Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The Tweeters List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, September 2 at 09:10 AM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Boreal Chickadee,©Barry Kent Mackay

2 Sep Kalaloch Shearwater numbers: Sooties and Manx [bill shelmerdine ] 2 Sep Re: Camera Help [John Puschock ] 1 Sep Re: Mt. Rainier Grouse? Ptarmigan? [Jeremiah Alexander ] 1 Sep Nisqually NWR 9/1/10 [] 1 Sep window strike victim a juvenile common yellowthroat? (Jennifer Wallin) [Jennifer Wallin ] 1 Sep Skagit Black Phoebe [Ulrich Fritzsche ] 01 Sep Vaux's Swift info [Diann MacRae ] 1 Sep Re: Swifts at Monroe [Patricia Oates ] 1 Sep Re: Camera Help [] 1 Sep Re: Camera Help [Bill Anderson ] 1 Sep Link to Golden Bishop picture [Beach Dee ] 1 Sep Cameras [] 1 Sep Re: Camera Help [Ilene Samowitz ] 1 Sep Re: What is this bird? [Devorah the ornithologist ] 31 Aug RE: Golden Bishop in Southwest Seattle ["Teresa Michelsen" ] 31 Aug Re: Camera Help [Lyn Topinka ] 31 Aug Golden Bishop in Southwest Seattle [Beach Dee ] 31 Aug Re: Swift counts [Larry Schwitters ] 31 Aug Camera Help [Blair Bernson ] 31 Aug Updated Shorebird VIDEOS: Guess the species before opening the link!! [Khanh Tran ] 31 Aug Re: Moonwalking Manakins [Marc Hoffman ] 31 Aug Cooper's Hawk [Whitney H ] 31 Aug tweeters@u.washington.edu read this now [Keith U ] 31 Aug What is this bird? [Cromaat C ] 31 Aug Mt. Rainier Grouse? Ptarmigan? [Brenda Burnett ] 31 Aug Moonwalking Manakins [travel girl ] 31 Aug RE: FW: Acorn Woodpecker ["Wilson Cady" ] 31 Aug RE: FW: Acorn Woodpecker [] 31 Aug re: Acorn Woodpecker ["Scott Downes" ] 31 Aug RE: FW: Acorn Woodpecker ["Bob Sundstrom" ] 31 Aug Swift counts [] 31 Aug Re: FW: Acorn Woodpecker [] 30 Aug Twin Lakes Nighthawk [Hans-Joachim Feddern ] 30 Aug Re: Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit [Bill Anderson ] 30 Aug Black Phoebe refound at Skagit Game Range ["Grace and Ollie Oliver" ] 30 Aug Labor Day Wenas [Jon Leland ] 30 Aug Re: FW: Acorn Woodpecker ["Joseph V Higbee" ] 30 Aug RE: Wooodland Park raptor 'mystery' [] 31 Aug Re: FW: Acorn Woodpecker ["Wilson Cady" ] 30 Aug RE: Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit ["Okano, Pamela" ] 30 Aug RE: Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit ["Okano, Pamela" ] 30 Aug Fill Sora still around [Jeffrey Bryant ] 30 Aug FW: Acorn Woodpecker [Roger Moyer ] 30 Aug Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit ["Okano, Pamela" ] 30 Aug Woodland Park-Sunday afternoon ["Chuck Reinsch" ] 30 Aug LESSER SANDPLOVER PHOTOS ["Ruth Sullivan" ] 30 Aug LESSER SANDPLOVER PHOTOS!!!!!! ["Ruth Sullivan" ] 30 Aug a few from n. Lake Stevens 8/28 [Scott Atkinson ] 30 Aug Of swifts, woodpeckers and flycatchers. [Roger Moyer ] 30 Aug Late Pied-bill Grebe Chicks [Richard Fleming ] 30 Aug Fill this morning [Connie Sidles ] 30 Aug Re: Swifts at Monroe [Larry Schwitters ] 30 Aug Swifts at Monroe [Larry Schwitters ] 30 Aug FW: RE: Northern Harrier at Wooodland Park ["Eric Kowalczyk" ] 30 Aug Skagit Sunday - Rainy Pass-Cutthroat Pass [] 30 Aug Re: Fill rails [Connie Sidles ] 30 Aug RE: tweeters@u.washington.edu respond when you can [Keith U ] 29 Aug RE: Northern Harrier at Wooodland Park [Debbie McLeod ] 29 Aug Little Blue Heron relocated? ["Grace and Ollie Oliver" ] 29 Aug List removal? [Pete ] 29 Aug Late breeding pied-billed grebes ["Bert Bartleson" ] 29 Aug Re: re Kauai birding and California Gnatcatcher [Larry Schwitters ] 29 Aug Re: Fill rails [Marc Hoffman ] 29 Aug Sun Lakes State Park-Tennessee Warbler ["Doug Schonewald" ] 29 Aug Sun Lakes State Park-Tennessee Warbler ["Doug Schonewald" ] 29 Aug Re: Fill rails [Marc Hoffman ] 29 Aug RE: re Kauai birding and California Gnatcatcher [Mark Egger ] 29 Aug Juvenile Green Heron at Nisqually NWR [Tony ] 29 Aug Skagit Black Phoebe [Gary Bletsch ] 29 Aug Fwd: FW: Fascinating Hummingbird Video [Will Markey ] 29 Aug Re: Updated version of (excel) WA County Checklists available at WA Birder site [] 29 Aug Re: [Tweeters] Updated version of (excel) WA County Checklists available at WA Birder site [] 29 Aug RE: More on Ocean Shores...Hardly A Bad Day At All [Rccarl ] 29 Aug Re: re Kauai birding and California Gnatcatcher [] 29 Aug re: Ocean Beach flocking patterns ["Dianna Moore" ] 29 Aug More about The Big Year [John Puschock ] Subject: Kalaloch Shearwater numbers: Sooties and Manx From: bill shelmerdine <georn1 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 14:08:48 +0000 Greetings Tweeters, Yesterday morning on the way to Forks I stopped off briefly along the coast north of Kalaloch. Several recent posts to Tweeters had noted large numbers of birds (probably sooty shearwaters) streaming north through this area. I also got a phone call last Friday from a friend who mentioned phenominal numbers of birds (probably shearwaters) along with a lot of activity (Orca, etc.) in this area. Evidently this has been going for a while and cerainly prior to this recent weather change and onshore push. Anyway I stopped at the unnamed turn in along Highway 101 north of Beach 4 and the big cedar tree. There were large numbers of Sooty Shearwaters moving northward just offshore. The main concentration (and perhaps all) spanned a relatively narrow band from just beyond the breakers to about 1/2 mile out. I estimated about 4,000 birds per minute passing my viewing area, and watched for about 30 minutes without seeing the beginning or end of this line. I felt that 4,000/min was reasonable, but if anything on the low side. So that would indicate that at a minimum 120,000 birds passed with no end in sight on either side. Pretty amazing. In the group that I observed were 2 different MANX SHEARWATERs (seen well), and 1 completely white headed Sooty. This marks about the 4th or 5th time I have noted Manx in this vicinity, making it possibly the best place to search for this species from shore in my opinion. A caution to would be Manx searchers, in a mass of birds like this a Coomon Murre could suggest that species initially and with less than optimal looks. The real thing should not be a problem with decent views. By the way, the usual suspects are also out there in typical numbers, but are overshadowed by the shearwater show. There are also good numbers (thousands) of gulls on the beach at Kalaloch and the beach to the north. I did not have time to stop and sort through them. Who knows what might be in there with them. Cheers and good birding, Bill Shelmerdine mailto: georn1 AT hotmail.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Camera Help From: John Puschock <g_g_allin AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 06:52:35 +0000 >I am trying to figure which >direction to go with two questions: Canon vs. >Nikon and also which "level" of quality (and size >and expense). I have been comparing the Nikon >D300S and the Canon 7D and then the Nikon D90 and >the Canon T2i. Howdy, As others have said, any of the options you mentioned are quality cameras. Most birders (and, as John Tubbs points out, sports photographers) use Canon, but this is probably due to Canon historically having a larger and often less expensive selection of telephoto lenses, plus they seemed to be ahead of Nikon five to ten years ago (leading to the legacy share that John Tubbs mentioned). But recently Nikon cameras are largely regarded as having better image quality compared to Canons at similar price points. You should definitely take a look at the lenses available for each brand when considering which camera to buy. A high-quality telephoto costs at least as much as you're paying for the camera. Many birders (and I'm using that term to mean those who are secondarily concerned with getting a great photo, those who have the camera hanging from their shoulder while the tripod has a scope, etc.; I realize that there's a continuum of interests and I'm not saying either "birder" or "photographer" pejoratively) with Canon equipment use a Rebel with the 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L