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2 Sep Early House Wren? [Tom Palmer ] 1 Sep Sanibel Lighthouse [Vincent McGrath ] 1 Sep Short-tailed Hawk in Hialeah [Paul Bithorn ] 31 Aug DUNEDIN CAUSEWAY & HAMMOCK ["Murray Gardler" ] 31 Aug Re: Florida Trip Report [Mike King ] 30 Aug Florida Trip Report ["Mike" ] 30 Aug TAS Sod Farm Field Trip - Saturday, August 28, 2010 [Paul Bithorn ] 30 Aug Re: Reporting Banded Western Sandpiper [] 29 Aug 2010: The Year We Make Shorebird Contact - Photos ["Roberto Torres" ] 29 Aug 2010: The Year We Make Shorebird Contact ["Roberto Torres" ] 10 Aug INVITE: The 3nd Great Himalayan Bird Count, Winter of 2010 in Garhwal Himalayas ["Prateek" ] 9 Aug Birding the PB/Hendry Co Sod Farms [Vincent McGrath ] 9 Aug DUNEDIN CAUSEWAY & HAMMOCK; FRED HOWARD PARK ["Murray Gardler" ] 02 Aug Notice [Anne Bellenger ] 2 Aug Fred Howard Park ["Murray Gardler" ] 25 Jul Monterey Bay Birding Festival, Sept. 23-26, 2010 ["montereybaybirding" ] 24 Jul kilos of killdeers [Tom Palmer ] 21 Jul Snail Kite [Tom Palmer ] 20 Jul Hey ..Good luck! 3--( [jason frederick ] 19 Jul Swallowtail Kites ["jmustgtj" ] 09 Jul Smooth-billed Ani Big Pine Key and other sightings [Larry Manfredi ] 05 Jul tagged Eurasian Collared Dove [John Epler ] 25 Jun Photos from Lakeland's Circle B Bar Reserve [Fred ] 23 Jun Fwd: [BRDBRAIN] Florida Ornithological Society [David Goodwin ] 20 Jun Attu trip report and photos [John Puschock ] 20 Jun NC White-faced Storm-Petrel trips ["dotrobbins AT juno.com" ] 03 Jun La Sagra's Flycatcher Key Largo Monroe County [Larry Manfredi ] 18 May Bahama Mockingbird - NO [Ralph Pike ] 16 May Bahama Mockingbird ["Murray Gardler" ] 13 May RFI- buildings with nesting seabirds and shorebirds in Florida ["Charlie Ewell" ] 9 May FOS Swallow-tailed Kite [] 9 Apr FW: Birds Rock! Video to Promote Conservation Birding [Steve Holmer ] 04 May eBird and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill [David Simpson ] 3 May DICKCISSEL & WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER ["Murray Gardler" ] 28 Apr Shiny Cowbird ["Murray Gardler" ] 26 Apr Fallout like day at Sanibel Lighthouse [Vincent McGrath ] 26 Apr Snail Kite is out [Tom Palmer ] 26 Apr Dry Tortugas [Wes Biggs ] 12 Apr FT ZACHARY TAYLOR; KEY WEST, FL ["Murray Gardler" ] 12 Apr Aplomado Falcons in Florida [Tom Palmer ] 11 Apr GREAT HIMALAYAN BIRD COUNT TEAM DOES IT ONCE AGAIN !! ["Prateek" ] 8 Apr FT, Island (Citrus County) ["Murray Gardler" ] 08 Apr Dry Tortugas [Wes Biggs ] 08 Apr Dry Tortugas birding tour [Wes Biggs ] 6 Apr FT DESOTO ["Murray Gardler" ] 04 Apr Three more Bar-tailed Godwit photos [Larry Manfredi ] 2 Apr Bar-tailed Godwit Still There ["Roberto Torres" ] 1 Apr DUNEDIN CAUSEWAY & HAMMOCK ["Murray Gardler" ] 31 Mar Goldfinches have arrived in Oviedo ["Jack Rogers" ] 29 Mar Florida Fall Migration Hot Spot Tour [David Simpson ] 29 Mar Orlando Area RFI ["themrbubby00mjf" ] 27 Mar Townsend's Warbler, Bill Sadowski Park, Miami-Dade County ["Roberto Torres" ] 25 Mar Whip-poor-will duet in my yard [Tom Palmer ] 24 Mar Jan trip to florida ["Joan Chasan" ] 22 Mar LOGGERHEAD KINGBIRD ["Murray Gardler" ] 22 Mar May 15, 2008 FL Pelagic ["Murray Gardler" ] 16 Mar Article on Greenwood Eagles [Andrew Boyle ] 14 Mar Bald Eagle Chicks [Andrew Boyle ] 14 Mar Offshore Miami Pelagic Trip, Saturday, May 22 [] 14 Mar Bald Eagle Nest in Orlando: Gone [Andrew Boyle ] 08 Mar Miami_ Dade County ["Nikki" ] 08 Mar Miami_ Dade County ["Nikki" ] 5 Mar Broad-winged Hawk on Sanibel [Vincent McGrath ] 24 Feb Introduction to Florida ["Nikki" ] 19 Feb Some Lucky Reddish Egret Photos from Ft De Soto [Fred ] 17 Feb Re: bill pranty book [David Goodwin ] 16 Feb bill pranty book ["Joan Chasan" ] 13 Feb Re: Dunnellon Whooping Crane Flyover 1/19/2010 [Fred ] 12 Feb Partial albino American Robin [Tom Palmer ] 11 Feb Baltimore Oriole Merritt Isalnd [] 8 Feb RFI: Abaco Island, Bahamas [David Mako ] 04 Feb Indian Birder - New post - The babbler chick who lost its way ["birding_passion" ] 01 Feb Help with South Florida Birding ["fmocso" ] 30 Jan Masked Duck and Harlequin Duck [Ralph Pike ] 28 Jan Reducing aircraft-wildlife strikes at airports [Matt Kennedy ] 28 Jan FOS- [Cheryl Ann Griffin ] Subject: Early House Wren? From: Tom Palmer <tomp47 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 08:29:06 -0700 (PDT) Dear all,, I could swear I heard a House Wren fussing in the hedge next to my front yard shortly after dawn this morning and had to leave before I had time to investigate. Seems early.  Tom Palmer Winter Haven Follow my environmental musings at www.lakebluescrub.blogspot.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sanibel Lighthouse From: Vincent McGrath <McAvian AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 19:42:59 -0400 Starting September slow but alive, the skies have good numbers of Barn Swallows and Purple Martins, 3 Eastern Kingbirds, a Chuck Will's Widow in the hammock trail. The bay is whipped up and hordes of Sandwich Terms taking advantage, small flocks of E collared Doves on the wires and treetops, still most notable is the absence of birds. Better days ahead, guaranteed!! Mcavian AT aol.com Vince McGrath Fort Myers, Fl Subject: Short-tailed Hawk in Hialeah From: Paul Bithorn <pblifeisgood AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 15:22:11 -0400 While driving into work this morning, I sighted my FOS dark morph Short-tailed Hawk soaring across W. 12th Avenue at W. 41st St.in Hialeah. A few winter in the Hialeah/Miami Lakes area every year. Two items I left off of the TAS Sod Farm post was an early Sora west of US 27 in Palm Beach County walking on Swamp Lettuce and a nice flock of Bobolinks near the Black Rail that Brian Rapoza, with GPS coordinates from Will Domke, posted directions to at the top of the Birdboard in the TAS Weekly Rare Bird Update as follows: Black Rail US 27, Everglades Agricultural Area, Palm Beach County: Reported August 28 (TAS BirdBoard) Directions: Several rails were heard, but not seen, in an overgrown field, bordered by sugercane, on the east side of US 27 (GPS coordinates: N26 29.622 W80 39.587). The field is about 1 mile south of a radio tower on the west side of the highway. The radio tower is 14.4 miles north of the Broward/Palm Beach county line or 7.5 miles south of CR 827. A bridge at the radio tower crosses the canal on the east side of US 27; other bridges cross the canal south of the overgrown field. GPS coordinates were provided by Wil Domke. Life is good...................great Marlin 1-0 win last night!Going to the Marlin's ballgame tonight and Canes game tomorrow night with son, Nick. Look for a little chin music for National's centerfielder, Nyjer Morgan, for lowering the boom on Marlin catcher, Brett Hayes in the 10th inning. Reminiscent of the Pete Rose/Ray Fosse collision in the 1970 Major League All-Star Game. One difference-Hayes held onto the ball and inspired his teammates with his grit in a walk-off win in the bottom of the 10th! Birds, Brett, Baseball and Beer - a winning combination! Paul Bithorn Virginia Gardens, Florida Miami-Dade County Home of the Miami Hurricanes! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: DUNEDIN CAUSEWAY & HAMMOCK From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:04:39 -0400 Causeway highlights; American Oystercatcher 1(picture) Semipalmated Plover 75 Marbled Godwit 3 Calidris sandpipers! 0 Hammock; Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 Screech Owl 1-2 Kentucky Warbler 1 Hooded Warbler 1 Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Florida Trip Report From: Mike King <birder AT blueyonder.co.uk> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:22:14 +0100 Hi Wes many thanks for that: I put my hands up to the Monarch, but quite happy because Florida Viceroy is a tick for me :-) The Crescent I was misled by a FLA birder who insisted it was a Common, even though I pointed out it was not in my guide book. The snake was again misinformation from the couple that found it, again I don't mind because it's a snake tick anyway. The dates were governed by NASA I'm afraid, when I contacted them they, quite unreasonably I might add, wouldn't change the launch date of the Shuttle!! I'll reply to the group to so I don't get lots of the same corrections Best Regards Mike The Gloster Birder www.birder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk On 31 August 2010 02:58, Wes Biggs wrote: > > Hi Mile, > > Thanks for posting your trip results. Somehow I missed your RFI this past > spring, but I was out of town & out of the country quite a bit. > > I don't mean to be a nitpicker, but I figured that you would want to know > about the photos that you have misidentified. > > 1 Your Monarch is in fact a Florida Admiral, also known as the Florida > Viceroy, (Limenitis archippus floridensis). The black post median band > across the hind wings is the key identifier. I wouldn't think that a Brit > would mix up royalty like that . :-) > > 2 There is no North American species that I know of named Common Crescent. > Your photo is a Phaon Crescent, ( Phyciodes phaon) identified by the cream > colored band across the middle of the forewings. > > 3 Your Cottonmouth is in fact a Banded Water Snake, Nerodia fasciata > fasciata. The Cottonmouth is a pit viper. Pit vipers have heat sensor pits > between the eye & nose, & elliptical pupils. Your snake does not have pits, > & has round pupils. > > The fact that Fort De Soto is your favorite fort tells me that you've not > been to the Dry Tortugas. I'll be sending you some information about my > birding tours there next spring. You're correct in stating that April is > better than May, but if May 12th had been your last day instead of you first > you would have done much better, but you needed to be in South Florida > anyhow. > > Wes Biggs > Orlando > > > > Mike wrote: > >> >> Hi all >> >> a belated thanks to all that offered advice on our 4th visit to FLA in >> May. A Trip Report is here >> http://www.birder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Florida%200510.htm Hope you enjoy >> it as much as we enjoyed our visit, and if I've got anything wrong don't >> spare my blushes. >> >> Best Regards >> Mike & Bridgette King >> The Gloster Birder www.birder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> >> > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ FlaBirding - Florida and Bahama Birding website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ Unsubscribe, mail to: FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-nomail AT yahoogroups.com Resume from Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-normal AT yahoogroups.comYahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: FlaBirding-digest AT yahoogroups.com FlaBirding-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Florida Trip Report From: "Mike" <birder AT blueyonder.co.uk> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:42:38 +0100 Hi all a belated thanks to all that offered advice on our 4th visit to FLA in May. A Trip Report is here http://www.birder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Florida%200510.htm Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed our visit, and if I've got anything wrong don't spare my blushes. Best Regards Mike & Bridgette King The Gloster Birder www.birder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: TAS Sod Farm Field Trip - Saturday, August 28, 2010 From: Paul Bithorn <pblifeisgood AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:07:40 -0400 The Tropical Audubon Society field trip on Saturday, August 28, 2010, to the sod farms and agricultural areas in Palm Beach and Hendry Counties, offered twenty-seven birders a mixture of lifebirds, yearbirds and beerbirds. The temperatures were in the mid 80's and a light breeze and overcast skies kept us quite comfortable. Our first stop, the Holeyland/Rotenberger W.M.A., produced a nice mix of species. We stopped at the water control structure west of the Chinese Fan Palm nursery and found Prairie and Yellow-throated Warblers, Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Ovenbird and Northern Waterthrush, along with White-eyed Vireo, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, Great-crested