Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The Carolinas Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, February 3 at 08:58 PM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Wild Turkey,©Barry Kent Mackay

3 Feb Backyard Images [John Ennis ] 3 Feb Lake Mattamuskeet birds 2/3/12 [Elisa Enders ] 3 Feb Rusty Blackbird numbers at Conestee [Paul Serridge ] 3 Feb Henderson County, NC ["Wayne K. Forsythe" ] 3 Feb Re: Where them Snow Geese [Jacob Socolar ] 3 Feb Re: Where them snow geese? ["Phil Dickinson" ] 3 Feb Where them snow geese? [Scott Winton ] 3 Feb Stone Mtn CBC prelim results [Badger ] 3 Feb Snowy Owl in N C [] 3 Feb Appologies [Stu ] 3 Feb SNOWY OWLS ON NBC NIGHTLY NEWS 2-2-12 ["liz lathrop" ] 2 Feb Fwd: eBird Report - Congaree Creek Preserve, Feb 2, 2012 [] 2 Feb Bald Eagle [] 2 Feb Snowy Owl in N C [] 2 Feb Bald Eagle, Wake Co ["K&R" ] 2 Feb Aspergillosis Re: Snowy Owls [Nate Dias ] 2 Feb Ashville, NC [Patty McKelvey ] 2 Feb Re: Snowy Owls ["J. BRIAN PATTESON" ] 2 Feb Re: Snowy Owls [Marion Clark ] 2 Feb Eared Grebe photos ["Harry D Sell" ] 2 Feb Re: Snowy Owls ["Phil Dickinson" ] 2 Feb Snow Geese Orange County [Ali Iyoob ] 2 Feb Red-breasted Nuthatch [Paul Serridge ] 2 Feb Signs of spring continue [Carol Chelette ] 2 Feb FOY Singing House Finch [John Ennis ] 2 Feb Re: Snowy Owl Report in Alamance County [Nate Swick ] 2 Feb Black-chinned Hummingbird - Wilmington, NC (pics + video) [Robert Rowan Meehan ] 1 Feb Bonapart's Gull Foraging [Amy Williamson ] 1 Feb RE: Snowy Owl Report in Alamance County ["Michael Tove" ] 01 Feb spring returnees [] 1 Feb Interesting Find at Ashley HS Pond [Amy Williamson ] 1 Feb Eared Grebe photos ["Harry D Sell" ] 01 Feb Re: Snowy Owl Report in Alamance County [Will Cook ] 1 Feb Southport CBC Meeting Photos [Jeff Lemons ] 1 Feb Fox Sparrow [Amalie Tuffin ] 1 Feb Re: Orange-crowned Warbler ["KC Foggin" ] 1 Feb Snowy Owl Report in Alamance County [Cindy Bell ] 1 Feb Orange-crowned Warbler [] 1 Feb Re: Duck Question [Nate Dias ] 1 Feb Duck Question [Derek Aldrich ] 1 Feb Re: It Must Be Spring [Carol Chelette ] 01 Feb It Must Be Spring [Ken Lady ] 01 Feb Re: Singing Pine Warbler, Wilkes Merlin ["johnscavetto AT gmail.com" ] 31 Jan RE: Southport CBC and 29th birds ["Michael Tove" ] 31 Jan Lake Betz woodcocks [Edward Owens ] 31 Jan Southport CBC and 29th birds ["Daniel Hueholt" ] 31 Jan Re: Singing Pine Warbler, Wilkes Merlin [Dwayne Martin ] 31 Jan Singing Pine Warbler, Wilkes Merlin [Eric Harrold ] 31 Jan Bachman's Sparrows at Holly Shelter Gameland, NC ["John Fussell" ] 31 Jan McClellanville CBC - 176 species [Nathan Dias ] 31 Jan February Hobcaw Barony Bird Tour [Jerry Walls ] 31 Jan Power of the Internet Re: Two! Bullock's Orioles in Hemingway, SC [Nate Dias ] 31 Jan Two! Bullock's Orioles in Hemingway, SC [Lex Glover ] 31 Jan Re: FW: eBird Snowy Owl report [Nate Swick ] 31 Jan FW: eBird Snowy Owl report ["Michael Tove" ] 31 Jan Southport CBC meeting birds [] 31 Jan Re: eBird Snowy Owl report [Nate Swick ] 31 Jan eBird Snowy Owl report [Jeff Lemons ] 30 Jan Chapel hill birds [Ali Iyoob ] 30 Jan Glaucous Gull - Rich Inlet [Derb Carter ] 30 Jan RE: Red-headed Woodpecker and Rusty Blackbirds at LCNP [] 30 Jan Red-headed Woodpecker and Rusty Blackbirds at LCNP [Paul Serridge ] 29 Jan RE: a few Sunday notes... [] 29 Jan Re: Curlew Sandpiper? [Thierry Besançon ] 29 Jan RE: Curlew Sandpiper? ["Michael Tove" ] 29 Jan Iceland and other gulls, Myrtle Beach [Chris Hill ] 29 Jan Raleigh Parks Program: Birds Workshops with John Gerwin [Lena Gallitano ] 29 Jan Re: a few Sunday notes... [Edward Owens ] 29 Jan a few Sunday notes... [Rob G. ] 29 Jan Magnolia Gardens, Jan 29, 2012 ["Ann Truesdale" ] 29 Jan Finally - 400th life bird [Blayne & Anne ] 29 Jan Fwd: Subdivision Hunting - video of property [] 29 Jan Pacific Loon and others ["Ron" ] 29 Jan Bond Park [banjoman ] 29 Jan Re: Hunting Waterfowl near Subdivisions [Kevin Metcalf ] 29 Jan Huntington Beach State Park jetty [Stephen Thomas ] Subject: Backyard Images From: John Ennis <jxennis AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 20:48:09 -0500 Trying to catch up and finish 2011 pix... Mid-afternoon on 8/13, I flushed a young Cooper's Hawk from my shrubs. After taking its photo, I turned and found this young House Finch perched on a chair: http://thebusinessbirder.com/BackyardBirds081311.pdf I think it is probable that my interruption saved the little guy's life. The bird seemed to compose itself for about a minute and flew off. I use ant cups with my hummingbird feeders. With the droughty conditions we had last summer, I had to create a backup system to kick in if the ant cups dried up, as happened on 9/04: http://thebusinessbirder.com/CoastalCarolinaHerps/CarolinaAnole2.pdf Enjoy! John Ennis Leland, NC Subject: Lake Mattamuskeet birds 2/3/12 From: Elisa Enders <elisaenders AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 20:06:54 -0500 I joined the Virginia Society of Ornithology trip to Lake Mattamuskeet today. Some notable birds included a Black-and-White Warbler (along the boardwalk at the east end of the refuge road that is across the canal from the refuge office), an American Bittern (along the causeway), 2 immature Common Gallinules (along the canal on the north side of the refuge office), and 4 American White Pelicans (on the lake, seen from the "Point" -- northward refuge road from the refuge office). In my unfortunate tendency to be a loner, I missed the warbler and bittern. Waterfowl numbers are low, from speaking to the refuge personnel and a former refuge biologist. Tundra Swans, Pied-billed Grebes, Canada Geese, Snow Geese (near Lake Landing Canal in a field), Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, both expected teal species, Mallards, American Black Ducks, American Wigeons, Gadwalls, Ring-necked Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, a Red-breasted Merganser, Hooded Mergansers, and Wood Ducks were seen. Coot were plentiful and, just past sunrise, I saw a Virginia Rail feeding (best view of this species I have had) next to the wildlife drive. Gull numbers were low too. I only saw a few Ring-billed Gulls. It was a beautiful day to be outside. Elisa Enders Portsmouth, VA Subject: Rusty Blackbird numbers at Conestee From: Paul Serridge <paulserridge AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:14:04 -0500 The numbers of Rusty Blackbirds at Lake Conestee Nature Park continue to be way down since early January. Today we saw only 5 Rusties in 4+ hours. 4 weeks ago their numbers were in the hundreds. The data are shown in an Excel spreadsheet which can be viewed on the Conestee Foundation website at http://conesteepark.com/birding/rusty-blackbirds and also on the Conestee page of the Greenville County Bird Club website at http://www.gcbirdclub.org/conestee.html The spreadsheet (updated Feb 1 2012) has 2 tabs: - Current season. - Archives (figures since Nov 2006. Paul Serridge Greenville, SC Subject: Henderson County, NC From: "Wayne K. Forsythe" <wforsythe AT morrisbb.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:15:03 -0500 Folks, Ron Selvey and I made the rounds in the Mills River area of Henderson County this morning. Our first stop, the water treatment pond on Rt.#191 at Schoolhouse Road produced 2 PALM WARBLERS! After enjoying these out of season birds, we walked the edges of several fields along Hooper Lane with dismal results. We probably walked 2-3 miles and here was virtually nothing of interest and bird numbers were DOWN! Well, there's always tomorrow! Wayne Wayne K. Forsythe 16 Colonial Way Hendersonville, N. C. 28791 wforsytheATmorrisbb.net Subject: Re: Where them Snow Geese From: Jacob Socolar <jacob.socolar AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:03:00 -0500 I have had excellent luck by spending dawn at the observation platform on the south shore of the lake (a beautiful experience in and of itself). This is where you will see all the geese fly up off the lake, and it is probably the experience your family is looking for. You will probably also see a ton of sparrows and their ilk, plus thousands of blackbirds commuting about from their roosting sites in numerous small groups (worth checking for yellow-headed). For birders looking to find Ross's or Cackling Geese, the next step is to figure out where the geese are headed, jump back in your car, and try to meet them on the ground. There are other strategies for birding the lake of course. The following is wisdom from Derb Carter: First, timing is critical. If you miss these times, it is like fishing, you should have been here an hour ago. The snow geese en masse leave the lake between dawn and sunrise ( a bit later on cloudy/foggy days) and fly to surrounding fields, usually in only one or two flocks of tens of thousands. They feed for an hour, maybe two, and return to the lake. They stay on the lake until this is repeated in the late afternoon, the geese leaving the lake at 3:30 to 4 and returning around or just after sunset. Tundra swans, on the other hand, leave the lake in small groups all morning and return in small groups through the afternoon. There is little if any goose or swan food on the lake itself, so all feeding occurs in surrounding agricultural fields, generally corn stubble or winter wheat. Second, which fields? This is always the challenge. You generally have two places to start. The fields south of the lake can be viewed from paved Pats Road which runs from the Refuge kiosk at the ninety degree turn in Highway 45. The birds favor the fields to the north of Pats Road. There is a dirt very passable road that parallels Pats Road to the north leaving from the refuge maintenance yard. Often you can get closer on this road. Bears also like this field at dusk. The other fields to check are along Canal D Road on the west side of the lake. You reach this road by taking Pats Road west to where it becomes dirt and goes north on the west side of the lake. There are fields on both sides of this road that the geese often use. If you know where the geese have been feeding, start there. If not, I have found the best plan is to find an open area along Canal D Road and wait for the magic signal that cause all the geese to rise from the lake, usually circle a couple of times, and head for a particular field. Once you tell where they are headed, drive there and start looking for Ross's and Cackling and anything else that may be with them. Sometimes, the geese decide to feed in private fields a mile or two or more from the Refuge and it is difficult to see them on the ground. Other times they feed right beside the road. If you hit it right, it is an experience you will not forget. Cheers Jacob Subject: Re: Where them snow geese? From: "Phil Dickinson" <pdickins AT triad.rr.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:39:26 -0500 On our Forsyth Audubon trip three weeks ago, no one got to Pungo but some of us saw thousands at the east end of Mattamuskeet and, through scopes from the north shore of Lake Phelps, others saw thousands in the air near the south shore. However, note that Lake Landing on the east side of Mattamuskeet usually is closed to birders. For a photo of the Mattamuskeet group, go to www.forsythaudubon.org. Phil Dickinson Winston-Salem. ----- Original Message ----- From: Scott Winton To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 4:30 PM Subject: Where them snow geese? My folks are headed out to the Pocosin Lakes this weekend and want watch 1625967546 Snow Geese fly off Pungo Lake at dawn. Naturally they asked me where the best vantage point is. And of course I have no idea. Anybody have any idea where the goose flock has been lately? Some old folks will be very grateful if you can let me know! Thanks -- Scott Winton - Durham, NC http://birdaholic.blogspot.com Subject: Where them snow geese? From: Scott Winton <scott.winton AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:30:40 -0500 My folks are headed out to the Pocosin Lakes this weekend and want watch 1625967546 Snow Geese fly off Pungo Lake at dawn. Naturally they asked me where the best vantage point is. And of course I have no idea. Anybody have any idea where the goose flock has been lately? Some old folks will be very grateful if you can let me know! Thanks -- Scott Winton - Durham, NC http://birdaholic.blogspot.com Subject: Stone Mtn CBC prelim results From: Badger <badgerboy AT wilkes.