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11 May Great Work Michelle - lets all help her this year [Barb Beck ] 11 May Re: Eurasian Collared-Dove at Calgary Zoo Ranch [Tim Allison ] 12 May Clark's Grebe on Astotin Lake ["Gerald Romanchuk" ] 12 May Re: Harris's Sparrow and Whimbrels in Brooks ["Gerald Romanchuk" ] 11 May Eurasian Collared-Dove at Calgary Zoo Ranch [Dwight Knapik ] 12 May Re: What is it...part 400! ["leftboot13" ] 12 May Harris's Sparrow and Whimbrels in Brooks ["Curtis Manly" ] 12 May Re: Tree Swallow killed in nest box ["Curtis Manly" ] 11 May Problems with Peeps [Andrew Slater ] 11 May Re: Tree Swallow killed in nest box [Murray Mackay ] 11 May Tree Swallow killed in nest box ["Curtis Manly" ] 11 May Re: ID Help: Sharp-tailed Grouse? ["Curtis Manly" ] 11 May Re: ID Help: Sharp-tailed Grouse? [savagebirder ] 11 May ID Help: Sharp-tailed Grouse? ["little.blackbird" ] 11 May Broad-winged Hawk ["Curtis Manly" ] 11 May Re: Le Conte's Sparrow (FOY) Edmonton ["Curtis Manly" ] 11 May Re: What is it...part 400! [Allan Cole ] 11 May Re: What is it...part 400! [Murray Mackay ] 11 May Re: Le Conte's Sparrow (FOY) Edmonton [Mike Mulligan ] 11 May Re: What is it...part 400! ["Curtis Manly" ] 11 May Re: What is it...part 400! [savagebirder ] 11 May Mother's Day ["mcqueend51" ] 11 May Friday Birding in Southern Alberta [Dwight Knapik ] 11 May Le Conte's Sparrow (FOY) Edmonton [Brett Scheffers ] 11 May Re: smew in Mtn View [Eric Tull ] 11 May Re: smew in Mtn View [Eric Tull ] 10 May Re: Oil Slicked Canada Goose? [Joy & Cam ] 11 May No Smews is Bad Smews [Eric Tull ] 11 May What is it...part 400! ["leftboot13" ] 11 May Sandhill Cranes Back in Bragg Creek ["cannukbirder" ] 10 May Re: Beaumaris Lake May 10 Bird ID help please ["Curtis Manly" ] 10 May RE: Beaumaris Lake May 10 Bird ID help please [Jason Rogers ] 10 May FFCPPSoc Birding, Mallard Pt, Calgary. 0900-1130, 10May. ["Gus Yaki" ] 10 May Re: Brewer's blackbirds at parking lot, Big Rock, near Okotoks [Murray Mackay ] 10 May Brewer's blackbirds at parking lot, Big Rock, near Okotoks ["Jill" ] 10 May Re: Beaumaris Lake May 10 Bird ID help please ["Curtis Manly" ] 10 May Beaumaris Lake May 10 Bird ID help please ["Don Delaney" ] 10 May I guess it was two Harris's Sparrows ["Curtis Manly" ] 09 May Re: bluebirds ["psalm23 AT xplornet.com" ] 10 May wilsons snipe ["mackaymurray77" ] 09 May Yardbirds still rocking! ["Curtis Manly" ] 9 May Belated Red-breasted Sapsucker report [Jason Rogers ] 9 May RE: smew in Mtn View ["Jocelyn Hudon" ] 09 May Birds at Elk Island National Park ["Sean D. Smith" ] 09 May Swallows ["mackaymurray77" ] 9 May RE: Beaumaris lake today ["Willi Braun" ] 9 May Beaumaris lake today [Douglas Faulder ] 09 May Birding northside Edmonton ["Gerald Romanchuk" ] 08 May Harris's Sparrow ["Curtis Manly" ] 08 May Great birding reports from S Alberta! ["naturalistbob60" ] 08 May Birding Carseland and North of Strathmore ["jean_dunn" ] 08 May Harris's Sparrow ["direcway65" ] Subject: Great Work Michelle - lets all help her this year From: Barb Beck <barb AT birdnut.obtuse.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 23:54:24 -0600 Great work Michelle on your Baillie Birdathon last year. Your work is greatly appreciated by the Beaverhill Bird Observatory. And thank you very very much for listing us as your designated conservation organization. What a great idea to join the birdathon with the Brooks count. Lets see if those of us on Albertabird can help Michelle by pledging to her birdathon this year and make somebody from Alberta #1. Can't keep letting those easterner's keep winning this thing. If Alberta can run some of the biggest CBCs around and have more BBS routes than any other province I really think somebody from here should be the number 1 Fundraiser in the Baillie Birdathon and Michelle looks like a likely candidate. It is easy to make a pledge for Michelle by clicking the link in Curtis Manly's message below. You can either pledge so much per bird she finds or a lump sum. Or if so inclined to do your own birdathon check out this web page: http://www.bsc-eoc.org/organization/brdathon.html There are some great prizes to be won too. Barb Beck, BBO Volunteer Edmonton Curtis Manly wrote: > > > Hello Albertabirders, > > http://www.bsc-eoc.org/support/birdathon/index.jsp?targetpg=donate&lang=\ > EN&number=54533 > > =EN&number=54533 > > > > Last year Michelle participated in the Baillie Birdathon for the first > time. We married her Birdathon day to the Sunday portion of the Brooks > May Species Count, an event very near to our hearts. Michelle managed > to scrape up 100 species, and as a result raised nearly 2500 dollars > (#10 fundraiser in all of Canada in 2007). She named Beaverhill Lake > Bird Observatory as her designated conservation organization so a > portion of that money went to Beaverhill, with the rest going to Bird > Studies Canada, the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network, and the James > L. Baillie Memorial Fund. > > Michelle is going to take a run at it again this year, and as Manager of > On-line Promotion (oh yes, I'm afraid some of you will be getting > contacted directly by e-mail as well), I invite you to support Michelle > online by clicking the link below. If anyone would prefer an alternate > method of contributing or more information, please contact me personally > as I have no intent to utilise Albertabird as a fund raising forum. > > http://www.bsc-eoc.org/support/birdathon/index.jsp?targetpg=donate&lang=\ > EN&number=54533 > > =EN&number=54533 > > > > And just to legitamize this post so my membership isn't revoked for > shameless huckstering, I finally saw some Tree Swallows in Spruce Grove > last night. None have arrived at our boxes yet, but White-throated and > Savannah Sparrows and Killdeer (suspiciously thin so far this spring) > have joined the party, and there are still two Tree Sparrows hanging in > there. > > Good birding everyone! > > Curtis Manly > > Spruce Grove > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Eurasian Collared-Dove at Calgary Zoo Ranch From: Tim Allison <tjallison1225 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 21:22:10 -0700 (PDT) They are certainly moving in. On Feb. 12, before I had access to this listserv, I had a single ECDO in a barn yard in the Springbank area. What is interesting abou the expansion of this species is that they were sounding warnings of an impending invasion nearly 10 years ago in Eastern Ontario, when the first few started showing up South of Toronto. The influx has never arrived. Yet southern SK, and possibly soon southern AB are