Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Missouri > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, March 18 at 12:55 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Fox Sparrow,©Barry Kent Mackay

18 Mar Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Dexter City Lake, 3/18, Stoddard Co. [Chris Barrigar ] 17 Mar Loons and black vultures ["clark.creighton AT yahoo.com" ] 17 Mar Ruddy Duck,Red-Breasted Merganser convention;Chickadee excavations-CC Lake [bryan prather ] 17 Mar St. Paddy's Day Raptors, Livingston Co. [Dianne & Steve Kinder ] 17 Mar Any Northern Shovelers at RMBS?? [bryan prather ] 17 Mar Carmaronts at Jacomo Lake Jackson co. [Barbara Jahn ] 17 Mar Re: Desktop background photos [Patrick Harrison ] 17 Mar Saint Joseph Oxbows [Larry Lade ] 17 Mar Killdeer Nest Building has begun, Stoddard Co., 3/16 [Chris Barrigar ] 17 Mar Desktop background photos [Bob Fisher ] 17 Mar Cheyenne Bottoms [Tim Kavan ] 17 Mar Re: Fence [Archie Keiper ] 17 Mar Re: Cedar Waxwings are here... [Richard L Brown ] 17 Mar Cedar Waxwings are here... [Richard L Brown ] 16 Mar fence [Linda Bobo ] 16 Mar Re: Idea: Email Mr. Karel to fence off the GHO area for a time [Terry McNeely ] 16 Mar Re: Idea: Email Mr. Karel to fence off the GHO area for a time ["Jason G. Harrison" ] 16 Mar St. L. area. Mixed bag [Bill Rudden ] 16 Mar Idea: Email Mr. Karel to fence off the GHO area for a time [Chrissy McClarren ] 16 Mar Owls in Tower Grove Park [Yvonne Homeyer ] 16 Mar Re: Tower Grove Park Owlets [Chrissy McClarren ] 16 Mar Southwest MO birding 3/13-15, GPCH, SMLO [Philip Wire ] 16 Mar TGP Owlets msg from John Karel [Charlene and Jim Malone ] 16 Mar Tower Grove Park Owlets ["John Karel." ] 16 Mar prairie chickens [Linda Bobo ] 15 Mar Smith's Longspurs, Swan Lake, Chariton Co. [Dianne & Steve Kinder ] 15 Mar Timberdoodles in Blue Springs [Bob Fisher ] 15 Mar SLAS FIELD TRIP: Sat.; March 20, 2010 to Horseshoe Lake State Park [Paul Bauer ] 15 Mar NO SIGHTING--Prairie Chickens & Tim Barksdale on Saturday, April 10th in St. Louis [Mitch Leachman ] 15 Mar Red-shouldered Hawks ["ROBYN, Tony" ] 15 Mar Fish Crows, Tree Swallow,Creve Coeur Lake [bryan prather ] 15 Mar Observations [Mike Doyen ] 15 Mar phobes and palm warblers [Linda Bobo ] 15 Mar Re: Allenton Access - Am. Woodcock [Joshua Uffman ] 14 Mar Burr Oak woodcocks [Linda Byrd ] 14 Mar yearlist additions [David Rogles ] 14 Mar Long Branch gulls and stuff [Frankie Cuculich ] 14 Mar Re: Woodcock and Owl Prowl - St. Louis area - Report [Mike Grant ] 14 Mar Re: Pine Warbler at Busch [Nikki Davenport ] 14 Mar Re: Mar 14th Result - Columbia Bottoms, Riverlands, and Creve Coeur Lake [James Hickner ] 14 Mar Mar 14th Result - Columbia Bottoms, Riverlands, and Creve Coeur Lake [James Hickner ] 14 Mar Smithville, 3/14 -- Kumlien's, Thayer's [Bob Fisher ] 14 Mar Eagle Bluffs PM 03/14/10 [Chase Darr ] 14 Mar Orange-crowned Warbler, Purple Martin, Otter Slough CA, 3/14, Stoddard Co. [Chris Barrigar ] 14 Mar Red-tailed Hawk question [June Newman ] 14 Mar Smithville Lake 3/14 [Kristi Mayo ] 14 Mar Pine Warbler at Busch [chris kirmaier ] 13 Mar Administrative: List Rules [Susan Hazelwood ] 13 Mar Re: Heron back on rookery [Terry McNeely ] 13 Mar Correction and photos: Glaucous and lesser black-backed gulls at Long Branch SP (NO Iceland gull) [Peter Kondrashov ] 13 Mar Walkie-Talkies thingamajiggers- what do I get? [Chrissy McClarren ] 13 Mar Re: Columbia Bottom CA - March 13 [Chrissy McClarren ] 13 Mar Re: Squaw Creek NWR and Pony Express CA [James Hickner ] 13 Mar Greater Prairie Chicken Day - Kellerton Iowa [Matthew Torres ] 13 Mar Heron back on rookery [Mike Doyen ] 13 Mar Long Branch Lake [Jean Leonatti ] 13 Mar Columbia Bottom CA - March 13 [Joshua Uffman ] 13 Mar Iceland and lesser black-backed gulls still at Long Branch SP [Peter Kondrashov ] 13 Mar Tundra & Trumpeter Swans, Otter Slough CA, Stoddard Co., 3/13 [Chris Barrigar ] 13 Mar Question about List Serve Rules [Mark Gutchen ] 13 Mar Re: Woodcock and Owl Prowl - St. Louis area [Mike Grant ] 13 Mar RMBS Confluence Road Friday [Al and Lois Smith ] 12 Mar St. L. area. Lotta nuthin [Bill Rudden ] 12 Mar Livingston Co. birds [Dianne & Steve Kinder ] 12 Mar The Willis' Gull [Joshua Uffman ] 12 Mar New Pics from around the area [Clark Creighton ] 12 Mar Squaw Creek NWR and Pony Express CA [Terry McNeely ] 12 Mar Re: Eastern Towhee TGP/darn field guides! [Chrissy McClarren ] 12 Mar Re: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 [Bob Fisher ] 13 Mar Re: No AMWO @ Jay Dix MKT Entrance [Nicholas March ] 12 Mar Fw: Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough [Jackie Chain ] 12 Mar No AMWO @ Jay Dix MKT Entrance [Chase Darr ] 12 Mar Re: Eastern Towhee TGP [Bill Rudden ] 12 Mar Adults lesser black-backed and Iceland gulls at Long Branch SP Adair Co. [Peter Kondrashov ] 12 Mar Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough [Chrissy McClarren ] 12 Mar Re: Greater Yellowlegs at Columbia Bottoms [Chrissy McClarren ] Subject: Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Dexter City Lake, 3/18, Stoddard Co. From: Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar AT LIVE.COM> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:55:35 -0600 Greetings and what a fine day today is (aside from being at work)! Today's Dexter City Lake lunch break visit was puntuated by 3 Northern Rough-winged Swallows that briefly visited the lake. They spent enough time (calling as they flew) for me to recognize their call, locate them, and then proceed to buzz me as they flew within 2 feet of my head as I stood on top the levee. I'm super glad that the one lifted a bit before getting to me, because it was at eye level there until about 6 feet away. Other news at Dexter City Lake: Yesterday a Red-bellied Woodpecker was excavating a hole & was absent during today's visit. Eastern Bluebirds were checking out a couple tree cavities today. And several rather noisy Bluejays continued their racket until I went to investigate their annoiance - a perched Cooper's Hawk. Good Birding! Chris Barrigar Stoddard Co. 1chrisbarrigar AT live.com chrisbarrigar AT hotmail.com http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris1 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_2 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Loons and black vultures From: "clark.creighton AT yahoo.com" <clark.creighton@YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:20:27 -0700 What a great day. Spent a few hours out on bull shoals lake seeing loons gulls and ducks. The loons got within 50 feet and were calling. Amazing. Then at the house we again this year have 100+ black vultures roosting in the trees down the hill. Amazing site at sunset to have the sky filled with them flying 100 ft over your head. Good birding! Clark Creighton Pontiac MO Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Ruddy Duck,Red-Breasted Merganser convention;Chickadee excavations-CC Lake From: bryan prather <brynprth AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:47:47 -0700 Creve Coeur Lake   For about 4 weeks now, Ruddy Ducks have been utilizing the lake as a gathering spot.  To date, the highest number I have recorded has been 80.  Some are showing a nice cinnamon plumage as well.  Common Mergansers, which have left this area now, also gathered in strong numbers in Jan. and Feb.  The numbers I am comparing to are from previous CACHE entries for Creve Coeur Lake.   Red-Breasted Mergansers are now increasing in their numbers.  What was once 1 and then 5 has jumped to 18 as of this afternoon.  Not huge numbers I know, but big for this area.   I also had the good fortune of video taping a pair of Chickadees doing some home remodeling.  It was very interesting to watch the excavation and the wood chip removal; a cooperative effort.    Bryan Prather brynprth AT yahoo.com St.Louis,Co. Mo ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: St. Paddy's Day Raptors, Livingston Co. From: Dianne & Steve Kinder <dmkinder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:24:10 -0700 I saw 8 Rough-legged Hawks still around today in the Poosey - NW - part of the County. Robbins & Eastela in Birds of Missouri say that most have left the state by Mid March. It will be interesting to see how much longer these stay around. Saw several Northern Harriers too and many Red-tailed Hawks including two of the Krider's type. One of these has an almost entirely white tail. I also saw my FOY Merlin zipping by in the same area.   There was an adult Bald Eagle by the river at the Thompson River Wetland west of town. Lots of Ducks all over there too, mostly Dabblers, but many Ring-necked Ducks and couple dozen or more Canvasback also.   Later, Steve Kinder Chillicothe  dmkinder AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Any Northern Shovelers at RMBS?? From: bryan prather <brynprth AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:21:27 -0700 I have a friend who works at a bird rehab outside of Alton, Ill.  Due to time constraints, neither one of us has had time to venture over to Riverlands recently.  I, we, she was wondering if there are any Shovelers over there so this guy can shovel with his own kind?   Thanks in advance,   Bryan Prather brynprth AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Carmaronts at Jacomo Lake Jackson co. From: Barbara Jahn <bjahn20 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:32:38 -0600 My husband and I went to Lake Jacomo and we saw at the beach area at least 7 carmaronts abot 4 pairs of Bufflehead and 3 pairs of Goldeneye. On around the lake we saw more Bufflehead but didn't get a complete count. The number of gulls are down from last week the water is completley open and fishermen were out everywhere. Barbara Jahn Independence Mo bjahn20 AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: Desktop background photos From: Patrick Harrison <saxman AT MARKTWAIN.NET> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:24:06 -0500 Bob is absolutely right about there being a wealth of great images that can be used as backgrounds... I've limited the selections on mobirds.org to photos of birds taken by Missouri photographers of birds in Missouri. To date I've received photos from two photographers, one of whom is my youngest brother. If you are a Missouri birder and have photographs you would like to donate to The Audubon Society of Missouri for use as wallpaper candidates, please email them to me at either saxman AT marktwain.net or webmaster AT mobirds.org and indicate your willingness to do this. As to the Ivory Gull sailing over an arctic fiord, I'd love to see that image Bob. Send me a URL and thanks for offering. We need to get together again and do some birdin'! Patrick ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Saint Joseph Oxbows From: Larry Lade <gcrownkinglet AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:55:40 -0700 This morning I did a little drive around the Saint Joseph oxbows to see if anything "new" had come up our way. Nothing new today, but I did tally twenty (20) species of waterfowl. In a couple decades of conserted birding I have never witnessed the numbers of Hooded Mergansers which have been in the arera. They have been (and are) very abundant on the oxbows (primarily now on Horseshoe Lake). It is rather difficult to get an actual count as they tend to be "here, there and everywhere" moving around from lake to lake. Additionally, I observed many American White Pelicans (still no cormorants), American Coots and Pied-billed Grebes (they nested on Horseshoe Lake last year and probably will again this year). Also in abundance were the vocal Ring-billed Gulls (I could detect no other species of gulls among them). A lot of the gulls were coming up with goldfish. I had been unaware that there were goldfish in this oxbow. They must have been surviving in a very small pool somewhere in this oxbow which was (to my eyes) completely dried up for two or three recent years. The shorebirds seem reluctant to move up into our area, as the only ones around are Killdeer. * Yesterday, Steve Kinder and I got a Savannah Sparrow (FOY us both) and I got a FOY Herring Gull. Perhaps some new FOY birds will show up for me tomorrow as the weather person is predicting 65 degrees for the day! Larry Lade Saint Joseph Buchanan Co. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Killdeer Nest Building has begun, Stoddard Co., 3/16 From: Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar AT LIVE.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:45:36 -0600 Greetings, My wife commented, with great joy, that "our" Killdeer was back in the driveway again, and that when she went out to check the mail, there was a neat little bowl in the gravel off to one side of our driveway. As of yesterday no eggs, yet. If ever one needed a sure sign of spring, I think this would fit the bill! Also of note: both Tundra and Trumpeter Swans (3 of each) remain at Otter Slough CA in Pool 17 in the NW corner. Tim Whitehead, Otter Slough/MDC staff, has also seen them in Pool 25 - not far from Pool 17. Good Spring Birding! Chris Barrigar Stoddard Co. 1chrisbarrigar AT live.com chrisbarrigar AT hotmail.com http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris1 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_2 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Desktop background photos From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:10:41 -0500 Patrick Harrison gave us a great idea when he suggested that we use photos of birds for the screen display on our computers. He has provided some great ones, but it is also possible to use photos from other sources. When I sit down to start computing, I presently see an Ivory Gull sailing over an arctic fiord and am particularly pleased with that choice. If anyone would like to see it, please email me, and I will send you the jpg. file. If you decide that you would like to display it on your screen, I believe I can provide directions how to do it. Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Cheyenne Bottoms From: Tim Kavan <timkavan AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:06:37 -0500 I am headed to KS next week March 20th and I am thinking of taking an afternoon trip to Cheyenne Bottoms to catch a glimpse of the area. I have never been there. I am asking for any information from anyone who has been there recently or in the past regarding persons of interest nearby, recent arrivals, rare sightings, etc... Thanks ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: Fence From: Archie Keiper <archie_k48 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:25:19 +0000 A fence circling the area with a diameter of 67 yards would be ideal. And don't forget, when the birds actually move from their current location, the park rangers would have to locate them and erect a new off-limits barrier. Archie K. Columbia, IL _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850552/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Re: Cedar Waxwings are here... From: Richard L Brown <ashmagalf1 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:42:47 -0500 I failed to let everyone know where I spotted the Cedar Waxwings today. I live in Peculiar, MO. Sorry for leaving that part out. Richard Brown ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Cedar Waxwings are here... From: Richard L Brown <ashmagalf1 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:25:49 -0500 I just wanted to leave a quick note about a flock of Cedar Waxwings that swirled and whirled around my front yard this afternoon. There were between 20 to 25 of them and they only perched in my river birch tree for a few moments before continuing their journey. A wonderful site to see indeed! I recently lost my wife and I know that she had something to do with sending them my way this afternoon. Maybe the good Lord owed her a favor and she spent it on me. God Bless. Richard Brown ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: fence From: Linda Bobo <magicfuzz AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:06:42 -0500 Hello, It was my idea to place a fence at a safe and respectful distance around the area. Of course, there could be an explanatory sign giving the reason for this. Not to be too punitive, I would be sure that the sign indicates that it would be "against the law" or something similar, to breach the fence. This would be similar to barriers that we see at every CA about not going into certain places where there are waterfowl until April. Linda Bobo magicfuzz AT hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Re: Idea: Email Mr. Karel to fence off the GHO area for a time From: Terry McNeely <terrymcneely AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:59:02 -0500 I believe that the fence idea is a good intention. However it also becomes a neon sign as to their is something beyond the fence and curiosity draws more attention. Not sure of the type of people that utilize the park after the birders have gone. this might also draw to the attention of people that might not otherwise notice the Owls. This also reminds me of a thread that was running a few days back, concerning the photographer in search of the secret places of good birds, that no one wants to reveal. It appears that the more it is discussed the more it becomes a issue. This is only an opinion from someone that has a fence, and has to deal with hunters during hunting season. Terry McNeely 25843 Grate Ave Jameson, MO 64647 Daviess County > Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:34:29 -0700 > From: wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM > Subject: Idea: Email Mr. Karel to fence off the GHO area for a time > To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU > > > Someone emailed me privately with a good suggestion. She thinks that Mr. Karel (the director of Tower Grove Park) might want to consider fencing off the area at a respectful distance. I have encouraged her to call or email him with this idea. I'd encourage others to do the same. His email is: > > jkarel AT TOWERGROVEPARK.ORG > > This seems the only truly reasonable solution, considering all the people that traffic this area so very very close to the owlets due to the new paths constantly leading folks right by the them. If people want to know what it's fenced off for, the Rangers or Park staff can then educate them. Unneccessary conflicts and hostilities might be better avoided this way. > > Chrissy McClarren > St. Louis City > wildreturn AT yahoo.com > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum > List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New 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_1 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Re: Idea: Email Mr. Karel to fence off the GHO area for a time From: "Jason G. Harrison" <rowboat AT CENTURYTEL.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:54:40 -0500 I would agree with this idea. 200 feet, that is just under 67 yards folks...I am not an expert on judging distances, but for sure, the walking paths are well inside that range. If I had to guess, I would say that even the road is within 67 yards of the roost spots. I have witnessed runners, walkers, just everyday folk enjoying the park go RIGHT under these trees with out knowing. Some, do know about the owls...and they look up and go on. The only way to insure that the area be left alone is to put up a boundry, marker tape, etc...with some signs stating why. The Park Ranger and other employees down there have their normal work load to do...having such a marker put up would make their job easier. I can see it already, the steady flow of folks going down the new paths will constantly breach the new guidelines on safe distance to the Owls. Jason G. Harrison Troy, Missouri ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: St. L. area. Mixed bag From: Bill Rudden <bilrudn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:50:48 -0700 Great Blue Heron eats Asian Carp:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-14-10a2.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-14-10a.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-14-10a3.jpg Fuertes' Red-tailed Hawk. Tail lacks sub-terminal dark band:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-16-10b.jpg Buff underside; slight belly marks; muted barring on flight feathers:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-16-10b2.jpg American Pipit:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-13-10c4.jpg Another showing red blush near throat:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-13-10c3.jpg Ducks: Always a challenge away from the drakes:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-13-10a.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-16-10a.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-16-10a2.jpg Rudies are getting color:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-13-10e.jpg Horned Grebe:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-13-10b2.jpg NON-BIRD. MO. 3rd trapped fur-bearer:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-13-10f.jpg LBIMOBill RuddenSt. Louisbilrudn AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Idea: Email Mr. Karel to fence off the GHO area for a time From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:34:29 -0700   Someone emailed me privately with a good suggestion.  She thinks that Mr. Karel (the director of Tower Grove Park) might want to consider fencing off the area at a respectful distance. I have encouraged her to call or email him with this idea.  I'd encourage others to do the same. His email is: jkarel AT TOWERGROVEPARK.ORG This seems the only truly reasonable solution, considering all the people that traffic this area so very very close to the owlets due to the new paths constantly leading folks right by the them. If people want to know what it's fenced off for, the Rangers or Park staff can then educate them. Unneccessary conflicts and hostilities might be better avoided this way. Chrissy McClarren St. Louis City wildreturn AT yahoo.com   ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Owls in Tower Grove Park From: Yvonne Homeyer <yhomeyer AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:25:33 -0500 John Karel, the director of Tower Grove Park, has asked birders to stay 200 feet away from the owls. How far is that? A Toyota Corolla is 15 feet long, so that's 13 Corollas parked end to end - quite a distance, in other words. Please print out his email and keep it in your car so you have the phone number for the Tower Grove Rangers if you see people getting too close.. Yvonne Homeyer St. Louis, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Re: Tower Grove Park Owlets From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:37:17 -0700 I talked to Mr. Karel today. (We ran into each other at Gaddy.) I am not speaking for him, but I think it needs to be emphasized that his message was meant NOT so much for the birders, photographers and nature lovers - who have actually been quite respectful of the owls - but for the hordes of city folk who use the park. Last night Mr. Karel saw 12 people gathered under the tree at dusk acting as if the owls were their personal entertainment...chattering away, not caring that this was the owls best hunting and feeding time (and probably not knowing this)...and that the owls wouldn't go hunt until they felt the babies were safe. An article came out some years ago called "Loving the Birds To Death" on just such a problem with Great Horned Owls. It's well documented. Mr. Karel has good reason to worry. We all do. When we humans watch owls at dusk, we really are putting the owls lives at risk. The parents won't hunt, they won't end up with as much food, babies won't get fed as well and their wings won't develop right, etc. I find it important to note that a big change was made this year to Tower Grove Park that has caused way more attention to be drawn to the owls than last year. (Last year's attention was very low. This year the attention is over the top and threatening.) The change was Tower Grove Park's decision to put in new paths that takes all the walkers, runners and their dogs right by the tree and the evergreens - practically right up to it. I watched on a number of occasions at a distance as the owls hooted over the past months and attracted much attention - as did the hungry squawking of the babies. People would stop, look for them, talk about them. I am not sure this was well thought out by the Park, but that's my opinion. That cavity was a well known nesting site by the Park. Also, some people think that telling others about the owls is a good thing...that it will increase their love of nature to see them. But in our culture of "nature" as "our" entertainment, that can be to their peril. I think it is important to understand Mr. Karel's message in this light. And I think it is even more important to realize that he's reached out to us to help...those of us who care and are in the park... to be brave enough to speak up to the people in the park who don't know any better. We are the ones who could best (and most compassionately?) educate folks. Chrissy McClarren St. Louis City wildreturn AT yahoo.com --- On Tue, 3/16/10, John Karel. wrote: > From: John Karel. > Subject: Tower Grove Park Owlets > To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU > Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 3:31 PM > Dear Friends: > > As many of you are aware, we have 2 fledgling great horned > owlets out of the > nest here at Tower Grove Park.  They are beautiful > animals, and we are > hopeful that they can develop to maturity.  They are > understandably popular, > but we do have a concern that the close attention that they > are receiving > could have a detrimental effect on their care by their > parents.  The adults are > trying to feed the owlets, but sometimes the observers are > so close to the > owlets that we fear that the feeding is being interfered > with.  For that reason, > we have consulted with MDC and others and have the > following urgent > message: > > Please do not approach the owlets closer than 200 > feet.  If you see anyone > else doing so, you can advise them to stay back for the > benefit of the owlets, > or you can call the Park Ranger at 314-565-4613.  The > Park Rangers have > been alerted to be on guard about the owlets and they are > in touch with the > Police Department and the Missouri Department of > Conservation.  They will > take appropriate action. > > Thank you very much for your cooperation and support.  > These wonderful > creatures need just a bit of space and a little more > time.  Let’s see if we can > provide that for them. > > Many thanks, > > John Karel > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion > Forum > List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html > ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Southwest MO birding 3/13-15, GPCH, SMLO From: Philip Wire <phw222 AT GOOGLEMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:55:47 -0500 I spent a three day weekend birding around southwest MO, spending time at Taberville Prairie, Four Rivers CA, Wah'Kon'Tah Prairie, and Schell-Osage, and hitting Hi-Lonesome CA on the way back. Kind of a weird few days birdwise but the following were highlights: 3 Greater Prairie-Chicken leks totaling about 20 birds (2 for Taberville, 1 for Wah'Kon'Tah) 2 Smith's Longspurs at Taberville (lifer! wooooo!) 