Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Birdbrains > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Saturday, November 7 at 12:23 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	American Goldfinch,©Jennifer Brumfield

7 Nov Green-tailed Towhee today - yes! [Lucy and Bob Duncan ] 7 Nov Dunn STP - north Pinellas County [Marianne Korosy ] 7 Nov Winter Birds Back in Orlando [Andrew Boyle ] 7 Nov yard birding [william stefancic ] 7 Nov And then there were two... [william stefancic ] 7 Nov Boynton Beach Inlet [brian hope ] 6 Nov followup on ron smith's report about 118th N and 41st st [Bird Bill Senske ] 06 Nov Playalinda Beach Pelandgics 06 Nov 09 [David Simpson ] 6 Nov Playalinda Beach Pelandgics 06 Nov 09 [David Simpson ] 6 Nov Minneola Scissortail...yes, with friends [william stefancic ] 5 Nov Playalinda Seawatch (Brevard) [Mitchell Harris ] 05 Nov Pelandgic Prospects for tomorrow. [David Simpson ] 5 Nov Pelandgic Prospects for tomorrow. [David Simpson ] 5 Nov Re: Correct Spelling - Sabine's Gull [Roberto Torres ] 5 Nov Sabin'es Gull off Virginia Key, Miami-Dade [Roberto Torres ] 5 Nov Please help identify this duck. Is it a Greater Scaup ? [Raees Uzhunnan ] 5 Nov Abercrombie Winter Birds [Jeff Hooks ] 5 Nov Green-tailed Towhee - yes! [Lucy and Bob Duncan ] 05 Nov Pelandgics at Sebastian Inlet 05 Nov 09 [David Simpson ] 5 Nov Pelandgics at Sebastian Inlet 05 Nov 09 [David Simpson ] 5 Nov Re: MINWR 11/4/09 [Angel Abreu ] 4 Nov MINWR 11/4/09 ["Thomas J. Dunkerton" ] 4 Nov Ft. Pickens this season [Lucy and Bob Duncan ] 4 Nov A few Pinellas Birds (4 Nov 09) [Ron Smith ] 4 Nov West Pasco, Nelson's Sparrows [Ken Tracey ] 4 Nov Glaucous Gull in Rehab. Marine Science Center. Ponce Inlet. Volusia Co. [Michael Brothers ] 4 Nov Request for volunteers - Rich Grissom (Viera) Wetlands ["swampwander AT juno.com" ] 4 Nov Minneola Scissor-tailed Flycatcher...yes! [william stefancic ] 3 Nov Everglades National Park 10/31-11/2 [Bryant Roberts ] 3 Nov FOS American Robin [Leann Streeper ] 3 Nov Another Cowbird Trifecta, Black terns, Amer. Bittern [Ken Tracey ] 3 Nov County Listing [Bob Carroll ] 3 Nov Re: help on one other [Jeff Bouton ] 3 Nov Re: Seaside Sparrow MINWR Clarification [Jeff Bouton ] 2 Nov Mass Sandhill Canes Incoming ? [Fred ] 2 Nov Seaside Sparrow - No - Merritt Island NWR 11/2/09 [Danny Bales ] 2 Nov Western Kingbird. New Smyrna Beach. Volusia Co. [Michael Brothers ] 2 Nov Abundance of Y-b Sapsuckers in Hernando County [Bev Hansen ] 02 Nov FOTS Yellow-rumps 02 Nov 09 [David Simpson ] 2 Nov FOTS Yellow-rumps 02 Nov 09 [David Simpson ] 02 Nov St. Marks, 11/1/09 Ft. Pickens 11/2/09 [] 2 Nov St. Marks, 11/1/09 Ft. Pickens 11/2/09 [Alex Harper ] 2 Nov NE St. Pete Migrants [donatdonlo ] 2 Nov Avon Park Air Force Range Christmas Bird Count [Greg Schrott ] 2 Nov Invasion of the Winter Birds ["Sean P. McCool" ] 2 Nov Invasion of the Winter Birds [] 2 Nov Common Yellowthroat it is [Leann Streeper ] 1 Nov Re: oops [Phillip Simmons ] 1 Nov oops [william stefancic ] 1 Nov Fw: Double Trouble [william stefancic ] 1 Nov Warbler ID? [Leann Streeper ] 1 Nov Cause and effect? [Lucy and Bob Duncan ] 1 Nov White Crowned Sparrow [Leann Streeper ] 1 Nov Green-tailed Towhee & Ash-throated Flycatcher at Ft. Pickens [Lucy and Bob Duncan ] 1 Nov Piping Plover [Kathryn Young ] 1 Nov Seaside Sparrow MINWR Clarification [Danny Bales ] 1 Nov Seaside Sparrow MINWR 11/1/09 [Danny Bales ] 1 Nov Hermit Thrushes Return [Andrew Boyle ] 31 Oct help on one other [Bird Bill Senske ] 31 Oct Neotropic Cormorant Still At St. Marks NWR [Jean Simpson ] 31 Oct No Halloween trifect in Pinellas [donatdonlo ] 31 Oct Honeymoon Island SP (31 Oct 09) [Ron Smith ] 31 Oct Little Estero Lagoon trifectas [Charlie Ewell ] 31 Oct Cowbird trifecta off Gainesville, 10/31 [Rex Rowan ] 31 Oct Saddle Creek Park, 10/31/09 [Bob & Linda Snow ] 31 Oct Jaeger Trifecta off Miami, 10/30 [Roberto Torres ] 31 Oct Re: a couple i have not id'd [Trey Mitchell ] 30 Oct Goldenwinged Warbler [Matt O'Sullivan ] 30 Oct a couple i have not id'd [Bird Bill Senske ] 30 Oct Id help-Vireo [Leann Streeper ] 30 Oct red knot tag that is a data logger [Kathryn Young ] 30 Oct Fort De Soto (Oct 30, 2009) [Ron Smith ] 30 Oct Jetty Park and Cocoa Landfill (B.C.C.D.F.) Gulls(Brevard) [Mitchell Harris ] 30 Oct eagle release [jw callis ] 30 Oct photo of red knot with strange tag [Kathryn Young ] 30 Oct Re: White Pelicans [Maria Valentine ] Subject: Green-tailed Towhee today - yes! From: Lucy and Bob Duncan <town_point AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:23:31 -0600 The Green-tailed Towhee was seen again today by multiple observers in the same place at Ft. Pickens. If past experience counts for anything, one needs to arrive with great patience and plan to sit and wait for this somewhat shy bird. It continues to come out and feed on the foot trail (aka bike path). Photos have been obtained. For further information and directions, see previous emails. Lucy Duncan Gulf Breeze, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Dunn STP - north Pinellas County From: Marianne Korosy <mkorosy AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:20:36 -0500 18 Hooded Mergansers 7 Ring-necked ducks 1 Lesser Scaup 3 Pied-billed Grebes Marianne Korosy Palm Harbor, FL -- "To the extent that we banish the rest of life we will impoverish our own species for all time." - E. O. Wilson To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Winter Birds Back in Orlando From: Andrew Boyle <andybgator AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:09:22 -0800 Hello, All. I just found 5 Ring-necked Ducks and at least 3 American Coots on Lake Davis near downtown Orlando. This is basically right on time for them over the years. Yay. Back to chores. Andrew Boyle Orlando, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: yard birding From: william stefancic <jws2735 AT EMBARQMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 09:35:41 -0500 Hi (again) BirdBrains, We got a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on our property this morning...a first that I've seen in our yard. Also, we heard our first Am. Robins this morning. Is the attached sapsucker a juvenile? Thanx, Good Birding! Joyce Stefancic Clermont, Fl To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: And then there were two... From: william stefancic <jws2735 AT EMBARQMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 09:31:03 -0500 Hi BirdBrains, Went out looking for the Scissor-tails this morning, and found that they have multiplied...there are now 2. The morning sun is beautiful on them. No Western Kingbirds, though. Thanks, Good Birding!! Joyce Stefancic Clermont To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Boynton Beach Inlet From: brian hope <hopebrian AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 06:08:01 -0800 The last 2 days have produced an impressive number of pelagic species at the Boynton Beach Inlet.  The 25 mile per hour  N.E. winds have contributed greatly. In 6 hours I had the following:-   600  Gannets    2   Corys Shearwaters    3   Parasitic Jaegers   60  Pomarine Jaegers 300  Green wing Teal 120  Black Scoters    3  Surf Scoters   Brian Hope,  Delray Beach,  FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: followup on ron smith's report about 118th N and 41st st From: Bird Bill Senske <bsenske AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 22:08:01 -0500 Go to 118th ave North in pinellas park. You will have to be heading north. 4100 118th ave north is a county facility with a short driveway with enough room to park on the grass by a gate by the lake. The birds are along 118th side of lake about 1 block north of the entry to the lake. bill senske st pete. ps the trip i took to minneola yesterday paid off with several nice birds. Especially the scissor tailed flycatcher. Fun to see him try and manauver with that long tail. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Playalinda Beach Pelandgics 06 Nov 09 From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT mac.com> Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:13:51 -0500 Mitchell Harris and I headed out to Playalinda Beach to look for wind- blown birds today. We spent 7 1/2 hours at crossover #7. Green- winged teal and Northern gannets were well-represented with 1500+ each. We had several species of ducks on the day plus a new pelandgic for me, six Snow geese headed out to sea. We had 30+ Pomarine jeagers and two Parastics. There were no shearwaters, phalaropes, kitiwakes, Sabine's gulls, or any Brevard year birds for Mitchell. I'll have a more complete report at a later time. David Simpson Fellsmere, FL Subject: Playalinda Beach Pelandgics 06 Nov 09 From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT MAC.COM> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:13:51 -0500 Mitchell Harris and I headed out to Playalinda Beach to look for wind- blown birds today. We spent 7 1/2 hours at crossover #7. Green- winged teal and Northern gannets were well-represented with 1500+ each. We had several species of ducks on the day plus a new pelandgic for me, six Snow geese headed out to sea. We had 30+ Pomarine jeagers and two Parastics. There were no shearwaters, phalaropes, kitiwakes, Sabine's gulls, or any Brevard year birds for Mitchell. I'll have a more complete report at a later time. David Simpson Fellsmere, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Minneola Scissortail...yes, with friends From: william stefancic <jws2735 AT EMBARQMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:36:31 -0500 Hi BirdBrains, I stopped at Scrub Jay Road this AM on my way to work, and the Scissor-tailed was there...with a few friends. Sharing the wire were 2 Western Kingbirds and several Eastern Bluebirds. I like to start the day with a smile. Good Birding! Joyce Stefancic Clermont, Fl To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Playalinda Seawatch (Brevard) From: Mitchell Harris <knmharris AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:45:41 -0500 This afternoon after work (4:00 to 5:30) I scaned the Atlantic from Lot 6 at Playalinda Beach. Winds were out of the E N/E at 20 to 25knts. The bird of the day was an adult Masked Booby that flew by at about 300yrds. This is the first adult that I've seen from Playalinda. The upper wing suface is distintive (pure black and white bird with the primaries all black and the secondaries black to the body) from an adult Gannet and the black tail it showed seperates it from the adult white Red-footed Booby that would have been a life bird for me. There were large schools of Spanish Mackeral in the surf with thousands of scattered groups of Gulls and Terns feeding over them. Below is a list of the other birds of note: N. Gannet...150+ Scaup sp.....230 Red-breasted Merganser...1 Jaeger sp.....12 one group to far out for me to ID. Cory's Shearwater....1 Shearwater sp.... This bird still has me baffled. Brownish larger Shearwater. It was a dark brownish color both above and below and appeared to have under- wing pannels that were a lighter color but not white. I don't think it was a Sooty Shearwater. It seemed a lighter shade, but maybe they have a wider color variation than I think. Good Birding, Mitchell Harris Titusville To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Pelandgic Prospects for tomorrow. From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT mac.com> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:42:39 -0500 HI all, It looks like tomorrow may be a good day to look for pelagics on the shore (pelandgics.) The winds are coming south from New Jersey, past the Carolinas, and sweeping around to the east coast of Florida. The velocity is increasing. Mitchell Harris and I will be checking out Playalinda Beach tomorrow. Try this link to see what I am talking about. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/94f.gif David Simpson Fellsmere, FL Subject: Pelandgic Prospects for tomorrow. From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT MAC.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:42:39 -0500 HI all, It looks like tomorrow may be a good day to look for pelagics on the shore (pelandgics.) The winds are coming south from New Jersey, past the Carolinas, and sweeping around to the east coast of Florida. The velocity is increasing. Mitchell Harris and I will be checking out Playalinda Beach tomorrow. Try this link to see what I am talking about. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/94f.gif David Simpson Fellsmere, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: Correct Spelling - Sabine's Gull From: Roberto Torres <rtorres AT TNC.ORG> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:17:58 -0500 Those darn apostrophes. Roberto Miami-Dade To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Sabin'es Gull off Virginia Key, Miami-Dade From: Roberto Torres <rtorres AT TNC.ORG> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:07:43 -0500 After seeing the wind pick up to 20-25 kts and gusting this afternoon, I decided to do a sea watch after work. I went to Virginia Key and walked along the shore to the easternmost area facing the range markers offshore. The first bird was a large duck flying south just before I was set up, then shortly afterward a Pomarine Jaeger also flew south. Later a flock of about 15 distant ducks went unidentified. Northern Gannets were constantly flying south along the reef, and a few Laughing Gulls flew just off the beach heading north slowly against the strong NE winds. I noticed a single gull, considerably smaller than a laughing, flying north by itself in the direction of Fisher Island that caught my attention in the binocs. Unlike the laughings, this one was flying very gracefully, almost enjoying the strong winds. I quickly put the scope on it and got excellent looks. The wings had the distinct black bar from the bend to the wingtips on the leading edge, and with the gray back showing the distinctive pattern of a Sabine's. The bird is a nonbreeding adult. If anyone knows a gull hangout in the southern Miami Beach area near Government Cut, this would be the place to check. With strong winds the next 5 days, coupled with the time of year, this is the time to check the coast. I plan on being out there again Monday before work. I went there this afternoon hoping to see a Scoter, and found a Sabine's Gull instead. I hate when that happens! Roberto Miami-Dade To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Please help identify this duck. Is it a Greater Scaup ? From: Raees Uzhunnan <raeez AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 18:57:16 -0500 Please help identify this duck. This was a loner, Is it a Greater Scaup ? Raees Uzhunnan Casselberry, FL. _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: Unclutter your desktop. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9690331&ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen:112009 To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Abercrombie Winter Birds From: Jeff Hooks <jeffhooks AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 18:40:54 -0500 This afternoon flocks of Tufted Titmice, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Palm Warblers, and Pine Warblers filled the trees in Abercrombie Park, St. Petersburg. hiding in needlesfeeding Pine Warblers displaytheir distinctive tails Jeff Hooks St. Petersburg, FL http://jeffhooks.blogspot.com jeffhooks AT hotmail.com To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Green-tailed Towhee - yes! From: Lucy and Bob Duncan <town_point AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 12:41:17 -0600 The Green-tailed Towhee is still present in the same general area along the bike path at Ft. Pickens as of today, Nov. 5. We observed it four or five times this morning. The bird is painfully shy and only appears at the thicket - trail interface for short periods of time. Hopefully it will become acclimated to bikes, birders and buggy-driving park personnel along the nature trail. If you need the basic directions, refer to our email of Nov. 1. Lucy and Bob Duncan Gulf Breeze, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Pelandgics at Sebastian Inlet 05 Nov 09 From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT mac.com> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:28:42 -0500 Hi all, I spent some time birding the north end of Sebastian Inlet State Park this morning. I split my time between the fields and the ocean. At the north end of the beach parking lot, there is a bike trail leading north, behind the dunes. Not too far up is a field surrounding a fenced area. This has always been a good spot for Clay-colored sparrows in the fall. Today I found one adult Clay-colored sparrow with a couple of western Palm warblers. The large field northwest of the tidal pond west of the bridge had a few Common yellowthroats, Palm warblers, House wrens and a few other things. The wind made birding the fields difficult. Very high tides in the tidal pool made for tight space for the gulls and terns. I got the usual Laughing, Ring-billed, and Herring gulls along with Royal terns and a Reddish egret. I spent two one hour blocks looking at the ocean. There were surprisingly few gannets and no jaegers. I did get several flocks of ducks. Some groups were unidentified or only IDed to Aythia sp. I did manage to ID American widgeon, Northern shoveler, American green- winged teal, Ring-necked duck, and Lesser scaup. A couple of groups actually turned and headed back north into the wind. I have seen scoters heading north into strong headwinds, but I rarely see puddle ducks doing this. The winds will likely shift more to the northeast in the next day or two. The conveyor belt of north winds will break down as the high pressure system moves out into the Atlantic. There may still be some good pelandgics, but I think today may have been the best chance. Sites north of Cape Canaveral, like at Playalinda Beach or Ponce Inlet, would probably be more productive as the cape may tend to push southbound birds back out to sea. David Simpson Fellsmere, FL Subject: Pelandgics at Sebastian Inlet 05 Nov 09 From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT MAC.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 12:28:42 -0500 Hi all, I spent some time birding the north end of Sebastian Inlet State Park this morning. I split my time between the fields and the ocean. At the north end of the beach parking lot, there is a bike trail leading north, behind the dunes. Not too far up is a field surrounding a fenced area. This has always been a good spot for Clay-colored sparrows in the fall. Today I found one adult Clay-colored sparrow with a couple of western Palm warblers. The large field northwest of the tidal pond west of the bridge had a few Common yellowthroats, Palm warblers, House wrens and a few other things. The wind made birding the fields difficult. Very high tides in the tidal pool made for tight space for the gulls and terns. I got the usual Laughing, Ring-billed, and Herring gulls along with Royal terns and a Reddish egret. I spent two one hour blocks looking at the ocean. There were surprisingly few gannets and no jaegers. I did get several flocks of ducks. Some groups were unidentified or only IDed to Aythia sp. I did manage to ID American widgeon, Northern shoveler, American green- winged teal, Ring-necked duck, and Lesser scaup. A couple of groups actually turned and headed back north into the wind. I have seen scoters heading north into strong headwinds, but I rarely see puddle ducks doing this. The winds will likely shift more to the northeast in the next day or two. The conveyor belt of north winds will break down as the high pressure system moves out into the Atlantic. There may still be some good pelandgics, but I think today may have been the best chance. Sites north of Cape Canaveral, like at Playalinda Beach or Ponce Inlet, would probably be more productive as the cape may tend to push southbound birds back out to sea. David Simpson Fellsmere, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: MINWR 11/4/09 From: Angel Abreu <angelspeed170 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 08:11:19 -0500 Hey Florida birders, More birds should have arrived today as last night there was notable movement on the radar coming in off the Jacksonville radar into Merritt. There was also a southbound movement evident into Tallahassee and points south of Tallahassee. Be on the lookout for new winter migrants in your favorite migrant hotspots today. West winds in the upper level of the atmosphere could encourage high flying migrants such as ducks and geese to hit the east coast. Get in your birding this weekend and early next week as moisture should be on its way as a result of Ida or remnant to move in midweek. Good birding to all, pass by Badbirdz2 to see animations of last nights migration, please post your sightings on the site as they help make the interpretations more accurate. Nature is Awesome Angel & Mariel Miami Badbirdz2.wordpress.com Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 22:54:14 -0500 From: woundedmallard AT GMAIL.COM Subject: [BRDBRAIN] MINWR 11/4/09 To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Hey everybirdy, quick hit. Lots more Pintails and Am. Wigeons arrived at Stop 2 on Blackpoint, as well as several Am. Avocets. Along stops 5 and 6 plenty of Dunlin, scattered Least and Western Sandpipers and a good helping (over 50) Semipalmated Plovers. Water levels dropping fairly fast, would like a little rain, wonder if it could dry up too much and waterfowl to go elsewhere. a second drive through in evening around 5, saw few hundred