Flycatcher and Eastern Kingbirds. Red-shouldered Hawk, Osprey, Bank and Barn Swallows and Yellow Warbler, were seen on the drive in and out. Returning to US 27, we checked several sod farms east of the canal and were treated to at least two, maybe three, Black Rails calling to each other in the low coppice bordering the sod. Belted Kingfisher, Purple Martin, Rough-winged, Bank and Barn Swallows were seen on power-lines as we drove north along the canal. We continued north to a small rock-pit west of US 27 that offered scope views of a Least Bittern along with Black Terns, a Yellow-crowned night-Heron and yet another Yellow Warbler. We pressed on to the Cypress Stand on Miami Canal, where three Barn Owls, Eastern Kingbirds, Yellow Warblers and White-eyed Vireos enthralled our eclectic group of birders. After a hardy lunch in Clewiston, we hit SR 880 and headed to Brown's Farm Road. We crossed the first bridge and found fallow fields with nary a shorebird. Kevin Sarsfield, Andy Bankert, Rock Jetty, Judd Patterson and Tito, along with the 2010: The Year We Make Contact team of Toe, Bill Boeringer, Trey Mitchell, assisted by Angel and Mariel Abreu, Vince Lucas and Jose Padilla, all kept us informed via cell phones, as to where the shorebirds were congregating. I failed to mention that by 2:00 p.m. I had the surreal experience of not yet seeing a single shorebird. We spotted Toe's group birding the first sod fields on 880 just east of the Brown's Farm turnoff. We soon were scoping Upland Sandpipers several hundred yards out, along with a large flock of Pectoral Sandpipers and a smattering of Kildeer in the field immediately in front of us. Our caravan headed to Sam Center Road, where several small puddles had feeding Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers, a White-rumped Sandpiper, Black-necked Stilts and a Wilson's Phalarope, our best shorebird of the day. Just to the east of Sam Center Road were the only fields with any decent amount of water that we could find, adding Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Short-billed Dowitcher, Solitary Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper and Black-bellied Plover, Mottled and Fulvous Whistling Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Roseate Spoonbils and Glossy Ibis. A quick stop at Gladeview Road produced Gull-billed Terns and Laughing Gulls. On the trip back to Miami, the King Ranch Sod Farms along US 27 harbored Pectoral Sandpipers, Killdeer and Black-bellied Plovers. We called it a day with a respectable 85 total species, including 8 warbler and 15 shorebird species. Kudos to all of the birders, who turned our shorebird famine into quite a feast! Life is good............ as we hoisted our celebratory libation of Shiner Bock, a tasty dark beer from Spoetzl Brewery, known as the "little brewery in Shiner", Texas. Paul Bithorn Virginia Gardens, Florida pbithorn AT plumbers519.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Reporting Banded Western Sandpiper From: anhinga42 AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:08:26 +0000 Vince and All, You can report shorebirds on the http://bandedbirds.org website. We saw that individual during a Lee County Bird Patrol field trip on Saturday, 14 August, and reported it to the above website. It was seen a few days prior as well by a member of the trip. That is cool that it has been seen and can be reported again! We did not see a banded Wilson's Plover, but did have a Piping Plover that was banded. Charlie Ewell Cape Coral, FL Anhinga42 AT comcast.net Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T -----Original Message----- From: Vincent P Lucas Sender: FlaBirding AT yahoogroups.com Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:15:26 To: Cc: Flabirding Subject: [FlaBirding] Reporting Banded Western Sandpiper All: Last Saturday, Roberto Torres, Trey Mitchell, Bill Boeringer, Jose Padilla, Angel & Mariel (Last name?) and I did a "Big Shorebird Day" reaching 26 or 27 species as reported by Roberto (Toe). At Bunche Beach in Fort Myers, Toe photographed a banded Western Sandpiper. You can see the photo here: http://www.photographwildlife.com/photographwildlife/images/toe/2010shorebirdday/ Scroll down once on that page. The photo shows the WESA with a red band at the top of both legs, a cream or yellowish band on the lower right leg, and a silver on the lower left. Does anyone know where this bird was banded or where to report it? We also saw a banded Wilson's Plover at Bunche Beach but the photo of ii was lost unfortunately. That one was probably banded locally at Sanibel Island or somewhere nearby but that's only a guess. Would anyone with any information about reporting banded shorebirds please post here on the listserv so that others might also know that information. Thanks. Vincent Lucas Naples, FL vplucas AT comcast.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 2010: The Year We Make Shorebird Contact - Photos From: "Roberto Torres" <rtorres AT tnc.org> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:16:56 -0400 Trey did me the huge favor of cleaning up the better photos and putting them on a web page. In addition to many of the photos that didn't make the cut, I messed up and deleted some photos that I wanted to keep, but many were still salvaged. Although the photos aren't great, at least they work as ID shots. I would have loved to get a closer shot of the Phalarope, since this is was my favorite bird of the day, but I didn't want to risk spooking it from its tiny pond with so many other folks that were on their way to see it. Here's the link to the photos: http://www.photographwildlife.com/photographwildlife/images/toe/2010shorebirdday/ Roberto Miami-Dade rtorres AT tnc.org Subject: 2010: The Year We Make Shorebird Contact From: "Roberto Torres" <rtorres AT tnc.org> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:40:56 -0400 In August, 2001, Bill, Brian, and Paul B. did a big S. FL Shorebird Day, calling it "2001: A Shorebird Odyssey" after the famous science fiction movie. That movie had a sequel titled "2010: The Year We Make Contact." Since this is the year 2010, it's only fitting that we try to surpass the 25 species in one day seen in 2001. Today, Bill, Trey, and I met up with Vince Lucas and Jose Padilla at Bunche Beach to attempt another big shorebird day. Angel and Mariel Abreu joined us a little later in the morning. When we arrived, Vince and Jose had already been there for 1/2 hour and had done a good job scanning the flats being exposed by the outgoing tide. Here we picked up Wilson's Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Piping Plover, Semipalmated Plover, American Oystercatcher, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, an early Dunlin, and a seamingly out-of-place Pectoral Sandpiper. You don't really associate a beach flat with Pectoral. We missed the much hoped-for Long-billed Curlew, but we were doing OK. From here we went to Ft. Myers Beach where we quickly added a Spotted Sandpiper, and a littler farther down the beach Snowy Plover. We missed Red Knot and Whimbrel, but these are by no means a guarantee. We drove back to I-75 by way of Lover's Beach and got closer looks at Oystercatchers, but didn't add anything to our day's list. Still, we were leaving with a respectable 16 species for the morning. We drove east towards the sod farms without finding any places to stop, and found our first Killdeer in the vicinity of the town of Labelle. In South Bay we added Lesser Yellowlegs, and along 827 Semipalmated Sandpiper. Having talked to the folks on the TAS trip, we bypassed Brown's Farm Rd and stopped in the first sod fields on 880 just east of the Brown's Farm turnoff. This is the spot where Brian and I had a bunch of Upland Sandpipers two weeks ago. We quickly found around 15 in the second field looking southeast. They were pretty far away, but scopes gave us diagnostic looks. In the field immediately in front of there about a dozen Pectoral Sandpipers quickly turned into over 100. After the TAS caravan joined us for the Uplands, we doubled back on 880 about a mile to where Angel and Mariel had seen a Solitary Sandpiper and added that to our list. We hit Sam Center Road afterwards and on our first stop, in a field with some tiny puddles, picked up a Wilson's Phalarope (my favorite shorebird!). I was afraid I'd miss this for the year. Just to the east of Sam Center Road were the only fields with any decent amount of water that we or the TAS folks could find. Here we also added Black-necked Stilt, Greater Yellowlegs, Stilt Sandpiper, and Long-billed Dowitcher. We scanned these fields over and over again looking for an Avocet without success. Brian and I has seen a dozen two weeks before a little farther east, but those fields had since dried up and apparently the fields we checked today had none. From here Angel and Mariel went home, and Vince and Jose went to check other areas before heading back home. With word that the fields along Gladeview Rd had not produced anything, and with a little more than 2 hours of light remaining, Bill, Trey and I decided to risk it and head south to Cutler Wetlands in hopes that the Avocets were still there. At 7:19 we pulled up and sure enough were greeted by 3 American Avocets, shorebird #27 for the day. Considering we had no rarities, and a couple of very possible birds for the west coast were missed, we had a shot at 30 for the day. But, we were still very satisfied with the results, and our effort paid off in a big way. I took some ID shots of many of the birds, but a few were just too far for my 300mm lens. And, as is always the case when shorebirding, it seemed that no matter where we stopped we were always looking into the sun. At one point, we were looking into the sun from the east side of a field so we drove to the west side, and, guess what? We were looking into the sun again! I don't know how that happened. Our day's list: Black-bellied Plover Snowy Plover Wilson's Plover Semipalmated Plover Piping Plover Killdeer American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt American Avocet Spotted Sandpiper Solitary Sandpiper Greater Yellowlegs Willet Lesser Yellowlegs Upland Sandpiper Marbled Godwit Ruddy Turnstone Sanderling Semipalmated Sandpiper Western Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Dunlin Stilt Sandpiper Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson's Phalarope I'll post a link to some photos tomorrow. I'm too tired to download the photos tonight. BTW, It was great to see so many faces that I hadn't seen a a long time, even if it was only for brief moment. Congrats to our team members for their heroic effort putting up with the heat, driving, walking, and painstaking squinting into the scopes across flats and fields looking for little brown jobs scurrying about. Shorebirding is hard! An Oskar Blues Old Chub Scotch Ale at Bill's House was the celebratory libation after the trip, but this day deserves two, so a Schneider Aventis Weizen Bock just went down as I typed this. Cheers! Roberto Miami-Dade rtorres AT tnc.org Subject: INVITE: The 3nd Great Himalayan Bird Count, Winter of 2010 in Garhwal Himalayas From: "Prateek" <arch.himalayas AT yahoo.co.in> Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:53:52 -0000 Dear Birdwatchers & Nature Enthusiasts Greetings from the Land of Gods ! I also request you to kindly forward it to all your birding and trekking friends with your strong words of recommendation for this Himalayan outdoors experience. Once again bringing you the good news of our avian conservation initiative now in its third year, creating yet another opportunity for you to contribute by your participation in this now a truly international bird conservation activity. Please go through the details and respond ASAP. The Participation is purely on first come first serve basis, so please hurry to avoid disappointment later. (Friends I am Extremely Sorry, if this turns-out to be a cross-posting as we are doing this in completely good faith and conservation sprits and we also humbly request you to also kindly forward it to your birding friends, news publications, organizations with similar mandate and