2 Loggerhead Shrikes at Taberville, acting like a mated pair 2 Ross's Geese and 1 transitioning Horned Grebe at Schell-Osage 3 or more American Woodcocks calling near the south campground at Schell-Osage More detailed summary: I spent a few days camped out at Shell-Osage CA and used it as a home base to hit some of the prairies around it, having a major urge for some GPCH time. The first morning I viewed two prairie chicken leks at Taberville, one at a historic location on the northern portion of the area and the other in a private wheat field east of the area where birds have been seen for at least the past few years. The one on private land offers the best viewing, and the birds were closer to the road this time than was described to me from past observers. I'll give directions privately to the lek in the wheat field, but I'll warn now (and will warn again later) that the birds are close enough to disturb if you get out of your car and make a bunch of noise. The other lek (on Taberville proper) is not viewable without disturbing the birds, but it's back. I waited until a Northern Harrier flushed some chickens (4) off the lek after 9 AM and they didn't return for a while to check out the grounds (then empty), and that's where I had the 2 Smith's Longspurs at about 15 feet! Viewing the surroundings from on top of that hill confirmed my hunch--there's no way to view these birds without disturbing them... save for maybe seeing a few heads peep over the grasses if you are on a neighboring hill... but there's no need to chance it when viewing is so good from a car at the other lek. The next morning at Wah'Kon'Tah was less fruitful. Wah'Kon'Tah is a lot tougher to scope out (hillier, restricted access) and it was only by dumb luck that I saw a group of chickens get spooked by a harrier from a half-mile away after a while of searching. There were 6 birds on the hill, which I think was a lek, but even with a better vantage point I could not see or hear birds displaying and could only get on them when the harrier got them up. The vegetation on the hill was pretty tall for a lek, which made things tougher to view. I think Taberville will be a much better destination this year for viewing unless I missed something, which is certainly possible. Four Rivers was muddy and frustrating. LOTS of ducks, lots of habitat, but they were j-u-m-p-y. Gave up on getting the scope out and even stopping the car to glass over with binocs would spook most of the birds. Also, I would give it a week for the surrounding roads to dry out... some were impassable without 4WD. Schell-Osage was better, and had 4 species of geese over the few days I was there. Also had a lot of woodcocks out and about here at dusk and dawn both days, a Horned Grebe on 3/14, and good numbers of the more common species of waterfowl. Nothing too notable at Hi Lonesome except for some Brewer's Blackbirds in a flock on private land nearby and a Rough-legged Hawk headed northwest (finally! thought I missed 'em this year) north of Sedalia. It was sort of a bizarre weekend. I got the feeling the change back to cool, damp weather had toyed with the birds a bit, and some common species were extraordinarily hard to get--especially passerines. I had ONE White-throated Sparrow for the entire weekend, and only because I spent forty-five minutes kicking around brushy areas at Schell-Osage. The only Ring-billed Gull I got at the CA's I visited was one flying over Taberville... go figure. Raptor numbers were very low, and I did not get a single Short-eared Owl... I think many of them rode out of town on the warm front. Data will be on CACHE once I get my notes together. Also, I am posting a twenty dollar reward for information leading to the return of my camp stove stolen in the dead of night from Schell-Osage! ;-) Phil Wire Edwardsville, IL phw222 AT gmail.com -- Phil Wire Director, Silver Creek Elementary SACC Program (314) 960-0370 phw222 AT gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: TGP Owlets msg from John Karel From: Charlene and Jim Malone <2bbirdn AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:13:54 -0500 John Karel, THANK YOU so very much for reminding birders, photographers and nature lovers to keep a reasonable distance from these birds. Frankly it's common sense but sometimes there needs to be an "outsider" to tap us on the shoulders to help us remember to use it. Respectfully, Charlene Malone St. Louis co. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Tower Grove Park Owlets From: "John Karel." <jkarel AT TOWERGROVEPARK.ORG> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:31:11 -0500 Dear Friends: As many of you are aware, we have 2 fledgling great horned owlets out of the nest here at Tower Grove Park. They are beautiful animals, and we are hopeful that they can develop to maturity. They are understandably popular, but we do have a concern that the close attention that they are receiving could have a detrimental effect on their care by their parents. The adults are trying to feed the owlets, but sometimes the observers are so close to the owlets that we fear that the feeding is being interfered with. For that reason, we have consulted with MDC and others and have the following urgent message: Please do not approach the owlets closer than 200 feet. If you see anyone else doing so, you can advise them to stay back for the benefit of the owlets, or you can call the Park Ranger at 314-565-4613. The Park Rangers have been alerted to be on guard about the owlets and they are in touch with the Police Department and the Missouri Department of Conservation. They will take appropriate action. Thank you very much for your cooperation and support. These wonderful creatures need just a bit of space and a little more time. Let’s see if we can provide that for them. Many thanks, John Karel ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: prairie chickens From: Linda Bobo <magicfuzz AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:57:50 -0500 Hello- Is anyone in the St Louis area interested in going to the event listed below? If so please send to my personal e-mail, so maybe we could carpool on the Fri before. It seems to be about 340 mi away, and viewing usually starts about 5 AM-ish. As I understand from speaking with the Nature Conservancy, Dunn Ranch in NW MO will probably not have PCs for viewing again this yr. This is a life bird for me. Thanks Linda Bobo magicfuzz AT hotmail.com The Kellerton Bird Conservation Area will be holding its annual Greater Prairie Chicken Day on April 10th, 2010. Kellerton is about 10-12 west of I-35 (Exit 12) on Hwy 2 in southern Iowa. The viewing stand is located two miles west of Kellerton on Hwy 2 and one mile south on 300th Ave. The event will be from sunrise to about 9AM. Information is already available at the viewing stand, but so far I have not been able to find anything online. The DNR and many of the birders who attend usually bring spotting scopes and there is also information to read, donuts to eat, and something to drink. It’s a great way to meet other birders and see a wonderful prairie bird. For more information call: 515-238-5708 (DNR Biologist) 641-464-2389 (DNR Unit) Matthew Torres Leon, IA ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html Subject: Smith's Longspurs, Swan Lake, Chariton Co. From: Dianne & Steve Kinder <dmkinder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:31:51 -0700 I found a dozen Smith's Longspurs today at Swan Lake NWR. I also found LOTS of Water all around that area. All three gates to the refuge were open but you could not drive through from one to the other because of water over the roads in the low places. There was a good variety of Ducks, but only a small number of Snow Geese left. Still several Bald Eagles around but didn't see any activity at the nest that was used last few years.  There were at least 8 Trumpeter Swans on a pond NE of the refuge east of Hwy 139. I think there were probably a few more next to the bank that I couldn't see from the road. Saw one Loggerhead Shrike at the RR Crossing on YY coming home. Checked some of the fields where we often see Am. Golden Plovers along the way but didn't find any yet.    I had stopped at Swan Lake on my way back from Long Branch Lake, Macon Co. and Thomas Hill Lake. I saw the Lesser Black-backed Gull among all the other Gulls there. It was on the small area of ice that is left next to the Dam. The Horned Grebe was still there also but never did find the Glaucous Gull. Couple of mixed flocks of Common and Red-breasted Mergansers on the lake but not many other Ducks. As Jean L. reported not much of anything on the water at Thomas Hill, at least visilble from T causeway. Water was high and looked muddy.    Later, Steve Kinder  Chillicothe, Livingston Co. dmkinder AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Timberdoodles in Blue Springs From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:53:57 -0500 I went to the usual spot at the end of Wyatt Road and heard lots of Woodcocks peenting tonight. Indeed, I have never heard so many before. The peents were virtually constant. I also saw two birds fly in about 30 yards from the parking lot. To enjoy Woodcocks in Blue Springs, take 7 Hiway south (3-4 miles South of I-70; about 1 mile south of the intersection with Liggett Road) to Wyatt Road. (The entrance to Wyatt Road is almost directly opposite a large sign advertising the Colonial Nursery). Go west on Wyatt until it ends at a parking lot. (About .6 mile). Park there. The peenting starts about 10-15 minutes after sundown. Since the birds are landing only about 30 yards from the parking lot, they should be easier to find and see on the ground there than at most other places, certainly better than at Burr Oak Woods. They are on public land. It is my understanding that some of these birds are breeders; others are probably migrating through. Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: SLAS FIELD TRIP: Sat.; March 20, 2010 to Horseshoe Lake State Park From: Paul Bauer <bauerbird5511 AT ATT.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:22:14 -0700 The ST. LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY is sponsoring a birding field trip starting at HORSESHOE LAKE STATE PARK  on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 8:00 AM.   DIRECTIONS:  From St. Louis continue east on I-70 to Hwy 111 (exit 6) and turn left. Travel north on Hwy 111 about 2 miles  to Park Entrance; turn left into the park. MEET in the first Parking Lot on the Right just inside the park; rest rooms are nearby.   PLAN:  This is planned to be a half-day trip covering all three sides of the entire area around this park region.    A Fast Food rest stop will be included about mid-morning.  GOAL:  Seasonal Distribution Bar Graphs in the ST. LOUIS AREA BIRD GUIDE indicate that at least 21 SPECIES OF DUCKS can be seen at this time.   On some years we have found 17 species; can we beat that number?   BRING:  Your spotting scopes to share with others.   If you have them, also bring FRS radios to talk between cars.   Bring Lunch and Drink; often we see too much to finish by noon.   This is a good chance to see which type of scope or tripod that you like best, and to learn about FRS radios used by birding groups across the nation. Also I will try to explain how you can be sure that your scope and tripod-head can never become loose from the tripod and hit the ground; OUCH !  If your scope is loose with all the clamps tight, maybe we can help you find out why and fix it  ! TRIP COST:  Free !   Everyone is welcome,  members or non-members. MORE INFO:   E-mail me or visit   htpp://www.stlouisaudubon.org ALWAYS HAVE FUN:  GO BIRDING  !  Paul Bauer bauerbird5511 AT att.net Florissant (St. Louis County), MO             ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: NO SIGHTING--Prairie Chickens & Tim Barksdale on Saturday, April 10th in St. Louis From: Mitch Leachman <cheyenneandme AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:38:19 -0500 Please help us celebrate the Missouri Prairie Foundation, recipient of our Conservation Award, and Bill Salsgiver, recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, half of all the money raised during the event will be donated to the Prairie Foundation in support of their efforts. I hope you can join us! Mitch Mitch Leachman Executive Director St. Louis Audubon Society 314-599-7390 St. Louis Audubon Society Annual Awards Dinner Saturday, April 10th Timothy R. Barksdale, Birdman Productions, LLC We are pleased to announce our 2010 Annual Awards Dinner will take place at Orlando Gardens at 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza in Maryland Heights on Saturday, April 10th. Awards will be presented for Conservation, Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Volunteer, and Lifetime Achievement. The evening will conclude with our keynote speaker, Tim Barksdale, principal cameraman for Birdman Productions, LLC. Tim will deliver an engaging, multi-media presentation on the current plight of, and hope for, the Greater Prairie Chicken-the subject of his current film project for PBS. Tim Barksdale has been filming birds and other wildlife for nearly 20 years and has built the largest stock footage library of North American birds in the world. His past collection, of more than 1,200 species, formed the foundation of the Macaulay Library video archive at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. His current passion, the Greater Prairie Chicken, is listed red on the 2007 Audubon Watchlist and critically imperiled by the Missouri Department of Conservation. With less than 1/10th of 1% of native prairie left in the State, the Prairie Chicken has just a few, intensively-managed breeding locations remaining. Tim has traveled to the bird$B!G(Bs strongholds in Minnesota, Nebraska and Kansas while also documenting the restoration efforts of the Missouri Prairie Foundation and MDC here at home. He is distressed, yet upbeat having witnessed in his youth flocks of over 200 birds-sustaining populations are possible! Please join us for this viewing of Tim$B!G(Bs stunning work and learn about this amazing prairie emblem. 6:00 p.m.-Registration / Open Bar 7:00 p.m.