zoom (its price seems to have gone up a couple hundred bucks in the past few years, now similar in price to the Nikon 80-400mm). A few, including myself, have the 400 f/5.6L, some use the 300 f/4L with a 1.4x telextender, and I've seen only two hand-holding the 500 f/4L. Most "photographers" will be sporting a 500 f/4L or better on a tripod. I'm bringing up this distinction to point out that it's difficult to do birding and pro-level bird photography at the same time. (I don't know Nikon equipment well enough to comment on what's being used.) I bought a Canon 7D about 8 months ago because my 30D was starting to malfunction, and I began a review of it on my blog, though I haven't finished that project yet. The camera has taken a beating online because Canon crammed a lot of (too many?) pixels on the sensor, leading to claims that images will have too much noise. Image quality probably would have been better with fewer, larger pixels, but I'm largely pleased with the noise. It has a film grain quality to it and is definitely better than the 30D. HOWEVER, I do have problems with bright areas being overexposed (blown out), which never happened with the 30D, and this is probably attributable to the camera having a smaller dynamic range due to the small pixel size. That's my biggest beef with it. Another problem I've encountered is that the mode dial is easily moved, with the end result being incorrectly exposed photos. I'm also not completely sold on the accuracy of the autofocus, but I haven't yet figured out if the problem is the camera or me, hence the incomplete blog review. With that said, it's still a very nice camera....Well, I'm sure I've already gone way past what will be interesting to the general Tweeters subscriber. Feel free to contact me privately for more opinions about the 7D. John Puschock Wedgwood, Seattle g_g_allin AT hotmail.com http://www.zbirdtours.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Mt. Rainier Grouse? Ptarmigan? From: Jeremiah Alexander <jkalexan AT u.washington.edu> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 21:48:57 -0700 (PDT) On that same trail this past Saturday I heard a loud, low-pitched sound and came around a turn to see a male Sooty Grouse booming from a log, yellow air sacs plainly visible. I've only seen the females on the side of the road before, so needless to say this was quite a treat! Anyway, I'm guessing that's what you saw. _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Nisqually NWR 9/1/10 From: Scrubjay323 AT aol.com Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 20:58:01 EDT Tweets, Its hard to believe that September is here already but it is. Today 15 of us enjoyed a quick, quiet walk at Nisqually. Quiet except for the sounds of heavy machinery working on new cross dikes to better control the water levels in the freshwater pond inside the new dike. Not sure if we had any highlights but we did see an adult and juvenile PIED-BILLED GREBE on the pond behind the visitor center. Love the striped "football helmet" of the juvenile. There were also YELLOW and a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER in the area. We saw a few more YELLOW WARBLERS in the riparian areas but not much else. Water is almost gone inside the dike so waterfowl numbers were way down. We did spot some MALLARDS, WOOD DUCKS, a couple of SHOVELERS and AMERICAN WIGEON but that was it. More CANADA GEESE seem to arrive each week. No CACKLERS yet. It was good to see a couple of NORTHER HARRIERS back. Some of the fields have been hayed so they can find pray again. We also saw RED-TAILED HAWK, BALD EAGLES and a COOPERS HAWK that landed in the big doug fir that the PEREGRINE roost in during the winter. The only shorebirds I saw were in the wetlands at the entrance road as I was leaving the refuge at 11:30. There were KILLDEER and WESTERN SANDPIPERS. Since there is no place to safely pull off the road I didn't get he chance to really scan the area. All told we saw 42 species today with nothing new for the year. Mammals seen were EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL, COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER, and HARBOR SEALS chasing SALMON in the Nisqually River. Until next week... Phil Kelley scrubjay323 AT aol.com Lacey, WA 360-459-1499_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: window strike victim a juvenile common yellowthroat? (Jennifer Wallin) From: Jennifer Wallin <jennifer_m_wallin AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 19:18:18 -0400 Link to pictures of a beautiful, very small bird that was the victim of a window strike at an office building in Bothell this morning. I brought him home to bury in my garden. Very petite bird, small bill, no wing bars, possibly fading black under the eye. Beautiful olive green back and entirely yellow underneath. http://www.flickr.com/photos/42405742 AT N03/ The office concensus was a juvenile common yellowthroat. Sibley's drawings do not have the extensive yellow underneath. National Geograph Field Guide to the Birds of North America illustration of the juvenile has a bit more yellow. You can see by the photo of the underneath view that this bird was bright yellow entirely. Very sad to lose such a beautiful bird. This is why my windows at home have reflective decals. We have not lost any birds that we know of since we added them to our living room picture window. Jennifer Wallin Bellevue, WA jennifer_m_wallin AT hotmail . com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Skagit Black Phoebe From: Ulrich Fritzsche <ulistelfritz AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 15:18:05 -0700 The Black Phoebe was seen today in the same area as mentioned by Gary BletschUlrich & Stella Fritzsche _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Vaux's Swift info From: Diann MacRae <tvulture AT vei.net> Date: Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:33:34 -0700 Patricia and Tweets, Following is an earlier "press release" for the special Swift Night Out in Monroe. Be assured there will be swifts all month and into very early October. Any night for the next couple weeks can be a great night. Monroe Swift Night Out 2010 The annual Monroe Swift Night Out will be held on September 11, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to dusk at the Frank Wagner Elementary School, 115 Dickinson Road, Monroe, Washington. Free. Watch thousands of Vaux's Swifts squeeze themselves into a 4-foot square chimney - the second largest gathering of these swifts in North America. These tiny birds are on their southward migration after nesting in the north. There will be a lecture in the school auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Docents will be available from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. to answer questions and there will be an information booth with comparative bird displays. In addition, booths related to conservation, wildlife, birds, and education will be featured along with food booths. But best of all will be the chance to watch the swifts' aerial performances in the sky and their impressive "dive" into the chimney._______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Swifts at Monroe From: Patricia Oates <pamoates AT clearwire.net> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 11:27:52 -0700 Will there still be swifts at Monroe this weekend?