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:08:59 -0500 Audubon's computer glitches caused the compilation to be rather later than usual. New species were American Pipit and House Wren, record numbers were reported for great blue heron, cooper's hawk, killdeer, wilson's snipe, winter wren,cardinal, and grackle. Date was January 1, 2012. Complete list below. Guy McGrane Millers Creek, NC Total Individuals 12792 Total Species Reported 57 Checklist Species Number or cw Flags Max Number Number Of Counts Canada Goose 44 186/99 13 Wood Duck 1 2/97 3 Mallard 25 36/110 17 Green-winged Teal 1 2/102 2 Bufflehead 2 4/108 5 Hooded Merganser 4 15/109 11 Great Blue Heron (Blue form) 4 4/112 17 Black Vulture 5 67/102 17 Turkey Vulture 64 196/111 19 Cooper's Hawk 3 3/112 10 Red-shouldered Hawk 7 21/111 18 Red-tailed Hawk 10 26/100 19 American Kestrel 5 19/99 19 Killdeer 20 20/112 5 Wilson's Snipe 3 3/112 2 Mourning Dove 305 426/111 19 Belted Kingfisher 3 5/100 15 Red-bellied Woodpecker 10 31/100 18 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3 8/101 16 Downy Woodpecker 12 24/102 19 Northern (Yellow shafted)Flicker 9 22/100 14 Pileated Woodpecker 11 20/100 19 Eastern Phoebe 7 23/100 19 Blue Jay 7 75/100 19 American Crow 638 643/101 19 Common Raven 1 22/102 18 Carolina Chickadee 39 100/100 19 Tufted Titmouse 46 76/100 19 White-breasted Nuthatch 11 31/99 19 Brown-headed Nuthatch 4 10/102 12 Brown Creeper 3 4/102 14 Carolina Wren 20 72/100 19 House Wren 1 1/112 1 Winter Wren 3 3/112 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet 17 48/100 19 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 16/102 16 Eastern Bluebird 113 217/100 19 Hermit Thrush 1 12/99 17 American Robin 51 836/111 19 Northern Mockingbird 21 33/100 19 Brown Thrasher cw 1/111 5 European Starling 438 1069/100 19 American Pipit 200 200/112 1 Cedar Waxwing 52 121/106 14 Yellow-rumped (Myrtle)Warbler 8 50/109 13 Eastern Towhee 1 25/99 11 Field Sparrow 21 39/109 18 Song Sparrow 38 286/100 19 White-throated Sparrow 78 131/101 19 White-crowned Sparrow 21 89/111 14 Dark-eyed (Slate-colored)Junco 131 335/99 19 Northern Cardinal 129 129/112 19 Eastern Meadowlark 7 40/100 13 Common Grackle 10000 10000/112 5 Brown-headed Cowbird 55 130/99 9 House Finch 13 100/100 18 American Goldfinch 44 239/101 19 House Sparrow 21 132/100 16 Subject: Snowy Owl in N C From: <ed.corey AT ncdenr.gov> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:11:51 -0500 (EST) Bob et. al, After looking at our records for Fort Fisher SRA, it looks like this individual bird was present from around 11/23 til 12/10/2001. Just a clarification, all of Fort Fisher and Bald Head Island are considered to be in NC, so that helps to explain the listing of this bird as a NC bird. Ed Corey NC State Parks Raleigh, NC Subject: Appologies From: Stu <sgibeau AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:53:13 -0500 Apparently my email was compromised over the last couple days. If you received any spam from me I apologize. I've reset my password so should be good to go. On a good note I've had a Screech Owl the last mornings doing its monotonic call. Stu Subject: SNOWY OWLS ON NBC NIGHTLY NEWS 2-2-12 From: "liz lathrop" <lizbirder AT cconnect.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 07:58:57 -0500 Good morning, Birders, I caught the evening broadcast of NBC news with Brian Williams last evening and was thrilled with his segment on the Snowy Owl irruption featuring Audubon guide Brian Bell and photographer Paul Bannick, folks who know their birds. Here's the link: http://www.hulu.com/watch/325516/nbc-nightly-news-with-brian-williams-snowy-owls-swoop-in-from-the-arctic Cheers, Liz Lathrop Oriental, NC Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Congaree Creek Preserve, Feb 2, 2012 From: <pittsjam AT windstream.net> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:58:03 -0600 Spent a couple of hours today at Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve in Lexington County, SC. Irvin Pitts Lexington, SC > Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:35:33 -0500 (EST) > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > To: pittsjam AT windstream.net > Subject: eBird Report - Congaree Creek Preserve, Feb 2, 2012 > > Congaree Creek Preserve, Lexington, US-SC > Feb 2, 2012 9:25 AM - 11:40 AM > Protocol: Traveling > 2.5 mile(s) > 39 species > > Wood Duck 2 > Great Blue Heron 1 > Black Vulture 3 > Turkey Vulture 3 > Mourning Dove 3 > Red-headed Woodpecker 4 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 > Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4 > Downy Woodpecker 6 > Northern Flicker 4 > Pileated Woodpecker 1 > Eastern Phoebe 4 > Blue-headed Vireo 1 > Carolina Chickadee 18 > Tufted Titmouse 15 > White-breasted Nuthatch 2 > Brown-headed Nuthatch 4 > Carolina Wren 15 > Winter Wren 1 > Golden-crowned Kinglet 11 > Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12 > Eastern Bluebird 1 > Hermit Thrush 3 > American Robin 1 > Northern Mockingbird 1 > Cedar Waxwing 1 > Black-and-white Warbler 2 > Pine Warbler 7 > Yellow-rumped Warbler 11 > Eastern Towhee 2 > Song Sparrow 1 > Swamp Sparrow 6 > White-throated Sparrow 10 > Dark-eyed Junco 6 > Northern Cardinal 10 > Red-winged Blackbird 1 > Rusty Blackbird 25 > Common Grackle 56 > American Goldfinch 2 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) Subject: Bald Eagle From: bobmax1 AT charter.net Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:47:32 -0500 (EST) This morning we had a Bald Eagle eating a fish oon the sandbar directly behind our house at South Litchfield Beach, S C . After he left, a T V came and had a few bites, and finally a Ringed Bill Gull. Bob Maxwell bobmax1 AT charter.net Subject: Snowy Owl in N C From: bobmax1 AT charter.net Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:32:05 -0500 (EST) 111 Nov, 30 01, Irented a four wheel drive vehicle and drove to Ft Fisher, N C where a Snowy Owl was being seen at the tip of the spit. We drove as far as possible, then walked about two miles. A couple had the bird in the scope and we got great looks. The tide camd in and the walk back was behind the dunes. It was first thought to be in S C , as the very tip is supposedly in S C,but it was counted as a N C bird bobmax1 AT charter.net Bob Maxwell Subject: Bald Eagle, Wake Co From: "K&R" <krkit AT mindspring.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:30:01 -0500 Hey everyone, I just enjoyed observing an adult Bald Eagle flying above my house here in Wake County. Only the second time I have ever seen one at my house, so a pretty nice sighting for me here. Happy birding, Kyle Kittelberger Raleigh, NC Subject: Aspergillosis Re: Snowy Owls From: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:50:05 -0500 Things might have gotten a bit garbled in transition - but the biologist was likely referring to aspergillosis - a fungal (not bacterial) infection that Arctic species can acquire when they come this far south. That is what killed the Ivory Gull in Georgia winter before last: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2010/02/10/1008549/cause-of-death-identified-for.html If memory serves, aspergillosis was also responsible for the death of the Snowy Owl near Columbia, SC a couple of decades ago. Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 11:37 AM, Marion Clark wrote: > Since I have not seen this on the list, I want to report that a wildlife > biologist at Ft Jackson, Columbia, SC, recently recovered a dead Snowy > Owl in a field between Camden and Bishopville.  He says that there is an > air-borne bacteria in the South/Southeast which makes it difficult for > Snowies to survive long in this part of the country.  When Post & Gau- > threaux published Status & Disbribution of SC Birds (1989), there were 17 > records of this species for the state:  7 from the Piedmont, 10 from the > Coastal Plain.  The only other Snowy Owl I have had second-hand knowledge > of (Whitmire/Newberry Co/Piedmont in the 1970's, I believe) also died with- > in a week or so after being discovered.  Its museum skin is at Clemson. > > Marion Clark, Lexington, SC > > > > > > ---- Phil Dickinson wrote: >> EBird has a nice article on the Snowy Owl irruption this winter. So far, the >> closest documented sightings were in PA and NJ. >> >> http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/the-winter-of-the-snowy-owl >> >> Phil Dickinson >> Winston-Salem >> > > -- > Marion Clark > Subject: Ashville, NC From: Patty McKelvey <pambirds AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:42:03 -0500 We'll be visiting Ashville in the near future and wondered if anyone had nearby birding spots to suggest, other than what some I've found online - Beaver Lake and Chimney Rock Park. I've also checked out Elisha Mitchell Audubon's web site. Thanks for any feedback and best of birding. Patty McKelvey Sheffield Village; Lorain Cty Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would I fly away and be at rest. Subject: Re: Snowy Owls From: "J. BRIAN PATTESON" <patteson1 AT embarqmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:47:14 -0500 Interesting. I guess that bacteria is not as much a problem in Bermuda, where a Snowy Owl survived for at least two months in 1987 before being put down because of its depredations on the critically endangered Bermuda Petrel. I think it got at least five petrels before they shot it. Brian Patteson Hatteras, NC ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marion Clark" To: "Phil Dickinson" ; "Forsythbirds" ; "CarolinaBirds" Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 11:37 AM Subject: Re: Snowy Owls > Since I have not seen this on the list, I want to report that a > wildlife > biologist at Ft Jackson, Columbia, SC, recently recovered a dead Snowy > Owl in a field between Camden and Bishopville. He says that there is > an > air-borne bacteria in the South/Southeast which makes it difficult for > Snowies to survive long in this part of the country. When Post & Gau- > threaux published Status & Disbribution of SC Birds (1989), there were > 17 > records of this species for the state: 7 from the Piedmont, 10 from > the > Coastal Plain. The only other Snowy Owl I have had second-hand > knowledge > of (Whitmire/Newberry Co/Piedmont in the 1970's, I believe) also died > with- > in a week or so after being discovered. Its museum skin is at > Clemson. > > Marion Clark, Lexington, SC > > > > > > ---- Phil Dickinson wrote: >> EBird has a nice article on the Snowy Owl irruption this winter. So >> far, the >> closest documented sightings were in PA and NJ. >> >> http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/the-winter-of-the-snowy-owl >> >> Phil Dickinson >> Winston-Salem >> > > -- > Marion Clark > Subject: Re: Snowy Owls From: Marion Clark <mclark66 AT sc.rr.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:37:18 -0500 Since I have not seen this on the list, I want to report that a wildlife biologist at Ft Jackson, Columbia, SC, recently recovered a dead Snowy Owl in a field between Camden and Bishopville. He says that there is an air-borne bacteria in the South/Southeast which makes it difficult for Snowies to survive long in this part of the country. When Post & Gau- threaux published Status & Disbribution of SC Birds (1989), there were 17 records of this species for the state: 7 from the Piedmont, 10 from the Coastal Plain. The only other Snowy Owl I have had second-hand knowledge of (Whitmire/Newberry Co/Piedmont in the 1970's, I believe) also died with- in a week or so after being discovered. Its museum skin is at Clemson. Marion Clark, Lexington, SC ---- Phil Dickinson wrote: > EBird has a nice article on the Snowy Owl irruption this winter. So far, the > closest documented sightings were in PA and NJ. > > http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/the-winter-of-the-snowy-owl > > Phil Dickinson > Winston-Salem > -- Marion Clark Subject: Eared Grebe photos From: "Harry D Sell" <sellbirding AT ec.rr.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:29:57 -0500 Several of the better birders have confirmed the photo ID as Eared in case you had any doubts or just would like to know for sure. Harry D Sell Boiling Spring Lakes, NC Brunswick County http://www.pbase.com/sellbirding Subject: Re: Snowy Owls From: "Phil Dickinson" <pdickins AT triad.rr.