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11 May Cameron 5/10-11 ["Purrington, Robert D" ] 11 May Re: Neotropical Songbird Tour [Huner Jay V ] 11 May Re: Neotropical Songbird Tour [Jane Patterson ] 11 May Re: CASSIN'S SPARROW in Bossier Parish [Beth Wiggins ] 11 May Re: Clarification about Neotropical Songbird Tour [Mike Constant ] 11 May Re: CASSIN'S SPARROW in Bossier Parish [Beth Wiggins ] 11 May Re: House Crow link [Gary Broussard ] 11 May Lots of shorebirds at Bickham Dickson Park [Bill Wood ] 11 May Cassin's Sparrow [Bill Wood ] 11 May Cassin's Sparrow [Rosemary Seidler ] 11 May House Crow link [Paul Conover ] 11 May Cassin's Sparrow in Bossier - still there sunday morning ["Ingold, James" ] 11 May Re: house crow in johnson's bayou [Dawn Perkins ] 11 May thousands n thousands of shorebirds [Carol Foil ] 11 May Nesting Lark Sparrow Nest pics [Bill Wood ] 10 May Cassin's Sparrow in Bossier [Paul Dickson ] 10 May house crow in johnson's bayou [Gary Broussard ] 10 May Re: a couple of odd spring birds [Paul Conover ] 10 May Re: a couple of odd spring birds [Gary Broussard ] 10 May Re: a couple of odd spring birds [Gary Broussard ] 10 May Re: a couple of odd spring birds [Paul Conover ] 10 May a couple of odd spring birds [Gary Broussard ] 10 May Nesting Lark Sparrow in Shreveport [Bill Wood ] 10 May first state record Cassin's Sparrow in Bossier [Paul Dickson ] 10 May CASSIN'S SPARROW in Bossier Parish [Devin Eby-Bosler ] 10 May NEXRAD observed bird migration, 5-10-08 [John Arvin ] 9 May Re: Rockefeller NWR , 5/6/08 [Peter H Yaukey ] 9 May Couturie Forest article in Birder's World Magazine -- online version [Joelle Finley ] 8 May Re: Countability of Canada Goose & summer Mallards [Justin Eby-Bosler ] 8 May Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List [Tommy Walker ] 8 May Re: Recent raven sighting in LA ["Purrington, Robert D" ] 8 May Re: Countability and Subspecies ID ["Purrington, Robert D" ] 8 May Re: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List ["Purrington, Robert D" ] 8 May Atchafalaya Basin IBA Recognition Ceremony, May 10th ["DRISCOLL, Melanie" ] 8 May Re: Recent raven sighting in LA [Buford Myers ] 8 May Re: Recent raven sighting in LA [JDillon ] 8 May Recent raven sighting in LA ["Ingold, James" ] 8 May Single friendly Canada Goose [Miriam Davey ] 8 May Re: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List [Paul Conover ] 7 May Re: Rig birds 7-May-08 [Devin Eby-Bosler ] 7 May Re: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List [David Muth ] 7 May Re: Possible Fork-Tailed FC ["James W. Beck" ] 08 May Rig birds 7-May-08 [] 8 May Rig birds 7-May-08 [Troy Reitan/Denise Duvic ] 7 May Re: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List [Paul Conover ] 7 May Rockefeller NWR , 5/6/08 [Jacob Saucier ] 7 May Recent CENLA Birds [Huner Jay V ] 7 May Re: Herring Gull splits ["Woltmann, Stefan" ] 7 May Possible Fork-Tailed FC [Josh Engelbert ] 7 May Re: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List [David Muth ] 7 May Re: Herring Gull splits [Buford Myers ] 7 May Re: LSU Big Day Sets New Louisiana Record [David Muth ] Subject: Cameron 5/10-11 From: "Purrington, Robert D" <danny AT TULANE.EDU> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 21:32:45 -0500 David Muth, myself, Mac Myers, and Paul Conver, birded from Kaplan to Oak Grove on saturday, and David and I birded Cameron and to the west today. David has very detailed numbers, which he will soon report, but in summary: In the rice fields, we had 2000+ Stilt Sandpipers and hundreds of White-rumps. We had good numbers of Buff-breasted Sandpipers, two Baird's and about 10 Hudonsian Godwits. The Baird's were at Cameron Prairie. Best bird was a Cave Swallow, picked out by Paul--photos on my website. (Should be at http://www.tulane.edu/~danny/may101108.html) . If David doesn't give the location, I will. At Oak Grove we had a smattering of migrants. Our birding was interrupted twice, by the report of a Cassin's Sparrow (Terry Davis) in Shreveport, and a mystery corvid, later ID'd as an Indian House Crow, seen by Gary Brossanrd on Hackberry Ridge. We did get across the ferry in the evening, to look/listen for the Black Rail(s) present two weeks ago, and indeed, we had one Black Rail responding to taped calls, as close as one foot from us, but the bird defeated all attempts to actually see it. We worked it from about 6:50 to 7:50 p.m. Sunday we die Rutherford Beach and the santuary. On Rutherford, we saw nothing more interesting than Snowy Plovers. At Holleyman, we had a bit of activity, including at least two Olive-sided flycatchers, a male Canada, a number of dendroicas, ect. OUr shorebird list for the weekend was 28. Subject: Re: Neotropical Songbird Tour From: Huner Jay V <jvh0660 AT LOUISIANA.EDU> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 21:23:46 -0500 The answer is yes and no. I have my list and I have Richard Gibbons' list. I have shared my list with the facilitators and am waiting to find out if they have something "new" to add. There were no birds, to my knowledge, that would not be expected in the area. I'll post a list later in the week. I had 45 birds and Richard had something like 50 but he had at least a dozen I "missed" and I had at least half a dozen that he "missed." For whatever it is worth, the state highway department is clearing the east side of LA 975 from I-10 northward. They could not have chosen a worse time of year to do the work when it comes to nesting songbirds. But, someone like LOS, BRAU, NOAU, SBSG, etc. is going to have to go to the head of DOTD and ask for reviews of such planned work to attempt to have it done after nesting has ended in the summer or during the winter. I suspect that a resolution approved by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation's annual Convention next winter would "get the attention of the DOTD chief" as LWF represents over 13,000 folks who are either individual members or members of LWF affiliates. Regards, Jay Huner On Sun, 11 May 2008 19:28:14 -0500, Jane Patterson wrote > Anyone have a bird list from the Tour from yesterday? > > --Jane > > Jane A. Patterson > Baton Rouge, LA > cocamila AT cox.net > > -----Original Message----- > From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds > [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Mike Constant > Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 4:59 PM > To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU > Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] Clarification about Neotropical Songbird Tour > > I attended the Tour and the Day at Sherburne yesterday. Thanks for the > Agenda Jay Huner and thank you to all of the WLF people and all of > the volunteers for making it happen. > > A few photos: > http://picasaweb.google.com/mike2cons/SherburneWMA?authkey=h81UkuTXvNo > > Mike Constant > Thibodaux, LA -- Subject: Re: Neotropical Songbird Tour From: Jane Patterson <cocamila AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 19:28:14 -0500 Anyone have a bird list from the Tour from yesterday? --Jane Jane A. Patterson Baton Rouge, LA cocamila AT cox.net -----Original Message----- From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Mike Constant Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 4:59 PM To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] Clarification about Neotropical Songbird Tour I attended the Tour and the Day at Sherburne yesterday. Thanks for the Agenda Jay Huner and thank you to all of the WLF people and all of the volunteers for making it happen. A few photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/mike2cons/SherburneWMA?authkey=h81UkuTXvNo Mike Constant Thibodaux, LA Subject: Re: CASSIN'S SPARROW in Bossier Parish From: Beth Wiggins <wiggieb AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 16:59:34 -0500 Apologies... meant to send to a single reader. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth Wiggins" To: Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 4:55 PM Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] CASSIN'S SPARROW in Bossier Parish > Bossier City is twin city with Shreveport. Looks like lots of good things > happening up there... > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Devin Eby-Bosler" > To: > Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 4:04 PM > Subject: [LABIRD-L] CASSIN'S SPARROW in Bossier Parish > > >> LABIRD, >> >> Terry Davis just called to report a singing male CASSIN'S SPARROW on >> Viking Dr. in Bossier City (Bossier Parish). Viking Dr. is located off >> LA-3 (Benton Rd.) within ca. 0.5 mi. S of I-220 loop. Take exit 11 off >> onto Benton Rd. and proceed south a very short distance until reaching >> Viking Dr. Turn right (west) onto Viking Dr. and continue west under >> I-220. The sparrow is located at the end of Viking Dr. near a white >> tank. The road comes to a dead end here. Terry first discovered the >> skylarking sparrow at ~1:30 PM when he heard its distinctive song. The >> sparrow has been singing and actively performing its skylarking display >> flight since the initial encounter. It's still there as of 4 PM. Larry >> Raymond and Jeff Trahan are also on the scene, and Jeff is currently >> obtaining photographs. This would be another first state record found by >> Terry in Bossier Parish, if accepted by the LBRC. >> >> On another note, Terry informs me that at least 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS >> are once again singing on territory at Cane's Landing in Bossier City. >> He first noted two males counter-singing on Tuesday (6 May) and they >> continue to 'fitz-bew' as of today (10 May). Terry had another vocal >> Willow Flycatcher at Stoner Woods in Shreveport (Caddo Parish) today as >> well. >> >> Good chasing, >> Devin Bosler >> LSU-Baton Rouge Subject: Re: Clarification about Neotropical Songbird Tour From: Mike Constant <mikecons AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 16:58:33 -0500 I attended the Tour and the Day at Sherburne yesterday. Thanks for the Agenda Jay Huner and thank you to all of the WLF people and all of the volunteers for making it happen. A few photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/mike2cons/SherburneWMA?authkey=h81UkuTXvNo Mike Constant Thibodaux, LA -----Original Message----- From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Huner Jay V Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 2:29 PM To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: [LABIRD-L] Clarification about Neotropical Songbird Tour 1. Start - arrive between 7:00 and 7:30 AM at the intersection of I-10 and LA-975. 