-Dinner Service and Award Presentations 8:30 p.m.-Keynote Presentation by Tim Barksdale Please note there will NOT be a business meeting at this year$B!G(Bs event. We have scheduled our annual business meeting, including the election of officers, prior to the April program on Tuesday, April 20th. The cost is just $25 per person. Reservations are required-please follow the instructions below. Space is limited, so please register by April 1st to insure you can enjoy this wonderful evening! Orlando Gardens is at 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza in Maryland Heights, just off I-270 and Dorsett in St. Louis County. Take I-270 Exit 17, Dorsett Rd and go west on Dorsett 1/3 mile to McKelvey. Turn right on McKelvey (at the Walgreen$B!G(Bs) for quick jog to main Plaza entrance on your left (opposite the Dairy Queen). $B"!(B Please mail your payment by April 1st to: Mitch Leachman, 2728 Lakeport Drive, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Make checks payable to St. Louis Audubon Society. E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (7.0.0.514) Database version: 6.14560 http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Red-shouldered Hawks From: "ROBYN, Tony" <twrobyn AT AUDUBON.ORG> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:40:51 -0400 Well, this weekend I saw that the red-shouldereds decided to nest in my neighbors oak this year and not mine as last. Somewhat disappointed, but should prove entertaining again regardless. Sure are raising heck tho...nice they're staying local. Tony Robyn Joplin, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Fish Crows, Tree Swallow,Creve Coeur Lake From: bryan prather <brynprth AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:08:08 -0700 While viewing a small gull roost, a Tree Swallow zipped past my field of view.  Fun to see it prowl the water surface.     A mockingbird was sharing its repetoire when I heard something else.  It wasn't the mockingbird, it was 6 Fish crows cruising over head.  They settled across the lake.   Bryan Prather brynprth AT yahoo.com St.Louis Co, Mo. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Observations From: Mike Doyen <mdoyen AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:56:35 -0700 Birded Friday evening Saturday and Sunday moring and I noticed the following: Woodcocks Peenting, Frogs Peeping, daffodils blooming, trees budding and grass greening. Orion is dipping into the western night sky; salt and pepper flowers are breaking thru the forest floor. Hawks and Vulture are soaring, Wood ducks are mating, squirrels are humping and the birds are singing. Spring is near and I am ready.  Mike Doyen Rolla, MO  Bird by bird I've come to know the earth. Pablo Neruda. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: phobes and palm warblers From: Linda Bobo <magicfuzz AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:33:28 -0500 Others have reported in different areas of MO, but on 3/15/2010, Chesterfield MO, 8-9 AM, apt complex facing wooded area: With the sun breaking through temporarily, I was thrilled to see and hear the songs of Eastern Phoebes and Palm Warblers. Then off to work... Linda Bobo ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: Allenton Access - Am. Woodcock From: Joshua Uffman <Birdsandbugs AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:44:19 -0500 Hey Chrissy - You certainly did drive past my daughter and I out at Columbia Bottom CA on Saturday. We had a pretty good time. And, I did get the whole family back over to Young CA for the woodcocks. We all got to enjoy them within 'feet' away from us. Glad to see you finally got them yourself! Josh -----Original Message----- From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum [mailto:MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU] On Behalf Of Chrissy McClarren Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 1:11 AM To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Subject: Re: Allenton Access - Am. Woodcock Well, I did some "doodling" all by myself tonight at Young CA - where Josh initially find a large group of "doodles." It was fabulous. Long story, but to make it short, the timberdoodles started peenting from a bit far away for about 10 minutes, so I peented in my expert peenting fashion (hee, hee - actually, I am pretty good...no birdjam needed here, ha! But if anyone wants to donate an IPOD and Birdjam that'd be fine by me - I'd use it ethically...swear) and they appeared suddenly on the trail. They are definitely territorial. I got such incredible close-ups because I continued to peent at them and they started walking right up to me, within three feet - and making little grunting noises, like they were trying to scare the competition away...little (uh, I mean big) old me. Thank you so much. It was a bit daunting by myself, but I wanted to get the lay of the land before I took my Mom and my honey with me, maybe this Friday. I am excited for you and your daughters. Fun! Sounds like they got into it, but you need to take them to Young CA where they can see them. They will go gaga, I am sure. I did! Thanks again, Chrissy McClarren --- On Thu, 3/11/10, Joshua Uffman wrote: > From: Joshua Uffman > Subject: Allenton Access - Am. Woodcock > To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU > Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 1:16 AM > > Took my two girls out tonight (March 10) to > look for Am. Woodcocks in new locations hoping this would be > a bird that might hook them.  >   > My daughter actually beat me to the call when she > heard the first 'peeeenttt' just a couple miles > from our house at the Allenton Access off of Hunter's > Ford Road (St. Louis Co.).  Considering she had never > heard one before and only had my description to go from, I > was pretty impressed.  We heard at least 2 > there, one was across from the entrance > to the Allenton Access and another was in the field > just north of the access road. >   > Here is a map if anyone is interested:  http://mdc.mo.gov/documents/area_brochures/6807map.pdf >   > The girls said it was cool - we will see if they > remember it tomorrow - and a new county bird for each > of us. >   >  Joshua Uffman > St. Louis County, MO > Birdsandbugs AT sbcglobal.net > MO-Records: www.showme-birds.com > Bird Photos: http://www.pbase.com/jpuf > > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion > Forum > ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO > http://mobirds.org/ > ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: April 30-May 2. Cape Girardeau, MO http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Burr Oak woodcocks From: Linda Byrd <furbynurse AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:04:48 -0500 We went to Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs tonight hoping for a woodcock display. We heard four different birds peenting in competition, but saw no displays. Guess no girlies to show off for. They were still calling as we left shortly before 8 pm. With the time change, the gates now lock automatically at 8. Linda Byrd Independence, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: yearlist additions From: David Rogles <suneska AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:53:23 -0500 MoBirders, Tom and I and Marc Lund ventured out this morning to Blue Grosbeak--we had 1 Merlin, 4 Am. Woodcock, numerous Song Sparrows; not much else. Tom and I continued on through St. Charles Co and found 7 Lesser Yellowlegs at the intersection of Mertz and H. We had about 15 Pipits, several Rusty Blackbirds and quite a few waterfowl. Charlene and Jim visited the site later and had both of the yellowlegs (I had 2 Greater on Friday) and added pecs; when Tom and I returned we added 4 golden-plovers to the list. At Riverlands, along Wise Road, the Malones found a small flock of Brewer's Blackbirds; more birds (a larger flock) were at the Mertz location later. 3 Mute Swans, probably the same birds I found at Lincoln's Shield on Friday, were also at the Mertz location. Good Birding Dave Rogles suneska AT gmail.com St. Charles Co. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Long Branch gulls and stuff From: Frankie Cuculich <flcuculich AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:14:37 -0500 Went to Long Branch Macon Co. today. I found the lesser black backed gull, which was a life bird for me. Thanks to Dr. Peter for the post. Did not relocate the glaucous gull. The horned grebe was still along the dam, posted by Jean. 7 red breasted merganser and several common mer's. The collared doves were very vocal, chasing each other around. Had a fly by of a pair of wood ducks. Frankie Cuculich Brashear, Mo. Adair Co ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Re: Woodcock and Owl Prowl - St. Louis area - Report From: Mike Grant <mikecurlew AT ATT.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:02:31 -0500 About 45 people attended the annual SLAS Woodcock and Owl Prowl at Busch Conservation area. The pre-trip found the Pine Warbler previously reported by Chris Kirmaier. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and a Brown Creeper were also found near the beginning of Fallen Oak Trail. One or more Eastern Towhees were calling but did not make an appearance. The group left the meeting area and proceeded to the Lake 8 parking lot, were we all had scope views of the Great Horned Owl sitting on its nest. From there we went to the Lake 33 shorebird area in hopes of a Barred Owl. Unfortunately no owl was seen or heard. One pond held a couple dozen Gadwall, a Great Blue Heron and several muskrats. From there we headed to the fields north of Lake 23 to wait for dusk and the Woodcock show. The drizzle began to thicken and blow sideways, coating glasses, binoculars and flashlights. A few peents were heard right at the corner over about 15 minutes, but then we really began to hear them just a couple hundred feet south of the corner. We moved south and into an over-grow field west of the road. We could hear many birds and were able to see a few of them against the sky before total darkness. The drizzle made flashlights almost useless when the birds were very far away, and the high vegetation completely hid the birds on the ground. We heard Barred Owl in the distance, and decided that it was time for dinner about 6:45. In an interesting experiment, David Rabenau brought an infrared camera in order to help locate the birds. They appeared as little white spots on the screen and gave a general location of them, but it wasn't exact enough to pinpoint them in the tall vegetation. He could clearly see when they flew up though. Mike Grant mikecurlew AT att.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: May 1-3, 2009 in Columbia, MO. http://www.mobirds.org ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Re: Pine Warbler at Busch From: Nikki Davenport <ndavenport AT U-CITY.K12.MO.US> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:53:21 -0500 Chris, Nick and I wanted to send you a big thank you for posting info about the Pine Warbler. We went out to Busch this eve and found two of those sweet pine warblers singing away right where you said they would be. :) Our first pine warbler for the year! They were both so yellow their song was so beautiful! Nick and Nikki Kirkwood, MO >>> chris kirmaier 03/14/10 11:51 AM >>> Saint Louis area birders - Yesterday (Saturday) a small group of us found a Pine Warbler loudly singing away around 4 pm right at the beginning of the Fallen Oak Trail behind the headquarters at Busch Conservation Area. Basically, he is in the same general area as seen last year. We also had a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. We did not see any Red-breasted Nuthatches. Chris Kirmaier University City, Mo ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Re: Mar 14th Result - Columbia Bottoms, Riverlands, and Creve Coeur Lake From: James Hickner <hickner AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:39:08 -0700 Correction: I forgot to include Gadwalls at Columbia Bottoms. There were a plenty of them at that place.  Jim Hickner hickner AT sbcglobal.net ________________________________ From: James Hickner To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 8:31:41 PM Subject: Mar 14th Result - Columbia Bottoms, Riverlands, and Creve Coeur Lake I birded sevral places including Columbia Bottoms CA, Riverlands, and Creve Coeur Lake today. I had a total of 36 species for the trip. At Columbia Bottoms, I spotted at least dozen American Pipits at the same location other birders had seen but I did not see any along Confluence Road. However I found a couple of Rusty Blackbirds in a flock of blackbirds, most of them Red- winged, in Edward Jones Confluence State Park. At Columbia Bottoms, ducks I saw were Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, a lone Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, and Redhead (four of them), and also saw some Killdeers there and along the Confluence Road. At Riverlands, I found a lone female Red- breasted Merganser and a Snow Goose in Teal Pond, Mallard, Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads (all of them in Heron Pond), Northern Shoveler, and Green- winged Teals elsewhere in Riverlands but there were very, very few waterfowls, mostly Canada Goose, in Ellis Bay. However American White Pelicans have become more numerous in Ellis Bay but all Bald Eagles have left. On Feb 27th, I saw over 50 Bald Eagles in Riverlands. On Feb 27th, I also saw some Trumpeter Swans in Columbia Bottoms but I saw none today at all sites. At Creve Coeur Lake, I observed some Red-breasted Mergansers, a lone female Canvasback, one Horned Grebe in its transition phrase even though its white tip was very hard to see, some Ruddy Ducks, and Lesser Scaups. There are still some Herring Gulls at Riverlands.  