being invaded, and are much farther north and west from the supposed origin of the species' introduction, in Florida; and this past summer, when I moved back to Canada, I saw more in just Montana and Wyoming, than I did fron South Carolina through South Dakota (which included all or part of 8 states). Winters here are more longer and generally more severe, but there is something that is 'right' for these guys. --- On Mon, 5/12/08, Dwight Knapik wrote: From: Dwight Knapik Subject: [Albertabird] Eurasian Collared-Dove at Calgary Zoo Ranch To: Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, May 12, 2008, 3:40 AM Hello: After seeing a pair of Mourning Doves back for the the first time this year on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at the Calgary Zoo's private breeding centre, SE of Calgary, I saw a new bird for the zoo ranch's list, a Eurasian Collared-Dove, on Sunday, May 11, 2008. I was wondering why this dove was perched in a poplar and not flying away as I approached. Then I noticed the square tail and grabbed my binoculars. This the closest that I have seen a Eurasian Collared-Dove to Calgary. Can a colonization of the city be far behind? Keep your eyes peeled for those doves! The zoo ranch is located along Dunbow Road (242 Avenue S) and 56 Street E, just SE of Calgary. Good Birding Everyone! Dwight P. Knapik Calgary, Alberta [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Subject: Clark's Grebe on Astotin Lake From: "Gerald Romanchuk" <geraldjr AT telusplanet.net> Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 04:19:04 -0000 Had some nice birding out at Elk Island NP today. The highlight was a lifer Clark's Grebe on Astotin Lake, viewed from Admin Rd near the warden station. It was pretty cool to scan through all the birds on the water & be able to see all 6 of Alberta's grebes (Western, Clark's, Red-necked, Horned, Eared, & Pied-billed) from the same spot. Besides the other common ducks I also saw Barrow's Goldeneye, White- winged Scoter, & Red-breasted Merganser. There were a few shorebirds along the lake as well - Avocets, Willet, Marbled Godwit, & Lesser Yellowlegs. I didn't have time to check Tawayik Lake, but I talked to another birder who had seen Dowitchers & Pectoral Sandpipers there. Also saw Common & Forster's Terns, Bonaparte's, Franklin's, & Ring- billed Gulls, Pelicans, Cormorants, & Great Blue Herons. I didn't spend much time in the woods so I didn't find many warblers - just Yellow & Yellow-rumps. I did hear my first Least Flycatcher & LeConte's Sparrow of the year though. Gerald Romanchuk, Edmonton Subject: Re: Harris's Sparrow and Whimbrels in Brooks From: "Gerald Romanchuk" <geraldjr AT telusplanet.net> Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 04:04:25 -0000 I guess Bob is trying to rack up the long distance charges, he called me too. He also found a Great Egret at the One Tree Reservoir. I hope everyone that goes down for the count has a great time! Gerald Romanchuk, Edmonton --- In Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com, "Curtis Manly" wrote: > > Just had a call from Bob Parson's who is currently scouting Brooks in > preperation for the May Species Count. He is at a house where two > Harris's Sparrows are coming to the feeders as they have been for > almost two weeks. Scouting today turned up 90 species, including 400 > Whimbrel, which of course does not touch the 1400 Whimbrel sighted on a > field trip in Taber this weekend, but still, how many Whimbrel have you > actually seen in Alberta. Also, a number of the usual suspects have > not shown up yet (Pectoral and Stilt Sanpiper for example), so the > prospects of an absolutely dynamite May species count are very high. > Just to put things in perspective, Michelle and I have picked up at > least one lifer every year we have participated in the Brooks and Milk > River counts... this may have been insignificant during the first year, > but these days. it's getting hard to find a lifer in North America let > alone southern Alberta/northern Montana, but the Brook/Lake Newell and > Milk river/Writing On Stone May species count have yet to let us down. > > Hope to see you all in Brooks on the May long weekend! > > Curtis Manly > Spruce Grove > Subject: Eurasian Collared-Dove at Calgary Zoo Ranch From: Dwight Knapik <dwightthebirdaholic AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 20:40:34 -0700 Hello: After seeing a pair of Mourning Doves back for the the first time this year on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at the Calgary Zoo's private breeding centre, SE of Calgary, I saw a new bird for the zoo ranch's list, a Eurasian Collared-Dove, on Sunday, May 11, 2008. I was wondering why this dove was perched in a poplar and not flying away as I approached. Then I noticed the square tail and grabbed my binoculars. This the closest that I have seen a Eurasian Collared-Dove to Calgary. Can a colonization of the city be far behind? Keep your eyes peeled for those doves! The zoo ranch is located along Dunbow Road (242 Avenue S) and 56 Street E, just SE of Calgary. Good Birding Everyone! Dwight P. Knapik Calgary, Alberta [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: What is it...part 400! From: "leftboot13" <leftboot AT shaw.ca> Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 03:40:00 -0000 Thank-you everyone! I didn't even cross my radar at all, but now I see it and the great movie, I see. Thanks again! Ryan Subject: Harris's Sparrow and Whimbrels in Brooks From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 02:10:02 -0000 Just had a call from Bob Parson's who is currently scouting Brooks in preperation for the May Species Count. He is at a house where two Harris's Sparrows are coming to the feeders as they have been for almost two weeks. Scouting today turned up 90 species, including 400 Whimbrel, which of course does not touch the 1400 Whimbrel sighted on a field trip in Taber this weekend, but still, how many Whimbrel have you actually seen in Alberta. Also, a number of the usual suspects have not shown up yet (Pectoral and Stilt Sanpiper for example), so the prospects of an absolutely dynamite May species count are very high. Just to put things in perspective, Michelle and I have picked up at least one lifer every year we have participated in the Brooks and Milk River counts... this may have been insignificant during the first year, but these days. it's getting hard to find a lifer in North America let alone southern Alberta/northern Montana, but the Brook/Lake Newell and Milk river/Writing On Stone May species count have yet to let us down. Hope to