universities life sciences dept. HOD's for information and awareness) Friends, after the great grand success of our "GREAT HIMALAYAN BIRD COUNTS - 2008 and 2009" where more than 200 birdwatchers, students & conservationists participated from across the country including overseas, we now gladly announce the dates for our 3rd truly international conservation initiative focusing our feathered friends: "The 3rd Great Himalayan Bird Count, Winter of 2010" which is planned on 36 most popular trekking trails situated in the river-valleys of Tons; Yamuna; Bhagirithi; Bhilingna; Ganga; Mandakini and Alaknanda in Garhwal Himalayas including Asan & Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserves in Dehradun & Haridwar districts respectively. The proposed dates for the Bird Count are: 27th to 30th of October, 2010 The bird count will start and finish at Dehradun We propose 16 Groups undertaking 36 different treks of +/- 10 kms each between 27th and 30h October 2010 (Each Group size will be a maximum of 5/6 birders plus 2/3 urban school/college students) plus local village youths, forest-line staff and govt. school students from nearby villages might also join the trails at the respective count destination itself. We are involving & encouraging students' participation; because we at ARCH strongly feel that young minds should start thinking of Conservation involvement as an academic and career pursuit instead of just another creative past-time. This event will be organized with the support of Forest Department, Govt. of Uttarakhand. There will be an Orientation and Debriefing Workshop at Dehradun on the 27th and 30th of October 2010 respectively. The 27th and 30th are also the dates for to-&-fro journey to/from the respective count destinations. Most of the groups will be undertaking two trails during the Count but one or two groups will be undertaking 3-4 trails in the Count. It's a baseline data generation & conservation awareness activity involving young minds. Participants will also enjoy an amazing Bird Photo and Bird Books Exhibition on the 27th October 2010 at the Orientation Workshop Venue at Dehradun. Some count groups will accommodate few local youths from the count area and will provide required orientation & motivation to take-up bird watching as a revenue generation skill by becoming future birding guides in their local area. Some groups are also encouraged to conduct small workshop type interactions with the local village elders to generate a list of vernacular names of the bird species found in different river valleys. They are also expected to document any references occurring in oral folk. This is not a commercial activity, so we expect the participants to share the cost of lodging, Boarding & travel expenses at actuals during the count. The Participation contribution for Four days of dedicated jeep travel, boarding and lodging would come to Rs 3,000/- only. Each participant will get a complimentary participation kit consisting of an event T-Shirt, Cap, Car Stickers, sling pen, Participation Certificate and a Table Momento plus a hard copy of the published report of our 2nd Great Himalayan Bird Count 2009. Your participation will also ensure, that your name will also appear in our hard copy published report of Great Himalayan Bird Count – 2010. During the count modest but comfortable lodging & boarding on sharing basis will be arranged at the FRH, PWD Inspection Bungalows, Tents and even village accommodation at some of the trails during the count. Friends, as most of the trails require some endurance and trekking skills but we also have some very comfortable bird count transacts for our elderly birdwatchers. Friends now you know the dates, so plan your schedules accordingly and kindly let us know of your intention (with your trekking & birding experience of Himalayan bird species) to participate in this wonderful himalayan birding and trekking opportunity at the earliest. Kindly Note: Participants who fail to register before the 30th of August 2010 will have to pay an additional Late Fee of Rs 1,000/- for ensuring their participation in the bird count. Friends the participation is strictly on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS and we can only accommodate maximum of 120 birders / participants only, so you'll have to hurry. Kindly take an early booking initiative to avoid any disappointments later by sending in your Registration Application along with a Demand Draft for Rs 3000/- per person now or Participation Fee Details: Kindly take an early booking initiative to avoid any disappointments later by sending in your Participation Form duly filled along with a Demand Draft for Rs 3000/- now, at the address mentioned below or you can also make an electronic money transfer directly by depositing Rs 3000/- on any branch of Indian Bank in your town/city favoring "ACTION & RESEARCH FOR CONSERVATION IN HIMALAYAS, DEHRADUN" in our bank account. Here are the Bank`s details if you wish to submit your participation fee through net-banking. Bank: Indian Bank, Branch: Astley Hall, Dehradun Account Holder: ACTION & RESEARCH FOR CONSERVATION IN HIMALAYAS Current A/c No. 794568161 IFSC Code: IDIB000D024 MICR Code: 248019002 Address for Courier: Prateek Panwar (Founder Trustee) Action & Research for Conservation in Himalayas MDDA Duplex Villa # 3, Sahastradhara Rd, Dehradun Uttarakhand Tel No: 9412054216 Pl. Note: Participation is only subject to final written confirmation from ARCH office. Each Group size is restricted to 7-9 birders only, so please hurry... On hearing from you we'll furnish you the Count Trails and Registration Details at the outset. Garhwal is a divine place to visit for a truly amazing himalayan birding (it would be mostly Lifers for many of you) & a memorable mountain trekking experience. "Happy Birding and May you have many rare sightings and new records" Regards Prateek Panwar Founder Trustee Action & Research for Conservation in Himalayas MDDA Duplex Villa # 3, Sahastradhara Road, Opp. Petrol Pump, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 INDIA Tel# 9412054216 (0135)2114649 Email: arch.birdcount AT gmail.com IMPORTANT: Participants will be governed by the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 & Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in addition to the other laws of the land. Please Note and Suggest to friends: As an effort to bring our organization on sustainable economic footing we also design & execute special mountain bird watching n trekking camps also on offer are wildlife safaris in Rajaji National Park on request for schools and corporate houses. Please support our cause by visiting our area for a himalayan birding, wildlife and trekking experience. IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: Last Date to Submit Registration Fee: 30th August 2010 Arrival at Dehradun: 27th of Oct 2010 latest by 0900 hrs for the Orientation Actual Count Days: 28th and 29th of October 2010 Debriefing Workshop at Dehradun: Starting at 1430 hrs. on the 30th of Oct 2010 End of all our responsibilities: At 1900 hrs on the 30th of Oct 2010. Recommended Field Guides for this Bird Count exercise: • "A Field Guide to the Birds of India" Authored by: Krys Kazmierczak Illustrated by: Ber Van Perlo • "Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent" Authored by: Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp & Tim Inskipp Published by: Oxford University Press. Pl. Note: You can even place your purchase orders for your field guides or any other bird book(s) at a goodwill gesture discount rate of 5% (facility available against full advance only for our bird count participants) Anticipated Outcome: • This count will act as a benchmark for more future studies in the given area. • This count will involve young intellect with the intention to prepare them as future ambassadors of bird watching and wildlife conservation. PROFILE OF THE ORGANIZERS: "Action & Research for Conservation in Himalayas – ARCH" is established for the beneficial promotion and to save the endangered animal and plant life and their habitats in the country with special emphasis to its avifaunal diversity. India is at the tri junction of three bio-geographical realms. Due to extensive use of chemical manuring, insecticides, pesticides etc, loss of habitat, environmental pollution, and continuous use of drugs such as Diclofinac etc with avifaunal diversity now most threatened in our country. With Himalayan Quail and Pink Headed Duck already feared to be extinct, whereas Jerodn's Courser, Son-Chirya and Spotted Owlet are at the verge of extinction. It is strongly felt that the endangered flora & fauna, especially the birds cannot be saved without active support & efforts of all sections of society. The involvements of various organizations and individuals the world over would be required jointly with the government efforts to conserve the species diversity. "ARCH" is being formed with its primary objectives of strengthening species conservation in India. Some of the pioneering avian conservation programs initiated by ARCH are: • "The Great Himalayan Bird Count" held every year in winter since 2008 where more than 120 bird watchers from all corners of India and overseas along with 500+ rural youth participate to generate a avian base-line population dynamics data from all river valleys of Garhwal Division in Uttarakhand in partnership with Forest Department. • "House Sparrow Nest Box Adoption Program" initiated on the 1st World House Sparrow Day after two years of field trials and then formally launched from the Governor's House on 3rd of May 2010. A bird conservation initiative achieving multiple conservation objectives from a single activity. (1) To provide an safe predator-proof nesting space to a species in distress (2) To involve common people by motivating them to install these nest boxes in their homes and record observations (3) To adopt villages on the periphery and installing nest boxes in the houses without any cost to support remaining populations of house sparrows. • "Khel Khel Mae" A year-round free-of-cost creative expression workshop for the marginalized children of nine villages in Maldevta cluster in Raipur Block in Distt Dehradun since October 2009. • "Arch Conservation Leadership Awards" Given every year for lifetime achievement to people dedicating life to the cause of bird conservation and promoting environmental awareness in India. • "Arch Traveling Bird Photo Exhibition" Our very first 7 days exhibition in Nov 2009 was visited by more than 5000 school & college students at the National Bal Bhawan, New Delhi which was inaugurated by Hon'ble HRD Minister Mr Kapil Sibbal and the concluding ceremony was presided by Mrs Salma Ansari, wife of Hon' able Vice President of India. • "Lets Rediscover The Himalayan Quail Again" Recently launched this decade long internationally important bird conservation initiative involving overseas volunteers, village elders and rural youth from the presumed habitat of this extinct bird which was last seen in 1876. • "Summer Bird Watching Mountain Camps" specially designed to cater to the need for sensitization of urban young minds from niche schools like The DOON SCHOOL and using birds as a medium of inquiry into the natural world. • "Indian Bird Conservation Network" Founder Trustee ARCH has recently been given added responsibility of IBCN-BNHS State Coordinator for Uttarakhand. • "Affiliation with The National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi" as Dehradun Centre. Bal Bhavan is an institution which aims at enhancing the creative potential of children by providing them various activities, opportunities and common platform to interact, experiment, create and perform according to their age, aptitude and ability. It offers a barrier-free environment with immense possibilities of innovation, minus any stress or strain. Bal Bhavan is an autonomous body under the ministry of HRD, Govt of India. www.nationalbalbhavan.nic.in We have also initiated pioneering bird conservation initiatives in Garhwal Himalayas, and are networking with overseas and Indian bird watchers along with responsible and committed citizens for volunteering in our bird