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16 Mar Great Blue Heron [Patricia Rose ] 16 Mar Pigeon Racing and Mike Tyson [Jim Wilson ] 15 Mar Correction to yellow warbler post earlier today [Patricia Rose ] 15 Mar Peregrine in DC [Will McPhail ] 15 Mar Rusty Blackbirds, Davidsonville Park, AA County [Robert Ostrowski ] 15 Mar Re: Yellow warbler [Jim Moore ] 15 Mar Trumpeter Swan status in Maryland [Phil Davis ] 15 Mar Oxbow Lake - Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler [Marcy Stutzman ] 15 Mar Yellow warbler [Patricia Rose ] 15 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Phil Davis ] 15 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Phil Davis ] 15 Mar Re: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? [Phil Davis ] 15 Mar Looking for DC birder Mark Mahnke [Steve Hersey ] 15 Mar Talbot, Caroline, and Queen Anne's--waterfowl--3/14/2010 [Ronald Gutberlet ] 15 Mar Peregrine Falcon Battle: Exlimital [Dan Haas ] 15 Mar Oxbow Lake, 3/14/10 [Marcy Stutzman ] 15 Mar Re: Tundra Swans still at Mayo [James Tyler Bell ] 15 Mar Re: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? [Gail Mackiernan ] 15 Mar Re: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? [Paul Woodward ] 14 Mar Re: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? [Phil Davis ] 15 Mar Re: Barn Swallow at Hughes Hollow plus Riley's Lock, 3/14 [Jim Moore ] 14 Mar Red-headed Woodpecker at Liberty Reservoir--Liberty Dam Road , 3/14/10 [Keith Costley ] 14 Mar Barn Swallow at Hughes Hollow plus Riley's Lock, 3/14 [Andy Martin ] 14 Mar Tundra Swans still at Mayo [Joanne Howl ] 14 Mar Re: McKee-Beshers WMA (Mont Co)-3-14-10 [Evelyn Ralston ] 14 Mar Big Pool to Black Hill, 3/14 [Bill Hubick ] 14 Mar Re: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? [Gail Mackiernan ] 14 Mar Cromwell Valley Park [Georgia McDonald ] 14 Mar Fox Sparrows Singing ["George M. Jett" ] 14 Mar McKee-Beshers WMA (Mont Co)-3-14-10 [Paul Woodward ] 14 Mar Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? [Phil Davis ] 14 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Rob Hilton ] 14 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Norm Saunders ] 14 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Jim Stasz ] 14 Mar Re: FW: eBird Report - Irvine Nature Center , 3/13/10 - Correction [Keith Costley ] 14 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Edward Boyd ] 14 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Edward Boyd ] 14 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Jim Wilson ] 14 Mar Fw: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors [diane Ford ] 14 Mar lots of ringbill gulls, cormorants and blue heron on Potomac [sally wech ] 14 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [James Tyler Bell ] 14 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Nancy Martin ] 14 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Gail Mackiernan ] 14 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Rick Sussman ] 13 Mar FW: eBird Report - Irvine Nature Center , 3/13/10 [Keith Costley ] 13 Mar CVP & hawkwatch, 03/11/10 [Kevin Graff ] 13 Mar Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Gail Mackiernan ] 13 Mar Fwd: The Big Year rumors [Phil Davis ] 13 Mar Re: Bay Bridge Peregrine [Dan Haas ] 13 Mar Eastport Osprey (AA Co.) [Frank Marenghi ] 13 Mar Re: Bay Bridge Peregrine [Rick Sussman ] 12 Mar Bay Bridge Peregrine [maren gimpel ] 12 Mar Near Eastern Shore Waterfowl, 03/12 [Robert Ostrowski ] 12 Mar Oxbow Lake , 3/12/10 [Joe Hanfman ] 12 Mar Pine Warbler at feeder (+ pics) [Fred Burggraf ] 12 Mar Carroll Co. Birds 3/10-11/10 [Bob Ringler ] 12 Mar Poplar Island Sightings for 3 March 2010 [les ] 12 Mar Digiscoping camera recommendations [Clive Harris ] 12 Mar WITU, LBBG [James Tyler Bell ] 12 Mar Fort Smallwood Park (11 Mar 2010, Thursday) 47 Raptors [Sue Ricciardi ] 11 Mar Re: Canada Geese on the move [Rick Cheicante ] 11 Mar Cecil County Osprey! [Chris Starling ] 11 Mar Pine Siskins, Van Ness DC ["ALLPORT, Gary" ] 11 Mar Horned Grebe on the Potomac - DC [Steve Hersey ] 11 Mar Eastern Phoebe, Rock Creek Park Md. [diane Ford ] 11 Mar Oxbow Lake - Tree Swallow [Marcy Stutzman ] 11 Mar Paper Mill Flats [Debbie Terry ] 11 Mar Re: Waterworks Park, AA County, Closing - bird related [Tommy Owens ] 11 Mar Re: Patuxent North Tract -- Massive Storm Damage [Joanne Howl ] 11 Mar Re: Canada Geese on the move [Rick Sussman ] 11 Mar Waterworks Park, AA County, Closing - bird related [Joanne Howl ] 11 Mar IRVINE NATURE CENTER PROGRAMS, SPRING 2010 [Norm Saunders ] 11 Mar Re: Canada Geese on the move [pobrien776 ] 11 Mar More birds on the move [Rick Sussman ] 11 Mar Re: Canada Geese on the move [Leo Weigant ] 11 Mar Red-Breasted Mergansers at Haines Pt. [Thomas Jones ] Subject: Great Blue Heron From: Patricia Rose <rosepv1 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:15:36 -0400 After my oops on misidentifying the warbler yesterday, I just had a treat about fifty feet outside my kitchen window. A Great Blue Heron stopped in for several goldfish from my 220 gallon little pond in the backyard. Because I love to take pictures two of my cameras were on the counter and yes I did get several shots. What a wonderful day when nature comes right to your/my window. Happy Birding, Patricia Viola Rose 240-256-5423 cell Subject: Pigeon Racing and Mike Tyson From: Jim Wilson <wlsngang AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:45:40 -0400 Today's Washington Post has an article about an upcoming Animal Planet show on pigeon racing and the softer side of Mike Tyson ... 'nuff said. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/15/AR2010031503359.html?hpid=sec-artsliving Jim Wilson Queenstown Subject: Correction to yellow warbler post earlier today From: Patricia Rose <rosepv1 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:54:56 -0400 Hi Everyone, I have made a mistake in my earlier post about the "Yellow" warbler which is actually a very yellow pine warbler. Lou DeMouy and several others have contacted me concerning my sighting and I am sorry to say I was wrong. It is nice to know that so many people are up to date on migration species and are kind enough to share what they know. Again I apologize for getting everyone so excited but it was still nice to see this lovely bird. Happy Birding, Patricia V Rose Callaway, St Mary's County Maryland rosepv1 AT verizon.net From: Louis DeMouy [mailto:LDeMouy AT starpower.net] Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 10:34 PM Hi Patricia, Your photos are wonderful! Thank you for sending them. This is a pine warbler. If you have a copy of the Sibley bird guide, you can see the markings well on page 442. The bird has a long tail projection, stout bill, round head, pale neck patch, and dark cheeks. The streaking on the breast is blurry and olive colored and the pine warbler has wing bars. It's so strongly yellow that I can see wanting to call this a yellow warbler. The photos are a treasure. Thanks for sharing with MDOsprey. You helped me with tomorrow's Voice of the Naturalist. All the best. Lou Subject: Peregrine in DC From: Will McPhail <willmcphail AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:32:49 -0700 DC/MD Birders,   I tried to bird as much as possible today while showing some out of town friends around the Mall and the Potomac, but you know how it is. They were thrilled, however, to watch a Bald Eagle (3-4 year) take an unsuccessful dive into the Tidal Basin. The highlight of the day for me was an adult Peregrine we watched while standing on the steps of the Lincoln. Beautiful!   Big numbers of Ring-billed Gull on the Potomac but not much waterfowl. The DC Cormorants were looking lovely and two Pied-billed Grebes were fishing in the Tidal Basin. A small flock of Ceder Waxwings zipped over along the mall at one point as well. Hain's Point was closed (ditto for the walk around the Tidal Basin) as the Potomac was up higher than I have seen it in ages reaching the tops of benches overlooking the basin.   Will McPhail Washington, DC Subject: Rusty Blackbirds, Davidsonville Park, AA County From: Robert Ostrowski <rjostrowski AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:02:18 -0400 This evening at Davidsonville Park there were at least 10 very vocal Rusty Blackbirds in a mixed flock of about 300 birds, mostly made up of Red-wingeds. The flock was lining the tree tops north of the ball fields. Robert Ostrowski Crofton, MD Subject: Re: Yellow warbler From: Jim Moore <epiphenomenon9 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:34:15 -0400 I do not know anything about you Patricia, but in case you're unaware, according to my 1996 Yellow Book the earliest arrival date for Yellow Warbler in Maryland when it was written was April 3, and the earliest now on eBird is March 27 (the only March record on eBird for Maryland). So this would be a record early date for Yellow Warbler. I'll note that Pine Warblers, some individuals of which can be extremely yellow but have wing bars, are beginning to migrate now. Pine Warblers also frequently show up at feeders. Regarding your question, bar charts on both eBird in the Yellow Book suggest that Dark-eyed Juncos (Slate-colored is now the subspecies name) start migrating around April 1, and should be mostly gone by the end of the month. White-throated Sparrows start migrating around May 1, and should be mostly gone by the end of the month. Good birding! Jim Moore Rockville, Maryland PLEASE REPORT YOUR BIRD SIGHTINGS to http://ebird.org/ Patricia Rose wrote: > A male yellow warbler visited my flat feeder three times today. He was > hanging out with the chipping sparrows and cardinals. Spring is here > and the bluebirds and house sparrows are checking out available > housing in my yard. > Also when do the white throated sparrows and slated juncos normaly > migrate? > Please respond at: > > rosepv1 AT verizon.net > > Patricia Viola Rose > 240-256-5423 cell > Subject: Trumpeter Swan status in Maryland From: Phil Davis <mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:56:19 -0400 Hi Paul, et al. Basically, all Trumpeter Swan reports are still on hold right now until we can pull together (1) the current status of all the northern reintroduction programs and (2) the records committee status of the species from the other Northeastern states. We should be ready to take this off the table sometime this year. We have never had to deal with a reintroduction issue like this, so there is little precedent to guide us as to when and how to change its status from extirpated to an unqualified species on the official list. The decisions of other Northeast records committee's who have already dealt with this issue will be relevant inputs to our deliberations. The trigger that will invoke this status determination process will probably be a finding of of an accepted identification of at least one of the reports that are in the committee's queue. Good question. Hope this helps ... Phil At 11:38 PM 03/09/2010, Paul Pisano wrote: (snip) >One thing I noticed in the report that caught my eye was the inclusion >of Trumpeter Swan on several people's lists. Don't get me wrong, I >subscribe to the "it's your list, you count what you want." So this >message isn't meant to be construed as "listing police" (though for the >record it's in my supplemental list and not in my reported total). >Rather, it just got me wondering about the status of this species in MD. > It's currently on the official list as extirpated due to historic >occurrence, yet the number of recent sightings continues to rise given >the ongoing reintroduction programs. So I'm wondering if anyone has any >insights on the status of these programs and at what point it may be >considered as established. Are the programs working? Should Trumpeter >Swan be changed from "Xp" to "2" (reviewable) or "0" (non-review >species) on the official list? =================================================== Phil Davis, Secretary MD/DC Records Committee 2549 Vale Court Davidsonville, Maryland 21035 USA 301-261-0184 mailto:PDavis AT ix.netcom.com MD/DCRC Web site: http://www.MDBirds.org/mddcrc/rcindex.html =================================================== Subject: Oxbow Lake - Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler From: Marcy Stutzman <marciastutzman AT NETSCAPE.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:26:54 -0400 The variety of waterfowl at the Little Patuxent Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve is every changing. Location: Oxbow Lake Observation date: 3/15/10 Notes: Jay Sheppard visited the Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve and reported on the status water level which is retreating through ever-widening break in beaver dam). Mudflats are reappearing. Number of species: 10 Canada Goose 75 Wood Duck 4 Gadwall 2 American Black Duck 2 Mallard 30 Blue-winged Teal 6 Northern Shoveler 2 Green-winged Teal (American) 12 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Tree Swallow 40 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Marcy Stutzman Russett, MD marciastutzman AT netscape.net Subject: Yellow warbler From: Patricia Rose <rosepv1 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:47:51 -0400 A male yellow warbler visited my flat feeder three times today. He was hanging out with the chipping sparrows and cardinals. Spring is here and the bluebirds and house sparrows are checking out available housing in my yard. Also when do the white throated sparrows and slated juncos normaly migrate? Please respond at: rosepv1 AT verizon.net Patricia Viola Rose 240-256-5423 cell Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Phil Davis <mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:44:33 -0400 Opps ... dropped a few words ... it should have read, Hitchcock's, "The Birds" ... but you probably figured that out .... fixed, below. At 04:05 PM 03/15/2010, you wrote: >Hi Jim, et al. > >I asked Greg about this and he told me that he has casually >discussed the issue of "ornithological accuracy" with the director, >but, as others have noted, when it comes to Hollywood, who can >predict what will happen? ... we can only hope! > >Reminds me of a story ... Years ago my wife, Barbara, and I owned >one of those Wild Bird-type stores. We got some advance notice that >Hollywood was going to film a sequel to Hitchcock's "The Birds" set >in coastal North Carolina. Wow! How cool! Well, we became casual >intermediaries and relayed some production status and information to >the birding community as the project progressed. When the movie was >done it went to cable (that should have been a hint!). We forwarded >and hyped all of the information on the schedule and time of it's >airing. Well ... it turned