see you all in Brooks on the May long weekend! Curtis Manly Spruce Grove Subject: Re: Tree Swallow killed in nest box From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 00:25:09 -0000 Oh the House Sparrow eradication program (which runs all year anyway) has just been stepped up a notch. It appears this bird's info has not been reported as of yet. Thanks for the reply. Curtis Manly Spruce Grove Subject: Problems with Peeps From: Andrew Slater <andrewslater AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 17:52:38 -0600 Yesterday morning I drove the route recommended by Hank and Eric for shorebirds, east from Balzac, and found most of those mentioned. There was even a single Hudsonian Godwit left at Hank's best spot. I saw plenty of Least and Semipal Sandpipers but no Baird's; also a Loggerhead Shrike and several Semipal Plovers. At Cattleland Slough I bumped into Bill Wilson, who told me that he had seen Stilt Sandpipers along Twp Rd 250, just north of Strathmore. So I scuttled down there and eventually saw nine of them. They were accompanied by four Semipal-like peeps that gave me a lot of trouble. One in particular had bright orange patches on the crown and cheeks and a very long (for a Semipal), slightly downcurved bill. I thought "Western Sandpiper", but then realised that the other three individuals showed the same characteristics, but to a lesser degree. Search as I might, I could detect no orange on any of their backs, and their underparts were not particularly heavily streaked. So I had two characters for Western, the orange head-patches and the long bills, and two for Semipal, the lack of orange on the backs and the lack of heavily streaked underparts. The fact that Bill had not seen them was the clincher for me to decide that they were only extremely well-marked Semipals. However, it did make me realize how closely Western and Semipal must be related. The dreaded words "superspecies" and "hybrid" even come to mind. We spent last week in Vancouver, where the warblers were dripping from the trees, so it was a delight to see two Orange-crowns in our Mayday this morning. Andrew Slater, Calgary [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Tree Swallow killed in nest box From: Murray Mackay <mackaymurray77 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 16:01:17 -0700 (PDT) Unfortunately house sparrows are brutal with tree swallows and bluebirds. If you call 1-800-327-BAND with the number, they will give you the band info and mail you a   certificate on the bird. You will have to get rid of the male sparrow or he will contine to kill all season long! Murray Mackay ----- Original Message ---- From: Curtis Manly To: Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 5:56:27 PM Subject: [Albertabird] Tree Swallow killed in nest box I just found a freshly killed Tree Swallow in one of our nest boxes. It had apparently been killed and partially consumed (around the head) by a male House Sparrow. The swallow was banded, but no information was available on the band number. Is this a common occurrence on Bluebird trails? Curtis Manly Spruce Grove ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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: Tree Swallow killed in nest box From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 22:56:27 -0000 I just found a freshly killed Tree Swallow in one of our nest boxes. It had apparently been killed and partially consumed (around the head) by a male House Sparrow. The swallow was banded, but no information was available on the band number. Is this a common occurrence on Bluebird trails? Curtis Manly Spruce Grove Subject: Re: ID Help: Sharp-tailed Grouse? From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 22:06:09 -0000 We actually saw a male displaying on a fencepost during the Milk River May Species Count about four years ago. Talk about fitting angels on the head of a pin! Curtis Manly Spruce Grove Subject: Re: ID Help: Sharp-tailed Grouse? From: savagebirder <savagebirder AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 14:30:55 -0600 That looks like a Sharpie (sharp-tailed grouse) to me - I have seen them in trees but never on a fencepost. Sandra Calgary little.blackbird wrote: > > > Hello birders!! > > This weekend Guy and I went birding east of Edmonton. When traveling > north on Hwy 17 btw Wainwrite and Lloydminister, I noticed this bird > on a post on the west side of the highway. We managed to turn > around, look at it and take photos of it quickly before it fled. > > Now I have been comparing it to a few grouse including the female > Ring-necked pheasant. The RN Pheasant doen't have the thickish furry > legs and thus I counted it out. I have also consulted a few of my > books and the web and think/feel that this is a female Sharp-tailed > Grouse. > > I have a photos posted under Paula Nadine photos and I have enlarged > it them slightly for identification purposes. It did have a longish > tail but I couldn't get it in a photo as it wouldn't give a side > profile .... naturally!! > > Thanks for the help!! > > Cheers! > Paula Nadine > > Subject: ID Help: Sharp-tailed Grouse? From: "little.blackbird" <little.blackbird AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 20:17:08 -0000 Hello birders!! This weekend Guy and I went birding east of Edmonton. When traveling north on Hwy 17 btw Wainwrite and Lloydminister, I noticed this bird on a post on the west side of the highway. We managed to turn around, look at it and take photos of it quickly before it fled. Now I have been comparing it to a few grouse including the female Ring-necked pheasant. The RN Pheasant doen't have the thickish furry legs and thus I counted it out. I have also consulted a few of my books and the web and think/feel that this is a female Sharp-tailed Grouse. I have a photos posted under Paula Nadine photos and I have enlarged it them slightly for identification purposes. It did have a longish tail but I couldn't get it in a photo as it wouldn't give a side profile .... naturally!! Thanks for the help!! Cheers! Paula Nadine Subject: Broad-winged Hawk From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 20:00:00 -0000 We also had a Broad-winged Hawk show up on Woodbend Rd between Sandhills and Sanctuary Rds (just east of the road that fronts Clifford E. Lee). Curtis Manly Spruce Grove Subject: Re: Le Conte's Sparrow (FOY) Edmonton From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 18:17:48 -0000 We just picked up two Le Conte's Sparrows on Woodbend Road just east of Golden Spike. Least Flycatcher, 3 warbler species, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Clifford