conservation initiatives likes : 1- GREAT HIMALAYAN BIRD COUNT held every October/November 2 - LETS REDISCOVER HIMALAYAN QUAIL AGAIN (year round activity) 3 - HOUSE SPARROW NEST BOX ADOPTION PROGRAM 4 - and HIMALAYAN BIRDING and TREKKING CAMPS Would you like to join and contribute in our efforts to save birds , please convey your intention for association to: Prateek Panwar Founder Trustee ARCH Email: arch.birdcount AT gmail.com Tel: +91-9412054216 YOU MAY KINDLY EXPLORE OUR FACEBOOK links and register: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114181811937238&ref=ts http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=109536035740424 u can also log on to FRIENDS OF HOUSE SPARROWS on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=388519158979 Recently (5th June 2010) we launched our internationally important decade long bird conservation project "LETS REDICOVER THE HIMALAYAN QUAIL AGAIN" and we seek year-round national and overseas volounteers for this conservation initiatives. Save Trees - Please don't take a print of this mail until it is needed. Save Electricity - Please Switch Off the monitor of the computer when you're not on your system as monitor alone consumes 90% of the power. Subject: Birding the PB/Hendry Co Sod Farms From: Vincent McGrath <McAvian AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 20:59:34 -0400 Jose Padilla, Walt Winton and I set out from Ft Myers along SR-80 on 8/8 for points east. Our first stop was Clewiston for Mynas, the day began overcast which helped greatly with the temps. No luck but many gray and eastern kingbirds on the lines and oaks chasing every fish crow they saw. Heading east we turned south at Lake Harbor. Within a mile we tallied numerous barn and cliff swallows with a few n rough-winged. We had hundreds more all day long. Three Barn Owls greeted us at the ancient cedars. We headed east along Bolles Canal Rd and immediately encountered a Great White Heron farther down 2 more barn owls flew out of a canal control station. Before we reached US-27 a King Rail stood in the road preening as we stopped for excellent photos. We haedes south on 27 to the ( now defunct) sod fields at the radio tower. There was a series of wet fields before we got there and it produced the first of the day's many black terns, stilts, waders and a yellow warbler. We crossed over the canal and headed north along the frontage following King Ranch, not much except several gull-billed terns working the canal, until we reached a series of overgrown wet fields- a purple gallinule was sunning atop a shrub. We encountered several solitary sandpiper here. Off to Browns Farm Rd - We found huge wet fields a couple of miles down over the canal on the left. It was nothing short of a birder's dream. Scores of pectoral, stilt, least, 1 semipalmated sandpiper, and much more, waders galore- storks, spoonbills, and to me an unusual high number of both night herons. Many fulvous and black- bellied whistling ducks. Black-bellied were seen in as many as 10 locations in Palm Beach, Hendry, and Collier Co. Another barn owl farther down BF Rd in a Casuarina grove. We checked Grandview Rd off of SR-880 and it was productive if not as BF Rd. Off to Blumberg Rd in hopes of the reported Ani, no luck but the flooded fields were great, after a few towhees and a Bobwhite that was in the road the rains caught up to us. When we turned south at Clewiston on SR-835 we found where the Swallow- tailed Kites are- 14 circling low heading south and dozens of c. Nighthawks. We returned to Lee Co via Devil's Garden spotting snail kite, limpkin, turkey, sandhill crane, bald eagle, caracaras, a few other species and close crossing Bobcat, or crossed then turned and crossed back, awesome looks. Mcavian AT aol.com Vince McGrath Fort Myers, Fl Subject: DUNEDIN CAUSEWAY & HAMMOCK; FRED HOWARD PARK From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 18:29:07 -0400 Causeway highlights; Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni) 60; some imms that were not id's as to subspecies I do not remember so few shorebirds here both in numbers and species. Hammock highlights; Mottled Duck (hybrid?) 2 (female and i juv) Common Moorhen 2 Screech Owl 1-2 Palm Harbor highlights; Black Swan 5-6 (2ads & 3-4 imms) Fred Howard Park; Wilson's Plover 1 (imm.) Marbled Godwit 1 (right broken leg) Here again so few shorebirds. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Notice From: Anne Bellenger <cyclist2 AT strato.net> Date: Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:41:35 -0400 List owner, please let this go through. My e-mail and password have been hacked and spam is being sent out under my name. Please ignore any of these spam messages. I don't know how to ID spam. My server notified me of this Monday PM. Thank you. Anne F. Bellenger Retired teacher Avon Park Lakes FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fred Howard Park From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2010 11:19:46 -0400 Highlights; Reddish Egret 2 (1 dark morph imm.) Roseate Spoonbill 3 (2 ad's 1 sub) Sanderling 1 (alternate plumage) Short-billed Dowitcher 1(hendersoni) Forster's Tern 1 (post alternate plumage) Least Tern 8 (no imm's or banded) Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Monterey Bay Birding Festival, Sept. 23-26, 2010 From: "montereybaybirding" <montereybaybirding AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:28:24 -0000 Welcome to the sixth annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival, home of one of the most spectacular birding and wildlife venues in North America. This year's festival is Sept. 23-26, 2010 at the Watsonville Civic Plaza, located between Santa Cruz and Monterey in California. Where else in the country could you look for Wrentits, Lawrence's Goldfinch, Clark's Grebes, White-tailed Kites, Nuttall's Woodpeckers, Yellow-billed Magpies, Snowy Plovers, California Thrashers, California Towhees, and Black-footed Albatrosses, just to name a few? Our festival theme this year: "The California Coast – From Condors to Snowy Plovers" celebrates this diversity of bird life. Designed for birders of all levels, as well as outdoor lovers, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore, learn and appreciate world-class habitats such as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Pinnacles National Monument. You'll be able to go to outings in the mountains, shoreline, chaparral, sloughs and grasslands. Most half and full-day trips depart from the festival headquarters at the Watsonville Civic Plaza and you'll travel to the region's best birding hotspots, including Big Sur and the Ventana Wildlife Society to witness the return of the California Condors; take a pelagic trip to one of the world's most productive regions for albatrosses, shearwaters, storm-petrels and more; and explored in a kayak to get closer to nature. All of our field trips are led by top quality, local, friendly leaders. Other workshops and outings will focus on photography, Raptor identification, and seeing the world through an artist's eyes. You won't want to miss the work of Andrea Rich on display, the award-winning, internationally recognized woodcut printmaker renowned for her singular depictions of wild animals in their natural habitats. The latest in optics and other birding-related exhibitors will be available at the Vendor's Faire. Registration for each birding event is offered a la carte, so you can mix and match outings according to personal interests. Online registration is now available at our web site: www.montereybaybirding.org. For more information, call 831 600-8893. Dave Brockmann Festival Coordinator Subject: kilos of killdeers From: Tom Palmer <tomp47 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:53:31 -0700 (PDT) Stopped by sod farms  on Avon Park Cutoff Roadi in Southern Polk County this morning. I had 112 Killsdeers in one field and nothing in the one farther west.   Both have been good over the years. The former yielded Buff-breasted Sandpipers. The latter has yilelded a Ruff (in plumage change). Tom Palmer Winter Haven Follow my environmental musings at www.lakebluescrub.blogspot.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Snail Kite From: Tom Palmer <tomp47 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:47:00 -0700 (PDT) Dear All, Just a note to check out the redesigned Snail Kite, the newsletter of the Florida Ornithological Society. See it at www.fosbirds.org Tom Palmer Winter Haven Follow my environmental musings at www.lakebluescrub.blogspot.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Hey ..Good luck! 3--( From: jason frederick <heyyoukidd AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:08:20 -0700 (PDT) Hi!A surprise! My Korean friend told me a website(www.zol-kr.com),they have a variety of products,such as computers,mobile phones,TVs,digital cameras and so on,they have very good qualities,and also much low prices,what's most important is their fast delivery,I bought the following 2 items last week,and I have received them now,they are very nice,here I recommend the 2 items to you,and hope you like them,thanks!   Share good deals with friends! o--i [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Swallowtail Kites From: "jmustgtj" <jmustgtj AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:35:10 -0000 Just joined the group. Was researching some birds that I didn't recognize over the weekend. Saw 8 Swallowtail Kites flying lesurely around my neighborhood. First saw them around 8:30am Sunday morning, then again around 2:00pm that afternoon. They were amazing to watch, as some of them were as low as housetop high. I had never seen these birds in Brevard County before. I live in Palm Bay. I talked to one of my fellow workers this morning, and he saw 2 around his house in West Melbourne. I don't know if they are traveling through, or going to stay awhile. Any info from you experienced watchers would be appreciated. Thanks, and have a good day! John Subject: Smooth-billed Ani Big Pine Key and other sightings From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:47:17 -0400 My son Philip and I went down to Big Pine Key for some birding. We looked for any roosting Anillean Nighthawks but could not find any. We found a very lonely and shy Smooth-billed Ani at Cactus Hammock located on Long Beach road just south of the Big Pine Key fishing lodge and camping. We were never able to get very close to the bird as it was very, very shy. Perhaps it is a new arrival, a Common Grackle chased it for a bit. We also saw a Lyside Sulphur butterfly which is not a common species. Over the weekend we did some early evening until late night Everglades driving for snakes etc. We had at least four or five Barn Owls as well a couple of Barred Owls. Chuck-will's-widow and Common Nighthawks were also present. We had few species of Snake: Cottonmouth Brown Water Snake Mangrove Salt Marsh Snake (red morph) Eastern Garter Snake Yellow Rat Snake Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net http://www.southfloridabirding.com Subject: tagged Eurasian Collared Dove From: John Epler <johnepler3 AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:39:49 -0400 A friend (not on this listserv) has seen a Eurasian Collared Dove at his place (near Ochlockonee Bay) that sports a red and white wing tag. He¹d like to report it to the people that may have tagged it. Any clues? -- John H. Epler, Ph.D. Aquatic Entomologist Tiger Hammock Road, just south of Wakulla Springs in north Florida Interested in chironomid midges, water beetles or water bugs? Please check out my site at: http://home.comcast.net/~johnepler3/index.html Subject: Photos from Lakeland's Circle B Bar Reserve From: Fred <fred AT cetussoft.com> Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:41:25 -0400 Hello to all from Massachusetts. I got to spend a few weeks in Lakeland again back in January (actually from late December to late January). Although I did get to a fair number of birding spots in (mostly) central Florida, I was spoiled by having the Circle B Bar Reserve not too far away, and I made several visits to the neat Circle B while in Lakeland. I finally had a chance to process the