeak
Eastern Wood Pewee
Thrushes: singles of Swainson's, Gray-cheeked, and Veery.

Other noteworthy species on the island:

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (1 at the Airport marsh and 2 at the West End Mud flats; 
a lifer 

for Tom and Joan). 

Magnificant Frigatebird (Several including multiple birds (5-6) flying over the 
shell 

mounds).

Black Tern (FOTS; 2 birds at the Public Beach.)

Mississippi Kite (1 at the East End over Fort Gaines).

All and all a very good day of birding.

Good Luck,

Howard Horne
Mobile, AL
Subject: Open Country Birds - and some others, too
From: "Larry Gardella" <tapaculo AT knology.net>
Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 18:00:25 -0500
Like Greg, I encountered Swainson's Warbler today while looking for some other 
birds. Unlike him, I did not get a view of the bird. Fortunately, I did get 
views of several of the birds I was looking for. 


I started the day by going out and adding a Chuck-will's-widow to a birdlist. 
Then, I went out to the stretch of County Road 7 north of Speigner and west of 
Deatsville. While Great Horned Owls were still calling, I started hearing some 
singing Grasshopper Sparrows. After failing to get a view in the area nearest 
Manon Spillway Road, I went on to near the bend in the road (and stop sign), 
where the straight-ahead road is dirt. There, I had some "link" notes flying 
over, a Grasshopper Sparrow that briefly perched on the fence before flying 
across the road and a fairly distant Dickcissel singing from atop a tall bush. 


I took the dirt road toward Deatsville, slowing down to listen to singing 
Hooded, Swainson's and Prothonotary Warblers and Common Yellowthroats near the 
creek. When I got into Deatsville, I went south on State 143, turned into a 
side road east and drove by more Bobolinks, then got to Cold Spring Road (C.R. 
162) where between C.R. 164 and C.R. 161 I found two Lark Sparrows perched on 
wires. 


By returning to the Grasshopper Sparrow spot, I got to see more than 100 
Bobolinks flying, then took Manon Spillway past the pond. A Green Heron was 
perched on telephone wire, and a Snowy Egret was working a shallows. But the 
surprise was a calling King Rail, which I do not remember having heard before 
at Speigner. 


And Andrea still got her breakfast in bed at 8:00.


Larry Gardella
Montgomery, AL

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Swainson's Warbler is back in Hoover
From: "Greg D. Jackson" <g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 16:46:31 -0600
AL Birders:

Not having much time to bird this morning, I decided to try for rare Oporornis 
warblers along the Cahaba River in Hoover. This was on my "Heart of Darkness" 
trail -- if you like dark swampy woods, fighting through badly overgrown trails 
with a machete, abundant poison oak, and lots of ticks -- this place is for 
you! Actually, I had a blast (I don't claim to be sane!), though the target 
species eluded me. 


The trail starts at the Hoover Sports Park East off Old Rocky Ridge Road. This 
is actually a beautiful woodland, and is part of the Hoover/Upper Cahaba 
Birding Trail. Unfortunately, the city has not maintained this or most other 
portions of the birding trail after initiation, and consequently this 
particular spot is a wild and wooly place. Anyone coming after me, though, will 
be happy to know I spent a good bit of time with the machete making some of the 
trail more passable. To access the trail system, you park at the south end of 
the parking lot and walk the paved sidewalk up the small hill into the woods. 
This soon leads to an impressive pedestrian bridge over the Cahaba, giving 
canopy views of the beautiful riverine hardwoods. At the opposite bridge base 
you enter the rough trails -- anyone interested in further directions can 
contact me (it can be confusing now given the conditions). 


Though I didn't get a response to the Connecticut or Mourning warbler tapes, 
despite excellent habitat (especially for the former), it was still fun. The 
old BE&K trail on the opposite side of the river here used to be a good spot 
for transient Oporornis at this season -- sadly it is impassible now (I checked 
again this morning). Oddly, the only non-breeding transient I encountered in a 
couple of hours was a Swainson's Thrush. The best bird, though, was also named 
for William Swainson -- the warbler. I've found breeding Swainson's Warblers in 
this area for many years, and this time a bird was singing softly closer to the 
bridge than usual (less than a quarter mile upstream). I was able to gently 
fuss it up for excellent close views of the mildly russet cap and railroad 
spike bill. 


Anyone looking for this bird can contact me for specifics. I was in full 
"jungle" attire, with pants tucked in boots and insect repellent sprayed 
liberally -- I'd suggest similar precautions, as I knocked off three ticks and 
another still made it through my defenses! 


Greg

Greg D. Jackson
Birmingham, AL
g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Update For Anniston May 9, 2008 / Plus An Answer to The Orange-breasted RBG
From: "numberonebirder" <DMCKEN9341 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 14:46:16 -0000
Today I had about 20 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.

Here is a partial copy of an email sent to me regarding the RBG with 
the orange spot on his chest.

The other photo, the one you posted to AL Birds, is a partially 
xanthochromic male Rose-breasted.  I've seen photos more yellow on 
the breast than yours, not so orange, but probably this is a genetic 
problem, not just diet related. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------


Here is a copy of an email sent to me by an Ornithologist at the 
Cornell Lab of Ornithology regarding the RBG (Orange-breasted).

Debbie:

Well, the bird is definitely a second-year male as a molt limit is 
apparent in the wing (contrast between the new black feathers and the 
older, browner primary coverts). There is a small possibility that 
the bird has some Black-headed Grosbeak in its family tree as this 
species does occasionally hybridize with Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. 
However, I think it is more likely that it is just an abnormal Rose-
breasted Grosbeak. Red pigments are influenced by diet in many 
species of birds. I'm not sure if anyone has specifically studied 
this in the grosbeaks. Neat bird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks, Greg,

Debbie (BirdLady)

PS: I posted some more pictures. Here is the link to where 
    the new pictures begin:

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/albirds/photos/browse/48e0?
b=42&m=t&o=0
Subject: rosebreasted grosbeak
From: "Jon and Dawn Yoder" <jeyoder AT frontiernet.net>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 18:35:15 -0500
Debbie your Rosebreasted Grosbeak pics are great; I don't have any at all this 
year, although most years we have a few! We did have a whitewinged dove visit 
our feeder this pm. We are still seeing a Great crested flycatcher scope out 
the old woodpecker holes, and they seem to be making a nest there, although I 
am not sure.... 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Pectoral Sandpipers
From: "Lucy and Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 21:43:23 -0500
Hi all, 

 In spite of regular trips to the Gulf Shores Sew. Treatment Plant (which today 
had loads of peeps) and the "cut" on Santa Rosa Is., I have yet to see a 
Pectoral Sandpiper this season. This species is normally common in the right 
habitat in April. Nor have we encountered them at Dauphin Is.'s west end on 
several trips this spring. What's going on? Has anyone encountered many Pecs 
anywhere else? I hope this is not an indication the species is in trouble. 

 I did go to Ft. Morgan today, not expecting anything, and was not 
disappointed. There were a total of 10 migrant species, one of each. Extremely 
dull. But tons of terns on the point. As I was leaving, about 3:30 p.m., a 
fairly large flock of E. Kingbirds was flying around above the trees, 
apparently just coming in on a pretty good SW wind (no rain involved). A 
movement could have been shoved this way, the late arrival due to extra 
distance covered by the birds. Dauphin Is. could be interesting tomorrow 
morning. 


Bob Duncan
Gulf Breeze, Fl

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Grosbeak (Rose-breasted or hybrid)??? Orange-breasted??
From: "numberonebirder" <DMCKEN9341 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 22:45:28 -0000
Hi,

I just posted a picture of what appears to be a male Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak but it has a really orange breast. It could be a hybrid or the 
color is from whatever he has been eating. Anyone want to take a guess?
Here is the link to where I posted it. 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/albirds/spnew/view/48e0?i=468

Debbie (BirdLady)
Subject: Update For Anniston May 8, 2008 RBG EVERYWHERE!
From: "numberonebirder" <DMCKEN9341 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 19:31:49 -0000
Hi, everyone!