2. Time is basically 7-11 AM. The purpose is to introduce people to bird song. 3. COST AND REGISTRATION - the event is free and there is no registration. 4. Stations: One - Happy Town Road Kiosk - about 5 miles north of start. Two - Primite Camp Ground - about 10 miles north of start. 5. Special Event - The Primitive Camp Ground site is about 3 miles south of the Sherburne WMA Headquarters and recreation unit. Step Outside Day will be going on by the time you leave the Primitive Camp Ground site. You are encouraged to stop at SOD and see a number of activities stations set up for young people. 6. Returning Home - The Sherburne headquarters is about 2 miles south of US 190 at the Krotz Springs bridge. There is a neat Cliff Swallow colony there which you might want to see. You can go east or west on US 190 to get back to I-10 without returning south on LA 975. Jay Huner Subject: Re: CASSIN'S SPARROW in Bossier Parish From: Beth Wiggins <wiggieb AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 16:55:55 -0500 Bossier City is twin city with Shreveport. Looks like lots of good things happening up there... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Devin Eby-Bosler" To: Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 4:04 PM Subject: [LABIRD-L] CASSIN'S SPARROW in Bossier Parish > LABIRD, > > Terry Davis just called to report a singing male CASSIN'S SPARROW on > Viking Dr. in Bossier City (Bossier Parish). Viking Dr. is located off > LA-3 (Benton Rd.) within ca. 0.5 mi. S of I-220 loop. Take exit 11 off > onto Benton Rd. and proceed south a very short distance until reaching > Viking Dr. Turn right (west) onto Viking Dr. and continue west under > I-220. The sparrow is located at the end of Viking Dr. near a white tank. > The road comes to a dead end here. Terry first discovered the skylarking > sparrow at ~1:30 PM when he heard its distinctive song. The sparrow has > been singing and actively performing its skylarking display flight since > the initial encounter. It's still there as of 4 PM. Larry Raymond and > Jeff Trahan are also on the scene, and Jeff is currently obtaining > photographs. This would be another first state record found by Terry in > Bossier Parish, if accepted by the LBRC. > > On another note, Terry informs me that at least 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS > are once again singing on territory at Cane's Landing in Bossier City. He > first noted two males counter-singing on Tuesday (6 May) and they continue > to 'fitz-bew' as of today (10 May). Terry had another vocal Willow > Flycatcher at Stoner Woods in Shreveport (Caddo Parish) today as well. > > Good chasing, > Devin Bosler > LSU-Baton Rouge Subject: Re: House Crow link From: Gary Broussard <redeyedvireo AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 16:21:48 -0500 I returned to the Secret Place west of johnson's bayou to relocate the House Crow, but it was not there as of noon today. G -----Original Message----- From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Paul Conover Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 8:37 AM To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: [LABIRD-L] House Crow link I omitted the hyperlink to the article: The House Crow - coming to a port near you? http://10000birds.com/the-house-crow-coming-to-a-port-near-you.htm It's kind of scary.... Paul Conover Lafayette ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Conover" To: Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:13 PM Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > Gary, Labird, > I think you're right. What's more, read the following article at > > The House Crow - coming to a port near you? > > It also raises the question of whether it was a pet on board a ship, or > a ship-jumper. If it wasn't restrained--which I don't guess can be > proved--then is it a vagrant? > > > Paul Conover > Lafayette > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Gary Broussard" > To: > Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:04 PM > Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > > >>I think house crow as the color was browner than it was grey. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds >> [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Paul Conover >> Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:12 PM >> To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU >> Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds >> >> Gary, Labird, >> The weird corvid looks like a Hooded Crow (see >> http://www.charliesbirdblog.com/~charlie/hoodedcrow/housecrow.jpg ). >> Maybe >> someone with more experience can confirm that? >> Perhaps it came in on one of the big tankers that visits to the LNG >> plant on Lighthouse Road. >> A few years ago, a Pied Crow was finding a living out on a rig in the >> Gulf, probably having gotten here in a similar way. >> >> Paul Conover >> Lafayette >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Gary Broussard" >> To: >> Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:19 PM >> Subject: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds >> >> >>> http://members.cox.net/redeyedvireo/index.htm >>> >>> >>> >>> the corvid west of johnson's bayou, and the grosbeak in breaux bridge. >>> >>> >>> >> Subject: Lots of shorebirds at Bickham Dickson Park From: Bill Wood <labirder08 AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 18:21:06 +0000 To all, There are quite a few shorebirds at Bickham Dickson Park . Those observed around noon included Pectoral and Stilt Sandpipers. Also had a pair of Blue-winged Teal and a flyover Anhinga. The road is littered with limbs but is passable. -- As Always, Good Birding! Bill Wood Keithville, LA labirder08 AT bellsouth.net Subject: Cassin's Sparrow From: Bill Wood <labirder08 AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 18:07:19 +0000 To all, Thanks to Terry Davis' keen, almost bionic, hearing ability in locating a singing Cassin's Sparrow I was able to see a life bird this morning. I drove to the Viking Drive location in Bossier City and found Terry, Jim Ingold and Roger Breedlove. I knew I was in the right spot. On several occasion the bird was heard, but not by me as my ability to hear high frequency sounds is almost zero. After a bit of a wait the bird was kind enough to perch on some tall grass that afford great looks with a scope. We also observed the bird's "skylarking" behavior. Nice way to start the day. Thanks Terry! -- As Always, Good Birding! Bill Wood Keithville, LA labirder08 AT bellsouth.net Subject: Cassin's Sparrow From: Rosemary Seidler <rseidler AT CENTENARY.EDU> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 07:53:27 -0500 Good morning, Terry Davis just called to say that the Cassin's Sparrow is still present and singing this morning. Rosemary Seidler Shreveport, LA Subject: House Crow link From: Paul Conover <zoiseaux AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 08:36:56 -0500 I omitted the hyperlink to the article: The House Crow - coming to a port near you? http://10000birds.com/the-house-crow-coming-to-a-port-near-you.htm It's kind of scary.... Paul Conover Lafayette ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Conover" To: Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:13 PM Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > Gary, Labird, > I think you're right. What's more, read the following article at > > The House Crow - coming to a port near you? > > It also raises the question of whether it was a pet on board a ship, or > a ship-jumper. If it wasn't restrained--which I don't guess can be > proved--then is it a vagrant? > > > Paul Conover > Lafayette > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Gary Broussard" > To: > Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:04 PM > Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > > >>I think house crow as the color was browner than it was grey. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds >> [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Paul Conover >> Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:12 PM >> To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU >> Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds >> >> Gary, Labird, >> The weird corvid looks like a Hooded Crow (see >> http://www.charliesbirdblog.com/~charlie/hoodedcrow/housecrow.jpg ). >> Maybe >> someone with more experience can confirm that? >> Perhaps it came in on one of the big tankers that visits to the LNG >> plant on Lighthouse Road. >> A few years ago, a Pied Crow was finding a living out on a rig in the >> Gulf, probably having gotten here in a similar way. >> >> Paul Conover >> Lafayette >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Gary Broussard" >> To: >> Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:19 PM >> Subject: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds >> >> >>> http://members.cox.net/redeyedvireo/index.htm >>> >>> >>> >>> the corvid west of johnson's bayou, and the grosbeak in breaux bridge. >>> >>> >>> >> Subject: Cassin's Sparrow in Bossier - still there sunday morning From: "Ingold, James" <James.Ingold AT LSUS.EDU> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 08:19:24 -0500 The bird is still at the original site singing up a storm. Jim Ingold ________________________________ From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds on behalf of Paul Dickson Sent: Sat 5/10/2008 4:12 PM To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: [LABIRD-L] first state record Cassin's Sparrow in Bossier labird: Terry Davis has done it again by recognizing the song of Cassin's Sparrow while driving along at 20 mph. The bird was found around 1:00PM today and has been seen and photographed by several area birders. It is constantly displaying in characteristic song flight. Location is Viking Drive west of