E. Lee. Curtis Manly Spruce Grove www.bsc-eoc.org/bat/donate.jsp?number=54533 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: What is it...part 400! From: Allan Cole <allan.cole AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 11:33:32 -0600 Hi Ryan Take a look at a short video at my web site. Use the link below and click on ** Bird Movies ** The first short video is of a Wilson's Phalarope (noisy at start). I also have several stills of the species. Enjoy. Allan Cole - Calgary Nature photos: http://members.shaw.ca/allan.cole/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: What is it...part 400! From: Murray Mackay <mackaymurray77 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 08:35:23 -0700 (PDT) That is a Wilsons Phalarope. They swim in circles to stir up food. Neat bird. Murray Mackay Ponoka ----- Original Message ---- From: leftboot13 To: Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 1:05:29 AM Subject: [Albertabird] What is it...part 400! Happy Birding! I have been quitely reading and discovering all sorts of new birds and area's to visit. A fellow birder told me about a wetlands area north of Villenuve (St. Albert) on HWY 44. I have been able to get a good shot of a yellow-head black bird, rough-legged and a bunch of other stuff. Taking a shot of some Gadwalls for reference, I caught a strange bird floating behind a shoveler. What is it? American Avocate? http://ph.groups. yahoo.com/ group/Albertabir d/photos/ view/632b? b=5&m=f&o= 0 Thanks again! Ryan ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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: Le Conte's Sparrow (FOY) Edmonton From: Mike Mulligan <potoo AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 09:03:55 -0600 The Natural History Occasional Paper No. 20 (Alberta Birds, 1971 - 1980) carries 12 Le Conte's Sparrow records May 11 or earlier, with an early date of April 29. Mike Mulligan Calgary ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brett Scheffers" To: Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 2:26 AM Subject: [Albertabird] Le Conte's Sparrow (FOY) Edmonton > Greetings Alberta Birders, > > This evening (12-1am), I had four Le Conte's Sparrows singing at the > wetland just northwest of 167ave and 66th street. Would anyone have > earlier records of this species? I would like to get a general idea of > when they arrived. > > In addition, I had a Golden-crowned Kinglet singing in Whitemud Ravine > this afternoon. > > Cheerio, > > Brett Scheffers > Edmonton > > > --------------------------------- > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it > now. > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > ------------------------------------ > > _____________________________________________________________ > > * List owner: Albertabird-owner AT yahoogroups.com > * Guidelines: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Albertabird/files/Guidelines.txtYahoo! > Groups Links > > > > Subject: Re: What is it...part 400! From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 13:04:06 -0000 Ryan You've got a Wilson's Phalarope there. The white patch on the head and the black stripe up the neck are diagnostic features, Curtis Manly Spruce Grove Subject: Re: What is it...part 400! From: savagebirder <savagebirder AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 06:58:21 -0600 Hello Ryan - You have a picture of one of my favorite water birds - Wilson's Phalarope. I've attached a link to the Weaslehead site that has some excellent photos of them. The Phalaropes are fairly unique - the female is brighter than the male - once she has laid eggs on her first nest, she leaves the male to the nest sitting and young rearing and mates with another male and repeats the process. They are a wonderful species to get to know and watch. They swim in circles to disturb insects and feed. On land, they look like an entirely different species again as they look far bulkier than they do on the water. The other phalarope that you may encounter is the Red-necked Phalarope. There is also a Red Phalarope but I don't think I've seen anyone report it in Alberta (and I am prepared to corrected on that). http://talkaboutwildlife.ca/profile/?s=130 An Avocet is a good guess - but it is usually more upright and standing to feed rather than swimming - I say usually since the birds don't seem to read the books that say what they are supposed to do. A great spot! Sandra Savage Calgary leftboot13 wrote: > > Happy Birding! > > I have been quitely reading and discovering all sorts of new birds and > area's to visit. A fellow > birder told me about a wetlands area north of Villenuve (St. Albert) > on HWY 44. I have been > able to get a good shot of a yellow-head black bird, rough-legged and > a bunch of other > stuff. Taking a shot of some Gadwalls for reference, I caught a > strange bird floating behind > a shoveler. What is it? American Avocate? > > http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Albertabird/photos/view/632b?b=5&m=f&o=0 > > > Thanks again! > > Ryan > > Subject: Mother's Day From: "mcqueend51" <mcqueend AT telus.net> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 11:49:14 -0000 Hi, I just wanted to wish all the mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day and Happy Birding as well. Cheers, Doug Subject: Friday Birding in Southern Alberta From: Dwight Knapik <dwightthebirdaholic AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 04:38:54 -0700 Hello: On Friday, May 9, 2008, I took a drive down to Mountain View, west of Cardston, to see if I could find the reported Smew there. The weather was overcast, and trying to rain and snow shower. I could not see the Smew at the slough just NW of the townsite, although I did see 3 pairs of Barrow's Goldeneye, and 3 Sandhill Cranes there. I decided to visit Fincastle Lake, and Kitsim Reservoir on my way home, and the reports and birdlists follow. Fincastle Lake (east of Taber) The weather was clearing up by the time I got to Fincastle Lake. There were a variety of passerines flitting through the bushes on the NE edge of the lake, including many Yellow-rumped Warblers, an Orange-crowned Warbler, and my first Clay-coloured Sparrow and Chipping Sparrow of the year. I didn't see many shorebirds there, but had my first Black-bellied Plovers of the year there. Eared Grebe Western Grebe American White Pelican Double-crested Cormorant Canada Goose Green-winged Teal Mallard Northern Pintail Blue-winged Teal Northern Shoveler Gadwall American Wigeon Canvasback Redhead Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Red-breasted