_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Camera Help From: retief AT deweydrive.com Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 12:24:04 -0500 There are 2 other "relative bargain" lenses which just happen to be available for several of the major brands. I have used both of these and can attest to quality, if you believe me of course :-). These are the Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 and the Sigma 500mm f4.5. Oh, Sigma also makes a 100-300mm f4 which is really a bargain. These are all HSM, in Sigma jargon this just means they have focus motors in the lenses so focus is pretty quick. Compared to the cost of Canon and Nikon lenses these are huge bargains. I have used the 120-300 with both Nikon and Sigma TC's, although the Nikon TC requires a small modification. For full disclosure I shoot Nikon and use a 400 mm f2.8 and the 200-400 f4 VR as my two prime bird lenses, the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 as secondary. Should anyone want to see samples from these lenses, drop me an email. One of the really fun things I have done with the Sigma 500mm was to stack a Nikon 2.0 and a 1.4 TC together. No AF, and I had to be really rock solid, but it sure was fun to do. Luckily the Heron wasn't moving. Quoting Bill Anderson : > Canon has a 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 zoom with image stabilization, which is what I > attach to my 7D for�bird photography.���It too is extremely versatile and the > > camera + lens�is light enough that I can shoot hand held using my preferred > "walk and stalk" method.��The lens is a relative "bargain" at $1,800�compared > to > the cost of a straight telelphoto. > > Bill Anderson; Edmonds, WA > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters AT u.washington.edu > http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Camera Help From: Bill Anderson <billandersonbic AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 08:51:20 -0700 (PDT) Ilene Samowitz wrote --->� As a Nikon shooter, the one thing that I can agree with is that you can't go wrong with either.� One lens choice that is favored by a lot of wildlife shooters that use Nikon is the 200-400 f4 VR zoom.� It is extremely versatile although expensive. To date, Canon does not have an equivalent lens.� <---- Canon has a 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 zoom with image stabilization, which is what I attach to my 7D for�bird photography.���It too is extremely versatile and the camera + lens�is light enough that I can shoot hand held using my preferred "walk and stalk" method.��The lens is a relative "bargain" at $1,800�compared to the cost of a straight telelphoto. Bill Anderson; Edmonds, WA _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Link to Golden Bishop picture From: Beach Dee <beachdee AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 09:46:23 -0600 Forgot to attach this link to a local newsblog that posted the pic of the Golden Bishop in SW Seattle: http://westseattleblog.com/blog/ Scroll down to "For the Birds" dated 30 August. Dee Warnock BeachDee AT hotmail.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Cameras From: johntubbs AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 15:19:07 +0000 (UTC) Hi everyone, Digital camera technology has come so far that I believe the reality for all but the most dedicated/professional photographers is that their own knowledge of the functionality of their equipment and how to use it (including using post-processing work flow software) - assuming they have purchased 'advanced amateur' or 'professional' gear (those are in quotes because of the continuing advance of the technology) - is often the limitation rather than the equipment.  Both Nikon and Canon make great equipment.  However, I do believe that if you are going for action shots, Canon has a much bigger share of that market.  If you doubt this statement, look at the sidelines of a college or professional football game or a professional baseball game (or at the recent golf tournament in Snoqualmie).  You will see Canon's white lenses one after the other in the photographers bullpen, outnumbering Nikon's by about an order of magnitude (Nikon's and most independent brand lenses are black).  Of course, this could just be legacy share of the market since once photographers have an investment in glass, it takes a major technical impetus to switch brands and incur the major expense of re-creating an inventory of lenses for your application.  I also know a couple semi-professional videographers who now shoot virtually all of their video on their Canon DSLR's, considering the quality to be so good that a separate camcorder (especially the extremely expensive and bulky professional shoulder-carried rigs) is unnecessary for most of what they do.  You can't go wrong with either brand - especially if you expect to need only a couple of lenses - assuming you put in the time, effort and self-learning to effectively use the capabilities of your equipment.  John Tubbs Snoqualmie, WA johntubbs AT comcast.net _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Camera Help From: Ilene Samowitz <rockawaybirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 05:45:12 -0700 (PDT) As a Nikon shooter, the one thing that I can agree with is that you can't go wrong with either. One lens choice that is favored by a lot of wildlife shooters that use Nikon is the 200-400 f4 VR zoom. It is extremely versatile although expensive. To date, Canon does not have an equivalent lens. Another plus for Nikons is that noise response is still considered better on most models, ergonomics are considered better, and Nikon has a better flash system. But I hesitate to continue this discussion since it can become very heated. One reason in the past why there were more wildlife shooters in the Canon camp was that Nikon did not have long tells with VR but that changed a few years ago. One place that Canon is now ahead in general is in the video aspect of DSLRs but it looks like with recent camera bodies Nikon is closing the gap. I have a D3 and a D90 and love them both. Bottom line you can't go wrong with either brand. Remember you are not just buying a camera but investing in a system. The best thing to do is to go to a camera store and I highly recommend either Glazer"s or Kenmore Camera and to hold them and see which one feels better in your hand. Ilene Samowitz N. Matthews Beach, Seatte/Rockaway Beach, OR Sent from my iPad www.ilenesamowitz.com www.ilenesamowitzphoto.com On Aug 31, 2010, at 10:54 PM, Lyn Topinka wrote: hi ... you cant go wrong with either brand ... and you cant go wrong with either of the 4 models you mention ... traditionally ----- IMHO gleaned from talking with lots of photographers and reading lots of online reviews and blogs) ----- Nikon costs a bit more than Canon ... Nikon is a bit heavier than Canon (important if you plan on hiking a bit to look for birds and VERY important if you dont plan on using a tripod) ... and Nikon seems to be the "chosen" brand for landscape photographers but Canon seems to be the "chosen" brand for action and sports photographers (just my impression after spending lots of lunch hours browsing the internet) ... and, while some online reviews say Nikon takes just a bit better quality images, I feel that statement ignores the quality of the photographer himself/herself ... here's a nice website to read reviews on ... http://dpreview.com ... click on "buying guide" and then start browsing ... Lyn (who uses Canon) ... At 09:25 PM 8/31/2010, Blair Bernson wrote: I expect this topic may already have been thoroughly covered at some time, but if so I missed it. I am considering finally getting a Digital SLR to replace my Canon SX20IS. I love this camera for its incredible zoom power (80X combined digital and optical) but frankly unless the light is terrific, the image quality leaves a lot to be desired. I am trying to figure which direction to go with two questions: Canon vs. Nikon and also which "level" of quality (and size and expense). I have been comparing the Nikon D300S and the Canon 7D and then the Nikon D90 and the Canon T2i. All would be significant upgrades and obviously much depends on the lenses/converters used but I would greatly appreciate some feedback from Tweeters who have experience with these cameras and who perhaps went through the same analysis/paralysis before purchasing. An off site response and option to talk on the phone would be great as well. Thanks for all feedback. _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Lyn Topinka http://EnglishRiverWebsite.com http://ColumbiaRiverImages.com http://RidgefieldBirds.