Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The Arkansas Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, February 9 at 02:58 PM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Varied Thrush,©David Sibley

9 Feb request eagle info [Susan Winston ] 9 Feb ASCA February Field Trip [Karen Holliday ] 9 Feb Two Rivers Park and Spring [Bill Thurman ] 9 Feb Eagles [Edie Calaway ] 9 Feb Corps to Host Workshops to Discuss Closings [Dottie Boyles ] 9 Feb Eagles [Edie Calaway ] 8 Feb Immature Red-tailed Hawk takes on Black-b Whistling Duck ["Jeff R. Wilson" ] 8 Feb Sightings: Blathering about non-rarities in Ouachita and Union Counties. [Kelly Chitwood ] 7 Feb Re: FW: Sad News...............................CAROLYN MINSON [Jacque Brown ] 7 Feb Re: Purple Finch abundance [Michael Linz ] 7 Feb Robins [Bradley A Harris ] 7 Feb GBBC ["Fennell, Ellen" ] 7 Feb osprey video [Lyndal York ] 7 Feb Re: Sad News...............................CAROLYN MINSON [Barry Haas ] 7 Feb FW: Sad News...............................CAROLYN MINSON [Pine Ridge Gardens ] 7 Feb Just call it loon fever and let it go [joeneal ] 7 Feb Purple Finch abundance [Suzie Liles ] 7 Feb Trumpeter Swans [Dottie Boyles ] 7 Feb Woodcocks in Central Arkansas? ["Maureen R. McClung" ] 6 Feb Red Slough Bird survey - Feb. 6 [David Arbour ] 6 Feb Invitation to view my photos on Picasa Web Album -Most recent Photos [Donna Haynes ] 6 Feb Re: Woodcock Seen in West Fork ["Anderson, Leif E -FS" ] 6 Feb Whooping cranes, wood ducks & hummers [Barry Haas ] 6 Feb Fwd: fiddlebill1 sent you a video: "Ruby & The Romantics - "Our Day Will Come" (1963)" [Bill Thurman ] 6 Feb Nature Philosophy: A Significant Influence [Bill Thurman ] 6 Feb Woodcock Seen in West Fork [Don Steinkraus ] 6 Feb Re: swans at Heber Springs [Joe Mosby ] 6 Feb Photo from yesterday [Mitchell Pruitt ] 5 Feb Saturday Birding [Donna Haynes ] 5 Feb Albatross Book [Barry Haas ] 5 Feb Re: swans at Heber Springs [Dan Scheiman ] 5 Feb swans at Heber Springs [Sara Cain-Bartlett ] 5 Feb Lonoke CBC Results [Dan Scheiman ] 5 Feb No Subject [Dan Scheiman ] 5 Feb Back at It [Mitchell Pruitt ] 4 Feb Nice story [Michael Linz ] 4 Feb Mississippi Blues - Ross's that is....... ["Jeff R. Wilson" ] 4 Feb Mississippi Blues - Ross's that is....... [] 4 Feb Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion [Bill Thurman ] 4 Feb Brewer's Sparrow Seen Today at Woolsey [mmlodino ] 4 Feb Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion [Bill Shepherd ] 4 Feb Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion [Bill Thurman ] 4 Feb Announcement: ASCA Meeting, Kenya Birding Safari [Dan Scheiman ] 4 Feb Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion [Rick Farrar ] 4 Feb Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion [Bill Thurman ] 4 Feb Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion [Kelly Chitwood ] 4 Feb Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion [Kathie Riedel ] 3 Feb Lake Dardanelle [Kenny Nichols ] 3 Feb DON'T FORGET THE HERONS, GBBC at Devil's Den February 17 [joeneal ] 2 Feb Re: And the moral of the story is [Sally Jo ] 2 Feb And the moral of the story is [Sheran Herrin ] 2 Feb Re: Sure Am Glad It Wasn't a Snowy [Dan Scheiman ] 2 Feb Sure Am Glad It Wasn't a Snowy [Dan Bogler ] 2 Feb Sure Am Glad It Wasn't a Snowy [Dan Bogler ] 2 Feb doharvey [Amy Edie ] 2 Feb Pacific Loon [Delos McCauley ] 2 Feb Owl nest boxes [Gail Miller ] 2 Feb Fw: Barred Owl Nesting Boxes [Gail Miller ] 1 Feb Re: Delaware Park [Kenny Nichols ] 1 Feb No Subject [Michael Linz ] 1 Feb Re: signs of spring [Charles Mills ] 1 Feb signs of spring [Bill Shepherd ] 1 Feb SNOW on NBS Nightly News tonight ["Kimberly G. Smith" ] 1 Feb Re: Barred Owl Nesting Boxes [Linda Carol Jones ] 1 Feb Re: Barred Owl Nesting Boxes ["George R. Hoelzeman" ] 1 Feb Barred Owl Nesting Boxes [Don Steinkraus ] 1 Feb Inca Dove Report [Terry & Judy Butler ] 1 Feb Re: Great-horned Owl question [] 1 Feb Re: Speaking of Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls [Herschel Raney ] 1 Feb Speaking of Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls [Gail Miller ] 31 Jan Speaking of Great-horned Owls [Barry Haas ] 31 Jan Re: Great-horned Owl question [Michael Linz ] 31 Jan Re: swans [Michael Linz ] 31 Jan Great-horned Owl question [] 31 Jan Re: Capping pipes can save birds' lives [David Ray ] 31 Jan Red Slough Bird Survey - Jan. 31 [David Arbour ] Subject: request eagle info From: Susan Winston <susan_bark_76 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 11:37:58 -0800 Hi, I live in Helena and would love to see the eagles in Searcy and around Heber Springs.  Can anyone provide directions and useful advice plus tips???  Thanks. Subject: ASCA February Field Trip From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1 AT ATT.NET> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 11:24:05 -0800 Saturday, February 18, the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA) will hold a field trip at Two Rivers Park and Lake Maumelle. The weekend of February 17-20 is the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). By staying within Pulaski County on Saturday, our field trip species list will be included in the GBBC. All birders are welcome to join us, regardless of skill level, and you don't have to be an ASCA member. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Two Rivers Park. The Park has a diverse population of sparrows that provides a chance to work on identifying those “little brown birds”. Knee-high rubber boots are recommend for walking the fields when flushing the birds. We will continue on to Lake Maumelle after finishing at Two Rivers. Loons, mergansers, ducks, and grebes are easily found on the lake this time of year. Bring water, snacks, and your scope if you have one. We should finish around noon. For those who choose not to continue to Lake Maumelle, enjoy a stroll across the new walking bridge located at the end of the peninsula. Directions to Two Rivers Park--take Hwy. 10 west to the stoplight at Pinnacle Valley Road, just past the Kroger Store. Look for the brown sign for Maumelle Park. Turn right at the light. Follow County Farm Road approximately 4 miles until you bear right through the gates into Two Rivers Park. Go approximately Âľ of a mile to the parking lot on your right, which is across the road from the new permanent bathrooms. Karen Holliday ASCA Little Rock, AR Subject: Two Rivers Park and Spring From: Bill Thurman <bill.masterofmusic AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:54:57 -0600 In case anybody didn't notice, spring has come about a month and a half early this year. Sure there are still some fairly cold days, but the warmer ones seem to have "meant more". Lots of daffodils have already popped out in full bloom. My active house sparrows in the little chink in my brick wall next to my apartment front door already have done plenty of "nesting activity". House finches, cardinals, doves are calling and going strong. Robins are everywhere. On Feb. 7th, Tuesday I went back to Two Rivers down the asphalt trail and all the way down to where the new pedestrian bridge has been constructed. Once again I heard and saw the catbird, not far at all from where the brown thrashers were hanging around. It was among a lot of thick vines and undergrowth connected with taller trees. If anyone doubts that I saw and heard him, I will be happy to lead them to the exact spot and show them where he flitted around, in and out, and gave his characteristic "catcall". This is not a new bird for me. I have heard them all my life - usually in warmer weather - but this year is different. It's not business as usual. Moths were in the field and a type of caterpillar were on the trail by the thousands. The birds could be having a field day. Anyway I made a list of all I saw and heard. ringbill gulls (a dozen) Am. white pelicans (three) DC cormorants (several) Gadwalls (several) E. meadowlarks (small flock) some singing starlings (several) common crows (dozen) RW blackbirds (dozens) turkey vulture (one) redtailed hawk (one) red shouldered hawk (one) american kestrel (one) a little beauty! downy woodpecker (one) red bellied WP (several) red headed WP (two) pileated WP (two) N. flicker (two) Mockingbird (several) brown thrasher (two) gr. catbird (two of them actually) giving "catcalls" WT sparrow (one) field sparrow (one) in same small tree as WT T titmice (several) RC kinglet (one) hermit thrush (one) E. phoebe (one) robins (over a hundred) blue jays (several) cedar waxwing (one individual) cardinals (dozen) E. bluebirds (10) mourning dove (two) Bill Thurman west Little Rock Subject: Eagles From: Edie Calaway <oxfordgirlsmom AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 11:18:28 -0600 Sorry, I was at Searcy watching the eagles, I saw 7 Juvies and 6 adults. Some people said as many as 17 had been counted. Subject: Corps to Host Workshops to Discuss Closings From: Dottie Boyles <dottie.boyles AT ARKANSAS.GOV> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 10:36:58 -0600 Thought I would pass this along for those interested in attending workshops. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District is hosting five public workshops in February to discuss proposed changes in operations at 29 of its parks because of budget cuts. Although there will be no group presentations, the public is invited to drop by any time during the workshops and talk one on one with Corps representatives about the proposed recreational changes, provide input and learn more about volunteer and potential partnership opportunities. Written comments will also be accepted at the workshops. The Corps is looking for partners willing to take over operations and maintenance duties at affected facilities to help keep them from closing. For individuals interested in the proposed recreational changes at Clearwater Lake, the workshop will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 9, at the Clearwater Project Office adjacent to Clearwater Dam in Piedmont, Mo. For those interested in the proposed changes at Greers Ferry Lake, the workshop will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 9, at the William Carl Garner Visitor Center on Hwy 25 North just west of Greers Ferry Dam near Heber Springs, Ark. The workshop covering changes at Lake Nimrod, Lake Dardanelle and Toad Suck Ferry and Murray pools of the Arkansas River, will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 14. It will be held at the Russellville Project Office at 1598 Lock and Dam Road in Russellville, Ark. For individuals interested in the proposed recreational changes at Ozark Lake, the workshop will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 16. It will be held at the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative at 1811 West Commercial Street in Ozark, Ark. For those interested in the proposed changes at Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes, the workshop will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 21, at the Mountain Home Project Office at 324 W. Seventh Street in Mountain Home, Ark. Little Rock District is considering changing recreation operations at 29 parks, including closing 13 campgrounds, four partial campgrounds, four day use areas, one partial day use area, and 9 boat ramps. Also under consideration is making the recreation season shorter at many additional parks. Other likely park adjustments include reducing the frequency of trash pick-up, cleaning and mowing. Maintenance response times are likely to increase. And the district expects to hire fewer temporary park rangers and contract park attendants. The district's operation and maintenance budget has been cut about $17 million this year. The proposed recreation changes will reduce costs by an estimated $1.9 million annually ($921,000 for operation and maintenance expenses and $989,000 for labor). The district is exploring additional cost savings in its other missions as well. Little Rock District operates 178 public parks and access areas. Making adjustments to the 8 percent of its park facilities that are less efficient will allow the district to place more emphasis on the remaining 92 percent. More information about proposed changes to specific recreation areas is available on Little Rock District's website at http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/news&info/news/2012/02-12.pdf. Dottie Boyles Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism Little Rock, AR 72201 Subject: Eagles From: Edie Calaway <oxfordgirlsmom AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:57:41 -0600 13 eagles this morning at search sewer pond Sent from my iPhone Subject: Immature Red-tailed Hawk takes on Black-b Whistling Duck From: "Jeff R. Wilson" <OLCOOT1 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 22:45:53 -0500 I was sitting at a wet area in Ensley Bottoms, Shelby Co, TN, watching a group of 42 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks that have raised young here and evidently decided to over winter. The ducks and I were lazily enjoying the warm sun when all heck broke loose. A few photos show the quick succession on events that took place. See: _http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/whistlerredtail_ (http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/whistlerredtail) Good Birding!!! Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA 6300 Memphis-Arlington Rd. Bartlett, TN. 38135_ http://WWW.pbase.com/ol_coot/_ (http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/) What is this feathered thing that lifts my heart to the heavens. Subject: Sightings: Blathering about non-rarities in Ouachita and Union Counties. From: Kelly Chitwood <kellyannchitwood AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:04:57 -0600 Emma, Rex and I visited the Lock and Dam in Felsenthal last Sunday for a cool and blustery walk. We found a nice mixed species flock near the fishing pier and swing set. (Emma swings, Rex barks and sits, and I bird.) Two Palm Warblers were within this group, along with dozens of Chipping Sparrows, Yellow-Rumped Warblers, Savannah Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. Upon arriving home the Harris's Sparrow was on the ground at our feeding station. (BTW, if any of you handy-people have a plan for a LARGE feeding station, we would appreciate a photo. Of course, send them off-list.) We want more birds. In fact, our yard has been inundated with American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Northern Cardinals, sparrows, etc. Still looking for a coveted redpoll... I just know we're going to see one. :-) Today, at the office, (well, outside of the building), a raucous group of Fish Crows arrived to harass three vocalizing Red-tailed Hawks. The raptors were engaged in what I assume was a dispute. They were pretty agitated and then even more so once the large flock of crows arrived on the scene. I don't know how the dispute ended, but it beat staring at my coworkers for a few minutes. (And I love my coworkers.) Kelly Chitwood El Dorado, AR Subject: Re: FW: Sad News...............................CAROLYN MINSON From: Jacque Brown <bluebird2 AT COX.NET> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 18:19:05 -0600 very scammy!! ---- Pine Ridge Gardens wrote: ============= Is this for real or is this one of those scams one reads about? MaryAnn . _____ From: CAROLYN MINSON [mailto:csminson AT sbcglobal.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2012 9:32 AM To: undisclosed recipients: Subject: Sad News...............................CAROLYN MINSON Hi, Just writing to let you know our trip to London, England has been a mess. I was having a great time until last night when we got mugged and lost all my cash,credit card cellphone It has been a scary experience, I was hit at the back of my neck with a Gun Anyway..I'm still alive and that's whats important. I'm financially strapped right now and need your help. I need you to loan me some $$, I'll refund it to you as soon as i arrive home.Write me back so i can tell you how to get it t me. CAROLYN MINSON No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.455 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4180 - Release Date: 02/01/12 19:48:00 -- Jacque Brown Centerton Benton, Co AR, bluebird2 AT cox.net Subject: Re: Purple Finch abundance From: Michael Linz <mplinz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 18:17:10 -0600 I live in Conway. Most years I have good numbers of Purple Finches (20-40 at a time). This year my numbers are way down. I see only 2-5 at a time this year. Looks like they may have moved to Marion County. I also normally see Siskins 20-30 at a time. This year I have not seen a single one. I do not know who they are visiting this year. I guess I need to be happy with my House and Gold Finches :-) Thanks Michael near Conway On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 11:42 AM, Suzie Liles wrote: > After years of having just a few purple finches at a time at the feeders, > the last several weeks we are getting them in flocks. We are seeing 20-25 > at a time. > > Since the Feeder Watch data submission always asks us to confirm that > number, I am curious what numbers others are seeing at their winter feeders > this year. > > Suzie Liles > rural Marion County > Subject: Robins From: Bradley A Harris <grthornedowl AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 17:29:45 -0600 There is an influx of Robins here in Fort Smith. Seen daily are flocks of Robins throughout Fort Smith. Today in front of Mercy were about a dozen Cedar Waxwings. Good birding Betty and Brad Harris Fort Smith AR grthornedowl AT gmail -- God, is my strength, my refuge. When faced with giants, I shout my God is bigger. Subject: GBBC From: "Fennell, Ellen" <EFENNELL AT AUDUBON.ORG> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:57:43 -0800 Note from Celia Storey below. Please reply and I will forward any information to her. Thanks, Ellen "Hi! I have some space in Monday's ActiveStyle section and I plan to fill it with a little advance story about Great Backyard Bird Count, using the info on their website. I'm planning to mention the ASCA bird-counting outing at Two Rivers Park and Maumelle Park and also Joe Neal's trip at Devil's Den. Do any of y'all know of any other organized outings? Celia Storey ActiveStyle editor Arkansas Democrat-Gazette P.O. Box 2221 Little Rock, AR 72203 (501) 918-4525" Ellen M. Fennell VP & State Executive Director Audubon Arkansas 501.244.2229 tel 501.244.2231 Subject: osprey video From: Lyndal York <lrbluejay AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:40:53 -0600 Great video of a fishing Osprey. From the BBC Natural History archive. Don't forget to click full screen mode. Here is the link: http://www.arkive.org/osprey/pandion-haliaetus/video-00.html Lyndal York Subject: Re: Sad News...............................CAROLYN MINSON From: Barry Haas <bhaas AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:07:18 -0600 MaryAnn & ARBIRDers, This is a classic scam that even the presumed Nigerians who send us daily pleas to claim millions of dollars for just a few thousand are onto by now. The original e-mail supposedly from Carolyn to hit my inbox this morning included two e-mail addresses, neither of which were Carolyn's. My suggestion is whenever you get such e-mails where it appears someone's e-mail account may have been hijacked or their name/e-mail address is being used without their permission or potentially to do harm, send that person an e-mail alerting them to that fact. Folks won't know their e-mail account has been hijacked by a computer virus unless somebody alerts them. And besides, Carolyn has sent several e-mails to Arkansas Audubon Society Board members in recent days and didn't mention being in jolly old England! What's the chance of that? To keep this birdy- an adult female wood duck entered our old nest box at almost the exact time this morning (9:45) as one did yesterday. Further proof that egg laying has commenced. From the deep woods just west of Little Rock, Barry Haas On Feb 7, 2012, at 12:24 PM, Pine Ridge Gardens wrote: > Is this for real or is this one of those scams one reads about? > MaryAnn > > . > From: CAROLYN MINSON [mailto:csminson AT sbcglobal.net] > Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2012 9:32 AM > To: undisclosed recipients: > Subject: Sad News...............................CAROLYN MINSON > > Hi, > > Just writing to let you know our trip to London, England has been a mess. I was having a great time until last night when we got mugged and lost all my cash,credit card cellphone It has been a scary experience, I was hit at the back of my neck with a Gun Anyway..I'm still alive and that's whats important. I'm financially strapped right now and need your help. I need you to loan me some $$, I'll refund it to you as soon as i arrive home.Write me back so i can tell you how to get it t me. > > CAROLYN MINSON > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.455 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4180 - Release Date: 02/01/12 19:48:00 > Subject: FW: Sad News...............................CAROLYN MINSON From: Pine Ridge Gardens <office AT PINERIDGEGARDENS.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:24:02 -0600 Is this for real or is this one of those scams one reads about? MaryAnn . _____ From: CAROLYN MINSON [mailto:csminson AT sbcglobal.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2012 9:32 AM To: undisclosed recipients: Subject: Sad News...............................CAROLYN MINSON Hi, Just writing to let you know our trip to London, England has been a mess. I was having a great time until last night when we got mugged and lost all my cash,credit card cellphone It has been a scary experience, I was hit at the back of my neck with a Gun Anyway..I'm still alive and that's whats important. I'm financially strapped right now and need your help. I need you to loan me some $$, I'll refund it to you as soon as i arrive home.Write me back so i can tell you how to get it t me. CAROLYN MINSON No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.455 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4180 - Release Date: 02/01/12 19:48:00 Subject: Just call it loon fever and let it go From: joeneal <joeneal AT UARK.EDU> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:50:37 -0600 Loons migrate through northwest Arkansas during spring and fall. But Common Loons, Gavia immer, are never common. A productive November day is 10, and in winter, a single bird or two. It was a big deal when a single loon wintered on Lake Fayetteville last year. I?ve seen zero on Beaver Lake this winter. Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Oklahoma, is in the Ozarks, an impoundment of the Illinois River that rises near Fayetteville. It does not have a loon problem. Common Loons are common at Tenkiller. I expect to see 100 plus all winter without special effort. G. immer is joined by much lower numbers of Pacific Loons, Red-throated Loons, and the occasional Yellow-billed Loon. It's a different state, but distance wise, it?s like a run up to Beaver dam. Tenkiller's birding fun-o-meter is activated in big open spots like Snake Creek Park. Fifty Common Loons parade on February 1, but a single bird far away on the other side swims with its bill up, rather than on the level. Bill up could be a Red-throated or even a Yellow-billed. It is almost a half-mile away, sun so bright it sweeps away my ability to see more than a promising blob. My operational rule of thumb is that the further away the bird, the more likely it is the loon of the heart's desire. All in loon fever, I sleep poorly, and on the next day talk Joan Reynolds into going back. We find a promising white blob, now even further away. With infection spreading on February 5, Joanie Patterson and Jacque Brown are ready! Jacque figures out how we can get a close view. In high excitement we walk to where the up-tilted bill loon should be. A light-colored Common Loon modestly up-tilts its bill for us. By the sacred Law of Parsimony, it's time to end the mystery and accept Common Loon. But I'm still not sleeping and February 6 dawns sunny and calm, a perfect lake day. I'm back to Snake Creek. And lo, out there in a now close raft (350 yards) of Commons, swims a single Red-throated Loon, neck and face white (winter adult), bill up-tilted, and later, a Pacific Loon with a distinctive chin strap. While not Virgin Marys, these loons constitute physical embodiment of miraculous in our local birder's paradise. What does this mean? Let?s do the math. Four trips to Tenkiller, 170 miles each and at the government rate of 55.5 cents per mile, 94 dollars and change a trip, or 377 dollars. Loon fever is expensive! This maybe or maybe not sorts out the mystery. But loon fever is not ultimately about money. As the sun comes up over a frosty ridge, winter fields suddenly flood yellow and we're headed for loons. Counting and identifying winter loons is the socially-acceptable citizen's scientist role. Mystery puts energy in the tank. -- JOSEPH C. NEAL in Fayetteville, Arkansas "I loaf and invite my soul..." -- Walt Whitman Subject: Purple Finch abundance From: Suzie Liles <suzie.liles AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:42:33 -0600 After years of having just a few purple finches at a time at the feeders, the last several weeks we are getting them in flocks. We are seeing 20-25 at a time. Since the Feeder Watch data submission always asks us to confirm that number, I am curious what numbers others are seeing at their winter feeders this year. Suzie Liles rural Marion County Subject: Trumpeter Swans From: Dottie Boyles <dottie.boyles AT ARKANSAS.GOV> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 09:10:15 -0600 A gentleman just called, who lives in Conway, asking about the Trumpeter Swans at Magness Lake. He wanted to know if they were still there. I told him they had been seen on Saturday (by Donna Haynes). I someone knows for sure they are still there today (Larry Jernigan perhaps) could you please let me know ASAP. Thanks. 