photos from the Circle B and to put a number of my favorites in a gallery online, in order to share them with others. So, if you have an interest in the "big birds" found at the Circle B, please feel free to visit the gallery at - http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/Circle-B-Bar-Reserve-Jan-2010/12689258_3FUvC You can use the usual "click on the thumbnails" method for viewing, or you can run a slideshow. (The photos are arranged merely in chronological order.) If you might be interested in visiting the Circle B (managed jointly by the Polk County Environmental Lands Program and the SW Florida Water Management District) for yourself, here are a couple of links - Southwest Florida Water Management District's Circle B Bar page - http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/circlebbarreserve.html Polk County Environmental Lands Program Circle B Bar web page - http://www.polk-county.net/subpage.aspx?menu_id=52&nav=res&id=6040 For anyone (still - ) interested, here are a few additional Florida galleries of mine from this past January - Both red and white morph reddish egrets at Fort De Soto - http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/FtDeSotoReddishEgrets100123/11290825_z9XBC The Operation Migration whooping crane flyover at Dunnellon - http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/OpMig-Flyover-Dunnellon-100119/11224284_spsT8 A rookery (herons, egrets, and cormorants) in Venice - http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/Venice-FL-Rookery-100117/11181265_w7idn And, I still have lots of other FL photos still to process... (It seems as if I get to spend a month in FL taking a "few" photos, and then I get to spend the other eleven months processing the photos - .) Keep Lookin' Up !!! Fred (Frederick Wasti) Mostly in Marshfield Massachusetts (but in Lakeland FL for January) fred AT t cetussoft d0t com Subject: Fwd: [BRDBRAIN] Florida Ornithological Society From: David Goodwin <Dgood389 AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:57:38 -0400 David Goodwin Brandon FL Dgood389 AT aol.com -----Original Message----- From: Adam Kent To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Sent: Tue, Jun 15, 2010 10:37 pm Subject: [BRDBRAIN] Florida Ornithological Society Hello Florida Birders,Some of you who are not familiar with the Florida Ornithological Society might be interested in a little information about the state’s bird organization.What is FOS?Florida Ornithological Society members encompass of a wide variety of professions, from professional ornithologists and students to birders with no formal biological training.For those of you who don’t already know about the Florida Ornithological Society, I invite you to visit the website, http://www.fosbird.org/ where you’ll find many pages of useful information.The quarterly journal the Florida Field Naturalist (FFN) has a focus on field biology, natural history, and distributional records. Old issues from 1973 through 2005 are available online here: http://www.fosbirds.org/FFN/Articles.aspx For example, you can find an article from 1978 summarizing eleven pelagic trips in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico here:http://www.fosbirds.org/FFN/PDFs/FFNv06n2p30-32Buhrman.pdf The FFN also includes reports from the Records and Field Observation Committees. The Florida Ornithological Society Records Committee evaluates reports of birds on the state review list and news species for the state birds, and maintains the official state list. See this link for more info on the records committee and the official state list with review species indicated:http://www.fosbirds.org/RecordsCommittee/RecordsCommittee.aspxT he Field Observation Committee produces quarterly reports of ‘significant observations’ of birds including non-native species: http://www.fosbirds.org/Observations/Observations.aspx All observers whose sightings are published will be acknowledged in FFN & North American Birds. The committee consists of: Bill Pranty (Chair-Bayonet Point), Brian Ahern (Temple Terrace), Bruce H. Anderson (Winter Park), John Boyd III (Miami), Bob & Lucy Duncan (Gulf Breeze), Charlie Ewell (Cape Coral), Bev Hansen (Spring Hill), Gail Menk (Tallahassee), Paul Miller (Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park), Peggy Powell (Jacksonville). Please report sightings to appropriate regional committee members and include the following:SpeciesNumber of individualsDate(s)Location (including county)ObserversDetails (and photos if you have them) for species rare or difficult to distinguish from common species, or any unusual behavior or notesOur next meeting will be from October 8-10 in Tallahassee. Please consider joining us! If you are not a member of FOS now, a membership makes a great gift, and with Father’s Day just around the corner what better time than now?Thank you and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions,Adam Kent, PresidentFlorida Ornithological SocietyGainesville, FLTo subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list,please visit us on the web at:http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.htmlTo set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" toLISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDUReport any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu__________________________________________________ __________________________ Subject: Attu trip report and photos From: John Puschock <g_g_allin AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:39:40 +0000 Howdy, For those of you who weren't following my blog postings from Attu trip last month (shame on you) -- and for those of you who had, too (thanks) -- I have a trip report at http://bit.ly/aqh9gL. Additional photos can be seen through http://bit.ly/dbEboj. John Puschock Seattle, WA g_g_allin AT hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multiaccount&ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_4 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NC White-faced Storm-Petrel trips From: "dotrobbins AT juno.com" <dotrobbins@juno.com> Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:52:48 GMT Hi all, I'm hoping to do Brian Patteson's 3-trip package this year. The dates are Aug 20, 21, and 22. The trips won't happen unless there are enough participants. Here's the link to Brian's site: http://www.patteson.com/ Click on the 2010 schedule, then on the above August dates to read about the trip. The White-faced Storm-Petrel is the primary target. If it's found on the first or 2nd day, we will go out into the Gulf Stream and look for other birds on the remaining days. Contact Brian directly if you are interested at: Brian AT Patteson.com Please let me know if you are interested in sharing the drive. Thanks, Dotty Robbins High Springs ____________________________________________________________ Project Management Cert Villanova PMP® & CAPM® Classes. Average Salary For PMPs is $100K http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c1e55a2ca0e44756e0st04duc ------------------------------------ FlaBirding - Florida and Bahama Birding website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ Unsubscribe, mail to: FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-nomail AT yahoogroups.com Resume from Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-normal AT yahoogroups.comYahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: FlaBirding-digest AT yahoogroups.com FlaBirding-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: La Sagra's Flycatcher Key Largo Monroe County From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 03 Jun 2010 20:28:25 -0400 Today while birding with Peter and Karen Burns as well as my son, we found a La Sagra's Flycatcher. The bird was located on old state road 905 in upper Key Largo at an orange house address: 25 N Carysfort Circle. The bird was heard and seen calling left of the house near a large orange semi-trailer. We watched the bird for 15-minutes or so before we left for more birding. A photo can be seen here: http://www.southfloridabirding.com/images/tasphotos/DSC_6248la_sagras_flycatcher.jpg There was a pair of Great-crested Flycatcher here as well. This was a lifer for Peter, Karen as well as an A.B.A. lifer for my son! Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net http://www.southfloridabirding.com Subject: Bahama Mockingbird - NO From: Ralph Pike <sharpshinnedhawk2002 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 12:38:50 -0700 (PDT) The Bahama Mockingbird previously reported on the Privet Trail at Fort DeSoto was not seen this morning (Tuesday the 18th) between 8:30 and 11:30 AM.  A number of birders were present during that time period and no one reported seeing the bird.  When I left at 11:30 there were still a couple of birders present so hopefully the bird showed up after I left or will show up later today.   Good Birding, Ralph Pike Stuart, FL sharpshinnedhawk2002 AT yahoo.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bahama Mockingbird From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 13:38:20 -0400 Subject was at the previously posted location when I left at 11 AM EDST. For a very short period of time it sang from the confines of the privet bush. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RFI- buildings with nesting seabirds and shorebirds in Florida From: "Charlie Ewell" <anhinga42 AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 13 May 2010 16:06:58 -0400 FYI Charlie Ewell Cape Coral, FL anhinga42 AT comcast.net (new email address) Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife info: http://www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org/ Lee County Bird Patrol info: http://www.birdpatrol.org/ SWFL Birdline info: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SWFLBirdline/ FL Ornithological Society info: http://www.fosbirds.org/ _____ From: Burney, Chris [mailto:Chris.Burney AT MyFWC.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 4:29 PM Subject: RFI- buildings with nesting seabirds and shorebirds in Florida Hello all, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, together with numerous partners, is currently conducting a statewide survey of shorebird and seabirds nesting on tar-and-gravel rooftops in Florida. The previous statewide survey was done more than 10 years ago, and since then much has changed. Researchers are trying to determine the present distribution and size of rooftop colonies to assess the importance of these sites relative to coastal beaches. This information is particularly important given the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. If you know the location of a rooftop colony/nest, please send an e-mail to rooftopcolonies AT myfwc.com with as much of the following information as you can: 1. Name of building/type of building: 2. Address of site: 3. City or town: 4. County: 5. GPS coordinates (if known): 6. Any major intersections or landmarks nearby: 7. When you last saw this rooftop occupied: 8. Species: 9. Your name and phone number: 10. Is the site being monitored by anyone already (e.g. local Audubon Chapter)? If yes, who? IMPORTANT: When you reply, please list the COUNTIES for your sites in the SUBJECT line of the e-mail. This way, biologists in different parts of the state can receive the e-mail promptly and make preparations to go and inspect the site. THANK YOU!! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FOS Swallow-tailed Kite From: SMLJAY AT aol.com Date: Sun, 9 May 2010 10:44:08 EDT As I was driving south on US 1 yesterday morning, just across from the TICO (Space Coast Executive) Airport I see a Swallow-Tailed Kite gliding over the trees on the east side of the road. This is also just north of the Tom Stratham Park. Sarah Linney Cocoa, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FW: Birds Rock! Video to Promote Conservation Birding From: Steve Holmer <sholmer AT abcbirds.org> Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2010 12:26:40 -0700 We all know that birds rock, now here's the video to prove it...http://www.youtube.com/abcbirds. Please enjoy this one minute YouTube video and forward the link to your friends.. Can you identify all of these spectacular birds? See the YouTube page for the full species list. The video was made to promote www.conservationbirding.org, American Bird Conservancy's new web site that enables birders to find birding routes and lodges that support habitat protection. Go birding, save species! Steve Holmer American Bird Conservancy sholmer AT abcbirds.org, www.abcbirds.