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20 Nov Red-throated Loon ["dougback" ] 20 Nov Shadehill CBC ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 19 Nov Faulk Co. Birds ["m. melius" ] 19 Nov Bent Life Histories [] 19 Nov FT PIERRE ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 19 Nov Lake Co. snowy owl [] 18 Nov RE: Pacific Loon ["Palmer, Jeff" ] 18 Nov Card for Deb Palmer's Family [douglas chapman ] 18 Nov Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 11/17/2009 [] 17 Nov Re: Pacific Loon ["Rob Parsons" ] 17 Nov Pacific Loon ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 17 Nov Gray-crowned Rosy ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 17 Nov More update ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 16 Nov Re: RT Loon, WW scoters, and the SDOU meeting [douglas chapman ] 16 Nov RT Loon, WW scoters, and the SDOU meeting ["Doug Backlund" ] 16 Nov Trumpeter Swans ["sdredstone" ] 16 Nov Fall SDOU Meeting - paper session presentations ["Jensen, Kent" ] 16 Nov Short-eared Owl, Pennington ["m. melius" ] 15 Nov Red-throated Loon ["Doug Backlund" ] 15 Nov PENNINGTON CTY.: Canyon Lake, Rapid City ["Jocelyn Baker" ] 15 Nov RT Loon ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 15 Nov red throated loon ["Todd Jensen" ] 14 Nov Trip report around Sioux Falls 11-14 [douglas chapman ] 14 Nov NHBC Field Trip report ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 14 Nov Pacific Loon etc ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 14 Nov Mew ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 14 Nov Red-necked Grebes [KENNY MILLER ] 12 Nov Rapid City/Backhills birding ["afannafasoli" ] 12 Nov Snowy Owl north of Highmore ["dougback" ] 11 Nov West River Report ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 11 Nov Fort Pierre ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 10 Nov Acorn Woodpecker in Minnesota ["Doug Backlund" ] 10 Nov Saturday nest ["mick" ] 10 Nov Rapid City CBC ["m. melius" ] 10 Nov Tuesday ["mick" ] 10 Nov Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 11/10/2009 [] 10 Nov FT PIERRE ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 10 Nov NHBC Field Trip 11-14-09 ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 9 Nov SF-BC field trip 11-7-09 ["Todd Jensen" ] 9 Nov Acorn Woodpecker near Brainerd MN [douglas chapman ] 9 Nov FT PIERRE ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 8 Nov Sad news ["Roger Dietrich" ] 8 Nov Mountain Lion [douglas chapman ] 8 Nov Kittiwake,Mew ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 7 Nov Sat. trip ["mick" ] 4 Nov Person wants a peacock - needs help. [Nancy Hilding ] 4 Nov Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 11/3/2009 [] 3 Nov state birding maps ["mick" ] 3 Nov PENNINGTON CTY.: CANYON LAKE ["Jocelyn Baker" ] 2 Nov red-bellied woodpecker in Hamlin Co. [David Graham ] 2 Nov Duck Migration map [douglas chapman ] 2 Nov Fw: [ND-BIRDS] Red-bellied Woodpecker (Stutsman Co.) [] 2 Nov SDOU Fall Meeting - ["Jensen, Kent" ] 2 Nov Krider's & Rough-legged Hawks ["Gary & Cindy Olson" ] 2 Nov Sandhill Cranes [Nancy Dunn ] 1 Nov siskins and a surprise [cbstafford ] 1 Nov N of Belle Fourche ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 1 Nov Birding in California [Richard Latuchie ] 31 Oct halloween ["mick" ] 31 Oct NHBC Meeting November 5 ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 30 Oct Whitewood Report ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 30 Oct Snowstorm Birds ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 29 Oct member removed ["Addison Ball" ] 29 Oct The COMEDY OF THE WEEK Invite You !! ["aymanblogger" ] 28 Oct Whitewood Report ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 28 Oct Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 10/27/2009 [] 27 Oct Richarsonii & Maxima [douglas chapman ] 27 Oct Fwd: American Dipper Neg. 90-Day Finding [Nancy Hilding ] 27 Oct gt grackles ["mick" ] 27 Oct Prairie Research Funding Opportunity [] 27 Oct December 09 Bird Notes deadline [douglas chapman ] 26 Oct Trumpeter swans-Brookings County ["sdredstone" ] 26 Oct Trip to IA for Smith's Longspur [douglas chapman ] 26 Oct Raven in Rapid City ["dougback" ] 25 Oct McCook Cty.: GREAT EGRET ["Jocelyn Baker" ] 25 Oct Harris's Sparrow, Pennington [Richard Latuchie ] Subject: Red-throated Loon From: "dougback" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:34:57 -0000 Rick just called, they found the red-throated loon again, same location, Lake Oahe, Cow Creek, boat ramp area. Take Hwy. 1806 north from Pierre, past Oahe Dam, and go about 7 miles past the dam and take the left to Spring Creek/Cow Creek. Follow the signs. Doug Backlund Pierre, SD Subject: Shadehill CBC From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:32:26 -0600 Ron Martin asked me to pass this info on. Dan Svingen has set the date for the Shadehill, SD CBC. It will be held Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. If you would like to participate please contact Dan at DSvingen AT fs.fed.us, or call 701-250-4443. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Faulk Co. Birds From: "m. melius" <mmelius AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:30:04 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Birds seen in the Faulkton area in recent days: Snow Goose--1000's, many on a SW heading Great Blue Heron--2 near L. Faulkton today Rough-legged & Red-tailed Hawk Merlin (several times) Cedar Waxwing Brown Creeper & Golden-crowned Kinglet--both at L. Faulkton today Common Grackle (1) Rusty Blackbird (15) W. Meadowlark Lapland Longspur American Goldfinch--many Michael Melius Hermosa Subject: Bent Life Histories From: <eileen.dowdstukel AT state.sd.us> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:56:20 -0600 We have some volumes of this series that we're willing to donate to a school, library or other group that is interested. I'd prefer that it be all or nothing. One of the volumes has a broken binding, but the others are in good shape for their age. Here's the list: Life Histories of... North American Gallinaceous Birds - Bulletin 162 North American Cuckoos, Goatsuckers, Hummingbirds, and Their Allies - Bulletin 176 North American Flycatchers, Larks, Swallows, and Their Allies - Bulletin 179 North American Jays, Crows, and Titmice - Bulletin 191 North American Nuthatches, Wrens, Thrashers, and Their Allies - Bulletin 195 North American Thrushes, Kinglets, and Their Allies - Bulletin 196 North American Wagtails, Shrikes, Vireos, and Their Allies - Bulletin 197 North American Wood Warblers - Bulletin 203 Cardinals, Grosbeaks, Buntings, Towhees, Finches, Sparrows, and Allies - Bulletin 237, three parts Don't hesitate too long. I will probably bring these to the SDOU meeting this weekend for distribution, unless someone wants them for a group purpose. Thanks. Eileen Dowd Stukel, SDGFP [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FT PIERRE From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:23:25 -0600 What a difference a day makes here. Yesterday barely 100 gulls. Today several hundred gulls. Weather etc all play roles. Today many Bonaparte's, a breeding plumaged Mew Gull, a breeding plumaged Lesser Black-backed, tons of Ring-billed, a few Herrings & Thayer's and 1 winter adult California Gull. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Lake Co. snowy owl From: Kyle_Kelsey AT fws.gov Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:52:20 -0600 Yesterday there was a snowy owl 1.5 miles east of HWY 81 on 223rd st (Nunda road). The owl was perched on a fence post right off the road. I was surprised to see a snowy owl and it did stand out with a corn field back ground! My kids got to see the owl as well! Kyle Kelsey Wildlife Biologist Madison Wetland Management District 23520 SD Hwy 19 Madison, SD 57042 605-256-2974 605-256-9432 fax 605-480-3810 Kyle_Kelsey AT fws.gov When we talk among ourselves, all we get back are echoes. But when we talk with others of a different mind, we are made to think. And it is in thinking that we learn, and in learning that we grow. -- Romeo LeBlanc [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Pacific Loon From: "Palmer, Jeff" <Jeff.Palmer AT dsu.edu> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:16:44 -0600 Records for SD can be viewed at our online database found at http://homepages.dsu.edu/palmerj/sdousbor/ and then selecting the Public Entry link J Jeffrey S. Palmer College of Arts & Sciences Dakota State University Madison, SD 57042 (605) 256-5190 jeff.palmer AT dsu.edu http://www.homepages.dsu.edu/palmer/ sola fide, sola gratia, sola scriptura From: sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rob Parsons Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 4:50 PM To: sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com; Ricky D. Olson Subject: Re: [sd-birds] Pacific Loon Ricky, You definitely are a lucky birder, but you also put in a huge amount of birding time. Question for you or anyone else on SD-Birds--how often are Pacific & Red-throated Loons seen in SD? Here in Southern Manitoba, I have seen Red-throated Loons twice in spring and once (possibly twice) in fall in nearly 30 years of birding, and one fall sighting of Pacific Loon. To see both in one day sounds mind boggling! Cheers, Rob Parsons Winnipeg, MB CANADA parsons8 AT mts.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Card for Deb Palmer's Family From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:53:41 -0600 Hello, I have received two checks as a tribute for Deb Palmer of Vermillion who passed away recently. They are from Colorado and California. Deb was a member of a group on-line called Eaglet Momsters--a Bald Eagle cam and group of the NCTC in Virginia. And her love of birds seems to have ben well-known. Deb was a member of SDOU and an important member of the Osprey re-introduction team in Yankton. I am bringing a card to Pierre for anyone who wishes to sign. I will give the card to Deb's sister Pam, who lives here in Sioux Falls, for the family. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 11/17/2009 From: William_Schultze AT fws.gov Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:22:11 -0600 Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 11/17/2009 Canada Geese - 1600 Snow Geese - 185,000 Ducks - 48,000 Swans - 450 Snow geese continued to move into the Sand Lake area this past week. There are several hundred thousand snow geese using Putney Slough and snow geese are also being reported on Scatterwood Lakes, southwest of Aberdeen. Some of the smaller wetlands throughout Brown County are freezing up overnight, but are thawing during the day. Some of these wetlands continue to hold many ducks. The tundra swans on the refuge remain in the same areas, which are near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. Swans are still using some wetlands throughout northern Brown County. The weather during the past week has been good for the harvest. The soybean harvest is nearing completion, and the corn harvest is getting into full swing. Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 11/10/2009 Canada Geese - 800 Snow Geese - 42,000 Ducks - 30,000 Swans - 350 More snow geese have moved into the Sand Lake area this past week. Besides Sand Lake, there currently are snow geese on Putney Slough, using an area near the James River along Highway 12, and also in an area south of Groton. There are several hundred thousand snow geese total between these areas. Some wetlands in Brown County continue to hold many ducks, but they are shifting around between wetlands throughout the area. The tundra swans on the refuge remain in the same areas, which are near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. Swans are still using some wetlands throughout northern Brown County. Farmers are making good progress on the soybean harvest, and a few more fields of corn have been harvested in the area since last week. Bill Schultze Wildlife Biologist Sand Lake NWR 39650 Sand Lake Dr. Columbia, SD 57433 (605)885-6320 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Pacific Loon From: "Rob Parsons" <parsons8 AT mts.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:49:36 -0600 Ricky, You definitely are a lucky birder, but you also put in a huge amount of birding time. Question for you or anyone else on SD-Birds--how often are Pacific & Red-throated Loons seen in SD? Here in Southern Manitoba, I have seen Red-throated Loons twice in spring and once (possibly twice) in fall in nearly 30 years of birding, and one fall sighting of Pacific Loon. To see both in one day sounds mind boggling! Cheers, Rob Parsons Winnipeg, MB CANADA parsons8 AT mts.net Subject: Pacific Loon From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:46:59 -0600 Believe it or not mark Otnes called again and he is looking at a Pacific Loon at Bear Butte Lake in Meade County. Mark has had a terrific trip to SD. Already picking up 3 had to get target birds: Mew Gull, Gray-crowned Rosy Finch and Pacific Loon. He also picked up a Bonus Bird the Red-throated Loon!! And people say I have all the luck. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Gray-crowned Rosy From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:46:08 -0600 Mark Otnes just called and he observed a Gray-crowned Rosy Finch about half way up Bear Butte in Meade County. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: More update From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:30:12 -0600 Mark Otnes saw a Mew Gull on LaFramboise Sandbar yesterday afternoon. Mark also saw 7 or 8 loons near Lower Brule, but they were to far away to tell if one was a Pacific Loon. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: RT Loon, WW scoters, and the SDOU meeting From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:12:51 -0600 Ah, yes, I understand that arrows enter human flesh much less painfully. lol Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD On Nov 16, 2009, at 10:03 PM, Doug Backlund wrote: > This morning I saw 4 white-winged scoters off the causeway to Laframboise > Island. They flew down river shortly after I spotted them. I looked for the > red-throated loon this afternoon but did not see it. The red-necked grebes > were gone too. I have hopes that the loon is still there, it can be very > difficult to find when it is diving a lot. > > FYI on field trips this coming weekend. The east and west river rifle deer > seasons will be open. Most places we will go on field trips will not be > where deer hunters can or will hunt, but be aware if you plan to hike in the > river breaks or shelterbelts, bring some blaze orange clothing. Farm Island > and Laframboise Island are closed to rifle deer hunting, only archery > hunting is allowed. > > Doug Backlund > > Pierre, SD > > www.wildphotosphotography.com > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sd-birds/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sd-birds/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: sd-birds-digest AT yahoogroups.com sd-birds-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: sd-birds-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: RT Loon, WW scoters, and the SDOU meeting From: "Doug Backlund" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:03:47 -0600 This morning I saw 4 white-winged scoters off the causeway to Laframboise Island. They flew down river shortly after I spotted them. I looked for the red-throated loon this afternoon but did not see it. The red-necked grebes were gone too. I have hopes that the loon is still there, it can be very difficult to find when it is diving a lot. FYI on field trips this coming weekend. The east and west river rifle deer seasons will be open. Most places we will go on field trips will not be where deer hunters can or will hunt, but be aware if you plan to hike in the river breaks or shelterbelts, bring some blaze orange clothing. Farm Island and Laframboise Island are closed to rifle deer hunting, only archery hunting is allowed. Doug Backlund Pierre, SD www.wildphotosphotography.