501-682-1088 Dottie Dottie Boyles Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism 1 Capitol Mall, 4A-900 Little Rock, AR 72201 501-682-1088 www.arkansas.com Subject: Woodcocks in Central Arkansas? From: "Maureen R. McClung" <mrm06 AT UARK.EDU> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 08:02:14 -0600 I'm new(ish) to central Arkansas (living in Conway at the moment). Are there any nearby places to check out woodcock displays? Would LOVE to take my students to see them. Thanks! Maureen McClung Subject: Red Slough Bird survey - Feb. 6 From: David Arbour <arbour AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 19:24:59 -0600 Thomas Schlack (MI) and I surveyed birds today at Red Slough and found 63 species. It was a mostly clear, sunny, mild, beautiful day. Highlight was finding a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on the north levee of Bittern Lake. Could not find the Trumpeter Swans today. Hope they haven't left. A lot of birds were singing their spring songs today. Pear, Red Maple, and elm trees were blooming. Daffodils have been blooming for a week. Spring is almost here! Here is a list of all found today: Canada Goose - 9 Wood Duck - 8 Gadwall - 945 American Wigeon - 2 Mallard - 176 Northern Shoveler - 67 Northern Pintail - 135 Green-winged Teal - 275 Ring-necked Duck - 52 Common Goldeneye - 1 Hooded Merganser - 13 (1 female flushed from Nest Box.) Pied-billed Grebe - 10 Double-crested Cormorant - 15 Great Blue Heron - 7 Black Vulture - 7 Turkey Vulture - 28 Bald Eagle - 1 Northern Harrier - 5 Cooper's Hawk - 1 Red-shouldered Hawk - 2 Red-tailed Hawk - 12 American Kestrel - 3 American Coot - 375 Killdeer - 103 Greater Yellowlegs - 2 Least Sandpiper - 31 Wilson's Snipe - 3 Eurasian Collared-Dove - 5 Mourning Dove - 6 Belted Kingfisher - 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1 Downy Woodpecker - 3 Northern Flicker - 6 Pileated Woodpecker - 3 Eastern Phoebe - 7 Loggerhead Shrike - 1 Blue Jay - 4 American Crow - 540 Fish Crow - 49 Carolina Chickadee - 6 Tufted Titmouse - 4 Carolina Wren - 7 Bewick's Wren - 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 Eastern Bluebird - 5 Northern Mockingbird - 1 European Starling - 5 Cedar Waxwing - 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler - 10 Savannah Sparrow - 1 Fox Sparrow - 1 Song Sparrow - 6 Swamp Sparrow - 1 White-throated Sparrow - 4 White-crowned Sparrow - 24 Dark-eyed Junco - 2 Northern Cardinal - 6 Red-winged Blackbird - 83 Eastern Meadowlark - 59 Western Meadowlark - 5 Rusty Blackbird - 1 Common Grackle - 2 Other finds: Variegated Meadowhawk American Alligator Red-eared Slider Cajun Chorus Frog Southern Leopard Frog Fox Squirrel Good birding! David Arbour De Queen, AR Visit the Red Slough Photo Gallery: www.pbase.com/red_slough_wma Subject: Invitation to view my photos on Picasa Web Album -Most recent Photos From: Donna Haynes <birdiehaynes AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 15:48:39 -0800 Here is a link to photos from our birding trip on Saturday.  The Eagle and Inca Doves are not great, but serves my purpose of having a souvenir.  Donna Haynes West Pulaski Co. Album link: https://picasaweb.google.com/106378446157399905887/MostRecentPhotos -- via http://bit.ly/picasa_tool Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android Subject: Re: Woodcock Seen in West Fork From: "Anderson, Leif E -FS" <leanderson AT FS.FED.US> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 20:19:02 +0000 greetings all, Woodcocks. I truly love them. Such an amazing aerial display. I've seen a few throughout the winter on the Ozark NF. But Sun was my first day, of displaying. Then 2 more this dawn. The dogs surely wondered why we stopped for 10 minutes, at a spot with no good sniffing, while on "their" walk! They did look at me funny, as I was staring up into the sky. cheers, Leif AT Hector Subject: Whooping cranes, wood ducks & hummers From: Barry Haas <bhaas AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 11:51:05 -0600 Dear ARBIRDers, An update on Operation Migration's problems with a group of young whooping cranes: http://bit.ly/wHbEO9 Here on the home front we had an adult female wood duck enter our #1 (out of 2) nest box at 9:30 this morning, followed shortly thereafter by a second female entering while the first was still in the box. When they are laying an egg they normally stay in the box for about 5 minutes based on our observations. Then a little over a half-hour later a female (one of the original two or a third one?) entered the same nest box. There were 8 woodies on the pond at one point. A day or two ago my wife Susan discovered a wood duck egg on the ground outside the box. Could be a female removed an egg that belonged to another female. Looks like another interesting nesting season for wood ducks. Yesterday afternoon about 5:00 I was downstairs when I spotted the adult male rufous hummingbird at a feeder out back. I stood inside the window no more than 8' from him as we eyed each other. Unlike our ruby-throats which come to the feeders and quickly leave after taking nourishment, the rufous sat on the feeder for 15 minutes until I had to leave. He was still perched in the same spot when I walked away. Once before he did the same thing and since we were worried he might be injured and unable to fly off, I went outside to check on him at which time he flew to the nearby cedar tree he calls home for now. Guess their habits are different from ruby-throats and maybe other hummer species. And there is not a lot for a lone hummer to do on a winter's day, is there? Perched in a cedar tree or perched on the feeder, makes no difference evidently to this rufous. One other observation- since it was overcast at 5:00 p.m. the gorget feathers on the rufous as well as those on both sides of his face appeared to be olive green or similar while rufous coloring was evident in other areas. In sunlight the rufous coloring is brilliant all over. Strange how the absence of sunlight can radically change our color perceptions. From the deep woods just west of Little Rock, Barry Haas Subject: Fwd: fiddlebill1 sent you a video: "Ruby & The Romantics - "Our Day Will Come" (1963)" From: Bill Thurman <bill.masterofmusic AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 11:14:57 -0600 Hi to all! Here is one of my oldie, sappy, romantic favorites from back in the day, 1963. I really am a mixed up character! :) Hope you enjoy it! Bill Thurman www.billthurmanmusic.com ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: YouTube Service Date: Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 9:59 AM Subject: fiddlebill1 sent you a video: "Ruby & The Romantics - "Our Day Will Come" (1963)" To: bill.masterofmusic AT gmail.com [image: YouTube] help center| e-mail options | report spam fiddlebill1 has shared a video with you on YouTube: Ruby & The Romantics - "Our Day Will Come" (1963) Ruby & the Romantics was an American R&B group in the 1960s. They had several pop and R&B chart records but are sometimes considered as a 'one-hit wonder' for topping the charts in 1963 with their first recording, "Our Day Will Come", written by Mort Garson and Bob Hilliard. Ruby Nash, the female lead of the group, originally sang with an all-girl group, consisting of her sister and two friends. They sang at record hops, mixers, talent shows and clubs in Akron and surrounding areas. Some of the male members of the Romantics sang with The Embers. Eventually, The Embers became known as The Supremes[citation needed] (not to be confused with Detroit's The Supremes, of Motown Records fame),[citation needed] and then The Feilos. Since they all grew up in Akron[citation needed] and knew each other, Leroy Fann, a member of The Supremes, asked Ruby to sing with them on occasions.[citation needed] After auditioning, the group was signed to N... more © 2012 YouTube, LLC 901 Cherry Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066 Subject: Nature Philosophy: A Significant Influence From: Bill Thurman <bill.masterofmusic AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:48:01 -0600 hi ARbird members! I have a blog I've written that is about "nature, red in tooth and claw". Maybe it won't be for everybody, but I hope you will read it anyway. The link is: http://wp.me/p196WV-1J There are quite a few references to birds (and other animals) so I do believe that it is relevant to the group. Speaking of birds - I was at Two Rivers Park a couple of days ago, and saw all the "mimic thrushes" plus quite a few others. (there is the confusing and amusing 'name game' again) Mockingbirds Brown Thrasher Grey Catbird Common Crows Turkey Vultures Double Crested Cormorants Gadwalls (small group in the swamp) Northern Shoveler (male and female) Goldfinches (small flock) Cedar Waxwings (small flock) eastern bluebirds carolina wrens carolina chickadees northern flicker pileated woodpecker red-bellied woodpecker Bill Thurman Little Rock Subject: Woodcock Seen in West Fork From: Don Steinkraus <steinkr AT UARK.EDU> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:21:25 -0600 My wife and I saw and heard one or more woodcock in West Fork, AR, on Saturday evening, February 4, 2012, at 5:50 p.m. I am not sure how many there were, maybe only one. We saw it flying, heard it "peenting" on the ground, saw it fly high in the sky. It was almost dark, so we could only see it when it flew up into the sky. Has anyone else seen woodcock yet this year in AR? It was a wonderful invigorating wild sight. A friend asked me if "I had taken a picture?" I just laughed. Either it was down on the black ground, or it was high in the sky, or it was flying swiftly. I wish I could get a picture of one. Don Steinkraus, Professor of Entomology Subject: Re: swans at Heber Springs From: Joe Mosby <jhmosby AT CYBERBACK.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 08:48:37 -0600 Sara, the trumpeters usually begin heading north in mid-February, around the 12th to 16th. But with this mild winter, schedules could be altered. Good numbers were present at Magness Lake Friday, Feb. 3. Joe Mosby Conway ----- Original Message ----- From: Sara Cain-Bartlett To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 12:39 PM Subject: swans at Heber Springs It's getting late winter, can anyone tell me when the swans begin to migrate north? I want to go to Heber Springs before they leave to see them, Sara Sara Cain-Bartlett, LCSW Fayetteville, Arkansas HOME: 479-521-3125 OFFICE: 479-521-4406 Cell: 479-466-0611 Subject: Photo from yesterday From: Mitchell Pruitt <mlpruitt24 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 07:37:49 -0600 A picture of the Delaware Thayer's Gull and its Ring-billed buddies can be found here: http://www.pbase.com/mpruitt/inbox I didn't even know he was amongst the frenzy until going over the day's shots! ~Mitchell Sent from my iPad Subject: Saturday Birding From: Donna Haynes <birdiehaynes AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 21:47:22 -0800 Saturday morning, my mom, my son and myself hit the road at 7am to hit quite a few areas for birding.  