I still have RBGs, Gray Catbirds, Brown-headed Nuthatches and one male 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird. I just posted a picture of 7 Rose-breasted 
Grosbeaks. On the top left above one of the males you can barely see a 
red spot which is another RBG male. Here is where you can see it:

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/albirds/photos/view/48e0?b=50

Debbie (BirdLady)
Subject: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - Limestone County
From: "Jud Johnston" <egrosbeak AT centurytel.net>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 16:28:46 -0600
I have received a report of a scissor-tailed flycatcher in an out-of-the-way 
location near Athens. Consult DeLorme p. 18 C2. Traveling west from Athens on 
U.S. 72, turn right on New Cut Road (CR 48). This looks like about 12-14 miles 
west of I-65. Then after maybe 3 miles, turn left on Baker Hill Road (watch the 
slope). After another couple of miles, turn left on Elk Mills River Road. 
Shortly, cross the bridge over the Elk River and merge right onto Cairo Hollow 
Road. Along Cairo Hollow Road in this area is where the bird was seen. 


Jud Johnston
Winfield

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Update For Anniston May 7, 2008 RBG EVERYWHERE!
From: "numberonebirder" <DMCKEN9341 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 21:09:07 -0000
Hello Everyone,

I know today isn't over but I just couldn't wait to tell you that I 
have at least 30 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!

Debbie (BirdLady)
Subject: Re: North Alabama Big Day...Addendum
From: Swmavocet AT aol.com
Date: Tue, 06 May 2008 20:32:37 -0400
Wow Damien!? You must be angry!

"Shot"-billed Dowitcher?

: )


-----Original Message-----
From: tnbarredowl AT aol.com
To: albirds AT yahoogroups.com; moezali15 AT hotmail.com; sabrewing AT earthlink.net; 
bleufer AT aol.com; tmhaggerty AT una.edu; g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net; 
pdkittle AT una.edu; Swmavocet AT aol.com; fjmenapace AT una.edu; pjzinger AT hiwaay.net; 
nedpiper AT yahoo.com; fsherrod AT comcast.net; waylands AT bellsouth.net; 
djsimbeck AT tva.gov; stkite AT centurytel.net; wpoliver AT una.edu; ANLASTUMPE AT aol.com; 
chickadeedee AT bellsouth.net; jgpaul AT tva.gov; dnks AT lorettotel.net; 
fraser.keith AT comcast.net; chuckrivers AT comcast.net; jrholl34 AT bellsouth.net; 
dixiecarter AT bellsouth.net; mbeuerlein AT comcast.net; rjmoore AT tva.gov; 
reddjo AT bellsouth.net 

Sent: Tue, 6 May 2008 6:57 pm
Subject: North Alabama Big Day...Addendum


As Steve noted in his earlier al-birds post, he, Jeff Garner and I tried once 
again to break the state May record (157 species) yesterday, but once again 
came up short (154 species).? It is with great sadness that I type this post.? 
Earlier today, I went to The Sinks to count shorebirds present (forgot to make 
an ISS?count while we were there yesterday).? To my surprise (and anger), I 
found the following species:? Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs 
(missed yesterday #1), Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Dunlin, Pectoral 
Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper (missed 
yesterday #2), Shot-billed Dowitcher, and Wilson's Phalarope (missed yesterday 
#3!!!).? For those of us that can still do simple math, 154 species plus?3 
missed species equals 157 species.? These birds had to drop in today.? We might 
have overlooked the Western amongst the Leasts, but 5 Greater Yellowlegs 
standing in the middle of the pond are unmistakable, and a breeding plumaged 
Wilson's Phalarope is an eye-catcher.? Of course, this gives us more motivation 
to try again next year!? I also checked The Point and saw no signs of the 
Gannet. 



Damien Simbeck
Killen, AL

Plan your next roadtrip with MapQuest.com: America's #1 Mapping Site. 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: North Alabama Big Day...Addendum
From: TNbarredowl AT aol.com
Date: Tue, 06 May 2008 19:57:43 -0400
As Steve noted in his earlier al-birds post, he, Jeff Garner and I tried once 
again to break the state May record (157 species) yesterday, but once again 
came up short (154 species).? It is with great sadness that I type this post.? 
Earlier today, I went to The Sinks to count shorebirds present (forgot to make 
an ISS?count while we were there yesterday).? To my surprise (and anger), I 
found the following species:? Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs 
(missed yesterday #1), Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Dunlin, Pectoral 
Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper (missed 
yesterday #2), Shot-billed Dowitcher, and Wilson's Phalarope (missed yesterday 
#3!!!).? For those of us that can still do simple math, 154 species plus?3 
missed species equals 157 species.? These birds had to drop in today.? We might 
have overlooked the Western amongst the Leasts, but 5 Greater Yellowlegs 
standing in the middle of the pond are unmistakable, and a breeding plumaged 
Wilson's Phalarope is an eye-catcher.? Of course, this gives us more motivation 
to try again next year!? I also checked The Point and saw no signs of the 
Gannet. 



Damien Simbeck
Killen, AL


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Fun time at Ruffner Mountain
From: "Greg D. Jackson" <g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 16:31:13 -0600
AL Birders:

The adage about not being able to teach old dogs new tricks is simply wrong. 
I've spent the last 21 years in Birmingham after returning from Mobile; 
inexplicably during that time I've only been to Ruffner Mountain once or twice, 
and not in over a decade. My thanks again to Scot Duncan's posts for lifting 
the wool from these old eyes! I've been there three times in the last couple of 
weeks, and it just keeps getting better! This old hound has learned a new 
favorite local spot! 


This morning was wonderful on the mountain. Debi and I got there at 7 a.m. and 
spent the next four hours wandering the area, birding the parking lot and 
various tower roads in nearly perfect weather (only marred by a bit of 
breeziness at times). Migration is in full swing! We had good numbers of 
migrants, including several House Wrens, Swainson's Thrushes and Veeries, 
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Summer and Scarlet tanagers, and Baltimore and Orchard 
orioles. 


The big show today, though, was the warbler parade. We had good variety and 
numbers, often at close range and in song. These were: Tennessee (25), 
Chestnut-sided (5), Magnolia (4), Cape May (3), Yellow-rumped (5), BT Green 
(3), Blackburnian (4), Palm (7), Bay-breasted (2), Blackpoll (10), 
Black-and-white (5), Am. Redstart (3), Worm-eating (1), Ovenbird (1), Kentucky 
(2), and Hooded (1). That was enough to dazzle anyone, especially the 
spectacular views of the Blackburnians. Even better was a prolonged "in your 
face" study of a male Cerulean singing a variety of songs, including variations 
I've never heard in the past. The top warbler, though, came later in the 
morning. As we were walking up to the fire tower I heard a soft song; just as I 
was about to yell out "Black-throated Blue!" it appeared in front of us, 
continuing to sing a low song and coming within 10 feet This was my first of 
that species in Birmingham, and it really capped the morning! What a fantastic 
place -- "Ah kicka myselfa" for not spending the last 21 years there! 


An added treat (at least for me) was getting good looks at the visitors center 
of a copperhead and a large canebrake rattler that were outside being readied 
for educational exhibition. The rattler even got to take a "walk" on the 
sidewalk, rattling his tail so loudly you could hear it at a distance. Even 
Debi (NOT a snake person)remarked, in a tremulous tone, of the beauty of their 
markings -- though that may have been in a reference to suitability for shoes . 
. . 


We ran by the west end of the airport after Ruffner, but only Killdeer and a 
single Least Sandpiper were the shorebird offerings. Still no Bobolinks there, 
despite good habitat, but if you want to see Eastern Kingbirds, this is the 
place -- over 60 were on the fences! 


Considering all the miles we usually have to drive to find good birding, it was 
great to experience such bounty in a local patch, and on a morning that just 
made you glad to breath the air! 