at least Yellow-rumped Warblers alighting from all the mangroves and headed high and southbound. whether or not it was migratory or just moving around not sure, would assume migratory given the numbers. Se you out there! Tom Dunkerton Titusville, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: MINWR 11/4/09 From: "Thomas J. Dunkerton" <woundedmallard AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 22:54:14 -0500 Hey everybirdy, quick hit. Lots more Pintails and Am. Wigeons arrived at Stop 2 on Blackpoint, as well as several Am. Avocets. Along stops 5 and 6 plenty of Dunlin, scattered Least and Western Sandpipers and a good helping (over 50) Semipalmated Plovers. Water levels dropping fairly fast, would like a little rain, wonder if it could dry up too much and waterfowl to go elsewhere. a second drive through in evening around 5, saw few hundred at least Yellow-rumped Warblers alighting from all the mangroves and headed high and southbound. whether or not it was migratory or just moving around not sure, would assume migratory given the numbers. Se you out there! Tom Dunkerton Titusville, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Ft. Pickens this season From: Lucy and Bob Duncan <town_point AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:59:42 -0600 Hi all, Lucy and I are finally getting a breather from almost non-stop birding since mid-October after a very slow September and early October. Migrant passerines have been disappointing with low numbers at Ft.P most trips. Two of our usual hotspots for migrants have had very little, namely, Battery Langdon and the Battery Worth Picnic area, probably due to the slow recovery of the vegetation since Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The action has been at the end of the island around the main fort and along the bike path running east from it. What migrants we have had have been in the "newly" discovered accacia grove inside the main fort. This area has not been birded much before since the other spots have been so great but this season it has always had a few warblers present. But the flip side of few migrants has been the discovery of a noteworthy bird or two on most of our trips. Some noteworthy birds have been Groove-billed Ani, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbirds and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (several trips), Bell's Vireo (two instances), Lark Sparrows (present for about 3 weeks), Cave Swallows and the grand finale, Green-tailed Towhee on 1 Nov. It's like a cheap trip to Texas! Bob Duncan Gulf Breeze, Fl in the exteme w. Panhandle To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: A few Pinellas Birds (4 Nov 09) From: Ron Smith <rsmith52 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:08:05 -0500 Good evening, This morning, and again this afternoon, an American Avocet was found along the north side of the large lake by the county dump (118th Av & approx. 40th St N). Four Black-necked Stilts were keeping it company. Two Glossy Ibis, uncommon in our neck of the woods, were just SE of that location in a pond along 28th St, south of 118th Av N. These birds have been present the past two days. The near adult Lesser Black-backed Gull is still stationed and awaiting handouts behind the Thunderbird Resort on Treasure Island Beach. The other day Margie Wilkerson requested info about an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull that seems to roost on a channel marker behind her residence on Boca Ciega Bay - well, this afternoon it was at nearby Gulfport Beach (see pix). And finally, a Cory's Shearwater was discovered in poor condition last week along a Pinellas beach and taken to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. It later died. Details of exactly when and where it was found have not been confirmed yet. Ron Smith St. Pete, FL www.PinellasBirds.com To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: West Pasco, Nelson's Sparrows From: Ken Tracey <kftracey AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:09:17 -0800 Hello,   I was on the SWFWMD coastal property that they acquired from Nature Conservancy, at G.P.S. 28.389,-82.699*  (*use for Google map); along Pasco coast this morning. Only public access by boat from Sea Pines canal. Discovered tape battery was dead upon arrival so all birds "pished" or clapped up. Found 10 Nelson's Sparrows (photo comp. of 5 attached) in the Needle Rush marsh there along with; 13 Marsh Wrens 2 Sedge Wrens 3 Seaside Sparrows 4 Clapper Rails 1 Virginia Rail 1 Sora Rail   At Rowan Rd and Hwy 54. condo ponds found; 8 Ring-necked Ducks 12 American Coots 14 Common Moorhens 4 Pied-billed Grebe 6 Forster's Terns 5 Ring-billed Gulls   Ken Tracey New Port Richey To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Glaucous Gull in Rehab. Marine Science Center. Ponce Inlet. Volusia Co. From: Michael Brothers <mbrothers AT CO.VOLUSIA.FL.US> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 15:00:35 -0500 Last spring on May 13, 2009, we received a battered Glaucous Gull into our bird rehab hospital. Its feathers were a mess and the bird was weak and emaciated. The bird has now molted and looks great and we are planning to release it soon. I thought you might enjoy the before and after photos. In addition, we seldom see Glaucous Gulls in second cycle plumage here and this gives us an unusual chance to see this plumage. All of the birds that I have seen in Florida have been 1st cycle birds. Notice that the iris is beginning to lighten on this bird, a feature of second cycle birds. Birders along the Atlantic Coast might keep an eye out for this bird. It may stay here for the winter. Michael Michael Brothers Marine Science Center Ponce Inlet To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Request for volunteers - Rich Grissom (Viera) Wetlands From: "swampwander AT juno.com" <swampwander@JUNO.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 19:45:57 GMT All, A coworker of mine (the land manager for the Viera wetlands) asked me to pass this along. He is looking for volunteers to assist with some items at the Rich Grissom (Viera) wetlands. Susan Gosselin Swampwander AT juno.com Mims, Fl Hello everyone, This e-mail is an invitation to gather and explore the formation of a volunteer group at the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands (AKA Viera Wetlands). I believe I’ve personally spoken of this idea with everyone on this e-mail’s initial send-to list. If you’re receiving this as a forwarded e-mail, let me introduce myself. I’m with Brevard County’s Natural Resources Management Office. We provide nuisance plant species control for the wetlands; conduct scientific surveys of onsite vegetation; manage any wildlife concerns; oversee mowing, prescribed burns, new plantings, and other like maintenance; and offer wetlands-related outreach. There are a number of potential volunteer activities that may be of interest to regular visitors of the wetlands, particularly members of the birding community. Prime examples include organizing periodic bird surveys, updating the entrance kiosk (which I plan to relocate) with recent sightings and current events, bringing back the visitor’s log-book, providing opportunities for night tours, and staging an annual wetlands celebration. Other opportunities include keeping watch from shore during maintenance activities, in case of a wildlife encounter or other mishap, and serving as a driver during invasive vegetation treatments. Yet another opportunity exists for someone interested in gardening, who could adopt the lakeside gazebo area as a volunteer project. In the past, volunteers have helped with plantings on the cell islands, and have installed bat boxes. Who knows? Volunteers might even organize the construction of permanent photography blinds, or other amenities. Potential opportunities abound, and I’m sure I’m overlooking lots of great ideas to enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the site. If you would be interested in gathering to discuss volunteer opportunities at the wetlands, please send me a reply. I will be happy to facilitate a meeting. Also, please forward this e-mail to those who might likewise be interested. Thank you! - Raleigh Berry Raleigh T. Berry III. ~ Environmental Land Manager ~ Natural Resources Management Office 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, A-219 • Viera, FL 32940 Phone: (321) 633-2016 ext 52423 Fax: (321) 633-2029 Cell: (321) 544-7383 E-mail: raleigh.berry AT brevardcounty.us The comments and opinions expressed herein are those of the author of this message and may not reflect the policies of the Brevard County Board of Commissioners. Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera Information: (321) 637-5521 Website: http://www.brevardcounty.us/environmental_management/VieraWetlands-Home.cfm To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Hi BirdBrains, I just left Scrub Jay Road (1:25 PM) where I last saw the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher a week or so ago, and he is back. I is so windy, I don't know how he manages to sit on the wire. Enjoy! If anyone needs directions, let me know... Joyce Stefancic Clermont, Fl. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Minneola Scissor-tailed Flycatcher...yes! From: william stefancic <jws2735 AT EMBARQMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:53:40 -0500 Hi BirdBrains, I just left Scrub Jay Road (1:25 PM) where I last saw the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher a week or so ago, and he is back. I is so windy, I don't know how he manages to sit on the wire. Enjoy! If anyone needs directions, let me know... Joyce Stefancic Clermont, Fl. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Everglades National Park 10/31-11/2 From: Bryant Roberts <bryantroberts AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 21:26:20 -0500 On the way down to Everglades National Park last Saturday for a couple of nights of camping at Flamingo I made a late morning stop at Lucky Hammock. A few of the usual warblers and other songbirds were still active but the most interesting sightings were all three falcons along with Broad-winged and Short-tailed Hawks as well as a couple of Cave Swallows among the Barn Swallows. The most interesting birds found on the rest of the trip down were Black-throated Green Warblers at Royal Palm Hammock and Long Pine Key. Things got a little more interesting late that afternoon with a Clay-colored Sparrow at the entrance to Eco Pond and a few Roseate Spoonbills brilliantly lit by the late afternoon sunlight. At sunset what I'm pretty sure was a Common Nighthawk flew over the pond and later a few Lesser Nighthawks appeared over the west end of the campgrounds. Sunday morning a Chimney Swift and Cave Swallow were among the numerous Barn Swallows over Eco Pond and along with the usual waders and songbirds there were a pair of Baltimore Orioles in the Strangler Figs and Painted Buntings in the brush. A visit to the old cabins area turned up more warblers including a somewhat surprising for Flamingo Pine Warbler but the best birds were a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Western Kingbird trying to hawk passing dragonflies from the tops of the Buttonwoods. There was an eastward flight from mid morning to early afternoon of many thousands of Great Pondhawks (Erythemis vesiculosa), a fairly large mostly green dragonfly. This was probably the most remarkable wildlife event going on that weekend at Flamingo. I've seen these late fall flights before and wonder whether they continue southward through the keys then cross over to Cuba or Yucatan on north winds after a cold front. Most of the rest of the day was spent hiking down the still closed to motor vehicles Bear Lake Road and Bear Lake Trail where the most interesting birds found were a Worm Eating Warbler and Blue-headed Vireo along with good numbers of the usual late fall/early winter warblers. After sunset back at Flamingo I was only able to spot one Lesser Nighthawk over the western end of the campgrounds. My Monday morning project was a hike a couple of miles out the Coastal Prairie Trail with a long loop through the Sparrow Fields. On the way through the campground I saw my first Indigo Bunting of the trip along with an Orange-crowned Warbler and a Red-eyed Vireo. My stroll through the Sparrow Fields didn't turn up any Nelson's or Salt-marsh Sparrows but I was able to scare up about ten Marsh Wrens, a few Savannah Sparrows, and a Bobolink. The most entertaining part of that part of the hike was an area of open water in the prairie where about thirty American Avocets, several Roseate Spoonbills and a couple of immature Reddish Egrets were actively feeding. The dragonfly flight was even more impressive viewed over the open expanse of coastal prairie. A detour to the now incomplete and nearly abandoned Bayshore Loop produced a Bay-breasted Warbler; my best warbler of the trip. I broke camp that afternoon and headed north where a stop at Snake Bight Road gave me my first Magnolia Warbler for the weekend bringing my trip warbler list to seventeen. A sunset stop at Lucky Hammock was rewarded by about a dozen Lesser Nighthawks flying around the hammock and Whip-poor-wills giving there evening whip notes as darkness fell. One of the Whip-poor-wills was cooperative enough to land on the powerline where I watched it for a few minutes in the light of the rising full moon. Mosquitoes weren't much of a problem during the day on the trails but there was a good flight of them as well as Sand Flies at sunrise and sunset. Bryant Roberts Davie, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: FOS American Robin From: Leann Streeper <leann.jackson AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:26:46 -0500 Had our first of season American Robin this evening. Enjoy!! leann Streeper Leesburg, Fl To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Another Cowbird Trifecta, Black terns, Amer. Bittern From: Ken Tracey <kftracey AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:52:48 -0800 Hello,   Murray Gardler and I found 3 Black Terns at the west end of the Courtney Campbell Causeway this morning. At the other end of the causeway at Ben T. Davis Park a flock of 200+ Brown-headed Cowbirds also included 1 Shiny male and 2 male Bronzed and 1 female Bronzed Cowbirds.   On the way back we found an American Bittern out in a short grass field at intersection of Starkey Blvd and Hwy 54?   I worked on Murray's photo to try and bring up the red eyes. It was not a good morning for taking pictures!   Ken Tracey New Port Richey To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: County Listing From: Bob Carroll <gatorbob23 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:09:26 -0800 For those of you who are interested in county listing in Florida, the website has moved to a new home. The new address is http://www.flcountylisting.com. Please check it out and send me your data. All input on the site is appreciated. I hope this is an appropriate posting for this group. There are no ads on the website, and I make no money from this effort. It is intended only as a service to those of us who keep county life lists whether for one or two counties or for all 67. Good birding, Bob Carroll Gainesville, Florida bob AT flcountylisting.com http://www.flcountylisting.com I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven. Emily Dickinson US poet (1830 - 1886) To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: help on one other From: Jeff Bouton <jbouton2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:13:10 -0800 Hey Bill,   Apologies if others have already commented and I have somehow missed it. For the record though I'd suggest seeing a Snail Kite at Fort Desoto ever would be incredible given the general lack of suitable habitat given this species very restrictive dietary needs. You will rarely if ever see this away from marshy habitats. None-the-less, the bird does indeed superficially resemble a snail kite in markings given the strong moustachial mark, etc. The real kicker though is this bird does not show the very unique and diagnostic thin, overly curved, specialized bill shape which eliminates Snail Kite instantly. Compare with a close up head shot I took a few years back to see the difference here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/16435490 AT N00/764527583/   Apologies in advance but I've taken the liberty to "lighten shadows" with photoshop to show that indeed there is light grayish brown and darker brown barring on the tail as well. This was not visible due to the fact that most of the tail was shadowed by the primaries, and the tail in direct sunlight was reflecting light making these markings difficult/impossible to see. None-the-less, in the manipulated photo attached you can see these markings are present.   Without going into too much detail the wing tip to tail tip ratio and narrower tail bands eliminate all accipiters leaving only Buteos. (accipiters are comparatively longer tailed and shorter wings so wing tips generally fall far from the tail tip, and show very broad light and dark bars on tail). The two most likely candidates given the overall patterning (including aforementioned moustachial stripe, and little "soul patch" under the chin) are Red-shouldered & Broad-winged Hawk and your bird shows more typical characteristics of the latter. The strongest indication of this is the apparent lack of prominent barring on the upperwing coverts.   So in my estimation this bird is an immature Broad-winged Hawk.   Nice image!   Best,   Jeff Bouton Leica Sport Optics Port Charlotte, FL jbouton2 AT earthlink.net --- On Sat, 10/31/09, Bird Bill Senske wrote: From: Bird Bill Senske Subject: [BRDBRAIN] help on one other To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 11:16 PM I have decided that this must be a snail kite (long rounded end wings with small white tips, no stripes on tail) Virtually all hawks found in fl seem to have stripes on their tails...sharp shinned, coopers (short wings brown cap), red shouldered (no red shoulder), redtailed.  Help.  This guy is hanging around the east beach parking lot...east entrance.  I have seen him two times there in the last week.  What do you think? To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: Seaside Sparrow MINWR Clarification From: Jeff Bouton <jbouton2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:06:18 -0800 Danny & all,   While it's a fantastic idea to study all birds you encounter more critically and note as much about as you can, I think it also worth warning against getting too wrapped up about trying to put definitive names at a subspecifc level to many birds you encounter in the field. Speciation in of itself can be a bit goofy and difficult, but to be able to accurately assess a subspecies from a field view or even a good image is going to be VERY difficult. This requires an understanding of ALL of the varying races (most of which may not even be described or shown in most guides) and requires a thorough knowledge of the full range of individual variability within each given subspecies.   Sibley, chose to devote an entire page to this species showing images of 3 different recognized subspecies - typical adults only one head on and one profile. Understand though that when painting a given species (let alone subspecies) the author is choosing the most typical plumage, or in some cases were variability is extreme the plumage that represents the middle/median between light & dark extreme for example... most heavily streaked or lightest... etc. TOO often, too little information leads to making assumptions that are inaccurate. For example, looking at Sibley again as the reference, while it appears adult "atlantic" birds are a bit less distinctly streaked and a bit shorter-billed than the adult "gulf coast" birds from this little bit of information one would have to know definitively that the twain shall never meet to make a definitive field decision. That is, you would have to know that even the leat distinctly maked "gulf coast" bird, could not be less distinct than the most strongly streaked "atlantic" bird.   Too often when doing intense study on any group of birds, I've found that the more you know about these variations the less likely you are to put too much stock in accurately identifying any one subspecies definitively. For example, while studying Peregrine Falcons, friends have captured and banded picture perfect "Continental" (P. f. anatum) peregrines on nest cliffs within sight of the Arctic Ocean in Alaska. Clearly this should be a "tundrius" race bird here. I feel this has more to do with a certain human personality traits than intelligence in some cases. Wanting to definitively "over" classify something to fit neatly & orderly into boxes we've created and named, so that everything falls into a tidy easily defined category... Newsflash, this isn't the way nature typically operates this is the way we would like it to work to be a bit easier on our brains! ;p   At any rate, I won't continue too terribly far on this soapbox except to point out if you look at the history of speciation those who try to say anything too definitively have invariably gotten egg on their faces! ;)   At any rate, for those wanting to learn more about the ranges of variation, you clearly have to go far beyond a general guide to move to specialty guides to even begin to understand the levels of variation and even that may not be enough to make definitive classifications at this level. As another example, the specialty guide "Sparrows of the United States & Canada" the author (Rising) depicts typical examples of 7 distinct subspecies to include: "Northern" Seaside Sparrow (A. m. maritimus), MacGillvray's (A.m. macgillvraii), Cape Sable (A.m. mirabilis), Dusky (A.m. nigrescens), Scott's (A.m. peninsulae), Texas (A.m. sennetti), Louisiana (A.m. fischeri)... so here are four other possibilities not even depicted in Sibley' and again there is only a single drawing of a typical adult plumaged bird for each.   