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:46:59 -0500 EBird has a nice article on the Snowy Owl irruption this winter. So far, the closest documented sightings were in PA and NJ. http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/the-winter-of-the-snowy-owl Phil Dickinson Winston-Salem Subject: Snow Geese Orange County From: Ali Iyoob <aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:22:49 -0500 Hi all, While walking to class (seems to be a trend in my birding) I noticed a fairly large flock of Canada Geese flying overhead being trailed by a pair of white-phase SNOW GEESE. Ali Iyoob UNC Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC Subject: Red-breasted Nuthatch From: Paul Serridge <paulserridge AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 08:25:54 -0500 Hi birders, While looking at the January e-bird reports for Lake Conestee Nature Park in Greenville, SC I saw that someone reported a Red-breasted Nuthatch on Jan 10. I manage the park birding checklist and this would be a new species for the park list. If possible, could the reporter please send me a confirmation of the sighting and a few details - seen or heard, where in the park etc. Also, I would like all birders to systematically send me reports of their observations at Conestee so that I can keep the list up to date. e-bird makes this very easy. Cheers, Paul Serridge Greenville, SC Subject: Signs of spring continue From: Carol Chelette <cncbrdr AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 05:06:30 -0800 (PST) Good morning all, Yesterday, I saw a house finch fly away from my front door. Last year, house finches had 2 successful broods in the wreath on that door. This morning, when I went out to get the paper, a male was coming toward the door with nesting material in its bill, and a few minutes ago, both male and female were right outside the door. It would seem that the warm weather has triggered an early nesting season. Carol Williamson Chelette Durham, NC Subject: FOY Singing House Finch From: John Ennis <jxennis AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 07:28:47 -0500 Had one at Masonboro Inlet on Tuesday... Happy Groundhog Day! Some time today, I'll watch the movie as is my tradition! Arguably one of the top ten movies of all time... John Ennis Leland, NC Sent from my iPad Subject: Re: Snowy Owl Report in Alamance County From: Nate Swick <naswick AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 06:38:14 -0500 I initially suggested Northern Harrier to Jon based on the description he gave me and he was cold to that idea, but he is certain now it was not a Snowy Owl, either. He is pretty much convinced that it was a leucistic Red-tailed Hawk like the individual Will linked too. I don't see any reason to think otherwise as from the beginning he conceded that it was more "hawk-shaped" than "owl-shaped". A Snowy Owl, as Mike says, is almost completely unmistakeable when seen well. In addition to Will's bird, I seem to remember an almost entirely white hawk in the western part of the state a few years ago that was reported as a Snowy Owl on and off? In any case, this one isn't an owl, and that comes from the initial observer. Nathan Swick Chapel Hill, NC On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 10:11 PM, Michael Tove wrote: > Here's the thing about Snowy Owls, anywhere. > > 1. They don't soar. Owls have a silent, flapping flight and while they will > glide, descending but it's not soaring. > 2. They are BIG-headed, broad-winged and short-tailed. Wing and body shape > alone are sufficient to know if the bird is an owl or not. Even if all you > see is a black silhouette, an owl is utterly distinctive. > 3. Only adult males are pure white - and the odds of getting an adult male > Snowy Owl in the south is astronomically small. The birds we would likely > see are young birds. They are heavily marked with black spots. It's > distinctive. At a distance too far to see the black spots the birds look > gray, not pure white. > 4. They have bright yellow eyes. This mark is a stand out. > > Snowy Owl is one of those species if you "think" you saw or you're "pretty > sure" you saw, you didn't. When you see one for real, there's no mistaking > it. > > Mike Tove > Cary, NC > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Will Cook [mailto:cwcook AT duke.edu] > Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 9:13 PM > To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu > Subject: Re: Snowy Owl Report in Alamance County > > Perhaps something like this near-albino Red-tail that was seen in Raleigh a > decade ago? > > http://www.carolinanature.com/birds/arth.html > > On 2/1/2012 7:44 PM, Cindy Bell wrote: > > > Relating to the Snowy Owl reported Jan 30 at Graham Park: On Jan 31 my > > husband and I arrived at Graham Park at daybreak, but saw nothing > > resembling the bird at the park. We were a little surprised that there > > were no other birders looking for it. After searching for about an > > hour we rode on down Rogers Road for less than a mile and stopped in > > the parking lot at the New Covenant Church to check out the Hooded > > Mergansers on the pond across the road from the church. As I turned > > back toward the church, a big white bird soared at me from the edge of > > the hardwoods and came toward me across the parking lot at 20 -30 ft. > > off the pavement. Since we had been at the meeting at Southport all > > weekend, my first thought was big white Herring Gull. However, as it > > went past me, I could see no characteristic beak and no head, and > > there was no color nor other markings on the bird. By the time I got > > my binoculars on it, it was past me and what I sighted was a bird > > about the size of a herring gull, only stockier, with a wing pattern > > and flight similar to a Redtail Hawk, and totally white with a pale > > yellow cast as the morning sun fell on it. I could see the bird very > > well from the back and could see the back of its head and it was not > > the head of a gull. There was no upper wing nor body color and no tail > > bands. The bird soared off in the direction of Graham Park and did not > > lift over the hardwoods on the other side of the parking lot, but > > disappeared into them. I could not identify it as anything but a big > > white bird, with absolutely no markings. I hope the local birders will > > not simply dismiss Jon Comer's sighting and will check the area out. > > If not a Snowy, then it must be some kind of albino raptor. We did > > recheck Graham Park and all the fields (though few there are) in the > > surrounding subdivisions. I have been birding 30 years and have seen a > > Snowy in TN, so this one is really haunting me. I can say that it did > > not have the markings of a Northern Harrier, nor of a Redtail Hawk. > > Cindy and David Bell from Cary, NC > > -- > Will Cook - Durham, NC > http://www.carolinanature.com > > -- blog.aba.org www.thedrinkingbirdblog.com Subject: Black-chinned Hummingbird - Wilmington, NC (pics + video) From: Robert Rowan Meehan <kkquartz AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 01:09:17 -0500 After the Carolina Bird Club meeting, a bunch of us headed over to Bruce Smithson's to check out his "probable" Black-chinned Hummingbird. I put probable in quotes because while watching the bird, it seemed quite clear that it was different from the Ruby-throated Hummers also visiting his feeder. The pictures really don't do this bird justice, but a little video might. While it hovered, the Black-chinned constantly pumped its tail, even though there was no wind to speak of. The Ruby-throats maybe did a couple tail-flicks here and there, but nothing like the Black-chinned. Anyway, check out some pics of both hummers, plus some video of the Black-chinned to form your own opinions, at the blog: http://birdingbros.blogspot.com/ Robert MeehanDurham, NChttp://birdingbros.blogspot.com/ Subject: Bonapart's Gull Foraging From: Amy Williamson <amywillbird AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:17:26 -0500 Hi again Birders, I had fun watching and photographing a Bonapart's Gull as it foraged along the waterline at Masonboro Inlet today: http://tinyurl.com/bonapart-2-1-12 Cheers, Amy Subject: RE: Snowy Owl Report in Alamance County From: "Michael Tove" <mtove AT deltaforce.net> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 22:11:35 -0500 Here's the thing about Snowy Owls, anywhere. 1. They don't soar. Owls have a silent, flapping flight and while they will glide, descending but it's not soaring. 2. They are BIG-headed, broad-winged and short-tailed. Wing and body shape alone are sufficient to know if the bird is an owl or not. Even if all you see is a black silhouette, an owl is utterly distinctive. 3. Only adult males are pure white - and the odds of getting an adult male Snowy Owl in the south is astronomically small. The birds we would likely see are young birds. They are heavily marked with black spots. It's distinctive. At a distance too far to see the black spots the birds look gray, not pure white. 4. They have bright yellow eyes. This mark is a stand out. Snowy Owl is one of those species if you "think" you saw or you're "pretty sure" you saw, you didn't. When you see one for real, there's no mistaking it. Mike Tove Cary, NC -----Original Message----- From: Will Cook [mailto:cwcook AT duke.edu] Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 9:13 PM To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Subject: Re: Snowy Owl Report in Alamance County Perhaps something like this near-albino Red-tail that was seen in Raleigh a decade ago? http://www.carolinanature.com/birds/arth.html On 2/1/2012 7:44 PM, Cindy Bell wrote: > Relating to the Snowy Owl reported Jan 30 at Graham Park: On Jan 31 my > husband and I arrived at Graham Park at daybreak, but saw nothing > resembling the bird at the park. We were a little surprised that there > were no other birders looking for it. After searching for about an > hour we rode on down Rogers Road for less than a mile and stopped in > the parking lot at the New Covenant Church to check out the Hooded > Mergansers on the pond across the road from the church. As I turned > back toward the church, a big white bird soared at me from the edge of > the hardwoods and came toward me across the parking lot at 20 -30 ft. > off the pavement. Since we had been at the meeting at Southport all > weekend, my first thought was big white Herring Gull. However, as it > went past me, I could see no characteristic beak and no head, and > there was no color nor other markings on the bird. By the time I got > my binoculars on it, it was past me and what I sighted was a bird > about the size of a herring gull, only stockier, with a wing pattern > and flight similar to a Redtail Hawk, and totally white with a pale > yellow cast as the morning sun fell on it. I could see the bird very > well from the back and could see the back of its head and it was not > the head of a gull. There was no upper wing nor body color and no tail > bands. The bird soared off in the direction of Graham Park and did not > lift over the hardwoods on the other side of the parking lot, but > disappeared into them. I could not identify it as anything but a big > white bird, with absolutely no markings. I hope the local birders will > not simply dismiss Jon Comer's sighting and will check the area out. > If not a Snowy, then it must be some kind of albino raptor. We did > recheck Graham Park and all the fields (though few there are) in the > surrounding subdivisions. I have been birding 30 years and have seen a > Snowy in TN, so this one is really haunting me. I can say that it did > not have the markings of a Northern Harrier, nor of a Redtail Hawk. > Cindy and David Bell from Cary, NC -- Will Cook - Durham, NC http://www.carolinanature.com Subject: spring returnees From: <susan AT ncaves.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:42:58 -0700 Here we have had a male robin on a territory for about a week--and yesterday I heard the first returning fish crows. And with the warm temps., it sure is seeming like spring! Susan Campbell Whispering Pines, NC Subject: Interesting Find at Ashley HS Pond From: Amy Williamson <amywillbird AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:41:10 -0500 Hi Birders, Ended an enjoyable day of birding with an evening stop at the Ashley High School Retention Ponds where I was surprised to find an American White Pelican. Other nice birds today were eight Black Scoters, one other Scoter that I think was a first winter Surf Scoter since it had characteristic white patches on the face but was otherwise all dark (no white on the wing), a Loggerhead Shrike, lots of Bufflehead and some Red-throated Loons, Common Loons and Horned Grebes. Here's a link to a photo of the Am White Pelican--not great due to fading light, but good enough for identification purposes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/awilliamsonpix/6804535415/in/photostream/ Cheers, Amy Williamson Wilmington, NC Subject: Eared Grebe photos From: "Harry D Sell" <sellbirding AT ec.rr.