Good birding, Jim Hickner hickner AT sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Mar 14th Result - Columbia Bottoms, Riverlands, and Creve Coeur Lake From: James Hickner <hickner AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:31:41 -0500 I birded sevral places including Columbia Bottoms CA, Riverlands, and Creve Coeur Lake today. I had a total of 36 species for the trip. At Columbia Bottoms, I spotted at least dozen American Pipits at the same location other birders had seen but I did not see any along Confluence Road. However I found a couple of Rusty Blackbirds in a flock of blackbirds, most of them Red- winged, in Edward Jones Confluence State Park. At Columbia Bottoms, ducks I saw were Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, a lone Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, and Redhead (four of them), and also saw some Killdeers there and along the Confluence Road. At Riverlands, I found a lone female Red- breasted Merganser and a Snow Goose in Teal Pond, Mallard, Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads (all of them in Heron Pond), Northern Shoveler, and Green- winged Teals elsewhere in Riverlands but there were very, very few waterfowls, mostly Canada Goose, in Ellis Bay. However American White Pelicans have become more numerous in Ellis Bay but all Bald Eagles have left. On Feb 27th, I saw over 50 Bald Eagles in Riverlands. On Feb 27th, I also saw some Trumpeter Swans in Columbia Bottoms but I saw none today at all sites. At Creve Coeur Lake, I observed some Red-breasted Mergansers, a lone female Canvasback, one Horned Grebe in its transition phrase even though its white tip was very hard to see, some Ruddy Ducks, and Lesser Scaups. There are still some Herring Gulls at Riverlands. Good birding, Jim Hickner hickner AT sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Smithville, 3/14 -- Kumlien's, Thayer's From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:26:33 -0500 I went to Smithville looking for Doug Willis' zooties this afternoon. That was gull watching the way I like it! There were sizeable concentrations of gulls on two roofs at both the Liitle Platte and Camp Branch marinas and others easily observed swimming or loafing on the shore nearby. I found Doug's KUMLIEN'S GULL, as expected, on one roof of the Little Platte marina. Also on the same roof was an adult THAYER'S GULL, probably the same individual that I found in the Crow's Creek cove last week. (It is only lightly streaked.) Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Eagle Bluffs PM 03/14/10 From: Chase Darr <cmdp77 AT MAIL.MISSOURI.EDU> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:11:03 -0500 Took my dogs out to Eagle Bluffs to see if any shorebirds had come in. So far, it's still just Killdeer, but there were quite a few other species that were FOY spots for me. American White Pelican - almost 100 in the Distribution Channel American Coot - more than 60 in the Sapp Tract pool 14/15 Blue-Winged Teal - hanging out with a group of ~20 Northern Shovelers Wood Duck - two very young, very drab females on opposite ends of the Sapp Tract Other cool spots were the Ring-billed Ducks, a half-dozen Redheads waaay back in Pool 15, well over 50 Northern Shovelers throughout the Sapp Tract, two-dozen Green-winged Teals, and a single Common Merganser pretending he was a Pelican. Notably under-represented were the raptors. I saw one Red-tailed Hawk, one Northern Harrier (who shadowed me up the distribution channel), and one Bald Eagle (who was hungrily surveying the Pelicans). Notably absent was the headquarters/visitor's center. Not only are the feeders gone, but so is the house that stood next to them. Kinda freaked me out as I have not heard anything about that. I don't know if she recognized me, but Jean and her dad passed my car early in the afternoon while I was looking at some Horned Larks. I tried to wave them down, but a line of cars was following them, so I figure they were on a mission. In all, saw 31 species in 3 hrs this afternoon, which while not a personal record was still a very good outing. Four FOY species and some really great looks at the Ring-billed Ducks and Blue-winged Teals. Cheers, Chase Darr Columbia, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Orange-crowned Warbler, Purple Martin, Otter Slough CA, 3/14, Stoddard Co. From: Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar AT LIVE.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:47:03 -0600 Howdy, What started out as a misty, sprinkling day, turned into a great day for birding! The mist cleared around 10 a.m. Jeff and I began at 7:05 a.m. by looking over waterfowl and searching muddy flats for shorebirds. Highlights included (but not limited to): 3 Trumpeter Swans and 3 Tundra Swans in Pool 17 still 1 Merlin 8 American Golden Plovers 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 7 Tree Swallows 1 calling flyover Purple Martin 1 adult dark morph Red-tailed Hawk 53 Canvasbacks 225 Long-billed Dowitchers and really nice looks at a few different male Wood Ducks! 83 species for the visit today. If interested, full report can be viewed here: http://www.mobirds.org/CACHE/viewData.asp?tripID=15757&locID=179 Good Birding! Chris Barrigar Bloomfield, MO Stoddard Co. 1chrisbarrigar AT live.com chrisbarrigar AT hotmail.com http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris1 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_2 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Red-tailed Hawk question From: June Newman <june AT BINMAIL.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:08:32 -0500 I just watched 8 RTHAs circling high over the house. There are commonly 2 or 3 in the immediate area, but I've never seen that many at once. Are there some populations of Red tails that migrate through here? June Newman Carroll County, Mo june AT binmail.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Smithville Lake 3/14 From: Kristi Mayo <kristi AT WRITEBIRDS.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:27:19 -0500 I did a quick tour of Camp Branch & Little Platte marinas at Smithville Lake (Clay Co.) late this morning. Still thousands of gulls on the lake. I only re-found one of Doug Willis' rare gulls: At 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. I had the first-cycle KUMLIEN'S ICELAND GULL sleeping on the boat slips at Little Platte Marina. Good-looking bird. Gulls everywhere, so I'm certain I only viewed a small percentage of what's out there right now. Also lots of pelicans, cormorants, 3 merganser species, etc... Kristi Mayo Kearney MO (Clay Co.) kristi AT writebirds.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Pine Warbler at Busch From: chris kirmaier <kirmac AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:49:37 -0500 Saint Louis area birders - Yesterday (Saturday) a small group of us found a Pine Warbler loudly singing away around 4 pm right at the beginning of the Fallen Oak Trail behind the headquarters at Busch Conservation Area. Basically, he is in the same general area as seen last year. We also had a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. We did not see any Red-breasted Nuthatches. Chris Kirmaier University City, Mo ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 Subject: Administrative: List Rules From: Susan Hazelwood <hazelwoods AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:40:37 -0600 Following Mark Gutchen's request I'm re-posting the administrative guidelines for MOBirds-L. They follow. Generally Dave Scheu and I (MOBirds-L owners) hope the list set-regulates. Occasionally we do send private messages making requests of posters. We try to avoid public embarrassment. We generally find that rule # 3 in the list below is the most violated rule. ------------------------------ LIST ETIQUETTE / RULES Remember that posts to the MOBirds-L listserv will be seen by over 600 subscribers. Please follow these netiquette provisions. 1. Remember that MOBirds-L is used to discuss wild bird related activities and sightings, and things of interest to those who enjoy wild birds. We do tend to focus on Missouri's wild birds but that is not mandatory. Advertising of commercial ventures is not allowed. Political discussions are not allowed. 2. Please be polite and courteous. Keep flames and personal messages off the list. 3. Always use your real name for signing your postings; "handles" are not allowed. We request that you include your email address, and city and county of residence, in your signature block. This enables other readers to "place" your bird sightings and to contact you if they have questions about your post. 4. Give a descriptive Subject Line to all your postings. This also makes life easier for other subscribers. 5. Discuss only one subject per post. This makes it easier for other subscribers to file your message in the right folder. 6. Keep your posts short and to the point. When you reply to a message include only the part of the previous message that is essential to the reader's understanding of your reply. Do not send "I agree" type messages; those are the ones with no additional content besides supporting a previous post. 7. Show restraint in the number of posts you send. 8. On the other hand, don't be bashful or afraid to post a message. All of us were new to the list at one point in time and we will understand if you make a mistake while you're learning. --------------------------- A topic that sometimes comes up is solicitation of money through the list to support a non-for-profit. Dave and I have OK'ed that in the past. But, we wouldn't want to see more than a few posts for a single non-profit organization. Ditto with the announcing of non-profit meetings that require registration fees. Re: Mark's question about posts from individuals who want to sell personal birding equipment. One post announcing the item for sale and the subscriber's contact information would be OK. But again, this must be non-commercial and non-repetitive for postings to the list. The Audubon Society of Missouri has created a trading post on their web site where ASM members can post equipment for sale. See http://www.mobirds.org/classifieds/default.asp for their rules. GOOD BIRDING Susan Susan Hazelwood, MOBirds-L List Co-Owner Columbia, Boone County, MO hazelwoods AT mchsi.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Re: Heron back on rookery From: Terry McNeely <terrymcneely AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:22:37 -0500 I noticed three herons standing on the nests in the rookery by Stewartsville yesterday on the way home from St. Joseph Terry McNeely 25843 Grate Ave Jameson, MO 64647 Daviess County Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:19:44 -0800 From: mdoyen AT YAHOO.COM Subject: Heron back on rookery To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU While driving to Bohigian CA this morning through Newburgh I noticed four heron sittin on the rookery along Little Piney Creek. .. Bird by bird I've come to know the earth. Pablo Neruda. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New 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_1 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Correction and photos: Glaucous and lesser black-backed gulls at Long Branch SP (NO Iceland gull) From: Peter Kondrashov <pkondrash AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:17:26 -0600 After getting closer looks at the large gull with white wing tips at Long Branch SP (Macon Co.) I came to the conclusion that it is a glaucous and NOT an Iceland gull. When I watched the gull yesterday at a greater distance it seemed smaller and billed looked thinner. Today I got closer looks and also had several herring gulls in the vicinity for comparison. My gull was slightly larger than the herrings, while Iceland is supposed to be smaller. The bill had a black tip indicating that this is a third-cycle bird and the bill was not thin. Also as the wingtips were absolutely white, so if it were Iceland it had to be the nominative subspecies glaucoides, which does not occur inland in the US. So my conclusion: it is a glaucous gull. Here are few very distant, but identifiable photos: Glacuous gull: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319519904486754 http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319534986498834 http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319550527318994 http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319560930912770 Lesser black-backed gull: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319580651580514 http://picasaweb.google.com/Pkondrash/MissouriSpring2010#5448319598307499650 Sorry for the confusion and false alarm with the iceland gull. As always, comments on identification are greatly appreciated. Good gulling, PK -- Peter Kondrashov Kirksville, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Walkie-Talkies thingamajiggers- what do I get? From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:53:48 -0800 I have been on field trips with folks who used walkie-talkies when following each other in cars.  I want to buy a pair.  What kind should I get?  I was looking at a pair of Motorola 22 channel Walkie-Talkies.  Are those compatible, universal, okay, or whatever?  I am going birding at Squaw Creek with some kind MOBIRD folks next weekend who have volunteered to show my husband and I their neck of the woods - and those do-hickeys, uh, walkie-talkie things, would make it a lot easier to bird from our cars.   Peripherally related stuff...   Also, to my great consternation, I was recently in the field at Riverlands when I ran into a fellow birder who said if I'd had them, he could have been radioing me what he saw while we were both out there. So, a lightbulb went on in the old noggin thanks to this fellow birder.  I think these gadgets could come in mighty handy, eh?   I think I saw Josh and his daughter out at Columbia Bottom CA today, too. (From his post, I am almost sure, now.)  It would have been great to have them then, too.  