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: What is this bird? From: Devorah the ornithologist <birdologist AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 09:01:04 +0200 based on your description, it sounds like a young-of-the-year starling to me. On Wed, Sep 1, 2010 at 12:28 AM, Cromaat C wrote: > For a few weeks there is a bird about the same size as a starling but all > gray colored (no markings at all) and beak similar to a flickers hanging > around my patio. > > Does anyone know what it might be? > > Thank you, > T. Conyers > Seattle > cromaat93 AT gmail dot com > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters AT u.washington.edu > http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > -- GrrlScientist http://www.grrlscientist.net/ http://twitter.com/GrrlScientist http://scientopia.org/blogs/thisscientificlife/ http://blogs.nature.com/grrlscientist/ American Expat living in Frankfurt, Germany_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: RE: Golden Bishop in Southwest Seattle From: "Teresa Michelsen" <teresa AT avocetconsulting.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:59:27 -0700 Similarly, I once had a Zebra Finch in my back yard for a couple of days - quite a fun yard bird, even if it too was certainly an escapee :) Teresa Michelsen Olympia From: tweeters-bounces AT mailman2.u.washington.edu [mailto:tweeters-bounces AT mailman2.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Beach Dee Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 10:48 PM To: TWEETERS Subject: [Tweeters] Golden Bishop in Southwest Seattle My dad sent me an email with pic attached that he took in his back yard in the Fauntleroy (SW Seattle) area around 29 August, of a Yellow-crowned Bishop (aka Golden Bishop). He'd sent an email with the pic to a woman recommended by the Audubon, who ID'd it for him and suggested it almost had to be an escapee/release. I thought some of you might find it interesting. A very pretty bird, bright yellow and black. Dee Warnock BeachDee AT hotmail.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Camera Help From: Lyn Topinka <pointers AT pacifier.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:54:52 -0700 hi ... you cant go wrong with either brand ... and you cant go wrong with either of the 4 models you mention ... traditionally ----- IMHO gleaned from talking with lots of photographers and reading lots of online reviews and blogs) ----- Nikon costs a bit more than Canon ... Nikon is a bit heavier than Canon (important if you plan on hiking a bit to look for birds and VERY important if you dont plan on using a tripod) ... and Nikon seems to be the "chosen" brand for landscape photographers but Canon seems to be the "chosen" brand for action and sports photographers (just my impression after spending lots of lunch hours browsing the internet) ... and, while some online reviews say Nikon takes just a bit better quality images, I feel that statement ignores the quality of the photographer himself/herself ... here's a nice website to read reviews on ... http://dpreview.com ... click on "buying guide" and then start browsing ... Lyn (who uses Canon) ... At 09:25 PM 8/31/2010, Blair Bernson wrote: > I expect this topic may already have been thoroughly covered at > some time, but if so I missed it. I am considering finally getting > a Digital SLR to replace my Canon SX20IS. I love this camera for > its incredible zoom power (80X combined digital and optical) but > frankly unless the light is terrific, the image quality leaves a > lot to be desired. I am trying to figure which direction to go > with two questions: Canon vs. Nikon and also which "level" of > quality (and size and expense). I have been comparing the Nikon > D300S and the Canon 7D and then the Nikon D90 and the Canon > T2i. All would be significant upgrades and obviously much depends > on the lenses/converters used but I would greatly appreciate some > feedback from Tweeters who have experience with these cameras and > who perhaps went through the same analysis/paralysis before > purchasing. An off site response and option to talk on the phone > would be great as well. Thanks for all feedback. > > > >_______________________________________________ >Tweeters mailing list >Tweeters AT u.washington.edu >http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Lyn Topinka http://EnglishRiverWebsite.com http://ColumbiaRiverImages.com http://RidgefieldBirds.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Golden Bishop in Southwest Seattle From: Beach Dee <beachdee AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:48:21 -0600 My dad sent me an email with pic attached that he took in his back yard in the Fauntleroy (SW Seattle) area around 29 August, of a Yellow-crowned Bishop (aka Golden Bishop). He'd sent an email with the pic to a woman recommended by the Audubon, who ID'd it for him and suggested it almost had to be an escapee/release. I thought some of you might find it interesting. A very pretty bird, bright yellow and black. Dee Warnock BeachDee AT hotmail.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Swift counts From: Larry Schwitters <lpatters AT ix.netcom.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:33:04 -0700 All of tweeter land will want to check out this YouTube taken a year ago at the U of Oregon by Garth Hagerman. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TT07lAdNaM Richard, you might want to send this link back to your East Coast friends and see if they still consider a 10,000 swift evening unlikely. At the really large chimneys, like Agate Hall in Eugene or Portland Chapman, when the birds are really in a hurry they can go in at 300 plus per second. So those sites often end up having their counts expressed as estimates. The sites with smaller chimneys are a lot easier, with the swifts going in at close to 10 per second. So our counters are usually simply counting by tens. Last week Richard Repp in Yakima averaged his count by tens total with another observer's total and came up with 830. Someone else had filmed the birds entry, took it home and played it through in super slow mo. They ticked off 1041 swift entries, one at a time. On our Vaux's Happening website is a photo taken down the Rio Lindo Academy chimney by Brad Benson. http://www.vauxhappening.org/Vauxs_Happening/Data.html He counted nearly 7 thousand swifts going in that night. Does the chimney has room for triple that? It looks like they are hanging on each other 4 deep. Must have been a cold night. > Is the thing on the top a counter or a video cam? A high quality, > very sharp video camera which we got up and running 6 hours ago > > Does the rope go to a door you can close? The rope will be used to > pull up and secure a 40 foot extension ladder when service is > necessary. > Do the birds nest in hollow trees or smaller chimneys, or both? > Both. One little chimney will only have one nest. One great big > chimney will usually not have any. > Do predators ever raid the flock? We watched 4 VASW get eaten by > crows this afternoon. We were able to record one. > In LA Ravens grab swifts near their roost chimney. This April's > downtown LA huge roost site discovery was one of Audubon Vaux's > Happening's most rewarding accomplishments. Now to protect it. > > Larry Schwitters Issaquah On Aug 31, 2010, at 8:50 AM, rccarl AT pacbell.net wrote: > My East Coast friends, astonished at the Monroe Swift numbers, are > referring to them as "Sarah Palin crowd estimates". So how do you > count those Swifts? We watched them last night and agree that > thousands entered that chimney but where do they all fit??? Is the > thing on the top a counter or a video cam? Does the rope go to a > door you can close? Do predators ever raid the flock? In LA Ravens > grab swifts near their roost chimney. We've seen hawks troll > through bat clouds to catch bats. Do the birds nest in hollow trees > or smaller chimneys, or both? > > Way cool ! > > Richard Carlson > Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian > Part-time Economist > Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA > rccarl AT pacbell.net > Tucson 520-760-4935 > Tahoe 530-581-0624 > Kirkland 425-828-3819 > Cell 650-280-2965 > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters AT u.washington.edu > http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Camera Help From: Blair Bernson <blair AT washingtonadvisorygroup.