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: eBird and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT mac.com> Date: Tue, 04 May 2010 19:01:12 -0400 Attention birders! EBird is launching an initiative to help track the effects of the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Log onto www.ebird.org to see what you can do to help scientists and conservationists. The idea is to provide an up to date base line of where bird species are occurring, give officials and heads up on areas of concern, and document the ongoing effects of the spill. If you are new to eBird, this could be a good way to get started. If you are an old hand, this is a way to see an immediate benefit to your data. David Simpson Coordinator eBird, Florida [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: DICKCISSEL & WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Mon, 3 May 2010 16:33:19 -0400 Dickcissel AT Oak Grove, North Beach, Fort Desoto. White-rumped Sandpiper AT previously reported location, by Ken Tracey, of the Wilson's Phalarope. Phalarope not present. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Shiny Cowbird From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:11:19 -0400 Today a female was observed in the fountain at Ft Desoto about 12:40! Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fallout like day at Sanibel Lighthouse From: Vincent McGrath <McAvian AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:18:57 -0400 Arrived early today(8am) and enjoyed an awesome lightning show offshore as the storm drifted SE. A lone Snowy Plover was on the beach. But no songbirds. Sticking to my prediction I wandered the soggy woods. A Black-throated Green was all I could find. About 9:15 the wind died and the clouds began to part. I thought I heard heaven's harps as they tailed off into the sounds of warblers and buntings descending from above. What a stark contrast to the past 2 weeks of bemoaning where the birds are. Tennessees started it off, then Indigos which ultimately outnumbered all others. At the hawkwatch bench behind the work shed at the lighthouse turnaround birds began landing in the ficus. Tennessee, Palms, B&W, then wha' a female Cerulean and up hops a Veery. A Red- eyed Vireo shows up. As the morning got sunnier Y-b Cuckoos, Summer Tanager, E. Kingbirds, later a Gray Kingbird. More and more swallows and Martins. Chimney Swift, a lone Bank Swallow, Bobolink (11) and loner later were overhead. We would add Magnolia, Yellow, Redstart, and N. Waterthrush. I heard the PHAT!! of a passing Dickcissel but it turned back west for open areas. Baltimore and Orchard Oriole both imm males. Tomorrow may be better! Our red phase Screech Owl cooperated at the nest hole entrance and Frigatebirds threw batlike shadows across the parking lots Mcavian AT aol.com Vince McGrath Fort Myers, Fl Subject: Snail Kite is out From: Tom Palmer <tomp47 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:51:07 -0700 (PDT) Dear All, The spring edition of Snail Kite, the newsletter of the Florida Ornithological Society is available on line at www.fosbirds.org   For those of you who are FOS members, this is a reminder that the newsletter is available only online.   Check it out and consider contributing. Tom Palmer, Editor [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Dry Tortugas From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:28:53 -0400 HI All, I'm leading a trip to the Dry Tortugas out of Fort Myers this Thursday April 29th. We leave at 7:00 PM & return about the same time on Sunday May 2nd. If you're interested in a great trip at a great price, please contact me at this email address or call me at: Home 407-384-9766 Cell 407-376-6967 Thank You, Wes Biggs Subject: FT ZACHARY TAYLOR; KEY WEST, FL From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:41:41 -0400 Carl Goodrich had a fallout today; 19-20 species of warblers including Golden-winged, Nashville & Wilson's, Shiny Cowbird and Dickcissel. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Aplomado Falcons in Florida From: Tom Palmer <tomp47 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:16:17 -0700 (PDT) Hi, I just learned that Florida blueberry farmers (including one near Haines City)  are hiring a company with some Aplomado Falcons to scare off grackles etc. that eat their blueberry crop. Obviously not countable, but interesting.   Tom Palmer Winter Haven Follow my environmental musings at www.lakebluescrub.blogspot.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: GREAT HIMALAYAN BIRD COUNT TEAM DOES IT ONCE AGAIN !! From: "Prateek" <arch.himalayas AT yahoo.co.in> Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:36:21 -0000 Dear Fellow Birders Greetings once again from Uttarakhand Himalayas We at ARCH, Dehradun now known for their pioneering annual bird conservation initiative since 2008, THE GREAT HIMALAYAN BIRD COUNT have added another feather to our cap by successfully launching THE HOUSE SPARROW NEST BOX ADOPTION PROGRAM here in Dehradun on the occasion of First World House Sparrow Day i.e., 20th of March 2010 We were so successful in motivating people (from all walks - including Uttarakhand Governor Mrs Margaret Alva) to come out in support of saving HOUSE SPARROWS in so great numbers that we had to commercially employ a team of carpenters to meet the demand for our nest boxes. Some of our Bird Count participants must be aware that we had been doing the field trials of these nest boxes by way of general observation. The results were very inspiring and the time was just right and now we are prepared so we have launched it for all those people who are friends of birds and want them to harmoniously co-exist with us. IMPORTANT Pl. NOTE: we are announcing the dates for our next avian conservation initiative on the World Environment Day (5th of June 2010) "LETS REDISCOVER THE MOUNTAIN QUAIL" Dates 5th to 9th of June 2010 Dehradun to Dehradun Any takers please write to us for camp details and registration process at: Prateek Panwar Founder Trustee Action & Research for Conservation in Himalayas Dehradun Uttarakhand arch.birdcount AT gmail.com Cell #: +91-9412054216 also please go through the links provided below and promote them among your interested friends Hello Birders Please check this Himalayan birding and trekking link and pass it on to all the birders that u know, we need ur support friends and we r looking for participants from all corners of the globe. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=109536035740424 u can also log on to FRIENDS OF HOUSE SPARROWS on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=388519158979 u may please call me at +91 9412054216 for details or write to me at arch(dot)birdcount(at)gmail(dot)com Grateful for your time and hopefully we can increase membership if you can invite all your facebook friends to join. happy birding with new sighting records Looking forward to hear from some of you soon for your much needed support and participation in all our bird conservation initiatives. Regards Prateek Panwar Dehradun Subject: FT, Island (Citrus County) From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Thu, 8 Apr 2010 15:52:24 -0400 Highlights; Common Loon 1 (alternate plumage) Clapper Rail 8 Marsh Wren 5 (singing) Seaside Sparrow (Scott's) 5 (singing) No migrant passerines! Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Dry Tortugas From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:55:58 -0400 Hi all, It seems that the Dry Tortugas birding tour information attachment will have to be sent to those who request it from me directly. The trip dates are April 29-2 May 2010, departing from Fort Myers Beach. Thank you, Wes Biggs Orlando Subject: Dry Tortugas birding tour From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:17:25 -0400 Hi all, Good things come to he who waits! If you've been considering doing a birding tour to the Dry Tortugas but were put off by the $1300.00 price tag & the long drive to Key West this may just be the trip for you. Please check out the attachment & contact me directly. Wes Biggs Orlando 407-384-9766 Home 407-376-6967 Cell [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FT DESOTO From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2010 14:19:40 -0400 HIGHLIGHTS; ruddy duck 2 (males, Tierre Verde ponds) peregrine falcon 1 wilson's, piping & snowy plovers (lagoon) long-billed curlew 1 (lagoon) brown-crested flycatcher 1 ( in Australian pines to the west of the "hedge row" of trees, calling at times. scissor-tailed flycatcher 1( Tierre Verde ponds) prothonotary warbler 2 (fountain, one missing tail) Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Three more Bar-tailed Godwit photos From: Larry Manfredi <birderlm AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sun, 04 Apr 2010 20:46:17 -0400 I posted three more pictures of the Bar-tailed Godwit on my website here: http://www.southfloridabirding.com/html/recent_rarities..htm These were taken on Friday April 2, 2010. Larry Manfredi Homestead, FL. E-mail: birderlm AT bellsouth.net http://www.southfloridabirding.com Subject: Bar-tailed Godwit Still There From: "Roberto Torres" <rtorres AT tnc.org> Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2010 01:12:14 -0400 The Bar-tailed Godwit was seen again between 1:00 and 2:30. When Trey and I arrived, there were no shorebirds along the shore of the campground, but there were several groups feeding on the flats to the west. Shortly afterward I got a call from Larry telling me that Carl Edwards was looking at the bird a little west of us from the shore directly south of the campground guardshack. We went over and got decent scope views and disappointing photos (from my part). The Bar-tailed along with Willets, Marbled Godwits, and some other birds were feeding on the flats lining the first mangrove island to the south. The incoming tide quickly covered the flats and the birds were being pushed off, until the final push came from a couple of kayakers. The entire flock flew east to the spot where they've been hanging out. Roberto Miami-Dade rtorres AT tnc.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: DUNEDIN CAUSEWAY & HAMMOCK From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2010 14:38:49 -0400 CAUSEWAY HIGHLIGHTS; Mottled Duck 2 Am. Oystercatcher 3 Whimbrel 1 (picture) Marbled Godwit 9 Red Knot 6 Short-billed Dowitcher 250 Least Tern 7 Hammock; Screech Owl 2 Hooded Warbler 3 (males) Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Goldfinches have arrived in Oviedo From: "Jack Rogers" <jrogers62 AT cfl.rr.com> Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:48:30 -0400 Hi All, Just wanted to share that the Goldfinches have finally arrived at my place here in Oviedo now too. Showed up about five days ago. I have seen them each March for the two previous years I've been in my house but this year is the first I've been prepared to photograph them so I've been anxiously awaiting their arrival. I've already seen a dozen or more at one time. I remember seeing at least 30 at one time last year. Hoping for that same success this year. Here's a pretty male who visited this morning: http://www.pbase.com/paleojack/image/123188430 Cheers, Jack Rogers Oviedo, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Florida Fall Migration Hot Spot Tour From: David Simpson <simpsondavid AT mac.com> Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:01:25 -0400 Hi folks, I am thinking of doing a coastal hot spot tour along the gulf coast of Florida in late September. My idea is to get a van and a group of people and spend a week hitting some of the well known and less well known migrant traps and birding spots from Fort Pickens in Escambia County to Fort DeSoto in Pinellas. It is a great time of year to hit the coast and we would get to see many out of the way birding spots. If you are a county lister, this could be a good way to bolster or kick start a number of county lists. I don't know the cost yet. That will be determined when and if I get sufficient response. Contact me if you are interested. David Simpson 321-720-5516 Subject: Orlando Area RFI From: "themrbubby00mjf" <jonathan.james AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:58:41 -0000 Next week my wife and I are excited to be making our first visit to Florida. In fact, this will be our first trip to the southeastern U.S., period. I have a few specific requests for information regarding birding in the Orlando area, and would be heartily grateful for any response. And, of course, if you're visiting the Los Angeles/Orange County (CA) area I'd be happy to return the favor! 