Of course, I would have had to run him down, and he would have had to have one and be willing to turn it on.  Well, anyway, I can see the benefits for those of us who run into the field and want to share.  I don't have a cell-phone or I-phone or whatever text-messaging thing people use to get MOBIRDS messages instantly - and transmit them.  Gotta figure that out, too.    Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com     ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Re: Columbia Bottom CA - March 13 From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:33:11 -0800 I haven't started reporting to CACHE yet. How far back can I report my findings?  Guess I need to get my derriere figuring that out (it was my new year's resolution).    Add two GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and my husband and I saw everything Josh mentioned at Columbia Bottom CA today but the Merlin.  We also saw all the birds I have mentioned in previous posts.  Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com --- On Sat, 3/13/10, Joshua Uffman wrote: From: Joshua Uffman Subject: Columbia Bottom CA - March 13 To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:06 PM All:  I had to be in north St. Louis County earlier today so I swung by Columbia Bottom CA with my 10-year old daugther.  Not sure what is going on in my house, but she actually said, "Dad, let's go birding...  Quite possibly some of the most beautiful words I have ever heard. her say.   Many of the same species that have been reported as of late continue.  Waterfowl numbers seemed a bit down from last weekend but still in in good numbers.  We did add ~30 BLUE-WINGED TEAL (not seen last weekend by me) and a new species for the CA (according to CACHE), an AMERICAN BLACK DUCK in the last pool on the east end of the gravel road.  Also in that same area were at least 25 AMERICAN PIPITS walking the mudflats.  No shorebirds for us other than Killdeer.  However the highlight for us was a MERLIN chasing the blackbirds around right near the main entrance of the CA.  Hannah said that was her favorite bird of the morning because of how it moved - Which, she's right, they move pretty darn cool!   Josh    Joshua Uffman St. Louis County, MO Birdsandbugs AT sbcglobal.net MO-Records: www.showme-birds.com Bird Photos: http://www.pbase.com/jpuf ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Re: Squaw Creek NWR and Pony Express CA From: James Hickner <hickner AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:24:09 -0800 My internet security software showed that the hotmail which claims to be trusted email with Spam protection is an infected site. I have to delete all emails which contains this and I do not want to take any chance of infecting my computer. I suggest that this hotmail site be removed.  Thank you, Jim Hickner hicknr AT sbcglobal.net ________________________________ From: Terry McNeely To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Sent: Fri, March 12, 2010 8:06:41 PM Subject: Squaw Creek NWR and Pony Express CA Despite the forecast I ventured to Squaw Creek  today and then stopped by Pony Express CA on the way home. Had a great day at Squaw Creek 10:30am - 2:00pm.  I tallied 36 species despite not being able to get into the Mallard Marsh/Pintail Pool areas due to flooding yesterday. The main pool appeared to be about 50% ice free, with alot of the ice very rotten, so much that the Goldeneye were swimming underneath and coming up through the crumbling ice. I had 20 species of waterfowl 14 Ducks 3 Geese 2 Mergansers 1  Swan  (14 Trumpeters) Best birds of the day were the 4 Sandhill Cranes in the Corn field, I enjoyed listening to them vocalize. Stopped by Pony Express CA on the way home to see what might be there spent an hour and come up with 20 species, 11 of them waterfowl.  I finally found the Redheads 30+ and was very surprised to find 5 Trumpeter Swans and 70 common mergansers Terry McNeely 25843 Grate Ave Jameson, MO  64647 Daviess County ________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Greater Prairie Chicken Day - Kellerton Iowa From: Matthew Torres <matthewt34 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:50:55 -0600 The Kellerton Bird Conservation Area will be holding its annual Greater Prairie Chicken Day on April 10th, 2010. Kellerton is about 10-12 west of I-35 (Exit 12) on Hwy 2 in southern Iowa. The viewing stand is located two miles west of Kellerton on Hwy 2 and one mile south on 300th Ave. The event will be from sunrise to about 9AM. Information is already available at the viewing stand, but so far I have not been able to find anything online. The DNR and many of the birders who attend usually bring spotting scopes and there is also information to read, donuts to eat, and something to drink. It’s a great way to meet other birders and see a wonderful prairie bird. For more information call: 515-238-5708 (DNR Biologist) 641-464-2389 (DNR Unit) Matthew Torres Leon, IA ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Heron back on rookery From: Mike Doyen <mdoyen AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:19:44 -0800 While driving to Bohigian CA this morning through Newburgh I noticed four heron sittin on the rookery along Little Piney Creek. .. Bird by bird I've come to know the earth. Pablo Neruda. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Long Branch Lake From: Jean Leonatti <jleonatti AT CMAAA.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:15:50 -0600 We were able to re-locate the Lesser Black-backed Gull around noon, but did not find the Iceland. Saws lots of Ring-billeds in the fields as we approached the Macon area from the south. In the marina cove, we had three Red-breasted Mergansers (one male, two females), 10 Common, and 5 Hooded. More Common's out in the main body of the lake; a Horned Grebe was up close to the dam. Did a quick drive through Thomas Hill on causeway, and the boat ramp on the west side - had a single Bonaparte's Gull and one Great Blue Heron - no waterfowl at all. Eurasian Collared Doves are increasing at Shepherd's Buffalo Farm. Jean Leonatti Boone County, Columbia, MO jleonatti AT cmaaa.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Columbia Bottom CA - March 13 From: Joshua Uffman <birdsandbugs AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:06:51 -0800 All:  I had to be in north St. Louis County earlier today so I swung by Columbia Bottom CA with my 10-year old daugther.  Not sure what is going on in my house, but she actually said, "Dad, let's go birding...  Quite possibly some of the most beautiful words I have ever heard. her say. Many of the same species that have been reported as of late continue.  Waterfowl numbers seemed a bit down from last weekend but still in in good numbers.  We did add ~30 BLUE-WINGED TEAL (not seen last weekend by me) and a new species for the CA (according to CACHE), an AMERICAN BLACK DUCK in the last pool on the east end of the gravel road.  Also in that same area were at least 25 AMERICAN PIPITS walking the mudflats.  No shorebirds for us other than Killdeer.  However the highlight for us was a MERLIN chasing the blackbirds around right near the main entrance of the CA.  Hannah said that was her favorite bird of the morning because of how it moved - Which, she's right, they move pretty darn cool! Josh  Joshua Uffman St. Louis County, MO Birdsandbugs AT sbcglobal.net MO-Records: www.showme-birds.com Bird Photos: http://www.pbase.com/jpuf ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Iceland and lesser black-backed gulls still at Long Branch SP From: Peter Kondrashov <pkondrash AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:43:37 -0600 I quickly relocated Iceland and lesser black-backed gulls today (03.13.10) AT 3:30 on the ice across from the middle of the dam. The black and the white really stand out in the bunch. Took some additional photos. Later, PK Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Windows® phone. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Tundra & Trumpeter Swans, Otter Slough CA, Stoddard Co., 3/13 From: Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar AT LIVE.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:31:17 -0700 Spring Greetings! During a very quick jaunt out to Otter Slough CA this a.m., I was only able to make a loop around Conservation Lane and then drive down CR to Pool 17. It's a good thing I did, because I've been looking for (to monitor) the Trumpeter Swans seen two weeks ago and not seen since. The three Trumpeter Swans were present again in Pool 17 on the SE corner of Otter Slough CA premises; however, they weren't the three swans I spotted first. On the bridge over the drainage ditch/channel (north of Pool 17) is a high spot where I had a clear view to the NW corner of Pool 17 where three white giants were feeding and paddling around. I stopped to verify that they were the Trumpeter Swans seen a couple weeks ago, but these we not as they were all three very white. The Trumpeter Swans from the previous observation were: 1 white adult and two gray juveniles. Realizing this, I scanned the rest of the pool that was visible and was able to locate the earlier seen Trumpeter Swans. Now my focus turned back to these new three swans. As I continued to watch on, I noticed the yellow lores on each of the "new swans" - Tundras! I telephoned Vic Moss who happened to be in company with Bruce Beck (and possibly others) just on the West side of the slough and told them of the swans presence. A later call confirmed that they had seen them also, both the Trumpeter Swans (located from the Pool 17 parking area) and the Tundra Swans (from the vantage point of the bridge on the North end of Pool 17). Good Spring Birding to all! Chris Barrigar Stoddard Co. 1chrisbarrigar AT live.com chrisbarrigar AT hotmail.com http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris1 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850553/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Question about List Serve Rules From: Mark Gutchen <mgutchen AT SOCKET.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:04:36 -0600 I am wondering if you could please post the list serve rules. I have a piece of used birding equipment that I am not using and want to see if someone wants to purchase, but I do not know if it is "legal" or appropriate to post it on the list serve. Mark Gutchen Columbia, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: Re: Woodcock and Owl Prowl - St. Louis area From: Mike Grant <mikecurlew AT ATT.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:20:33 -0600 Update: I was given directions to an active Great Horned Owl nest and verified that Thursday evening. And Charlene reports a Barred Owl at the shorebird area so we will try for that. Remember your radios and that it will be cold and damp and muddy. Restrooms at the office: Iffy. Seems they normally close at 4:00, but if the concession stand stays open later they will be open later. Also, a Busch volunteer is running an evening nature walk and that also might result in them being open. If it is not raining hard at 4:00, I am going to walk the Fallen Oak trail by the HQs. All are welcome to join me. Mike _____ From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum [mailto:MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU] On Behalf Of Mike Grant Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 8:31 PM To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Subject: Woodcock and Owl Prowl - St. Louis area The St. Louis Audubon Society will once again have its annual Woodcock and Owl Prowl at Busch Conservation Area, St. Charles County this Saturday, March 13 starting at 5:00 PM at Hampton Lake. We will probably be finished by 7:15 PM or so. Leaders: Susan Gustafson and Mike Grant Who can attend: Anyone, even non- members. Cost: Nothing. What to bring: binoculars, warm coat in case it gets cool, flashlight for walking around while it's dark and we're looking for Woodcock, rain gear if rain is expected. Directions: Take Hwy 40 (I-64) west through St. Louis County and go over the bridge into St. Charles County. Then, take Hwy 94 south from Hwy 40. About ½ mile down the road, turn right on Hwy D. Go about 1 ½ miles to the entrance on the right. Go about 100 yards and turn left at the T to Hampton Lake. Meet in the parking lot. What to expect: We hope to locate Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls on a scouting trip the day before. If we find them we will put telescopes on them on Saturday for the group to see. Once it gets close to darkness we will be at one of a few locations that have male Woodcocks doing their mating ritual of peenting and flying around in great circles. We will probably find some other birds along the way. Monday evening I was able to locate at least 8 Woodcocks at two different but close areas. Thank you Charlene! Bathrooms: Located in an accessible portion of the nearby Administration building. Dinner afterward: Link up with some friends and have dinner in one of the restaurants in Chesterfield Valley. Mike Grant mikecurlew AT att.net 636-519-0208 Cell 314-779-8032 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Spring Meeting: May 1-3, 2009 in Columbia, MO. http://www.mobirds.org ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: RMBS Confluence Road Friday From: Al and Lois Smith <alandlois AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:59:40 -0600 Spotted an American Pipit between road and fuddle on North side about 200 yards short of the state park and 1.8 miles to go signs. Also saw one Longspur and a few Horned Larks. I sat there for 2-3 hours with umbrella shielding window in the drizzle. About 6-10 Pipits wandered by. The east side pool across from roost by pipeline only had one Killdeer. Photos here: http://www.photosbyat.com/gallery/11493372_kdT97 samples: http://www.photosbyat.com/photos/808715226_jLxuV-L.jpg http://www.photosbyat.com/photos/808727117_NDjG3-L.jpg Al Smith Bridgeton, St. Louis County http://www.photosbyat.com http://MoBirds.smugmug.com (admin) ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu Subject: St. L. area. Lotta nuthin From: Bill Rudden <bilrudn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:05:33 -0800 American Crow:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-9-10a.jpg robbing a robber:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-1-10c.jpg So you know your ducks. Can you name top center?http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-11-10a.jpg How about this pair of hens?:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-7-10c.jpg East-coast Song Sparrow: grey bird on right:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10a.