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:25:08 -0700 I expect this topic may already have been thoroughly covered at some time, but if so I missed it. I am considering finally getting a Digital SLR to replace my Canon SX20IS. I love this camera for its incredible zoom power (80X combined digital and optical) but frankly unless the light is terrific, the image quality leaves a lot to be desired. I am trying to figure which direction to go with two questions: Canon vs. Nikon and also which "level" of quality (and size and expense). I have been comparing the Nikon D300S and the Canon 7D and then the Nikon D90 and the Canon T2i. All would be significant upgrades and obviously much depends on the lenses/converters used but I would greatly appreciate some feedback from Tweeters who have experience with these cameras and who perhaps went through the same analysis/paralysis before purchasing. An off site response and option to talk on the phone would be great as well. Thanks for all feedback._______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Updated Shorebird VIDEOS: Guess the species before opening the link!! From: Khanh Tran <fsprucegrouse AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:44:56 -0700 (PDT) Hi all, � Here are updated shorebird videos from this�past weekend.��See�if you can guess the species before opening the video links. � Be�sure to watch in 720P or higher for better resolution.� Allow videos to process if your computer speed is slow. Watching in 480 is okay, too. Sorry for the wind noise!! � Shorebirds are sure�fun to watch!!�� � �************************FEATURED VIDEOS****************************** � �A) This�bird is generally nests on wetter lowland tundra compared to it's counterpart.��It's feeding next to its cousin who has black armpits.� �http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGHQfXl41Vw � For a comparison, a younger�bird: �This 'questionable' one was videoed�at Oceanshores�this Saturday. � http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knSNMbEgJBs � ********************************************************************** � B) I consider this bird�the mini�'Roadrunners' of the sandy beaches: � http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T3ykzHExB8 � � ************************************************************************* � C)�This juvenile lobed species has a boldy striped back and thin bill: � http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEADg8ev6wU � � *************************************************************************** � D) A shorebird that combines both features of Tringa sandpipers and dowitchers: � http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0WRaAvcLD8 � ****************************************************************************** � �Enjoy! � ktbirding.com � Khanh Tran (Portland, Oregon) _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Moonwalking Manakins From: Marc Hoffman <tweeters AT dartfrogmedia.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:11:07 -0700 Wow!!! Definitely worth watching this one to the end. - Marc Hoffman Kirkland, WA At 12:03 PM 8/31/2010, travel girl wrote: >you have to see it to believe... >http://blogs.tampabay.com/photo/2010/08/video-nature-research.html _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Cooper's Hawk From: Whitney H <ms_whitneyk AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:58:34 -0700 TWeeters- At about 4:45 this afternoon,I wandered out onto my deck because I heard one of our local GBH squawking and sounding close. I grabbed my camera to see if I could get an eye-level shot, but it veered off and over the building roof before I could even focus. Oh well I thought.... and then, shooting from the East at the 2nd floor level, I saw the local Cooper's Hawk come in, only to fly up and land on the mansard roof of the condos next to mine. Since I had my camera, I was able to get a couple of shots before the Barn Swallows effectively shooed him away.... Here are links:http://flic.kr/p/8x9ypQhttp://flic.kr/p/8x9zAS Enjoy. Whitney H. Des Moines, WA _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: tweeters@u.washington.edu read this now From: Keith U <seakeithrun AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:39:30 +0000 what's up tweeters AT u.washington.edu You should order some so you can try the diet with me look at this http://bit.ly/9veeHl _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: What is this bird? From: Cromaat C <cromaat93 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:28:19 -0700 For a few weeks there is a bird about the same size as a starling but all gray colored (no markings at all) and beak similar to a flickers hanging around my patio. Does anyone know what it might be? Thank you, T. Conyers Seattle cromaat93 AT gmail dot com_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Mt. Rainier Grouse? Ptarmigan? From: Brenda Burnett <beaknbird AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:26:09 -0700 Parent and 2 chicks--chicks had lots of white on them; parent was pretty much plain tortoise-shell brown/black all over, black spot on the face. Didn't see any white patches on the parent, but she was standing in ground cover. No ruff on the head like a Ruffed Grouse would have. My bird i.d. skills were badly compromised because of the drama a few yards down the trail: a mother bear was sending her 2 cubs up a tree and stood on the trail guarding the tree and watching us, so we were trying to enjoy the bird family a few yards from our feet while backing slowly away from the bear situation in front of us. Multi-tasking! BTW, this was on the Lakes Trail about 1/2 mile down from the connection with the Skyline Trail out of Paradise. Brenda Burnett Seattle beaknbird at hotmail dot com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Moonwalking Manakins From: travel girl <travelgirl.fics AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:03:55 -0700 you have to see it to believe... http://blogs.tampabay.com/photo/2010/08/video-nature-research.html 00 caren http://www.ParkGallery.org george davis creek, north fork_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: RE: FW: Acorn Woodpecker From: "Wilson Cady" <gorgebirds AT juno.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:57:44 GMT Yes this is Balch Rd. near Lyle, in Klickitat County. Balch loops off of Old Highway 8 and returns to that road about one mile west. You want to check around the eastern intersection of Balch with Old Highway 8. Wilson Cady Washougal, WA ---------- Original Message ---------- From: rccarl AT pacbell.net To: 'Wilson Cady' , tweeters AT u.washington.edu, Bob Sundstrom Subject: RE: [Tweeters] FW: Acorn Woodpecker Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:48:52 -0700 (PDT) Is this Balc rd near Lyle, WA???? Richard Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA rccarl AT pacbell.net Tucson 520-760-4935 Tahoe 530-581-0624 Kirkland 425-828-3819 Cell 650-280-2965 --- On Tue, 8/31/10, Bob Sundstrom wrote: From: Bob Sundstrom Subject: RE: [Tweeters] FW: Acorn Woodpecker To: "'Wilson Cady'" , tweeters AT u.washington.edu Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 11:13 AM In late May of this year, I saw two Acorn Woodpeckers along Old Hwy. 8, near where its east jct. with Balch Rd. The birds were very close to road (Hwy. 8), atop small oak trees. Bob Sundstrom From: tweeters-bounces AT mailman2.u.washington.edu [mailto:tweeters-bounces AT mailman2.