Greg

Greg D. Jackson
Birmingham, AL
g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net










[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: North AL Big Day, May 5, 2008
From: Swmavocet AT aol.com
Date: Mon, 05 May 2008 22:57:36 -0400
Damien Simbeck, Jeff Garner, and I, chose today to run our annual spring Big 
Day.? What a fabulous day to be alive and birding the migration!? Dawn broke 
cool (car temp at one point registered 40 F) in the western hollows of 
Lauderdale County.? The migrant activity was very impressive and the diversity 
was equally good.? We finished the day with 29 species of warbler which I think 
is our best ever. 


From mid-morning the activity seemed to drop off steadily and our initial 
optimism we might FINALLY break the state May record (157), by mid-afternoon, 
had faded significantly.? Personally, I think the spiral began at the moment I 
was trying to get my scope set-up to check a distant Olive-sided candidate and 
the bird flew just as my eye reached the eyepiece!? Ouch! 


When we reached The Point at the mouth of Town Creek in late afternoon, we 
pretty much knew breaking the record was next to impossible.? We did find 
several new species at this location, however, including a 1st Shoals record:? 
an adult NORTHERN GANNET!!! 

Photo:? http://www.pbase.com/swmavocet/recent_alabama_rarities

We ended the day at our familiar 154 species.? One day we'll get it done!

To give you some idea of what is possible for a May day in north AL, here are 
some of our 'easy' misses from today:? 

Pied-billed Grebe
Cattle Egret
Least Bittern (strangely silent at normal locations)
Virginia Rail (again, strangely silent)
Greater Yellowlegs (what!?)
Laughing Gull (I think this was the first time we've missed this one on a Big 
Day) 

Northern Flicker (one of the most expected misses)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Philadelphia Vireo


==============================

There's still plenty of migration happening out there!? Get out and enjoy!

Steve McConnell
Hartselle, AL



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Sunday birding at Ruffner Mountain, Birmingham
From: "scotduncan26" <sduncan AT bsc.edu>
Date: Mon, 05 May 2008 21:13:29 -0000
Birmingham.  On Sunday (May 4, 2008) Ashlin and I had another 
productive morning of birding at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center.  
From the parking area we had 49 species including many migrants and 
11 warbler species during 2 hours (7-9 am).  HOUSE WRENS were still 
singing like mad – 3 at once at one point.  We were joined by two 
other birders whose company we certainly enjoyed.

Ashlin wanted me to mention how beautiful the SCARLET and SUMMER 
TANAGERS were; one of the scarlets was so bright in the morning sun 
it nearly fried my retina.   Numbers per each species were light, as 
usual.  Migration seems to have begun to wind down. 

Migrant highlights included: 
WOOD THRUSH
SWAINSON'S THRUSH
INDIGO BUNTING
EASTERN WOOD PEWEE
AMERICAN REDSTART
TENNESSEE WARBLER
PALM WARBLER
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
HOODED WARBLER
SCARLET TANAGER
BLACKPOLL WARBLER
CAPE MAY WARBLER
BALTIMORE ORIOLE
MAGNOLIA WARBLER
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER 
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER

Good birding!
Scot
Subject: apples and oranges
From: "Lucy and Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 11:31:03 -0500
It's the darndest thing. The yard will be full of orioles, and I'll put out 
oranges for them. The orioles stay around a couple of days, and not an orange 
will be touched by them or by the resident birds. Yesterday, I had a 
dripping-juicy apple and halved it, put it out on the sticks on the bird 
feeder, and in a matter of hours it was gobbled down to the inside of the red 
skin. We had local birds feasting on it (Red-bellied Woodpecker, T. Titmouse, 
C. Chickadee) as well as two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and a stunning male 
"calico" Summer Tanager. Today, I put out another apple, a Granny Smith, just 
as juicy as yesterday's apple. The tanager came, checked it out and left. The 
woodpeckers have visited it and left. Not a bite has been taken out of either 
half! So how do these birds "know" the Granny Smith is tart, not sweet? Or is 
it the color of the apple skin? The birds have approached the apple from the 
flat, white, cut side. Did they check out the skin color first? 


Lucy Duncan
Gulf Breeze, FL


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Update For Anniston May 5, 2008
From: "numberonebirder" <DMCKEN9341 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Mon, 05 May 2008 16:13:54 -0000
Hello everyone,

Right now I have 16 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, 3 to 5 Gray Catbird. 
Saturday I had a Hermit Thrush and a White-throated Sparrow. Last week 
I had 3 Indigo Buntings.

Debbie (BirdLady)

http://www.pbase.com/birdlady/birds&page=1
Subject: Cape May Warbler - Marion Co.
From: "Jud Johnston" <egrosbeak AT centurytel.net>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 21:19:21 -0600
Noticing the 3- Cape May report from Greg Jackson: I also had the plesure of 
viewing a male Cape May warbler today about 4 PM in my yard here in Winfield. 
This first yard record was visiting both hardwoods (best look in a sweet gum) 
and some of the massive 

100-ft pines just off our property. This is only my second state record for the 
species. I'm thinking the bird may have been a first spring male, as the yellow 
on the breast was less extensive than the few other Cape Mays I have seen. ( 
asking for comment here) In fact, on initial glimpse, I thought it might be a 
yellow-throated warbler. 


For those following geographically, I think the DeLorme page is 18, but don't 
have it in the house presently. I'm about 120 miles SW of Monte Sano and 70 
miles WNW of Birmingham, about 25 miles east of the Missisippi state line near 
Tupelo and Fulton. The elevation here is about 500-550 ft. msl. 


Jud Johnston
Winfield, AL

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Huntsville-Decatur today (4 May)
From: "Greg D. Jackson" <g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 20:08:55 -0600
AL Birders:

Debi and I made our annual pilgrimage to that shrine of north Alabama migrant 
birding, Monte Sano SP in Huntsville. We arrived early to find a beautiful but 
chilly morning on the mountain. Migration was a bit subdued compared to earlier 
reports (and our visits in other years), but nevertheless it was worth the trip 
-- just had to work harder to find transients. Of many warblers, best were 
three each of Cape May and Bay-breasted, though the singing male Magnolia was 
not to be ignored. We just missed a Nashville found by the Harris birding duo 
(Milton and Bert). Thrushes were present in moderate numbers including six 
Veeries. A beautiful morning spent in one of my favorite places! 


After lunch (yes, yes, including Big Bob's coconut meringue pie!), we tried 
valiantly to find any shorebirds in the Decatur area -- nothing but Killdeer, 
even in the wet areas at Rockhouse (oddly void of shorebirds at peak season). 
The Solutia pond was so hard to see through the dense willows, I may scratch 
that once-great spot off my list in the future. What we really enjoyed near 
Decatur, though, was about 100 Bobolinks in small groups in fields of vetch on 
Greenbrier Road. This was just south of the 

I-565 exit near the Chevron station, along a small business road (with 
optimistic street names like "Success Circle"!). The Bobolinks, mostly males, 
serenaded us from all directions, and allowed close views as they fed in the 
flowers. I've posted a few shots to the AL Birds Yahoo site at: 


http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/albirds/photos/

Look in the "Greg D. Jackson -- 2008" album. Another treat in the fields there 
was a singing male Dickcissel. 


Greg

Greg D. Jackson
Birmingham, AL
g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Fw: [MISSBIRD] Rig birds May 3&4, 08
From: "Lucy and Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 08:42:35 -0500
Chazz mentioned the report from the oil rigs that was posted to the Mississippi 
Birds and Louisiana Birds listservs. I thought y'all might like to read it 
yourselves! 

Lucy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: cnrdmd AT bellsouth.net 
Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 7:24 AM
Subject: [MISSBIRD] Rig birds May 3&4, 08


Good morning everyone,
 The day is starting to out to be a good one as far as birds go. With any luck, 
I won't be confined to my office today. This morning there quite a few birds 
around. Gray Catibrds, Magnolia Warblers, Summer Tanagers, lots of Barn 
Swallows, Baltimore Oriole, Flycatchers of some sort(?),about a dozen or so RT 
hummers and two Peregrine falcons circling in the sky. Yesterday brought in 
Cattle Egrets, Barn swallows and the Peregrine Falcons just before dark. 
Apparently I've been sleeping at the wrong time, during the night, because 
between 01:00 and 03:00 hrs there has been semi-heavy bird traffic. I just 
received a phone call telling there there are more hummingbirds on the 
helideck.. So I'm off to see what is going on. No specimens found. Have a great 
day... .it's fun here again.... 