Benton Road, in Bossier City just north of I-220. Terry says its at the end of the road behind the gravel piles. If I understand his description of the location correctly, the coordinates should be 32-33'-60"N 93-44'-7"W. Paul Dickson Subject: Re: house crow in johnson's bayou From: Dawn Perkins <pekinrobin AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 08:14:11 -0500 Looks like a House Crow to me also. Excellent photograph of the face with its distinctive shape and pattern. I about fell off my perch when I clicked open the photos. I was glad to read the explanations of how the bird may have gotten here from one of the ships or rigs. Otherwise, I was going to be wondering all day if I was completely off my tree. Happy Birding, Dawn _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live SkyDrive lets you share files with faraway friends. http://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_skydrive_052008 Subject: thousands n thousands of shorebirds From: Carol Foil <clfoil225 AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 08:54:16 -0400 Hey all, Joe Kleiman and I decided to Celebrate Migration weekend by viewing shorebirds in the Ag Wetlands of Jeff Davis Parish yesterday. As we wandered the farm roads of the Parish, we were rewarded by seeing clouds of shorebirds using the wet ricefields, although in many cases swirls and clouds of birds resolved into nothingness as they settled into rice grown too high for any bird viewing. Thus our most common 'species' was unidentified shorebird! At any rate, the most common species seen where the rice was still short enough were Pectoral Sand, White-rumped Sand and Stilt Sand. Also on view were Dunlin, Bairds Sand, Buff-breasted Sand, Semipal Sand, a few Western Sand, Least Sand, plenty of unidentified non-WR peeps, Wilson's Phalarope, Long-billed and unidentified Dowitchers, Whimbrel, lots both Yellow-legs, one Solitary Sand, Bl-necked Stilt, Killdeer, Semipal Plover, Black-bellied Plover Lots of fun studying highly variable Spring migration plumages with a lot of brightly plumaged birds on view. Highly recommended for shorebird lovers! -- Carol Foil clfoil225 AT cox.net Subject: Nesting Lark Sparrow Nest pics From: Bill Wood <labirder08 AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 04:16:06 +0000 To all, I was able to get a few pics of the nesting Lark Sparrow at the Village Market Café that I work at. They can be seen at: http://www.pbase.com/labirder/lark_sparrow One odd place for a Lark Sparrow to nest. We also have two Barn Swallow nest under the covered walkways, on in the front and another in the back. -- As Always, Good Birding! Bill Wood Keithville, LA labirder08 AT bellsouth.net Subject: Cassin's Sparrow in Bossier From: Paul Dickson <Paul AT MORRISDICKSON.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 22:52:18 -0500 Labird: I met Terry Davis, Jim Ingold and Jeff Trahan near the end of Viking Drive just north of Bossier City to see the Cassin's Sparrow. I was lucky as it gave its closest show of the afternoon just as I arrived. I got good close HD video of it singing on a fence. When I learn more about posting videos on the web I will get it somewhere that can be reached by a link. Maybe tomorrow. This bird is acting like it will stick around for a while, so without making any more rash statements like that, I at least encourage all you State listers to give it a shot and at least see NW La. on a good Sunday for grounded migrants. We are supposed to have strong north winds and nice cool temps tomorrow which usually means good spring migrant watching even if this bird turns out to be a one day phenom. Paul Dickson Subject: house crow in johnson's bayou From: Gary Broussard <redeyedvireo AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 22:33:54 -0500 Gary, Labird, I think you're right. What's more, read the following article at The House Crow - coming to a port near you? It also raises the question of whether it was a pet on board a ship, or a ship-jumper. If it wasn't restrained--which I don't guess can be proved--then is it a vagrant? Paul Conover Lafayette http://members.cox.net/redeyedvireo/index.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gary Broussard" To: Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:04 PM Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds >I think house crow as the color was browner than it was grey. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds > [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Paul Conover > Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:12 PM > To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU > Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > > Gary, Labird, > The weird corvid looks like a Hooded Crow (see > http://www.charliesbirdblog.com/~charlie/hoodedcrow/housecrow.jpg ). > Maybe > someone with more experience can confirm that? > Perhaps it came in on one of the big tankers that visits to the LNG > plant on Lighthouse Road. > A few years ago, a Pied Crow was finding a living out on a rig in the > Gulf, probably having gotten here in a similar way. > > Paul Conover > Lafayette > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Gary Broussard" > To: > Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:19 PM > Subject: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > > >> http://members.cox.net/redeyedvireo/index.htm >> >> >> >> the corvid west of johnson's bayou, and the grosbeak in breaux bridge. >> >> >> > Subject: Re: a couple of odd spring birds From: Paul Conover <zoiseaux AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 22:13:59 -0500 Gary, Labird, I think you're right. What's more, read the following article at The House Crow - coming to a port near you? It also raises the question of whether it was a pet on board a ship, or a ship-jumper. If it wasn't restrained--which I don't guess can be proved--then is it a vagrant? Paul Conover Lafayette ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gary Broussard" To: Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:04 PM Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds >I think house crow as the color was browner than it was grey. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds > [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Paul Conover > Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:12 PM > To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU > Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > > Gary, Labird, > The weird corvid looks like a Hooded Crow (see > http://www.charliesbirdblog.com/~charlie/hoodedcrow/housecrow.jpg ). > Maybe > someone with more experience can confirm that? > Perhaps it came in on one of the big tankers that visits to the LNG > plant on Lighthouse Road. > A few years ago, a Pied Crow was finding a living out on a rig in the > Gulf, probably having gotten here in a similar way. > > Paul Conover > Lafayette > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Gary Broussard" > To: > Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:19 PM > Subject: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > > >> http://members.cox.net/redeyedvireo/index.htm >> >> >> >> the corvid west of johnson's bayou, and the grosbeak in breaux bridge. >> >> >> > Subject: Re: a couple of odd spring birds From: Gary Broussard <redeyedvireo AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 22:08:33 -0500 "In many parts of India House Crows are regarded as beneficial because of their scavenging habits - but in other parts of the world they’re not so welcome. Considered by some to be overly aggressive and detrimental to indigenous bird populations, this intelligent bird is expanding its range considerably. For example, ships passing through the Suez Canal – possibly warships returning from the Gulf War – provided an opportunity for the House Crow to reach Europe. The first European record was from Gibraltar in March 1991, and a small breeding colony has since become established in Holland. House Crows are now in Israel, South Africa, Singapore…the list goes on and non. Whilst the following excerpts are by no means intended to be an exhaustive survey, they perhaps give some indication of why the addition of House Crow to the national bird list might not always be seen as a cause for rejoicing." -----Original Message----- From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Gary Broussard Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:05 PM To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds I think house crow as the color was browner than it was grey. -----Original Message----- From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Paul Conover Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:12 PM To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds Gary, Labird, The weird corvid looks like a Hooded Crow (see http://www.charliesbirdblog.com/~charlie/hoodedcrow/housecrow.jpg ). Maybe someone with more experience can confirm that? Perhaps it came in on one of the big tankers that visits to the LNG plant on Lighthouse Road. A few years ago, a Pied Crow was finding a living out on a rig in the Gulf, probably having gotten here in a similar way. Paul Conover Lafayette ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gary Broussard" To: Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:19 PM Subject: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > http://members.cox.net/redeyedvireo/index.htm > > > > the corvid west of johnson's bayou, and the grosbeak in breaux bridge. > > > Subject: Re: a couple of odd spring birds From: Gary Broussard <redeyedvireo AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 22:04:46 -0500 I think house crow as the color was browner than it was grey. -----Original Message----- From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Paul Conover Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:12 PM To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds Gary, Labird, The weird corvid looks like a Hooded Crow (see http://www.charliesbirdblog.com/~charlie/hoodedcrow/housecrow.jpg ). Maybe someone with more experience can confirm that? Perhaps it came in on one of the big tankers that visits to the LNG plant on Lighthouse