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Wilson Cady Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 7:47 PM To: rogermoyer1 AT hotmail.com Cc: tweeters AT u.washington.edu Subject: Re: [Tweeters] FW: Acorn Woodpecker I saw Acorn Woodpeckers using the granary tree in February and April of this year. In the past they have nested near the house Roger mentioned up Balch Road just below the converted schoolhouse home of Galen Wood. Check both areas as they store acorns in the granary tree for their winter food supply and nest in the surrounding forest. And as the acorns ripen this fall the woodpeckers will be gathering them and bringing to the granary tree. Wilson Cady Washougal, WA ____________________________________________________________ $13/Month Car Insurance? Insurance deal just passed now allows you to get car insurance for $13 GoGetAutoInsurance.com -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters ____________________________________________________________ Obama Urges Homeowners to Refinance If you owe under $729k you probably qualify for Obama's Refi Program http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c7d35016b57f980ebcst06vuc_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: RE: FW: Acorn Woodpecker From: rccarl AT pacbell.net Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:48:52 -0700 (PDT) Is this Balc rd near Lyle, WA???? Richard Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA rccarl AT pacbell.net Tucson 520-760-4935 Tahoe 530-581-0624 Kirkland 425-828-3819 Cell 650-280-2965 --- On Tue, 8/31/10, Bob Sundstrom wrote: From: Bob Sundstrom Subject: RE: [Tweeters] FW: Acorn Woodpecker To: "'Wilson Cady'" , tweeters AT u.washington.edu Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 11:13 AM In late May of this year, I saw two Acorn Woodpeckers along Old Hwy. 8, near where its east jct. with Balch Rd.� The birds were very close to road (Hwy. 8), atop small oak trees. � Bob Sundstrom � From: tweeters-bounces AT mailman2.u.washington.edu [mailto:tweeters-bounces AT mailman2.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Wilson Cady Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 7:47 PM To: rogermoyer1 AT hotmail.com Cc: tweeters AT u.washington.edu Subject: Re: [Tweeters] FW: Acorn Woodpecker � I saw Acorn Woodpeckers�using the granary tree�in�February and April of this year.� In the past they have nested near the house�Roger mentioned up Balch Road just below the converted schoolhouse home of Galen Wood. Check both areas as they store acorns in the granary tree for�their winter food supply and nest in the�surrounding forest. And�as the acorns�ripen this fall�the woodpeckers�will be gathering them and bringing to�the granary tree. � Wilson Cady Washougal, WA ____________________________________________________________ $13/Month Car Insurance? Insurance deal just passed now allows you to get car insurance for $13 GoGetAutoInsurance.com -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: re: Acorn Woodpecker From: "Scott Downes" <downess AT charter.net> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:49:01 -0700 I had contacted Roger upon seeing his post, just in case there was a "new location" that I was not aware of and just in case the birds have stopped using the long-running granary tree since I checked it in April of this year. I am familiar with the schoolhouse location and would agree with other posters that it certainly appears that granary tree along Hwy. 8 is still in their pattern of use and due to the short distance between the two locations, likely the same birds use both spots. Thanks to Roger and all of the other respondents. Scott Downes downess AT charter.net Yakima WA _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: RE: FW: Acorn Woodpecker From: "Bob Sundstrom" <ixoreus AT scattercreek.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:13:40 -0700 In late May of this year, I saw two Acorn Woodpeckers along Old Hwy. 8, near where its east jct. with Balch Rd. The birds were very close to road (Hwy. 8), atop small oak trees. Bob Sundstrom From: tweeters-bounces AT mailman2.u.washington.edu [mailto:tweeters-bounces AT mailman2.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Wilson Cady Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 7:47 PM To: rogermoyer1 AT hotmail.com Cc: tweeters AT u.washington.edu Subject: Re: [Tweeters] FW: Acorn Woodpecker I saw Acorn Woodpeckers using the granary tree in February and April of this year. In the past they have nested near the house Roger mentioned up Balch Road just below the converted schoolhouse home of Galen Wood. Check both areas as they store acorns in the granary tree for their winter food supply and nest in the surrounding forest. And as the acorns ripen this fall the woodpeckers will be gathering them and bringing to the granary tree. Wilson Cady Washougal, WA ____________________________________________________________ $13/Month Car Insurance? Insurance deal just passed now allows you to get car insurance for $13 GoGetAutoInsurance.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Swift counts From: rccarl AT pacbell.net Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:50:59 -0700 (PDT) My East Coast friends, astonished at the Monroe Swift numbers, are referring to them as "Sarah Palin crowd estimates".� So how do you count those Swifts?� We watched them last night and agree that thousands entered that chimney but where do they all fit???� Is the thing on the top a counter or a video cam?� Does the rope go to a door you can close?� Do predators ever raid the flock?� In LA Ravens grab swifts near their roost chimney.� We've seen hawks troll through bat clouds to catch bats.� Do the birds nest in hollow trees or smaller chimneys, or both? Way cool ! Richard Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA rccarl AT pacbell.net Tucson 520-760-4935 Tahoe 530-581-0624 Kirkland 425-828-3819 Cell 650-280-2965_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: FW: Acorn Woodpecker From: annmariewood AT comcast.net Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:14:52 +0000 (UTC) Hi Wilson: FYI:  My son, GLENN Wood, and his family live in the restored school house on Balch Rd. His wife  is the 4th ge neration of the Hamm family who acquired and developed the land along both sides of Balch Rd.  While some of the property changed hands over the years, including the farm house and granery tree, three homes and hundreds of acres are still in the hands of Hamm descendants.....none of whom are birders, yet.  I'm still working on my grandchildren!   Cheers, Ann Marie Wood Mountlake Terrace, WA ----- "Wilson Cady" wrote: ----- "Wilson Cady" wrote: I saw Acorn Woodpeckers using the granary tree in February and April of this year.  In the past they have nested near the house Roger mentioned up Balch Road just below the converted schoolhouse home of Galen Wood. Check both areas as they store acorns in the granary tree for their winter food supply and nest in the surrounding forest. And as the acorns ripen this fall the woodpeckers will be gathering them and bringing to the granary tree.   Wilson Cady Washougal, WA ____________________________________________________________ $13/Month Car Insurance? Insurance deal just passed now allows you to get car insurance for $13 GoGetAutoInsurance.com GoGetAutoInsurance.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Twin Lakes Nighthawk From: Hans-Joachim Feddern <thefedderns AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:36:36 -0700 At about 7:45 pm tonight, a lone COMMON NIGHTHAWK was cruising over Treasure Island Park, Twin Lakes, Federal Way, WA. A single female RUDDY DUCK has been on Lake Lorene for more then a week. Other FOS - first of winter season - birds were two RING-NECKED DUCKS a couple of days ago and two female AMERICAN WIGEONS tonight. Good Birding! Hans Feddern Twin Lakes, Federal Way, WA. thefedderns AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit From: Bill Anderson <billandersonbic AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:20:42 -0700 (PDT) My dentist's office manager mentioned�seeing the 520 osprey�when I went in for a teeth cleaning last week. Bill Anderson; Edmonds, WA�� ________________________________ From: "Okano, Pamela" To: tweeters AT u.washington.edu Sent: Mon, August 30, 2010 5:55:50 PM Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit I have twice in the last week (including today)�seen an osprey on a light standard on 520 Eastbound, right before the Montlake exit.