Our first stop was Bell Slough North, where we found around 40 Great Egrets, a few Great Blue Herons, what I estimate was around 3,000 Double Crested Cormorants flew over heading from northeast to southwest.  The highlight of that stop was a Common Goldeneye. Next stop Beaverfork Lake.  A new spot to me and I have to say, I was a little dissapointed, not a whole lot happening there, a few scaup, Pied-Billed Grebes and Mallards.  Nice lake though and will be worth checking anytime we are in the area. Now on to Prim.  On the way, I spied a Eurasian Collared Dove.  Within a couple of miles of Prim, we saw our first Bald Eagle soar overhead.  It seemed the closer we got, we were spotting more and more, with no place to pull off.  Following Gail Millers directions we were able to observe several from a fairly close distance.  We drove north a bit and found a Piliated Woodpecker along with about 5 more eagles.  As we headed south to Heber Springs, within the first 2 miles of Prim, We probably spotted 30 eagles.  They just seemed to be everywhere.  At one of the gravel roads we pulled over on, probably a dozen Meadowlarks were singing, all but one Eastern.  I believe I was hearing one that was a Western.  When compaired to the others, it was quite different.  The song seemed a bit longer whith a bit higher pitch.  I hope I am describing that right, as I am no good at describing birdsong.  At this same stop we counted 11 Bald Eagles in our field of view.  Pretty cool.  We headed on to Heber Springs for lunch.  We happened upon a flock of about 75 Black Vultures milling around on the roadside.  As we pulled over they all flew up to various perches.  I had to laugh, on the ground and in the trees, they are so ungraceful, but boy when they take to the air... they are beautiful. After, lunch, we headed down to Pangburn to see Terry Butler and his Inca Dove.  He had warned me that it was not going to be as easy as seeing my Rufie.  Most of my visitors have seen Rufie as they walk up into my yard.  Terry called to check our ETA and told us the Inca had just flown down to feed.  We were about a mile from his home, so he stayed on the phone with me to tell me where to look when we pulled in.  We were able to see the Inca before we got out of the car!  It is a lovely little dove, much smaller than what I pictured.  Of course it is a lifer also.  It will go on my top ten cutest birds list. Terry then guided us via the scenic route ( same as Mitchell's)  to several places the Trumpeter Swans frequent.  The first spot was an open wet field.  Among several trumpeters was a Mute Swan.  At the second pond, 100 trumpeters on the nose were present.  At this pond, the trumpeters seemed more quiet and peaceful.  Also present at this pond were Several Canada Geese, two Cackling Geese and a few Ring-Necked Ducks. On to Magness where we spent the rest of the afternoon.  68 trumpeters were present when we arrived.  As the evening wore on, swans flew in from different directions.  Also present were more Ring-Necked Ducks, Bufflehead, American Coots, Mallard, two of my favorite duck, the Canvasback, Canada Geese and one possible Ross's Goose.  The bill was just to tiny to be a Snow Goose.  The one target bird we did not see was the Tundra Swan.  All and all, it was a fantastic day, I could have done with better light, many of my photos are trash.  I will finish sorting through them and post a link soon.  Thanks for the great directions Gail and a BIG thanks to Terry Butler for sharing his Inca and showing us around!  We really enjoyed his company too. On a side note, Rufie IS still here, but he is not being very cooperative.  Robert Heron came out to photograph him and left with not one photo.  I didn't get any shots of him either.  Robert and I only got one good look at him today. Donna Haynes West Pulaski co. Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android Subject: Albatross Book From: Barry Haas <bhaas AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 15:13:15 -0600 Dear ARBIRDers, It was suggested I share this on ARBIRD. From the deep woods just west of Little Rock, Barry Haas Two good friends of mine, Darcy Pattison the writer and Kitty Harvill the illustrator, have a new book out about Wisdom the Midway Albatross. Wisdom is 60+ years old (oldest known surviving bird in the wild documented by banding) and has survived so many disasters in her lifetime including the recent Japanese tsunami. This is a beautifully written, beautifully illustrated book that I urge you to share with your students/friends. Check out the website at wisdom.darcypattison.com. Liz Fulton efulton114 AT sbcglobal.net Executive Director, Arkansas Audubon Ecology Camp UALR Field Supervisor Subject: Re: swans at Heber Springs From: Dan Scheiman <birddan AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 12:47:35 -0600 Subject: swans at Heber Springs From: Sara Cain-Bartlett <saracnbrtltt9 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 12:39:41 -0600 It's getting late winter, can anyone tell me when the swans begin to migrate north? I want to go to Heber Springs before they leave to see them, Sara Sara Cain-Bartlett, LCSW Fayetteville, Arkansas HOME: 479-521-3125 OFFICE: 479-521-4406 Cell: 479-466-0611 Subject: Lonoke CBC Results From: Dan Scheiman <birddan AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 12:11:46 -0600 For the Lonoke CBC held Monday Jan 2, 2012, 24 birders tallied 52,898 birds of 94 species during a collective 58 hours and 371 miles. Number of individuals was down by almost 40,500 compared to last year, and the number of species was down by 13. Indeed, many participants reported to me how slow the day was; blame it on the wind and mild winter. A Peregrine Falcon and a Bewick's Wren were good birds. The House Sparrow tally was at an all-time low, half as much as the previous low count. Thanks to all volunteers for your help in this season's count! Greater White-fronted Goose 2757 Snow Goose 22292 Ross's Goose 10 Canada Goose 141 Gadwall 1469 American Wigeon 10 Mallard 421 Northern Shoveler 2418 Northern Pintail 119 Green-winged Teal 38 Canvasback 9 Ring-necked Duck 33 Greater Scaup 1 Lesser Scaup 257 Bufflehead 13 Hooded Merganser 40 Ruddy Duck 738 duck sp. 3 Pied-billed Grebe 36 Double-crested Cormorant 17 Great Blue Heron 143 Great Egret 122 Turkey Vulture 66 Black Vulture 9 Bald Eagle 6 Northern Harrier 67 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Cooper's Hawk 6 Accipiter sp. 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Red-tailed Hawk 75 Peregrine Falcon 1 US American Kestrel 45 American Coot 814 Killdeer 1384 Greater Yellowlegs 60 Least Sandpiper 166 Long-billed Dowitcher 80 Wilson's Snipe 254 Ring-billed Gull 149 Rock Pigeon 23 Eurasian Collared-Dove 75 Mourning Dove 150 Belted Kingfisher 8 Red-bellied Woodpecker 14 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5 Downy Woodpecker 11 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Northern (Yellow-shafted) Flicker 11 Eastern Phoebe 13 Loggerhead Shrike 29 Blue Jay 46 American Crow 64 Horned Lark 338 Carolina Chickadee 42 Tufted Titmouse 8 Brown Creeper 4 Carolina Wren 22 Bewick's Wren 1 US House Wren 1 Winter Wren 4 Golden-crowned Kinglet 6 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 13 Eastern Bluebird 20 Hermit Thrush 3 American Robin 118 Northern Mockingbird 45 Brown Thrasher 5 European Starling 1090 American Pipit 191 Cedar Waxwing 115 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler 7 Eastern Towhee 3 Chipping Sparrow 2 Field Sparrow 16 Vesper Sparrow 1 Savannah Sparrow 269 Fox Sparrow 10 Song Sparrow 119 Lincoln's Sparrow 3 Swamp Sparrow 9 White-throated Sparrow 115 White-crowned Sparrow 138 Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco 85 Lapland Longspur 5 Northern Cardinal 143 Red-winged Blackbird 13620 Eastern Meadowlark 393 Rusty Blackbird 6 Brewer's Blackbird 7 Common Grackle 594 Brown-headed Cowbird 6 blackbird sp. 508 House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 12 House Sparrow 72 LC Total # Individuals 52898 Total # Species 94 Dan Scheiman, Compiler Little Rock, AR Subject: No Subject From: Dan Scheiman <birddan AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 11:51:40 -0600 For the Little Rock Christmas Bird Count held Saturday Dec 17, 2011, 35 birders plus 6 feeder-watchers tallied 13,968 birds of 95 species during a collective 87 hours and 304 miles. This is the second highest participant count since 1977 (36 participants), and one more than last season, though it would have beaten the record if everyone who signed up had been able to participate. I'm also happy to report that 6 out of 9 parties entered their own data into eBird. Number of individual birds was down by about 900 compared to last year, but the number of species was up one. Mute Swan, Redhead, Bewick's Wren, and Western Meadowlark are all species not often found during the Count. Bewick's Wrens used to be regular in past decades, and while the Mutes are a resident pair of domestics, non-countable birds do get tallied for the CBC. Herring Gull and Rufous Hummingbird were count week additions (if only the hummer was found a day earlier!). Bald Eagle, Horned Lark, and Le Conte's Sparrow were notable misses. Thanks to all volunteers in the field and at the feeders for your help with this season's count! Mute Swan 2 US Snow Goose 8 Ross's Goose 1 Canada Goose 531 Wood Duck 17 Northern Pintail 6 Gadwall 553 Mallard 52 Northern Shoveler 5 Redhead 1 US Ring-necked Duck 30 Lesser Scaup 160 Bufflehead 16 Common Goldeneye 2 Hooded Merganser 7 Ruddy Duck 13 duck sp. 75 Pied-billed Grebe 48 American White Pelican 655 Double-crested Cormorant 262 Great Blue Heron 32 Great Egret 9 Black Vulture 3 Turkey Vulture 70 Northern Harrier 5 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 Cooper's Hawk 7 Red-shouldered Hawk 9 Red-tailed Hawk 48 American Kestrel 24 Falcon sp. (not Kestrel) 1 American Coot 161 Killdeer 26 Ring-billed Gull 630 Rock Pigeon 263 Eurasian Collared-Dove 32 Mourning Dove 514 Eastern Screech-Owl 2 Great Horned Owl 1 Barred Owl 1 Belted Kingfisher 22 Red-headed Woodpecker 4 Red-bellied Woodpecker 84 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 20 Downy Woodpecker 54 Hairy Woodpecker 3 Northern (Yellow-shafted) Flicker 66 Pileated Woodpecker 10 Eastern Phoebe 22 Loggerhead Shrike 8 Blue Jay 143 American Crow 152 Carolina Chickadee 147 Tufted Titmouse 85 White-breasted Nuthatch 17 Brown-headed Nuthatch 6 Brown Creeper 15 Carolina Wren 119 Bewick's Wren 1 US House Wren 3 Winter Wren 5 Golden-crowned Kinglet 11 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 58 Eastern Bluebird 112 Hermit Thrush 22 American Robin 770 Northern Mockingbird 125 Brown Thrasher 29 European Starling 815 American Pipit 67 Cedar Waxwing 61 Orange-crowned Warbler 6 Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler 132 Pine Warbler 11 Eastern Towhee 33 Chipping Sparrow 38 Field Sparrow 121 Savannah Sparrow 25 Fox Sparrow 40 Song Sparrow 127 Lincoln's Sparrow 2 Swamp Sparrow 7 White-throated Sparrow 447 White-crowned Sparrow 40 Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco 399 Northern Cardinal 228 Red-winged Blackbird 1175 Eastern Meadowlark 102 Western Meadowlark 1 US (4th record) Rusty Blackbird 40 Common Grackle 2665 Brown-headed Cowbird 53 blackbird sp. 600 Purple Finch 7 House Finch 158 American Goldfinch 69 House Sparrow 102 Total # Individuals 13968 Total # Species 95 Dan Scheiman, Compiler Little Rock, AR Subject: Back at It From: Mitchell Pruitt <mlpruitt24 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 11:34:09 -0600 After mopping up every bit of rest and relaxation I could after 2011, I am back at it again. Dad and I headed to Lake Dardanelle at the crack of 5:30 this morning. The goal was Thayer's Gull, a would-be lifer for me, and whatever other enjoyables we might come across. We arrived at Deleware Park to find Kenny Nichols and a really big flock of gulls. Among the numerous Ring-billed and Herring Gulls were the Thayer's, one Lesser Black-backed, and Glaucous. The Glaucous could be seen even without the use of optics, but the Thayer's was a little more difficult to pick out from its look-alike buddies. Even so, once found there were pretty obvious differences from nearby Herring Gulls and it obliged the eyes of our group until we decided to move on. The next stop was Cabin Creek. It was VERY windy and there were a ton of diving ducks, but not much other than that. Back home to the ridge. ~Mitchell Pruitt Sent from my iPad Subject: Nice story From: Michael Linz <mplinz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 22:58:48 -0600 Kohls gives 10 $10K scholarships each year to kids who volunteer to some cause. I was looking at last years winners and saw this little girl. Says she raised $200K to help clean up the gulf coast. Pretty impressive for "aspiring ornithologist" at age 11. 