out to be the worst movie I have ever >seen, birds or no birds! Was I ever embarrassed! So, when it comes >to Hollywood, caveat emptor! > >Thanks. > >Phil > > >At 12:35 PM 03/14/2010, Jim Wilson wrote: >>Since Mr. Davis apparently knows Mr. Miller (an assumption ... it >>appears that he got an email from Mr. Miller), could Mr. Davis ask >>if he knows if any efforts are being made to "authenticate" the >>movie. We would all just cry if they played the call of the >>Red-tailed Hawk when an Eagle is seen flying majestically over >>gorgeous mountain scenery. > > >================================== >Phil Davis Davidsonville, Maryland USA > mailto:PDavis AT ix.netcom.com >================================== Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Phil Davis <mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:05:26 -0400 Hi Jim, et al. I asked Greg about this and he told me that he has casually discussed the issue of "ornithological accuracy" with the director, but, as others have noted, when it comes to Hollywood, who can predict what will happen? ... we can only hope! Reminds me of a story ... Years ago my wife, Barbara, and I owned one of those Wild Bird-type stores. We got some advance notice that Hollywood was going to film a sequel to Hitchcock's " set in coastal North Carolina. Wow! How cool! Well, we became casual intermediaries and relayed some production status and information to the birding community as the project progressed. When the movie was done it went to cable (that should have been a hint!). We forwarded and hyped all of the information on the schedule and time of it's airing. Well ... it turned out to be the worst movie I have ever seen, birds or no birds! Was I ever embarrassed! So, when it comes to Hollywood, caveat emptor! Thanks. Phil At 12:35 PM 03/14/2010, Jim Wilson wrote: >Since Mr. Davis apparently knows Mr. Miller (an assumption ... it >appears that he got an email from Mr. Miller), could Mr. Davis ask >if he knows if any efforts are being made to "authenticate" the >movie. We would all just cry if they played the call of the >Red-tailed Hawk when an Eagle is seen flying majestically over >gorgeous mountain scenery. ================================== Phil Davis Davidsonville, Maryland USA mailto:PDavis AT ix.netcom.com ================================== Subject: Re: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? From: Phil Davis <mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:24:36 -0400 Hi Paul, et al. I agree with you. After I wrote that, I realized that the "breeding habitat" issue won't really work for Maryland, unless we wanted to do some controlled burns and plant Jack Pines . The one factor that might make the spring season more attractive is that there are reports of males starting to sing on migration as far south as South Carolina, on their journey north from the Bahamas. So, hearing a singing male that had wandered east of the primary migration path might be a better chance for discovering a Maryland bird than stumbling on a off-course, generally silent fall migrant, even though they might be relatively more numerous ... maybe? Who knows? Dunn and Garrett (Peterson's Warbler guide, 1997) report the following: "Now rarely encountered in migration. All migration records should be carefully documented; our understanding of migration status is obscured by numerous questionable sight records. Spring migration records are much more numerous than fall, probably because loudly singing males are more readily encountered." They also report that there are specimen records or photographs for VA and PA and sight records from WV. They add that spring records in the south are mostly from mid-to late April, whereas most spring records from the upper Midwest are from 10 to 25 May. So, maybe our target time is from late April to mid-May? Winter habitat, which presumably might be attractive in migration outside of the breeding range, is described by Dunn and Garrett as "dense broadleaf scrub thickets less than 6 feet high, with scattered taller trees." Maybe the best thing we can do is suggest birders who are out during spring migration try to become familiar with the warbler's song. Dunn and Garrett describe it as having similarities to Northern Waterthrush, and even, by some, to House Wren and Indigo Bunting. Here's a link to a page with a Don Borror/Cornell mp3 file ... http://liaisons.drc.ohiolink.edu/handle/2374.OX/46145 Hope spring eternal ... Phil At 06:48 AM 03/15/2010, Paul Woodward wrote: > I am not sure habitat has anything to do with it since > migrants can show up anywhere. More to the point is that if you > draw a line from the Kirtland's wintering grounds in the Bahamas to > the nesting grounds in Michigan (or to the new populations in > Wisconsin) Maryland isn't along the presumed migration route. More > likely in the fall with young birds flying off course . ================================== Phil Davis Davidsonville, Maryland USA mailto:PDavis AT ix.netcom.com ================================== Subject: Looking for DC birder Mark Mahnke From: Steve Hersey <sherseydc AT MAC.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:56:07 -0400 Sorry to post this to the whole list, but I'm trying to get in touch with Mark Mahnke. Thanks!!! For a little birding report, I took a quick trip to LBJ Grove on the Potomac in DC to see if any Pine Warblers were around. They've been reported in Fairfax County recently so I hoped some might be popping through DC. No luck there, but it was nice to see the Black-crowned Night Herons have returned to LBJ Grove. Steve Hersey Washington, DC Subject: Talbot, Caroline, and Queen Anne's--waterfowl--3/14/2010 From: Ronald Gutberlet <rlgutberlet AT SALISBURY.EDU> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:44:16 -0400 Hi Everyone, I visited as many water stops as I could fit into the itinerary yesterday (Sunday, 14 Mar 2010). I focused on Talbot and Caroline Counties and also viewed the Queen Anne's side of Tuckahoe St Pk from the Caroline side. I had some modest success with new county birds, adding AMERICAN WIGEON and HOODED MERGANSER in Talbot, LESSER SCAUP in Caroline, and NORTHERN PINTAIL in Queen Anne's. Three early spring species--OSPREY, LAUGHING GULL, and TREE SWALLOW--were present at many stops during the day. These species are now widespread (though not yet numerous) on the lower and mid-shore. Ospreys are already working on nests down here--I've seen multiple birds carrying sticks. Like Bill, I was also doing some coveting yesterday--primarily at Tuckahoe State Park, where 2 species I have never seen in Caroline (AMERICAN WIGEON and NORTHERN PINTAIL) went about their business on the Queen Anne's side of the line, apparently oblivious to the covetousness I projected in their direction. Three AMERICAN COOTS were also on the Queen Anne's side. Thanks to Ed Boyd, Jim Stasz, and Jim Green for reports about these ducks (and others) at Tuckahoe. You may remember that all of those guys experienced the ducks-in-flight bonus, recording the species in Queen Anne's and Caroline. Perhaps on my next visit... Where's an eagle or a fisherman when you need one? I spent the end of the day checking Talbot and Caroline waters from landings on the Talbot side. These stops were a little slow, but I did have 6 GADWALL in Caroline (seen from the Windy Hill Rd boat ramp on the Talbot side). A few abbreviated lists from the day plus the full list from Llandaff Rd (Talbot Co), which had nice diversity for such a short stretch of road, follow. Have fun, Ron Gutberlet Salisbury, MD rlgutberlet AT salisbury.edu Location: Llandaff Rd (Talbot Co) Notes: my first visit to this road--nice spot Number of species: 35 Canada Goose 368 most (almost all) were flying north in large V's Tundra Swan 1 on one of the ponds Wood Duck 5 AMERICAN WIGEON 6 Mallard 14 Green-winged Teal (American) 6 Ring-necked Duck 10 Bufflehead 2 HOODED MERGANSER 12 Great Blue Heron 1 Black Vulture 2 Turkey Vulture 6 OSPREY 1 Killdeer 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS 7 exact count, a single flock that flew by low Herring Gull 15 Great Black-backed Gull 1 Rock Pigeon 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 4 American Crow 2 Fish Crow 1 TREE SWALLOW 3 Carolina Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 3 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 6 Northern Mockingbird 2 European Starling 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2 Eastern Towhee 3 White-throated Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 4 Red-winged Blackbird 38 Common Grackle 22 Location: Spring Road Impoundments (Talbot Co) Tundra Swan 6 Gadwall 11 Mallard 38 Northern Pintail 2 Green-winged Teal (American) 14 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Tree Swallow 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Brown Creeper 1 Field Sparrow 1 singing Location: Tanyard Marsh (Caroline Co) Notes: water high, no mud exposed Common Merganser 6 Double-crested Cormorant 5 Osprey 3 Northern Harrier 1 Laughing Gull 4 Tree Swallow 1 Location: Williston Lake (Caroline Co) Common Merganser 1 Location: Martinak State Park (Caroline Co) Notes: fishermen and boaters probably reduced the chances of encountering many ducks here today Wood Duck 2 Common Merganser 6 Ruddy Duck 2 Osprey 2 Laughing Gull 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 Location: Denton WWTP (Caroline Co) Ring-necked Duck 33 Bufflehead 1 Tree Swallow 2 Location: Ridgely WWTP (Caroline Co) Notes: standing on the green box here provides a reasonable view Ring-necked Duck 30 Lesser Scaup 4 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Subject: Peregrine Falcon Battle: Exlimital From: Dan Haas <nervousbirds AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:17:53 -0400 There is a battle going on in for the Wilmington De nestbox site. It's happening LIVE! http://www.dosbirds.org/wilmfalcons -Dan Haas West Annapolis, MD nervousbirds AT gmail.com Subject: Oxbow Lake, 3/14/10 From: Marcy Stutzman <marciastutzman AT NETSCAPE.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:07:25 -0400 Location: Oxbow Lake Observation date: 3/14/10 Notes: Overnight on Mar 13, the gage height for the Little Patuxent River at Savage, MD reached 11.5 feet (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/md/nwis/uv/?site_no=01594000&agency_cd=USGS). What that means is the Little Patuxent flooded back into Oxbow Lake, So the lake water level was raised, but is already retreating back into the outlet channel because the beaver dam remains unrepaired. Last week there was more of the lake bottom exposed as mudflats than I had ever seen. As soon as the rain and flooding from upstream ends, the Oxbow will probably have mudflats exposed again until the beavers repair the dam. Jay Sheppard visited late afternoon and reported these birds as well as one Red Fox. Number of species: 14 Canada Goose 200 Wood Duck 18 Mallard 50 Ring-necked Duck 9 Bald Eagle 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Ring-billed Gull 25 Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 American Crow 12 Fish Crow 12 Eastern Bluebird 4 Red-winged Blackbird 150 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Marcy Stutzman Russett, MD marciastutzman AT netscape.net Subject: Re: Tundra Swans still at Mayo From: James Tyler Bell <jtylerbell AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:01:07 -0700 There has been a large gathering of gulls, perhaps 500-600 birds, along Muddy Creek Road across from the Shady Oaks Turf Farm at Holly Landing Road. Today there were about a dozen Tundra Swans in with the group. There's no good place, that I know of, to stop and scope this area, unfortunately. Tyler Bell jtylerbell AT yahoo.com California, Maryland ________________________________ From: Joanne Howl To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 11:19:17 PM Subject: [MDOSPREY] Tundra Swans still at Mayo Jon Ranson and I took a short visit to Mayo Beach/Shoreham Beach this afternoon.  There were 11 Tundra Swans in Big Pond, 7 at Shoreham.  They were pretty mobile and restless, especially the group at Big Pond.  But, when I left near dusk, they appeared to have settled back down.  Looking across from Shoreham to Thomas Point, we could see about 25 - 30 Tundra Swan loitering along that shore as well. At Ramsey lake, Jon got his FOY OSPREY.  (I got mine at Waterworks Park on Friday).  We thought it was pretty cool that the Osprey and the Tundra were hanging here together - both long migrants; one ending his journey and the others about to start. Joanne Joanne Howl, DVM jovet AT aol.com West River, MD Subject: Re: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? From: Gail Mackiernan <katahdinss AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:35:05 -0500 The Maine records committee figured out that their bird was at about the same latitude and about the same distance from the Bahamas as the actual nesting areas in Michigan, but in the wrong directional angle. If the bird was first found in early June, it could have been around for a month (assuming they migrate in early May as reported). Having visited both areas (Grayling MI and also the Kennebunk preserve) the physical look of the scrubby pine habitat is quite similar, probably similar enough to attract a hopeful male for a few weeks at least. However this was obviously a real "one-off" as the Brits say. The bird did not return in 2009 and there have been no other such records anywhere in New England Gail Mackiernan Colesvile, MD on 03/15/2010 5:48 AM, Paul Woodward at grackling AT ATT.NET wrote: > I am not sure habitat has anything to do with it since migrants can > show up anywhere. More to the point is that if you draw a line from the > Kirtland's wintering grounds in the Bahamas to the nesting grounds in > Michigan (or to the new populations in Wisconsin) Maryland isn't along the > presumed migration route. More likely in the fall with young birds flying > off course . > > Paul Woodward > Fairfax City, VA > grackling AT att.net > Subject: Re: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? From: Paul Woodward <grackling AT ATT.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:48:03 -0400 I am not sure habitat has anything to do with it since migrants can show up anywhere. More to the point is that if you draw a line from the Kirtland's wintering grounds in the Bahamas to the nesting grounds in Michigan (or to the new populations in Wisconsin) Maryland isn't along the presumed migration route. More likely in the fall with young birds flying off course . Paul Woodward Fairfax City, VA grackling AT att.