Merganser 5m 9 f Ruddy Duck Swainson's Hawk American Coot Black-bellied Plover 7 Willet Marbled Godwit Semipalmated Sandpiper Wilson's Phalarope Franklin's Gull California Gull Forster's Tern Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Black-billed Magpie American Crow American Robin European Starling Orange-crowned Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Chipping Sparrow Clay-coloured Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Brewer's Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird House Sparrow Kitsim Reservoir (SW of Brooks) There were a fair number of birds far out on the water that I couldn`t see but I did manage to find 3 American Bitterns, along with my first Say`s Phoebe of the year, as well as hearing my first Sora of the year. Red-necked Grebe American White Pelican Double-crested Cormorant American Bittern 3 Canada Goose Green-winged Teal Northern Pintail Northern Shoveler Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal American Wigeon Redhead Lesser Scaup Ring-necked Duck Bufflehead Swainson`s Hawk Northern Harrier American Coot Sora H Killdeer Willet Marbled Godwit Wilson`s Phalarope Franklin`s Gull California Gull Say`s Phoebe Tree Swallow Barn Swallow American Crow Marsh Wren Horned Lark Yellow-rumped Warbler Savannah Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Chestnut-collared Longspur Red-winged Blackbird Yellow-headed Blackbird Brewer`s Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Western Meadowlark Pronghorn 1m 5 f White-tailed Deer Good Birding Everyone! Dwight P. Knapik Calgary, Alberta [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Le Conte's Sparrow (FOY) Edmonton From: Brett Scheffers <schefbr0 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 01:26:33 -0700 (PDT) Greetings Alberta Birders, This evening (12-1am), I had four Le Conte's Sparrows singing at the wetland just northwest of 167ave and 66th street. Would anyone have earlier records of this species? I would like to get a general idea of when they arrived. In addition, I had a Golden-crowned Kinglet singing in Whitemud Ravine this afternoon. Cheerio, Brett Scheffers Edmonton --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: smew in Mtn View From: Eric Tull <tull AT ucalgary.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 00:16:23 -0600 Hi Jocelyn My apologies if this goes through twice. My initial message appears not to have got through. Can you tell me if the committee has any evidence to the effect that the Smew seen last year was an escaped bird, or is the decision based on the small probability of the bird being a wild bird versus the high probability of it being an escaped bird. Many thanks Eric Tull Calgary Jocelyn Hudon wrote: > Folks, > > Not to be a spoiler BUT at its annual meeting Wednesday the Alberta Bird > Record Committee concluded that the Smew that graced a slough near > Mountain View last year (and seems to have reappeared again this year) > is in all likelihood an escape, at the very best a bird of questionable > origin, and thus cannot figure on The Official List of the Birds of > Alberta. That's until a vagrancy pattern of more than a single bird can > be documented. > > Regards, > > Jocelyn Hudon, Ph.D. > Curator of Ornithology > Royal Alberta Museum > Chair, Alberta Bird Record Committee > > Check the Official List of the Birds of Alberta at: > http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/birds/birdlist/intro.htm > > > This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal and or privileged information. Please contact the sender immediately if you believe you are not the intended recipient of this communication and do not copy, distribute or take any action relating to it other than notifying the sender of the delivery error. Any communication received in error is to be deleted. > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > ------------------------------------ > > _____________________________________________________________ > > * List owner: Albertabird-owner AT yahoogroups.com > * Guidelines: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Albertabird/files/Guidelines.txtYahoo! Groups Links > > > > Subject: Re: smew in Mtn View From: Eric Tull <tull AT ucalgary.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 00:03:00 -0600 Hi Jocelyn Does the committee have any evidence to the effect that the Smew was not a wild bird, or is the decision based on the low probability of a wild bird showing up versus the high probability of the bird being an escape? many thanks Eric Tull Calgary Jocelyn Hudon wrote: > Folks, > > Not to be a spoiler BUT at its annual meeting Wednesday the Alberta Bird > Record Committee concluded that the Smew that graced a slough near > Mountain View last year (and seems to have reappeared again this year) > is in all likelihood an escape, at the very best a bird of questionable > origin, and thus cannot figure on The Official List of the Birds of > Alberta. That's until a vagrancy pattern of more than a single bird can > be documented. > > Regards, > > Jocelyn Hudon, Ph.D. > Curator of Ornithology > Royal Alberta Museum > Chair, Alberta Bird Record Committee > > Check the Official List of the Birds of Alberta at: > http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/birds/birdlist/intro.htm > > > This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal and or privileged information. Please contact the sender immediately if you believe you are not the intended recipient of this communication and do not copy, distribute or take any action relating to it other than notifying the sender of the delivery error. Any communication received in error is to be deleted. > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > ------------------------------------ > > _____________________________________________________________ > > * List owner: Albertabird-owner AT yahoogroups.com > * Guidelines: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Albertabird/files/Guidelines.txtYahoo! Groups Links > > > > Subject: Re: Oil Slicked Canada Goose? From: Joy & Cam <joyandcamfinlay AT shaw.ca> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 23:15:43 -0700 Anything new on that report of cranes with oil from a toxic dump in northern Alberta? Cam Finlay, Victoria ----- Original Message ----- From: Susan Flewelling To: Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 5:23 AM Subject: Re: [Albertabird] Oil Slicked Canada Goose? At 09:39 PM 5/7/08, you wrote: >After the tragedy last week I have been hearing intermittent reports of ducks and geese being >found with oil damage. > >First question has anyone heard of this or can confirm it? I had heard on (I think it was CTV news) of the bodies of several cranes being found at another toxic dump in the northern part of the province. Susan Calgary [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: No Smews is Bad Smews From: Eric Tull <tull AT ucalgary.