Troy Reitan, GOM
190 miles SSW of Port Fouchon, La




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: The Warblers are back- Dauphin Island report 5/3/08
From: Chazz Hesselein <chazz AT hesselein.com>
Date: Sun, 04 May 2008 08:17:25 -0500
Yesterday looked very promising for birders but not birds with a massive 
and powerful squall line deep in the Gulf south of Dauphin Island for 
much of the morning.  I wasn't able to make it down to Dauphin Island 
until 3:00 yesterday afternoon but my first impression prior to entering 
the Shell Mounds was encouraging, a flock of 30-50 birds were flying out 
of the mounds heading south.  Birding was active and interesting 
throughout the afternoon.  Many birds were visibly wet and those birds 
seemed fatigued but overall the birds seen were quite active and were up 
high in the trees in contrast to birds seen last Tuesday.  Even spotted 
thrushes were more frequently seen in the trees than on the ground.  By 
the time I called it a day, I had seen 14 species of warblers, by far 
the most warblers I have seen both in terms of numbers and species since 
the April 5 fallout.  The only species of warbler I added to my season's 
list was BAY-BREASTED, otherwise, no uncommon species were seen.  A 
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (probably the same bird seen since at least last 
Tuesday) was observed in the bowl throughout the day by several people 
and a ROSEATE SPOONBILL was reported by Joan Seigwald on the west end of 
the island.  As I was leaving the Audubon Sanctuary at dusk I noted a 
flock of birds composed mostly of SCARLET TANAGERS and spotted thrushes 
flying into the tops of the trees from the south.  It's a good 
possibility that these birds had just arrived on the island.  I also 
read a report of on the Missbird listserve of birds arriving on an oil 
platform yesterday evening so given the new arrivals, the north wind 
last night and the beautiful weather today, it looks like a good day to 
make a visit to Dauphin Island.

Good Birding all!

Chazz Hesselein
Mobile, AL
Subject: U-pick Bobolinks
From: "scotduncan26" <sduncan AT bsc.edu>
Date: Sun, 04 May 2008 03:27:32 -0000
(Saturday May 3) After the front passed our family went up to Locust 
Fork in Blount County Alabama to pick strawberries at a U-pick 
farm.   While the strawberries were the sweetest I have ever eaten, 
the best part for me was to watch a flock of about 40 BOBOLINKS 
feeding in an adjacent fallow field. Every so often the males would 
erupt into song. Being stuck in the interior of the continent for 
most spring migrations, I haven't seen a big flock of bobolinks in 
many years.   

My son Ashlin got great views of them plus a male INDIGO BUNTING and 
BLUE GROSBEAK at close range.  There was a flock of about 6 SAVANNA 
SPARROWS decked-out in their summer plumage; I would have expected 
them to have already migrated north by now.  And, yes, I maintain 
that sparrows can get "decked-out", albeit in their own special 
sparrow style. 

Later I read up on bobolinks on All About Birds 
(http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bobolink.html) 
and learned (possibly re-learned – its getting hard to tell the 
difference these days) that they over-winter in south-central South 
America and make a round trip of about 12,500 miles each year.   When 
I explain this to Ashlin he was quite puzzled.  After consulting his 
globe we discovered that he thought WE lived in South America.  He 
reasoned that we live in the south of America, hence South America.  
Glad we got that cleared up.   

Happy Birding,
Scot 

Subject: Harpersville today (3 May)
From: "Greg D. Jackson" <g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 22:09:58 -0600
AL Birders:

Following the heavy rain this morning, Debi and I ran down to the Harpersville 
area. Shelby Sod Farms were barren, as was the case a week ago. The Sunbelt 
Turf Farm had pods of shorebirds scattered in several wet spots, of six species 
but nothing unusual. Seven Bobolinks in the tall grass east of the office 
complex were nice, and a Sora scampering into the grass at a nearby wet area 
was unexpected. 


A quick check of Logan Martin Dam revealed a couple of surprises. Below the dam 
two Am. White Pelicans were basking on a rock. Above the dam a Bonaparte's Gull 
was unusually late. The sod farms near the dam had good pockets of water but 
were devoid of shorebirds. 


Greg

Greg D. Jackson
Birmingham, AL
g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: fallout forecast?
From: "David and Carrie" <downbythebay AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Sat, 03 May 2008 15:38:04 -0000
Okay soothsayers. I am heading for the island this afternoon. Am I 
going to be disappointed or should it be good? Or better in the morning?

David Dortch
Fairhope AL
Subject: Miss. Kites, Monte Sano
From: Bert Harris <helmitherosharris AT yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 15:48:37 -0700 (PDT)
On the topic of Mississippi Kites, we just had two fly by our house on the 
bluff on Monte Sano Mountain, Huntsville. The species was a first for us on the 
mountain and it is an uncommon one in the Tennessee Valley. 

  good birding, 
  Milton and Bert Harris

       
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Like the swallows returning to Capistrano....
From: "mbraid" <mbraid AT Yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 02 May 2008 22:44:29 -0000
Two Mississippi kites have returned to Montevallo, Shelby Co., AL. I 
saw two on Wed., April 30, though I am about 90% sure I saw one of them 
last Friday (April 25). 

The rose-breasted grosbeaks, indigo buntings, and returning ruby-
throats have made the yard exciting the past couple of weeks. Must go 
out of town, so I am glad they arrived when they did.

Regards,
Mac Braid
Montevallo, AL 
Subject: Monte Sano Golden-winged
From: Bert Harris <helmitherosharris AT yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 08:00:38 -0700 (PDT)
Al birders,
   
 We had another good morning in Monte Sano St. Park today although the numbers 
of birds were down a bit. The highlight was a beautiful Golden-winged Warbler 
that was near the manager's residence. It was singing a stange song that was 
closest to the second cut on the Stokes CD. It sounded somewhat Parula-like. 

   
 To add to yesterday's list we found Ovenbird, American Redstart (gorgeous 
male), Worm-eating Warbler, and several Bay-breasted Warblers. 

   
  Milton and Bert Harris, Huntsville

       
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Fw: Monte Sano migrants
From: "Larry Gardella" <tapaculo AT knology.net>
Date: Thu, 1 May 2008 20:38:54 -0500
Ditto to what Bert said about the wonderful Monte Sano. I enjoyed spending a 
little time with Milton and Bert (and the Red-breasted Nuthatch and glimpsed 
probable Blue-winged) this morning as I visited Monte Sano before getting to 
Legal Services Alabama's Huntsville office to complete an evaluation. 


Yesterday had been a very nice 90 minutes at Monte Sano. Today was a nicer 150 
minutes. The male Baltimore Oriole I saw was singing near the cabins - as were 
two Blackburnians and a Cerulean. Other warblers not mentioned by Bert were 
Yellow-rumped, Chat and Black-and-white - and yesterday there was a Northern 
Parula. Even without the Nashvilles (ouch), I had 14 warblers during the two 
days. Adding in a singing American Redstart at Anniston's Museum of Natural 
History (as well as 6 Blackpolls, several of them singing) when I was visiting 
our Anniston office and Prothonotary, Pine and Ovenbird from brief stops north 
and back home, I had 18 species during a 4-day office work trip to northeast 
Alabama. 



Larry Gardella
Montgomery

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Bert Harris 
To: albirds AT yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 9:35 AM
Subject: [ALBIRDS] Monte Sano migrants


Al birders,

We had a very nice morning at the overlook and cabin area at Monte Sano St. 
Park today with many warblers. Larry Gardella and John Ehinger were also 
enjoying migration on Monte Sano. 