Likely the reason you have so few chiming in is that there are a lot of SMART birders out there who know they don't have (and there may not be) a clear answer to that question. A definitive determination of supspecies may well require having the bird in hand for measurement, sample collection, and moreover collecting the bird in general for analysis.   Good birding all,   Jeff Bouton Port Charlotte, FL      --- On Sun, 11/1/09, Danny Bales wrote: From: Danny Bales Subject: [BRDBRAIN] Seaside Sparrow MINWR Clarification To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Date: Sunday, November 1, 2009, 1:47 PM I'm trying to identify my bird as an Atlantic, Gulf, Cape Sable, or extinct Dusky Seaside Sparrow. ??? I don't know which one it is. Can't find one like it in my Sibleys... Danny Bales Titusville, Fla. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Mass Sandhill Canes Incoming ? From: Fred <fred AT CETUSSOFT.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 23:44:50 -0500 Hello. There is a group of five sandhill cranes that has recently left Wareham Massachusetts (just across Buzzards Bay from Cape Cod) and may possibly be on their way to Florida. It appears that a single group of up to a half dozen sandhill cranes has been spending part of each year for the last several years on the cranberry bogs and ponds of Wareham MA, and they have been actively watched by some MA birders (especially since sandhill cranes are very uncommon birds "up here" in Massachusetts). On October 29th, the last day the cranes were seen in Wareham, a group of five cranes were spotted flying from Mass into RI, heading toward the Portsmouth RI area. Then there was a report the same day from a hawk watch in Greenwich CT that noted a tight formation of five cranes heading toward the NYC area. On October 30th there were reports of a group of five cranes seen both lifting off the ground at Merrill Creek NJ and then in the air at a hawk watch at Scott's Mountain NJ. So, it would seem that they're on their way southward. Of course, the big question is, are they the same five cranes? While certainly not completely definitive, a comparison of a photo taken of the birds in flight at the Scott's Mountain hawk watch ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrd_photos/4063137832/sizes/l/ ) and my photos from Wareham MA of "our" cranes flying at sunset on Oct 26th ( http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/WarehamCraneberryCranes-102609/10104828_2y3Tr/1/693923477_HJvqD/Large http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/WarehamCraneberryCranes-102609/10104828_2y3Tr/1/693925004_AH4v3/Large ), shows one of the five cranes in each case having what might seem to be the same left wing "notch". So, for those of you in Florida, where the cranes ~might~ possibly be heading for the winter season (and where I will also luckily be later on during January - ) -- if you do happen to see a group of five sandhill cranes going over, and can spot (or maybe even get a photo of) one of them having such a "notch" in its left wing, please let me know - there would be a number of MA birders that would be delighted to hear of such news. Yes, I know that it sounds like a "wild crane chase", but who knows... Thanks for listening. Fred (Frederick Wasti) Mostly in Marshfield in Massachusetts ("craneberry country") To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Seaside Sparrow - No - Merritt Island NWR 11/2/09 From: Danny Bales <sueredfish AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:56:03 -0500 Today I tried to locate the Seaside Sparrow again on the MINWR. I was unable to find it. To my surprise I got very few responses as to what subspecies I had or the rareity of my find. One response was my Seaside Sparrow appeared to be a Mcgillivray's Seaside Sparrow. As soon as Bruce Anderson gets back in town I'll post what he thinks it is. I had a trifecta yesterday - Nelson's Sparrow - Saltmarsh Sparrow - and the Seaside Sparrow. Thanks to all who did respond. Danny Bales Titusville, Fla. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Western Kingbird. New Smyrna Beach. Volusia Co. From: Michael Brothers <mbrothers AT CO.VOLUSIA.FL.US> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:38:21 -0500 This morning, 11/2, I was leading a field trip for a Master Naturalist Class at the Indian River Lagoon Preserve in New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, when I found a Western Kingbird sitting on a bare snag. Western Kingbirds are surprising scarce in this area, especially along the coast. Considering how many turn up at Zellwood, I have always found it interesting that the birds seldom get over this far north and east. In addition, other interesting birds I found in this little park were two female Painted Buntings, a male Black-throated Blue Warbler and a late adult male Cape May Warbler. The park was loaded with hundreds of Yellow-rumped Warblers. I also briefly stopped by the Canaveral National Seashore to check out the birds offshore and found no jaegers, but I did find a steady movement of Northern Gannets heading south. I found over 70 in about 15 minutes. Michael Michael Brothers Marine Science Center Ponce Inlet To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Abundance of Y-b Sapsuckers in Hernando County From: Bev Hansen <bevalhansen AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 15:02:05 -0500 Al and I have noticed that there appear to be more than usual numbers of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in Hernando County this fall. We began seeing them on October 12, and frequently will see two or three in a morning of birding. This has occurred in various sections of the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, as well as at Weekiwachee Preserve. We even saw one in our yard, only the second occurrence in 23 years here. Is anyone else seeing more than usual numbers elsewhere? Bev Hansen Spring Hill, FL bevalhansen AT earthlink.net To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: FOTS Yellow-rumps 02 Nov 09 From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT mac.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:13:09 -0500 HI all, I'm sitting here on the porch and I just heard my first Yellow-rumped warblers of the fall. I can't remember the last time it took until November to hear my first butterbutts. I usually get them between October 10th and 20th. David Simpson Fellsmere, FL Subject: FOTS Yellow-rumps 02 Nov 09 From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT MAC.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:13:09 -0500 HI all, I'm sitting here on the porch and I just heard my first Yellow-rumped warblers of the fall. I can't remember the last time it took until November to hear my first butterbutts. I usually get them between October 10th and 20th. David Simpson Fellsmere, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: St. Marks, 11/1/09 Ft. Pickens 11/2/09 From: Alex5836 AT AOL.com Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:12:03 -0500 The Neotropic Cormorant was present around 3:00 this Sunday afternoon. It flew in within twenty minutes of waiting and landed on the fifth piling from the shore, for what its worth. As described, no white at the base of the bill is present. A pair of American Wigeon made up the only ducks present. At least three White-faced Ibis were seen on the way out, just north of the shelter. They were feeding with a rather large group of Glossy Ibis. In the drained impoundment towards the entrance, there were many shorebirds. Mostly yellowlegs, Willet, Dunlin, and Least Sandpipers, as well as two Black-necked Stilts and two American Avocets. A two hour search for the Ash-throated Flycatcher and Green-tailed Towhee reported yesterday at Ft. Picken's was unsuccessful. Golden-crowned Kinglet, a lone Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned, Yellow, Magnolia, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Field, Savannah, Swamp, Song, White-throated, and White-crowned Sparrows were all seen around the entrance to the bike path. I was able to pick out a Cave Swallow from the steady east-bound stream of Barns and Trees. Ducks and Loons were seen out on the Gulf as we entered the park. Alex Harper [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: St. Marks, 11/1/09 Ft. Pickens 11/2/09 From: Alex Harper <alex5836 AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:12:03 -0500 The Neotropic Cormorant was present around 3:00 this Sunday afternoon. It flew in within twenty minutes of waiting and landed on the fifth piling from the shore, for what its worth. As described, no white at the base of the bill is present. A pair of American Wigeon made up the only ducks present. At least three White-faced Ibis were seen on the way out, just north of the shelter. They were feeding with a rather large group of Glossy Ibis. In the drained impoundment towards the entrance, there were many shorebirds. Mostly yellowlegs, Willet, Dunlin, and Least Sandpipers, as well as two Black-necked Stilts and two American Avocets. A two hour search for the Ash-throated Flycatcher and Green-tailed Towhee reported yesterday at Ft. Picken's was unsuccessful. Golden-crowned Kinglet, a lone Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned, Yellow, Magnolia, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Field, Savannah, Swamp, Song, White-throated, and White-crowned Sparrows were all seen around the entrance to the bike path. I was able to pick out a Cave Swallow from the steady east-bound stream of Barns and Trees. Ducks and Loons were seen out on the Gulf as we entered the park. Alex Harper To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: NE St. Pete Migrants From: donatdonlo <donatdonlo AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:09:34 -0500 A nice influx of birds this morning. I only made at a block up the street but I had my first of fall Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a couple of Blue-headed Vireos and all of the expected wintering warblers except Orange-crowned and Northern Parula, including an Ovenbird. Don Margeson St. Petersburg To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Avon Park Air Force Range Christmas Bird Count From: Greg Schrott <gschrott AT ARCHBOLD-STATION.ORG> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 11:21:32 -0500 Greetings! The Avon Park Air Force Range Christmas