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 00:08:06 -0600 Today we visted the slough in Mountain View where the Smew was seen. We had no luck in finding the bird, nor did two other parties today or yesterday that I am aware of. I spoke to the sister of Nancy West who indicated the last known sighting was last Wednesday, May 7. If anyone does see the bird again, would they please notify AlbertaBird. Many thanks Eric Tull Calgary Subject: What is it...part 400! From: "leftboot13" <leftboot AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 06:05:29 -0000 Happy Birding! I have been quitely reading and discovering all sorts of new birds and area's to visit. A fellow birder told me about a wetlands area north of Villenuve (St. Albert) on HWY 44. I have been able to get a good shot of a yellow-head black bird, rough-legged and a bunch of other stuff. Taking a shot of some Gadwalls for reference, I caught a strange bird floating behind a shoveler. What is it? American Avocate? http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Albertabird/photos/view/632b?b=5&m=f&o=0 Thanks again! Ryan Subject: Sandhill Cranes Back in Bragg Creek From: "cannukbirder" <cannuck AT nucleus.com> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 00:58:22 -0000 Third year in a row a pair of Sandhill Cranes have returned to Bragg Creek, maybe this year we will see a chick?, as they reach sexual maturity from 2 to 7 yrs old, mating rituals have just started today, I have posted a photo not the greatest but I do not want to disturb them for directions to view them you will have to stop by my coffee shop Cinnamon Spoon as I would like to meet you before hand for specific instructions I can be reached any day from 530am to 10am except Tues and Wed, regards Michael Woertman. Subject: Re: Beaumaris Lake May 10 Bird ID help please From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 22:09:18 -0000 Jason Maybe you could elaborate on the identification a bit. Catharus thrushes definitely pose a problem for me. I felt the eye ring was perhaps too bright for Swainson's, and that there was not enough of a supraloral stripe to give it that sort of Blue-headed Vireo effect I look for in Swainson's. Then again, there didn't seem to be enough contrast in the rump/tail feathers and the back to warrant id as a Hermit, but I'm also not sure to what degree age and time of year have on these characteristics. Always interested in any id tips. Curtis Manly Spruce Grove Subject: RE: Beaumaris Lake May 10 Bird ID help please From: Jason Rogers <hawkowl AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 21:37:04 +0000 Hi Don, Your bird is a Swainson's Thrush. Regards, Jason Rogers hawkowl AT hotmail.com ________________________________ To: Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com From: data9boy AT yahoo.com Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 06:12:40 +0000 Subject: [Albertabird] Beaumaris Lake May 10 Bird ID help please Greetings I was at Beaumaris Lake in Edmonton after work today and I got a shot of what I suspected was a Gray-cheeked Thrush. After reading Gerald's comments about one he saw there, I think it just might be one. Can anyone confirm this? I also posted a far away shot of the Long-tailed Duck I saw there on Tuesday. Also observed there: Horned Grebes (2) Red-necked Grebes Ruddy Ducks (two pairs) Blue-winged Teals (12) Lesser Scaups Common Goldeneyes Mallards American Coots Red-winged Blackbirds Common Grackles Double-crested Cormorants (2) Northern Shovelers (2) Canada Geese Ring-billed Gulls Franklin's Gulls Cheers Don Delaney _________________________________________________________________ Try Chicktionary, a game that tests how many words you can form from the letters given. Find this and more puzzles at Live Search Games! http://g.msn.ca/ca55/207 Subject: FFCPPSoc Birding, Mallard Pt, Calgary. 0900-1130, 10May. From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 15:12:37 -0500 FFCPPSoc Birding, Mallard Pt, Calgary. 0900-1130, 10May. Heavy overcast, light E. wind. 06-09C. 1.. Canada Goose-20+8yg 2.. Wood Duck-2 3.. Gadwall-4 4.. American Wigeon-14 5.. Mallard-20 6.. Blue-winged Teal-9 7.. Cinnamon Teal-6 8.. Northern Shoveler-2 9.. Green-winged Teal-2 10.. Bufflehead-2 (as we were leaving) 11.. Common Goldeneye-10 12.. Common Merganser-3 13.. Ring-necked Pheasant-2m 14.. Double-crested Cormorant-1 15.. Osprey-2+ 16.. Sharp-shinned Hawk-1 17.. Swainson's Hawk-1 18.. Killdeer-2 19.. Spotted Sandpiper-2 20.. Franklin's Gull-50 21.. California Gull-2 22.. Rock Pigeon-9 23.. Downy Woodpecker-5 24.. Hairy Woodpecker-1 25.. Northern Flicker-6 26.. Black-billed Magpie-8 27.. American Crow-8 28.. Common Raven-1 29.. Tree Swallow-100+ 30.. N. Rough-winged Swallow-1 31.. Bank Swallow-50+ 32.. Barn Swallow-1 33.. Black-capped Chickadee-2 34.. White-breasted Nuthatch-1 35.. House Wren-1 36.. American Robin-12 37.. European Starling-20 38.. Savannah Sparrow-20+ 39.. Song Sparrow-4 40.. Lincoln's Sparrow-6+ 41.. Red-winged Blackbird-10, including first females 42.. Common Grackle-2 43.. Brown-headed Cowbird-6 44.. House Sparrow-3 Gus Yaki, 243-2248 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Brewer's blackbirds at parking lot, Big Rock, near Okotoks From: Murray Mackay <mackaymurray77 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 12:23:09 -0700 (PDT) Hi,  They have arrived here in Ponoka in numbers already paired up. Murray Mackay ----- Original Message ---- From: Jill To: Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 11:01:30 AM Subject: [Albertabird] Brewer's blackbirds at parking lot, Big Rock, near Okotoks I'm pretty certain I saw two Brewer's Blackbirds. Never seen them before. Initial impression was of small grackles. After checking Sibleys and listening to its call (song?) on the Cornell site, I'm 95% sure. Looked like two males (both irridescent black). Would they be arriving ahead of the females? Jill Bhar High River ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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: Brewer's blackbirds at parking lot, Big Rock, near Okotoks From: "Jill" <jill.bhar AT shaw.ca> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 16:01:30 -0000 I'm pretty certain I saw two Brewer's Blackbirds. Never seen them