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Davis" To: Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 8:15 PM Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? > Gail, et al: > > I had always assumed that along the C&O canal in migration was the best > bet for Maryland. I know we had an experienced observer report one once > from the Nolan's Ferry C&O pathway in May, but it was unconfirmed. Maybe > suitable habitat in far western Maryland would be another shot ...? > > Maybe some of our GIS experts could do an analysis like what they did for > the Five-Striped Sparrow in Arizona where they took the aerial > characteristics of the habitat in California Gulch, where the bird is > regularly found, and then used GIS tools to search for other similar > habitat. Sure enough, the tools led them to find the bird in another (but > very inaccessible) location. > > Phil > > > At 08:13 PM 03/14/2010, Gail Mackiernan wrote: >>Recall that a singing male Kirtland's Warbler was recorded in Maine in >>June >>2008 -- this at the Nature Conservancy preserve of Kennebunk Plains, an >>open heath/grass area with scattered scrub pine clumps -- very much like >>the >>same birds' habitat in Michigan. I think the bird was around for only a >>short time after its initial discovery but could have been present for >>much >>longer period before a knowing birder saw it. >> >>Gail Mackiernan >>Colesville, MD > > ================================== > Phil Davis Davidsonville, Maryland USA > mailto:PDavis AT ix.netcom.com > ================================== Subject: Re: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? From: Phil Davis <mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:15:08 -0400 Gail, et al: I had always assumed that along the C&O canal in migration was the best bet for Maryland. I know we had an experienced observer report one once from the Nolan's Ferry C&O pathway in May, but it was unconfirmed. Maybe suitable habitat in far western Maryland would be another shot ...? Maybe some of our GIS experts could do an analysis like what they did for the Five-Striped Sparrow in Arizona where they took the aerial characteristics of the habitat in California Gulch, where the bird is regularly found, and then used GIS tools to search for other similar habitat. Sure enough, the tools led them to find the bird in another (but very inaccessible) location. Phil At 08:13 PM 03/14/2010, Gail Mackiernan wrote: >Recall that a singing male Kirtland's Warbler was recorded in Maine in June >2008 -- this at the Nature Conservancy preserve of Kennebunk Plains, an >open heath/grass area with scattered scrub pine clumps -- very much like the >same birds' habitat in Michigan. I think the bird was around for only a >short time after its initial discovery but could have been present for much >longer period before a knowing birder saw it. > >Gail Mackiernan >Colesville, MD ================================== Phil Davis Davidsonville, Maryland USA mailto:PDavis AT ix.netcom.com ================================== Subject: Re: Barn Swallow at Hughes Hollow plus Riley's Lock, 3/14 From: Jim Moore <epiphenomenon9 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:29:14 -0400 I was watching from Violette's Lock later in the afternoon and thought of a merry-go-round as an analogy. Hundreds of ducks and gulls were being sent downstream rapidly on much stronger than normal currents, I would guess about 10-15 miles an hour, and as soon as they would approach the Violette's Lock rapids, they would fly back several hundred yards upstream and the whole process would start over again. Think I saw several of the same groups of birds go by on at least four or five different occasions over a 20 minute span. Have never seen anything quite like it before. I had a first year Great Black-backed Gull and lone male Redhead at Violette's Lock, but otherwise many of the same birds you reported. Good birding! Jim Moore Rockville, Maryland PLEASE REPORT YOUR BIRD SIGHTINGS to http://ebird.org/ Andy Martin wrote: > I had to use Tschiffly Mill Rd to get down to the Riley's Lock > Aqueduct around 12 noon this afternoon. Riley's Lock Rd was flooded > out. Very cool looking out on the flooded river. It was like a > conveyor belt of waterfowl and gulls with plenty of birds drifting by > in the fast currents and also had the fun of watching many fly back up > stream. > Subject: Red-headed Woodpecker at Liberty Reservoir--Liberty Dam Road , 3/14/10 From: Keith Costley <OrioleKEC1 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:33:58 -0500 I saw six woodpecker species at Liberty Reservoir this morning. The Red-headed Woodpecker (RHWO) was there; but I missed seeing a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (YBSA). Later, this afternoon a YBSA flew into a Cedar in my backyard. Location: Liberty Reservoir--Liberty Dam Road Observation date: 3/14/10 Number of species: 36 Canada Goose 8 Mallard 1 Common Merganser 7 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Turkey Vulture X Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Killdeer 4 Ring-billed Gull 1 Mourning Dove 2 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 4 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3 Pileated Woodpecker 3 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 15 Carolina Chickadee 10 Tufted Titmouse 15 Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 5 Brown Creeper 1 Carolina Wren 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 Hermit Thrush 1 American Robin 5 Northern Mockingbird 1 Fox Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 9 White-throated Sparrow 26 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 16 Northern Cardinal 12 Common Grackle 49 House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Keith Eric Costley OrioleKEC1 AT comcast.net Randallstown, BC Subject: Barn Swallow at Hughes Hollow plus Riley's Lock, 3/14 From: Andy Martin <apmartin2 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:26:49 -0400 I had to use Tschiffly Mill Rd to get down to the Riley's Lock Aqueduct around 12 noon this afternoon. Riley's Lock Rd was flooded out. Very cool looking out on the flooded river. It was like a conveyor belt of waterfowl and gulls with plenty of birds drifting by in the fast currents and also had the fun of watching many fly back up stream. At Hughes Hollow, it was nice to run into Paul Woodward and I also picked out a BARN SWALLOW among the 30 or so Tree Swallows flying around. Seems a bit on early side but checked ebird when I got home and see the Mike Bowen had a Barn Swallow at Hughes Hollow on March 20, 2000 and Bob Ringler had a Barn Swallow in Carroll Co on March 13, 2007. Wish I could find my Yellowbook. Went further up river towards Patton Turf Farm. River Rd was flooded out at Broad Run just north of Edwards Ferry. Turned around and accessed Patton Turf Farm via Elmer School Rd. No Sandhill Crane again. Not much at turf farm. River Rd was unpassable again just prior to White's Ferry. Andy Martin Gaithersburg apmartin2 AT comcast.net RILEY'S LOCK, POTOMAC R. Canada Goose 4 Wood Duck 2 Gadwall 2 American Wigeon 1 Mallard 5 Northern Pintail 8 Ring-necked Duck X Greater Scaup X Lesser Scaup X Bufflehead X Common Goldeneye 5 Red-breasted Merganser 2 Horned Grebe 7 Great Blue Heron 2 Turkey Vulture 1 Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull 3 Barred Owl 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 Tree Swallow 7 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 Red-winged Blackbird 5 Subject: Tundra Swans still at Mayo From: Joanne Howl <jovet AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:19:17 -0400 Jon Ranson and I took a short visit to Mayo Beach/Shoreham Beach this afternoon. There were 11 Tundra Swans in Big Pond, 7 at Shoreham. They were pretty mobile and restless, especially the group at Big Pond. But, when I left near dusk, they appeared to have settled back down. Looking across from Shoreham to Thomas Point, we could see about 25 - 30 Tundra Swan loitering along that shore as well. At Ramsey lake, Jon got his FOY OSPREY. (I got mine at Waterworks Park on Friday). We thought it was pretty cool that the Osprey and the Tundra were hanging here together - both long migrants; one ending his journey and the others about to start. Joanne Joanne Howl, DVM jovet AT aol.com West River, MD Subject: Re: McKee-Beshers WMA (Mont Co)-3-14-10 From: Evelyn Ralston <evelynsr AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:36:06 -0400 I went to Hughes Hollow this morning and in addition to the ducks reported by Paul I saw two American Wigeons and at least 6 pairs of Hooded Mergansers on the large impoundment on the left side. Also one very vocal Canada Goose maybe sorry not to have left during the week, Bluebirds, Yellow Rumped Warblers, many grackles and red-winged blackbirds, one Downy and one Red-bellied Woodpecker, Chickadees, and one Phoebe. On my way back I stopped at Violette's lock. The Potomac nearly reached the towpath upstream of the lock. Current was swift and there were many Gulls (Ring-billed mostly but I did not try hard...) and ducks, all being carried downstream very fast while facing upstream. I put my scope down and just looked at what was going through my field of view until I started feeling dizzy. It looked like a movie being rewound...The majority of the ducks were ring-necked, there were also numerous buffleheads, one red-headed duck, and one pair of Common Goldeneyes. I also saw one Double-crested Cormorant and, on land, one Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker. Evelyn Evelyn Ralston evelynsr AT verizon.net On Mar 14, 2010, at 6:19 PM, Paul Woodward wrote: > The rain let up enough that I was able to spend a couple hours > here. With my limited mobility I spent my time looking over the > impoundments. The water levels are still high, but unlike last week > there were ducks on the open water- mainly male RING-NECKED DUCKS. > They have rebounded from their low numbers last spring (high count > 79) to 125 today with still more time for even higher numbers. Also > had a calling PIED-BILLED GREBE-maybe this year I can confirm > breeding here. Last year's high water eliminated any chance of a > successful nesting. > Not many migrants today-at least 275 RING-BILLED GULLS and two > small flocks of TUNDRA SWANS (50 total) heading NW. > Landbirds are still scarce. Until I can walk normally again I > won't be able to see what effect the snow had on the local bird > populations. Did have a group of at least 75 TREE SWALLOWS. None > of these birds were interested in the nest boxes. > > Paul Woodward > Fairfax City, VA > grackling AT att.net Evelyn Ralston evelynsr AT verizon.net Subject: Big Pool to Black Hill, 3/14 From: Bill Hubick <bill_hubick AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:46:41 -0700 Hi Everyone, My wife Becky and I spent most of the day driving around in the rain looking for waterfowl. We started the day at Big Pool in Washington County and worked back roads east to Little Seneca Lake. Dabbler numbers appeared to have dropped since recent reports, but I thought diversity was still pretty good. The Potomac River is very seriously flooded, and many of the C&O Canal access roads are underwater. I won't forget the scene at Dam #5, where the dam was completely overflowed, whole logs getting tossed about in the powerful torrent. We saw many homes, especially looking into West Virginia, that were surrounded by water. I'm used to seeing rapids, but I've never seen crashing waves along the shores of the Potomac before. Many roads have "High Water" signs, and with no exceptions, they were actually impassable. It was an interesting day to be out! Here are the abridged eBird lists: Fort Frederick SP---Big Pool Canada Goose--23 Wood Duck--41 Gadwall--6 American Wigeon--2 American Black Duck--35 Mallard--13 Northern Pintail--1 hen Green-winged Teal (American)--1 Ring-necked Duck--21 Bufflehead--2 Hooded Merganser--3 Common Merganser--11 Killdeer--1 Hairy Woodpecker--3 Eastern Phoebe--1 Golden-crowned Kinglet--1 Song Sparrow--1 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)--3 Spring Peepers quite vocal at both ends of the lake. Hagerstown Mall Ponds Did a cursory check for the Loggerhead Shrike, but didn't see it. Expected species. Sit-down lunch and a Bloody Mary. Kershner's Pond Cackling Goose (Richardson's)--1 Canada Goose--1900 Gadwall--6 American Wigeon--9 American Black Duck--110 Mallard--84 Northern Pintail--2 Green-winged Teal (American)--13 Canvasback--7 Redhead--3 Ring-necked Duck--57 Bufflehead--4 Hooded Merganser--5 Common Merganser--14 Red-breasted Merganser--9. Departed as a flock soon after we arrived. Ruddy Duck--5 Great Blue Heron--1 Red-tailed Hawk (Eastern)--1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)--1 Greenfield Road Canada Goose--45, northbound flock Red-shouldered Hawk--1 Ring-billed Gull--1 Brown Creeper--1 Golden-crowned Kinglet--1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet--1 Song Sparrow--2 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)--9 American Goldfinch--12 (most that I've seen since the blizzards) Sugarloaf Mountain--Comus Road HERMIT THRUSH--1. Coveted county closeout (#118). (Yes, they're all coveted.) Black Hill RP--Little Seneca Lake Canvasback--4 Bufflehead--16 Common Goldeneye--3 Hooded Merganser--11 Common Merganser--113 Pied-billed Grebe--2 Ring-billed Gull--5 Pileated Woodpecker--1 For anyone interested, I've posted two pages of new photos from a recent trip to southern Florida, birding mostly around the Everglades with Matt Hafner and Adam Kent. Hope you enjoy! http://www.billhubick.com/photos/updates/20100310.php Good birding! Bill Bill Hubick Pasadena, Maryland bill_hubick AT yahoo.com http://www.billhubick.com Subject: Re: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? From: Gail Mackiernan <katahdinss AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:13:11 -0500 Recall that a singing male Kirtland's Warbler was recorded in Maine in June 2008 -- this at the Nature Conservancy preserve of Kennebunk Plains, an open heath/grass area with scattered scrub pine clumps -- very much like the same birds' habitat in Michigan. I think the bird was around for only a short time after its initial discovery but could have been present for much longer period before a knowing birder saw it. Gail Mackiernan Colesville, MD on 03/14/2010 5:03 PM, Phil Davis at mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM wrote: > MD Osprey: > > I see that Virginia (specifically, Ned Brinkley) is organizing a > targeted Kirtland's Warbler search in Wise County, VA. > > I wonder if someone is smart enough to lay out a similar plan for > Maryland and throw down the gauntlet for volunteers ...? > > VA details are here ... > > http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/VABD.html#1268590744 > > Phil > > Subject: Cromwell Valley Park From: Georgia McDonald <gmcdonald2006 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:09:04 -0400 A leisurely 2 hour walk at CVP this afternoon yielded mostly the usual suspects, but we did get a good look at 2 Hairy Woodpeckers. At first, we thought it was a courtship display, but when Dan got the scope on the birds, we found they were both males. So I guess it was a territorial discussion with lots of very loud trilling combined with posturing, beaks pointed skyward & tails flared. The amphibian pond has lots of jelly eggs. Georgia McDonald Towson, Balt Co. Subject: Fox Sparrows Singing From: "George M. Jett" <gmjett AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:41:59 -0400 Folks This past week I have had a handful of Fox Sparrows singing up a storm around the house in Waldorf. Maybe that is why all the rain. It is lovely to hear this species sing. Other sparrows singing include White-throat, Junco, and Song Sparrow. Spring is about to burst. Got a nice look at a Meadow Vole coming up for seed later today. Spring Peepers and Wood Frogs are also singing after dark. I will be putting some Spring Peeper images up on my website tomorrow. Amplexus anyone? George gmjett AT comcast.net Subject: McKee-Beshers WMA (Mont Co)-3-14-10 From: Paul Woodward <grackling AT ATT.