Highlights for us included two singing Nashville Warblers and a Red-breasted 
Nuthatch, the latter of which was a first for us on Monte Sano in many years. 
John has been seeing them all winter though. Other migrants included: 


Tennessee (many)
Palm 
Black-throated Green (many)
Blackburnian (two)
Chestnut-sided (a few)
Blackpoll (many)
Kentucky (many)
Hooded (many)
probable Blue-winged but it was only glimpsed

Baltimore Oriole (male)

singing Rose-breasted Grosbeak in full sun

Veery and Swainson's Thrush in the same binocular field of view

May 1st never fails at Monte Sano!

Milton and Bert Harris, Huntsville


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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Monte Sano migrants
From: Bert Harris <helmitherosharris AT yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 1 May 2008 07:35:41 -0700 (PDT)
Al birders,
   
 We had a very nice morning at the overlook and cabin area at Monte Sano St. 
Park today with many warblers. Larry Gardella and John Ehinger were also 
enjoying migration on Monte Sano. 

   
 Highlights for us included two singing Nashville Warblers and a Red-breasted 
Nuthatch, the latter of which was a first for us on Monte Sano in many years. 
John has been seeing them all winter though. Other migrants included: 

   
  Tennessee (many)
  Palm 
  Black-throated Green (many)
  Blackburnian (two)
  Chestnut-sided (a few)
  Blackpoll (many)
  Kentucky (many)
  Hooded (many)
  probable Blue-winged but it was only glimpsed
   
  Baltimore Oriole (male)
   
  singing Rose-breasted Grosbeak in full sun
   
  Veery and Swainson's Thrush in the same binocular field of view
   
  May 1st never fails at Monte Sano!
   
  Milton and Bert Harris, Huntsville
   

       
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Subject: Incidental birding (300+ Whimbrels)
From: Chazz Hesselein <chazz AT hesselein.com>
Date: Thu, 01 May 2008 07:54:46 -0500
Yesterday, after visiting a local nursery, I made a brief stop in front 
of Leroy Hill's property on Grand Bay-Wilmer Rd. north of I-10 in Grand 
Bay, AL.  The previously reported WHIMBREL flock has swelled to over 300 
individuals in the south pond in amongst the grass growing in the 
water.  These birds were very close to the road so a scope wasn't even 
needed.  Later at my house in West Mobile I saw my year and yard's first 
BALTIMORE ORIOLE.  With the exception of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and 
Indigo Buntings, migrants have been few and far between at my house this 
spring.  Could the current crack down on illegal immigration be, at 
least partially, to blame ;-) ???

As I stated in a previous post, Mr. Hill isn't very fond of people bird 
watching in front of his property, so if you go there to watch birds be 
forewarned that you may get an unpleasant visit from him.

Chazz Hesselein
Mobile, AL
Subject: Re: Dauphin Island Fallout 4-29-08
From: "scotduncan26" <sduncan AT bsc.edu>
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:12:06 -0000
More commentary on the clear-weather 'fallout' at DI on April 29. 

It is fascinating to read the observations from along the coast and 
the (e.g., Matt's) correlations with local vs Yucatan and Caribbean 
weather.  I would point out that one part of the explanation for 
Chazz's observations is that birds operate with incomplete/imperfect 
information, and must weigh a variety of costs and benefits.  

As migrants ammased on the mexican coast on the evening of the 28th, 
some of them likely did not fly. Perhaps this explains the paucity of 
warblers - smaller birds that would have had more trouble against 
those winds (as Matt suggested).  Others (larger species?) may have 
gambled that the winds would die down mid-gulf.  When they reached 
the 'point of no return', weaker species/individuals would have had 
to make the final choice about continuuing into the winds. Perhaps 
some turned back. The ones that arrived on the coast on the 29th 
clearly gambled/calculated that they could make the rest of the 
flight. 

The benefits to the birds that made the flight is that they will be 
that much closer to prime breeding territories than their competitors 
who stayed behind.  As each day in the spring passes, the chance to 
secure a good breeding terriority diminishes.  These relatively short-
lived species only enjoy a few good years of breeding, and have been 
preparing for the present breeding season for the last (say) 9 
months. In that context, i think it is easier to understand why these 
birds make choices that can seem perplexing when we see them at their 
weakest, immediately after the flight.  

Another factor is whether birds encounter rain during the trans-gulf 
migration.  From what i understand, rainfall is a much greater threat 
than wind.  With rain, birds get wet and heavier.  The extra weight 
increases the energy they must burn to complete the flight. The rain 
also disrupts the aerodynamics of their contour feathers (i.e., 
ruffles their feathers) and increases drag, further increasing the 
cost of flight. Finally, birds lose extra heat when moisture 
penetrates the feathers and contacts the skin - this costs them even 
more energy. THus, birds may be more likely to gamble that they can 
complete the trans-gulf migration when there is 'just' a strong wind, 
than if they are also/instead facing rain. 

Okay, enough fun.  Back to grading papers...
Scot



--- In albirds AT yahoogroups.com, Matt Smith  wrote:
>
> ALBIRDers,
> 
> The fallout Chazz reports is remarkable from a weather standpoint.  
Birds leaving Mexico on Monday night would have taken off into cloudy 
skies and 10-15 mph headwinds, and in fact would have faced these 
kinds of headwinds at all altitudes the entire way across the Gulf.  
This may account for the dearth of smaller travelers like warblers, 
but it's amazing to me that even a bunting or oriole would tackle 
such an unforgiving flight.  There was virtually nothing visible on 
the Mobile radar screen yesterday -- suggesting that the birds may 
have come in at very low altitudes, under the radar beam -- although 
the station seems to have been down for a couple of hours in the mid-
afternoon, so our intrepid flight may have snuck in then.
> 
> Just goes to show how the birds can foil our best efforts to 
predict them.  Thanks for the ground truthing Chazz!
> 
> Matt Smith
> jasmigration.wordpress.com
> 
> P.S. Judging from last night's imagery, most of the migrants 
present on the AL coast do seem to have stayed put -- so birding 
today should continue to be good.
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Chazz Hesselein 
> To: AL-BIRDS 
> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 10:31:24 PM
> Subject: [ALBIRDS] Dauphin Island Fallout 4-29-08
> 
> 
> What a magnificent day at Dauphin Island today!  The weather 
couldn't 
> have been better.  Sunny, warm and LOW HUMIDITY with hint of a 
cooling 
> breeze.  I will call today a fallout not so much for the numbers of 
> birds seen, though there were many, but mostly due to the condition 
of 
> many of the birds on the island.  Plum tuckered out would describe 
many 
> of the birds.  There were SCARLET TANAGERS everywhere (certainly 
> hundreds, maybe thousands) many of them at eye level or on the 
ground, 
> relatively unconcerned about a 250 lb predator lurking about (that 
would 
> be me).  Also, probably as many thrushes (Wood and Catharus spp.) 
as 
> I've seen on the island with many individuals allowing extremely 
close 
> looks.  One WOOD THRUSH I startled in the Audubon Sanctuary sprung 
> straight up in the air, struck a branch, and landed right back 
where it 
> started.  That was a bird more concerned about getting a meal than 
being 
> one.  The other species with high numbers were ORCHARD ORIOLES and 
> INDIGO BUNTINGS.  My highlight was my second view of a very 
cooperative 
> BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO in the bowl of the Shell Mounds.  Eugenia Carey 
said 
> she saw four BBCU today and another woman, whose name I didn't get, 
saw 
> three at the Shell Mounds in the space of less than an hour!  As 
has 
> been the case on Dauphin Island most of this spring, warblers were 
few 
> and far between.  I saw two HOODED, one AMERICAN REDSTART, one 
> PROTHONOTARY,  and four YELLOW WARBLERS.  Getting to the island 
around 
> 4:00 this afternoon probably didn't help my chances of finding 
those 
> seemingly elusive warblers but I had to work pretty hard for the 
few I 
> saw.  There were more shorebirds at the airport than I have ever 
seen. 
> As a lagniappe (a little something extra), I was treated to a 
singing 
> WOOD THRUSH as I left the Audubon Sanctuary.
> 
> I would guess, given the condition of the birds seen today (that 
is, 
> plum tuckered out) and the fact that it will be cool tonight 
(indicating 
> either no wind or northernly winds), that most of today's birds 
will be 
> around the island tomorrow.  Even if some of them leave, the 
beautiful 
> weather will make a trip to Dauphin Island worthwhile.
> 
> Good Birding All!
> 
> Chazz Hesselein
> Mobile, AL
> 
> PS Although there has been a dearth of warblers, on the plus side, 
there 
> have been very few biting insects this spring on the island. Today 
was 
> no exception with mosquitoes only becoming a problem at dusk and 
> no-see-ums only encountered at the airport (and that was a dusk).  
Bring 
> your insect repellent but you may not need it.
>     
> 
> 
>       
______________________________________________________________________
______________
> Be a better friend, newshound, and 
> know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Subject: Re: Dauphin Island Fallout 4-29-08
From: Matt Smith <mcsmitfl AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:22:24 -0700 (PDT)
ALBIRDers,