Bird Count will be held on Wednesday, December 16th and the APAFR Outdoor Recreation office is currently looking for birders who are interested in helping out. Located in Polk and Highlands counties, APAFR is incredibly diverse ecologically and it is hands down one of the best birding spots in central Florida. Species that are likely to turn up on the count include: Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Florida Scrub- Jay, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Burrowing Owl, Crested Caracara, Sandhill Crane, Wood Stork, King Rail, Limpkin, Sedge Wren, Red-headed Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, various winter warblers and vireos, and numerous sparrows (including Bachman’s, Henslow’s, and Grasshopper). To volunteer, call Troy Hershberger at (863) 452-4254 (Outdoor Recreation office) or (863) 443-1560 (cell). Greg Schrott, Sebring, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Invasion of the Winter Birds From: "Sean P. McCool" <swamphen AT HEIRBORN.NET> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:18:46 -0500 Conducted a small birding trip down north-central Florida way yesterday. Nothing earth-shattering was seen, but my favourite season's birds are back with a vengeance: - My first Hermit Thrushes of the fall were at the roadside park on US98 at the Econfina River at dawn (this, just after what was presumably a Whip-poor-Will near-missed my windshield just west of there). - The yet-to-be-opened Lafayette Blue Springs State Park prompted me to stop at the turnaround at the entrance gate and just enjoy the morning for about 30 minutes. Five species of woodpecker were here, along with my first Yellow-rumped Warblers and American Robins of winter. - My first Ruby-crowned Kinglets of the season were found at Ivey Memorial Park in Branford (along with a 'feral' rooster!). - The boat launch on the Santa Fe River on the north side of US27 produced a wonderful mixed feeding flock, featuring the following species: Eastern Phoebe White-eyed Vireo Blue-headed Vireo Carolina Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Carolina Wren House Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Pine Warbler I suspect this place is one of the little "hidden gems", it looks like it would be good durning summer, too... My attempt at the La Chua Trail was derailed when I locked my keys in my car. Thanks to the kind folks who let me use their cellphones to call for help (since my 'phone was in the car, too...)! -Sean P. McCool Wakulla County, Florida, USA To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Invasion of the Winter Birds From: swamphen AT heirborn.net Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:18:46 -0500 Conducted a small birding trip down north-central Florida way yesterday. Nothing earth-shattering was seen, but my favourite season's birds are back with a vengeance: - My first Hermit Thrushes of the fall were at the roadside park on US98 at the Econfina River at dawn (this, just after what was presumably a Whip-poor-Will near-missed my windshield just west of there). - The yet-to-be-opened Lafayette Blue Springs State Park prompted me to stop at the turnaround at the entrance gate and just enjoy the morning for about 30 minutes. Five species of woodpecker were here, along with my first Yellow-rumped Warblers and American Robins of winter. - My first Ruby-crowned Kinglets of the season were found at Ivey Memorial Park in Branford (along with a 'feral' rooster!). - The boat launch on the Santa Fe River on the north side of US27 produced a wonderful mixed feeding flock, featuring the following species: Eastern Phoebe White-eyed Vireo Blue-headed Vireo Carolina Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Carolina Wren House Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Pine Warbler I suspect this place is one of the little "hidden gems", it looks like it would be good durning summer, too... My attempt at the La Chua Trail was derailed when I locked my keys in my car. Thanks to the kind folks who let me use their cellphones to call for help (since my 'phone was in the car, too...)! -Sean P. McCool Wakulla County, Florida, USA Subject: Common Yellowthroat it is From: Leann Streeper <leann.jackson AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 06:26:38 -0500 Hello all, Most everyone said common Yellowthroat female. That was the closest I could come up with also. Maybe they should come up with another species of Yellowthroat that doesn't have any yellow under tail. That is the second one I have seen this season. It didn't have much color on throat and what it did, it was more orange than yellow. Made me think I had something good. Thanks for all the help. Leann Streeper Leesburg, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: oops From: Phillip Simmons <phws42 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:51:44 -0800 O.k...good, thought I was seeing things:)   "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."   - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   ________________________________ From: william stefancic To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Sent: Sun, November 1, 2009 8:31:14 PM Subject: [BRDBRAIN] oops Hi BrdBrains, Sorry, I meant Red-TAILED hawks on the Double trouble...a slip of the fingers.  However, I can't believe I got fooled by a No. Mocker...it seemed so small.  I think I need sleep! Joyce Stefancic ClermontTo subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: oops From: william stefancic <jws2735 AT EMBARQMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:31:14 -0500 Hi BrdBrains, Sorry, I meant Red-TAILED hawks on the Double trouble...a slip of the fingers. However, I can't believe I got fooled by a No. Mocker...it seemed so small. I think I need sleep! Joyce Stefancic Clermont To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Fw: Double Trouble From: william stefancic <jws2735 AT EMBARQMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:11:05 -0500 Hi BirdBrains, Red-shouldered Hawks are pretty common on Citrus Grove Road in Mineolla...usually sitting atop the poles. However, we have never seen "double decker" hawks on a pole. Talk about teamwork! Also, I got this shot of a passerine quite a ways off in the field, and can't figure out what it is. When I first took the pic, without bins, I thought it was a Pine Warbler, since it does have wing bars. However, I got it home and downloaded it, and don't know what it is. Thanks! Good Birding, Joyce Stefancic Clermont To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Warbler ID? From: Leann Streeper <leann.jackson AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:10:44 -0500 Hello everyone, Emailed this to Gallus for help and haven't heard from him. I am anxious to figure it out. It was dark and smooth in coloration on back. No markings at all. The breast was orange not yellow. Plain bird with yellow would be Common Yellowthroat. Seemed a tad larger with an orange breast. Do some variations of Common Yellowthroat have dark gray back and orange breast?? Thought it might be a Yellow breasted Chat especially since I had been playing that on IPod. Thought I had a response. Wish I had gotten a better photo. Tried to relocate in afternoon with no luck. It was here at my house. Misty Meadow Rd. Leesburg. Thank you for help. Leann To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Cause and effect? From: Lucy and Bob Duncan <town_point AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 16:50:38 -0600 Hi all, Yesterday's weather map at 7 a.m. showed a powerful jet stream across the Great Lakes into Canada with winds of over 150 mph anchored in a deep low with central pressure of less than 29.00 inches. Birds don't fly as high as the jet stream. But winds at about 5000 ft were NW 20 - 30 mph from Nebraska south to Louisiana. With heavy snows in the Rockies, would these factors have contributed to our finding a Green-tailed Towhee, a montane species, at Ft. Pickens today? Not to mention an Ash-throated Flycatcher and Lark Sparrow (the latter could be one of the birds present since early Oct). However, there were no great finds of western birds at Dauphin Island today, other than the expected Western Kingbird and Clay-colored Sparrow, as of this writing. Although not always responsible for bringing western vagrants to our area, I think yesterday's weather conditions may have played a part in bringing this super rarity to our area. Any thoughts? Bob Duncan, Gulf Breeze in the western Panhandle To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: White Crowned Sparrow From: Leann Streeper <leann.jackson AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:41:18 -0500 Hello everyone, My husband got this beautiful White Crowned Sparrow out at Laughlin Rd. Zellwood. Just wanted to share photo. Leann Streeper Leesburg, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Green-tailed Towhee & Ash-throated Flycatcher at Ft. Pickens From: Lucy and Bob Duncan <town_point AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 14:01:11 -0600 Hello from the Panhandle, As Bob predicted, today was a good day for vagrants. Tomorrow will be too, he says. Around 8:30 this morning (Nov. 1), Bob and I found an adult GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE at Ft. Pickens (Gulf Islands Nat'l Seashore), Escambia County. After brief, but excellent looks at the bird, and one fly-across-the-trail look, it did not come back out into view. The area is well used by people out for a walk or bicycling, so I would suggest that anyone who would like to try for the bird should be there early. Once activity on the trail got started, the bird didn't come out again this morning. DIRECTIONS: Once in Ft. Pickens, drive to the visitor's center parking lot at the west end of the park. [See attached map] You will see a white stucco building and a Florida Trail kiosk on the east edge of the parking lot at the beginning of the trail. The bird was seen along this trail, not too far in. Walk east from the stucco building, and when you get almost to the end of the concrete wall (you'll know what I mean when you're there) that's where we were when we first spotted the towhee a little farther east. Between that point and the little bridge there is one wooden bench. Each time we saw the bird it was near the east end of the bench on the edge of the trail, then in the youpon about 18" off the ground right next to the bench. The towhee was hanging out on the north side of the trail. When walking back to the parking area, get up on the concrete ramp that goes up to the wall on the right (north) side of the trail. Walk the wall counter clockwise (it makes a big square) back to the parking area. In the pines were Brown Creepers, and on the north end of the wall was an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER. There