Road. A few years ago, a Pied Crow was finding a living out on a rig in the Gulf, probably having gotten here in a similar way. Paul Conover Lafayette ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gary Broussard" To: Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:19 PM Subject: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > http://members.cox.net/redeyedvireo/index.htm > > > > the corvid west of johnson's bayou, and the grosbeak in breaux bridge. > > > Subject: Re: a couple of odd spring birds From: Paul Conover <zoiseaux AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 21:11:49 -0500 Gary, Labird, The weird corvid looks like a Hooded Crow (see http://www.charliesbirdblog.com/~charlie/hoodedcrow/housecrow.jpg ). Maybe someone with more experience can confirm that? Perhaps it came in on one of the big tankers that visits to the LNG plant on Lighthouse Road. A few years ago, a Pied Crow was finding a living out on a rig in the Gulf, probably having gotten here in a similar way. Paul Conover Lafayette ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gary Broussard" To: Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:19 PM Subject: [LABIRD-L] a couple of odd spring birds > http://members.cox.net/redeyedvireo/index.htm > > > > the corvid west of johnson's bayou, and the grosbeak in breaux bridge. > > > Subject: a couple of odd spring birds From: Gary Broussard <redeyedvireo AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 20:19:18 -0500 http://members.cox.net/redeyedvireo/index.htm the corvid west of johnson's bayou, and the grosbeak in breaux bridge. Subject: Nesting Lark Sparrow in Shreveport From: Bill Wood <labirder08 AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 21:44:50 +0000 To all, Yesterday I found a nest with four eggs in it. The nest is located about 7 feet up in recently planted small live oak tree. The 10 foot live oak is planted in the sidewalk in front of the Village Market Cafe that I manage and located in south Shreveport. The bird was on the nest yesterday but all I could see was the tail sticking out. The bird finally flew from the nest and I could see a good deal of white in the outer tail feathers. My first though was Vesper Sparrow but I didn't think they nested here. I needed to get a better look and try for some pics. Of course I had left my bins and camera at the house. Today the bird was on the nest and based on the white in the outer tail feathers and what little of the face I could see I thought it might be a Lark Sparrow. If my memory serves me correctly they are rare breeders in North Louisiana. As I was taking pics of the nest the bird flew to the parking lots and began to flutter its wing. I got a few pics of the 4 eggs and one pic of the Lark Sparrow in the parking lot. Not a great pic but enough to see the distinctive facial marks. From the parking lot it flew to another live oak and was joined by another Lark Sparrow. Not a Cassin by any means but a really odd place for a nesting Lark Sparrow. I'll post the pics tonight when I get home from work. If anyone is interested in getting a look you can call me at work at 318-686-6200. I'll be here until nine tonight. BTW, I'm going to post this nest record to the LSU nest record database but does this also warrant a 3 x 5 card and if so can that be done online? -- As Always, Good Birding! Bill Wood Keithville, LA labirder08 AT bellsouth.net Subject: first state record Cassin's Sparrow in Bossier From: Paul Dickson <Paul AT MORRISDICKSON.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 16:12:44 -0500 labird: Terry Davis has done it again by recognizing the song of Cassin's Sparrow while driving along at 20 mph. The bird was found around 1:00PM today and has been seen and photographed by several area birders. It is constantly displaying in characteristic song flight. Location is Viking Drive west of Benton Road, in Bossier City just north of I-220. Terry says its at the end of the road behind the gravel piles. If I understand his description of the location correctly, the coordinates should be 32-33'-60"N 93-44'-7"W. Paul Dickson Subject: CASSIN'S SPARROW in Bossier Parish From: Devin Eby-Bosler <debybo1 AT LSU.EDU> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 16:04:26 -0500 LABIRD, Terry Davis just called to report a singing male CASSIN'S SPARROW on Viking Dr. in Bossier City (Bossier Parish). Viking Dr. is located off LA-3 (Benton Rd.) within ca. 0.5 mi. S of I-220 loop. Take exit 11 off onto Benton Rd. and proceed south a very short distance until reaching Viking Dr. Turn right (west) onto Viking Dr. and continue west under I-220. The sparrow is located at the end of Viking Dr. near a white tank. The road comes to a dead end here. Terry first discovered the skylarking sparrow at ~1:30 PM when he heard its distinctive song. The sparrow has been singing and actively performing its skylarking display flight since the initial encounter. It's still there as of 4 PM. Larry Raymond and Jeff Trahan are also on the scene, and Jeff is currently obtaining photographs. This would be another first state record found by Terry in Bossier Parish, if accepted by the LBRC. On another note, Terry informs me that at least 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS are once again singing on territory at Cane's Landing in Bossier City. He first noted two males counter-singing on Tuesday (6 May) and they continue to 'fitz-bew' as of today (10 May). Terry had another vocal Willow Flycatcher at Stoner Woods in Shreveport (Caddo Parish) today as well. Good chasing, Devin Bosler LSU-Baton Rouge Subject: NEXRAD observed bird migration, 5-10-08 From: John Arvin <jarvin AT GCBO.ORG> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 18:08:01 GMT Upper level winds were 20-30 from the south in the western Gulf and general lighter (15) and W from Lake Charles eastward. NEXRAD began showing arriving flights first at Brownsville in the morning and these have now spread northward to include Houston and seem to be converging on Lake Charles. Targets are moving 10-15 kts. above observed wind speeds indicating that creatures with powered flight, probably mostly birds, make up this flight. Reports from coastal areas indicate that migrants on the ground have been dwindling over the last several days, but that variety, numbers, and daily turnover are notable at inland sites. A late season cold front is forecast to move off the coast sometime after midnight tonight which raises hopes for coastal migrant watchers for tomorrow. Frontal passage is not forecast for a time when the majority of birds are arriving from over-water flights so it may be well into the afternoon before the resulting N winds begin to affect bird arrival. Monday morning also looks like it may be pretty good, but the N winds will be very short lived.We are slipping out of the window of heaviest traffic rate and a gradual dwindling of numbers can be expected for the rest of the month.John C. Arvin Research Coordinator Gulf Coast Bird Observatory 103 W. Hwy 332 Lake Jackson, TX 77566 (979) 480-0999 jarvin AT gcbo.org Subject: Re: Rockefeller NWR , 5/6/08 From: Peter H Yaukey <PYaukey AT UNO.EDU> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 10:32:55 -0500 Birders: Give the lack of conventional fallout factors in the weather yesterday or today, I was surprised to find a busy assortment of passage migrants in the tiny UNO Fine Arts woodlot this morning: Pewee Great Crested Red-eyed Vireo Black and White Warb- 2 females Magnolia Warb- 3 males, 1 female Bay-breasted Warb- 1 female Chestnut-sided Warb - 1 female Am Redstart - 2 females Scarlet Tanager- male Summer Tanager- SY male No pecans or mulberries there to act as magnets either. Peter Yaukey Subject: Couturie Forest article in Birder's World Magazine -- online version From: Joelle Finley <joelle_finley AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 09:35:47 -0500 Hi LABIRD, Dan Purrington's article on Couturie Forest in New Orleans City Park is available online. Thank you Dan and thanks to Wendy Rihner for alerting Birder's World to our local birding hotspot. Things are looking good for the preservation of the woods. City Park has hired a landscape architect firm and a master plan will be developed. Currently City Park is planting trees and we are urging them to plant bird friendly native species. Thanks to all of you who wrote letters in support of keeping the forest wild and not turning it into a golf green. http://www.birdersworld.com/brd/default.aspx?c=a&id=1109 . Joelle Finley New Orleans Subject: Re: Countability of Canada Goose & summer Mallards From: Justin Eby-Bosler <jebybo1 AT LSU.EDU> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 22:54:57 -0500 Labird, Devin and I provided an annotated checklist of our April Big Day to clear up any confusion in regard to the countability of certain species. We were fortunate to locate a lingering pair of wild Mallards departing a flooded field off Fruge Road between Pine Pasture and Chalkley Roads near Sweet Lake. Later on, we encountered at least 2 pairs of feral Mallards in the borrow pits along LA-82 in Johnson Bayou. Although they exhibited relatively normal structure and plumage traits, it is fairly obvious that they originated from local escapes; and therefore, would not be countable. As Steve mentioned, the situation with Canada Goose in LA is complicated. It would be an extremely difficult move to re-designate Canada Goose from a historically wild-occurring status to "Introduced", especially considering the potential for truly wild Canadas to stray into LA during the fall and winter. What complicates matters further is the sizeable, established introduced population of ! Rockefeller Canada Geese. These Canada Geese breed from Rockefeller Refuge to Sabine NWR, encompassing a majority of the freshwater marshes in Cameron Parish. In my opinion, this population appears more "wild" in nature than other introduced feral populations across the state which are restricted to specific refugia (e.g. community parks, golf courses, residential developments, etc.). Does this justify their countability on a LA Big Day? No, not really. So, I guess it's more a matter of personal preference in counting individuals of this particular