The fallout Chazz reports is remarkable from a weather standpoint. Birds 
leaving Mexico on Monday night would have taken off into cloudy skies and 10-15 
mph headwinds, and in fact would have faced these kinds of headwinds at all 
altitudes the entire way across the Gulf. This may account for the dearth of 
smaller travelers like warblers, but it's amazing to me that even a bunting or 
oriole would tackle such an unforgiving flight. There was virtually nothing 
visible on the Mobile radar screen yesterday -- suggesting that the birds may 
have come in at very low altitudes, under the radar beam -- although the 
station seems to have been down for a couple of hours in the mid-afternoon, so 
our intrepid flight may have snuck in then. 


Just goes to show how the birds can foil our best efforts to predict them. 
Thanks for the ground truthing Chazz! 


Matt Smith
jasmigration.wordpress.com

P.S. Judging from last night's imagery, most of the migrants present on the AL 
coast do seem to have stayed put -- so birding today should continue to be 
good. 




----- Original Message ----
From: Chazz Hesselein 
To: AL-BIRDS 
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 10:31:24 PM
Subject: [ALBIRDS] Dauphin Island Fallout 4-29-08


What a magnificent day at Dauphin Island today!  The weather couldn't 
have been better.  Sunny, warm and LOW HUMIDITY with hint of a cooling 
breeze.  I will call today a fallout not so much for the numbers of 
birds seen, though there were many, but mostly due to the condition of 
many of the birds on the island.  Plum tuckered out would describe many 
of the birds.  There were SCARLET TANAGERS everywhere (certainly 
hundreds, maybe thousands) many of them at eye level or on the ground, 
relatively unconcerned about a 250 lb predator lurking about (that would 
be me).  Also, probably as many thrushes (Wood and Catharus spp.) as 
I've seen on the island with many individuals allowing extremely close 
looks.  One WOOD THRUSH I startled in the Audubon Sanctuary sprung 
straight up in the air, struck a branch, and landed right back where it 
started.  That was a bird more concerned about getting a meal than being 
one.  The other species with high numbers were ORCHARD ORIOLES and 
INDIGO BUNTINGS.  My highlight was my second view of a very cooperative 
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO in the bowl of the Shell Mounds.  Eugenia Carey said 
she saw four BBCU today and another woman, whose name I didn't get, saw 
three at the Shell Mounds in the space of less than an hour!  As has 
been the case on Dauphin Island most of this spring, warblers were few 
and far between.  I saw two HOODED, one AMERICAN REDSTART, one 
PROTHONOTARY,  and four YELLOW WARBLERS.  Getting to the island around 
4:00 this afternoon probably didn't help my chances of finding those 
seemingly elusive warblers but I had to work pretty hard for the few I 
saw.  There were more shorebirds at the airport than I have ever seen. 
As a lagniappe (a little something extra), I was treated to a singing 
WOOD THRUSH as I left the Audubon Sanctuary.

I would guess, given the condition of the birds seen today (that is, 
plum tuckered out) and the fact that it will be cool tonight (indicating 
either no wind or northernly winds), that most of today's birds will be 
around the island tomorrow.  Even if some of them leave, the beautiful 
weather will make a trip to Dauphin Island worthwhile.

Good Birding All!

Chazz Hesselein
Mobile, AL

PS Although there has been a dearth of warblers, on the plus side, there 
have been very few biting insects this spring on the island. Today was 
no exception with mosquitoes only becoming a problem at dusk and 
no-see-ums only encountered at the airport (and that was a dusk).  Bring 
your insect repellent but you may not need it.
    


 
____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. 
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Dauphin Island Fallout 4-29-08
From: Chazz Hesselein <chazz AT hesselein.com>
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:31:24 -0500
What a magnificent day at Dauphin Island today!  The weather couldn't 
have been better.  Sunny, warm and LOW HUMIDITY with hint of a cooling 
breeze.  I will call today a fallout not so much for the numbers of 
birds seen, though there were many, but mostly due to the condition of 
many of the birds on the island.  Plum tuckered out would describe many 
of the birds.  There were SCARLET TANAGERS everywhere (certainly 
hundreds, maybe thousands) many of them at eye level or on the ground, 
relatively unconcerned about a 250 lb predator lurking about (that would 
be me).  Also, probably as many thrushes (Wood and Catharus spp.) as 
I've seen on the island with many individuals allowing extremely close 
looks.  One WOOD THRUSH I startled in the Audubon Sanctuary sprung 
straight up in the air, struck a branch, and landed right back where it 
started.  That was a bird more concerned about getting a meal than being 
one.  The other species with high numbers were ORCHARD ORIOLES and 
INDIGO BUNTINGS.  My highlight was my second view of a very cooperative 
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO in the bowl of the Shell Mounds.  Eugenia Carey said 
she saw four BBCU today and another woman, whose name I didn't get, saw 
three at the Shell Mounds in the space of less than an hour!  As has 
been the case on Dauphin Island most of this spring, warblers were few 
and far between.  I saw two HOODED, one AMERICAN REDSTART, one 
PROTHONOTARY,  and four YELLOW WARBLERS.  Getting to the island around 
4:00 this afternoon probably didn't help my chances of finding those 
seemingly elusive warblers but I had to work pretty hard for the few I 
saw.  There were more shorebirds at the airport than I have ever seen.  
As a lagniappe (a little something extra), I was treated to a singing 
WOOD THRUSH as I left the Audubon Sanctuary.

I would guess, given the condition of the birds seen today (that is, 
plum tuckered out) and the fact that it will be cool tonight (indicating 
either no wind or northernly winds), that most of today's birds will be 
around the island tomorrow.  Even if some of them leave, the beautiful 
weather will make a trip to Dauphin Island worthwhile.

Good Birding All!

Chazz Hesselein
Mobile, AL

PS Although there has been a dearth of warblers, on the plus side, there 
have been very few biting insects this spring on the island. Today was 
no exception with mosquitoes only becoming a problem at dusk and 
no-see-ums only encountered at the airport (and that was a dusk).  Bring 
your insect repellent but you may not need it.
Subject: Anniston Update For April 29, 2008
From: "numberonebirder" <DMCKEN9341 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:56:16 -0000
Hello, everyone.

Today I had 12 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, 1 Indigo Bunting (male), 3 Gray 
Catbirds and 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird (male). The Brown-headed 
Nuthatches are still here.


Debbie (BirdLady)

PS: I posted a picture of a male Red-bellied Woodpecker with a grape in
    his beak.

http://www.pbase.com/birdlady/birds&page=1
Subject: White Dove: one more comment...
From: "Howard Horne" <hhorne AT earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:08:06 -0000
Hi again,

Here is the species account for "White Dove" from The Dove Page 
Website (www.dovepage.com):  

The White Dove is often thought of as a separate species but it is 
actually perhaps the most common color mutation of the Ringneck Dove 
(Streptopelia risoria). This bird is often confused with the domestic 
white homing pigeon which is used to release at special occasions 
(weddings, anniversaries, etc.). This bird does not have the homing 
instinct and should not be released. 