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:20:27 -0500 Hi All, I was on Ft. Fisher Recreation Area today. There were loads of Loons and 7 or more groups of Grebes. There probably were over 200 Horned Grebes up and down the spit. Spent about 3 hrs looking through the grebes. I THINK I have pulled out an Eared Grebe. It wasn't as close as I would have liked, but every time I stopped the truck they began drifting farther off shore. Was a beautiful day to be on the beach and finding an Eared Grebe made it really special. Hope you get something out of the photos, there are a couple of shots with a Horned in the photos for comparison. If it isn't an Eared, you are going to spoil my day. Harry D Sell Boiling Spring Lakes, NC Brunswick County http://www.pbase.com/sellbirding Subject: Re: Snowy Owl Report in Alamance County From: Will Cook <cwcook AT duke.edu> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:12:49 -0500 Perhaps something like this near-albino Red-tail that was seen in Raleigh a decade ago? http://www.carolinanature.com/birds/arth.html On 2/1/2012 7:44 PM, Cindy Bell wrote: > Relating to the Snowy Owl reported Jan 30 at Graham Park: On Jan 31 my > husband and I arrived at Graham Park at daybreak, but saw nothing > resembling the bird at the park. We were a little surprised that there > were no other birders looking for it. After searching for about an hour > we rode on down Rogers Road for less than a mile and stopped in the > parking lot at the New Covenant Church to check out the Hooded > Mergansers on the pond across the road from the church. As I turned back > toward the church, a big white bird soared at me from the edge of the > hardwoods and came toward me across the parking lot at 20 -30 ft. off > the pavement. Since we had been at the meeting at Southport all weekend, > my first thought was big white Herring Gull. However, as it went past > me, I could see no characteristic beak and no head, and there was no > color nor other markings on the bird. By the time I got my binoculars on > it, it was past me and what I sighted was a bird about the size of a > herring gull, only stockier, with a wing pattern and flight similar to a > Redtail Hawk, and totally white with a pale yellow cast as the morning > sun fell on it. I could see the bird very well from the back and could > see the back of its head and it was not the head of a gull. There was no > upper wing nor body color and no tail bands. The bird soared off in the > direction of Graham Park and did not lift over the hardwoods on the > other side of the parking lot, but disappeared into them. I could not > identify it as anything but a big white bird, with absolutely no > markings. I hope the local birders will not simply dismiss Jon Comer's > sighting and will check the area out. If not a Snowy, then it must be > some kind of albino raptor. We did recheck Graham Park and all the > fields (though few there are) in the surrounding subdivisions. I have > been birding 30 years and have seen a Snowy in TN, so this one is really > haunting me. I can say that it did not have the markings of a Northern > Harrier, nor of a Redtail Hawk. > Cindy and David Bell from Cary, NC -- Will Cook - Durham, NC http://www.carolinanature.com Subject: Southport CBC Meeting Photos From: Jeff Lemons <birdsalot AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 20:35:17 -0500 Thanks to the planners of the CBC Southport meeting. I really enjoy a good winter trip to the NC Coast. Highlights for me included Long-tailed Ducks at Ft Fisher, multiple Great Cormorants in Topsail and Kure Beach, and a full day with John Fussell and group hunting down Bachman's Sparrows and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. After at least the 5th time of looking, I finally got ok scope views of Common Goldeneye in the river but no chance of photos. Greg Massey and I had a Common Yellowthroat Warbler in the trees North of the Historic Site at Ft Fisher. We recognized it first by the non-Yellowrump, non-Orange-crowned Warbler chip note. It came in briefly for a quick, but identifiable look. When watching the Long-tailed Ducks with the Bufflehead flock off the Ft Fisher rocks, I had two helicopters fly North up the coastline. All the Bufflehead flushed and circled a few times before re-grouping and landing back on the water with the Long-tailed Ducks. The two Long-tailed Ducks never took flight. At Topsail Beach, our group found a group of 8 Cormorants. 3 Adult Great Cormorants and 5 juvenile Cormorants. The juveniles did not have the standard Great Cormorant plumage of dark breast and contrasting off-white belly, but in the field we were leaning towards all or most juvenile Great Cormorants. The juveniles all seemed the same size as the Great adults, had large beaks, one was on the top pier level with a Great. Is there a transitional 2nd year plumage for Great Cormorant? Southport CBC Meeting Photos: http://photographicmoment.net/p960605202/e34bba05b Jeff Lemons Charlotte, NC Subject: Fox Sparrow From: Amalie Tuffin <amaliet13 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 20:21:14 -0500 I was super surprised to see a Fox Sparrow in the yard this afternoon - since normally I only get them in the snow! I also have been seeing signs of spring as the bluebirds are investigating the nest boxes and the dawn chorus is starting again . . . . Amalie Tuffin Hillsborough, NC Subject: Re: Orange-crowned Warbler From: "KC Foggin" <KCFoggin AT sc.rr.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 19:45:19 -0500 I too have had the pleasure of hosting and Orange-crowned Warbler for the last two winters. It is finally giving me some nice open views for the camera. Mine has a routine. First it hits the jelly, then it hits the peanut suet and then it hits the hot pepper suet and then starts all over again K.C. K.C. Foggin Socastee Myrtle Beach SC www.birdforum.net I love my Kindle From: Tneklw AT aol.com Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 6:18 PM To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Subject: Orange-crowned Warbler For those of you who missed theOCs at Southport, you may wish to come by my house. I have had an OCs making several trips a day to my jelly feeder since Jan.20th. Don't know how long it will keep coming, but you're welcome. As a bonus we have about a dozen White-crowned Sparrows who usually hang around until the first of May. E-mail if interested. Walt Kent Lenoir N.C. Subject: Snowy Owl Report in Alamance County From: Cindy Bell <cindymae49 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:44:47 -0800 (PST) Relating to the Snowy Owl reported Jan 30 at Graham Park:  On Jan 31 my husband and I arrived at Graham Park at daybreak, but saw nothing resembling the bird at the park. We were a little surprised that there were no other birders looking for it.  After searching for about an hour we rode on down Rogers Road for less than a mile and stopped in the parking lot at the New Covenant Church to check out the Hooded Mergansers on the pond across the road from the church.  As I turned back toward the church, a big white bird soared at me from the edge of the hardwoods and came toward me across the parking lot at 20 -30 ft. off the pavement.  Since we had been at the meeting at Southport all weekend, my first thought was big white Herring Gull.  However, as it went past me, I could see no characteristic beak and no head, and there was no color nor other markings on the bird.  By the time I got my binoculars on it, it was past me and what I sighted was a bird about the size of a herring gull, only stockier, with a wing pattern and flight similar to a Redtail Hawk, and totally white with a pale yellow cast as the morning sun fell on it.  I could see the bird very well from the back and could see the back of its head and it was not the head of a gull.  There was no upper wing nor body color and no tail bands. The bird soared off in the direction of Graham Park and did not lift over the hardwoods on the other side of the parking lot, but disappeared into them.  I could not identify it as anything but a big white bird, with absolutely no markings.  I hope the local birders will not simply dismiss Jon Comer's sighting and will check the area out.  If not a Snowy, then it must be some kind of albino raptor.  We did recheck Graham Park and all the fields (though few there are) in the surrounding subdivisions.  I have been birding 30 years and have seen a Snowy in TN, so this one is really haunting me.  I can say that it did not have the markings of a Northern Harrier, nor of a Redtail Hawk. Cindy and David Bell from Cary, NC Subject: Orange-crowned Warbler From: Tneklw AT aol.com Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:18:53 -0500 (EST) For those of you who missed theOCs at Southport, you may wish to come by my house. I have had an OCs making several trips a day to my jelly feeder since Jan.20th. Don't know how long it will keep coming, but you're welcome. As a bonus we have about a dozen White-crowned Sparrows who usually hang around until the first of May. E-mail if interested. Walt Kent Lenoir N.C. Subject: Re: Duck Question From: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:01:31 -0500 Maybe an immature Shoveler? Or a hen Mallard with some Muscovy / barnyard ancestry? Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC (D'Allesandro's at the moment) On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, Derek Aldrich wrote: > While I was in Anderson I stopped at Honea Path Park to see if there were any ducks on Hartwell. There was one duck that stubbornly didn't get close enough to see more but from what I could tell he was most entirely brown with white on his tail. Any ideas? Or shall this just go down as Duck sp. Thanks. > > Other birds were 6 Common Loons preening on the water, one of which was going through so many antics it looked like he was fighting something at the initial spotting distance. Ring-billed Gulls and a singing Pine Warbler. > > Derek Aldrich > Taylors, SC. > > Subject: Duck Question From: Derek Aldrich <derekaldrich AT bellsouth.net> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:51:38 -0800 (PST) While I was in Anderson I stopped at Honea Path Park to see if there were any ducks on Hartwell. There was one duck that stubbornly didn't get close enough to see more but from what I could tell he was most entirely brown with white on his tail. Any ideas? Or shall this just go down as Duck sp. Thanks. Other birds were 6 Common Loons preening on the water, one of which was going through so many antics it looked like he was fighting something at the initial spotting distance. Ring-billed Gulls and a singing Pine Warbler. Derek Aldrich Taylors, SC. Subject: Re: It Must Be Spring From: Carol Chelette <cncbrdr AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:13:51 -0800 (PST) A frog was sitting on a rock in my pond day before yesterday and yesterday a crow took a bath in the pond. That's the largest bird I've seen bathing! Carol Williamson Chelette Durham, NC ________________________________ From: Ken Lady To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 1:06 PM Subject: It Must Be Spring Yesterday morning I saw a flock of over 200 Robins during a brief walk in the Twin Lakes community. The trees were filled with Robins flying back and forth and singing to each other. On my way back, the first Killdeer I've seen since moving to Twin Lakes six months ago flew by overhead. Ken Lady Burlington, NC Subject: It Must Be Spring From: Ken Lady <kenlady AT triad.rr.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:06:13 -0500 Yesterday morning I saw a flock of over 200 Robins during a brief walk in the Twin Lakes community. The trees were filled with Robins flying back and forth and singing to each other. On my way back, the first Killdeer I've seen since moving to Twin Lakes six months ago flew by overhead. Ken Lady Burlington, NC Subject: Re: Singing Pine Warbler, Wilkes Merlin From: "johnscavetto AT gmail.com" <johnscavetto@gmail.