population. Good birding, Justin Bosler Baton Rouge, LA > Labird- > Canada Goose status has been discussed a number of times on this forum > over the past few years. It's a rather complicated and unique situation > because wild Canadas occurred here historically and are legitimately on the > state list, but have pretty much disappeared as a wild-occurring species. > Meanwhile, Canada Geese have subsequently been deliberately introduced here, > resident feral populations seem to be holding on or even flourishing in some > areas, and there's apparently some evidence to suggest that feral birds can > disperse fairly long distances within their introduced range in the > southeastern US. More recently, the larger Canada Goose was taxonomically > split from the smaller Cackling Goose, further confusing past and present > status of the two forms. > Again, there is little or no evidence to indicate that wild Canada Geese > still occur in Louisiana. So, the assumption is that we are only seeing > birds derived from introduced/feral sources. It seems doubtful that there > is any gene flow occurring between our feral Canadas and potentially wild > Canadas, e.g., there's no evidence that our "resident" feral birds are > moving north to within the range of wild Canadas, or that wild Canadas are > making it south to LA and mixing with feral birds. In my opinion, feral > Canadas cannot survive without protected "refugia" such as Rockefeller > Refuge, parks, golf courses, and industrial installations with lawns and > ponds. In other words, the species does not seem to be expanding into and > permanently occupying wild habitat. This seems to be the situation in > Cameron Parish, where the introduced Canadas expand and contract from the > refuge HQ "refugium." So, the debate centers on whether we consider Canada > Geese as a "subsidized" species, or do we consider those protected "refugia" > as part of the permanent landscape? Such considerations would also have > ramifications for species such as Muscovy... > I'm hoping that the LBRC will make a "ruling" on this problem in the > near future. The conundrum is whether we can make the case for > re-designating Canada Goose as an "Introduced" species when it's already on > the list based on historical wild occurrence and could potentially still > occur in the wild..... > In the case of Mallard, as myself and others have pointed out, there's > not a whole lot that can be done as far as countability of "resident" > populations. The species is a common migrant and wintering bird in the > wild, and there's some evidence that increasing numbers are remaining in LA > during the summer. There probably is some gene flow between wintering birds > and residents (and between Mallards and Mottled Ducks). So, I would say > that Mallard countability should be on the honor system. If you see > Mallards that are normally plumaged, normally shaped, and can fly, or if > they are seen in "wild situations" (e.g., sitting in a ricefield, even if a > potential cripple) then count them. If they can't fly, are the size of a > goose, have aberrant plumage or soft parts colors, or fail the "bread test," > then they should not be counted. > > Steve Cardiff > > > On 5/7/08 8:46 AM, "David Muth" wrote: > > > Richard/Labird: > > > > I had to get my little dig in about Canadas and Mallard, but Big Day teams > > have been counting them for years. I haven't done a soutwest La. > > Big Day for a > > long, long time, so I guess these days I'd just follow the convention. > > > > It is remarkable how many species are possible or even probable now that were > > real long shots 20 years ago. When I started doing Big Days I used to code > > birds by the likelihood of an encounter from 1 (certain) to 5 (fantastic > > luck). Black-bellied Whistling Duck, White-tailed Kite, caracara and > > oystercatcher would have been 5s, Brown Pelicans in Cameron were 4s as were > > Inca Dove and Swainson's Hawk. White-winged Dove was a long shot in late > > April. There were, of course, no collared-doves and House Finches were still > > 5s. I like to think that with those birds available, plus countable mallards > > and Canadas, I'd have broken 200 a couple of times, though obviously by that > > logic Cardiff, Dittmann, Parker and Remsen would have broken 210. I don't > > think any species has dropped off the list of probables, though a few have > > declined in abundance. > > > > I better stop thinking about this, or I'll be planning a 2009 Big Day. > > > > BTW, I think we ought to settle on a convention about countability (and, more > > importantly, reportability) of "Rockerfeller" Canadas, and other Canadas and > > Mallards. If we count "wild" breeding mallards in the coastal zone or along > > rivers or in ag farm fields, do we also count golf course free-flying Canadas > > and city park mallards, mixed with white Pekins and pie-bald Muscovies? I've > > always treated them as being in seperate categories from truly > > wild birds, and > > have tried to hold the line for the CBC, but is that truly the best course? > > Input welcome. > > > > David Muth > > New Orleans > > > > ---- Richard Gibbons wrote: > > > > ============= > > David and LABIRDers, > > > > Good catch! I accidentally deleted Least Tern and Herring Gull from the > > eBird list when cleaning it up for posting. You are right on the mark > > with shorebirds and waterfowl saving the day. > > > > The morning was foggy so perched Mississippi Kites were not detected > > on the snags as we raced southward out of their breeding range. As we > > left Lake Charles without it, we knew it might well be a dip. We found > > what was probably a "Traill's" Flycatcher in Peveto, but without a call > > note or better look, we decided it was best to leave it off. > > > > The Mallards and Rockefeller Canada Geese are sloppy and maybe just > > unacceptable. I'd be interested to hear what others think. I'm falling > > in line with the past LSU Big Days which I was able to consult and they > > counted them. > > > > We did not use the 5 minute rule with Red-cockaded Woodpecker as this > > is a World Series of Birding rule that was worked in at some point in > > the past and it just seemed too sloppy. > > > > The LeConte's was kicked up during a comfort stop alongside a rice > > field. We flushed it three more times to get a good look. > > > > A scouted Eared Grebe from two days before in Lake Charles and many > > other misses suggests a bigger day is well within reach. If you look at > > the Lyon et al. list, you see there are several species the other team > > missed. It might be worth doing a thorough information share session > > next year for any group interested in making a run at 220. > > > > 215 is certainly not the limit. If Kansas can get 225, I'm pretty sure > > Louisiana can get 226. > > > > There's always next year! > > > > > > Richard Gibbons > > Baton Rouge, LA > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________________ > > ______ > > Be a better friend, newshound, and > > know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. > > http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ > > > > -- > > David Muth > > New Orleans > Subject: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List From: Tommy Walker <birdman3607 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 19:39:24 -0700 Dan,Labird, I still don't get what the hold up is on Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus). Had to say it!, Tommy Walker, Jr. "Purrington, Robert D" wrote: We allow various established exotics on Christmas Counts and Big Days, etc. Consider E. Starling, House Sparrow, Rock Pigeon, ECDO, perhaps even House Finch. In the case of Canada Geese, Mallards, Muscovies, and all manner of intergrades, these birds are actively introduced on a continuous basis into canals, parks, etc. Aside from how long a bird has been established as breeding, the fact that misguided citizens are constantly helping these exotics extend their range is an important distinction. It seems to me Monk Parakeet is perhaps one to suspend judgement on, for a bit, although it has been breeding here since well before the first ECDO. I might add that it is usually not hard to tell whether a mallard is countable or not. On the other hand, I was complicit in counting a canada goose flock on a New Orleans CBC that might not have been sanitary. Dan Purrington Subject: Re: Recent raven sighting in LA From: "Purrington, Robert D" <danny AT TULANE.EDU> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 17:15:37 -0500 Chihuahuan, I think -----Original Message----- From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Ingold, James Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 1:47 PM To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: [LABIRD-L] Recent raven sighting in LA I’m making corrections on a manuscript that is going to press soon. Recently someone posted about seeing a white-necked raven in LA. Is this confirmed? Who saw it and when? I know the name is changed but I can spell white-necked ☺ Jim Subject: Re: Countability and Subspecies ID From: "Purrington, Robert D" <danny AT TULANE.EDU> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 16:45:43 -0500 Stefan-- You are clearly right. One should not employ a greater degree of specificity than is justified by the data. It's very much like giving significant figures in a numerical answer that are not justified by the knowledge of the data themselves and their uncertainties. Dan Purrington Subject: Re: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List From: "Purrington, Robert D" <danny AT TULANE.EDU> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 16:45:43 -0500 We allow various established exotics on Christmas Counts and Big Days, etc. Consider E. Starling, House Sparrow, Rock Pigeon, ECDO, perhaps even House Finch. In the case of Canada Geese, Mallards, Muscovies, and all manner of intergrades, these birds are actively introduced on a continuous basis into canals, parks, etc. Aside from how long a bird has been established as breeding, the fact that misguided citizens are constantly helping these exotics extend their range is an important distinction. It seems to me Monk Parakeet is perhaps one to suspend