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10a2.jpg Fillers:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-7-10b3.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-1-10a6.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-12-10b.jpg Non-Bird. Remember the B52? Well, minus 50.http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/2-25-10c-1.jpg Rusty Blackbirds: Note rain on back:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-12-10a2.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-12-10a.jpg LBIMOBill RuddenSt. Louisbilrudn AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Livingston Co. birds From: Dianne & Steve Kinder <dmkinder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:57:35 -0800 I did a little rambling around NW part of the county this morning.   Couple of Pied-billed Grebes at Thompson River Wetland along with a variety of Ducks    Several Rough-legged Hawks still around the Poosey area. Probably won't be around much longer. Increasing numbers of Northern Harriers, many Redtailed Hawks including 3 Krider's type. Haven't seen many of these guys this year, esp compared to last Winter when there were many around. Lots of Am. Kestrals.   Stopped by a creek - Eastern Phobe singing, more Fox Sparrows singing, and Purple Finches singing from high in the Sycamores. Flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers moving around. Found FOS arrowhead on a rockbar in the creek. Nice morning even with the rain showers!   Grand River currently 9 - 10 feet over flood stage between Chilli and Sumner.   Later,  Steve Kinder  Chillicothe  dmkinder AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: The Willis' Gull From: Joshua Uffman <birdsandbugs AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:34:00 -0800 All:  Bob Fisher asks that those discussing Doug Willis' gull comment on the list...  I will take a shot while my wife is trying to get our littlest one to sleep and since I have nothing better to do on a Friday night. First-cycle California and Herring Gulls are incredibly variable.  First-cycle Cali Gulls are certainly known for their bicolored bills (pink with a sharply demarcated black tip).  However, and although this feature is typically expected in second-cycle Herring Gulls as Bob mentioned, it occurs regularly in First-cycle Herrings... Especially this late in the winter season (or early summer).  I do not think the bill as observed in the pictures is an 'argument' for the bird being a California Gull.    Also, the bird still shows a strong pale window on the inner primaries.  It is certainly within the range of Herring Gull.  Is it outside the range of California Gull??  I am very much a size and structure birder with gulls....  Doug did not give us any direct comparison photos with Ring-billed and/or Herring's so size is not valid (when only looking at the pictures).  However, Doug did provide us with a good series of photographs.  As Todd Easterla already mentioned, this bird looks quite 'hefty'... It certainly does not appear slim as you would expect for a Cali Gull - and this is consistent across all the pictures.  Look at the neck on this bird in some of the photos - It looks quite huge!  Additonally, througout the series of photographs the bird has a very flat and very sloped forehead - This too is consistent across the photographs.  I understand some California Gull pictures can appear flat headed.  However, would those same birds appear flat headed if you had a series of photos?  I don't think so.  I think ya' got a tricky Herring....  They'll do that to you! I did not see the bird and did not get any real gulling in this past winter...  So thanks for sharing Doug. Josh  Joshua Uffman St. Louis County, MO Birdsandbugs AT sbcglobal.net MO-Records: www.showme-birds.com Bird Photos: http://www.pbase.com/jpuf ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: New Pics from around the area From: Clark Creighton <clark.creighton AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:10:57 -0800 Thought I would share a few more pics.  Saw my first Phoebe as I left for work yesterday.  sang a song from the rooftop as I drove away.  Got to spend a few hours birding yesterday missed the owl (thanks for thinking of me Jackie) at TGP but did locate not one but two GHO nests in busch(nice lead in on one, thanks, you know who you are :) ).  Didnt get good photos sun was wrong, but plan to go back.    Here is the link to the photos http://clark-creighton.smugmug.com/Other/3-12-10/11493243_WGAVJ/1#808737771_78Aoe   Saw this guy out at Riverlands, not sure what it is  have many other pics of him   http://clark-creighton.smugmug.com/Other/3-12-10/11493243_WGAVJ/1#808732584_ZKU2p   Thanks in advance for an ID   Bluebirds are starting to check out the houses, spring is in the air!  Now we jus need the migration to start!    Side bar, does anyone know if Baltimore Orioles nest in the area?  We had them as they came through all over our back yard (grape jelly is awesome for that) but they left after a few weeks.  Any way to keep them around?   Later everyone   Clark Creighton Wildwood MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Squaw Creek NWR and Pony Express CA From: Terry McNeely <terrymcneely AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:06:41 -0600 Despite the forecast I ventured to Squaw Creek today and then stopped by Pony Express CA on the way home. Had a great day at Squaw Creek 10:30am - 2:00pm. I tallied 36 species despite not being able to get into the Mallard Marsh/Pintail Pool areas due to flooding yesterday. The main pool appeared to be about 50% ice free, with alot of the ice very rotten, so much that the Goldeneye were swimming underneath and coming up through the crumbling ice. I had 20 species of waterfowl 14 Ducks 3 Geese 2 Mergansers 1 Swan (14 Trumpeters) Best birds of the day were the 4 Sandhill Cranes in the Corn field, I enjoyed listening to them vocalize. Stopped by Pony Express CA on the way home to see what might be there spent an hour and come up with 20 species, 11 of them waterfowl. I finally found the Redheads 30+ and was very surprised to find 5 Trumpeter Swans and 70 common mergansers Terry McNeely 25843 Grate Ave Jameson, MO 64647 Daviess County _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850553/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: Eastern Towhee TGP/darn field guides! From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:58:09 -0800 Thanks, Bill!  My problem is I only checked my Sibley Guide to Birds.  Sibley shows no such V pattern as in this photo for the Eastern.  However, I just checked my Peterson Field Guide and it shows the pattern!  Ah, that rascal Sibley.  He's foiled me again!  (He doesn't do that very often.  I can only think of one other time at the moment.  He doesn't give a clear deliniation of the red spot on the male Golden-crowned Kinglet, whereas Peterson shows it a bit better. Neither show it like I see it in the field.) --- On Sat, 3/13/10, Bill Rudden wrote: From: Bill Rudden Subject: Re: Eastern Towhee TGP To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 12:49 AM I saw the male E. Towhee yesterday (as well as a Woodcock in the daylight!) around 4PM and was wondering if you or anyone in the group thought it was a hybrid.  This guy had the usual white pattern on the wings of the E. Towhee, but if you or someone had a chance to see him up close and from the back, he had three white "V"''s going down the very center of his back toward his rump.  This "V" pattern was made by 1" white diagonal lines along the edges of the wings that come together in the back.    Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com Chrissy your a keen observer.   I got poor looks and worse pics of a Towhee around the bubbler Thur. evening. 'http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b2.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b3.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b.jpg The Eastern shows broad white edges to the scapulars. Form the "V" you observed. Spotted would show white wing bars (tipped wing coverts) and back braces. Here a Eastern web pic: http://audubonathome.org/birdstohelp/images/birds/EasternTowheeMale_Howard_B_.jpg   LBIMO Bill Rudden St Louis bilrudn AT yahoo.com------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:49:21 -0600 I hope that Doug Willis does not let Todd Easterla's opinion discourage him from submitting his possible California Gull photos to the MBRC. There is quite a lot about the bird that favors CAGU, especially the two-toned bill and the dark coverts, which create a double-barred effect. A Herring Gull should not have a black-tipped two-toned bill, as Doug's bird does, until the second summer. A first year (or later) Herring's coverts should be pale, with the darker secondaries creating a mostly single-barred effect. The foregoing said, Doug's bird does seem to be more robust and less obviously long-winged/short-legged than CAGUs usually are, and some of the head shots are flatter than expected. I have found some images of male CAGUs on Google Images and in Howell & Dunn's book that could account for that stance and head shape. Nevertheless, if I were to see the bird's structure only in silhouette, I suspect that my first thought might be Herring Gull. In addition to seeing this bird submitted to MBRC, I would appreciate more commentary on line about this ID. Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ----- Original Message ----- From: Todd Easterla To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:50 PM Subject: Re: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 In my opinion the California Gull most resembles a first year Herring Gull. There seems to be just a little to much of a white window on the inner primaries for a 1st cycle California Gull. Also the structure looks to me more like Herring Gull. The 3rd cycle Lesser-black Backed Gull seems to have a very light colored mantle, especially closest to the nape. The bird also seems to have a pretty hefty structure and large bill. I suppose this bird could be a hybrid but maybe it will darken up as it ages? Nice Kumlien's Gull. Todd Easterla ----- Original Message ----- From: Doug Willis To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:36 PM Subject: More Smithville Gulls 3-11-10 Spent some more time chasing gulls around Smithville Lake (Clay County, MO) today. Still around 12,000+ gulls at the lake, which is 95% open now. Highlights: CALIFORNIA GULL-1 (1st cycle) KUMLIEN'S ICELAND GULL-1 (1st cycle) THAYER'S GULL-2 (adults; same birds as Monday, I think) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL-1 (3rd cycle type; same as Monday) Bonaparte's Gull-3 Ring-Billed Gull-10,000 or so... Herring Gull-150 Might be going out on a limb with the CAGU; everything seems right except the bill and leg color. Need to find out how variable this is on CAGU. I'm thinking that the other field marks (upperwing pattern, tail, head shape, bill structure, etc.) are enough to make the call... Here is a link to some of my photos (apologies in advance for the poor quality on some): http://www.flickr.com/photos/36294041 AT N03/ Many thanks to Linda Williams for the help!! Doug Willis Liberty, MO birdsnbrews AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: No AMWO @ Jay Dix MKT Entrance From: Nicholas March <nwmarch AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:28:49 +0000 Took my girlfriend to Rocky Fork Conservation Area 7 miles North of Columbia this evening. Despite the rain we had about 10 American Woodcocks by a few minutes after sundown. The rain then picked up a little bit and they went pretty much silent. So much fun to get her a life bird! Now it's time to go dry off. Good Birding! Nicholas March Columbia, MO nwmarch AT gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------ On Mar 12, 2010 7:19pm, Chase Darr wrote: Several nights this past week, my wife and I have made an after-work trek over to Scott Blvd. (Columbia, MO) to see if the American Woodcocks seen by others last week were still around. So far, we have had no sign (sight or sound) of them. That's not saying they weren't or aren't there, we just haven't witnessed them. The rain may have pushed them to other parts of the woods as it looks like the area around the fields flooded with the rains this last week. I plan on visiting that area off and on throughout the next few weeks as I'm sure they'll be back to that area. It's perfect for little forest birds. Cheers, Chase Darr Columbia, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Fw: Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough From: Jackie Chain <chainjac AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:24:53 -0800 --- On Fri, 3/12/10, Jackie Chain wrote: From: Jackie Chain Subject: Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough To: "Chrissy McClarren" Date: Friday, March 12, 2010, 7:18 PM Chrissy, my look at the Towhee was from the front as he kicked the dirt backwards with both feet.  Can't say for the others in the group who may have seen him later on from a different angle.   