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:19:41 -0400 The rain let up enough that I was able to spend a couple hours here. With my limited mobility I spent my time looking over the impoundments. The water levels are still high, but unlike last week there were ducks on the open water- mainly male RING-NECKED DUCKS. They have rebounded from their low numbers last spring (high count 79) to 125 today with still more time for even higher numbers. Also had a calling PIED-BILLED GREBE-maybe this year I can confirm breeding here. Last year's high water eliminated any chance of a successful nesting. Not many migrants today-at least 275 RING-BILLED GULLS and two small flocks of TUNDRA SWANS (50 total) heading NW. Landbirds are still scarce. Until I can walk normally again I won't be able to see what effect the snow had on the local bird populations. Did have a group of at least 75 TREE SWALLOWS. None of these birds were interested in the nest boxes. Paul Woodward Fairfax City, VA grackling AT att.net Subject: Kirtland's Warbler search in Maryland? From: Phil Davis <mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:03:08 -0400 MD Osprey: I see that Virginia (specifically, Ned Brinkley) is organizing a targeted Kirtland's Warbler search in Wise County, VA. I wonder if someone is smart enough to lay out a similar plan for Maryland and throw down the gauntlet for volunteers ...? VA details are here ... http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/VABD.html#1268590744 Phil ================================== Phil Davis Davidsonville, Maryland USA mailto:PDavis AT ix.netcom.com ================================== Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Rob Hilton <aimophila10 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:20:09 -0700 I have often wished that Kevin Smith had followed up his first movie "Clerks" with a movie about birders. Rob Hilton Silver SPring Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Norm Saunders <marshhawk AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:26:04 -0400 OMG, that would be an X-rated movie for sure..... -----Original Message----- From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM] On Behalf Of Jim Stasz Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 2:44 PM To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors Hi Folks! If you want real comedy, go birding with me and my friends :-) Jim Jim Stasz North Beach MD _jlstasz AT aol,com_ (mailto:jlstasz AT aol,com) Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Jim Stasz <Jlstasz AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:43:44 EDT Hi Folks! If you want real comedy, go birding with me and my friends :-) Jim Jim Stasz North Beach MD _jlstasz AT aol,com_ (mailto:jlstasz AT aol,com) In a message dated 3/14/2010 1:39:50 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, edboyd1959 AT YAHOO.COM writes: If Hollywood is anything it is consistent in its ability to screw up reality in everything. The movie "Pushing Tin" was based (VERY loosely it appears) on an article that was written in the a New York paper's Sunday magazine about the air traffic controllers that work in the New York Traffic Control Room (TRACON), specifically the Newark Sector. Having read that article and being an air traffic controller myself, I couldn't wait for the movie to be released. I can tell you that except for a scene in the first 10 minutes or so of the movie, the movie "Airplane" had a more accurate portrayal of the air traffic control world and was much more entertaining. The manner in which controllers were portrayed in "Pushing Tin" was beyond ridiculous, but unfortunately, we often believe what we see on the big screen. For years people came up to me and asked if that was how it really was. Of course, I told them that the way that they showed these controllers playing chicken with thousands of peoples lives every day was exactly how it was in the real world and how I worked traffic every day of my life. I'm hoping that they will dig up P. Caspar Biddle (Cox) and Jane Hathaway to play the birders again, at least that stereotype was funny. I'm actually expecting them to make this a silly farce with a lot of slapstick and absurd situational humor. The way that these characters will add species to their lists will border on, or cross over, the ridiculous boundary. People don't want to go to the theater to be 'entertained' by a serious reenactment of how someone sat a the Ocean City inlet all day and got a Dovekie flying into the channel at sundown. Or how someone walked the 8-mile Boot Spring Trail in Big Bend to add Colima Warbler to their list. OOOH! How exciting! If they do show this last bit, the character will have to battle scorpions, tarantulas, rattlesnakes and jumping cholla cactus to tick it off. If that characterization will bother you, I suspect you'll have to stay out of the theater and keep your hobby a secret or otherwise be embarrassed to be identified with the folks in this movie. Perhaps I'm wrong and they'll find a way to make it both accurate and funny at the same time. I'm betting not, I just hope that they'll have someone to get the birds right. Otherwise, I might just have to go back to sniffing glue. (If you don't understand this last line, do yourself a favor and go rent airplane again). Edward Boyd Westminster, MD ________________________________ From: Nancy Martin To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 10:16:47 AM Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors Hi All, This brings great trepidation to my heart. I still have not completely recovered from Wally Cox in "The Beverly Hillbillies" being the media image of bird watching. Given this is not a Christopher Guest parody but instead has all the earmarks of Big Hollywood (director of "Marley & Me", Steve Martin, Jack Black) what are the odds this will establish competitive birders as crazy fools for some time to come? As I recall the tone of the source material was often not very flattering and Hollywood often goes for hyperbole with the parts that tickled the producer's fancy (this being Mr. Cruel Humor: Ben Stiller). You heard it here first. I sure hope this is done in such a way as to make us look human as well as funny, but I feel fear. Good (wet) birding, Walter Ellison 23460 Clarissa Road Chestertown, MD 21620 phone: 410-778-9568 e-mail:rossgull AT baybroadband.net "A person who is looking for something doesn't travel very fast" - E. B. White (in "Stuart Little") On 3/14/2010 9:57 AM, Rick Sussman wrote: > If they could make it like that film, it would be an instant classic! > > Rick Sussman > Woodbine,MD > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gail Mackiernan > To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM > Sent: Sat, Mar 13, 2010 9:44 pm > Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors > > > I hope they make some attempt for accuracy on the birds and on birding -- > ne of the reasons we dog show people LOVE Christopher Guest's "Best in > how" movie was that it is only a *teeny bit* exaggerated, and all of us > now folks who match each of the characters! > Gail Mackiernan > Colesville, MD > on 03/13/2010 4:58 PM, Phil Davis at mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM wrote: > Subject: Re: FW: eBird Report - Irvine Nature Center , 3/13/10 - Correction From: Keith Costley <OrioleKEC1 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:33:08 -0500 Oopsie, I made an error reporting 200 Carolina Chickadee to eBird and MDOsprey last night. I actually had 5 Carolina Chickadee and 385 Canada Goose. I inadvertently added 195 birds to the wrong cell on my spreadsheet. Keith Eric Costley OrioleKEC1 AT comcast.net Randallstown, BC > From: Keith Costley > Reply-To: Keith Costley > Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:47:04 -0500 > To: > Subject: [MDOSPREY] FW: eBird Report - Irvine Nature Center , 3/13/10 > > In the light rain shower, Woodcocks or not, I decided to go forward with the > Woodcock Walk at Irvine Nature Center today. I was surprised and thrilled to > learn that I would be joined by Katharine Patterson. > > We found the fields in the back of the property flooded and there were many > Canada Goose and Mallard there. The rain stopped around 5:45. Five Savannah > Sparrow and two Song Sparrow got counted. We did not hear or see the > Red-headed Woodpecker that was found in November -- dang. > > Shortly after sunset, I saw two AMWO fly by and land in the middle of one of > the fields; but they remained still and quiet. > > Location: Irvine Nature Center > Observation date: 3/13/10 > Number of species: 26 > > Canada Goose 385 (corrected) > Mallard 65 > Red-shouldered Hawk 1 > Killdeer 4 > American Woodcock 2 > Ring-billed Gull 6 > Mourning Dove 5 > Great Horned Owl 1 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 > Downy Woodpecker 3 > Hairy Woodpecker 1 > Blue Jay 1 > American Crow 121 > Fish Crow 3 > Carolina Chickadee 5 (corrected) > Carolina Wren 1 > Eastern Bluebird 2 > American Robin 17 > Northern Mockingbird 1 > Savannah Sparrow 5 > Song Sparrow 2 > Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 3 > Northern Cardinal 1 > Red-winged Blackbird 260 > Common Grackle 25 > blackbird sp. 50 > House Finch 1 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) > > Keith Eric Costley > OrioleKEC1 AT comcast.net > Randallstown, BC Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Edward Boyd <edboyd1959 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:39:46 -0700 If Hollywood is anything it is consistent in its ability to screw up reality in everything.  The movie "Pushing Tin" was based (VERY loosely it appears) on an article that was written in the a New York paper's Sunday magazine about the air traffic controllers that work in the New York Traffic Control Room (TRACON), specifically the Newark Sector. Having read that article and being an air traffic controller myself, I couldn't wait for the movie to be released. I can tell you that except for a scene in the first 10 minutes or so of the movie, the movie "Airplane" had a more accurate portrayal of the air traffic control world and was much more entertaining. The manner in which controllers were portrayed in "Pushing Tin" was beyond ridiculous, but unfortunately, we often believe what we see on the big screen. For years people came up to me and asked if that was how it really was. Of course, I told them that the way that they showed these controllers playing chicken with thousands of peoples lives every day was exactly how it was in the real world and how I worked traffic every day of my life. I'm hoping that they will dig up P. Caspar Biddle (Cox) and Jane Hathaway to play the birders again, at least that stereotype was funny. I'm actually expecting them to make this a silly farce with a lot of slapstick and absurd situational humor. The way that these characters will add species to their lists will border on, or cross over, the ridiculous boundary. People don't want to go to the theater to be 'entertained' by a serious reenactment of how someone sat a the Ocean City inlet all day and got a Dovekie flying into the channel at sundown. Or how someone walked the 8-mile Boot Spring Trail in Big Bend to add Colima Warbler to their list. OOOH! How exciting! If they do show this last bit, the character will have to battle scorpions, tarantulas, rattlesnakes and jumping cholla cactus to tick it off. If that characterization will bother you, I suspect you'll have to stay out of the theater and keep your hobby a secret or otherwise be embarrassed to be identified with the folks in this movie. Perhaps I'm wrong and they'll find a way to make it both accurate and funny at the same time. I'm betting not, I just hope that they'll have someone to get the birds right. Otherwise, I might just have to go back to sniffing glue. (If you don't understand this last line, do yourself a favor and go rent airplane again).  Edward Boyd Westminster, MD ________________________________ From: Nancy Martin To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 10:16:47 AM Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors Hi All, This brings great trepidation to my heart. I still have not completely recovered from Wally Cox in "The Beverly Hillbillies" being the media image of bird watching. Given this is not a Christopher Guest parody but instead has all the earmarks of Big Hollywood (director of "Marley & Me", Steve Martin, Jack Black) what are the odds this will establish competitive birders as crazy fools for some time to come? As I recall the tone of the source material was often not very flattering and Hollywood often goes for hyperbole with the parts that tickled the producer's fancy (this being Mr. Cruel Humor: Ben Stiller). You heard it here first. I sure hope this is done in such a way as to make us look human as well as funny, but I feel fear. Good (wet) birding, Walter Ellison 23460 Clarissa Road Chestertown, MD 21620 phone: 410-778-9568 e-mail:rossgull AT baybroadband.net  "A person who is looking for something doesn't travel very fast" - E. B. White (in "Stuart Little") On 3/14/2010 9:57 AM, Rick Sussman wrote: > If they could make it like that film, it would be an instant classic! > > Rick Sussman > Woodbine,MD > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gail Mackiernan > To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM > Sent: Sat, Mar 13, 2010 9:44 pm > Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors > > > I hope they make some attempt for accuracy on the birds and on birding -- > ne of the reasons we dog show people LOVE Christopher Guest's "Best in > how" movie was that it is only a *teeny bit* exaggerated, and all of us > now folks who match each of the characters! > Gail Mackiernan > Colesville, MD > on 03/13/2010 4:58 PM, Phil Davis at mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM wrote: >    Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Edward Boyd <edboyd1959 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:50:38 -0700 I was just about to order this book and, BAM!, I don't have to anymore! I'll bet you went to see "Titanic" and on your way out told everyone in line waiting to go in that the boat sinks at the end.  