2011 National Winners [image: Olivia Bouler] Olivia Bouler, 11, Islip, NY - Hide Information Olivia spent many vacations with family in Louisiana and Alabama and was deeply saddened when she learned of the oil spill affecting much of the Gulf Coast. As an aspiring ornithologist and artist, she was especially concerned about the effect the oil spill had on the birds and wildlife in the region. At just 11 years old, Olivia contacted the Audubon Society to see how she could help and began creating drawings of birds for those who donated to the wildlife recovery funds. To date, she has drawn more than 150 species of birds and distributed thousands of prints; her efforts have helped raise nearly $200,000 for the cause. Some of her drawings can be seen on her Facebook page, Olivia's Birds . Subject: Mississippi Blues - Ross's that is....... From: "Jeff R. Wilson" <OLCOOT1 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 19:59:01 -0500 Feb. 4, 2012 Tunica Co. MS Scanning flocks of Snow Geese today, produced another rare, blue morph Ross's Goose in Tunica Co, MS. The bird was in a large flock of Snow Geese that was packed with Ross's and a single Cackling Goose. I've added photos at the end of my Mississippi Blues site: _http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/ms_blues_ (http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/ms_blues) Good Birding!!! Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA 6300 Memphis-Arlington Rd. Bartlett, TN. 38135_ http://WWW.pbase.com/ol_coot/_ (http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/) What is this feathered thing that lifts my heart to the heavens. Subject: Mississippi Blues - Ross's that is....... From: OLCOOT1 AT aol.com Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 19:59:01 -0500 (EST) Feb. 4, 2012 Tunica Co. MS Scanning flocks of Snow Geese today, produced another rare, blue morph Ross's Goose in Tunica Co, MS. The bird was in a large flock of Snow Geese that was packed with Ross's and a single Cackling Goose. I've added photos at the end of my Mississippi Blues site: _http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/ms_blues_ (http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/ms_blues) Good Birding!!! Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA 6300 Memphis-Arlington Rd. Bartlett, TN. 38135_ http://WWW.pbase.com/ol_coot/_ (http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/) What is this feathered thing that lifts my heart to the heavens. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: Post message: albirds AT yahoogroups.com Subscribe: albirds-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com List owner: albirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com AOS website: http://www.aosbirds.org/ This list is sponsored by the Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) and is provided as a service to the birding community. AOS does not endorse the views or opinions expressed by the members of this discussion group. Nor does AOS support or endorse the advertising provided by the Yahoo Groups list service. Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion From: Bill Thurman <bill.masterofmusic AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 17:32:50 -0600 Thanks, Bill! The whole naming still seems to be confusing, especially "New World Sparrows", although that was long, long ago when the study of American birds and wildlife was in its infancy. I still think it's amazing when I heard or read that hummingbirds and "goatsuckers" evolved from a common ancestor in the "bird tree of life." :) Sent from my iPhone On Feb 4, 2012, at 4:00 PM, Bill Shepherd wrote: > Bill: > > For what it's worth, the type species of the family Emberizidae is the genus Emberiza, a genus of Old World "buntings" that has at least a dozen species in it, including the familiar Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) of England and Continental Europe. So the family Emberizidae contains quite a number of species that one wouldn't necessarily think of when one reads the phrase "New World Sparrows." > > Bill Shepherd > > Bill Shepherd 2805 Linden, Apt. 3 Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-5964 Stoneax63 AT hotmail.com (501) 375-3918 > > Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 15:42:09 -0600 > From: bill.masterofmusic AT GMAIL.COM > Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion > To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU > > Maybe the juncos could be in a class by > themselves - the Farrows! > > Bill T > > PS or Snowbirds or Junkbirds :) > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Feb 4, 2012, at 10:43 AM, Rick Farrar wrote: > > BILL: > > Don't have your answer, but add to the discussion the fact that Sibley in his guide to bird life and behavior does follow the classification of juncos as "New World Sparrows" (Emberizidae), not "Finches and Allies" (Fringillidae). :-)) > > RICK FARRAR > > From: Bill Thurman > To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU > Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2012 8:58 AM > Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion > > OK I read it and it IS funny, but I would like a little history here. Who was the original ornithologist or scientist who labeled the junco a member of the sparrows and on what date in the past? I'd kind of like to know. Any takers?? :) > Bill Thurman > Sent from my iPhone > > On Feb 4, 2012, at 8:30 AM, Kelly Chitwood wrote: > > Thanks! I needed a good laugh this morning. > > Kelly Chitwood > > > On Feb 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Kathie Riedel wrote: > > I picked this up from the LA County List Server. A fun read. > > http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-sibley-guide-to-birds-has-clearly-misidentifie,11301/ > > Kathie Riedel > Hot Springs Village > > Subject: Brewer's Sparrow Seen Today at Woolsey From: mmlodino <mmlodino AT UARK.EDU> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 16:00:50 -0600 What was no doubt the Brewer's sparrow found in December was seen again today at Woolsey Wet Prairie. As was the case previously, it is once again hanging out with Savannah Sparrows near the preserve's eastern boundary, just west of Broyles Rd. and the top soil mining operation, but east of the first pond. It was also pretty cooperative as before.                                                      Mike Mlodinow                                                       Fayetteville Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion From: Bill Shepherd <stoneax63 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 16:00:22 -0600 Bill: For what it's worth, the type species of the family Emberizidae is the genus Emberiza, a genus of Old World "buntings" that has at least a dozen species in it, including the familiar Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) of England and Continental Europe. So the family Emberizidae contains quite a number of species that one wouldn't necessarily think of when one reads the phrase "New World Sparrows." Bill Shepherd Bill Shepherd 2805 Linden, Apt. 3 Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-5964 Stoneax63 AT hotmail.com (501) 375-3918 Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 15:42:09 -0600 From: bill.masterofmusic AT GMAIL.COM Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Maybe the juncos could be in a class by themselves - the Farrows! Bill T PS or Snowbirds or Junkbirds :) Sent from my iPhone On Feb 4, 2012, at 10:43 AM, Rick Farrar wrote: BILL: Don't have your answer, but add to the discussion the fact that Sibley in his guide to bird life and behavior does follow the classification of juncos as "New World Sparrows" (Emberizidae), not "Finches and Allies" (Fringillidae). :-)) RICK FARRAR From: Bill Thurman To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2012 8:58 AM Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion OK I read it and it IS funny, but I would like a little history here. Who was the original ornithologist or scientist who labeled the junco a member of the sparrows and on what date in the past? I'd kind of like to know. Any takers?? :) Bill Thurman Sent from my iPhone On Feb 4, 2012, at 8:30 AM, Kelly Chitwood wrote: Thanks! I needed a good laugh this morning. Kelly Chitwood On Feb 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Kathie Riedel wrote: I picked this up from the LA County List Server. A fun read. http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-sibley-guide-to-birds-has-clearly-misidentifie,11301/ Kathie Riedel Hot Springs Village Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion From: Bill Thurman <bill.masterofmusic AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 15:42:09 -0600 Maybe the juncos could be in a class by themselves - the Farrows! Bill T PS or Snowbirds or Junkbirds :) Sent from my iPhone On Feb 4, 2012, at 10:43 AM, Rick Farrar wrote: > BILL: > > Don't have your answer, but add to the discussion the fact that Sibley in his guide to bird life and behavior does follow the classification of juncos as "New World Sparrows" (Emberizidae), not "Finches and Allies" (Fringillidae). :-)) > > RICK FARRAR > > From: Bill Thurman > To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU > Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2012 8:58 AM > Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion > > OK I read it and it IS funny, but I would like a little history here. Who was the original ornithologist or scientist who labeled the junco a member of the sparrows and on what date in the past? I'd kind of like to know. Any takers?? :) > Bill Thurman > Sent from my iPhone > > On Feb 4, 2012, at 8:30 AM, Kelly Chitwood wrote: > >> Thanks! I needed a good laugh this morning. >> >> Kelly Chitwood >> >> >> On Feb 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Kathie Riedel wrote: >> >>> I picked this up from the LA County List Server. A fun read. >>> >>> http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-sibley-guide-to-birds-has-clearly-misidentifie,11301/ >>> >>> Kathie Riedel >>> Hot Springs Village > > Subject: Announcement: ASCA Meeting, Kenya Birding Safari From: Dan Scheiman <birddan AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 13:55:31 -0600 This Thursday, February 9 at 7 PM, is Audubon Society of Central Arkansas's monthly meeting. I'll be the guest speaker, sharing sights and sounds from the wonderful Kenya birding safari that Samantha and I enjoyed with Allan and Kathleen Mueller last July. ASCA meets at the Fletcher Library on H St. in Little Rock. Take University Ave to H. Head east on H St. for a block and the library is on the south side of the street. As always, our meetings are free and you don't have to be a member to attend. I look forward to seeing you there and sharing my experiences with my friends. Next month Karen Holliday will share her latest birding adventures. Stay tuned. Dan Scheiman Little Rock, AR Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion From: Rick Farrar <rfarrar2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 08:43:37 -0800 BILL:   Don't have your answer, but add to the discussion the fact that Sibley in his guide to bird life and behavior does follow the classification of juncos as "New World Sparrows" (Emberizidae), not "Finches and Allies" (Fringillidae). :-))   RICK FARRAR ________________________________ From: Bill Thurman To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2012 8:58 AM Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion OK I read it and it IS funny, but I would like a little history here. Who was the original ornithologist or scientist who labeled the junco a member of the sparrows and on what date in the past? I'd kind of like to know. Any takers?? :)                               Bill Thurman  Sent from my iPhone On Feb 4, 2012, at 8:30 AM, Kelly Chitwood wrote: Thanks! I needed a good laugh this morning. > >Kelly Chitwood  > > > >On Feb 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Kathie Riedel wrote: > > >I picked this up from the LA County List Server.  