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Trumpeter Swans From: "sdredstone" <sdredstone AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:38:13 -0000 I received the neck collar info back from one of the trumpeter swans that I saw last month in Brookings County. Female. Banded in 2006 near Oskaloosa, IA. Subject: Fall SDOU Meeting - paper session presentations From: "Jensen, Kent" <kent.jensen AT sdstate.edu> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:49:08 -0800 Here is the list of presentations for this weekend's fall SDOU Meeting in Pierre. I hope to see everyone there! South Dakota Ornithologists' Union Fall Meeting and Paper Session November 21, 2009 Ramkota Inn (605) 224-6877 Pierre, South Dakota Saturday, November 21 7:00-10:00 Field Trips (destinations to be announced, meet at Ramkota) 10:30-12:30 Morning Paper Session 10:00 - 10:30 Jeff Palmer - An Age-structured Model for the American Dipper Population in the Black Hills of South Dakota 10:30 - 11:00 Nancy Drilling - Estimating Detection Probabilities in the SD Breeding Bird Atlas 11:00 - 11:30 Mick Hanan, Bob Klaver, and K.C. Jensen - Land Cover Change and The Breeding Bird Survey: Rates of Change in Relation to Roads 11:30 - 12:00 V. Woody Walstrom, John Klicka, Garth M. Spellman, and Marjorie Barrick - Speciation in the White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis): a multilocus study of diversification in North American pine and oak woodlands. 12:00 - 12:30 Dave Swanson - Metabolic Capacity and Passerine Biogeography 12:30-1:30 Lunch on your own 1:30-3:30 Afternoon Paper Session 1:30 - 2:00 Eileen Dowd-Stukel - TWW, SWG and WAP - Deciphering the acronyms for wildlife conservation 2:00 - 2:30 Joseph D Manthey, John Klicka, Garth M Spellman, and Marjorie Barrick - Phylogeography of the Brown Creeper (Certhia americana). 2:30 - 3:00 R. D. Mettler and Garth M. Spellman - A hybrid zone revisited: molecular and morphological analysis of the maintenance, movement, and evolution of a Great Plains avian (Cardinalidae: Pheucticus) hybrid zone 3:00 - 3:30 Nancy Drilling - Results of the 2009 Black Hills Owl Survey 3:30-4:30 General Membership Meeting Ramkota 4:30-5:30 Board of Directors Meeting Ramkota 6:30-7:30 Dinner at Ramkota K. C. Jensen, Ph.D. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences SPB 138D, Box 2140B South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007 (605)688-4781 (office) (605)690-6104 (cell) (605)688-4515 (FAX) wfs.sdstate.edu/wfsdept/faculty/kcjensen.htm 100% of the shots you don't take don't go in - Wayne Gretzky [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Short-eared Owl, Pennington From: "m. melius" <mmelius AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:51:36 -0700 (GMT-07:00) On Nov. 13 I observed a Short-eared Owl along Railroad Buttes Road, which is SE of Rapid City. The bird was near the high point of the buttes and was harassing a Rough-legged Hawk perched on a fence post. It's the first Short-ear I've seen in this area since June. Michael Melius Hermosa Subject: Red-throated Loon From: "Doug Backlund" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:23:53 -0600 The Red-throated Loon was still at Cow Creek when I left at 3 PM. Some poor quality photos at the link: http://wildphotosphotography.com/WildPhotos/links/Red-throated_loon.htm Doug Backlund Pierre, SD www.wildphotosphotography.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: PENNINGTON CTY.: Canyon Lake, Rapid City From: "Jocelyn Baker" <osprey AT hills.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:45:03 -0700 In addition to the common birds found at Canyon Lake, the following were present today, November 15: Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye (14), Hooded Merganser and Pied-billed Grebe. Bald Eagles are also being seen frequently. Jocie Baker JOCELYN LEE BAKER RAPID CITY, S.D. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RT Loon From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:27:15 -0600 Cow Creek Rec Area is about 15 miles north of Pierre SD off HWY 1804. Doug called and the Loon was still there at noon. It had disappeared for awhile. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: red throated loon From: "Todd Jensen" <gyrfalcon AT redwoodwireless.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:03:57 -0600 Ricky Olson called me Doug Backlund found a juvenile red-throated loon at cow creek by the boat ramp. Todd [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Trip report around Sioux Falls 11-14 From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:46:46 -0600 Hi, Todd Jensen, Mick Zerr and I birded the day around the SIoux Falls Area and found 47 species--pretty good considering how sparse it's been around here lately. Not large numbers of anything but starling, but some good birds were seen. Best: Great Egret--1, this is the latest date I found on the SDOU website, but all three of us found it. Previous late date seems to be Nov. 9. Rusty Blackbird--small flock 5-7, just west of town. Harris's Sparrow--1 Golden-crowned Kinglet--1 Snow goose flock--distant in flight Am. White Pelican--small flock in flight Few numbers of ducks seen except Mallards. But 1 or 2 of each of these: Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, N Shoveler, Gadwall. Sharp-shinned Hawk--1 Red-tailed Hawk--3 Harlan's Hawk--1, adult Horned Lark, Lapland Longspur, AM. Tree Sparrow--Small flocks of each. Brown Creeper--2 Lincoln's Sparrow--1 Yellow-headed Blackbirds, small numbers in large flock of Red-wingeds. Common Grackle--1, in same flock. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: NHBC Field Trip report From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:20:43 -0700 Four members of the Northern Hills Bird Club (NHBC) birded Newell, Newell lagoons, Newell Lake, Twilight Road, and backroads to Bear Butte Lake and Sturgis lagoon. It was a nice sunny day with large numbers of deer hunters everywhere. Previous years have produced 9-16 Rough-legged Hawks in the area North of Newell, but this year there were none and the only sighting of a Rough-legged Hawk was Southwest of Vale. Twenty-seven species were seen and Eagles were the bird of the day with four Golden Eagles and 3 Bald Eagles sighted. Other raptors included Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, and two Red-tailed Hawks. Duck sightings included Mallard, Gadwall, and Green-winged Teal in the Newell area. Bear Butte Lake had Canada Goose, Bufflehead, and Greater Scaup plus lots of Coots, 2 Pied-billed Grebes, and 1 Eared Grebe. Sturgis lagoon had lots of Common Goldeneyes which was a FOS for that area. Birding around Newell included 30+ EC Doves, American Robin, Blue Jay, House Sparrow, Starlings, and a few Cedar Waxwings which were feeding on apples. Newell Lake was full of hunters and the only bird seen was a single American Tree Sparrow. One Northern Shrike was found along old 79 Southwest of Vale and we had a few sightings of Horned Larks, but no huge flocks. The trip today is the only field trip in November because of the Thanksgiving holiday. The next event for the NHBC will be the regular meeting on December 3. Vic Fondy-NHBC [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Pacific Loon etc From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:55:30 -0600 Kenny & I saw a Pacific Loon on the Missouri River about a mile south of Lower Brule SD. We also saw a Red-necked Grebe in Good Soldier Bay at Big Bend Dam. Snow Buntings were seen at the dam also. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Mew From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:27:46 -0600 There is a Mew Gull off Marion's Point today. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Red-necked Grebes From: KENNY MILLER <littlebend AT q.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:09:54 +0000 There were two Red-necked Grebes in Cow Creek bay this morning. They are in with some western's just past the boat ramp. Seems like they should turn up more often here, but these are the first I've seen in the Pierre area and I'm aware of only a handful of other sightings. Kenny Miller Pierre [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rapid City/Backhills birding From: "afannafasoli" <afannafasoli AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:14:22 -0000 I am currently camping in and around Rapid City. I will be here until November 20th. In the next few days, I plan to go to Spearfish and a few other places for some birding, but I am looking for any suggestions any locals can give me. I've been birding the city parks (Canyon Lake was pretty good today, although I am not sure what is "normal" there). I didn't spend too long there, but there were canada geese, two tundra swans, mallards, buffleheads, coots, hooded mergansers, wigeon, and gadwall. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be appreciated, or if anyone needs a birding buddy! Thanks, Anna Fasoli Rapid City (from PA) Subject: Snowy Owl north of Highmore From: "dougback" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:30:12 -0000 Dave Ode told me he saw a snowy owl yesterday, north of Highmore. It was on a hay bale, location 17 miles north of Highmore on Hwy. 47 then about 3 miles east on Hwy. 26. He saw it at 1 PM and it was still there at 4 PM. Doug Backlund Pierre, SD Subject: West River Report From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:58:29 -0700 We climbed Bear Butte November 6. Nice weather but very windy. Juncos, Downy Woodpecker, and Chickadee at the base. One small flock of 5-6 small birds midway up the butte, but unable to identify. Walked the Red Beds trail at Devil's Tower (WY) Monday 11/9. Prairie Falcon, three flocks of Red Crossbills, BC Chickadee, Red and White-breasted Nuthatch, and Townsend's Solitaire. Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle enroute to the tower. Here at our home South of Whitewood, we have up to 50 Pine Siskin's and 15 or more American Goldfinches plus lots of our regular feeders. One Harris' Sparrow has been here for 11 days and we had a Townsend's Solitaire today and Brown Creeper yesterday. No Evening Grosbeaks. When the good weather arrived, the Grosbeaks left and we have not seen them since November 1. Vic/Donna Fondy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fort Pierre From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:02:28 -0600 Today gull highlights were a Mew & a 2nd cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull. A fair number of Bald Eagles around. Northern Shrikes have showed up this last week. Also saw a Rusty Blackbird today. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Acorn Woodpecker in Minnesota From: "Doug Backlund" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:53:14 -0600 So far, I'm the only one who saw it, I hope it can be relocated. http://www.wildphotosphotography.com/WildPhotos/links/Acorn_woodpecker.htm Doug Backlund Pierre, SD www.wildphotosphotography.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Saturday nest From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:16:35 -0600 On Saturday, Pat Dunn and Bruce Wylie kayaked the Big Sioux by Hudson, and found a neat eagles nest. See it at. http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/zerrmick/patsnest2.jpg Mick SFBC ----- Original Message ----- From: mick To: SF-BC AT yahoogroups.com ; Todd Jensen Cc: sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 6:00 PM Subject: [sd-birds] Tuesday A quick run to Dewey Gevik nature area late Tuesday afternoon offered the following (along with beautiful weather) Mallard- 20 Gadwall- 6 Pied-billed Grebe- 4 C. Goose-2 Coot-10 Wood Duck- 2 Green-winged Teal-1 Great-blue Heron-1 Ring-billed Gull-2 RW-Blackbird-40 Yellow-headed Blackbird-10 Mick SFBC----- [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rapid City CBC From: "m. melius" <mmelius AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:16:40 -0700 (GMT-07:00) The date for the Rapid City Christmas Bird Count will be Sunday, Dec. 20. I am the coordinator for the count, so if you'd like to participate, please contact me directly. Michael Melius 605.255.4766 Subject: Tuesday From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:00:52 -0600 A quick run to Dewey Gevik nature area late Tuesday afternoon offered the following (along with beautiful weather) Mallard- 20 Gadwall- 6 Pied-billed Grebe- 4 C. Goose-2 Coot-10 Wood Duck- 2 Green-winged Teal-1 Great-blue Heron-1 Ring-billed Gull-2 RW-Blackbird-40 Yellow-headed Blackbird-10 Mick SFBC----- [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 11/10/2009 From: William_Schultze AT fws.gov Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:51:27 -0600 Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 11/10/2009 Canada Geese - 800 Snow Geese - 42,000 Ducks - 30,000 Swans - 350 More snow geese have moved into the Sand Lake area this past week. Besides Sand Lake, there currently are snow geese on Putney Slough, using an area near the James River along Highway 12, and also in an area south of Groton. There are several hundred thousand snow geese total between these areas. Some wetlands in Brown County continue to hold many ducks, but they are shifting around between wetlands throughout the area. The tundra swans on the refuge remain in the same areas, which are near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. Swans are still using some wetlands throughout northern Brown County. Farmers are making good progress on the soybean harvest, and a few more fields of corn have been harvested in the area since last week. Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 11/3/2009 Canada Geese - 800 Snow Geese - 20,000 Ducks - 38,000 Swans - 300 More ducks and snow geese moved into Sand Lake and the area over the past weekend. Snow geese are being seen regularly on the refuge and in the area. Several thousand have been reported in the Scatterwood Lakes area and in the area south of Groton. Mallard numbers have increased significantly on the refuge. The tundra swans on the refuge are near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. There are also many swans using wetlands throughout northern Brown County. Farmers are continuing with the soybean harvest, and a few small fields of corn have also been harvested in the area. Good waterfowl numbers are still being seen throughout northern Brown County, with the excellent wetland conditions. Bill Schultze Wildlife Biologist Sand Lake NWR 39650 Sand Lake Dr. Columbia, SD 57433 (605)885-6320 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FT PIERRE From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:16:15 -0600 There was a different ( head plumage different) Mew Gull present today, but no Kittiwake. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NHBC Field Trip 11-14-09 From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:01:06 -0700 The Northern Hills Bird Club (NHBC) will conduct a field trip on Saturday, November 14. Participants will meet in Newell at the Blue Line Cafe on Highway 212 at 7:30 AM and the trip will depart at 8 AM. The group will bird the Newell city area then proceed to Newell Lake and the Twilight Road area looking for migrating raptors and other prairie species. The trip will last into the afternoon and participants should bring a lunch. Visiting birders and birders of all levels are welcome and there is no charge for the trip. Vic Fondy-NHBC 605-269-2553 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: SF-BC field trip 11-7-09 From: "Todd Jensen" <gyrfalcon AT redwoodwireless.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 18:47:10 -0600 Sioux Falls bird club had a field trip to L:ake Alvin , Worthing slew, Atkins WPA, Dewey Gevik blind and Nature conservacy praire 31 species were seen or heard. Todd Jensen list not in any order: pied-billed grebe ring-billed gull franklin's gull ruddy duck cedar waxwing black-capped chickadee white-breasted nuthatch sharp-shinned hawk horned lark lapland longspur red-bellied woodpecker American tree sparrow song sparrow red-winged blackbird ring-necked pheasant mallard blue-winged teal house sparrow European starling American Kestrel Cooper's hawk red-tailed hawk Western meadowlark canada goose gadwall downy woodpecker American Pipit northern shrike blue jay Common grackle rock pigeon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Acorn Woodpecker near Brainerd MN From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 15:30:54 -0600 Hi, Doug Backlund just reported getting photos of an Acorn Woodpecker in Crow Wing STate Park south of Brainerd MN just now. Anyone wanting to drive over can reach him at 605-280-6642. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: FT PIERRE From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 13:20:08 -0600 The Mew & Kittiwake was back on the sandbar below Oahe marina today. Very few Geese or waterfowl showing up. There are a couple big Robin flocks that need looking at for some uncommon species. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sad news From: "Roger Dietrich" <rogerd AT iw.net> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 20:13:30 -0600 Sad news - Deb Palmer, of Vermillion, SD, passed away unexpectedly this past week. I got to know Deb while we were both working on the Osprey Restoration Project in Yankton. Deb devoted many hours over the last two summers as a volunteer working on the Project. After working on the Osprey Project and hanging around with some other bird nuts Deb developed an interest in birding beyond just raptors which were her only real interest in birds prior to that time. She loved taking pictures of birds and worked hard to improve her photography skills and knowledge of birds. Deb joined SDOU about a year ago and attended the last two meetings. She was a very kind and gentle person and will be missed by all who knew her. Deb did not want a funeral but there will be a dinner party to celebrate her life at Murdo's Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday night in Yankton. Roger Dietrich Yankton, SD 57078 rogerd AT iw.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Mountain Lion From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 17:29:44 -0600 Hi, Very disappointing birding this morning (best was a fly-over GB Heron), but... I saw a Mountain Lion. Life mammal! I purposely am not posted the location and will not. Sorry to those who have asked. (I will tell those I know personally.) The folks with guns and the mobs with torches and pitchforks would be out in force. Not by my hand. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Kittiwake,Mew From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 14:08:13 -0600 I observed an immature Black-legged Kittiwake and an adult Mew Gull below Oahe Marina today. I also saw Herring,California,Bonaparte's,Ring-billed and Thayer's Gulls. I have been sick the last few weeks, but I am BACK. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sat. trip From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 18:15:06 -0600 Here are a few shots from Saturdays SFBC field trip south of Sioux Falls. http://www.flickr.com/photos/siouxfalls/sets/72157622756348176/show/ Mick SFBC [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Person wants a peacock - needs help. From: Nancy Hilding <nhilshat AT rapidnet.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:39:50 -0700 Nancy to others, I forward this request for a peacock, I have no idea where you get peacocks. >From: "Cox, Pamela J." >To: "phas.wsd AT rapidnet.com" >Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:44:11 -0700 >Subject: Question, please? > >Hello, >I am looking for a friend for my full grown peacock, he recently >lost his mate. I was wondering if you knew of anyone who had >peacocks in the area, that might be interested in parting with one >or two. >Thank you, I would appreciate any help you can give me. > >Pam > >Pamela J Cox >IAS Secretary >501 E St Joseph >Rapid City SD 57701 >ph 605-394-2291 >fax 605-394-6061 >pamela.cox AT sdsmt.edu > -- Nancy Hilding 6300 West Elm Black Hawk, SD 57718 605-787-6466 phone and fax and voice mail and internet hook up 605-787-6779 alternate phone I have call waiting and "no answer" may mean both lines in use (call before faxing) nhilshat AT rapidnet.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 11/3/2009 From: William_Schultze AT fws.gov Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 10:12:47 -0600 Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 11/3/2009 Canada Geese - 800 Snow Geese - 20,000 Ducks - 38,000 Swans - 300 More ducks and snow geese moved into Sand Lake and the area over the past weekend. Snow geese are being seen regularly on the refuge and in the area. Several thousand have been reported in the Scatterwood Lakes area and in the area south of Groton. Mallard numbers have increased significantly on the refuge. The tundra swans on the refuge are near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. There are also many swans using wetlands throughout northern Brown County. Farmers are continuing with the soybean harvest, and a few small fields of corn have also been harvested in the area. Good waterfowl numbers are still being seen throughout northern Brown County, with the excellent wetland conditions. Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 10/27/2009 Canada Geese - 1000 Snow Geese - 1200 Ducks - 20,000 Swans - 500 Waterfowl numbers on the refuge remained relatively stable from last week. The first snow geese were observed on the refuge on Monday, and white-fronted geese were seen migrating. More lesser scaup have moved into the refuge during the week. Most of the swans on the refuge are in the same areas as last week, which was near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. Some soybeans and a few small fields of corn have been harvested in the area during the last couple of days, but there are still alot of standing crops in the fields. Good waterfowl numbers are still being seen throughout northern Brown County, with the excellent wetland conditions. Bill Schultze Wildlife Biologist Sand Lake NWR 39650 Sand Lake Dr. Columbia, SD 57433 (605)885-6320 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: state birding maps From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:50:59 -0600 Some of our members might be newer and have not used the SDOU website reporting/mapping tool. Jeff Palmer and his staff have done a great job in making the site user friendly. Go to the SDOU website, ( sdou.org/ ) and click on each of the following in order: a.. SEASONAL REPORTING b.. SEASONAL OBSERVATION REPORT SYSTEM c.. PUBLIC ENTRY d.. CREATE A MAP e.. DATE RANGE AND WHATEVER MONTHS YOU WANT f.. ALL OBSERVERS, or if you are an observer and want to check your personal maps, click on your name only. g.. (Note: if you feel you are a competent birder, you should consider becoming an observer, it is free. easy and fun.Go back to the page with the PUBLIC ENTRY on it, and go to the right and click on Observer Entry. Click on the Click Here, and follow the directions.) h.. SELECT THE SINGLE SPECIES YOU WANT i.. VIEW THE MAP j.. When on the map, you can use the color key on the right, or better yet, hold the curser over a county for a few seconds and it will tell you the county name, sightings, and sightings per year. If you are only looking at one year, of course the number of sightings and per year number will be the same. k.. You can print or save a map to your computer. On the national level, you can also put your state or other sightings on e-bird. Go to http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ Have fun Mick SFBC [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: PENNINGTON CTY.: CANYON LAKE From: "Jocelyn Baker" <osprey AT hills.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:50:49 -0700 Common Goldeneyes (4) along with a Cackling Goose, Hooded Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks and Redheads were among the waterfowl species at Canyon Lake, Rapid City this morning, November 3. Yesterday, November 2, a Greater White-fronted Goose was present at New Wall Lake. And, on October 31, several Greater Scaup were observed at Bear Butte Lake in Meade County. Jocie Baker JOCELYN LEE BAKER RAPID CITY, S.D. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: red-bellied woodpecker in Hamlin Co. From: David Graham <uuglypher AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:35:38 -0600 For the past week (since Oct 26) we have had a female red-bellied woodpecker visiting our suet feeders 5x / day or more. This is the first time sunce we moved in and started feeding in June of 2000 that a red-bellied has made an appearance at our feeders. ...and we've never been visited by a red-breasted nuthatch. Would anyone care to opine if either of these observations - positive for the RBWP and negative for RBNH - are unusual for Hamlin County? Dave Graham 3 mi. west, 1 mi. south from Estelline -- "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." John Muir [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Duck Migration map From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:10:14 -0600 Ducks Unlimited has posted their duck migration map if anyone would like to check it. http://www.ducks.org/migrationmap/?poe=migrationHQ Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Fw: [ND-BIRDS] Red-bellied Woodpecker (Stutsman Co.) From: laura_hubers AT fws.gov Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:03:59 -0600 We have a red-bellied woodpecker and red-breasted nuthatches at our feeder this morning - both have been pretty scarce the last few years that I can recall. Laura Hubers Wildlife Biologist Waubay National Wildlife Refuge 44401 134 A St Waubay SD 57273 605 947-4521 ----- Forwarded by Laura Hubers/R6/FWS/DOI on 11/02/2009 11:57 AM ----- Lawrence D Igl Sent by: Birding Discussion List for North Dakota 11/02/2009 11:44 AM Please respond to Lawrence D Igl To ND-BIRDS AT LISTSERV.NODAK.EDU cc Subject [ND-BIRDS] Red-bellied Woodpecker (Stutsman Co.) Hal Kantrud reported that he had a female Red-bellied Woodpecker at his feeders (southeast of Jamestown, Stutsman Co.) on 1 November. Reports of redbellies at feeders in Stutsman Co. have been largely non-existent during the past couple of years. ************************************************************** Lawrence D. Igl, Ecologist U.S.G.S. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 8711 37th Street SE Jamestown, North Dakota 58401-7317 Phone: 701-253-5511 Fax: 701-253-5553 E-mail: ligl AT usgs.gov Internet: www.npwrc.usgs.gov ************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: SDOU Fall Meeting - From: "Jensen, Kent" <kent.jensen AT sdstate.edu> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:54:45 -0600 Call for Papers South Dakota Ornithologists' Union Fall Meeting and Paper Session November 20 -22, 2009 Ramkota Convention Center, Pierre, SD The Fall 2009 South Dakota Ornithologists Union meeting will be held from 20 - 22 November, 2009, in Pierre, SD. Presentations are needed for paper sessions which will be held on Saturday, November 21st. . Any type of presentation involving bird study or research is welcome (about 20 - 25 minutes with time for questions). Please contact K.C. Jensen with the title of your presentation. A digital projector and/or slide projector will be available. Contact : Kent C. Jensen (605) 688-4781 kent.jensen AT sdstate.edu Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences NPB 138, Box 2140B South Dakota State University Brookings, S.D. 57007 K. C. Jensen, Ph.D. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences SPB 138D, Box 2140B South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007 (605)688-4781 (office) (605)690-6104 (cell) (605)688-4515 (FAX) wfs.sdstate.edu/wfsdept/faculty/kcjensen.htm 100% of the shots you don't take don't go in - Wayne Gretzky [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Krider's & Rough-legged Hawks From: "Gary & Cindy Olson" <olsonfam AT nvc.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:54:50 -0600 Beautiful day yesterday with time to go birding. Went up to Sand Lake and western part of Marshall Co. found the following: Tundra Swans 100 plus Snow Geese one small flock flying overhead Canada Geese many many ducks, Mallards, Pintails Scaup, Shovlers, Bufflehead one Hooded Merganser and one Common Goldeneye Rough-legged Hawks several, first of the season many Red-tailed Hawks with one beautiful Kriders sitting in the ditch eating his lunch about a mile west of Houghton on Highway 10. He was more interested in eating then me watching him. Even when someone drove by and blew their horn he still stayed put. In Marshall Co. the slough south of Amherst was a little quiet but did have a late Snowy Egret and 8 late Western Grebes, plus a small group of perhaps a dozen Snow Buntings along the highway, FOS. Gary Olson Aberdeen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sandhill Cranes From: Nancy Dunn <dunn3 AT svtv.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 06:22:27 -0600 I stepped out of my house this morning and heard a small flock of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead, This is the first time I have heard or seen them around are house. We have lived out here for over 15 years. There is small flocks in eastern South Dakota and Minnesota I have come across at times. Pat Dunn 10 miles east of Dell Rapids South Dakota Subject: siskins and a surprise From: cbstafford <turkeyfeathrs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:17:37 -0800 (PST) Anticipating the start of Feederwatch 2009 in less than 2 weeks, I did some preliminary watching, just to see if things are placed well for good observations. The usual winter crowd was around busily browsing. There has been a flock of pine siskins  here the past week or so, at one point this afternoon they numbered between 25-30, largest group I have ever seen here at the house. There may have been several goldfinches with them, there was much scrapping and flitting around. On Wednesday, Good Neighbor Dan, who shares our back lot line, sent me an email with photo he had taken from their back porch. Traipsing across my back yard was a cock pheasant! He is surely an escapee from some hunting concern, I've had grouse and bobwhite as occasional feeder patrons, but this is the first pheasant. He showed up again this morning, picking up spilled sunflower seeds. It remains to be seen whether he sticks around, fun to have him visit regardless.Caroline Stafford [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: N of Belle Fourche From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 14:04:39 -0700 We took advantage of the nice Saturday and birded Whitewood Valley-Nisland-old 85 and back to Belle Fourche looking for winter arrivals such as Snowy Owls, large numbers of Rough-legged Hawks, Snow Buntings, etc. We had 2 Lewis' Woodpeckers at the silo area on Whitewood Valley Road plus an immature Red-headed Woodpecker. This is the exact same area where an adult Red-headed Woodpecker stayed for part of last winter. In the Arpan area we found 10 Gray Partridge and a Prairie Falcon attempting to snag one of them. The only winter arrivals on about 15 miles of old 85 were two Rough-legged Hawks. We walked to the Battle Creek Wetlands pond which had only a few Buffleheads. Other sightings for the trip included 4 Golden Eagles, 2 American Kestrel, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, and 3 Bald Eagles (along 85 N of Belle Fourche). Only 26 species, but still a nice day. Vic/Donna Fondy Whitewood, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Birding in California From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 10:43:33 -0700 I was fortunate enough to have a business meeting to attend in Indian Wells, Ca., near Palm Springs, last week. I had several hours free on the day I arrived and drove on the Palms to Pines Highway as far as Hemet Lake, making several stops along the way. At my first stop, I had some excellent views of Western Scrub-Jay. Then at a stop along the road, I saw many Western Bluebirds, and a couple of Acorn Woodpeckers. At Hemet Lake, I found California Quail, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Pygmy Nuthatch, and lots of White-crowned Sparrows. Last Friday, I spent the day around the southeastern edge of the Salton Sea, and the Imperial Valley. At 228 feet below sea level, the Salton Sea is a result of flooding from the Colorado River, and is fed by agricultural run-off. With no natural drainage, the water has higer salinity than the Pacific Ocean. The area is a mixture of enourmous agricultural fields, some heavy industry, and with a receding waterline, the area is not very attractive. But the birds love it, and it is a great place to bird year-round, although it can be brutally hot in the summer. We had a great day. Temps started in the high 40s, and peaked in the high 70s. I arranged to spend the day with Henry Detwiler, of Southwester Birders, who really knows the area, and had worked up a rough itinerary. We met in Calipatria before dawn, and parted ways after sunset. Definately the most productive birding day I've ever