1) I've been doing research on eBird and the internet, and it looks like Carolina Chickadees reach about the southern edge of their range just north of Orlando. Wekiwa Springs State Park seems to have the most records of the species in the Orlando area. Is this a reliable spot? If so, this looks like a really big park: is there an area of the park that's best for this species? 2) Red-headed Woodpeckers show up as regular at Wekiwa Springs State Park, too, on eBird. Is there an area of the park these are regularly observed? This is a much desired species for us, so advice about other good spots in the area for it would be great. 3) We'll be visiting Merritt Island, too, and I was wondering if there was a good spot in this general area (within about an hour's drive) to see Piping Plover or American Oystercatcher? Thanks very much in advance. We're very excited about our trip. -Jonathan Rowley Whittier, CA Subject: Townsend's Warbler, Bill Sadowski Park, Miami-Dade County From: "Roberto Torres" <rtorres AT tnc.org> Date: Sat, 27 Mar 2010 11:48:16 -0400 I volunteered to lead a short bird walk for Native Plant Day this morning, and I'm glad I did. There was a nice mixed flock of warblers in the hammock and the third bird I got on was a female Townsend's Warbler! I was NOT expecting that one, but then the unexpected finds are always the best. As Bob Wallace says, I'd rather be lucky than good. The flock was moving around, but to get to the spot where I saw it you go into the nature trail and take the trail right at the sign that reads "Butterflies". The flock was in the area where the trail curves back to the left. Sadowski Park is located in Palmetto Bay at 17555 Southwest 79th Avenue. Take Old Cutler Road to SW 176 St. and go west about 5 blocks. The park will be on your right. Trey, Rock Jetty, and Carlos relocated the bird after I left in the same area, and Trey got some photos. Other warblers included Parulas, Prairies, Palms, Black-and-whites, a single female Black-throated Blue, and also a Blue-headed Vireo. Roberto Miami-Dade rtorres AT tnc.org Subject: Whip-poor-will duet in my yard From: Tom Palmer <tomp47 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:08:58 -0700 (PDT) Dear all Just after sunset this evening, I heard a Whip-poor-Will from the bushes next door behind my house and then as I headed into the front yard,Iheard a second Whip callling from bushes in the yard across the street. What an experience in Florida.   Tom Palmer Winter Haven Follow my environmental musings at www.lakebluescrub.blogspot.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Jan trip to florida From: "Joan Chasan" <jec56 AT rcn.com> Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:40:55 -0400 In early Jan. we spent almost 3 weeks in your wonderful state (in freezing weather) traveling around and enjoying your birds. I have finally edited and posted my pictures. If you are interested they are at http://www.pbase.com/joanel/florida_2010 Any comments, corrections, would be appreciated thanks Joan Mass [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: LOGGERHEAD KINGBIRD From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:30:14 -0400 CARL GOODRICH EMAILED ME TODAY THAT A FRIEND OF HIS FOUND THE SUBJECT BIRD IN THE BOTANICAL GARDENS ON STOCK ISLAND TODAY. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: May 15, 2008 FL Pelagic From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:00:53 -0400 Hello to all, I wanted to let all of you know about our next pelagic trip offering on May 15, 2010. This one is a specialty trip with excellent chances for Black-capped Petrel. In addition, last year we found a South Polar Skua and a White-tailed Tropicbird. We will be going out 100 miles - all the way across the Gulf Stream. This trip usually turns up Band-rumped, Leach's and Wilson's Storm-Petrels, as well as many more. Don't miss this opportunity! Best wishes, Michael Michael Brothers Marine Science Center Ponce Inlet Pelagic Birding Trip Saturday, May 15, 2010 Sponsored by the Friends of the Marine Science Center Join us for the third public exploration offered off the east coast of Florida that will explore the entire width of the Gulf Stream and the 3000' deep canyons 100 miles offshore. Experienced leaders include: Michael Brothers, Bob Wallace, Andy Kratter, Bruce Anderson, Wes Biggs, Mitchell Harris, Roberto Torres, John Hintermister, and Murray Gardler. "The Pastime Princess" is a 100-foot, all-aluminum boat with excellent observation areas on the upper deck and bow and even a nice stern seating area. The cabin can also accommodate 30-40 in air-conditioned comfort. Meet for this exciting trip at 4:00 a.m. (yes, 4 a.m. - we have a long way to go) at the Dolphin View Restaurant and Marina on Riverside Drive near Canal Street in downtown New Smyrna Beach. Captain Mike and crew plan a 4:30 a.m. departure; the boat will not wait for anyone who is late. Return is at 9pm. The trip leaves from the New Smyrna side of Ponce Inlet, travels out over 100 miles, crosses the entire Gulf Stream, past the east wall of the Gulf Stream into the area known as the "Tuna Grounds." This trip holds high probability of encountering numerous pelagic species. We will be in the Gulf Stream at the perfect time - middle spring migration - to see to have multiple sightings of Black-capped Petrel. In addition, migrants such as Sooty and Audubon's Shearwaters, all three Storm-Petrels (Leach's, Wilson's and Band-rumped), both Tropicbirds, Long-tailed Jaeger and Arctic Tern are possibilities. Previous explorations of this area at this time of year have gotten Black-caps every trip. Last year, we found a South Polar Skua on this trip as well as a White-tailed Tropicbird, There is a remote chance that we may even find the first state record of an extreme rarity. Potential Species include (* indicates good probability): Black-capped Petrel * Cory's Shearwater * Greater Shearwater * Sooty Shearwater Audubon's Shearwater * Manx Shearwater Wilson's Storm Petrel * Leach's Storm-Petrel * Band-rumped Storm-Petrel * Northern Gannet Brown Booby Masked Booby Red-footed Booby White-tailed Tropicbird Red-billed Tropicbird Red and Red-necked Phalaropes* Pomarine Jaeger * Parasitic Jaeger* Long-tailed Jaeger Arctic Tern Common Tern* Roseate Tern Black Tern* Sooty Tern* Bridled Tern * Brown Noddy Participants should bring: food and beverages, seasickness medicine, sunscreen and personal items. Food service will be available on the boat for breakfast, lunch and dinner at moderate prices. COST: $185/person. Maximum 75 = (minimum of 40 people for the trip to go) Call or email NOW to reserve your space. Additional information, maps and available accommodations will be forwarded to participants. DON'T MISS this exceedingly rare opportunity to bird in almost unexplored state waters, with the chance at seeing some of the rarest birds in Florida! To sign up please contact: Michael Brothers Marine Science Center 386-304-5543 mbrothers AT co.volusia.fl.us Please make checks payable to: Friends of the Marine Science Center Mail to : Friends of the Marine Science Center c/o Marine Science Center Pelagic Trip 100 Lighthouse Drive Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Article on Greenwood Eagles From: Andrew Boyle <andybgator AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:32:52 -0700 (PDT) Hello, All. Woke to find an article written about the Greenwood Cemetery Bald Eagles. It is online here: http://tinyurl.com/yh6qens Andrew Boyle Orlando, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bald Eagle Chicks From: Andrew Boyle <andybgator AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:16:20 -0700 (PDT) Hello, All. From what I can gather so far, they were taken to Birds of Prey in Maitland. Thanks, Barb. More info if I get it. Maybe I will run over there this week. Andrew Boyle Orlando, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Offshore Miami Pelagic Trip, Saturday, May 22 From: brianrapoza AT aol.com Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:21:30 EDT On Saturday, May 22, Tropical Audubon Society's Roberto Torres, Larry Manfredi, Paul Bithorn and Raul Urgelles will lead an all-day boat trip in search of shearwaters, storm-petrels, tropicbirds and other pelagic species. We'll visit Fowey Light, a reliable location for Brown Booby, then head to the edge of the Gulf Stream to search for weed lines and associated pelagic birds. Our vessel will be the Another Reward, a 70-foot air-conditioned party fishing boat based out of Miami Beach. Cost is $160.00 per person; reservations are required by April 30 and space will be limited. For details, including meeting place and time, as well as a full list of probable and possible species expected, contact me at fieldtrips AT tropicalaudubon.org. Brian Rapoza Field Trip Coordinator Tropical Audubon Society Miami, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bald Eagle Nest in Orlando: Gone From: Andrew Boyle <andybgator AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:17:00 -0700 (PDT) Hello, All. Just wanted to report that the Bald Eagle nest that has been in the Greenwood Cemetery and seen many many chick fledge over the years finally lost its battle with the elements. I knew I should have brought my camera back with me last Wednesday to get shots of the 2 chicks on the edge of the nest but the mass of other photographers (who have basically seemed to camp out there for the past year or so) and the couple of funerals going on lead me not to. Guess the high winds Thursday or Friday had their say after the tree died during the 2004 hurricanes but has been hanging in there ever since. Tree is snapped in half, nest on the ground. No sign of the young when I went through today. Woodpeckers were not complaining. If anyone knows if they have seen the young eagles I would appreciate a note offline. I had always hoped that the birds would choose a different pine tree nearby, but... Andrew Boyle Orlando, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Miami_ Dade County From: "Nikki" <Eagles_Wing AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:45:45 -0000 Hello all! I live in San Diego and just got back from a two week trip to Miami-Dade county to see my grandson and family. I have several images to share of the birds i encountered and would like to post them here in a folder entitled "Floridian birds of Nicole". I would enjoy any input for identification in any images. (loved Florida) Sincerely Nicole Ramirez nicole AT photographybynicole.net www.photography-by-nicole.net Subject: Miami_ Dade County From: "Nikki" <Eagles_Wing AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:46:52 -0000 Hello all! I live in San Diego and just got back from a two week trip to Miami-Dade county to see my grandson and family. I have several images to share of the birds i encountered and would like to post them here in a folder entitled "Floridian birds of Nicole". I would enjoy any input for identification in any images. (loved Florida) Sincerely Nicole Ramirez nicole AT photographybynicole.net www.photography-by-nicole.net Subject: Broad-winged Hawk on Sanibel From: Vincent McGrath <McAvian AT aol.