A fun read. >> >> >>http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-sibley-guide-to-birds-has-clearly-misidentifie,11301/ >> >> >> >>Kathie Riedel >>Hot Springs Village Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion From: Bill Thurman <bill.masterofmusic AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 08:58:48 -0600 OK I read it and it IS funny, but I would like a little history here. Who was the original ornithologist or scientist who labeled the junco a member of the sparrows and on what date in the past? I'd kind of like to know. Any takers?? :) Bill Thurman Sent from my iPhone On Feb 4, 2012, at 8:30 AM, Kelly Chitwood wrote: > Thanks! I needed a good laugh this morning. > > Kelly Chitwood > > > On Feb 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Kathie Riedel wrote: > >> I picked this up from the LA County List Server. A fun read. >> >> http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-sibley-guide-to-birds-has-clearly-misidentifie,11301/ >> >> Kathie Riedel >> Hot Springs Village Subject: Re: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion From: Kelly Chitwood <kellyannchitwood AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 08:30:07 -0600 Thanks! I needed a good laugh this morning. Kelly Chitwood On Feb 4, 2012, at 7:42 AM, Kathie Riedel wrote: > I picked this up from the LA County List Server. A fun read. > > http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-sibley-guide-to-birds-has-clearly-misidentifie,11301/ > > Kathie Riedel > Hot Springs Village Subject: Dark Eyed Error in Sibley's from the Onion From: Kathie Riedel <kwriedel AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 05:42:23 -0800 I picked this up from the LA County List Server.  A fun read. http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-sibley-guide-to-birds-has-clearly-misidentifie,11301/ Kathie Riedel Hot Springs Village Subject: Lake Dardanelle From: Kenny Nichols <kingbird AT YMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:35:53 -0800 Two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls and one adult Thayer's Gull continue to be seen from Delaware Rec Area and one first-winter Glaucous Gull is currently above the dam. Good birding! Kenny Nichols Cabot, AR Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android Subject: DON'T FORGET THE HERONS, GBBC at Devil's Den February 17 From: joeneal <joeneal AT UARK.EDU> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:29:40 -0600 The annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) begins on Friday February 17 and goes through the weekend. I'm going to Devil's Den State Park on Friday the 17th and meet anyone interested in the parking area adjacent Lee Creek bridge in the park at 9 AM. Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society is a co-sponsor of the Devil's Den effort on Friday. This is a user-friendly event. You are welcome to come for as little or as much of the day as you want. Yes, it's OK to just stay 30 minutes. You can even come late and join us after the "official" start, but in that case you'll have to hunt us up. It's almost too easy. In terms of effort and inconvenience, this rivals hefting off the couch in search of the channel changer. That is, you will have to shake a leg to participate on Friday, but not too hard. And best of all, it will be fun. Everyone's effort for GBBC will help the big time bird scientists understand where which birds are at the end of winter. Just to put this plainly: that Great Blue Heron we spot along Lee Creek at Devil's Den State Park will become part of a national database. Those who study herons will learn more about where Great Blues are in mid-February. Same goes for the like 50 species of birds we may see on the 17th. By the way, you don't have to come to the park to participate. You can count birds anywhere, all through the weekend. -- JOSEPH C. NEAL in Fayetteville, Arkansas "I loaf and invite my soul..." -- Walt Whitman Subject: Re: And the moral of the story is From: Sally Jo <sjogibson AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:44:59 -0600 That's why I always carry a big purse- and extra batteries! Sally Jo Gibson 512 Yorkshire Cove Harrison, AR 72601 sjogibson AT windstream.net On Feb 2, 2012, at 5:50 PM, Sheran Herrin wrote: > TAKE YOUR CAMERA!!! Steve and I were running errands in Searcy today and decided to stop by the water treatment plant. Bald Eagles have been there on a fairly regular basis all winter. Last time we stopped by saw an adult and have heard from several people who have seen 2 adults. Today there were at least 4 adults and 4 juveniles! Several were perched together in trees in the pond and several more soaring right over head! Awesome sight. Most bald eagles I have ever seen at one time! Went back this afternoon with may camera, but their were "only" 2 adults and 1 juvenile still hanging around and the sun glare made pictures impossible. Rats! From now on will have my camera with me. If the weather holds, I may try and go back in the morning when the light will be much better. > > Directions to the water treatment plant- off Race Street turn at Berryhill Park ( think the name of the street is Davis) and follow the road past the White County Fairgrounds. The ponds will be on your left. You can pull off the road just past the bridge for excellent view of the ponds. > > Sheran Herrin just north of Beebe with camera remorse! Subject: And the moral of the story is From: Sheran Herrin <sjherrin AT CSWNET.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:50:33 -0600 TAKE YOUR CAMERA!!! Steve and I were running errands in Searcy today and decided to stop by the water treatment plant. Bald Eagles have been there on a fairly regular basis all winter. Last time we stopped by saw an adult and have heard from several people who have seen 2 adults. Today there were at least 4 adults and 4 juveniles! Several were perched together in trees in the pond and several more soaring right over head! Awesome sight. Most bald eagles I have ever seen at one time! Went back this afternoon with may camera, but their were "only" 2 adults and 1 juvenile still hanging around and the sun glare made pictures impossible. Rats! From now on will have my camera with me. If the weather holds, I may try and go back in the morning when the light will be much better. Directions to the water treatment plant- off Race Street turn at Berryhill Park ( think the name of the street is Davis) and follow the road past the White County Fairgrounds. The ponds will be on your left. You can pull off the road just past the bridge for excellent view of the ponds. Sheran Herrin just north of Beebe with camera remorse! Subject: Re: Sure Am Glad It Wasn't a Snowy From: Dan Scheiman <birddan AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:45:48 +0000 A photo of this partial albino, or leucistic, Red-tailed Hawk is here http://www.pbase.com/birddan/image/141259452 Dan Scheiman Little Rock, AR ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dan Bogler" To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Thursday, February 2, 2012 12:36:09 PM Subject: Sure Am Glad It Wasn't a Snowy As you know we have a well documented Snowy that showed up in Hot Springs= on January 15 - and hasn't been seen since And we have put an article in the local paper asking for the public's he= lp in located Snowy Owls I have had a couple of calls about "seeing a large white owl flying acros= s the road" but no concrete evidence. Probably Barn Owls But then I got a call today from a fella that says he has an all white ow= l in his back yard "and that he has seen it each winter for the last 3 ye= ars" That comment raised a red flag. I called Dan Scheiman and he said t= here was "a zero chance it was a Snowy because of the 3 year sightings. So, I called the guy back and asked if he was sure it was a Snowy rather = than a Barn Owl. He said he looked it up in his book and it was a Snowy a= nd that he had pictures. I asked if I could come out and he said "Yes, bu= t I don't want a bunch of people coming out and scaring off my owl" So, I= agreed to keep the location secret. And all the way there while driving I thought "Boy this puts me in a real= predictiment. If it is a Snowy and I can't reveal it's location I will = be the most hated birder in Arkansas" I was really worried about it. I th= ought of people like Karen Holliday, Charles Mills and Kenny Nichols that= have helped me find life birds. And now that Ii have something speciial = I can't repay the favor. The entire trip I was saying to myself "Lord, please don't let this be a = Snowy" Well, when I got there they showed me pictures of what looked like an all= white owl. And it was definitly not a Barn Owl. I had this sickening fee= ling So, I emailed Dan a photo and he instantly said it was not a Snowy but ra= ther an albino of some sort. So, I looked at more of their photographs an= d in one picture I saw a faint amount of red on its tail It was an AN ALL WHITE ALBINO RED TAILED HAWK You cannot imagine the relief I felt I am not very computor savvy so I don't know how to post a picture. But b= y virtue of this post I am asking that Dan post a picture of this most ra= re and beautiful owl Subject: Sure Am Glad It Wasn't a Snowy From: Dan Bogler <danbogler AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:45:47 -0600 The last sentence in my post should have read "rare and beautiful hawk" ! Subject: Sure Am Glad It Wasn't a Snowy From: Dan Bogler <danbogler AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:36:09 -0600 As you know we have a well documented Snowy that showed up in Hot Springs on January 15 - and hasn't been seen since And we have put an article in the local paper asking for the public's help in located Snowy Owls I have had a couple of calls about "seeing a large white owl flying across the road" but no concrete evidence. Probably Barn Owls But then I got a call today from a fella that says he has an all white owl in his back yard "and that he has seen it each winter for the last 3 years" That comment raised a red flag. I called Dan Scheiman and he said there was "a zero chance it was a Snowy because of the 3 year sightings. So, I called the guy back and asked if he was sure it was a Snowy rather than a Barn Owl. He said he looked it up in his book and it was a Snowy and that he had pictures. I asked if I could come out and he said "Yes, but I don't want a bunch of people coming out and scaring off my owl" So, I agreed to keep the location secret. And all the way there while driving I thought "Boy this puts me in a real predictiment. If it is a Snowy and I can't reveal it's location I will be the most hated birder in Arkansas" I was really worried about it. I thought of people like Karen Holliday, Charles Mills and Kenny Nichols that have helped me find life birds. And now that Ii have something speciial I can't repay the favor. The entire trip I was saying to myself "Lord, please don't let this be a Snowy" Well, when I got there they showed me pictures of what looked like an all white owl. And it was definitly not a Barn Owl. I had this sickening feeling So, I emailed Dan a photo and he instantly said it was not a Snowy but rather an albino of some sort. So, I looked at more of their photographs and in one picture I saw a faint amount of red on its tail It was an AN ALL WHITE ALBINO RED TAILED HAWK You cannot imagine the relief I felt I am not very computor savvy so I don't know how to post a picture. But by virtue of this post I am asking that Dan post a picture of this most rare and beautiful owl Subject: doharvey From: Amy Edie <aedie AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:25:09 -0800 hello dear friend http://spectaclederue.fr/aiyauy.php?zusehotmailID=85 Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:25:08 ______________ "The train had arrived, leaving its passenger coach and baggage car standing on the main track at the north end of the station platform, the pin between the baggage and the first box car having been pulled out." (c) Brita wreamed Subject: Pacific Loon From: Delos McCauley <edelos AT CABLELYNX.