experienced. It's hard to describe just how amazing the birding can be in this area. Variety and sheer numbers. We saw literally thousands of Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets, Snow Geese, Long-billed Curlews, White-faced Ibis, assorted waterfowl. I guess the bird of the day was a single Yellow-footed Gull, although I was lucky enough to see other local specialties like Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Vermillion Flycatcher, Gila Woodpecker , Abert's Towhee, Phainopepla, Gambell's Quail, and Verdin. We were able to see both Sora and Virginia Rail (at the same time), and also heard Clapper Rail, although we never saw it. We saw a group of maybe 150 Sandhills, and a mixed flock of Snow and Ross's Geese that numbered around 4000. Other highlights for me included seeing half a dozen Greater Roadrunners, three Peregrin Falcons, my first Cactus Wrens, and a Brewer's Sparrow, and a White-throated Sparrow, which was apparently reportable in the area. During the day, we saw 109 species For the trip, I saw 120 species, including 24 life birds, and 31 year birds. An amazing place, that I'd highly recommend. Dick Latuchie Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: halloween From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:25:17 -0500 Filled the feeders at Perry Nature Park today. Birds seen were a flock of Cedar Waxwings, Robins, RB Woodpeckers, Juncos, and Goldfinch. The Waxwings were half adults and half juveniles. See photo of each. On Halloween, which birds are symbols of this holiday? Night birds, such as Owls, and Ravens (crows in our territory). While I was busy carving pumpkins on my deck at about 5 o'clock, I heard a ruckus of cawing to the east. It got louder and louder. I assumed the neighborhood crows were fussing over a Halloween tidbit that my neighbor always puts out for them (he loves crows), but as it got louder, I recognized the familiar caw of Owl Alert!, Owl Alert! Suddenly, right over my head, a murder of about 50 crows were flying in a tight circle formation with a large GH Owl in the middle. The owl landed in a neighbor's tree for about a minute, then zoomed off with the murder following. A nice show for Halloween. Happy Halloween Mick SFBC http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/4062936778_a4ab913bfa.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/4062936776_6d3328fa39.jpg [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NHBC Meeting November 5 From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:44:45 -0600 The Northern Hills Bird Club (NHBC) will meet on Thursday, November 5, at 7:00 PM at the Sturgis City Library. THIS IS A CHANGE OF MEETING LOCATION. The Sturgis City Library is located at 1040 2nd Street and also has an accessible entrance on Sherman Street which is one block South of Main Street. Topics for the meeting will include a review of October field trips, planning for the November 14 field trip, review of the Lawrence County Checklist, and election of officers. Bob Druckrey of Rapid City will present the program "Birding in Florida." Refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome. Vic Fondy-NHBC 605-269-2553. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Whitewood Report From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:40:36 -0600 We had 10 Northern Bobwhite at our feeders south of Whitewood this afternoon. First time we have ever seen Bobwhite here and also our only West River sighting. Vic/Donna Fondy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Snowstorm Birds From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:36:30 -0600 The snowstorm brought 8-10 inches of snow at our home South of Whitewood and a pair of female Cassin's Finch. We have not had this species since January of 2009 at our feeders. The Brown Creeper was also seen along with 20-30 Evening Grosbeaks and our other usual feeder birds. Vic/Donna Fondy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: member removed From: "Addison Ball" <AddisonB AT enetis.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:23:50 -0600 Folks -- The sd-birds member who posted "The COMEDY OF THE WEEK Invite You !!" has been removed from sd-birds and his post has been deleted from the sd-birds on-line archive.. Addison Ball Subject: The COMEDY OF THE WEEK Invite You !! From: "aymanblogger" <aymanmo60 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:03:17 -0000 The COMEDY OF THE WEEK Invite You !! ***************************************************** Hi all, COMEDY OF THE WEEK invite you to watch funny bird diva You can watch !! 1. COMEDY OF THE WEEK (bird diva) 1. EVENTS OF THE WEEK (Sad polar bear gets new home) 1. SPORTS OF THE WEEK (Sad polar bear gets new home) 1. POLITICS OF THE WEEK (Button celebrates F1) 1. MOBILE OF THE WEEK (Mobile fuel !!) 1. WEEKLY DOWNLOAD ( Download Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0 ) ******************************************************* Best and Deep Regards, Weekly Download editor http://www.weekly-download.blogspot.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Whitewood Report From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:39:56 -0600 More birds have arrived at our feeders including Pine Siskin on 10/26 and American Goldfinch on 10/27. We have had one Gray Catbird coming to the feeder 10/23 thru 10/27. Today's snowstorm brought in 20 Evening Grosbeaks, 10 House Finches, 1 FOS Townsend's Solitaire, and one Sharp-shinned Hawk plus our regular feeder birds. Vic/Donna Fondy-Whitewood, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 10/27/2009 From: William_Schultze AT fws.gov Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:36:54 -0500 Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 10/27/2009 Canada Geese - 1000 Snow Geese - 1200 Ducks - 20,000 Swans - 500 Waterfowl numbers on the refuge remained relatively stable from last week. The first snow geese were observed on the refuge on Monday, and white-fronted geese were seen migrating. More lesser scaup have moved into the refuge during the week. Most of the swans on the refuge are in the same areas as last week, which was near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. Some soybeans and a few small fields of corn have been harvested in the area during the last couple of days, but there are still alot of standing crops in the fields. Good waterfowl numbers are still being seen throughout northern Brown County, with the excellent wetland conditions. Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 10/20/2009 Canada Geese - 1000 Snow Geese - 0 Ducks - 20,000 Swans - 530 Waterfowl numbers on the refuge actually dropped a little from last week, although waterfowl numbers in the area around the refuge are excellent. Northern Brown County continues to be extremely wet. Shovelers, gadwalls, ruddy ducks and lesser scaup make up most of the ducks currently on the refuge. Most of the swans on the refuge are near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. A few soybean fields were harvested in the area over the weekend, but the majority of crops are still in the field. Bill Schultze Wildlife Biologist Sand Lake NWR 39650 Sand Lake Dr. Columbia, SD 57433 (605)885-6320 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Richarsonii & Maxima From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:50:06 -0500 Hi, At 6:30 while driving down 41st St. in SIoux Falls I saw a flock of 10 Giant Canada Geese (maxima) and 15 Cackling Geese (richarsonii). After seeing the "real" Cackling geese in Washington state 2 weeks ago, I think I'll just call them by the trinomials. I don't understand this grouping yet. I admit it freely. Maybe a paper in Pierre? Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Fwd: American Dipper Neg. 90-Day Finding From: Nancy Hilding <nhilshat AT rapidnet.com> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:09:33 -0600 Nancy Hilding to list serves, In 2008 various organizations petitioned to have the Black Hills population of dippers listed as distinct population segment that is threatened and endangered . I forward as an attached doc (pdf) the USFWS denial (90 day finding) of various environmental organization's 2008 petition to list the Black Hills Population of American Dipper as threatened or endangered - as a distinct vertebrate population segment. Summary of USFWS opinion The USFWS agrees that the BH dipper population is discreet (isolated) , but the opinion denies us on biological and ecological significance of the discreet population in relation to rest of the taxon, It thinks none of the four significance points have yet to be proven : 1. It does not think BH streams are shown to be ecologically unique 2. It does not think loss of BH dippers has been shown to create a significant gap in the range, (argues there are too few birds and not east-most population) 3. It does not think BH population is a natural population juxtaposed to a reintroduced population, 4. It does not think that BHSU research on BH dipper genetics, which juxtaposes genetic differences found in BH dipper population to genetics of 6 other populations of dippers, provides enough whole taxon genetic data to compare with yet. The USFWS does not render an opinion on the threat to BH dippers or critical habitat, as it has not yet agreed that significance to taxon has been proven by petitioners. USFWS will continue to monitor the American dipper's population status and trends and threats to it in the Black Hills and encourages folks to gather more data on dippers and submit it to them. For a copy of the 2008 petition for the BH Dipper contact: Duane Short Wild Species Program Director Biodiversity Conservation Alliance P.O. Box 1512 Laramie, Wyoming 82073 307.742.7978 Phone 307.742.7989 Fax duane AT voiceforthewild.org www.voiceforthewild.org -- Nancy Hilding 6300 West Elm Black Hawk, SD 57718 605-787-6466 phone and fax and voice mail and internet hook up, (call before faxing) 605-787-6779 alternate phone I have call waiting and "no answer" may mean the line is in use cell phone - 605-430-9230, I do not check cell phone messages daily, nhilshat AT rapidnet.com nhilding AT rapidnet.com phas.wsd AT rapidnet.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: gt grackles From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:04:15 -0500 With the unusual sightings of over a hundred GT Grackles at Atkins WPA at Tea, I went out to the Dewey Gevik Blind, and saw another 70 or so Great-tails in the trees and reeds. We have been keeping an eye open all summer for breeding GTG's, but saw none in the SF area, except for a lone male 2 miles west of Dewey. The mystery is where these hundreds of GT's are breeding. See some in the photo below: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/4050532153_d0539f8bc2_o.jpg Mick SFBC [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Prairie Research Funding Opportunity From: <eileen.dowdstukel AT state.sd.us> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:36:39 -0500 FUNDING FOR PRAIRIE RESEARCH offered by Prairie Biotic Research, Inc. We Are Prairie Biotic Research (PBR), Inc. is a Wisconsin nonprofit established in 2000 to foster biotic research in prairies. One way we do this is through a Small Grants Program that funds grants up to $1000 to individuals for the study of any grassland taxon in the USA. We support both natural history and experimental science. We are especially eager to support independent researchers (those lacking institutional support), but anyone may apply. Since 2002, we've awarded 82 grants worth $77,591 to people in 21 states to study insects, plants, mammals, reptiles, slime molds, mycorrhizal fungi, spiders, snails, amphibians, invasive species, and effects of management. Many of these grants supported graduate student research. In 2010, we expect to fund at least 10 grants of up to $1000 each with the donations we have received, including some restricted by donors to support research in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and in Missouri, where research on Missouri Prairie Foundation properties is of special interest. To Apply for a Grant Contact Andrew Williams by email at prairiebioticresearch AT gmail.com for our proposal form with instructions, a two-part historic summary of our Small Grants Program, and a sample researcher agreement form that winners of this competition must sign. We must receive your proposal through the mail before January 9, 2010. Those who won PBR Small Grants Program funding in 2009 are ineligible for this funding in 2010. Our Supporters We are grateful for gifts recently received from individuals, businesses, foundations and non-profit organizations in support of our Small Grants Program: BioLogic Environmental Consulting, LLC; Andria Blattner; Stephen & Nancy Bloom; Kurt Christoffel; Citizens Natural Resources Association of Wisconsin; Conservation and Research Foundation; Robert & Nancy Dott; Hildy Feen; Tamara Felden; Catherine Gimse-Owen & Robert Owen; Don & Helen Hagar; MJ Hatfield; George & Marilyn Johnson; Kyle Johnson; Herbert H. Kohl Charities, Inc.; Roma Lenehan; The Reva and David Logan Foundation; The Fred Maytag Family Foundation; Merganser Fund; Midwest Prairies, LLC; Missouri Prairie Foundation; The R. D. and Linda Peters Foundation; Ursula Petersen; Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation; Jim & Rose Sime; Glenn Teschendorf; Elaine & Richard Tinberg; Tom & Eva Wedel; Andrew Williams; and Willow Springs Foundation. Become A Supporter! Please make a donation to support PBR and our Small Grants Program. Any amount is welcome. PBR is volunteer-run so our overhead is very low. You may specify that your entire tax-deductible donation be given to researchers through our Small Grants Program, or to expand our research endowment that produces income we give away annually through this program. Please help us to help others! THANK YOU !! Michael Anderson, Craig Brabant, Rebecca Christoffel, Jaime Edwards, Brick Fevold, Kerry Katovich, Douglas LeDoux, Victoria Nuzzo, Ursula Petersen, Dennis Schlicht, Scott Swengel, David Voegtlin, Andrew Williams, and Daniel Young the Board and Scientific Advisors of Prairie Biotic Research, Inc. "We Foster Curiosity" Subject: December 09 Bird Notes deadline From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:37:38 -0500 To SDOU Members, This is a reminder that The Bird Notes deadline for the December issue is November 15. Please have all materials in by that date. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Trumpeter swans-Brookings County From: "sdredstone" <sdredstone AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:00:39 -0000 There are four trumpeters in eastern Brokings County on a private slough. They have been there since this past weekend. Subject: Trip to IA for Smith's Longspur From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:35:04 -0500 Hello Birders, Thanks to Tucker L., Paul R. and Bill H. for all the guiding today. The South Dakota contingent got 40-50 Smith's Longspurs in Luton NWR and more Laplands than that. Also in the area--Northern Goshawk, American Pipit, Savannah Sparrows and a Wilson's Snipe. Smith's were a life bird for one SDOU member, so a good day for us. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was seen 10 minutes before we arrived at ca. 10:45 AM and had not been since when we left at about 1 PM. Thanks again. (We saw 51 Red-tailed Hawks in SD/IA between Sioux Falls and Luton.) Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Raven in Rapid City From: "dougback" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:43:20 -0000 I had a report today of raven seen on the lawn of the church across from Canyon Lake in Rapid City. The observer said there were crows there, too, for size comparison. Doug Backlund Pierre, SD Subject: McCook Cty.: GREAT EGRET From: "Jocelyn Baker" <osprey AT hills.net> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:24:10 -0600 A Great Egret was observed late this afternoon in McCook County, along I90 near MM# 368, about 30 miles east of Mitchell. Jocelyn Baker JOCELYN LEE BAKER RAPID CITY, S.D. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Harris's Sparrow, Pennington From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:23:49 -0600 I had a single 1st winter Harris's Sparrow at our feeders today, along with many Juncos (Oregon and Slate Colored). Dick Latuchie Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]