The domesticated bird (Streptopelia risoria) descends from the 
African Ring Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea). 

For a good write-up on separating Eurasian Collared-Dove and Ringed 
Turtle Dove check out the following from Cornell's Project Feeder 
Watch Website: 

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/EucdovRitdovID.h
tm

There is a great PDF here that illustrates the differences between 
the two taxa.

Hope this helps...

Cheers,

Howard Horne
Mobile, AL

Subject: RE: White Dove
From: "Barry Fleming" <warbler AT charter.net>
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:42:09 -0500
Hello folks,
 
I've been off the computer (praise be) for a few days and haven't seen the
pictures, but I saw a bird near the Dortch residence a couple of weeks back
that seemed to be a well bred Ringed Turtle-Dove. It had the right size and
white coloration overall, including a black collar, light brown and gray
flight and wing covert feathers and white undertail covert feathers. I agree
it was pretty.
 
We had a White-winged Dove here in Auburn April 3rd. It rested in a tree for
3 hours then left the area. Enjoyed good looks at a singing Canada Warbler
that followed me down the trail yesterday and a session watching
Yellow-crowned Night-Herons build a nest. I missed seeing the recent Bronzed
Cowbird and White-faced Ibis in the state, but the big red eye of the heron
watching you watching it, can't be beat.
 
The time to bird is now.
 
Barry Fleming
Opelika, Alabama

   _____  

From: albirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:albirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Gregory J. Harber
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 9:40 PM
To: David and Carrie Dortch; AL-birds
Subject: Re: [ALBIRDS] White Dove



An escapee from a wedding release? Releasing doves at the church after the
wedding is a popular way to celebrate nuptials these days. They birds have
got to go somewhere, and ending up at the Dortchıs house on Dauphin Island
is as good as it gets!

On 4/28/08 9:25 PM, David and Carrie at HYPERLINK
"mailto:downbythebay%40bellsouth.net"downbythebay AT -bellsouth.-net wrote:

> 
> 
> 
> The almost unanimous opinion about the white dove at my house on
> Dauphin Island is that it is an albino. There hasn't been much
> speculation as to species, because few people have seen it. Size-wise
> it is bigger than an Mourning Dove but not as large as Eurasian
> Collared Dove. There are apparently several possibilities before you
> even consider intergrades. Opinions welcome.
> 
> Still, it's pretty.
> 
> David Dortch
> Fairhope AL
> 
> 
> 

-- 
Greg Harber
Birmingham, AL

³Itıs never too late to have a happy childhood.²
Tom Robbins

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Subject: birding Gulf Breeze today
From: "Lucy and Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:17:31 -0500
Hi all,

 This morning a tour of our neighborhood revealed many birds present, tanagers, 
grosbeaks, Indigos and some warblers and vireos. We were at Dauphin Is. late 
yesterday, leaving about 7 p.m. There was no indication of incoming migrants up 
to that time and I suspected birds were delayed by the strong NW winds they 
encountered in the northern Gulf. I suspect these birds present now probably 
came in overnight and are not from last night's possible migration which 
probably didn't occur due to adverse migrating conditions in the s. Gulf and 
Yucatan. I would appreciate any reports from D. I. of birds present this a.m. 

 I watched a flock of about 30 Bobolinks take off from the end of the peninsula 
and head due west toward the mainland, evidently making a lateral course 
adjustment. 


Good birding,
Bob Duncan

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: White Dove
From: "Howard Horne" <hhorne AT earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:48:10 -0000
Hi all,

Just some real quick observations to add regarding the all-white dove 
at Dauphin Island. 

The bird falls approximately half-way between Mourning Dove and 
Eurasian Collared-Dove in overall size. This feature was readily 
apparent because earlier in the month, I observed the bird perched 
immediately adjacent to a ECD. When I say immediately adjacent, I 
mean the two seemed to be much closer than normal dove interactions 
would typically allow. 

Now I'm not an expert on the intimate social interactions of doves 
but the closeness of these two birds seemed to approach more than 
just friendship. The word "snuggling" comes to mind to describe the 
activity. 

I highly suspect this is a released bird from a wedding somewhere 
nearby.

Cheers,

Howard Horne
Mobile, AL  


Subject: FT. Morgan and Dauphin Is. today
From: "Lucy and Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:06:24 -0500
Hi all,

 Lucy and I and Betsy Tetlow made the "great circle" today. Ft. Morgan was 
terrific, we got there about 9 a.m. Birds were plentiful, 16 species of 
warblers before we took the D. I. ferry at 1:15 pm. We had a Purple Gallinule 
at The Plantation pond as well, and the Gulf Shores Sew. Ponds had lots of 
shorebirds. We had 43 species of land type Neotropical migrants at FT. M. 
alone, a pretty good showing. 

 Dauphin Is. was somewhat disappointing, very few warblers and a smattering of 
other species, we ended the day with 119 species. The non-birding highlight of 
the day was on the ferry, our van was front row center and a wave splashed into 
the van, filling the passenger seat with water, soaking Lucy and Betsy outside 
the van and interrupting my review of our Ft. M. checklist. Thanks to David 
Dortch's hose, we were able to get the salt water off the windshield and 
continue. 

 Why all the warblers at FT. M. and not at D. I. is beyond my speculation. 
Tonight, the front is in the s. Gulf, Progresso has N 14 mph and cloudy weather 
and I suspect migration is shut down. However, any birds that left last night 
may be arriving way behind schedule and come in tonight. Those folks at D. I. 
will find out in the morning. 

Bob Duncan

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: White Dove
From: "Gregory J. Harber" <gharber AT mindspring.com>
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:39:56 -0500
An escapee from a wedding release?  Releasing doves at the church after the
wedding is a popular way to celebrate nuptials these days.  They birds have
got to go somewhere, and ending up at the Dortchıs house on Dauphin Island
is as good as it gets!


On 4/28/08 9:25 PM, David and Carrie at downbythebay AT bellsouth.net wrote:

>  
>  
> 
> The almost unanimous opinion about the white dove at my house on
> Dauphin Island is that it is an albino. There hasn't been much
> speculation as to species, because few people have seen it. Size-wise
> it is bigger than an Mourning Dove but not as large as Eurasian
> Collared Dove. There are apparently several possibilities before you
> even consider intergrades. Opinions welcome.
> 
> Still, it's pretty.
> 
> David Dortch
> Fairhope AL
> 
>  
>     


-- 
Greg Harber
Birmingham, AL

³Itıs never too late to have a happy childhood.²
Tom Robbins



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: White Dove
From: "David and Carrie" <downbythebay AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:25:10 -0000
The almost unanimous opinion about the white dove at my house on 
Dauphin Island is that it is an albino. There hasn't been much 
speculation as to species, because few people have seen it. Size-wise 
it is bigger than an Mourning Dove but not as large as Eurasian 
Collared Dove. There are apparently several possibilities before you 
even consider intergrades. Opinions welcome.

Still, it's pretty.

David Dortch
Fairhope AL
Subject: Birmingham area birding 27-28 April
From: "Greg D. Jackson" <g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:23:38 -0600
AL Birders:

I'm working night shifts this week, so Debi and I have been able to get out a 
little during the day around Birmingham in conjunction with the front and two 
days of sporadic rain. 


Yesterday, 27 April, we went to the Harpersville sod farms. The Shelby Turf 
Farm was unproductive. The Sunbelt Turf Farm has undergone some changes, with 
the western portion (along AL 25) now fenced and apparently being turned into a 
cattle farm. It looks like they have, unfortunately, "cleaned up" the hedgerows 
along the south perimeter road, not a good thing for sparrows next fall and 
winter. 


Most of the farm is still accessible, though, and the gates were open even on 
Sunday so we drove around at will. Most shorebirds were in a nice pond just in 
the fenced area near the intersection of AL 25 and AL 76 -- a small access road 
remains allowing easy viewing. Moderate numbers of Lesser Yellowlegs, and 
Solitary and Least sandpipers were present, with one Wilson's Snipe. The small 
pond area just south of the office complex had only a Spotted Sandpiper, but 
nearby grass-cutting may have been a factor. Lots of Cliff Swallows were 
feeding over the fields. 