judgement on, for a bit, although it has been breeding here since well before the first ECDO. I might add that it is usually not hard to tell whether a mallard is countable or not. On the other hand, I was complicit in counting a canada goose flock on a New Orleans CBC that might not have been sanitary. Dan Purrington Subject: Atchafalaya Basin IBA Recognition Ceremony, May 10th From: "DRISCOLL, Melanie" <mdriscoll AT AUDUBON.ORG> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 17:03:14 -0400 National Audubon to Recognize Atchafalaya Basin as an Important Bird Area The National Audubon Society of Louisiana will recognize the Atchafalaya Basin as an Important Bird Area (IBA) on May 10, 2008, International Migratory Bird Day. This will be the first such recognition for any IBA in the state of Louisiana. The ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area headquarters on Whiskey Bay Road during Step Outside Day, and it is open to the public. The largest remaining tract of bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, the Atchafalaya Basin is gaining recognition as an IBA due to its vital importance for breeding populations of Northern Parula, Kentucky, Prothonotary, Swainson’s and Yellow-throated Warblers, as well as Swallow-tailed Kites and the colorful and near-threatened Painted Bunting. It is also a migratory stopover site for globally important concentrations of up to 2,000 Wood Storks in the fall. The site is visited by hundreds of birders annually, as well as numerous hunters and anglers. For an introduction to the birds for which the Atchafalaya Basin has been identified as an IBA, attend the Neotropical Songbird Tour. To follow the tour stops on your own, assemble between 7 and 8 a.m. at the intersection of I10 and LA 975. Or, gather at 6:30 a.m. at Coffee Call (I10 and College Drive in Baton Rouge) to join the tour led by Richard Gibbons of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. At the IBA recognition ceremony, Paul Kemp, Vice-President of Louisiana’s Gulf Coast Initiative, will speak about the importance of the site to birds. Representatives of the major public landowners in the Atchafalaya Basin will also speak briefly about the site. These individuals include Neil Lalonde of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Danny Breaux of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Michael Seymour, of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “It’s with great pleasure that I announce today that the Atchafalaya Basin will be the first site in Louisiana officially recognized as an Important Bird Area under National Audubon’s Louisiana IBA program,” said Melanie Driscoll, Louisiana’s Important Bird Areas Coordinator. Driscoll added, “National Audubon looks forward to working in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other interested organizations and private landowners, in promoting sound bird conservation practices on the site for years to come.” National Audubon Society’s Important Bird Areas program identifies significant bird habitat across Louisiana based on data reviewed by a technical committee of 18 experts using peer-reviewed scientific criteria. The IBA Program is a voluntary effort to help willing private and public land managers provide the best stewardship practices for bird conservation on their property. It is a non-regulatory program providing sound scientific information to help build conservation partnerships. STEP OUTSIDE is a national program administered by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to increase participation in outdoor sports. This year’s event runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will include fishing, archery, boating, target and trap shooting, wood crafts construction, nature photography, raptors, bird watching and decoy painting. Step Outside Day is open to all children and adults, but is targeted to those with special needs. For further information on the National Audubon Society of Louisiana’s Important Bird Areas program contact Melanie Driscoll, Important Bird Areas Program Coordinator, Louisiana Bird Resource Center, c/o LSU Museum of Natural Science, 119 Foster Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803; (225) 938-7209. The Important Bird Areas program began by Bird Life International in the late 1980s as a way of recognizing and ultimately conserving land that is vital to the health and survival of birds. As Bird Life International’s official U.S. partner, Audubon spearheads the program here, with more than 2,000 IBAs already identified in more than 40 states. IBAs are sites that provide habitat essential for the breeding, feeding, wintering or migration of one or more species of birds. IBAs may be large or small and either publicly or privately owned, sharing characteristics such as high bird diversity, threatened species, or the presence of unusually large numbers of birds. To be recognized as an IBA, a sight is nominated and evaluated based on standard scientific criteria to ensure its significance to birds. Audubon chapters, scientists and the general public may nominate site. The recognition of an IBA does not confer any legal or regulatory status, and is entirely voluntary. Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation. ### Melanie Melanie Driscoll Coordinator, Louisiana IBA Program Louisiana Bird Resource Center LSU Museum of Natural Science 119 Foster Hall Baton Rouge, LA 70803 work: 225-578-3116 cell: 225-938-7209 mdriscoll AT audubon.org www.audubon.org Subject: Re: Recent raven sighting in LA From: Buford Myers <bmyers990 AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 15:13:01 -0500 Jim, It was Dan Lane who saw it, photographed or videoed it, and obtained audio recordings of call. This was 12 April near Holly Beach. I have not seen any of the documentation, but I suspect you could take it to the bank. Mac ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ingold, James" To: Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 1:46 PM Subject: [LABIRD-L] Recent raven sighting in LA > I’m making corrections on a manuscript that is going to press soon. > Recently someone posted about seeing a white-necked raven in LA. Is this > confirmed? Who saw it and when? > > I know the name is changed but I can spell white-necked ☺ > > Jim Subject: Re: Recent raven sighting in LA From: JDillon <jdillon AT WEBSTERPSB.ORG> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 14:16:37 -0500 Just as long as there are no sightings of red-necked ravens. ...which would probably be in a Wal-Mart parking lot somewhere. JD -----Original Message----- From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds [mailto:LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Ingold, James Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 1:47 PM To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: [LABIRD-L] Recent raven sighting in LA I’m making corrections on a manuscript that is going to press soon. Recently someone posted about seeing a white-necked raven in LA. Is this confirmed? Who saw it and when? I know the name is changed but I can spell white-necked ☺ Jim Subject: Recent raven sighting in LA From: "Ingold, James" <James.Ingold AT LSUS.EDU> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 13:46:39 -0500 I’m making corrections on a manuscript that is going to press soon. Recently someone posted about seeing a white-necked raven in LA. Is this confirmed? Who saw it and when? I know the name is changed but I can spell white-necked ☺ Jim Subject: Single friendly Canada Goose From: Miriam Davey <athena_9 AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 08:18:20 -0500 Dave There was a single Canada Goose swimming around MS River floodwaters adjacent to Richfield Riversilt levee in early April. It wasn't much spooked by either me or our goofy Doberman just a few ft away, and was in the general vicinity of the infamous Ben Hur/LSU feral goose flock. Feral, I assumed. My 2cents on what is kosher for lists: Some of us, IF were inclined to keep lists at all, would put non-avian critters and even plants on them. And maybe a human celeb or two, or that ultra- rare, REALLY good-looking hunk of guy. Many birders keep multiple bird lists (birds seen/heard on TV, birds seen from the toilet) and other lists (US counties visited, state license plates) other than their official bird lists. Ferals are often included on some of those other lists. MiriamLDavey BatonRougeLA Subject: Re: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List From: Paul Conover <zoiseaux AT COX.NET> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 07:11:53 -0500 David, Labird, If my mist net won't hold them, I think I have a Magnalite that will. Paul Conover Lafayette ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Muth" To: "Paul Conover" ; Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 10:13 PM Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List > Paul/Labird: > > Well clearly we need to put bands on our winter birds and try to get some > returns. Do you think your mist nets will hold them? > > David Muth > New Orleans > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Paul Conover" > To: > Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 7:28 PM > Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List > > >> David, >> You might recall that I mentioned an article I had seen a while back >> about feral Canadas. In short, it said that a group that was against the >> culling of feral flocks found proof through banding returns that their >> local feral Canadas were migrating out in winter. They were arguing in >> court that this should lead to their protection under the Migratory Bird >> Act. >> You asked me at the time if I could back up my fuzzy memory with a >> citation, and no, I couldn't--and can't. Maybe someone with better >> Googling skills might be able to dig it up, or maybe one of you read the >> same article. >> >> Paul Conover >> Lafayette >> >> >> >>> >>> The question is: where are they? Anybody seeing Canadas somewhere >>> unexpected? What is the situation at other parks and golf courses with >>> winter flocks? Are our Canadas simply dispersed widely but locally, or >>> do they actually migrate to some other park to