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:06:30 -0500 I have had them singing since Jan. 5th at Idlewild Park in Matthews. John Scavetto Matthews, NC Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4GLTE smartphone ----- Reply message ----- From: "Dwayne Martin" To: "Eric Harrold" Cc: "carolinabirds AT duke.edu" Subject: Singing Pine Warbler, Wilkes Merlin Date: Tue, Jan 31, 2012 9:43 pm Pine Warblers have been singing for about 2 weeks now around Catawba County. On Tuesday, January 31, 2012, Eric Harrold wrote: > Was hiking along the summit of Stone Mtn. State Park today with a friend and heard a singing Pine Warbler. I know they are enthusiastic early singers, but I don't know that I've observed them previously to sing vigorously at this point in the winter season. Thought it kind of odd... > The Merlin continues to be seen at the farm near Roaring River. I glimpsed it yesterday as I was trying to recover my falconry Red-tail who had chased a rabbit for literally a half mile before catching it in a thicket and subsequently gorged til full. Although it has been somewhat unpredictable, it tends to be seen more often in the afternoon.  > Eric Harrold > Hays, NC -- Dwayne ************* Dwayne Martin Hickory, NC redxbill AT gmail.com http://www.naturalsciences.org/nchummers/   Catawba County Park Ranger Riverbend Park - Conover, NC St. Stephens Park - Hickory, NC jdmartin AT catawbacountync.gov http://www.catawbacountync.gov/depts/parks/ http://www.weatherlink.com/user/riverbendpark http://www.ncbirdingtrail.org/TrailGuide/Guide_CatawbaValley.pdf Subject: RE: Southport CBC and 29th birds From: "Michael Tove" <mtove AT deltaforce.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:31:46 -0500 On Saturday, the group I was with at Ft. Fisher had (highlights) 1-2 Orange-crowned Warblers, Sora (flushed), Am. Bittern, 2 Great Cormorants and 7 Razorbills. I was also surprised at the lack of raptors given how beautiful a day it was. Our group only saw a single N. Harrier though after returning to Southport, Donna Slyce and I found Cooper's Hawk and American Kestrel. However, in a way, the highlight bird of the trip for me was a Barred Owl that Donna spotted perched on a telephone pole across from the church where we had out meeting Friday night. I didn't even have or need my bins. Mike Tove Cary, NC From: Daniel Hueholt [mailto:jasjedi AT bellsouth.net] Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9:59 PM To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Subject: Southport CBC and 29th birds I led trips to Greenfield Lake and other Wilmington spots for the Carolina Bird Club meeting on the 27th and 28th. Day totals were average (67) on the first day and high (91) on the second. Nothing extraordinarily rare was found, but highlights for the first day were Blue-winged Teal (Greenfield Lake), Northern Pintail (Greenfield Lake), Anhinga (Greenfield Lake), Virginia Rail (USS North Carolina memorial), Loggerhead Shrike (USS North Carolina memorial), Cedar Waxwing (96, Oakdale Cemetery), Marsh Wren (USS North Carolina memorial), and Orange-crowned Warbler (USS North Carolina memorial). Highlights on the second day that were also on the first day were Blue-winged Teal, pintail, Anhinga, shrike (this time at the PPD fields), waxwings, and Orange-crowned Warbler. Highlights unique to the second day were Red-breasted Merganser (Mason Inlet), Bald Eagle (PPD fields), American Kestrel (PPD fields), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2, Mason Inlet, thanks to Nate Swick for pointing them out!), Razorbill (4, Mason Inlet), Eurasian Collared-dove (Wrightsville Beach), and Rusty Blackbird (Greenfield Lake). On the 29th we birded Wrightsville Beach with a varying group of birders. First at Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier there was a group of ~20 birders looking for the Pacific Loon with no success, although some found Razorbills (a nice consolation prize). Besides the Razorbills I don't believe anything out of the ordinary was found, although the usual flocks of loons and grebes were nice. 9 of us continued to Masonboro Inlet where we met up with another birder and scanned the jetties and ocean. The Harlequin Ducks were present but horrible lighting made it difficult to find them. The lighting also made it difficult to find anything, although we managed to turn up Great Cormorant in addition to the usual assortment of mergansers, scoters, loons, and Horned Grebes. 8 of us then continued to Mason Inlet in an attempt to relocate Lesser Black-backed Gull, which Irvin Pitts needed for his year list. Our search was unsuccessful, but we did turn up some other good birds, such as Black Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, a huge flock of Tricolored Herons and White Ibises, 12 Red Knots, and an assortment of other shorebirds. Finally, after lunch 5 of us went back to Masonboro Inlet to try to find the Harlequin Ducks again in better light. We were successful and had much better looks at the birds from earlier, especially the ducks. Jeff Click also managed to find Purple Sandpiper on the jetty this time. After parting ways with the other birders, my brother and I stopped by the Oleander Memorial Gardens on our way home. Although we couldn't find anything rare, we had a nice assortment of the common dabbling ducks and many Hooded Mergansers. All in all, a very good meeting! Daniel Hueholt Wilmington, NC Subject: Lake Betz woodcocks From: Edward Owens <banjoman_57 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:15:39 -0800 (PST) If you plan to see/hear the woodcocks at Lake Betz in the Research Triangle Park north of Cary, NC, you might want to go in the morning instead of the evenings. The afternoons are sometimes crowded with walkers and mountain bikers and all that activity was disruptive to the bird that was displaying (or trying to). Saw 2 this morning (and heard a 3rd one). Eddie Owens Cary NC http://birdingatbond.wordpress.com/ Subject: Southport CBC and 29th birds From: "Daniel Hueholt" <jasjedi AT bellsouth.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:59:24 -0500 I led trips to Greenfield Lake and other Wilmington spots for the Carolina Bird Club meeting on the 27th and 28th. Day totals were average (67) on the first day and high (91) on the second. Nothing extraordinarily rare was found, but highlights for the first day were Blue-winged Teal (Greenfield Lake), Northern Pintail (Greenfield Lake), Anhinga (Greenfield Lake), Virginia Rail (USS North Carolina memorial), Loggerhead Shrike (USS North Carolina memorial), Cedar Waxwing (96, Oakdale Cemetery), Marsh Wren (USS North Carolina memorial), and Orange-crowned Warbler (USS North Carolina memorial). Highlights on the second day that were also on the first day were Blue-winged Teal, pintail, Anhinga, shrike (this time at the PPD fields), waxwings, and Orange-crowned Warbler. Highlights unique to the second day were Red-breasted Merganser (Mason Inlet), Bald Eagle (PPD fields), American Kestrel (PPD fields), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2, Mason Inlet, thanks to Nate Swick for pointing them out!), Razorbill (4, Mason Inlet), Eurasian Collared-dove (Wrightsville Beach), and Rusty Blackbird (Greenfield Lake). On the 29th we birded Wrightsville Beach with a varying group of birders. First at Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier there was a group of ~20 birders looking for the Pacific Loon with no success, although some found Razorbills (a nice consolation prize). Besides the Razorbills I don't believe anything out of the ordinary was found, although the usual flocks of loons and grebes were nice. 9 of us continued to Masonboro Inlet where we met up with another birder and scanned the jetties and ocean. The Harlequin Ducks were present but horrible lighting made it difficult to find them. The lighting also made it difficult to find anything, although we managed to turn up Great Cormorant in addition to the usual assortment of mergansers, scoters, loons, and Horned Grebes. 8 of us then continued to Mason Inlet in an attempt to relocate Lesser Black-backed Gull, which Irvin Pitts needed for his year list. Our search was unsuccessful, but we did turn up some other good birds, such as Black Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, a huge flock of Tricolored Herons and White Ibises, 12 Red Knots, and an assortment of other shorebirds. Finally, after lunch 5 of us went back to Masonboro Inlet to try to find the Harlequin Ducks again in better light. We were successful and had much better looks at the birds from earlier, especially the ducks. Jeff Click also managed to find Purple Sandpiper on the jetty this time. After parting ways with the other birders, my brother and I stopped by the Oleander Memorial Gardens on our way home. Although we couldn't find anything rare, we had a nice assortment of the common dabbling ducks and many Hooded Mergansers. All in all, a very good meeting! Daniel Hueholt Wilmington, NC Subject: Re: Singing Pine Warbler, Wilkes Merlin From: Dwayne Martin <redxbill AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:43:31 -0500 Pine Warblers have been singing for about 2 weeks now around Catawba County. On Tuesday, January 31, 2012, Eric Harrold wrote: > Was hiking along the summit of Stone Mtn. State Park today with a friend and heard a singing Pine Warbler. I know they are enthusiastic early singers, but I don't know that I've observed them previously to sing vigorously at this point in the winter season. Thought it kind of odd... > The Merlin continues to be seen at the farm near Roaring River. I glimpsed it yesterday as I was trying to recover my falconry Red-tail who had chased a rabbit for literally a half mile before catching it in a thicket and subsequently gorged til full. Although it has been somewhat unpredictable, it tends to be seen more often in the afternoon. > Eric Harrold > Hays, NC -- Dwayne ************* Dwayne Martin Hickory, NC redxbill AT gmail.com http://www.naturalsciences.org/nchummers/ Catawba County Park Ranger Riverbend Park - Conover, NC St. Stephens Park - Hickory, NC jdmartin AT catawbacountync.gov http://www.catawbacountync.gov/depts/parks/ http://www.weatherlink.com/user/riverbendpark http://www.ncbirdingtrail.org/TrailGuide/Guide_CatawbaValley.pdf Subject: Singing Pine Warbler, Wilkes Merlin From: Eric Harrold <gentilis03 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:24:36 -0800 (PST) Was hiking along the summit of Stone Mtn. State Park today with a friend and heard a singing Pine Warbler. I know they are enthusiastic early singers, but I don't know that I've observed them previously to sing vigorously at this point in the winter season. Thought it kind of odd... The Merlin continues to be seen at the farm near Roaring River. I glimpsed it yesterday as I was trying to recover my falconry Red-tail who had chased a rabbit for literally a half mile before catching it in a thicket and subsequently gorged til full. Although it has been somewhat unpredictable, it tends to be seen more often in the afternoon.  Eric Harrold Hays, NC Subject: Bachman's Sparrows at Holly Shelter Gameland, NC From: "John Fussell" <jfuss AT clis.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:48:23 -0500 Last Friday, I led a field trip into Holly Shelter Gameland, one of the trips for the CBC winter meeting. Our group located 8 Bachman's Sparrows in the vicinity of Lodge Road. All were in areas that had been burned within the last year. Although the sparrows were generally uncooperative in terms of viewing, we did have one that perched in shrubs and provided great looks. We also had Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. We did a lot of walking, but never could find a Henslow's Sparrow. However, we did have Venus flytraps, sundews, butterworts, pitcherplants, and toothache grass, pinebarrens goobergrass, and pinebarrens sandreed. In the afternoon, we checked the ocean at nearby Topsail Island. We had Great Cormorants on the remains of a pier that is about 3.5 miles NE of the fishing pier at Surf City. The remains of the pier are close enough to shore that the cormorants can be seen at close range. John Fussell Morehead City, NC jfuss AT clis.com Subject: McClellanville CBC - 176 species From: Nathan Dias <dias AT crbo.