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 22:46:54 -0500 Hi All, Spotted this bird on the way to work this morning. This is the third winter in consecutive years I have seen an adult Broad-winged Hawk in the EXACT location. It sits on the lines opposite Belding Dr along SanCap Rd on Sanibel Island early (8am). Is this the same bird? I believe so. Picture quality is best I can do with my iPhone aligned with 10x binoculars Note the solid brown back dark mantle and the broad albeit faint white tail band. So beautiful in the early morning sunshine. ---------- Mcavian AT aol.com Vince McGrath Fort Myers, Fl [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Introduction to Florida From: "Nikki" <Eagles_Wing AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:22:44 -0000 My name is Nicole and i live in San Diego. We visit florida once a year and i like to know what i have to look forward to. A goal this trip is to join you and find out birding around Homestead in Miami-Dade county down here close to biscayne bay and the everglades. I have been to some parks and here with my son are dozens of lakes, but we all know so often we have to go to secluded or quieter places for species. I think before the year is over i might buy the eastern peterson guide. I didnt bring my sibleys of our entire country. I do have a website and have published a book........ in conclusion, any tidbits of some cool places would be wonderful to get from you. I also will (with permission) post a few images of species i have gotten while here in homestead............. sincerely Nicole Ramirez 92019 California www.photography-by-nicole.net Subject: Some Lucky Reddish Egret Photos from Ft De Soto From: Fred <fred AT cetussoft.com> Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:54:03 -0500 Hello. I've been to Fort De Soto a few times now (Januaries only), and I've never failed to witness a nice reddish egret show in the lagoon behind the beach near the northern end of North Beach. The show in the lagoon has not always been constant - the egrets do come and go - but I've had excellent views of either red or white morphs - or sometimes both - dancing for their food in the shallows each time I've been there. On Jan 23rd, I was lucky enough to have both red and white morphs often in close proximity, which did make for a literally surprising photographic opportunity -- while I was peering through my camera's viewfinder at a white morph, unbeknownst to me a red morph descended towards it, which I only became aware of when the red morph touched down along the left border of the camera's field of view. I put a gallery of some of the photos online to share with anyone who might be interested at http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/FtDeSotoReddishEgrets100123/11290825_z9XBC The first few photos show the white morph apparently starting to react to the incoming reddish morph, the significance of which was unknown to me until I finally saw the red morph join its fellow reddish egret. The two birds then proceeded to dance and prance while feeding, sometimes together and sometimes separately. Interestingly, I never detected any apparent aggression between the two egrets, even while hunting very close together, often probably chasing down the same quarry. I think the ~luckiest~ photo probably was http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/FtDeSotoReddishEgrets100123/11290825_z9XBC/1/792262125_ztw7e/Large but my ~favorite~ images are http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/FtDeSotoReddishEgrets100123/11290825_z9XBC/1/792278532_3jkxc/Large and http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/FtDeSotoReddishEgrets100123/11290825_z9XBC/1/792262168_nqdRv/Large It is amazing how close to the sunbathers the birds feed, as shown by http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/FtDeSotoReddishEgrets100123/11290825_z9XBC/1/792278567_3STnN/Large Keep Lookin' Up !!! Fred (Frederick Wasti) Mostly in Marshfield Massachusetts (but in Lakeland FL for January) fred AT t cetussoft d0t com Subject: Re: bill pranty book From: David Goodwin <Dgood389 AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:55:03 -0500 This is the latest edition of the book. There is usually about a ten year period between editions. 95% of the information is still good. I carry the guide with me even when I'm birding with Bill (That would be a double Pranty). Dave David Goodwin Brandon FL Dgood389 AT aol.com -----Original Message----- From: Joan Chasan To: flabirding AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Tue, Feb 16, 2010 2:56 pm Subject: [FlaBirding] bill pranty book It was my impression from reading somewhere that Bill prantys "a birders guide to Florida" was going to be revised and reissued shortly. anyway we ordered the book from buteo books and it turns out it is the 2005 edition, just reprinted. anyone know anything about this? Is there a revised edition coming out or not? thanks Joan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: bill pranty book From: "Joan Chasan" <jec56 AT rcn.com> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:56:11 -0500 It was my impression from reading somewhere that Bill prantys "a birders guide to Florida" was going to be revised and reissued shortly. anyway we ordered the book from buteo books and it turns out it is the 2005 edition, just reprinted. anyone know anything about this? Is there a revised edition coming out or not? thanks Joan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Dunnellon Whooping Crane Flyover 1/19/2010 From: Fred <fred AT cetussoft.com> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:50:40 -0500 > Here are a few pix from the Operation Migration Dunnellon whooping > crane flyover event from yesterday (Jan 19 2010) - > http://www.bigbirds.net/shared/100119/ I finally had time to finish processing the rest of my photos from the Dunnellon Flyover Event from Jan 19 2010 and to put a bunch of them online in a gallery to share with anyone interested - http://fredw.smugmug.com/Animals/OpMig-Flyover-Dunnellon-100119/11224284_spsT8 Keep Lookin' Up !!! Fred (Frederick Wasti) Mostly in Marshfield Massachusetts (but in Lakeland FL for January) fred AT t cetussoft d0t com Subject: Partial albino American Robin From: Tom Palmer <tomp47 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:54:28 -0800 (PST) Hi, While I was out gathering data for the first day of the Great Backyard Bird Count, I saw an American Robin that was partially albino. Head and nearby areas were white and parts of rest of plumage had white specks. It  was unusual. Tom Palmer Winter Haven Follow my environmental musings at www.lakebluescrub.blogspot.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Baltimore Oriole Merritt Isalnd From: Bradmartin321 AT aol.com Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:52:49 -0500 I recently moved into a house In Merritt Island, Fl. This morning I had a pair of Baltimore Oriole and a hummingbird in my yard. I have started a photo album for my backyard birds. First entry is a female Baltimore Oriole. http://bradmartin321.tripod.com/brads_merritt_island_backyard/ Brad Martin [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RFI: Abaco Island, Bahamas From: David Mako <rockpigeon AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 19:30:31 -0800 (PST) Dear Birders,   I've been watching this site for months with the hope of picking up some new birding tips/recent sightings for Abaco Island, Bahamas that go beyond the trip lists that I've found elsewhere on the net or in Tony White's excellent book.  But now I'm getting desperate as my trip next week to visit family in Marsh Harbour nears, so I'll post this general request for information.   Is the best place to find Key West Quail-dove still on Elbow Cay as White describes, or are there other reasonable options on Great Abaco?  Are there any accessible sites for finding West Indian Whistling Duck?  I think I know where to find most of the other common Abaco specialties, but if you know of anything unusual that has shown up recently, or know of a special birding site that  you would suggest, I would appreciate it very much if you'd be willing to share your knowledge.   Thanks for any suggestions you might be able to offer.  Feel free to reply offline if you prefer.   Good birding, Dave Mako rockpigeon at yahoo.com South Deerfield, MA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Indian Birder - New post - The babbler chick who lost its way From: "birding_passion" <birding_passion AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:34:58 -0000 Hello birders, Please check out my latest post on my birding blog . Your comments are appreciated.Here is the link :- http://indianbirder.blogspot.com Regards, Harshit Subject: Help with South Florida Birding From: "fmocso" <fm AT trappist.net> Date: Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:42:28 -0000 I will be visiting South Florida and am looking for someone whom I can call or email for some current information. I have been a Georgia Birder (Conyers, near Atlanta) for over 35 years. I have most of the Florida books and the hot lines and websites but would like a contact for current info on the more resident specialties like Spot-Breasted Oriel. This is my first visit as a Birder to the area so I have 10 or 12 (likely and less likely) life bird possibilities. I will arrive in Miami this Wednesday the 3rd and bird there Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday. On Friday I will be heading down to Key West returning to Miami on the 13th to fly home. Thanks for hosting such a valuable list serve. Francis Michael Stiteler aka:FM Monastery of the Holy Spirit Conyers, GA Subject: Masked Duck and Harlequin Duck From: Ralph Pike <sharpshinnedhawk2002 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:36:14 -0800 (PST) This morning about 8:15 the Masked Duck was out in the open along the north side of cell 4 at Viera Wetlands.    At 10:30 this morning the Harlequin Duck was along the south side of the inlet tight against the rocks near the visitors center.   Ralph Pike Stuart, FL sharpshinnedhawk2002 AT yahoo.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Reducing aircraft-wildlife strikes at airports From: Matt Kennedy <kennedym2009 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:15:10 -0800 (PST) Dear fellow birding enthusiasts,     As a lifelong birder and professional aviator for over 16 years, I am conducting a nation-wide study on the level of community support for the mitigation measures used at airports to reduce the wildlife strike hazard to commercial aircraft.  Getting input from different regions of the country is necessary to gauge whether there are regional differences due to varying bird populations or possible high profile incidents involving wildlife strikes on aircraft.      Responses are submitted electronically to a database that does not identify users, so your answers will be completely confidential.  Findings will be released only as analyzed data or summaries in which no individual’s answers can be identified.  Please take a few moments to share your opinions and experiences.  I appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to contribute toward this important research about community views on wildlife mitigation measures at airports.   The survey can be accessed at:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XTVS225   If you would like a summary of my findings, please send me your e-mail address at kennedym2009 AT yahoo.com.  Once the study is complete, I will e-mail the summary to you. Best Regards, Matt Kennedy Graduate student in Aeronautical Science Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FOS- From: Cheryl Ann Griffin <cherylgfn AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:25:23 -0800 (PST) Hello everybirdie, Report from the panhandle-coast - 6mi W of Carrabelle, FL -  mainland -along the St George Sound  Have a female Ruby RT-HB that's been feeding all day. FOS Not sure female Rufous HB is still here ...haven't seen today ... she's been here a month now and has a long trip ahead. Also ... --waves and waves of Robins ..has been for a week now  very large rafts of Scaups .. mostly Lesser - several Greater and few Redheads Flock of Cedar Waxwings - 15 Keep looking up ...have a great day Cheryl Ann Griffin Carrabelle-ladyhawk [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]