before. Initial impression was of small grackles. After checking Sibleys and listening to its call (song?) on the Cornell site, I'm 95% sure. Looked like two males (both irridescent black). Would they be arriving ahead of the females? Jill Bhar High River Subject: Re: Beaumaris Lake May 10 Bird ID help please From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 14:14:49 -0000 Don I think your bird is showing too much eyering to be a Gray-cheeked Thrush. It's a pretty good example of why I can't identify a significant portion of non-vocalizing thrushes. The facial pattern doesn't work for Swainson's, as it seems to be lacking the stripe between the eye and the top base of the bill. I would lean toward Hermit Thrush, as there appears some reddish evident along the primaries, outer tail feathers and upper tail coverts. Curtis Manly Spruce Grove www.bsc-eoc.org/bat/donate.jsp?number=54533 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Beaumaris Lake May 10 Bird ID help please From: "Don Delaney" <data9boy AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 06:12:40 -0000 Greetings I was at Beaumaris Lake in Edmonton after work today and I got a shot of what I suspected was a Gray-cheeked Thrush. After reading Gerald's comments about one he saw there, I think it just might be one. Can anyone confirm this? I also posted a far away shot of the Long-tailed Duck I saw there on Tuesday. Also observed there: Horned Grebes (2) Red-necked Grebes Ruddy Ducks (two pairs) Blue-winged Teals (12) Lesser Scaups Common Goldeneyes Mallards American Coots Red-winged Blackbirds Common Grackles Double-crested Cormorants (2) Northern Shovelers (2) Canada Geese Ring-billed Gulls Franklin's Gulls Cheers Don Delaney Subject: I guess it was two Harris's Sparrows From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 02:03:55 -0000 Walking around the acreage with Michelle tonight we were admiring the myriad avifauna (did I spell that correctly?) and found ourselves looking at two breeding plumage Harris's Sparrows. Given our previous Alberta total of 1, these guys are causing quite a stir around the hacienda. Cheers all... looking forward to Brooks next weekend. Curtis Manly Spruce Grove www.bsc-eoc.org/bat/donate.jsp?number=54533 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: bluebirds From: "psalm23 AT xplornet.com" <psalm23@xplornet.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 19:41:06 -0600 Same here. Haven't even seen any females in the last few days. There were so many beautiful bluebirds last year, too. :( Pauls - Stettler mackaymurray77 wrote: > > > Alas the bluebirds are almost decimated with mostly those left being > widows. > Murray Mackay Ponoka > > Subject: wilsons snipe From: "mackaymurray77" <mackaymurray77 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 01:34:20 -0000 This little critter 9Wilson's Snipe) was just sitting in the middle of the road along my bb trail. It was most ablidging so I took it,s picture. My old bird book claims there is little evidence of common snipes in Canada. Alas the bluebirds are almost decimated with mostly those left being widows. Murray Mackay Ponoka Subject: Yardbirds still rocking! From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 23:29:06 -0000 'Tis a veritable cacaphony of sound in the yard tonight after work. Ended up spotting 25 species on the place yesterday. Harris's still hanging around, but haven't seen the Vesper today. Tons of Lincoln's. I figure there are close to 120 sparrows in the yard right now. Good Watching! Curtis Manly Spruce Grove www.bsc-eoc.org/bat/donate.jsp?number=54533 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Belated Red-breasted Sapsucker report From: Jason Rogers <hawkowl AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 22:12:57 +0000 Just received a report of a Red-breasted Sapsucker that appeared along Grizzly Street in Banff on April 24, 2008. Photos support the identification. Jason Rogers hawkowl AT hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Find hidden words, unscramble celebrity names, or try the ultimate crossword puzzle with Live Search Games. Play now! http://g.msn.ca/ca55/212 Subject: RE: smew in Mtn View From: "Jocelyn Hudon" <jocelyn.hudon AT gov.ab.ca> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 15:33:24 -0600 Folks, Not to be a spoiler BUT at its annual meeting Wednesday the Alberta Bird Record Committee concluded that the Smew that graced a slough near Mountain View last year (and seems to have reappeared again this year) is in all likelihood an escape, at the very best a bird of questionable origin, and thus cannot figure on The Official List of the Birds of Alberta. That's until a vagrancy pattern of more than a single bird can be documented. Regards, Jocelyn Hudon, Ph.D. Curator of Ornithology Royal Alberta Museum Chair, Alberta Bird Record Committee Check the Official List of the Birds of Alberta at: http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/birds/birdlist/intro.htm This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal and or privileged information. Please contact the sender immediately if you believe you are not the intended recipient of this communication and do not copy, distribute or take any action relating to it other than notifying the sender of the delivery error. Any communication received in error is to be deleted. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Birds at Elk Island National Park From: "Sean D. Smith" <seansmith64 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 17:55:33 -0000 Dear Alberta Birders: Heard my first of season Hermit Thrush singing last night. On blustery Wednesday (May 7th) evening, Bonaparte's Gulls, Eared Grebes, a Western Grebe and American Avocets were on or over Lake Astotin. Things are even later here in the thin air of Elk Island and I understand it's a late spring, anyways? At least that's what I'm telling my wife... Cheers! Sean Fort Sask./Elk Island Subject: Swallows From: "mackaymurray77" <mackaymurray77 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 17:00:11 -0000 Tree swallows arrived in Ponoka and area this morning. While we did have a few around I believe the main miration came in this morning. Murray Mackay Ponoka Subject: RE: Beaumaris lake today From: "Willi Braun" <Willi.Braun AT ualberta.ca> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 09:37:47 -0600 I happened to be in Chicago when Douglas Faulder first reported the long-tail on Beaumaris Lk. I went out on Tuesday to look for it. I met John Acorn there and he was the first to spot it. A few grainy photos of it, among a few other species, are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/paraguayanmeister/BeaumarisLake W. Braun Edmonton _____________________________________________________________ * List owner: Albertabird-owner AT yahoogroups.com * Guidelines: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Albertabird/files/Guidelines.txtYahoo! Groups Links Subject: Beaumaris lake today From: Douglas Faulder <dfaulder AT msn.