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:47:57 -0500 We tallied 176 species on this winter's McClellanville Christmas Bird Count (CRBO is a sponsoring organization for this CBC). I am not sure if this total will be sufficient to win the "Top CBC East of the Mississippi" title this year. West Pasco, FL and some NC CBCs always present stiff competition. This year our neighbor, the Winyah Bay CBC was a bit off its usual pace... Highlights: Eared Grebe, Common Eider (2), Common Goldeneye, Cans and Redheads, White Pelican (lots), Wood Stork (23!), Green Heron, Wilson's Plover (3), Long-billed Curlew (3), Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Barn Owl, Yellow-throated Warbler (4), Lincoln's Sparrow (2), Rusty Blackbird, House Sparrow Misses: Surf Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, rare puddle ducks, Northern Bobwhite, Common Ground-Dove, Short-eared Owl, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Nelson's Sparrow We also missed re-finding the Rough-legged Hawk I photographed the day before in Cape Romain NWR. So it goes. Special thanks to Captains John Cox, Chris Crolley, and Craig Richard. And to good old SC DNR. --- Nathan Dias Executive Director Cape Romain Bird Observatory http://www.crbo.net/ Subject: February Hobcaw Barony Bird Tour From: Jerry Walls <jwalls443 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:40:22 -0800 (PST) The February guided tour to Hobcaw Barony Plantation/Preserve (near Georgetown, SC) will be on Sat., Feb. 18th, from 8 am to 1 pm. On January's trip, we observed a pair of bald eagles at their nest (from a safe distance in respect for the birds) which will be on our itinerary for the February trip.  We had a total of 5 bald eagles for the January trip.  We missed the 3 red-cockaded woodpeckers in the parking lot that were so accommodating on December's trip!  The trip includes visits to pine forests, deciduous woodlands, brackish marshes, fresh water ponds and includes a stop at a hammock of trees near the Atlantic.  The habitat is diverse as well as the variety of birds (and other wildlife).  Ages 14 and up are welcome as well as photographers and "birders" of all experience levels.  A guide and transportation while on the 17,500 acre preserve are provided.  To reserve your seats (limited & required), please visit www.georgetowncountysc.org or call (843) 545-3333. Hope to see some of you on 2-18.  Good birding to all. Jerry Walls Georgetown County, SC Subject: Power of the Internet Re: Two! Bullock's Orioles in Hemingway, SC From: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:51:44 -0500 The backstory to this is: After I posted the photos of the imm. male Bullock's at Rancho Dias, Jay emailed me privately to ask "Is this a Bullock's Oriole too?" My response was - you bet, congratulations! I urged Jay to submit the birds to eBird, and gave Dennis Forsythe (SC eBird reviewer) a heads-up. I also let Lex know there might be an inland Oriole banding opportunity near Hemingway, and put him in touch with Jay - such wintering Oriole flocks are much less common inland. Apparently Lex hit major paydirt! Thanks to Jay for being such a good + thoughtful host. Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC PS The first Bullock's Oriole I saw in SC was a female bird in the early 90s (1994?) that wintered at Magnolia Gardens. Nowadays Bullock's Orioles are nearly annual winter visitors in SC... On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 2:37 PM, Lex Glover wrote: > Carolina Birders, > > While banding Baltimore orioles at a home in Hemingway, SC, we trapped and > banded two Bullock’s Orioles, an immature male and a female. > >  The homeowner, Jay Chandler, will allow visitors to come see the birds, but > you must contact him and make arrangements for a visit. Please do not give > out his location to others, but rather have them contact him. Jay can be > contacted by email at  jccjr56 AT frontier.com > > He has a couple of pictures of the immature male on the Carolina Bird Club > web site,  in the photo gallery page; > http://www.carolinabirdclub.org/gallery/ > > > Good Birding, > > Lex Glover > > Lugoff, SC > Subject: Two! Bullock's Orioles in Hemingway, SC From: Lex Glover <GloverB AT dnr.sc.gov> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:37:34 -0500 Carolina Birders, While banding Baltimore orioles at a home in Hemingway, SC, we trapped and banded two Bullock's Orioles, an immature male and a female. The homeowner, Jay Chandler, will allow visitors to come see the birds, but you must contact him and make arrangements for a visit. Please do not give out his location to others, but rather have them contact him. Jay can be contacted by email at jccjr56 AT frontier.com He has a couple of pictures of the immature male on the Carolina Bird Club web site, in the photo gallery page; http://www.carolinabirdclub.org/gallery/ Good Birding, Lex Glover Lugoff, SC Subject: Re: FW: eBird Snowy Owl report From: Nate Swick <naswick AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:52:16 -0500 For those waiting with bated breath for additional information on the putative Snowy Owl, I received a response from the observer. He does not self-describe as a "serious" birder, and his response almost perfectly described an adult male Northern Harrier, which seen from below, in the sun, and flashing that facial disc, can definitely appear to be very Snowy Owl-ish to someone who's never seen one before. So birders looking to chase should probably stand down, unless they want a look at a male Northern Harrier, which is a stunning bird I never see enough in the Piedmont anyway. Nathan Swick Chapel Hill, NC On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 8:01 AM, Michael Tove wrote: > It seems that every winter we get reports of Snowy Owls in the most > unusual places (e.g., pine forest) or seen under the most unusual > circumstances (e.g., soaring overhead). Given the magnitude of this year’s > Snowy Owl invasion, it might have been predictable that a bona fide one > would occur but alas, that seems to not be the case. I’ve seen this species > in NC once and VA once. In both cases, the birds were very reliable, > remained in their respective areas for an extended period of time and were > seen by throngs of birders. Any genuine Snowy Owl sighting in NC would very > likely be comparable. One more thing. The NC bird (for those who don’t > remember) was on the beach at Fort Fisher and the VA bird was on top of a > warehouse at some building complex (I don’t remember details any more), > also coastal and essentially treeless.**** > > ** ** > > Mike Tove**** > > Cary, NC **** > > ** ** > > *From:* Nate Swick [mailto:naswick AT gmail.com] > *Sent:* Tuesday, January 31, 2012 6:47 AM > *To:* Jeff Lemons > *Cc:* carolinabirds listserve > *Subject:* Re: eBird Snowy Owl report**** > > ** ** > > I'm waiting for a response from the observer. But I have to admit, the > "soaring just above treetops." line makes me pause. I strongly suspect it > was a pale Red-tailed Hawk, but we'll see. > > If I get any additional information that suggests it's really a Snowy Owl, > I'll be sure to pass that on as soon as I get it. > > Nathan Swick > Chapel Hill, NC**** > > On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 6:30 AM, Jeff Lemons wrote:* > *** > > I saw that there was a Snowy Owl reported in eBird south of > Burlington, NC yesterday. I don't know the observer and there weren't > any plumage details. Anyone know about this possible sighting? > > Jeff Lemons > Charlotte, NC > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: > Date: Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 11:01 PM > Subject: [eBird Alert] Rare Bird Alert for North Carolina > To: > > > *** Species Summary: > > - Snowy Owl (1 report) > > > --------------------------------------------- > Thank you for subscribing to the Rare Bird Alert for North > Carolina. The report below shows observations of rare birds in North > Carolina. View this alert on the web at > http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35561 > NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated > > Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) (1) > - Reported Jan 30, 2012 14:15 by Jon Comer > - South Graham Park, Alamance, North Carolina > - Map: > http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=36.0370445,-79.4066523&ll=36.0370445,-79.4066523 > - Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S9725793 > - Comments: "Very close sighting on perfectly clear day. Soaring just > above treetops. Beautiful." > > *********** > > You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Rare > Bird Alert for North Carolina > > Manage your eBird alert subscriptions: > http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts**** > > > > > -- > blog.aba.org > www.thedrinkingbirdblog.com**** > > ** ** > -- blog.aba.org www.thedrinkingbirdblog.com Subject: FW: eBird Snowy Owl report From: "Michael Tove" <mtove AT deltaforce.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:01:52 -0500 It seems that every winter we get reports of Snowy Owls in the most unusual places (e.g., pine forest) or seen under the most unusual circumstances (e.g., soaring overhead). Given the magnitude of this year's Snowy Owl invasion, it might have been predictable that a bona fide one would occur but alas, that seems to not be the case. I've seen this species in NC once and VA once. In both cases, the birds were very reliable, remained in their respective areas for an extended period of time and were seen by throngs of birders. Any genuine Snowy Owl sighting in NC would very likely be comparable. One more thing. The NC bird (for those who don't remember) was on the beach at Fort Fisher and the VA bird was on top of a warehouse at some building complex (I don't remember details any more), also coastal and essentially treeless. Mike Tove Cary, NC From: Nate Swick [mailto:naswick AT gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 6:47 AM To: Jeff Lemons Cc: carolinabirds listserve Subject: Re: eBird Snowy Owl report I'm waiting for a response from the observer. But I have to admit, the "soaring just above treetops." line makes me pause. I strongly suspect it was a pale Red-tailed Hawk, but we'll see. If I get any additional information that suggests it's really a Snowy Owl, I'll be sure to pass that on as soon as I get it. Nathan Swick Chapel Hill, NC On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 6:30 AM, Jeff Lemons wrote: I saw that there was a Snowy Owl reported in eBird south of Burlington, NC yesterday. I don't know the observer and there weren't any plumage details. Anyone know about this possible sighting? Jeff Lemons Charlotte, NC ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Date: Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 11:01 PM Subject: [eBird Alert] Rare Bird Alert for North Carolina To: *** Species Summary: - Snowy Owl (1 report) --------------------------------------------- Thank you for subscribing to the Rare Bird Alert for North Carolina. The report below shows observations of rare birds in North Carolina. View this alert on the web at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35561 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) (1) - Reported Jan 30, 2012 14:15 by Jon Comer - South Graham Park, Alamance, North Carolina - Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8 &t=p&z=13&q=36.0370445,-79.4066523&ll=36.0370445,-79.4066523 - Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S9725793 - Comments: "Very close sighting on perfectly clear day. Soaring just above treetops. Beautiful." *********** You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Rare Bird Alert for North Carolina Manage your eBird alert subscriptions: http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts -- blog.aba.org www.thedrinkingbirdblog.com Subject: Southport CBC meeting birds From: piephofft AT aol.com Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:24:33 -0500 (EST) Folks, Saturday's all day trip to the Sunset Beach area of Brunswick County produced a couple of notable birds. Two WOOD STORKS were seen briefly in flight by one field trip participant, and the birds were relocated Sunday AM by other birders at the westernmost of the Twin Lakes. The species is dependable at this site in the warmer months but a January occurrence is notable anywhere in the state. A LONG-TAILED DUCK has been present at the east end of Ocean Isle Beach for at least 10 days. It Is hanging with a bufflehead flock just off the beach, about where the last house on the beach is located. this bird was seen Saturday and Sunday. The walk to the Little River Inlet jetties produced little in the way of jetty birds. Two boats with hunters were just outside of the inlet and the scoter flock had been moved east towards the pier, but was too far out to give satisfactory looks. Later, the field trip benefitted from hunter activity as the Ocean Isle WTP had about 