Edward Boyd Westminster, MD ________________________________ From: Gail Mackiernan To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 11:10:31 AM Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors I think another book that could lend itself to a movie is Sean Dooley's "The Big Twitch" -- his attempt to break 700 species in one year in Australia. Sean writes for TV sit-coms and is a very funny guy, thus a very funny book but (for anyone planning to visit the red continent) also a great pre-trip read. Btw, He DOES do it! Gail on 03/14/2010 8:57 AM, warblerick AT aol.com at warblerick AT aol.com wrote: If they could make it like that film, it would be an instant classic! Rick Sussman Woodbine,MD Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Jim Wilson <wlsngang AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:35:13 -0400 Since Mr. Davis apparently knows Mr. Miller (an assumption ... it appears that he got an email from Mr. Miller), could Mr. Davis ask if he knows if any efforts are being made to "authenticate" the movie. We would all just cry if they played the call of the Red-tailed Hawk when an Eagle is seen flying majestically over gorgeous mountain scenery. Jim Wilson Queenstown birds of note in Queen Anne's County: an immature Baltimore Oriole has been visiting my suet feeder for about a week ... four Pheasants were seen around Starr. -------------------------------------------------- From: "Phil Davis" Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 5:58 PM To: Subject: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors > MD Osprey: > > I had seen some rumors about this on other listservers ... well, here it > is from the horse's mouth ... !!! > > Phil > > >>Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:31:34 -0800 (PST) >>From: Greg Miller >>Subject: The Big Year rumors >>To: pdavis AT ix.netcom.com >> >>Don't know if you've seen the latest rumors flying around on the Internet >>or not. >> >>-Within the last few months the cast was listed as follows: >> >>Sandy Komito - Owen Wilson >>Al Levantin - Dustin Hoffman >>Greg Miller - Jack Black >>Directed by David Frankel (Marley & Me; Devil Wears Prada) >>Produced by Red Hour (Ben Stiller) >>Fox 2000 is now doing the movie instead of Dreamworks >> >>-Within the last few days: >>Dustin Hoffman is out and negotiations are going forward with Steve Martin >>to play Al Levantin's character >>Filming will start in May in Canada >>"In Development" status upgraded to "pre-production" >>Release Date set for some time in 2011 >> >>Here are a few links to all the latest buzz: >> >>http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/441731/The-Big-Year/details >>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1053810/ >>http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Frankel-Will-Start-Filiming-The-Big-Year-In-May-17413.html >>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i755f10fb8f89b626f5c9fe31cc580117 >> >>-greg miller > > ================================== > Phil Davis Davidsonville, Maryland USA > mailto:PDavis AT ix.netcom.com > ================================== Subject: Fw: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: diane Ford <dmford455 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:20:21 -0700 I just wanna hear Steve Martin (if he's on board) say: "Long-earred Owl" into a telephone. Diane --- On Sun, 3/14/10, Gail Mackiernan wrote: From: Gail Mackiernan Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 11:10 AM I think another book that could lend itself to a movie is Sean Dooley's "The Big Twitch" -- his attempt to break 700 species in one year in Australia. Sean writes for TV sit-coms and is a very funny guy, thus a very funny book but (for anyone planning to visit the red continent) also a great pre-trip read. Btw, He DOES do it! Gail on 03/14/2010 8:57 AM, warblerick AT aol.com at warblerick AT aol.com wrote: If they could make it like that film, it would be an instant classic! Rick Sussman Woodbine,MD Subject: lots of ringbill gulls, cormorants and blue heron on Potomac From: sally wech <aixxss AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:32:39 -0700 Hi All: There was an almost steady stream of ringbill gulls flying up river above the dam at Great Falls. Blue herons are returning in numbers to their rookery area. A few cormorants were also seen flying upriver among the mist. Sally Wechsler silver spring, md Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: James Tyler Bell <jtylerbell AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:50:40 -0700 Having been involved in the whole Big Year thing as a friend of Greg's, I can clearly envision Jack Black in a comedic role and not a serious one. The image that comes clearly to mind is Greg/Jack covered head to toe in muck trying to get his canoe unstuck from Snake Bight while failing to paddle out to see American Flamingos. If Gail's vision was correct and it was going to be like "Best in Show", it would be a curious look at manic birding but the Ben Stiller version will likely not put a good spin on "us".   Tyler Bell jtylerbell AT yahoo.com California, Maryland ----- Original Message ---- From: Nancy Martin To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 10:16:47 AM Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors Hi All, This brings great trepidation to my heart. I still have not completely recovered from Wally Cox in "The Beverly Hillbillies" being the media image of bird watching. Given this is not a Christopher Guest parody but instead has all the earmarks of Big Hollywood (director of "Marley & Me", Steve Martin, Jack Black) what are the odds this will establish competitive birders as crazy fools for some time to come? As I recall the tone of the source material was often not very flattering and Hollywood often goes for hyperbole with the parts that tickled the producer's fancy (this being Mr. Cruel Humor: Ben Stiller). You heard it here first. I sure hope this is done in such a way as to make us look human as well as funny, but I feel fear. Good (wet) birding, Walter Ellison 23460 Clarissa Road Chestertown, MD 21620 phone: 410-778-9568 e-mail:rossgull AT baybroadband.net  "A person who is looking for something doesn't travel very fast" - E. B. White (in "Stuart Little") On 3/14/2010 9:57 AM, Rick Sussman wrote: > If they could make it like that film, it would be an instant classic! > > Rick Sussman > Woodbine,MD > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gail Mackiernan > To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM > Sent: Sat, Mar 13, 2010 9:44 pm > Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors > > > I hope they make some attempt for accuracy on the birds and on birding -- > ne of the reasons we dog show people LOVE Christopher Guest's "Best in > how" movie was that it is only a *teeny bit* exaggerated, and all of us > now folks who match each of the characters! > Gail Mackiernan > Colesville, MD > on 03/13/2010 4:58 PM, Phil Davis at mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM wrote: >    Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Nancy Martin <borealdee AT BAYBROADBAND.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:16:47 -0400 Hi All, This brings great trepidation to my heart. I still have not completely recovered from Wally Cox in "The Beverly Hillbillies" being the media image of bird watching. Given this is not a Christopher Guest parody but instead has all the earmarks of Big Hollywood (director of "Marley & Me", Steve Martin, Jack Black) what are the odds this will establish competitive birders as crazy fools for some time to come? As I recall the tone of the source material was often not very flattering and Hollywood often goes for hyperbole with the parts that tickled the producer's fancy (this being Mr. Cruel Humor: Ben Stiller). You heard it here first. I sure hope this is done in such a way as to make us look human as well as funny, but I feel fear. Good (wet) birding, Walter Ellison 23460 Clarissa Road Chestertown, MD 21620 phone: 410-778-9568 e-mail:rossgull AT baybroadband.net "A person who is looking for something doesn't travel very fast" - E. B. White (in "Stuart Little") On 3/14/2010 9:57 AM, Rick Sussman wrote: > If they could make it like that film, it would be an instant classic! > > Rick Sussman > Woodbine,MD > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gail Mackiernan > To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM > Sent: Sat, Mar 13, 2010 9:44 pm > Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors > > > I hope they make some attempt for accuracy on the birds and on birding -- > ne of the reasons we dog show people LOVE Christopher Guest's "Best in > how" movie was that it is only a *teeny bit* exaggerated, and all of us > now folks who match each of the characters! > Gail Mackiernan > Colesville, MD > on 03/13/2010 4:58 PM, Phil Davis at mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM wrote: > Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Gail Mackiernan <katahdinss AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:10:31 -0500 I think another book that could lend itself to a movie is Sean Dooley's "The Big Twitch" -- his attempt to break 700 species in one year in Australia. Sean writes for TV sit-coms and is a very funny guy, thus a very funny book but (for anyone planning to visit the red continent) also a great pre-trip read. Btw, He DOES do it! Gail on 03/14/2010 8:57 AM, warblerick AT aol.com at warblerick AT aol.com wrote: If they could make it like that film, it would be an instant classic! Rick Sussman Woodbine,MD Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Rick Sussman <warblerick AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:57:47 -0400 If they could make it like that film, it would be an instant classic! Rick Sussman Woodbine,MD I hope they make some attempt for accuracy on the birds and on birding -- ne of the reasons we dog show people LOVE Christopher Guest's "Best in how" movie was that it is only a *teeny bit* exaggerated, and all of us now folks who match each of the characters! Gail Mackiernan olesville, MD -----Original Message----- From: Gail Mackiernan To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Sent: Sat, Mar 13, 2010 9:44 pm Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Fwd: The Big Year rumors I hope they make some attempt for accuracy on the birds and on birding -- ne of the reasons we dog show people LOVE Christopher Guest's "Best in how" movie was that it is only a *teeny bit* exaggerated, and all of us now folks who match each of the characters! Gail Mackiernan olesville, MD on 03/13/2010 4:58 PM, Phil Davis at mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM wrote: > MD Osprey: I had seen some rumors about this on other listservers ... well, here it is from the horse's mouth ... !!! Phil Subject: FW: eBird Report - Irvine Nature Center , 3/13/10 From: Keith Costley <OrioleKEC1 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:47:04 -0500 In the light rain shower, Woodcocks or not, I decided to go forward with the Woodcock Walk at Irvine Nature Center today. I was surprised and thrilled to learn that I would be joined by Katharine Patterson. We found the fields in the back of the property flooded and there were many Canada Goose and Mallard there. The rain stopped around 5:45. Five Savannah Sparrow and two Song Sparrow got counted. We did not hear or see the Red-headed Woodpecker that was found in November -- dang. Shortly after sunset, I saw two AMWO fly by and land in the middle of one of the fields; but they remained still and quiet. Location: Irvine Nature Center Observation date: 3/13/10 Number of species: 26 Canada Goose 190 Mallard 65 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Killdeer 4 American Woodcock 2 Ring-billed Gull 6 Mourning Dove 5 Great Horned Owl 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Downy Woodpecker 3 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 121 Fish Crow 3 Carolina Chickadee 200 Carolina Wren 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 American Robin 17 Northern Mockingbird 1 Savannah Sparrow 5 Song Sparrow 2 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 3 Northern Cardinal 1 Red-winged Blackbird 260 Common Grackle 25 blackbird sp. 50 House Finch 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Keith Eric Costley OrioleKEC1 AT comcast.net Randallstown, BC Subject: CVP & hawkwatch, 03/11/10 From: Kevin Graff <whitemarlin2001 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:02:22 -0800 Hi all, 03/11/10 - 730am-845am Cromwell Valley Park, Cromwell Bridge Rd., Carney, Baltimore Co., MD WEATHER: MC/PC, 44-47 degrees, NE 7 mph- E 7 mph Mallard - 2 Turkey Vulture - 6 Northern Harrier - 1 Cooper's hawk - 1 Red-shouldered Hawk - 1 Red-tailed Hawk - 1 Ring-billed Gull - 2 Mourning Dove - 4 Belted Kingfisher - 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1 Downy Woodpecker - 1 Eastern Phoebe - 1 Blue Jay - 2 American Crow - 14 Tree Swallow - 1 Carolina Chickadee - 6 Tufted Titmouse - 2 White-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Carolina Wren - 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet - 1 Eastern Bluebird - 9 American Robin - 19 Northern Mockingbird - 3 European Starling - 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1 Eastern Towhee - 1 Song Sparrow - 1 White-throated Sparrow - 1 Northern Cardinal - 6 Red-winged Blackbird - 7 Common Grackle - 2 House Finch - 2 American Goldfinch - 2 SPECIES: 33 INDIVIDUALS: 110 03/11/10 - 9am-11am Backyard HawkWatch, White Ave., Gardenville section of Baltimore, MD WEATHER: PC, 48-55 degrees, ESE 4 mph- ESE 3 mph Black Vulture - 2 Turkey Vulture - 6 Cooper's Hawk - 2 Red-shouldered Hawk - 3 Red-tailed Hawk - 1 American Kestrel - 1 Ring-billed Gull - 14 (headed N) Rock Pigeon - 5 Downy Woodpecker - 1 American Crow - 4 American Robin - 2 Northern