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 08:37:06 -0600 Took a peak this morning, and I agree with Gerald, the Long-tailed Duck seems to be gone. The only thing new on the lake was a Pied-billed Grebe and a Spotted Sandpiper on the shore. Off the lake Song and Chipping Sparrows were present, and a Palm Warbler. Doug Faulder _________________________________________________________________ Find hidden words, unscramble celebrity names, or try the ultimate crossword puzzle with Live Search Games. Play now! http://g.msn.ca/ca55/212 Subject: Birding northside Edmonton From: "Gerald Romanchuk" <geraldjr AT telusplanet.net> Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 14:03:08 -0000 Thursday afternoon I went over to Beaumaris Lake to see if the Longtail Duck was still around, I met up with the gentleman who had shown Doug Faulder the video of two LT's, & Heather Ronnes - none of us could spot the duck. Heather did point out a small flock of warblers, including Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, & my first Blackpoll of the year. Also saw a Swainson's Thrush & a White-crowned Sparrow. From there I went over to Hermitage Park. There was a good variety of sparrows around, including Savanah, Song, Lincoln's, White-crowned, White-throated, & Junco. Since there was another photographer poaching beside my "magic tree", I went for a walk & found a Kingfisher & got my first ever photos of a Gray-cheeked Thrush. I haven't seen one for a few years, Gray-cheeked was one of those birds that I had checked off my list when I was just starting out birding & in hindsight I've always had some doubts about that ID, it was a great relief to finally see one that I'm positive about. Gerald Romanchuk, Edmonton Subject: Harris's Sparrow From: "Curtis Manly" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 23:31:48 -0000 I got a call from Michelle today shortly after I saw an Orange-crowned Warbler, a flock of Sandhills, and an Eastern Phoebe at EL Smith water treatment plant. She said we had a Harris's Sparrow in the yard. I told my boss I was leaving and drove home for a look (who knows when the opportunity to put a Harris's on the yard list will come again?) A resplendant male, and in addition, the first Vesper for our yard as well. In all we currently have 8 species of new world sparrows in the yard. Both the Harris's and the Vesper continue after work (about 5:30). Posted a couple of pics by Miss Hell. Good watching! Curtis Manly Spruce Grove Subject: Great birding reports from S Alberta! From: "naturalistbob60" <vintagebob AT shaw.ca> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 22:42:45 -0000 I am enjoying all the reports coming in, especially Lloyd and his Whimbrels. I will be in Rolling Hills on monday so watch out Lloyd!! I think this coldish spell is going to make scouting around Brooks next week a load of fun. I anticipate many warblers moving through Tillebrook. I will arrive late Saturday afternoon-ish If anyone wants to help scout for Brooks count weekend, call me on my cell (780) 906-2561. I have lots of gas money courtesy of TransCanada Pipelines!! Subject: Birding Carseland and North of Strathmore From: "jean_dunn" <j.dunn1 AT telus.net> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 21:02:11 -0000 The Spitzers joined the Zwicks, Al Kimberly and myself for a morning of birding yesterday at Wyndham-Carseland P.P. We had a good day for raptors and saw Bald Eagles, Red-tailed and Swainson's Hawks, as well as N. Harriers and a Sharp-shinned Hawk, but the best sighting was a Broad-winged Hawk, flying low over the trees. We enjoyed witnessing the excitement of nesting Tree swallows, and saw a handful or two of Yellow-rumped Warblers, along with White- crowned, Vesper, Song and Savannah Sparrows. Milt and Elaine saw an Orange-crowned Warbler while the "late-comers" saw a Swainson's Thrush on the way in to the Picnic Site below the weir. Shorebirds there were few -Avocets, Willets, Spotted Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs and Marbled Godwhit, but we were treated to a pair of Forster's Terns who stood out among the 100's of Franklins' Gulls. We noted a few Great Blue Herons in the rookery as we left; they were accompanied by a Canada Goose sitting attentively on "her" nest among them. Other birds of note were Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, a Mourning Dove, Common Grackles, winnowing Wilson's Snipe and of course A. White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants. All three teal, Redheads and a pair of C. Mergansers were present at the Johnson's landing site. After leaving the park we visited the slough at the n.w. end of Namaka Lake and were rewarded with Sora Rail, Marsh Wrens, and Barn Swallows. Nearby were a pair of bushes adorned with brilliantly- coloured Yellow-headed Blackbirds outshining their Red-winged cousins and drowning out the Red-wings melodious call with their racous rusty- gate squawking. Another beautiful raptor ended our birding together - a magnificent Ferruginous sitting in a field just north of the slough. The Spitzers departed for Medicine Hat, spotting about 10 Black- necked Stilts en route home, while the rest of us visited the sloughs that border the road just north of Strathmore (off HW. 817) and we saw our first Horned and Eared Grebes of the year, along with Ruddy Ducks, Canvasback, and Wilson's Phalaropes. Spotted sandpipers, Pectorals,, a Solitary sandpiper, and about a dozen Semipalmated sandpipers were also there. Al Kimberly spotted a Bonapartes' Gull among the many Franklin's and we headed back to Calgary to beat the impending storms and to enjoy Eric Tull's presentation on our Grassland Species - a fitting end to a lovely day of birding on the Prairies. Jean Dunn Calgary Subject: Harris's Sparrow From: "direcway65" <psalm23 AT xplornet.com> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 16:44:18 -0000 Hello all: We had a surprise in our yard this morning. Among the White-crowns there was a Harris's Sparrow. A handsome sparrow to be sure, and a lifer for us! Good birding, Paul family, east side of Buffalo Lake (north of Stettler) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]