250 ducks on two small ponds; the result of hunters just off-property pushing the birds into this facility. Most ducks were ring-necked ducks and both species of scaup, with a small smattering of REDHEADS, at leat one male NORTHERN PINTAIL, and one male BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Taylor Piephoff Charlotte, NC PiephoffT AT aol.com Subject: Re: eBird Snowy Owl report From: Nate Swick <naswick AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:47:03 -0500 I'm waiting for a response from the observer. But I have to admit, the "soaring just above treetops." line makes me pause. I strongly suspect it was a pale Red-tailed Hawk, but we'll see. If I get any additional information that suggests it's really a Snowy Owl, I'll be sure to pass that on as soon as I get it. Nathan Swick Chapel Hill, NC On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 6:30 AM, Jeff Lemons wrote: > I saw that there was a Snowy Owl reported in eBird south of > Burlington, NC yesterday. I don't know the observer and there weren't > any plumage details. Anyone know about this possible sighting? > > Jeff Lemons > Charlotte, NC > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: > Date: Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 11:01 PM > Subject: [eBird Alert] Rare Bird Alert for North Carolina > To: > > > *** Species Summary: > > - Snowy Owl (1 report) > > > --------------------------------------------- > Thank you for subscribing to the Rare Bird Alert for North > Carolina. The report below shows observations of rare birds in North > Carolina. View this alert on the web at > http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35561 > NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated > > Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) (1) > - Reported Jan 30, 2012 14:15 by Jon Comer > - South Graham Park, Alamance, North Carolina > - Map: > http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=36.0370445,-79.4066523&ll=36.0370445,-79.4066523 > - Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S9725793 > - Comments: "Very close sighting on perfectly clear day. Soaring just > above treetops. Beautiful." > > *********** > > You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Rare > Bird Alert for North Carolina > > Manage your eBird alert subscriptions: > http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts > -- blog.aba.org www.thedrinkingbirdblog.com Subject: eBird Snowy Owl report From: Jeff Lemons <birdsalot AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:30:20 -0500 I saw that there was a Snowy Owl reported in eBird south of Burlington, NC yesterday. I don't know the observer and there weren't any plumage details. Anyone know about this possible sighting? Jeff Lemons Charlotte, NC ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Date: Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 11:01 PM Subject: [eBird Alert] Rare Bird Alert for North Carolina To: *** Species Summary: - Snowy Owl (1 report) --------------------------------------------- Thank you for subscribing to the Rare Bird Alert for North Carolina. The report below shows observations of rare birds in North Carolina.  View this alert on the web at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35561 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) (1) - Reported Jan 30, 2012 14:15 by Jon Comer - South Graham Park, Alamance, North Carolina - Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=36.0370445,-79.4066523&ll=36.0370445,-79.4066523 - Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S9725793 - Comments: "Very close sighting on perfectly clear day. Soaring just above treetops. Beautiful." *********** You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Rare Bird Alert for North Carolina Manage your eBird alert subscriptions: http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts Subject: Chapel hill birds From: Ali Iyoob <aliiyoob AT nc.rr.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:06:10 -0500 Hi all, Today walking to class I had a flyover MERLIN, nice surprise but a good year for this species in the piedmont. Also managed to stop by the arboretum, and managed to find a BLUE-HEADED VIREO mixed in with a nice mixed flock that also included a creeper and at least two PALM WARBLERS. Ali Iyoob UNC Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC Subject: Glaucous Gull - Rich Inlet From: Derb Carter <derbc AT selcnc.org> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:16:56 -0500 A first year Glaucous Gull was resting with the large gull flock at Rich Inlet, as seen from the north end of Figure 8 Island yesterday (Sunday). Small flocks and individual Razorbills were scattered all along the beach, some just beyond the breakers. I also had a chance to see the hummingbird visiting Bruce Smithson's feeder, and I am even more convinced that it is a Black-chinned. Derb Carter Chapel Hill, NC Subject: RE: Red-headed Woodpecker and Rusty Blackbirds at LCNP From: scompton1251 AT charter.net Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:20:11 -0500 (EST) Paul and birders, This winter has been very mild, with warm temps and little ice. I've noticed a few differences that I wonder about: only one Goldfinch one only one day at my feeders here near downtown Greenville,SC, Brown Thrasher singing all morning today. Could it be that Rusties have spread out due to the wider range of food sources due to the mild weather? Climate change seen close-up, maybe. Steve Compton > Park (Greenville, SC) on Saturday, Jan 28. > This is the first report of the species at Conestee since the end of > April last year. > > Rusty Blackbirds which were numerous in December and early January > (high count being 500+) have been scarce at Conestee over the past 3 > weeks, often zero or only 1 or 2 birds being reported. > Patti Newell, UGA researcher, says that she has not seen the birds in > Conestee Village where they have congregated in past years to feed on > pecans. > Does anyone have any explanation for the relative absence of Rusty > Blackbirds at Conestee and have other sites shown similar declines? > > Paul Serridge > Greenville, SC > > PS The CBC Winter Meeting this past weekend in Southport, NC was a > great success. Check the CBC website for the species list. Subject: Red-headed Woodpecker and Rusty Blackbirds at LCNP From: Paul Serridge <paulserridge AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:02:25 -0500 Derek Aldrich reported a Red-headed Woodpecker at Lake Conestee Nature Park (Greenville, SC) on Saturday, Jan 28. This is the first report of the species at Conestee since the end of April last year. Rusty Blackbirds which were numerous in December and early January (high count being 500+) have been scarce at Conestee over the past 3 weeks, often zero or only 1 or 2 birds being reported. Patti Newell, UGA researcher, says that she has not seen the birds in Conestee Village where they have congregated in past years to feed on pecans. Does anyone have any explanation for the relative absence of Rusty Blackbirds at Conestee and have other sites shown similar declines? Paul Serridge Greenville, SC PS The CBC Winter Meeting this past weekend in Southport, NC was a great success. Check the CBC website for the species list. Subject: RE: a few Sunday notes... From: <susan AT ncaves.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:43:03 -0700 > the Chapel Hill Rufous hummer is still visiting my friends' house, though quicker visits, and they're convinced he's much warier of people and movement since being banded... still, delighted to have him around. If winter remains mild, how late might they expect him to stay (March???) This male rufous is not likely to stay much longer. Some of the males that have been here this winter have already left. Like our ruby-throataeds, the males arrive early and then leave ahead of the females. This little guy has several feeders to chose from which, unfortunately the hosts cannot see from thier windows. I caught him on the back deck when I viisted a few weeks ago. He was in heavy molt then so I figured he'd be around for at least a few more weeks. He was sporting adult tail feathers so was a cinch to confirm as a rufous. Although the home is in a busy part of Chapel Hill, there is a nice (probably buggy) pasture and woodland adjacent to the property. Very good habitat for many birds, not just thier tiniest winter guest. Only a month until the first returning ruby-throated hummingbirds will be touching down on this side of the Gulf... Susan Campbell Whsiepring Pines, NC Subject: Re: Curlew Sandpiper? From: Thierry Besançon <thi.besancon AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:12:54 -0500 Hi, Being quite familiar with the Curlew Sandpiper (I have seen hundreds of them in France and elsewhere in Europe during spring and fall migration), this bird is definitely not a Curlew Sandpiper in my opinion. The bill is too thick, the general shape appears too compact and the bird does not seem very leggy. Finally, the white supercilium which is usually prominent on the Curlew Sandpiper is not visible on this bird. The presence of black spots on the flanks also excludes the Curlew Sandpiper. No mystery, this birds really looks like a Dunlin... Thierry Besancon Raleigh, NC Subject: RE: Curlew Sandpiper? From: "Michael Tove" <mtove AT deltaforce.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:34:11 -0500 I agree. Also, Curlew Sandpiper's bill is thinner than the mystery bird, and the neck/upper chest is not dark. Finally, if the bird was seen in flight - even at great distance, the white rump should have been evident. I think the bird looks more like a Dunlin than anything else but even if that is to be debated, I don't think it looks like a Curlew Sandpiper. Not to mention that the probability of a Curlew Sandpiper occurring anywhere in North America, much less NC during winter would be astronomically small. Clear physical evidence of a white rump would be a mandatory minimum requirement. Mike Tove From: Jacob Socolar [mailto:jacob.socolar AT gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 3:25 PM To: carolinabirds Subject: Re: Curlew Sandpiper? I can't get a handle on this bird's structure from the photos, but a few plumage characters seem a little off for Curlew Sandpiper. I don't think a winter Curlew Sandpiper should show spots/streaking down the flanks, and it should definitely show a prominent white supercilium, especially in front of the eye. Despite the lighting, I'd think that would have shown up in at least one of the images (?) I'll be interested in what others have to say. Good birding Jacob Socolar Subject: Iceland and other gulls, Myrtle Beach From: Chris Hill <Chill AT coastal.edu> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:37:02 -0500 Short walk on the beach this morning at 9:15 produced two gull flocks. One was all Ring-bills. The other, though, had all four common species plus three Lesser-black-backs and one Iceland. I don't know if individual gulls use the same spots on the beach each day, but if so, that spot, on the beach at 24th Ave. North, might be worth a look early morning or late afternoon. This seems to have been a good winter locally for white-winged gulls. I've had as many as three (two glaucous, one iceland) in sight at one time at the dump, and Ian Davies had two icelands there. CH ************************************************************************ Christopher E. Hill Biology Department Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC 29528-1954 843-349-2567 chill AT coastal.edu http://ww2.coastal.edu/chill/chill.htm Subject: Raleigh Parks Program: Birds Workshops with John Gerwin From: Lena Gallitano <lbg AT ncsu.edu> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:12:06 -0500 Hello all, This park program is being offered at the Walnut Creek Wetlands Center and I thought it might be of interest. Lena Gallitano Raleigh, NC *Wetland Birds* January 19, 2012, Thursday 9:30-11:00 am #117690 March 1, 2012, Thursday 9:30-11:00 am #117691 April 12, 2012, Thursday 9:30-11:00 am #117692 February 11, 2012, Saturday 9:30-11:00 am #117693 March 17, 2012, Saturday 9:30-11:00 am #117694 April 28, 2012, Saturday 9:30-11:00 am #117695 Fee: $8 adults and children ages 7 or older Join local expert *John Gerwin* to learn how to observe, appreciate and identify birds common to our area. At age 9, John got hooked on bird-watching when his older sister taught him to identify 10 common birds in his neighborhood. Now, John works as a Research Scientist and Curator of Birds at the Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. For 23 years, John has enjoyed giving a variety of public programs to widely diverse audiences, from 2nd graders to senior citizens. He speaks fluent Spanish as well! We hope you’ll come join us at the Center to learn a bit about “what makes a bird a bird” and how to enjoy watching them. Binoculars and instructions on how to use them will be provided. This program is for beginner or intermediate birders. Registration is required four days prior to the program. Workshop can be used for EE Certification hours (Criteria II or III). To register or find out more about these programs, please contact the Center at 919-831-1960 or register online at *Reclink.raleighnc.gov* Subject: Re: a few Sunday notes... From: Edward Owens <banjoman_57 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:57:36 -0800 (PST) I've had more Red-wings in my suburban backyard this winter than in past years. It has been strange to see them land on my feeders or in the yard. Frequent small flocks of them over in Bond Park, too, which is quite suburban.  