Late this morning after I stumbled out of bed we went to Ruffner Mountain, 
walking the paved road to the fire tower. The lateness of the morning and 
strong winds made birding a challenge, but some warblers were present. These 
included several Tennessees and Blackpolls, as well as Chestnut-sided and 
Magnolia. Veery, Swainson's, and Wood were the only spotted thrushes, and we 
had only one Scarlet Tanager. 


The west end of the airport had a few shorebirds, mostly Solitary and Least 
sandpipers. Eastern Kingbirds were everywhere, and a surprise was a beautiful 

male Dickcissel feeding in a large tree with Cedar Waxwings. No bobolinks -- 
yet. 


Greg

Greg D. Jackson
Birmingham, AL
g_d_jackson AT bellsouth.net

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Subject: Late Report-Bird-a-thon in NW Alabama
From: TNbarredowl AT aol.com
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:07:58 -0400
Jeff Garner and I participated in the Shoals Audubon Society's annual 
Bird-a-thon Saturday (4-26).? Early morning rain allowed us to "sleep in", 
meeting in Florence at the late hour of 4:45 a.m.? We went straight toward 
Waterloo and almost hit a Barred Owl along the way.? In Waterloo, we quickly 
added Screech-Owl, Whip and Chuck before the deadness began.? Although bird 
activity was fairly nice most of the day, woodland migrants were missing.? We 
were able to get all local breeding warblers except Redstart, Cerulean and 
Swainson's.? Migrant warblers found included only Tennessee, Bt Green, 
Yellow-rumped and Palm.? Total warbler species for the day...20.? Our only 
thrushes were Wood and Hermit.? Vireos included only the three local breeders.? 
We were able to rack up with shorebirds, however, tallying 15 species before 
the day's end.? Our first were at the mouth of Brush Creek in Wright.? On a 
small island were 22 Willets, 1 Pectoral, and 4 short-legged, stocky reddish 
birds that we originally ID'd as Red Knots.? They appeared short-billed 
and?definitely had the football shape.? Then one of them went to the shore line 
and began to probe, giving us a good look at its long bill.? Long-billed 
Dowitchers were nice, but I would have loved to finally add Knots to my state 
list.? A lunch-time stop at Oakland Marsh added very vocal King Rails (2), a 
weakly vocal Virginia Rail (our only unshared bird for the day), and decent 
looks at a Sedge Wren.? Key?Cave yielded Grasshopper Sparrow, Dickcissel, 
Bobolink, Kestrel, Horned Lark and Pipits (perched on?a power line east?of the 
refuge!).? Church Pond boosted our shorebird list some more, with Semi Plovers 
(2), L Yellowlegs (20+), Solitary (4), Spotted (1), Least (30+), Dunlin (1 
alternate plumaged), Short-billed Dowitcher (16) and Snipe (1).? A fly-over 
Baltimore?Oriole was our only one for the day.? The Marbled Godwit seen the 
previous day was not to be found.? We made a 1 hour deviation to Underwood for 
probably the only Shrike left in nw Alabama (I feel like I am back in east 
Tennessee).? Wilson Dam added only?Rb Gull and Caspian Tern,?but also had 3 
more Willets.? The Sinks finished off our shorebird list with Semi Plover (3), 
G (4) and L (130+) Yellowlegs, Solitary (6), Semipalm (2), Least (40+), 
Pectoral (2) and Stilt (1) Sandpipers, and 12 more Sb Dowitchers.? The Point 
added White Pelican (Old One Wing with a partner!), Common Tern and Fish Crow.? 
We decided to end the day early after a trip to Red Bank then Wheeler Dam.? Red 
Bank gave us our last warbler of the day...Yellow and yielded our nemesis 
woodpecker.? At approximately 5:00 p.m. we FINALLY added a Downy to the days 
tally!? Wheeler Dam added our final 2 species: Bc Night-Heron and Herring 
Gull.? Final summary:? 0445-1845, 197 miles by car, 1 mile on foot, 146 species 
(145 shared).? Hopefully the warblers will arrive in time for our official May 
Big Day sometime in the next 1-1.5 weeks. 



Damien Simbeck
Killen, AL


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Willow Flycatcher
From: "Larry Gardella" <tapaculo AT knology.net>
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:46:30 -0500
I returned from some pretty good birding (including a Cape May and a singing 
Philadelphia Vireo) a bit after 10 and was about to start work on the garden. 
As it turned out, I got my 4+ hours of yard work in - but only after first 
checking out a calling empid in the corner of the backyard near the ditch. 


The bird was persistently giving a weet call, which helped me localize it and 
see the good-sized bill, the quite-brown back and head with contrasting white 
throat, the buffy wingbars, the very weak eyering and the moderate primary 
projection. All in all, a nice suprise Willow Flycatcher. 



Larry Gardella
Montgomery

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: fallout??
From: Chazz Hesselein <chazz AT hesselein.com>
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:40:26 -0500
No fallout on Dauphin Island today.  (I don't think I'll get any 
disagreement on this interpretation.) No large flocks of birds or large 
numbers of any individual species.  The weather looked promising but the 
birds weren't there.  There was a strong east surface wind.  Is it 
possible that the birds were directed east of DI?  I can send you the 
list of species that saw/heard if you'd like.

Chazz

Lucy and Bob Duncan wrote:
>
> Hi all - Would appreciate any reports of birding at Ft. Morgan or 
> Dauphin Is. today. Thanks. Bob Duncan
>
> .
>
>  
Subject: fallout??
From: "Lucy and Bob Duncan" <town_point AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:49:05 -0500
Hi all - Would appreciate any reports of birding at Ft. Morgan or Dauphin Is. 
today. Thanks. Bob Duncan 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Spring Outdoor Festival-Saturday, May 3
From: "john_trent00" <john.a.trent AT gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:08:14 -0000
Hi all,

The State Lands Division of the Department of Conservation is hosting the 11th 
annual Spring 

Outdoor Festival at the Wehle Land Conservation Center near Midway in Bullock 
Co. (Southeast of 

Montgomery) this coming Saturday, May 3. I'm primarily plugging the birding 
opportunities, as 

the Conservation Center is a great place to see Bachman's Sparrows and 
occasionally Common 

Ground Doves. We will also have bird banding demonstrations and mist nets set 
up throughout 

the day as well as raptor biology and conservation presentations.

Other educational exhibits and demonstrations will include wildflower woods 
rides, fossil exhibits, 

butterfly exhibits, pine needle basket making, draft horse plowing, gourd and 
pumpkin planting, a 

kids activity tent, syrup cane planting, and Bats of our Worlds presentations.

Vendors and products to purchase include handcrafted goat milk soap, Magnolia 
Farms plants, 

pine needle basketry, Outdoor Alabama Store, Henry's BBQ, and Pop's Kettle 
Corn. 


The hours are from 9am-5pm and is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday. The link 
below has 

additional information, but please feel free to contact me if there are any 
questions. 


Take care,

John Trent
Montgomery, AL


http://www.outdooralabama.com/public-lands/stateLands/WNC/
Subject: Mon Louis Island
From: "Jabe Fincher" <jabe.fincher AT gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:18:45 -0500
Hi all,

We have regular visitors of Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, and
various other migrant visitors. I saw this morning a Towhee. Of course, we
have the usual chipping sparrows, blue jays, mockingbirds, red-bellied
woodpeckers,eastern bluebirds, house finches, and so forth.

Jabe Fincher
Mon Louis Island
(north of Dauphin Island)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Turtledove? Photo
From: "David and Carrie" <downbythebay AT bellsouth.net>
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:35:12 -0000
I have finally gotten around to posting the photo of the Dove that has 
been coming to our feeders on Dauphin Island that Howard suggested 
might be a Turtledove?

Be sure and click the word "large" to be able to get a good clear look 
at the bird.

David Dortch
Fairhope AL