� I have been taking this route for more than 30 years and have never before seen osprey there.� Confidentiality: The preceding message (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. sections 2510-2521, is confidential and may also be protected by attorney-client or other privilege. If you believe that it has been sent to you in error, please delete it. Thank you. _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Black Phoebe refound at Skagit Game Range From: "Grace and Ollie Oliver" <grace.ollie AT verizon.net> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:04:49 -0700 Tweeters, Around 6:30pm this evening the Black Phoebe was refound at Fir Island Game Range, Skagit Co. in general area Gary Bletsch described in his tweeters posting yesterday. Thanks! Grace Oliver Redmond, WA _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Labor Day Wenas From: Jon Leland <jon_leland AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:00:57 -0700 (PDT) I found lots of info on wenas campground online, but�the vast majority of it�references the big Audubon Memorial Day campout.� Is this area open for camping year-round?� Who is the managing agency and is advance permission required to camp there?� Is September still a good time for birding this area?� Will it be crowded (or even open) up there this coming Labor Day weekend? Thanks in advance for any advice, etc. Jon Seattle, WA _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: FW: Acorn Woodpecker From: "Joseph V Higbee" <jvhigbee AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:17:49 -0700 For those interested, I have put a picture of a tree trunk at the location mentioned along with a couple shots of the woodpeckers seen there here: http://www.pbase.com/jvhigbee/c_current Joseph Higbee Spanaway, WA Mailto: jvhigbee AT hotmail.com_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: RE: Wooodland Park raptor 'mystery' From: mattxyz AT earthlink.net Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:02:11 -0700 Well, I live close enough to the Zoo to try to investigate a little tonight. As a couple of the Zoo folks have already said, I'd agree Cooper's Hawk is the correct id on these birds. I couldn't go into the zoo since it was after closing time, but from the west entrance you can get a good view of the Zoo Tunes area: Around 7:30, a series of calls started to ring out -- I only got one brief view of a raptor, but the calls continued, obviously from multiple [2 or 3] birds, for the 20 minutes I sat there. On listening to my cds afterwards, it seems to me to clearly match the calls on the Cornell tapes listed as 'juvenile solicitation calls' -- 'spEEEEow, spEEEEow spEEEow' is the transliteration they give that fit pretty solidly. Nothing on the Northern Harrier recordings came close. Not a bad way to spend a bit of evening --- Matt Bartels Seattle, WA >At ZooTunes Sunday night - I was digging Herbie Hancock getting >funky with Watermelon Man, but he had stiff competition in the >antics of several Northern Harriers swooping back and forth across >the North Meadow. They were present, in and out of the trees and >flying fairly low over the crowd for at least a couple of hours. At >points, their near-constant vocalizing was louder than the music! I >don't know what prey they might have been eyeing - someone's picnic, >or a very small child? > >It reminded me of a Little League game I attended recently, during >which a pair of Osprey repeatedly brought prey to their nestlings >cozily ensconsed atop one of the field's light standards. I was >pretty excited, but very few others seemed interested (despite my >pointing and exclamations)... > >Debbie McLeod >Kirkland >_______________________________________________ >Tweeters mailing list >Tweeters AT u.washington.edu >http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: FW: Acorn Woodpecker From: "Wilson Cady" <gorgebirds AT juno.com> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:47:23 GMT I saw Acorn Woodpeckers using the granary tree in February and April of this year. In the past they have nested near the house Roger mentioned up Balch Road just below the converted schoolhouse home of Galen Wood. Check both areas as they store acorns in the granary tree for their winter food supply and nest in the surrounding forest. And as the acorns ripen this fall the woodpeckers will be gathering them and bringing to the granary tree. Wilson Cady Washougal, WA ____________________________________________________________ $13/Month Car Insurance? Insurance deal just passed now allows you to get car insurance for $13 http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c7c6d65aca45934fd4st03vuc_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: RE: Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit From: "Okano, Pamela" <pokano AT rmlaw.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:34:15 -0700 I can see why you thought Northern Goshawk, but as you say, the long wings and location indicate osprey. I'm always driving and can't stop to look for very long -----Original Message----- From: Clarke F O'Reilly [mailto:cfor AT u.washington.edu] Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 6:39 PM To: Okano, Pamela Cc: tweeters AT u.washington.edu Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit meant to post earlier - this "guy" was sitting on a SR 520 lamp post - 9 Aug. - I'd been thinking female Northern Goshawk, but I suppose it is a juvenile Osprey, based on location over Portage Bay & the LONG WINGS!!? On Mon, 30 Aug 2010, Okano, Pamela wrote: > > > I have twice in the last week (including today)�seen an osprey on a > light standard on 520 Eastbound, right before the Montlake exit. I have been taking this route for more than 30 years and have never before seen osprey there. > > > Confidentiality: > The preceding message (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. sections 2510-2521, is confidential and may also be protected by attorney-client or other privilege. If you believe that it has been sent to you in error, please delete it. Thank you. > Clarke O'Reilly, MAT Tel./FAX: 206.325.4425 cfor AT uw.edu, CFOReilly AT mac.com cforjnr AT msn.com, oreic AT spu.edu_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: RE: Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit From: "Okano, Pamela" <pokano AT rmlaw.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:31:54 -0700 I suspect that's the one! Thanks! I wonder when it will go south and whether it will be back next season. -----Original Message----- From: Clarke F O'Reilly [mailto:cfor AT u.washington.edu] Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 6:39 PM To: Okano, Pamela Cc: tweeters AT u.washington.edu Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit meant to post earlier - this "guy" was sitting on a SR 520 lamp post - 9 Aug. - I'd been thinking female Northern Goshawk, but I suppose it is a juvenile Osprey, based on location over Portage Bay & the LONG WINGS!!? On Mon, 30 Aug 2010, Okano, Pamela wrote: > > > I have twice in the last week (including today)�seen an osprey on a > light standard on 520 Eastbound, right before the Montlake exit. I have been taking this route for more than 30 years and have never before seen osprey there. > > > Confidentiality: > The preceding message (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. sections 2510-2521, is confidential and may also be protected by attorney-client or other privilege. If you believe that it has been sent to you in error, please delete it. Thank you. > Clarke O'Reilly, MAT Tel./FAX: 206.325.4425 cfor AT uw.edu, CFOReilly AT mac.com cforjnr AT msn.com, oreic AT spu.edu_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Fill Sora still around From: Jeffrey Bryant <jbryant_68 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:57:12 -0700 (PDT) Took a chance this afternoon that John Tubbs' juvenile Sora had stuck around.