was also a LARK SPARROW in the vicinity. Inside the walled area were swamp and song sparrows, Tennessee and Orange-crowned Warblers, Marsh and House Wrens, and RC Kinglets. Then, if you go inside the old fort at the south end of the parking area, and walk diagonally to the far right corner, you can go through the last arch and down a sidewalk into an open area with acacias on the hillside. These acacias have been excellent, and although there was nothing unexpected there today, there were 14 species of migrant or winter resident passerines. I have attached a Google Earth aerial view of the towhee and ash-throated flycatcher area. As a note, directly across the trail from the towhee marker is where we've had two Groove-billed Anis, seen from late Sept. to Oct. 10. When we get anis at Ft. Pickens, this is where they hang out. Lucy and Bob Duncan Gulf Breeze, FL Google Earth streams the world over wired and wireless networks enabling users to virtually go anywhere on the planet and see places in photographic detail. This is not like any map you have ever seen. This is a 3D model of the real world, based on real satellite images combined with maps, guides to restaurants, hotels, entertainment, businesses and more. You can zoom from space to street level instantly and then pan or jump from place to place, city to city, even country to country. Get Google Earth. Put the world in perspective. (http://earth.google.com) To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Piping Plover From: Kathryn Young <kathwren4 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 14:21:27 -0500 I went to Nokomis this morning to check on a report that a Whimbrel has been seen over the last 2 weeks on the beach between Nokomis Beach Pavilion and south to the Nokomis Jetty, here in Sarasota County. I did not see the Whimbrel but I did see this Piping Plover running along the rack line around 9:30am south of Nokomis Beach Pavilion. I have attached a photo. You have to look toward the bottom center of the photo (and use zoom) to see this very well camouflaged PIPL. If anyone would like to continue to look for the Whimbrel at this location, it has been seen around 3 - 4 pm. Please let us know (Sarasota Audubon) if you find it. Kathryn Young Sarasota Fl To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Seaside Sparrow MINWR Clarification From: Danny Bales <sueredfish AT MSN.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 13:47:41 -0500 I'm trying to identify my bird as an Atlantic, Gulf, Cape Sable, or extinct Dusky Seaside Sparrow. ??? I don't know which one it is. Can't find one like it in my Sibleys... Danny Bales Titusville, Fla. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Seaside Sparrow MINWR 11/1/09 From: Danny Bales <sueredfish AT MSN.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 12:08:22 -0500 I was out on the Merritt Island NWR this morning when I found a Seaside Sparrow. I don't know which one it is though. I can't get in touch with Bruce Anderson. Hopefully he'll see this post, and help ID which one it is. I would appreciate help on it from anyone else also. Thanks. Danny Bales Titusville, Fla. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Hermit Thrushes Return From: Andrew Boyle <andybgator AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 07:17:05 -0800 Hello, All. Well, the day started with a bang and looked like it was going to be a good banding day. Then right after 7 AM everything disappeared! Maybe the way this front is moving in shut things down? However, we did band some birds. Three of them were our first Hermit Thrushes of the season. Last year we did not band one until December. Happy birding! Andrew Boyle Orlando, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: help on one other From: Bird Bill Senske <bsenske AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:16:12 -0400 I have decided that this must be a snail kite (long rounded end wings with small white tips, no stripes on tail) Virtually all hawks found in fl seem to have stripes on their tails...sharp shinned, coopers (short wings brown cap), red shouldered (no red shoulder), redtailed. Help. This guy is hanging around the east beach parking lot...east entrance. I have seen him two times there in the last week. What do you think? To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Neotropic Cormorant Still At St. Marks NWR From: Jean Simpson <Tlsjean AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:03:14 EDT I saw the Neotropic Cormorant this morning at St. Marks NWR, on the pilings near the Lighthouse. I've seen it several times, but I'm glad to see that it's still hanging around. Jean Simpson Tallahassee, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: No Halloween trifect in Pinellas From: donatdonlo <donatdonlo AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:32:45 -0400 Despite my best efforts to try and turn a Northern Mockingbird into a Bahama, I was unable to complete the Mimus Trifecta, Passerines have been very scarce since an early week influx of Eastern Palm Warblers, who seem to have since moved on. In addition to the resident Cooper's, Red-shouldered, and Red-tailed Hawks, we now have a second Sharp-shinned, which appears to be a first fall female to add to the adult female and the female Merlin. I watched both the Merlin and the adult Sharpie grab a female or Juvie Brown-headed Cowbird from a large flock wheeling over the edge of the Mangrove Bay Golf Course. Keep up the good work ladies! Perhaps this helps explain the lack of passerines in our neighborhood. Even the Palm, Yellow-rumped and Pine Warblers that came to our suet feeders in past years have not returned yet. I think tomorrow Lorraine and I may go "duck hunting" with our cameras of course. 2)Sharp-shinned Hawk 1) Merlin 1) Great-crested Flycatcher ( heard calling only, I'll try to get a pic tomorrow ) 1) Blue-headed Vireo 15) Palm Warbler ( 1 Eastern ) 3) Pine Warbler 1) Black-and-White Warbler 1) Prairie Warbler 1) Yellow-rumped Warbler Thanks! Don Margeson St. Petersburg To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Honeymoon Island SP (31 Oct 09) From: Ron Smith <rsmith52 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:50:57 -0400 Good afternoon, The long, 2 1/2 mile trek out to the end of the north spit yielded the following species this morning (the tide was very high); Peregrine Falcon 1; Black-bellied Plover 82; American Oystercatcher 8; Willet 40; Whimbrel 8; Marbled Godwit 12; Ruddy Turnstone 16; Sanderling 34; Least Sandpiper 6; Dunlin 11; Short-billed Dowitcher 33; Laughing Gull 55; Herring Gull 3; ad Lesser Black-backed Gull 1; Caspian Tern 9; Forster's Tern 14; Roayl Tern 85; Sandwich Tern 45. "Highlight" birds founds around the entrance to the Brooker Creek Preserve this morning included: Wild Turkey 16; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2; Orange-crowned Warbler 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 1; Indigo Bunting 2. No trifectas noted. Ron Smith St. Pete, FL www.PinellasBirds.com To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Little Estero Lagoon trifectas From: Charlie Ewell <anhinga42 AT EMBARQMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:30:30 -0400 All, This is not really what Rex had in mind, but I did have a trifecta of sorts today. Walt Winton and I were privileged to lead a group from the Audubon of the Everglades out to the Little Estero Island CWA (AKA Little Estero Lagoon, Ft Myers Beach). We had two trifectas that I can think of, the first being terns. Not a trifecta of the same genus (Sandwich and Royal), but one of the three was an uncommon tern for our area (Caspian). The more interesting trifecta for me was the three states represented among the nine banded American Oystercatchers. Virginia (4), North Carolina (3), and Massachusetts (2) were evident by the color of the bands: Black (VA): L? 4U 9U H2 Green (NC) F7 5O K2 Yellow (MA) F3 HM Hopefully I'll have time tomorrow to see if I have recorded any of these oystercatchers previously. Banded individuals are seen at the lagoon most summers while first year birds over-summer in the region they have wintered. Also seen was a Peregrine Falcon that scattered many of the shorebirds, making it tough to say what species were present. Before that point we had seen Willet Ruddy Turnstone Red Knot Least Sandpiper Western Sandpiper Marbled Godwit Short-billed Dowitcher Charlie Ewell Cape Coral, FL anhinga42 AT embarqmail.com Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife/Burrowing Owl Festival info: http://www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org/ Lee County Bird Patrol info: http://www.birdpatrol.org/ SWFL Birdline info: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SWFLBirdline/ FL Ornithological Society info: http://www.fosbirds.org/ To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Cowbird trifecta off Gainesville, 10/31 From: Rex Rowan <rexrowan AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:34:19 -0400 Not to be outdone by a bunch of overhyped steroidal gulls, all three species of American cowbirds collaborated on a Molothrus trifecta at the University of Florida's Dairy Research Unit north of Gainesville this morning. (In! Your! Face, Jaegers!) The Brown-headed Cowbirds flock there for much of the fall. The Bronzed Cowbird has been there since the 18th, and was seen again today. And this morning Bob Simons found a Shiny Cowbird as well. John Martin got a photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30736692 AT N00/4061459768/ (Click on "All Sizes.") All we need is one more trifecta and we'll have a trifecta trifecta. Rex Rowan Gainesville To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Saddle Creek Park, 10/31/09 From: Bob & Linda Snow <blsnow11 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:29:31 -0400 The final day for Saddle Creek Park fall migration walks, garnered six birders and a few migrants. We saw two Raccoons, and Chris Rasmussen spotted a Coyote on the trail. The first for me at Saddle Creek. 