Mockingbird - 1 European Starling - 2 Song Sparrow - 1 Red-winged Blackbird - 2 (flyby N) Common Grackle - 1 House Sparrow - 1 SPECIES: 17 INDIVIDUALS: 49 Since 3/7: 4 Black Vulture 21 Turkey Vulture 3 Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 Cooper's Hawk 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel Kevin Graff Jarrettsville, MD WhiteMarlin2001 AT yahoo.com Subject: Re: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Gail Mackiernan <katahdinss AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:44:40 -0500 I hope they make some attempt for accuracy on the birds and on birding -- one of the reasons we dog show people LOVE Christopher Guest's "Best in Show" movie was that it is only a *teeny bit* exaggerated, and all of us know folks who match each of the characters! Gail Mackiernan Colesville, MD on 03/13/2010 4:58 PM, Phil Davis at mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM wrote: > MD Osprey: > > I had seen some rumors about this on other listservers ... well, here > it is from the horse's mouth ... !!! > > Phil > > Subject: Fwd: The Big Year rumors From: Phil Davis <mddcrc AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:58:54 -0500 MD Osprey: I had seen some rumors about this on other listservers ... well, here it is from the horse's mouth ... !!! Phil >Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:31:34 -0800 (PST) >From: Greg Miller >Subject: The Big Year rumors >To: pdavis AT ix.netcom.com > >Don't know if you've seen the latest rumors flying around on the >Internet or not. > >-Within the last few months the cast was listed as follows: > >Sandy Komito - Owen Wilson >Al Levantin - Dustin Hoffman >Greg Miller - Jack Black >Directed by David Frankel (Marley & Me; Devil Wears Prada) >Produced by Red Hour (Ben Stiller) >Fox 2000 is now doing the movie instead of Dreamworks > >-Within the last few days: >Dustin Hoffman is out and negotiations are going forward with Steve >Martin to play Al Levantin's character >Filming will start in May in Canada >"In Development" status upgraded to "pre-production" >Release Date set for some time in 2011 > >Here are a few links to all the latest buzz: > >http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/441731/The-Big-Year/details >http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1053810/ >http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Frankel-Will-Start-Filiming-The-Big-Year-In-May-17413.html >http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i755f10fb8f89b626f5c9fe31cc580117 > >-greg miller ================================== Phil Davis Davidsonville, Maryland USA mailto:PDavis AT ix.netcom.com ================================== Subject: Re: Bay Bridge Peregrine From: Dan Haas <nervousbirds AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:32:50 -0500 Not that I would ever recommend this activity, but the falcons regularly perch on the very tp of the West-bound span's Western-most tower. Take a (careful) look on your next trip over the bridge. I've seen the pair there most often on my travels back and forth over the bridge. They are much easier to spot when there is a lot of traffic. Now that spring is in the air, the pair are quite active and often in very close proximity to each other, after all... courtship is going on regularly these days. There are two boxes on the East-bound span on either side of the biggest towers, placed well below the roadway. Unfortunately, those who study PEFA's in Virginia have found that bridge nesting success is less, due to inexperienced fliers either making their first landing attempts on concrete road surface or H2O. At failure-prone scrapes, they now relocate chicks to a hack box at the New River Gorge in West Virginia. TMI? It's either discuss this or do my taxes. Ok, back to work. Good Birding, Dan Haas West Annapolis, MD nervousbirds AT gmail.com On 3/13/10, Rick Sussman wrote: > That happened to me several years back when I was on my way back from > Chestertown, from an MOS BOD meeting. I was a passenger and we were heading > westbound over the bridge, when I looked over and saw a Peregrine swoop up > towards the bridge right next to us, just below eye level. Neat! > > Rick Sussman > Woodbine,MD > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: maren gimpel > To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM > Sent: Fri, Mar 12, 2010 9:09 pm > Subject: [MDOSPREY] Bay Bridge Peregrine > > > Dan Small and I had a Peregrine Falcon fly along side us as we travelled the > astbound span of the bay bridge today at 1:17 pm. We were on the QA side of > he bridge which was nice because the last time we saw a PEFA on the bridge > on > eb. 22 we were on the AA side. Now we've got it for both counties this > year. > Maren Gimpel > hestertown > > > Subject: Eastport Osprey (AA Co.) From: Frank Marenghi <frank_marenghi AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:08:50 -0500 Had my FOY Osprey fly over Spa Creek this afternoon (3/13/10) around 2 pm. Good Birding, Frank Marenghi Annapolis, MD _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_3 Subject: Re: Bay Bridge Peregrine From: Rick Sussman <warblerick AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 06:52:00 -0500 That happened to me several years back when I was on my way back from Chestertown, from an MOS BOD meeting. I was a passenger and we were heading westbound over the bridge, when I looked over and saw a Peregrine swoop up towards the bridge right next to us, just below eye level. Neat! Rick Sussman Woodbine,MD -----Original Message----- From: maren gimpel To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Sent: Fri, Mar 12, 2010 9:09 pm Subject: [MDOSPREY] Bay Bridge Peregrine Dan Small and I had a Peregrine Falcon fly along side us as we travelled the astbound span of the bay bridge today at 1:17 pm. We were on the QA side of he bridge which was nice because the last time we saw a PEFA on the bridge on eb. 22 we were on the AA side. Now we've got it for both counties this year. Maren Gimpel hestertown Subject: Bay Bridge Peregrine From: maren gimpel <funkymoss AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:09:42 -0800 Dan Small and I had a Peregrine Falcon fly along side us as we travelled the eastbound span of the bay bridge today at 1:17 pm.  We were on the QA side of the bridge which was nice because the last time we saw a PEFA on the bridge on Feb. 22 we were on the AA side.  Now we've got it for both counties this year. Maren Gimpel Chestertown Subject: Near Eastern Shore Waterfowl, 03/12 From: Robert Ostrowski <rjostrowski AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:57:24 -0500 Hi everyone, It's a great time of year to look for waterfowl and with the rainy weather, I thought I'd spend the day scouring Queen Anne's, Talbot, and Caroline counties for dabblers. Talbot was especially productive, Queen Anne's was ok with limited time, and Caroline was brutal, at least until my final stop at Covey's Landing. Some of the highlights were my FOY of Forster's Terns at Wye Landing, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pintail, and Ring-necked Duck at Pickering Creek, Tree Swallow at Black Walnut Point, FOY Osprey at Martinak State Park, and more of said ducks on the Caroline side of Covey's Landing. Full lists from most of my stops: Location: Kent Narrows Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 10 Canada Goose 92 American Wigeon 2 Behind the Holiday Inn Mallard 2 Lesser Scaup 84 Greater/Lesser Scaup 14 Bufflehead 12 Common Goldeneye 5 Herring Gull 2 Great Black-backed Gull 1 European Starling 3 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Location: Wye Landing Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 14 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Herring Gull 1 Forster's Tern 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 3 Horned Lark 1 Carolina Wren 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Northern Mockingbird 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2 White-throated Sparrow 6 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 10 Northern Cardinal 5 **Wye Landing is closed due to construction from about March 1 to July 1. Location: Pickering Creek Audubon Center Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 20 Canada Goose 14 Tundra Swan 14 Wood Duck 6 Gadwall 1 American Black Duck 18 Mallard 22 Northern Shoveler 7 Northern Pintail 2 Green-winged Teal (American) 25 Ring-necked Duck 9 Lesser Scaup 15 Ruddy Duck 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Ring-billed Gull 100 Northern Flicker 15 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 5 Carolina Chickadee 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 Northern Cardinal 1 Location: Newcomb - Oak Creek Waterfront Park Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 5 Canvasback 7 Lesser Scaup 25 Bufflehead 10 Belted Kingfisher 1 American Crow 1 Location: Black Walnut Point Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 7 Surf Scoter 800 Rough but conservative estimate Long-tailed Duck 150 Bufflehead 50 Common Loon 1 Horned Grebe 1 gull sp. 2 Tree Swallow 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Location: Spring Road Impoundments Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 5 Gadwall 15 - Good count for Talbot. Second highest away from Poplar Island in eBird (JB Churchill had 20 on Tarbutton Mill Road in 1999). Mallard 35 Northern Shoveler 3 Green-winged Teal (American) 30 Killdeer 1 Location: Tuckahoe Landing (Talbot) Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 10 Canada Goose 2 Wood Duck 2 American Wigeon 4 American Black Duck 1 Mallard 165 Green-winged Teal (American) 2 Bald Eagle 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Eastern Bluebird 3 Red-winged Blackbird 200 Location: Kibler Road rain ponds Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 6 Turkey Vulture 3 Rock Pigeon 30 Horned Lark 4 Song Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 1 Location: Martinak State Park Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 8 Mallard 6 Osprey 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Carolina Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 2 Brown Creeper 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Location: Denton WWTP Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 2 Ring-necked Duck 12 Bufflehead 3 Location: Ganey's Wharf (Talbot County) Observation date: 3/12/10 Notes: Birds seen from the Caroline shore. Number of species: 4 American Black Duck 1 Common Merganser 4 Bald Eagle 1 Red-winged Blackbird 5 Location: Coveys Landing (Caroline Co.) Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 7 Wood Duck 2 American Wigeon 4 American Black Duck 2 Mallard 69 Northern Pintail 8 Common Merganser 9 Eastern Bluebird 2 Robert Ostrowski Crofton, MD Subject: Oxbow Lake , 3/12/10 From: Joe Hanfman <auk1844 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:53:08 +0000 I stopped by Oxbow Lake in Laurel, Anne Arundel County this afternoon. The highlights were 2 American Wigeon, 6 Northern Pintails, 12 Green-winged Teal, and 8 Tree Swallows. Joe Hanfman Columbia, MD Location:     Oxbow Lake Observation date:     3/12/10 Number of species:     22 Canada Goose     12 Wood Duck     5 American Wigeon     2 American Black Duck     2 Mallard     24 Northern Pintail     6 Green-winged Teal (American)     12 Ring-necked Duck     6 Hooded Merganser     2 Red-shouldered Hawk     1 Mourning Dove     1 Belted Kingfisher     1 Red-bellied Woodpecker     1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)     2 Blue Jay     1 American Crow     1 Tree Swallow     8 Carolina Wren     1 Northern Mockingbird     1 White-throated Sparrow     2 Northern Cardinal     1 Red-winged Blackbird     20 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2( http://ebird.org ) Subject: Pine Warbler at feeder (+ pics) From: Fred Burggraf <fburggraf AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:34:14 -0500 It was a birdy day at and near the feeder here...goldfinches are coming in, the thrasher is dropping by, a Pileated Woodpecker hammered for a while near the house. The nice surprise was a Pine Warbler that found a small snack at the feeder. I had one here last March (for a day) so I was happy to see one appear this year. A took a few pictures....check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/freds-pix/4427069015/in/set-72157623482473663/ ================= Fred Burggraf Dentsville MD (Charloes Co.) Subject: Carroll Co. Birds 3/10-11/10 From: Bob Ringler <ringler1 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:13:24 +0000    I checked Morgan Run NEA on Wednesday. The parking lot at Ben Rose Lane has not been cleared. Melting has left it quite a mess. Trails exposed to the sun are clear; those that are not are snow-covered. There was very little bird activity. A flock of White-throated Sparrows was promising but I found no other sparrows.    Also on Wednesday I checked some of the ponds in the Westminster area. At the Westminster Community Pond (100% open) there were 6 Greylag Geese, 11 Canada Geese, 18 Mallards, and 14 Ring-billed Gulls. At Cranberry Reservoir (20% open) there were 60 Canada Geese, 5 Black Ducks, 2 Mallards, 5 Ring-necked Ducks, and 4 Hooded Mergansers. At the Study Road Farm Pond (100% open) there were 175 Canada Geese, 3 Gadwall, 6 Baldpate, 2 Ring-necked Ducks, and 2 Common Mergansers.    At Liberty Lake off Oakland Road on Thursday were 6 Canada Geese, 10 Mallards, 1 Ring-necked Duck, 4 Buffleheads, 3 Common Mergansers, 8 Pied-billed Grebes, and 30 Ring-billed Gulls. Bob Ringler Eldersburg MD ringler1 AT comcast.net Subject: Poplar Island Sightings for 3 March 2010 From: les <lroslund AT BLUECRAB.ORG> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:15:02 -0500 Subject: Poplar Island Sightings from March 8, 2010 This report is submitted on behalf of Jan Reese of Talbot County, who continues to periodically survey the flora and fauna of the Paul Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island. Some of the birds were seen from the boat during the trip from Tilghman Island and back. Note particularly the presence of Redhead, Purple Sandpiper, Tree Swallow, White-crowned Sparrow and Snow Bunting. Also the numbers were high for Horned Grebe, Ring-billed Gull, and Horned Lark. One Short-eared Owls was also present. Weather: Clear with cloudy horizon am & pm, Temp: degrees F 36 - 51 SPECIES Number of birds Common Loon (2) Horned Grebe (67) Great Blue Heron (27) Canada Goose (182) Tundra Swan (148) Gadwall (4) American Black Duck (67) Mallard (350) Northern Shoveler (31) Northern Pintail (85) Green-winged Teal (8) Redhead (17) Greater Scaup (47) Lesser Scaup (34) Surf Scoter (390) Long-tailed Duck (570) Bufflehead (49) Common Goldeneye (24) Red-breasted Merganser (8) Ruddy Duck (82) Bald Eagle (5) Northern Harrier (4) Killdeer (31) Sanderling (11) Purple Sandpiper (26) Dunlin (263) Ring-billed Gull (47) Herring Gull (180) Great Black-backed Gull (30) SHORT-EARED OWL (1) Red-bellied Woodpecker (2) Fish Crow (12) Horned Lark (6) Tree Swallow (2) European Starling (28) Song Sparrow (12) WHITE CROWNED SPARROW (2) Northern Cardinal (1) Snow Bunting (15) Red-winged Blackbird (206) Les Roslund Lroslund AT bluecrab.org Talbot County Easton MD 21601 Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2741 - Release Date: 03/12/10 04:42:00 Subject: Digiscoping camera recommendations From: Clive Harris <clivegharris AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:58:30 -0800 Dear all   My CP4500 finally packed up after 8 years of faithful service so I am now in the market for a new camera for digiscoping.   