the north? Anybody know >>> anything? >>> >>> David >>> >>> David Muth >>> New Orleans >>> >>> >>> >> > > > Subject: Re: Rig birds 7-May-08 From: Devin Eby-Bosler <debybo1 AT LSU.EDU> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 22:18:06 -0500 Troy/LABIRD, Presumably these are Northern Waterthrushes (NOWA), as a Louisiana Waterthrush (LOWA) would be exceptionally late at this date. LOWA is one of our earliest neotropical spring migrants, reaching the Gulf coast by mid-March or earlier. Nearly all LOWA have returned to breeding grounds by late March to early April, so having 3 individuals on two consecutive days out in the GOM would be an unprecedented occurence in May. Thanks for sharing your sightings from the GOM. Devin Bosler LSU-Baton Rouge Good evening everyone, Today was a slow day work wise and bird wise. Too bad I didn't have more birds but that's how it goes here. I observed two birds during the day, one La Waterthrush and one Gray Catbird. One LAWT specimen was collected today. Just now there was either a Semipalmated Plover or a Wilson's Plover on the heliport. This bird had only one ring on it's neck. I am thinking it's a Semipalmated because of the size listed in Peterson's Eastern book. I've never seen one of these birds offshore before, so I don't know which I may be apt to see over the other. I am head on shore tomorrow so this will be my last rig report for a couple of weeks. I understand that I am missing a lot of action in our yard in Vicksburg. Good night all. Troy Reitan/GOM 190 miles SSW of Port Fouchon, La Subject: Re: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List From: David Muth <dpmuth AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 22:13:01 -0500 Paul/Labird: Well clearly we need to put bands on our winter birds and try to get some returns. Do you think your mist nets will hold them? David Muth New Orleans ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Conover" To: Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 7:28 PM Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List > David, > You might recall that I mentioned an article I had seen a while back > about feral Canadas. In short, it said that a group that was against the > culling of feral flocks found proof through banding returns that their > local feral Canadas were migrating out in winter. They were arguing in > court that this should lead to their protection under the Migratory Bird > Act. > You asked me at the time if I could back up my fuzzy memory with a > citation, and no, I couldn't--and can't. Maybe someone with better > Googling skills might be able to dig it up, or maybe one of you read the > same article. > > Paul Conover > Lafayette > > > >> >> The question is: where are they? Anybody seeing Canadas somewhere >> unexpected? What is the situation at other parks and golf courses with >> winter flocks? Are our Canadas simply dispersed widely but locally, or do >> they actually migrate to some other park to the north? Anybody know >> anything? >> >> David >> >> David Muth >> New Orleans >> >> >> > Subject: Re: Possible Fork-Tailed FC From: "James W. Beck" <agkistrodon AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 21:33:13 -0500 Josh, There was a Fork-tailed Flycatcher in Plaquemines Parish earlier in the year....a 2nd Louisiana record. I suppose it could possibly be the same individual? -j At 04:01 PM 5/7/2008, you wrote: >My wife and I spent a few days birding most of southern LA. On the >5th, we decided to drive down to Venice to check out that area. On >our way (just north of Boothville) my wife hollered to stop and turn >around. She was kind of confused about what she had seen. After >discussing it, she is very sure it was a Fork-tailed flycatcher. She >said the bird seemed slightly larger than a Scissor-tailed FC, dark >colored, and its tail feathers sort of fluttered individually like >ribbons instead of stiff like a Scissor-tail. Also, we grew up in NE >Oklahoma so we are very good with Scissor-tail identification. Well >we unfortunately never relocated the bird in question. We also >didn't see it as we headed back north the next morning. I'm not sure >if anyone will want to go looking for it with such a slim chance, >but I figured the list deserves to know that one might be in that area. > >Josh Engelbert & Melissa Patrick >Jonesboro, AR (school) >Copan, OK (home) > >--------------------------------- >Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! >Mobile. Try it now. James W. Beck Broussard, Louisiana Venomous Photography "Anything that bites, and then some". Subject: Rig birds 7-May-08 From: cnrdmd AT bellsouth.net Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 01:55:40 +0000 Good evening everyone, Today was a slow day work wise and bird wise. Too bad I didn't have more birds but that's how it goes here. I observed two birds during the day, one La Waterthrush and one Gray Catbird. One LAWT specimen was collected today. Just now there was either a Semipalmated Plover or a Wilson's Plover on the heliport. This bird had only one ring on it's neck. I am thinking it's a Semipalmated because of the size listed in Peterson's Eastern book. I've never seen one of these birds offshore before, so I don't know which I may be apt to see over the other. I am head on shore tomorrow so this will be my last rig report for a couple of weeks. I understand that I am missing a lot of action in our yard in Vicksburg. Good night all. Troy Reitan/GOM 190 miles SSW of Port Fouchon, La Subject: Rig birds 7-May-08 From: Troy Reitan/Denise Duvic <cnrdmd AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 01:55:40 +0000 Good evening everyone, Today was a slow day work wise and bird wise. Too bad I didn't have more birds but that's how it goes here. I observed two birds during the day, one La Waterthrush and one Gray Catbird. One LAWT specimen was collected today. Just now there was either a Semipalmated Plover or a Wilson's Plover on the heliport. This bird had only one ring on it's neck. I am thinking it's a Semipalmated because of the size listed in Peterson's Eastern book. I've never seen one of these birds offshore before, so I don't know which I may be apt to see over the other. I am head on shore tomorrow so this will be my last rig report for a couple of weeks. I understand that I am missing a lot of action in our yard in Vicksburg. Good night all. Troy Reitan/GOM 190 miles SSW of Port Fouchon, La Subject: Re: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List From: Paul Conover <zoiseaux AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 19:28:04 -0500 David, You might recall that I mentioned an article I had seen a while back about feral Canadas. In short, it said that a group that was against the culling of feral flocks found proof through banding returns that their local feral Canadas were migrating out in winter. They were arguing in court that this should lead to their protection under the Migratory Bird Act. You asked me at the time if I could back up my fuzzy memory with a citation, and no, I couldn't--and can't. Maybe someone with better Googling skills might be able to dig it up, or maybe one of you read the same article. Paul Conover Lafayette > > The question is: where are they? Anybody seeing Canadas somewhere > unexpected? What is the situation at other parks and golf courses with > winter flocks? Are our Canadas simply dispersed widely but locally, or do > they actually migrate to some other park to the north? Anybody know > anything? > > David > > David Muth > New Orleans > > > Subject: Rockefeller NWR , 5/6/08 From: Jacob Saucier <jsauci3 AT LSU.EDU> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 19:06:45 -0500 Hey Labird, On Tuesday I found myself on a last minute trip to Rockefeller NWR to pick up bees for the bee lab. I decided to take advantage of it as a birding opportunity, but being that it was a work trip I wasn't able to dedicate all of my free time to observing and/or counting individual birds. But since I wasn't driving I was able to jot down what I saw at each stop and as I hung out of the window. Also, it helped that my coworker on this trip was open-minded and willing to stop every now and then for birds. Our apiary is located in the western end about a mile south of Hwy 82. Most of this place is inaccessible to the public, which is unfortunate because birding it from the road just doesn't do it justice. The core habitat of this refuge is dense tracts of tall marsh grasses (unfortunately I don't know what types) cut by canals, and once inside the breeding bird density is reminiscent of Whiskey Bay. Especially numerous were Orchard Orioles, all of which were territorial to an extent that some would challenge the truck as we drove by. Not far behind in numbers were Boat-tailed Grackles, Eastern Kingbirds, and Common Yellowthroats. There were also some territorial Black-necked Stilts, so I assume they're breeding here too. Other cool birds were an Osprey flying overhead and a small flock of 5-6 Bobolinks near the entrance. The Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo were seen and heard in the trees (willow and tallow) near the apiary itself. Also of note was a family of Clapper Rails seen crossing the road, comprised of an adult and several youngsters (still quite black and fluffy). And of course, Least Bitterns are always cool. List below: Also, I was surprised to see us kicking up at least a dozen Savannah Sparrows as we drove down the narrow grass road; they must be getting late soon(?). Unfortunately I didn't see any representatives of the Rockefeller Canadian Goose flock, so I can't contribute to that thread. Location: Rockefeller NWR Observation date: 5/6/08 Number of species: 41 Black-bellied Whistling-Duck --6 Mottled Duck --2 Neotropic Cormorant Least Bittern ~7 Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Tricolored Heron + (predominant heron) Cattle Egret Green Heron Yellow-crowned Night-Heron--1 White Ibis White-faced Ibis ++ Roseate Spoonbill Osprey --1 Clapper Rail Purple Gallinule Common Moorhen American Coot Black-necked Stilt Willet --1 Laughing Gull Forster's Tern (some flushed from ground in gravelly area) Royal Tern Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo --1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird + Eastern Kingbird ++ crow sp. --didn't vocalize, but Fish by appearance (although I think American is expected here) Barn Swallow + Marsh Wren Yellow Warbler --1 Common Yellowthroat ++ Summer Tanager --1 Savannah Sparrow ~12 Bobolink --6-7 Common Grackle + Boat-tailed Grackle ++ Brown-headed Cowbird Orchard Oriole +++ This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Jacob Saucier Subject: Recent CENLA Birds From: Huner Jay V <jvh0660 AT LOUISIANA.EDU> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 17:13:59 -0500 I could not find this in my inbox so thought I would send it again. This gives me a chance to mention a bird I forgot to included - Black-billed Cuckoo. Jay H. ---------- Forwarded Message ----------- From: "Huner Jay V" To: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds Sent: Wed, 7 May 2008 07:42:45 -0500 Subject: Recent CENLA Birds There are three comprehensive parish bird lists - Acadia, Rapides, and St. Martin, all the result of Marty Floyd's efforts. I use these parish lists to help me decide whether or not to submit 3x5 cards. Recent "Reportable" birds based on the Rapides list are: - Common Loon - 20-30' away from my bulkhead the other day! - Bald Eagle - Common Tern - No, I am NOT mistaking it for a Forster's Tern! - Alder Flycatcher - White-breasted Nuthatch - "yanking" up a storm and apparently breeding. No, I've seen the birds and they are not "late" Red-breasted Nuthatches. This is the third spring that I've had the birds here and, for now, this location is the southermost documentation of breeding of the species in Louisiana to the BEST of my knowledge. - Tennessee Warbler - Blackpoll Warbler I realize that the flycatcher and warblers would be "expected" to pass through the area in migration. But, there are next to no records! Also, eagles are "ho hum" now; however, their current breeding status here was not noted by Floyd, Breedlove, and Cummings (2000) who considered the birds to be Rare winter birds. And, the loon is not really a surprise but until 2002 or 2003, no loons had been reported from Rapides Parish. I think that Jim Johnson had the first loon at the reservoir at Woodworth the year before I reported one at Cotile Lake, but it was never clear if he submitted a 3x5 card. Knowing what an astute birder Jim is, I am sure that he recognized the uniqueness of his observation and documented it. And, for what it's worth, I am seeing a few suspicious Tree Swallows suggesting that they will or are breeding around here for the third year in a row. Jay Huner ------- End of Forwarded Message ------- -- Subject: Re: Herring Gull splits From: "Woltmann, Stefan" <swoltman AT TULANE.EDU> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 17:06:38 -0500 Mac, Steve and LABird, I see that the British Ornithologists' Union has recently split American Herring Gull from "Caspian" Gull (cachinnans), but they apparently left vegae and mongolicus in with smithsonianus, all as American Herring Gull (am I wrong in thinking it's odd to have something called mongolicus - with an asian distribution - in "American" Herring Gull?). Not sure where the other Eurasian subspecies stand, but presumably split. I understand well the desire to pick out non-smithsonianus Herring Gulls in North America, and kudos to those who can and do. I just think it's case of pseudo-precision to call all the Herring Gulls around here "American" just because there's a spot for it on e-bird. Stefan Stefan Woltmann Dept. Ecology & Evolutionary Biology 400 Boggs Tulane University New Orleans, LA 70118 swoltman AT tulane.edu ________________________________ From: Bulletin Board for Dissemination of Information on Louisiana Birds on behalf of Buford Myers Sent: Wed 07-May-08 16:10 To: LABIRD-L AT LISTSERV.LSU.EDU Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] Herring Gull splits Steve, Stefan and Labird, I realize that AOU reigns supreme in our hemisphere, or at least in North and Middle America. Perhaps there is some sort of ornithological Monroe doctrine concering old world ornithologists messing with our avifauna's taxonomy. But haven't some other equivalent organizations in Britain or Europe already split American Herring Gull (smithsonianus) from the European argentatus/argenteus? Mac ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steven W. Cardiff" To: Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 1:05 PM Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] Herring Gull splits > Stefan (labird)- > I agree with you that "smithsonianus" is the default Herring Gull over > most of North America, so it seems pretty silly to list "Herring Gull > (American)" on ebird lists, etc. You can go to the AOU website and view > "species split" proposals and anonymous AOU Check-list Committee Member > comments. The proposal to split American Herring Gull failed by a 2-8 > vote. > The proposal to split Vega Gull failed by a 4-6 vote. > > Steve Cardiff > > Subject: Possible Fork-Tailed FC From: Josh Engelbert <labirdguest AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 14:01:22 -0700 My wife and I spent a few days birding most of southern LA. On the 5th, we decided to drive down to Venice to check out that area. On our way (just north of Boothville) my wife hollered to stop and turn around. She was kind of confused about what she had seen. After discussing it, she is very sure it was a Fork-tailed flycatcher. She said the bird seemed slightly larger than a Scissor-tailed FC, dark colored, and its tail feathers sort of fluttered individually like ribbons instead of stiff like a Scissor-tail. Also, we grew up in NE Oklahoma so we are very good with Scissor-tail identification. Well we unfortunately never relocated the bird in question. We also didn't see it as we headed back north the next morning. I'm not sure if anyone will want to go looking for it with such a slim chance, but I figured the list deserves to know that one might be in that area. Josh Engelbert & Melissa Patrick Jonesboro, AR (school) Copan, OK (home) --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Subject: Re: Deleted Species and Comments from LSU Big Day List From: David Muth <dpmuth AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 17:02:09 -0400 Bruce: You raise good points, and I like the Ebird response. However, they need to make the ebird interface more user friendly by including these options in the template that opens up each time, rather than forcing one to hunt and peck. As to City Park Canadas, I too have been tracking them more assiduously this spring as a result of our discussions. I meant to post this eventually, but here goes. I assure you that a large flock is there each winter. I have made the lazt assumption that these birds, like the other park ducks, geese and swans, disperse in spring to breed along lagoons throughout the park, keeping a low profile, but still there. However, like you I've seen very few actual birds about since early March--very few. I haven't walked all the laggon edges, but I expect I'll find that my assumption was wrong, and that most of the winter flock actually leaves the park during the breeding season. The question is: where are they? Anybody seeing Canadas somewhere unexpected? What is the situation at other parks and golf courses with winter flocks? Are our Canadas simply dispersed widely but locally, or do they actually migrate to some other park to the north? Anybody know anything? David David Muth New Orleans ______________________________________________________________________________ ______ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ -- David Muth New Orleans **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) -- David Muth New Orleans Subject: Re: Herring Gull splits From: Buford Myers <bmyers990 AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 16:10:28 -0500 Steve, Stefan and Labird, I realize that AOU reigns supreme in our hemisphere, or at least in North and Middle America. Perhaps there is some sort of ornithological Monroe doctrine concering old world ornithologists messing with our avifauna's taxonomy. But haven't some other equivalent organizations in Britain or Europe already split American Herring Gull (smithsonianus) from the European argentatus/argenteus? Mac ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steven W. Cardiff" To: Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 1:05 PM Subject: Re: [LABIRD-L] Herring Gull splits > Stefan (labird)- > I agree with you that "smithsonianus" is the default Herring Gull over > most of North America, so it seems pretty silly to list "Herring Gull > (American)" on ebird lists, etc. You can go to the AOU website and view > "species split" proposals and anonymous AOU Check-list Committee Member > comments. The proposal to split American Herring Gull failed by a 2-8 > vote. > The proposal to split Vega Gull failed by a 4-6 vote. > > Steve Cardiff > > Subject: Re: LSU Big Day Sets New Louisiana Record From: David Muth <dpmuth AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 16:23:11 -0400 Steve/Labird: Sorry if I implied those were bad misses--I was really assuming there was something so obvious I was not seeing it, on the level of Cattle Egret, since most big days have a true worst miss. I agree that the birds you list are not gimmes at all, just possibilities, in the 3 range or harder on my scale. The truth is it looks like they got almost all of the 1, 2, and 3 birds, which is why it is a record run. David David Muth New Orleans ---- "Steven W. Cardiff" wrote: ============= David M./Richard/Brian (labird)- I would consider "non-Acadian" Empids as easy to miss on spring big days, especially in April. We have very few hard-evidence spring records of non-Acadians from the coast (despite intensive efforts to document): only a couple of Least specimens from as early as late April; earliest Yellow-bellied specimen is 7 May, earliest "Traill's" were voice-recorded singing Willow Flycatchers 12 May. So, any coastal report of silent, non-Acadian empids from late April should be considered tentative at best. Loon, kingbird, and Bobolink aren't necessarily spring gimmees either. I would not categorize those among "worst misses." Steve Cardiff