2 Pied-billed Grebes 9 Double-crested Cormorants 11 Anhingas 3 Great Blue Herons 3 Great Egrets 2 Little Blue Herons 3 Cattle Egrets 1 Green Heron 3 White Ibis 4 Wood Ducks 5 Muscovy Ducks 40 Black Vultures 150 Turkey Vultures 2 Ospreys 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk (fly by at eye level) 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 15 Common Moorhens 1 American Coot 2 Limpkins 6 Sandhill Cranes (fly by) 5 Mourning Doves 8 Red-bellied Woodpeckers 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers 3 Downy Woodpeckers 1 Northern Flicker (heard) 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 10 Eastern Phoebes 4 Blue Jays 25 Fish Crows 3 Tufted Titmice 5 Carolina Wrens 6 House Wrens 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets 24 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers 12 Gray Catbirds 2 Mockingbirds 1 Loggerhead Shrike 10 European Starlings 2 White-eyed Vireos 1 Blue-headed Vireo 3 Northern Parulas 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler (nice male spotted by Barbara Stampfl) 22 Palm Warblers 4 Black-and-White Warblers 5 Ovenbirds 2 Common Yellowthroats 9 Cardinals 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak (young male spotted by Chris Rasmussen) 6 Indigo Buntings Bob Snow Lakeland, Florida blsnow11 AT tampabay.rr.com To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Jaeger Trifecta off Miami, 10/30 From: Roberto Torres <rtorres AT TNC.ORG> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:49 -0400 Trey, Paul B., and I headed out early in the morning hoping to catch the migration of Jaegers as they head to waters down south. We began trying to catch bait before dawn hoping to add a few fish for dinner in the process. Shortly after clearing Government Cut and passing the first range markers, we saw the first group of Northern Gannets as they too headed south. A few drifts over the reef line produced only 1 mackerel and two Pomarine Jaegers, so we headed offshore in hopes of finding more birds. A run out to 1,100 ft. and back produced nothing, so we went back to the 100 ft. area where we had started. We soon started seeing more Jaegers, and had one flock of 13 Pomarines pass right next to the boat. This flock had individuals of various ages and one dark morph as well. Nice. While drifting in 80 feet we spotted a flock of gulls inside of us acting startled, then we saw two Jaegers mixed in with them. The jaegers made a couple of swoops then they hit the deck and headed south real fast. We intercepted them and ran alongside them for about 2 miles, and had great looks at the two: a Parasitic and a Long-tailed. Sweet! That was an awesome experience. We were treated to a bonus in being able to see the differences between the two side-by-side. The attached photo by Trey shows the Long-tailed in front of the Parasitic. Not a bad shot considering it was taken at 25 kts in 3'-4' seas! We saw various groups of Gannets throughout the day, and also a few Brown Booby, mostly juveniles, but one real nice adult. Our final sighting was a group of 9 more Pomarines to finish off an awesome outing. Fishing was slow, with only 2 Mackerel and 2 Mahi to show for it. Our tally: Long-tailed Jaeger Parasitic Jaeger Pomarine Jaeger (34) Jaeger sp (2, with one a possible Parasitic) Brown Booby (7) Northern Gannet (40-50) To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: a couple i have not id'd From: Trey Mitchell <trey AT PHOTOGRAPHWILDLIFE.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:26:26 -0400 Your fly catcher is a Eastern Phoebe.... You will see many during the winter. They are very bold hunters sitting on open perches diving after insects then return to the same perch. You can usually approach them without disturbing the bird. Last Christmas bird count we had one land on a participants hat. Trey Mitchell Miami, Florida -----Original Message----- From: Birdbrains - Florida Birds/Natural History [mailto:BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU] On Behalf Of Bird Bill Senske Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 9:08 PM To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Subject: [BRDBRAIN] a couple i have not id'd looked thru the flycatchers and couldnt find one with a yellow belly backyard fence near the keepers house by the berry tree. Im pretty sure about the gnatcatcher (tree by dog beach), but after the recent discussion re the blueheaded verio, thought i should check. Pretty florida rat snake (only 4 feet) near sign 5 on the trail west of flagpole. bill senske tierraverde...ft desoto today To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Goldenwinged Warbler From: Matt O'Sullivan <matt AT SOS-BSI.COM> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:27:13 -0400 Winter yas apparently failed to arrive yet in Kissimmee. This afternoon i went out in my neighbourhood and found 8 species of warbler including a beautiful adult male Golden-winged Warbler (Life bird). I was able to watch it for about 5 mins. before it disappeared, i could not believe how such a beautiful and uncommon bird ended up a few minutes from my house. Also seen today were: Eastern Phoebe- 2 White-eyed Vireo- 1 House Wren- 2 Blue-grey Gnatcatcher- 30+ Gray Catbird- 10 GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER- 1 male Northern Parula- 4 Magnolia Warbler- 1 male Black-and-white Warbler- 1 female Black-throated Blue Warbler- 2 male/female Palm Warbler- 8 Northern Waterthrush- Heard (may winter...hoping) Common Yellowthroat- 3 Indigo Bunting -15 Painted Bunting- 1 female Is this date rather late to be seeing a Golden-winged Warbler, and how often are they seen in inland Central Florida? Matt O'Sullivan Kissimmee, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: a couple i have not id'd From: Bird Bill Senske <bsenske AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:07:33 -0400 looked thru the flycatchers and couldnt find one with a yellow belly backyard fence near the keepers house by the berry tree. Im pretty sure about the gnatcatcher (tree by dog beach), but after the recent discussion re the blueheaded verio, thought i should check. Pretty florida rat snake (only 4 feet) near sign 5 on the trail west of flagpole. bill senske tierraverde...ft desoto today To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Id help-Vireo From: Leann Streeper <leann.jackson AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:34:59 -0400 Thank you to all with the conditioned "Warbler Necks" who could identify my little bird from the belly. It was a Blue Headed Vireo. I will pay more attention to them and not dismiss them as BG Gnatcatchers anymore. Even though they rule the population. Thanks again!! Leann Streeper Leesburg, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: red knot tag that is a data logger From: Kathryn Young <kathwren4 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:33:48 -0400 Just to let everyone know the picture of the Red Knot that I posted earlier today with the yellow tag that looked like a radio transmitter was a data logger. Bill P. from the NJ Fish and Wildlife said the following: Thank you very much for the picture!! This knot is wearing a datalogger that records the time of sunrise and sunset as well as the total number of hours of daylight. Given this information, we will be able to track where this bird has been throughout the entire year! Unfortunately, GPS tracking devices are still too large to use on red knots, so we have to actually recapture this bird to gather this valuable data. Resightings like yours will make the task much easier! Here is the picture of the REKN again with the data logger attached to its leg. Kathryn Young Sarasota Fl p.s. photo credit goes to Rick Greenspun - photo taken 10/29 on Lido Key north end To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Fort De Soto (Oct 30, 2009) From: Ron Smith <rsmith52 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:54:19 -0400 Good evening, This fall was one of the slowest-ever for migrants at Fort De Soto Park in some time. The wind and weather gods were busy elsewhere, I guess. Late this afternoon I noticed six Redheads in the south Tierra Verde duck pond, two Ring-necked Ducks, and a couple dozen Pied-billed Grebes. There was a lone Horned Grebe seen from the East Beach Turnaround. And after being MIA for the past three weeks, the Long-billed Curlew was back at North Beach. Most of the thousands of terns have left, but Black-bellied Plovers and Dunlins are starting to really come in. Ron Smith St. Pete, FL www.PinellasBirds.com To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Jetty Park and Cocoa Landfill (B.C.C.D.F.) Gulls(Brevard) From: Mitchell Harris <knmharris AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:35:44 -0400 I spent about a 1 1/2 hours each at the Cocoa Landfill and Jetty Park this morning. The best find was a first cycle Franklin's Gull at the landfill. There was also aprox. 5000 Laughing Gulls with a few Herrings, Ring-billed Gulls and Lesser Black-backeds mixed in. Jetty Park hosted about 175 Lesser Black- backeds, 75 Herrings, 300 Laughings, 10 Great Black-backeds and 50 or so Ring-billed Gulls. Huge numbers of gulls were also offshore following the shrimp boats around. There was also a good assortment of Terns including Commons, Royals, Caspians, Forster's and Sandwich. I've attached a few pics of the Franklin's showing some of the good field marks for picking one out of a group of Laughings. In the pics notice the bill, back of the neck, tail band, eye arcs and darker capped affect that's only good for this time of year. Good Birding, Mitchell Harris Titusville To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: eagle release From: jw callis <soturin AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:53:49 -0400 well maybe I can get this straight, here are two pictures of the eagle release, tow juveniles released at lake jackson, yesterday...... I had the pleasure to watch part of the rehab they went through, at St.Francis Wildlife Association in havana,fl....... what was awesome was the parents showing up just before the juveniles got there, no territorial disputes yet but there was a lot of chatter after the juvenile release...... jwcallislll tallahassee,fl To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: photo of red knot with strange tag From: Kathryn Young <kathwren4 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:40:51 -0400 This is one of the 100 Red Knots we saw yesterday on No. Lido Key beach area in Sarasota Fl. It looks like it is a radio transmitter of some type. Photo credit goes to Audubon Friend -Rick Greenspun. It was the only REKN with this yellow tag. I looked up most of the green tags on www.bandedbirds.org for the 10-15 REKN in this flock, of 100 that were banded and most were tagged (captured) in Sarasota/ Manatee Counties. This website also logs them in their database. The silver band on the lower RT leg I was told indicates tagging by Fl Fish and Wildlife. Please let us know about the yellow tag/transmitter. Kathryn Young Sarasota, FL Begin forwarded message: > From: rick greenspun > Date: October 30, 2009 8:53:10 AM EDT > To: Kathryn Young > Subject: REKN > To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Re: White Pelicans From: Maria Valentine <mvalentine9 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:26:00 -0400 I had a flock of 100+ White Pelicans flying north to south very high over Green Key (Pasco Co.) on Oct 20. Blurry shots confirmed. Maria Valentine New Port Richey To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________