I'd be interested in any recommendations people have  - I use a Leica 77mm with 32W eyepiece - off the listserv, thanks.   Regards   Clive Harris Cabin John, MD   Subject: WITU, LBBG From: James Tyler Bell <jtylerbell AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:25:10 -0800 On my way in to work today, I noticed a harem of Wild Turkeys just north of St. Leonard's Creek on Rt. 4. This area is just north of the turnoff to Flag Ponds but before the right turn onto Rt. 765. The tom had his tail fanned out and there were a dozen hens in attendance. Also, on my way to meet the carpool in Friendship, I made a couple of detours. First stop was North Beach Marsh. Not much going on there but 12 Green-winged Teal and some Mallards. A couple of Fish Crows uh-ohing. My final stop was at the pond just north of Herrington Harbor. There were hundreds of gulls in the grass between the pond and the street going into the neighborhood. 90% of them were Ring-billed, 10% Herring. There was one dark-mantled gull in the mix and it was a nice adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. Nice!   Tyler Bell jtylerbell AT yahoo.com California, Maryland Subject: Fort Smallwood Park (11 Mar 2010, Thursday) 47 Raptors From: Sue Ricciardi <susiericc AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:25:28 +0000 Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 11, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 35 43 Turkey Vulture 37 572 646 Osprey 0 3 3 Bald Eagle 0 1 2 Northern Harrier 0 3 5 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 5 5 Cooper's Hawk 4 24 24 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 4 28 28 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 1 16 20 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 4 4 Merlin 0 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 3 4 Unknown Buteo 1 1 2 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 47 696 787 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours Official Counter: Sue Ricciardi Observers: Bradley Cernohorsky, Dan Stewart Visitors: David Lychenheim Weather: Overcast with fog interspersed with brief periods when the sun would break through; 52-61 degrees; poor visibility; winds variable or ESE, 3-13 mph Raptor Observations: A few migrants would appear when the holes in the cloud cover drifted overhead. Neglected to mention yesterday that a Peregrine Falcon, a likely local resident, flew past the hawkwatch. Non-raptor Observations: About 2000 scaup in the river. Yesterday there was an influx of Song Sparrows. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sue Ricciardi (susiericc AT comcast.net) Fort Smallwood Park information may be found at: http://www.mdbirds.org/sites/mdsites/hawks/hawkwatch.html Site Description: Fort Smallwood Park is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Patapsco River, 11 miles south of Baltimore, MD. Best winds are from the southwest. The Park is closed to visitors on Wednesdays. Subject: Re: Canada Geese on the move From: Rick Cheicante <rcbirder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:57:00 -0500 Reading Gail's passage ["These dramatic goose and swan flights make me think -- how many people in the DC area heard these geese and looked up? Some folks have gotten so removed from nature that they not recognize (or perhaps, even hear) what to our ancestors was one of the first harbingers of spring."], I couldn't agree more - but it also got me thinking about Canada Geese in our region, past and present. It's possible an entire generation has largely missed the spectacle which was a rite-of-passage, both spring and fall, while living in the Mid-Atlantic area, and more specifically in and around the Chesapeake Bay. The fairly tremendous V's which now grace our skies again had notably declined beginning in the mid-80's and lasting through to the latter part of 90's. The tremendous V's weren't there anymore, and for some time. The decline and changes are recognized and documented which include the popular "non-migratory" Canada Goose (the "pest). The non-migratory goose was residing throughtout the flyway so this in part distributed the population, reducing the grander spectacle. Reproduction and predation of course played large parts in the changes. The following link tells the story well. http://www.fws.gov/ChesapeakeBay/cgoose.html The good news seems to be the V's are flying again. A success story. One can only hope folks notice, since the clouds of migrating Canada Geese truly represent a postcard moment for our Chesapeake Bay region. Just some thoughts... Rick Cheicante Harford County Bel Air, MD Subject: Cecil County Osprey! From: Chris Starling <cstar.email AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:09:48 -0500 -Just got home from work and found our First-of-the-season Osprey perched on a snag over-looking our little cove (Hances Point, North East River). This beats our previous early date for Osprey by at least 10 days, perhaps even by 15 days! -Chris Starling North East, MD Subject: Pine Siskins, Van Ness DC From: "ALLPORT, Gary" <gallport AT AUDUBON.ORG> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:12:50 -0500 Dear All I lucked in on what must have been a passing group of 5 Pine Siskins this morning as I was walking in to work. They were quietly feeding high in a Hemlock tree, calling occasionally, and then after only a few minutes all took flight and headed off northwards climbing high and were gone. I haven't seen the spinus pinus in DC for ages... Gary Allport Gallport at Audubon dot org Subject: Horned Grebe on the Potomac - DC From: Steve Hersey <sherseydc AT MAC.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:59:24 -0500 At 1pm there was a Horned Grebe on the Potomac between the Memorial Bridge and the 14th Street Bridge. He looks to be right in the midst of transitioning into breeding plumage. I tried for the Red-throated Mergansers seen earlier by Tom Jones just down river a bit but I think they are long gone. Lots of boat traffic speeding around probably cleared them out. Cheers, Steve Hersey Washington, DC Subject: Eastern Phoebe, Rock Creek Park Md. From: diane Ford <dmford455 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:34:22 -0800 Hi all,   This morning while birding along the creek, I saw 2 Eastern Phoebes, quietly chirping,  then doing the "phee-bee" call. Last year, the Phoebe arrived on March 14th, so it's alittle early.   Most of the usual birds in the park today, and Wood Duck numbers on the creek are increasing. The coming rain should be bring them in. Also heard spring peepers too, lots crocus and snow drops blooming. Eastern Phoebe  2 Song Sparrow 2 Winter Wren  1 White throated Sparrow  4 Carolina Wren  2 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Downy         4 Red bellied Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker  1 Common Crow  2 Red shouldered Hawk  1 Mallard  8 Wood Duck 10 Tufted Titmouse  5 Carolina Chickadee  4 American Robin   20 Purple Grackle  15 Red winged Blackbird  6 Brown headed Cowbird   2 D.Ford/Bethesda, Md Subject: Oxbow Lake - Tree Swallow From: Marcy Stutzman <marciastutzman AT NETSCAPE.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:31:44 -0500 Location: Oxbow Lake Observation date: 3/11/10 Notes: Watched two River Otters swimming, playing, watching and grunting at me. Number of species: 23 Canada Goose 4 Wood Duck 10 American Wigeon 12 Mallard 20 Green-winged Teal (American) 10 Ring-necked Duck 3 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Bald Eagle 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 1 Fish Crow 15 Tree Swallow 1 Carolina Chickadee 5 Tufted Titmouse 1 Carolina Wren 1 American Robin 1 Song Sparrow 3 White-throated Sparrow 5 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird 10 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Marcy Stutzman Russett, MD marciastutzman AT netscape.net Subject: Paper Mill Flats From: Debbie Terry <dterry12 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:55:59 -0500 Visited the Paper Mill Flats for 30 minutes this a.m. Pleased to see Green-winged Teal (7), 4 Wood Ducks, 2 Belted Kingfishers and an Eastern Phoebe. Debbie Terry dterry12 AT verizon.net Timonium, MD Subject: Re: Waterworks Park, AA County, Closing - bird related From: Tommy Owens <tommy.owens AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:02:31 -0500 Via the Annapolis Recreation & Parks Facebook page: Annapolis Recreation & Parks On April 1st the City of Annapolis will close the Waterworks Park to the public. Permit holders can use the park until dusk on March 31st. The closure was initiated because of the City budget crisis and the need to cut back on overall operating expenses. Given the proposed development of the Annapolis Energy Park planned for the adjacent 400+ acres it was an appropriate time to evaluate public access to this area. Yesterday at 9:50am · Tommy On Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 1:21 PM, Joanne Howl wrote: > Looking for a new-to-me local birding spot, I dropped by the gates of Annapolis Waterworks Park on Defense Highway.  Although I had no permit to enter, just standing at the gate I saw a few birds, including my FOY OSPREY, a nice NORTHERN FLICKER and beautifully vocal EASTERN TOWHEE.   Thrilled by the possibilities, I scurried home and made a call to find out how/where/when to purchase a permit. > > The Department of Park and Rec told me that permits are available ONLY until the end of March.  At that time, the gates wills stay locked and the park will be closed.  The contact I spoke to said this decision was made as recently as last week and they (at the dest) heard of it only this week.  I made a confirmatory phone call - yes, the park will be closed. The word is there is no money for maintenance; the maintenace crew was apparently told to cease mowing lawns, etc. at the end of the month. > > I cannot get any more details at this time and do not know who to speak to or what to do to try to keep the park open.  I have seen it mentioned on the list and it's obviously quite a wonderful place.  The idea of having it locked down and unavailable at all is just very sad.  I'm hoping that someone on the list can give some information about swaying city policy, or may be in a position to faciliate connecting dots to have a conservation organization speak to the city reps to preserve - and open - the park. > > Any info - on list or privately - would be welcome. > > I hope to go out tomorrow and purchase a permit - and spend some time there the next few weeks. > > Oh - the phone # for the City Park and Rec is 410-263-7958.  It's a public number - no sense withholding it for those who wish to call and verify the situation! > > Joanne > > > > Joanne Howl, DVM > jovet AT aol.com > West River, MD > -- Tommy Owens www.tommyowens.org Subject: Re: Patuxent North Tract -- Massive Storm Damage From: Joanne Howl <jovet AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:04:48 -0500 My scientist connection confirms that the most likely reason those trees fell over was due to "shallow footing". When root systems are shallow, rather than deep, soggy weather, especially followed by wind, can easily tip the trees. My own guess is that the melting snow loosened the soil under the trees, but the really fierce, recent winds of a few weeks ago, rather than the snow itself, most likely brought these trees down. Also, it is important to note that the species of evergreen in this area are different than more northerly trees. For example, there is not supposed to be "jack pine" growing in Maryland. Instead, the primary pine is Virginia pine. There is an ecosystem named after the Jack Pine - the Jack Pine Ecosystem - that is very diverse and in some areas is home to birds such as the Kirtland's warbler. It's quite different than the Virginia Pine, although it looks a lot alike. So while the trees in the north may look similar, they have various adaptations for snow and cold that the southerly species do not. Many pines tend to be very shallow rooted. The Georgia forestry commission's website states "Virginia Pine has a shallow root system and is susceptible to wind throw and damage from ice and snow." Conversely, most sources say that Jack Pine is fairly shallow rooted but with a large root base (ie, the roots extend a long way out from the trunk, lending stability). One Canadian research project showed that of the conifers in the study area (I believe in Ontario), only the young Jack Pine had a taproot (thus also lending some stability). So I think the puzzle of why the northern trees withstand snows better than here is somewhat one of soil, but also of species. While we're on the topic of trees and snow, it might be noted that coniferous trees in truly harsh climates - such as the boreal forests in Siberia - adapt by growing extremely slowly. In many areas species actually grow in prostrate ("lying down") form. It is very interesting to see photos of these trees, which have grown in severe weather then responded to the rapid warming which is occuring in Siberia. Many trees in the region now have a prostrate base combined with a sudden upright growth. The upright (or arboreal) growth form is a marker of warming temperatures. The photos show almost a scrubby shrub, topped by an upright tree! The slow growth of trees in harsh conditions should allow a larger amount of root area to develop relative to the area of above-ground growth when compared to very rapid growth of trees which occurs in warmer temperatures. If the tree is putting it's energy into top-growth, the root system will be relatively small. It's possible that if the North Tract fallen trees were examined, the tree-rings might show that they were fairly young trees that had rapid growth, rather than slow-growing, aged