Eddie Owens Cary NC ________________________________ From: Rob G. To: carolinabirds AT duke.edu Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 4:50 PM Subject: a few Sunday notes... didn't see much of interest in several short stops this afternoon, but on way home near front of Horace Williams Tract (Carolina North) did encounter a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers; a good omen for the coming week! (they're probably always on the tract but a long time since I last saw them -- also nice to notice how very little white they flashed in their escape flight from me ;-)) the Chapel Hill Rufous hummer is still visiting my friends' house, though quicker visits, and they're convinced he's much warier of people and movement since being banded... still, delighted to have him around. If winter remains mild, how late might they expect him to stay (March???) Oddly (to me) they've also had a male Red-winged Blackbird and couple of females show up in their yard & feeder the last 2 wks. -- they're near a creek but otherwise in a residential neighborhood not far off MLK Blvd., and not a locale I'd have expected RWBL to be, or do others get them in their backyards... -- Rob Gluck....... Chapel Hill, NC........... Subject: a few Sunday notes... From: Rob G. <thrush AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:50:34 +0000 didn't see much of interest in several short stops this afternoon, but on way home near front of Horace Williams Tract (Carolina North) did encounter a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers; a good omen for the coming week! (they're probably always on the tract but a long time since I last saw them -- also nice to notice how very little white they flashed in their escape flight from me ;-)) the Chapel Hill Rufous hummer is still visiting my friends' house, though quicker visits, and they're convinced he's much warier of people and movement since being banded... still, delighted to have him around. If winter remains mild, how late might they expect him to stay (March???) Oddly (to me) they've also had a male Red-winged Blackbird and couple of females show up in their yard & feeder the last 2 wks. -- they're near a creek but otherwise in a residential neighborhood not far off MLK Blvd., and not a locale I'd have expected RWBL to be, or do others get them in their backyards... -- Rob Gluck....... Chapel Hill, NC........... Subject: Magnolia Gardens, Jan 29, 2012 From: "Ann Truesdale" <anntrue AT mindspring.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:50:05 -0500 This was the day of the Hermit Thrush -- so many that we were discussing renaming them "Sociable Thrushes." Nothing reclusive about them today, with 12 counted, and almost all seen clearly. Other good birds were a cooperative Black-and-White Warbler and two distinct White-eyed Vireos (one was much more yellow underneath than the other.) The Vireos treated us to a song, and a couple of Pine Warblers also sang. Plenty of ducks in the Audubon swamp, although Perry reported none by the river. Also in the swamp, we saw 3 Red-shouldered Hawks together in the top of a tree in a bit of a territorial dispute. And the finale we have come to expect, Bald Eagles while we were doing the checklist. Ann Truesdale anntrue AT mindspring.com Meggett, SC ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 4:31 PM Subject: eBird Report - Magnolia Gardens, Jan 29, 2012 > Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, US-SC > Jan 29, 2012 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM > Protocol: Traveling > 1.5 mile(s) > Comments: Sunday birdwalk beginning at 8:30 am with Perry Nugent. From main parking > lot to Audubon Swamp and back. Perry scouts the river impoundments from 8 - 8:30 am. > 61 species > > Wood Duck 3 > Gadwall 80 > American Wigeon 6 > Blue-winged Teal 150 > Green-winged Teal 50 > Hooded Merganser 2 > Pied-billed Grebe 6 > Double-crested Cormorant 2 in river impoundments > Anhinga 1 > Great Blue Heron 8 on nests in rookery > Great Egret 6 > Snowy Egret 2 in river impoundments > Tricolored Heron 2 in river impoundments > White Ibis 52 > Black Vulture 4 > Turkey Vulture 10 > Osprey 1 in river impoundments > Bald Eagle 2 > Northern Harrier 2 > Cooper's Hawk 1 > Red-shouldered Hawk 3 > Virginia Rail 2 in river impoundments > Sora 2 in river impoundments > Common Gallinule 30 in river impoundments > American Coot 60 in river impoundments > Ring-billed Gull 100 in river impoundments > Mourning Dove 12 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 15 > Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5 > Downy Woodpecker 6 > Northern Flicker 3 > Pileated Woodpecker 1 > Eastern Phoebe 2 > White-eyed Vireo 2 > Blue Jay 3 > American Crow 20 > Fish Crow 10 > Tree Swallow 50 > Carolina Chickadee 40 > Tufted Titmouse 20 > Carolina Wren 15 > Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 > Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 > Eastern Bluebird 3 > Hermit Thrush 12 > American Robin 20 > Northern Mockingbird 3 > Black-and-white Warbler 1 > Orange-crowned Warbler 1 > Pine Warbler 2 > Yellow-rumped Warbler 70 > Chipping Sparrow 100 > Song Sparrow 2 > Swamp Sparrow 3 > White-throated Sparrow 50 > Northern Cardinal 30 > Red-winged Blackbird 20 > Common Grackle 20 > Boat-tailed Grackle 5 in river impoundments > House Finch 25 > American Goldfinch 1 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) > Subject: Finally - 400th life bird From: Blayne & Anne <bolsen187 AT frontier.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:18:14 +0000 (UTC) I finally hit and went over my 400th life bird at the CBC meeting in Southport. A big thank you goes to Mike McCloy for leading the trip on which I met that goal. My 400th bird was the Sedge Wren that we saw at Fort Fisher. I and others in our group had really good views of the wren. I ended up with 8 life birds on that trip and now have a total of 403! Blayne and I wish to add our thanks to the Cape Fear Audubon Society and everyone else who helped put on a great meeting. Anne Anne & Blayne Olsen Subject: Fwd: Subdivision Hunting - video of property From: poco211 AT embarqmail.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:50:36 -0500 attached are videos of my properpty and area where hunters hide...one is in HD ... you might have to copy and paste links into address bar...this posting is in relation to my yesterday posting. Ginny Gillam - Edenton, NC Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Android-powered phone -------- Original message -------- Subject: video From: Gillam G To: G Gillam CC: video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5gVoe09nt8&feature=player_profilepage normal http://youtu.be/V5gVoe09nt8?hd=1 HD Subject: Pacific Loon and others From: "Ron" <waxwing AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:31:19 -0500 I stopped by Johnny Mercer's Pier early Thursday on the way to the Southport CBC meeting. There were 300-350 birds in the ocean, including 200-250 loons, mostly common. After much looking, I found an adult Pacific loon. Luckily it was near others so I could get the size. It had the dark back and chin strap. Also, 42 horned grebes, red-breasted mergansers, one razorbill, black scoters, 28 Bonaparte's ( I hopelessly looked for a little gull ), and others. On Friday, most of these birds had moved on. Plus, drizzle and serious winds. What a difference one day can make. The two long-tailed ducks were at the Fort Fisher gazebo on Thursday afternoon, along with 7 black scoters, one white-winged scoter, 72 buffleheads, and 15-20 loons. Two great cormorants were on the two single poles in the ocean in Carolina Beach. This was at the intersection of Ocean Blvd and Lake Park Blvd ( Hwy 421 ), just a few blocks before Kure Beach starts. Ron Clark Subject: Bond Park From: banjoman <banjoman_57 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:09:39 -0500 There were 4 Rusty Blackbirds at the beaver pond & some redwings. 3 barred owls, 1 fish crow, brown creeper, hermit thrush, sapsucker, & other nice birds this morning. 41 species in 2 hrs. Eddie Owens Cary NC Sent from my iPod Subject: Re: Hunting Waterfowl near Subdivisions From: Kevin Metcalf <skermetcalf AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:32:48 -0500 At least here in Mecklenburg County (and this may be a State ordinance?) I believe that you cannot hunt with a shotgun within 500 ft. of a residence (other firearms are more like 900 ft.). I would contact your local North Carolina Wildlife Commission officers and find out what the law is. Kevin Metcalf Huntersville, NC On Jan 28, 2012, at 6:22 PM, Gin Gillam wrote: > Hi Birders: > > I live on a farm pond within the city limits of Edenton, NC that > numerous waterfowl frequent all year long. Mid-way of the pond the > city limits stops but our subdivision common area over laps further > out into the pond and even covers some of the land mass. I have > lived here for over 10 years and during this time there have been > hunters lurking about hoping to kill the Canada geese or even the > few ducks that visit. The problem is, it is just too close for > comfort to feel safe. Should we the homeowners be forced to hide > inside or board up our windows just because someone feels they are > entitled to hunt nearby for whatever reason? We thought we had an > understanding with the land-owner that all hunting would take place > along the creek which is well out of site of our neighborhood. > > I have read about a few townships with ordinances to prevent this > type of hunting. I would like to see this implemented here and hope > I have the ball rolling faster with my letter to the editor of our > local paper. > > I am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and if people can hunt > with consideration and responsibility then that is not a problem > but hunting within 100' or less of homes is scary! > > So, if anyone has experience with this issue I would certainly > appreciate some words of advice. You can email me & thanks! > > Fellow birder, > > Ginny Gillam Subject: Huntington Beach State Park jetty From: Stephen Thomas <stype AT sccoast.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:16:58 -0500 I’m listing the notables at Huntington Beach State Park from the north parking lot to the jetty Saturday, January 28. The day was warm and sunny, what TV weather people call “wonderful,” and the birders call, “Aw, shucks.” Numerous Red-throated Loons and Horned Grebes in the ocean Common Loons only in and around the inlet channel. One Razorbill in the channel, swimming right next to the jetty at first, but it swam away while we were there, out to the open ocean. One Purple Sandpiper on the jetty on the north side of the inlet channel, in the company of a large mixed shorebird flock - apparently mostly Dunlin and Semipalmated Plovers, with some Ruddy Turnstones. This is sort of a weak echo of recent reports from the more northernly Carolina coasts. The only duck we saw was one Red-breasted Merganser. There was a boat with a couple of guys in camo floating amidst the low rocks on the north side of the inlet along with a raft of decoys. There was no shooting (nothing to shoot at), and the people might have been photographers, but we wondered if their presence accounted for the absence of waterfowl and of the recently reported Great Cormorant. -- Stephen Thomas Aynor, SC