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 07:18:40 -0600 While returning from San Antonio yesterday, Hazel and I stopped by DeGray Lake for some birding. From the boat launch on Caddo Rd. we saw a Pacific Loon and about 8 Common Loons. There were also 3 Horned Grebes there. A hail storm hit us while we were there, about 3:00 PM. Delos McCauley Pine Bluff Subject: Owl nest boxes From: Gail Miller <gail.miller AT CONWAYCORP.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 06:40:07 -0600 I should have mentioned, I recently hung two new Screech Owl boxes this winter, so far I've cleaned out one squirrel nest. Years ago, a Screech Owl roosted in a Wood Duck box during a cold winter, so I can only hope for a nesting one. Gail Miller See my recent photos at http://www.pbase.com/gnmimiller/root&view=recent See my photography at: http://www.pbase.com/gnmimiller/root See my favorite bird photos at: http://www.pbase.com/gnmimiller/favorites Subject: Fw: Barred Owl Nesting Boxes From: Gail Miller <gail.miller AT CONWAYCORP.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 06:37:47 -0600 I built a Barred Owl nest box years ago, it is as big as a truck tire (I leaned it up against the truck tire to photograph it). I've seen raccoons and squirrels in it, but I've never seen a Barred Owl check it out. Possibly it isn't hung high enough, so I would suggest you hang it up high. Check out this site, http://www.owlcam.com/ where there was great success with a nest box for several years until a fisher got the babies. The Owl Cam video is worth ordering too. This site is where I got my building directions. Good luck with your nest box Don! I've seen one nest here, but it was in the top of a broken off tree. Gail Miller - Conway (Faulkner Co.) See my recent photos at http://www.pbase.com/gnmimiller/root&view=recent See my photography at: http://www.pbase.com/gnmimiller/root See my favorite bird photos at: http://www.pbase.com/gnmimiller/favorites -----Original Message----- From: Don Steinkraus Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 10:02 AM Subject: Barred Owl Nesting Boxes I have built a barred owl nesting box and am planning on hanging it high in a tree in the woods this week. Has anyone else out there put out barred owl nest boxes? What kind of success did you have? Any ideas on which direction the hole should face? Or other suggestions? It seems to me that suitable nesting cavities for barred owls are in short supply and like wood ducks and bluebirds, barred owls would benefit from nest boxes. Thanks, Don Steinkraus, Professor of Entomology, U of A Subject: Re: Delaware Park From: Kenny Nichols <kingbird AT YMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:39:21 -0800 LaDonna and I went to a community meeting in Delaware on Monday night concerning the closing of Delaware Park. It was organized by a member of the community and well attended (over 70 folks crammed into the local fire station). A spokesman from the COE was there to answer questions and explain what was happening. I'll summarize: As stated by the spokesman, the primary concerns of the COE are flood control and navigation. Parks are at the bottom of the list and due to budget shortfalls they would be closed. He stated that he doesn't know what their budget will be but it's going to be a million short. I never figured that one out. Something else I never figured out is how it cost  twelve thousand dollars a year to maintain the park as he claimed. I was told previously that it was less than a thousand which would be more in line with reality. The park is only mowed two or three times a year so you tell me where the 12K went. He also stated flat out that not just Delaware but all the parks listed for closing would indeed be closed and there is absolutely no way the corps will keep them open on their dime. The ONLY option for keeping the parks open is a lease or partnership. LaDonna and I will be attending  a meeting tomorrow night in Dardanelle at the Yell County Wildlife Association. There is the possibility that the YCWA will enter into a partnership with the COE and keep the park open. This means the community will volunteer to keep the park clean and the grass mowed. I'm somewhat optimistic that this is what will happen. If the park is closed it would still be possible to hike back in. Personally, I don't think anyone will. It's a longer walk than you think. Delaware (and to a lesser extent Cabin Creek but it too is due to be closed) is the ONLY public area on the lake worth going to for bird watching.  I don't really count the state park in Russellville because the birds all stay on the western end of the lake.  Stay tuned.   kenny nichols cabot, ar >________________________________ > From: Michael Linz >To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU >Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 6:06 PM >Subject: > > >I know enough has been said about the park closing so I am not trying to reopen the discussion. >I had contacted the Corps of Eng to understand the total impact to Delaware as the note only said "closing 13 camp sites".  I wanted to share their reply. > > >Mr. Linz, >> >> >>Thank you for expressing your concern over the proposed closure of Delaware Park. We will hold a public workshop on 14 February from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Russellville Project Office (1598 Lock and Dam Road, Russellville). I encourage you to attend at your convenience. >> >> >>The proposed changes at Delaware Park include complete closure of the roadway at the park entrance restricting any vehicular traffic inside the park area. Foot and non-motorized traffic will be permissible but due to the lack of mowing access to the shoreline may become difficult in most areas. >> >> >>Please feel free to contact me directly if I can be of further assistance in this matter. >> >> >> >> >>                                                                                                               J S Fryer >>                                                                                                               Park Manager >>                                                                                                               Russellville  > > >Key points to me... >As Joe pointed out...the birds will still be there.  (may lose some due to the fish remains not being dumped by people at the boat launch). > > >Foot and non-motorized access is permitted.  So looks like I can still walk in and see any birds that are there. > > >I also read in some of the other notes that the are looking for private up keep in some area.  I know there was a lot of discussion that this was an important area but I did not see any one looking into whether we as a group should do something other than tell them we use the area.  In other words is there enough impact to our needs to an important enough area for us to consider doing the private upkeep to keep the area open.  Or at minimal keep some paths mowed/ cleared to allow access to the waters edge. > > >For my personal needs, I do not fish, camp, picnic or even use the restroom there.  I only use it as an area to get access to the waters edge to view the birds.  So these changes are minimal impact to me.  I would like to minimize the distance from the barricades to the park so I don' t have to tote my scope for 2 miles but other than that it looks like it will still meet my needs.  I do like this area and I know others frequently it more often than I do.  And as such you may have additional needs.  If there are actionable positive items that I  can do to assist in any group effort, please let me know.   > > >Thanks >Michael > > > > > > > > Subject: No Subject From: Michael Linz <mplinz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:06:11 -0600 I know enough has been said about the park closing so I am not trying to reopen the discussion. I had contacted the Corps of Eng to understand the total impact to Delaware as the note only said "closing 13 camp sites". I wanted to share their reply. Mr. Linz, Thank you for expressing your concern over the proposed closure of Delaware Park. We will hold a public workshop on 14 February from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Russellville Project Office (1598 Lock and Dam Road, Russellville). I encourage you to attend at your convenience. The proposed changes at Delaware Park include complete closure of the roadway at the park entrance restricting any vehicular traffic inside the park area. Foot and non-motorized traffic will be permissible but due to the lack of mowing access to the shoreline may become difficult in most areas. Please feel free to contact me directly if I can be of further assistance in this matter. J S Fryer Park Manager Russellville Key points to me... As Joe pointed out...the birds will still be there. (may lose some due to the fish remains not being dumped by people at the boat launch). Foot and non-motorized access is permitted. So looks like I can still walk in and see any birds that are there. I also read in some of the other notes that the are looking for private up keep in some area. I know there was a lot of discussion that this was an important area but I did not see any one looking into whether we as a group should do something other than tell them we use the area. In other words is there enough impact to our needs to an important enough area for us to consider doing the private upkeep to keep the area open. Or at minimal keep some paths mowed/ cleared to allow access to the waters edge. For my personal needs, I do not fish, camp, picnic or even use the restroom there. I only use it as an area to get access to the waters edge to view the birds. So these changes are minimal impact to me. I would like to minimize the distance from the barricades to the park so I don' t have to tote my scope for 2 miles but other than that it looks like it will still meet my needs. I do like this area and I know others frequently it more often than I do. And as such you may have additional needs. If there are actionable positive items that I can do to assist in any group effort, please let me know. Thanks Michael Subject: Re: signs of spring From: Charles Mills <swamp_fox AT MAC.