trees. And to return to birds, although quite extralimital, it is interesting that the reproduction of some of these harsh-climate boreal conifers (the Siberian Pine) depends in part upon a bird, Nucifraga caryocatactes, locally called the "cedar bird", which forcibly removes seeds from the cone and carries them to new, fertile grounds. Joanne Joanne Howl, DVM jovet AT aol.com West River, MD. 20778 -----Original Message----- From: June Tveekrem To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Sent: Thu, Mar 11, 2010 9:32 am Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Patuxent North Tract -- Massive Storm Damage I'm not an expert, but I believe it's the clay soil around here that causes evergreens to uproot and fall over more easily. When the ground gets waterlogged the clay becomes more liquid. Combine the weight of snow on trees, soil not frozen as deeply as in New England, and slippery clay, and you get uprooted trees. The deciduous trees don't accumulate as much snow on their branches due to lack of leaves. I've noticed that branches are more likely to break off of deciduous trees, though, than off of evergreens. (If there are any soil scientists on this list, they may tell me my explanation is bogus. In that case, I'd like to hear the correct explanation.) June -- June Tveekrem Columbia, Maryland tweekiebird|AT|southernspreadwing.com http://SouthernSpreadwing.com On 3/10/2010 9:22 PM, Laura Appelbaum wrote: > what it is about the growth pattern of evergreen trees in regions > where there are frequent snows that differs from those here in Maryland? Subject: Re: Canada Geese on the move From: Rick Sussman <warblerick AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:24:14 -0500 Wonder if it was from smoking (yuck!) or chewing (double yuck!!). Rick Sussman Wooddbine,MD BTW, his white beard was heavily obacco-stained. Yuck! -----Original Message----- From: pobrien776 To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Sent: Thu, Mar 11, 2010 12:28 pm Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Canada Geese on the move Interesting. My grandfather used to see Walt Whitman riding the bow of the amden-Philadelphia ferry, sometime in the 1870s. It seems he got his nspirations from ferry rides. BTW, his white beard was heavily obacco-stained. Yuck! Paul O'Brien ockville, Mont. Co., MD On Mar 11, 2010, at 12:18:51 PM, "Leo Weigant" wrote: From: "Leo Weigant" ubject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Canada Geese on the move ate: March 11, 2010 12:18:51 PM EST o: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM All these reports prompted me to remember that ~ somewhere in the 1850's ~ Walt Whitman, riding the Brooklyn Ferry, looked up and expressed almost exactly the same feelings we've been sharing as he watched them and heard their "wild ya-honk" cries in the evening light. We are not alone. Leo Weigant On Mar 11, 2010, at 9:35 AM, Gail Mackiernan wrote: > These dramatic goose and swan flights make me think -- how many people in the DC area heard these geese and looked up? Some folks have gotten so removed from nature that they not recognize (or perhaps, even hear) what to our ancestors was one of the first harbingers of spring. Gail Mackiernan Colesville, MD on 03/11/2010 8:40 AM, Carol Jelich at carol.jelich AT GMAIL.COM wrote: > Hello, > > Tuesday afternoon, March 9, the Canada geese on Quarter Creek, off > Wye > River, were very vocal. Around 5:30, late afternoon, they began > to rise up, > circle, > and form lines, heading north. As I watched them begin their fly > away, I > could see far, far above, other lines of geese headed north that > had started > from elsewhere. Wished them godspeed and safe return next > year, a very moving sight! > > Carol Jelich > Queenstown, Maryland Subject: Waterworks Park, AA County, Closing - bird related From: Joanne Howl <jovet AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:21:16 -0500 Looking for a new-to-me local birding spot, I dropped by the gates of Annapolis Waterworks Park on Defense Highway. Although I had no permit to enter, just standing at the gate I saw a few birds, including my FOY OSPREY, a nice NORTHERN FLICKER and beautifully vocal EASTERN TOWHEE. Thrilled by the possibilities, I scurried home and made a call to find out how/where/when to purchase a permit. The Department of Park and Rec told me that permits are available ONLY until the end of March. At that time, the gates wills stay locked and the park will be closed. The contact I spoke to said this decision was made as recently as last week and they (at the dest) heard of it only this week. I made a confirmatory phone call - yes, the park will be closed. The word is there is no money for maintenance; the maintenace crew was apparently told to cease mowing lawns, etc. at the end of the month. I cannot get any more details at this time and do not know who to speak to or what to do to try to keep the park open. I have seen it mentioned on the list and it's obviously quite a wonderful place. The idea of having it locked down and unavailable at all is just very sad. I'm hoping that someone on the list can give some information about swaying city policy, or may be in a position to faciliate connecting dots to have a conservation organization speak to the city reps to preserve - and open - the park. Any info - on list or privately - would be welcome. I hope to go out tomorrow and purchase a permit - and spend some time there the next few weeks. Oh - the phone # for the City Park and Rec is 410-263-7958. It's a public number - no sense withholding it for those who wish to call and verify the situation! Joanne Joanne Howl, DVM jovet AT aol.com West River, MD Subject: IRVINE NATURE CENTER PROGRAMS, SPRING 2010 From: Norm Saunders <marshhawk AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:35:38 -0500 IRVINE NATURE CENTER --BIRDING PROGRAMS for March and April 2010 11201 Garrison Forest Road Owings Mills, MD 21117 to register: call 443-738-9224, email Programs AT ExploreNature.org or register on-site Saturday 3/13 Woodcock Walk Local birder, Keith Costley, will lead a woodcock walk on Irvine's new 116 acre property to search for male woodcocks performing their courtship displays, or "sky dance", as Aldo Leopold described it. Leader: Keith Costley Fee: $6 members, $10 non-memebers Time: 4:30-7:30 pm Ages: Adult (16 and up) Registration deadline: 3/12 Sunday 3/14 On Silent Wings-Maryland's Owls Join local wildlife rehabilitator, Kathy Woods, for a fun and informative talk about owls and their natural history. Learn about the different owls that live in Maryland, how to identify them, and how they manage to hunt so well at night. Kathy will also introduce everyone to a few live owls, as well. Leader: Kathy Woods Fee: $6 members, $10 non-members Time: 12:00-1:30 pm Ages: 7 & up Sunday 3/14 Baby Owl's Rescue-Meet the Author! Children's author and veteran journalist, Jennifer Keats Curtis, has written a book to teach children about important ecological issues and what they can do to help and to bring them closer to wildlife. Learn how local wildlife rehabilitator, Kathy Woods, inspired her to write her new book, Baby Owl's Rescue. Leader: Jennifer Keats Curtis Time: 1:30-2:30 pm Ages: All Register for both "On Silent Wings-Maryland's Owls" and "Baby Owl's Rescue" for a discounted price of $9 members, $15 non-members Thursday 3/18 Nesting Bluebirds for Bluebird Trail Monitors and Backyard Bluebird Enthusiasts Katharine Patterson has been studying bluebirds for 15 years, both on her farm and as a bluebird trail monitor for nine years. Katharine's presentation will include digiscoped photographs of bluebirds on her property, history of the "Bluebird Movement", natural history of the Eastern Bluebird, nest box design, predators and competitors, trouble shooting, gardening for wildlife and the importance of regular monitoring. Participants will receive several resource handouts and construction plans for an Eastern Bluebird nest box. Fee: $6 members, $10 non-members Time: 7:00-8:30 pm Age: Adult Registration deadline: 3/17 Tuesday 4/13 Irvine Institute: Introduction to Avian Biology and Ecology 6 sessions Dr. Mark Johnson, senior Wildlife Toxicologist with the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine in Aberdeen, MD, will teach this integrative course designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to bird life and associated field study techniques for beginning and intermediate avian enthusiasts. Lectures and field exercises include species identification, field techniques, anatomical structure and function, taxonomy, distribution, ecology and conservation. Instructor: Dr. Mark Johnson Fee: $130 members, $145 non-members Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4/13-22, 6:30-8:30 pm; Saturday, 4/17, 8:00 am-12:00 pm (at Eden Mill) and Saturday, 4/24, 8:00 am-3:00 pm (carpool to Delaware shore) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Norm Saunders" To: kpatterson914 AT comcast.net Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:21:42 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: subscription to MDOspey Katharine, MDOsprey is limited to 600 subscribers, which it appears to have just now. People do drop off fairly regularly so I would suggest that you continue to try to subscribe. Until you are successful, you can read all of the messages posted to MDOsprey at the archives: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?A0=MDOSPREY If I may be of further assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch. If you have material you would like me to post for you on MDOsprey, send it along, but plese understand that Listserv’s are ascii-based systems and do not support pictures or other graphics. Norm Saunders Owner, MDOsprey LISTSERV marshhawk AT verizon.net From: kpatterson914 AT comcast.net [mailto:kpatterson914 AT comcast.net] Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 9:35 AM To: MDOSPREY-request AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Subject: subscription to MDOspey I have been told that MDOsprey has reached maximum number of subscribers. I would like to post valuable birding information from Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, MD. Please let me know if this is possible. Thank you, Katharine Patterson Trustee, volunteer naturalist Irvine Nature Center 11201 Garrison Forest Road Owings Mills, MD 21117 410-440-9333 Subject: Re: Canada Geese on the move From: pobrien776 <pobrien776 AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:28:48 -0500 Interesting.  My grandfather used to see Walt Whitman riding the bow of the Camden-Philadelphia ferry, sometime in the 1870s.  It seems he got his inspirations from ferry rides.  BTW, his white beard was heavily tobacco-stained.  Yuck! Paul O'Brien Rockville, Mont. Co., MD On Mar 11, 2010, at 12:18:51 PM, "Leo Weigant" wrote: From: "Leo Weigant" Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Canada Geese on the move Date: March 11, 2010 12:18:51 PM EST To: MDOSPREY AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM All these reports prompted me to remember that ~ somewhere in the 1850's ~ Walt Whitman, riding the Brooklyn Ferry, looked up and expressed almost exactly the same feelings we've been sharing as he watched them and heard their "wild ya-honk" cries in the evening light. We are not alone. Leo Weigant On Mar 11, 2010, at 9:35 AM, Gail Mackiernan wrote: > These dramatic goose and swan flights make me think -- how many > people in > the DC area heard these geese and looked up? Some folks have gotten so > removed from nature that they not recognize (or perhaps, even hear) > what to > our ancestors was one of the first harbingers of spring. > > Gail Mackiernan > Colesville, MD > > on 03/11/2010 8:40 AM, Carol Jelich at carol.jelich AT GMAIL.COM wrote: > >> Hello, >> >> Tuesday afternoon, March 9, the Canada geese on Quarter Creek, off >> Wye >> River, were very vocal. Around 5:30, late afternoon, they began >> to rise up, >> circle, >> and form lines, heading north. As I watched them begin their fly >> away, I >> could see far, far above, other lines of geese headed north that >> had started >> from elsewhere. Wished them godspeed and safe return next >> year, a very moving sight! >> >> Carol Jelich >> Queenstown, Maryland Subject: More birds on the move From: Rick Sussman <warblerick AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:28:22 -0500 Afternoon all, I spent the morning working outside in the sun near my shop (sanding a church pew), as it was just too beautiful to work inside. Hard to concentrate though, as birds kept vying for my attention. An Eastern Towhee was singing and calling all morning from just over the fence in my neighbors yard, and I saw my FOY E. Phoebe just over the fence in my yard. Lots of overhead migrating gulls, presumably Ring-billeds, all morning. At least 3 Red-shouldered Hawks were circling (probably local birds), as were Red-tails. A Cooper's Hawk flew over too. Well, back to work... Rick Sussman Woodbine,MD Subject: Re: Canada Geese on the move From: Leo Weigant <hawkowl AT CABLESPEED.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:18:51 -0500 All these reports prompted me to remember that ~ somewhere in the 1850's ~ Walt Whitman, riding the Brooklyn Ferry, looked up and expressed almost exactly the same feelings we've been sharing as he watched them and heard their "wild ya-honk" cries in the evening light. We are not alone. Leo Weigant On Mar 11, 2010, at 9:35 AM, Gail Mackiernan wrote: > These dramatic goose and swan flights make me think -- how many > people in > the DC area heard these geese and looked up? Some folks have gotten so > removed from nature that they not recognize (or perhaps, even hear) > what to > our ancestors was one of the first harbingers of spring. > > Gail Mackiernan > Colesville, MD > > on 03/11/2010 8:40 AM, Carol Jelich at carol.jelich AT GMAIL.COM wrote: > >> Hello, >> >> Tuesday afternoon, March 9, the Canada geese on Quarter Creek, off >> Wye >> River, were very vocal. Around 5:30, late afternoon, they began >> to rise up, >> circle, >> and form lines, heading north. As I watched them begin their fly >> away, I >> could see far, far above, other lines of geese headed north that >> had started >> from elsewhere. Wished them godspeed and safe return next >> year, a very moving sight! >> >> Carol Jelich >> Queenstown, Maryland Subject: Red-Breasted Mergansers at Haines Pt. From: Thomas Jones <taj.mo AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:03:13 -0500 There were two female red-breasted mergansers in the Potomac mid-way between Haines Pt. and the 14th Street bridge this morning about 9:30. Tom Jones Washington, D.C. taj.mo AT verizon.net