Jackie Chain   St Louis County --- On Fri, 3/12/10, Chrissy McClarren wrote: From: Chrissy McClarren Subject: Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Date: Friday, March 12, 2010, 6:07 PM I saw the male E. Towhee yesterday (as well as a Woodcock in the daylight!) around 4PM and was wondering if you or anyone in the group thought it was a hybrid.  This guy had the usual white pattern on the wings of the E. Towhee, but if you or someone had a chance to see hiim up close and from the back, he had three white "V"''s going down the very center of his back toward his rump.  This "V" pattern was made by 1" white diagonal lines along the edges of the wings that come together in the back.    Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com --- On Fri, 3/12/10, Jackie Chain wrote: From: Jackie Chain Subject: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Date: Friday, March 12, 2010, 5:46 PM Highlight Birds:  Great Horned Owl fledgling at Tower Grove Park, Am Pipit CLOSEUP from Confluence Rd.   Partial trip list in no particular order:  WB Nuthatch, RB Nuthatch, GH Owlet, E Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Coopers Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Am Kestrels,  Am Pipit, Horned Larks, Meadowlark sp, Rusty Blackbirds, Red-winged BB, C Grackle, Am Crow, E Starling, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied WP, Downy WP, N Flicker, N Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Canvasbacks, C Mergansers, Scaup sp., Canada Geese, Wild Turkeys, Turkey Vultures, AW Pelican, Bald Eagle, Killdeer, RB Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Am Robin, Hermit Thrush, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee sp.   ........ :   Skip following commentary if just interested in lists above.   On a beautiful sunny and breezy Thursday, we started at Tower Grove Park (St Louis City) to find the fledged Great Horned Owl baby.  It was sitting in one of the big pines on a horizontal bough under the top boughs; we didn't see an adult, but it/they were probably around.  (Sorry Clark, you had already left when I found out a little later you were in the white car - I didn't have your cell number.)   In the neighborhood were WB Nuthatch, RB Nuthatch (not seen by all nsba), Song Sparrow, Cooper's Hawk flyover, Am Robins, Hermit Thrush sitting on a tree limb (nsba), DE Juncos.   Scratching on the path through the Gaddy Garden were a male E Towhee and a Fox Sparrow, first of year for several of the group.  A very dark Dark-eyed Junco was bathing vigorously in the water behind the Bubbler, its white tail feathers floating behind.   DE Juncos and other sparrows were plentiful in the grass around the garden.  We saw Red-headed WP, Red-bellied WP, some a Downy WP, a flyover young Red Tailed Hawk, Rock Pigeons, Mourning Dove doing their spring Sharpie flight imitation, E Starlings, Am Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee Sp..   Paul spotted the big mixed blackbird flock on the ground norrth of the southwestern part of the loop road.  Many Rusties, some C Grackles, a few Red-wingeds.   In the Eastern part of TGP it was quiet -- some more Song Sparrows, Titmice and Juncos.   We went on to Riverlands and the Confluence Rd hoping for shorebirds.  What we found was the day's highlight bird - one American Pipit spotted by Rose Ann and Janet; it was calmly feeding in a fluddle right next to the road showing its fine streaking and pinkish legs -- no need for scopes, cars served as blinds.  This was just before the big right-hand turn with the heron nest trees in the background near the field where the distant pipits had been seen on 6 March.  Some Turkey Vultures were flying over the river at the turnaround of the road, more Song Sparrows beside the road and Horned Larks and a few Meadowlark sp.  The rivers were very high with few gulls and no waterfowl seen.   In Ellis Bay the water was way down; there were 3 or 4 Bald Eagles sitting on mudflats.    Ducks were Ruddy's, N Shovelers (also in Heron Pond), C Mergansers, Scaup sp., Canvasbacks; one flyover AW Pelican, and a few Ring-bills.  We saw no swans, but it was the middle of the day.  Off 143 we found no Wilson's Snipe or new duck species, but we added 4 Wild Turkeys to the day list.   Several year birds for some of the group had made the day even better than the weather alone.   Jackie Chain     St Louis County     chainjac AT sbcglobal.net        ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: No AMWO @ Jay Dix MKT Entrance From: Chase Darr <cmdp77 AT MAIL.MISSOURI.EDU> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:19:20 -0600 Several nights this past week, my wife and I have made an after-work trek over to Scott Blvd. (Columbia, MO) to see if the American Woodcocks seen by others last week were still around. So far, we have had no sign (sight or sound) of them. That's not saying they weren't or aren't there, we just haven't witnessed them. The rain may have pushed them to other parts of the woods as it looks like the area around the fields flooded with the rains this last week. I plan on visiting that area off and on throughout the next few weeks as I'm sure they'll be back to that area. It's perfect for little forest birds. Cheers, Chase Darr Columbia, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: Eastern Towhee TGP From: Bill Rudden <bilrudn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:49:15 -0800 I saw the male E. Towhee yesterday (as well as a Woodcock in the daylight!) around 4PM and was wondering if you or anyone in the group thought it was a hybrid.  This guy had the usual white pattern on the wings of the E. Towhee, but if you or someone had a chance to see him up close and from the back, he had three white "V"''s going down the very center of his back toward his rump.  This "V" pattern was made by 1" white diagonal lines along the edges of the wings that come together in the back.  Chrissy McClarrenSt. Louiswildreturn AT yahoo.com Chrissy your a keen observer.  I got poor looks and worse pics of a Towhee around the bubbler Thur. evening.'http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b2.jpghttp://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b3.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/3-10-10b.jpg The Eastern shows broad white edges to the scapulars. Form the "V" you observed.Spotted would show white wing bars (tipped wing coverts) and back braces.Here a Eastern web pic:http://audubonathome.org/birdstohelp/images/birds/EasternTowheeMale_Howard_B_.jpg  LBIMOBill RuddenSt Louis bilrudn AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Adults lesser black-backed and Iceland gulls at Long Branch SP Adair Co. From: Peter Kondrashov <pkondrash AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:19:51 -0600 On the way from KC today (03/12/10) I stopped briefly at Long Branch SP (Macon Co.) to find hundreds (if not couple of thousands) of gulls on the ice. Seen from the west end of the dam at Long Branch SP today: Lesser black-backed gull - adult Iceland gull - adult (or late 3rd year - had a little bit of black on the tip of the bill) of what appeared to be nominal (glaucoides) race with NO dark on the tips of the wings. Beautifull bird! Took good notes. Got decent identifiable pictures of both. Will post soon along with more details. Thousands of gulls here with gobs of herring and obviously ring-billed. Still looking for Thayer's! On Wednesday (03/10/10) I stoppped briefly at Smithville lake (Clay Co.) and in fading light and pouring rain I found 1 lesser black-backed gull seen from the Little Platte looking towards the main body of the lake, on the ice, but was not able to ID the Thayers. Viva Laridae! -- Peter Kondrashov Kirksville, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:07:35 -0800 I saw the male E. Towhee yesterday (as well as a Woodcock in the daylight!) around 4PM and was wondering if you or anyone in the group thought it was a hybrid.  This guy had the usual white pattern on the wings of the E. Towhee, but if you or someone had a chance to see hiim up close and from the back, he had three white "V"''s going down the very center of his back toward his rump.  This "V" pattern was made by 1" white diagonal lines along the edges of the wings that come together in the back.    Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com --- On Fri, 3/12/10, Jackie Chain wrote: From: Jackie Chain Subject: WGNSS 3-11-10/TGP-RMBS-Confluence-IL143 Slough To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Date: Friday, March 12, 2010, 5:46 PM Highlight Birds:  Great Horned Owl fledgling at Tower Grove Park, Am Pipit CLOSEUP from Confluence Rd.   Partial trip list in no particular order:  WB Nuthatch, RB Nuthatch, GH Owlet, E Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Coopers Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Am Kestrels,  Am Pipit, Horned Larks, Meadowlark sp, Rusty Blackbirds, Red-winged BB, C Grackle, Am Crow, E Starling, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied WP, Downy WP, N Flicker, N Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Canvasbacks, C Mergansers, Scaup sp., Canada Geese, Wild Turkeys, Turkey Vultures, AW Pelican, Bald Eagle, Killdeer, RB Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Am Robin, Hermit Thrush, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee sp.   ........ :   Skip following commentary if just interested in lists above.   On a beautiful sunny and breezy Thursday, we started at Tower Grove Park (St Louis City) to find the fledged Great Horned Owl baby.  It was sitting in one of the big pines on a horizontal bough under the top boughs; we didn't see an adult, but it/they were probably around.  (Sorry Clark, you had already left when I found out a little later you were in the white car - I didn't have your cell number.)   In the neighborhood were WB Nuthatch, RB Nuthatch (not seen by all nsba), Song Sparrow, Cooper's Hawk flyover, Am Robins, Hermit Thrush sitting on a tree limb (nsba), DE Juncos.   Scratching on the path through the Gaddy Garden were a male E Towhee and a Fox Sparrow, first of year for several of the group.  A very dark Dark-eyed Junco was bathing vigorously in the water behind the Bubbler, its white tail feathers floating behind.   DE Juncos and other sparrows were plentiful in the grass around the garden.  We saw Red-headed WP, Red-bellied WP, some a Downy WP, a flyover young Red Tailed Hawk, Rock Pigeons, Mourning Dove doing their spring Sharpie flight imitation, E Starlings, Am Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee Sp..   Paul spotted the big mixed blackbird flock on the ground norrth of the southwestern part of the loop road.  Many Rusties, some C Grackles, a few Red-wingeds.   In the Eastern part of TGP it was quiet -- some more Song Sparrows, Titmice and Juncos.   We went on to Riverlands and the Confluence Rd hoping for shorebirds.  What we found was the day's highlight bird - one American Pipit spotted by Rose Ann and Janet; it was calmly feeding in a fluddle right next to the road showing its fine streaking and pinkish legs -- no need for scopes, cars served as blinds.  This was just before the big right-hand turn with the heron nest trees in the background near the field where the distant pipits had been seen on 6 March.  Some Turkey Vultures were flying over the river at the turnaround of the road, more Song Sparrows beside the road and Horned Larks and a few Meadowlark sp.  The rivers were very high with few gulls and no waterfowl seen.   In Ellis Bay the water was way down; there were 3 or 4 Bald Eagles sitting on mudflats.    Ducks were Ruddy's, N Shovelers (also in Heron Pond), C Mergansers, Scaup sp., Canvasbacks; one flyover AW Pelican, and a few Ring-bills.  We saw no swans, but it was the middle of the day.  Off 143 we found no Wilson's Snipe or new duck species, but we added 4 Wild Turkeys to the day list.   Several year birds for some of the group had made the day even better than the weather alone.   Jackie Chain     St Louis County     chainjac AT sbcglobal.net        ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ Subject: Re: Greater Yellowlegs at Columbia Bottoms From: Chrissy McClarren <wildreturn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:07:52 -0800 I went out to Columbia Bottom CA today with my family and in the same area as Dave, we saw one unidentified SANDPIPER. That was the only shorebird besides lots of KILLDEER that we saw. We couldn't find the Yellowlegs. We saw the flock of TREE SWALLOWS again on the north side of the gravel road, but they wouldn't perch for fantastic close-ups like last time. We also saw WOOD DUCKS. That's the first time I have seen them at Columbia Bottom this year. Of course, there were many other highlights I've mentioned in a prior emails with one exception - the chance to study two Cooper's Hawks (adult and juvenile) up close at length. Chrissy McClarren St. Louis wildreturn AT yahoo.com --- On Thu, 3/11/10, Dave Haenni wrote: > From: Dave Haenni > Subject: Greater Yellowlegs at Columbia Bottoms > To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU > Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 11:50 PM > I went out this afternoon in search > of shore birds that don't look like Killdear. I started at > riverlands and saw the ususal waterfowl, lots of shorebird > habitat but no shorebirds(other than Killdear). I then went > to Columbia Bottoms and found 1 Greater Yellowlegs. He was > on the south side of the gravel road in the flooded field > across the ditch. Also saw the same waterfowl as Riverlands > with the addition of Blue winged and Green-winged teal. > > Dave Haenni > Des Peres, Mo. > > >       > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion > Forum > List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html > ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/