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:21:59 -0600 While boating out to check on the status of a Bald Eagle's nest in the Little River Bottoms IBA yesterday, I noticed a number of maples in the swamp just beginning to flower. The eagle nest was active but not a lot of other bird activity was noted. A single Common Gallinule was one of the exceptions. Charles Mills Sent from my iPhone On Feb 1, 2012, at 1:10 PM, Bill Shepherd wrote: > .......Sunday (Jan. 29) I noticed a couple of young maple trees in full bloom. Monday I saw an elm tree in full bloom....... > > Bill Shepherd Subject: signs of spring From: Bill Shepherd <stoneax63 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:10:28 -0600 Sunday (Jan. 29) I noticed a couple of young maple trees in full bloom. Monday I saw an elm tree in full bloom. Yesterday I saw a single blue flower on a speedwell (Veronica sp.) plant at the curb in front of my house. Then I saw the neighbor's cat on my front porch playing with a freshly dead Winter Wren. When will cat owners wise up and start keeping their little predators indoors! Bill Shepherd Bill Shepherd 2805 Linden, Apt. 3 Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-5964 Stoneax63 AT hotmail.com (501) 375-3918 Subject: SNOW on NBS Nightly News tonight From: "Kimberly G. Smith" <kgsmith AT UARK.EDU> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 19:04:57 +0000 http://www.conservationnw.org/scat/bannick-brings-us-closer-to-owl-and-ecosystems Tonight there will be a story about the Snowy owl invasion Kimberly G. Smith University Professor of Biological Sciences Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 Phone: 479-575-6359 fax: 479-575-4010 email: kgsmith AT uark.edu Subject: Re: Barred Owl Nesting Boxes From: Linda Carol Jones <lcjones AT UARK.EDU> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:56:38 +0000 My only experience is in hanging a Screech Owl House which soon became a glorified, high rise squirrel condo... ): Some flickers tried to make it their home this fall but it wasn't very appealing to them... Linda Linda Jones, Ph.D., CMP Associate Professor, Instructional Technology Director, World Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures Vice Chair, Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures Kimpel Hall 425 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 (479) 575-7608 (479) 575-6795 (FAX) Certified Music Practitioner (CMP) in Music for Healing and Transition http://mhtp.org ________________________________________ From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List [ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] on behalf of Don Steinkraus [steinkr AT UARK.EDU] Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 10:02 AM To: ARBIRD-L AT LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Barred Owl Nesting Boxes I have built a barred owl nesting box and am planning on hanging it high in a tree in the woods this week. Has anyone else out there put out barred owl nest boxes? What kind of success did you have? Any ideas on which direction the hole should face? Or other suggestions? It seems to me that suitable nesting cavities for barred owls are in short supply and like wood ducks and bluebirds, barred owls would benefit from nest boxes. Thanks, Don Steinkraus, Professor of Entomology, U of A Subject: Re: Barred Owl Nesting Boxes From: "George R. Hoelzeman" <vogel AT GRHSTUDIOS.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:55:09 -0600 I'd be interested in any responses to this question as well. It would be a great project for the kids. Thanks! George On 2/1/2012 10:02 AM, Don Steinkraus wrote: > I have built a barred owl nesting box and am planning on hanging it > high in a tree in the woods this week. > > Has anyone else out there put out barred owl nest boxes? What kind of > success did you have? Any ideas on which direction the hole should > face? Or other suggestions? > > It seems to me that suitable nesting cavities for barred owls are in > short supply and like wood ducks and bluebirds, barred owls would > benefit from nest boxes. > > Thanks, > > Don Steinkraus, Professor of Entomology, U of A -- George R. Hoelzeman North Conway County Subject: Barred Owl Nesting Boxes From: Don Steinkraus <steinkr AT UARK.EDU> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:02:49 -0600 I have built a barred owl nesting box and am planning on hanging it high in a tree in the woods this week. Has anyone else out there put out barred owl nest boxes? What kind of success did you have? Any ideas on which direction the hole should face? Or other suggestions? It seems to me that suitable nesting cavities for barred owls are in short supply and like wood ducks and bluebirds, barred owls would benefit from nest boxes. Thanks, Don Steinkraus, Professor of Entomology, U of A Subject: Inca Dove Report From: Terry & Judy Butler <twbutler AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 08:54:55 -0600 It has been over 10 days since I last saw the Inca Dove at my feeder. I had surmised that it has gone in search of a mate. I told Judy just this morning we were fortunate to have had and enjoyed the days the Inca has been here. Wait! It's 8:31 and it just flew down to the ground to start feeding. Thump, thump, thump! I don't care what anyone else thinks, I still think that rascal is getting it's feed somewhere else. I'll keep my eye out! Keep Birding, Terry Butler Pangburn AR Subject: Re: Great-horned Owl question From: fsbirdlady AT YAHOO.COM Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 07:08:56 -0600 The question comes from a friend in St. Louis. He was walking his dog when a squirrel falls out of a tree and then down comes the owl. The squirrel dashes off and the owl flies back into the tree and stares down at my friend. John said all the squirrel nests in the area look torn and flat. Sandy Sent from my iPad On Jan 31, 2012, at 10:26 PM, Michael Linz wrote: > Sandy, > If they eat squirrels I need one or two... > I am not familiar with their habits but I googled it and found the squirrels were on their favorite list of food. I also found where they use squirrel nest to lay their eggs. It would be neat if that is what you saw "her" doing. > > Link to article that talked about the nest > > http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birds/greathornedowl.html > > > Thanks > Michael in Conway > > On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 9:47 PM, wrote: > Has anyone ever observed, or heard of, Great-horned Owls tearing into squirrel nests looking for dinner? > > Sandy B. > FS, AR > > Sent from my iPad > > > TODAY(Beta) • Powered by Yahoo! > Romney routs Gingrich in Florida primary > After coasting to victory, the former Mass. governor takes aim at President Obama. > Privacy Policy > Subject: Re: Speaking of Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls From: Herschel Raney <herschel.raney AT CONWAYCORP.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 07:02:02 -0600 Both of my local nesting Barred Owls have been talking it up especially on stormy nights. And this week I have seen American Crows carrying nesting material in the city. Though I have not seen direct construction. Herschel Raney Conway AR Subject: Speaking of Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls From: Gail Miller <gail.miller AT CONWAYCORP.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 06:56:21 -0600 A couple of weeks ago I heard two Great Horned Owls here, got the binoculars and finally found them checking out a nest in the woods behind the house. There are several suitable nests in my woods right now, all look typical of the Red-tailed Hawk building them, so I'm keeping my eye out. I haven't seen them at the nest since. In spite of seeing two different hit-by-car Barred Owls on my road, about 3-4 months apart, I am hearing a single Barred Owl either late evening or early morning here. I feared mine had all gotten killed on the road. Gail Miller - Conway (Faulkner Co.) See my recent photos at http://www.pbase.com/gnmimiller/root&view=recent See my photography at: http://www.pbase.com/gnmimiller/root See my favorite bird photos at: http://www.pbase.com/gnmimiller/favorites Subject: Speaking of Great-horned Owls From: Barry Haas <bhaas AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:03:08 -0600 Dear ARBIRDers, Here we are listening to a pair of great-horned owls vocalizing. They appear to be right outside my upstairs office window serenading either us or each other. Wonder which one? Sunday afternoon we heard them in the middle of the afternoon, but try as I might I couldn't spot one. Makes me wish I had some night vision goggles. Our barred owls tend to hang out in evergreens- pines and cedars- at this time of year. From the deep woods just west of Little Rock, Barry Haas Subject: Re: Great-horned Owl question From: Michael Linz <mplinz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:26:41 -0600 Sandy, If they eat squirrels I need one or two... I am not familiar with their habits but I googled it and found the squirrels were on their favorite list of food. I also found where they use squirrel nest to lay their eggs. It would be neat if that is what you saw "her" doing. Link to article that talked about the nest http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birds/greathornedowl.html Thanks Michael in Conway On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 9:47 PM, wrote: > Has anyone ever observed, or heard of, Great-horned Owls tearing into > squirrel nests looking for dinner? > > Sandy B. > FS, AR > > Sent from my iPad Subject: Re: swans From: Michael Linz <mplinz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:16:02 -0600 I took advantage of the nice weather and went to Magness and the Heber area as well. This was my first trip and the swans put on a good show for me. The link below is for some of the swan pictures I took (and some other stuff)... https://picasaweb.google.com/OtaLinz/HerberSpringsBirdsSwansAndOthers#slideshow/5704012520148958226 Thanks Michael normally around Conway On Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 7:42 AM, Terry & Judy Butler < twbutler AT windstream.net> wrote: > I drove out to the satellite ponds from Magness Lake this early morning. > There were about 150 trumpeter swans and 1 adult tundra swan. They look > more beautiful in the early morning light. There were small groups flying > in all directions. Some leaving and some returning.**** > > ** ** > > Terry Butler**** > > Pangburn AR**** > Subject: Great-horned Owl question From: fsbirdlady AT YAHOO.COM Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:47:42 -0600 Has anyone ever observed, or heard of, Great-horned Owls tearing into squirrel nests looking for dinner? Sandy B. FS, AR Sent from my iPad Subject: Re: Capping pipes can save birds' lives From: David Ray <cardcards AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:57:25 -0600 A word of caution on capping pipes. Make sure whatever you are capping, especially on your house, that it is not a vent or exhaust pipe that is functioning. Gases and carbon monoxide are released through these pipes and you don't want those backing up into your house. You could wake up dead. Now I know a lot of you are saying no one would be that silly, but having been in the remodeling business before, you would be surprised at what some people do to their houses. David Ray Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - Jan. 31 From: David Arbour <arbour AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:59:22 -0600 It was overcast, mild, and windy on the survey today. 66 species were found. The Trumpeter Swans continue at Ward Lake. I played calls of rails today but only got answered call backs from Virginia Rails. Here is my list for today: Greater White-fronted Goose - 2 Canada Goose - 2 Trumpeter Swan - 3 Gadwall - 564 American Wigeon - 1 Mallard - 440 Northern Shoveler - 77 Northern Pintail - 21 Green-winged Teal - 73 Ring-necked Duck - 124 Hooded Merganser - 13 Pied-billed Grebe - 9 American White Pelican - 26 Double-crested Cormorant - 24 Great Blue Heron - 22 Black Vulture - 3 Turkey Vulture - 12 Northern Harrier - 4 Red-shouldered Hawk - 2 Red-tailed Hawk - 3 American Kestrel - 3 Virginia Rail - 2 American Coot - 608 Killdeer - 1 Greater Yellowlegs - 1 Wilson's Snipe - 9 Eurasian Collared-Dove - 1 Mourning Dove - 3 Barred Owl - 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1 Hairy Woodpecker - 1 Northern Flicker - 21 Pileated Woodpecker - 2 Eastern Phoebe - 5 Loggerhead Shrike - 1 Blue Jay - 12 American Crow - 752 Fish Crow - 155 Carolina Chickadee - 1 Tufted Titmouse - 1 Carolina Wren - 3 Marsh Wren - 2 Eastern Bluebird - 8 American Robin - 40 Northern Mockingbird - 2 European Starling - 5 American Pipit - 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler - 4 Common Yellowthroat - 1 Field Sparrow - 5 Savannah Sparrow - 1 Le Conte's Sparrow - 1 Fox Sparrow - 2 Song Sparrow - 3 Swamp Sparrow - 1 White-throated Sparrow - 7 White-crowned Sparrow - 6 Dark-eyed Junco - 2 Northern Cardinal - 18 Red-winged Blackbird - 98 Eastern Meadowlark - 42 Western Meadowlark - 1 Brewer's Blackbird - 300 Brown-headed Cowbird - 3 American Goldfinch - 1 Odonates: Variegated Meadowhawk Herps: American Alligator Cajun Chorus Frog - lots calling Southern Leopard Frog - calling Good birding! David Arbour De Queen, AR Visit the Red Slough Photo Gallery: www.pbase.com/red_slough_wma