� Planted myself at the turtle log overlook, where I was entertained by three (!) Green Herons; one adult and two young 'uns.� Also out in the cove, a first-year Podiceps grebe that I assumed was a Horned Grebe, but upon double-checking various guides, feel may well have been an Eared Grebe, based on bill shape and head coloration.� The resident Pied-billed Grebes were giving him much grief.� If he's there tomorrow, I'll take a more informed look... As I was pointing the grebe out to another birder, I heard the unmistakable call of a Sora, and rudely rushed off to investigate.� The bird was very vocal, calling about every 15 seconds for several minutes from some hidey-hole in the cattails closest to the grassy trail.� He sounded to be moving westward, so I positioned myself at the ONLY spot where you can actually see some muddy shore under the cattails, and waited.� Eventually he DID allow several brief views. I've been waiting about 8 years to find this bird at the Fill!� Thanks John and Connie! jeff bryant seattle jbryant_68 at yahoo _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: FW: Acorn Woodpecker From: Roger Moyer <rogermoyer1 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:36:44 -0700 Scott Downs just asked me about my post particularly the Grainery Tree and directions to where I saw the birds this weekend. First the comment on the Grainary Tree. The reason why I stated that I can't vouch for the accuracy of the local gentleman's statement is that the Grainary Tree is only a quarter to half a mile flight from where I saw the birds. So it is not at all inconceivable that the birds are flying down to use the same tree. For directions to find the birds. Go to Lyle. On the west side of the Klickitat River simply take Hwy. 8 off of Hwy. 14. Go to Balch Rd. Turn right and go up the hill about 200 yards and there is an old school house and a farm yard just down the hill from there with a couple of sided out buildings. Close to the road just south of the out buildings are 3-4 big Pine trees. There is 1 dead one. I saw 1 there and then the other 1 just down the hill and in another dead pine just to the east. Please remember this is private property and you need to stay on the road right of way. I asked permission of the owners of the out buildings to look for the woodpecker and the ladies husband wasn't home. She wasn't comfortable with me looking around without her husband's permission. I think in the future if someone asks the husband's permission will be given. The owner of the out buildings lives down on Highway 8 just west of Balch Rd. in the house with the big horse sigh in front of it. For up to the minute reports you can talk to the owner of the school house he seems to keep track of them. He was quite amiable. Roger Moyer Chehalis, WA From: downess AT charter.net To: rogermoyer1 AT hotmail.com Subject: Acorn Woodpecker Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:32:47 -0700 Roger, Saw your post on Acorn Woodpeckers. I did stop by the location on Hwy. 8 earlier this spring and had luck, but perhaps they are not using the tree now. I am leading a Yakima Valley Audubon trip next weekend to this area. In case the Acorn Woodpeckers aren't using the granary tree any longer, can you give me the directions to where you had them? Thanks. Scott Downes _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Osprey on 520 near Montlake Exit From: "Okano, Pamela" <pokano AT rmlaw.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:55:50 -0700 I have twice in the last week (including today) seen an osprey on a light standard on 520 Eastbound, right before the Montlake exit. I have been taking this route for more than 30 years and have never before seen osprey there. Confidentiality This e-mail and its attachments are confidential and may be protected by the attorney/client privilege, work product doctrine, or other nondisclosure protection. If you believe that it has been sent to you in error, you may not read, disclose, print, copy, store or disseminate the e-mail or any attachments or the information in them. Please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, and then delete it. Thank you. _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Woodland Park-Sunday afternoon From: "Chuck Reinsch" <creinsch AT humbirds.org> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:57:07 -0700 Anybody on tweeters at the Herbie Hancock concert yesterday that might have ID'd the 3 raptors (2 adults and one juvenile) that flew (training flights?) through, around and about the north meadow? They put on quite a show, both visual and aural. chuck reinsch seattle _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: LESSER SANDPLOVER PHOTOS From: "Ruth Sullivan" <godwit513 AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:57:24 -0700 Hello Tweeters, I checked the photos out,There are not looking that good than when we done them.But if you some looking them on Medium ore Smalll There looking better. Cheers Ruth _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: LESSER SANDPLOVER PHOTOS!!!!!! From: "Ruth Sullivan" <godwit513 AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:36:45 -0700 Hello Tweeter, I finally got all my photos of the {Mongolian Plover) Photos up. (I love this old name better)Most of the photos I took taken on Thursday,where I had the OK fm the ELITE Birders,who already saw this bird already.This photos was taken not so close,but still looking good,and it was in the evening when the Sun is going down.Thanks Guys being so kind to even get this photos.(the same was happen on the Eurasian Dotterel also in Ocean Shores, Michael Hobbs was witnessed this event.Birders in long line all looking at the Dotterel,When there all agreed giving me permission to going forward taken photos,this any photos (I make sure don't spook the bird.This Eurasian Dotterel is still on my website. So I call myself so lucky to get this photos ,most all was taken on Thursday evening the 27 th.This Plover did not show to late afternoon on Friday,Where he was you could not going the mud was to deep.Patrick and I having 2 older sightings of this species,one in California and one in Oregon.This bird is way overdue.I feel for all the birders coming a long way and did not seeing this bird by waiting all day,starting at 6.00 AM For me it was also great seeing all the familliar faces greeting me in such affection,what also was special.Thank you to all the have the opportunity to talk to you and also helping me to get back in my car.I got to exited and looked myself out.Birders are the greatest,I lost my Emerald Necklace in Nisqually,it was a gift from Patrick, I got it back,some man turned it in.I said " NO ONE TURN IN JEWEL'S," I was so wrong,there are good people out there ,restore my faith to being a believer. Cheers Ruth Sullivan, http://www.pbase.com/godwit _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: a few from n. Lake Stevens 8/28 From: Scott Atkinson <scottratkinson AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:27:54 -0700 Tweeters: Working in the yard pretty much all of Saturday, August 28, managed to find (see/hear) 35 bird species. Among them 2 Orange-crowns, 2 Yellows (we only get them in Aug-Sept), a Bl-thr Gray, a Wilson's, and (just off the drive), a Com. Yellowthroat for the warbler category. The sunflower seed-laden feeder was mobbed by about 20 CB Chickadees and lesser numbers of BC; also, about 7 RB Nuthatches visited at different times, allowing views from as close as 3 ft. The most noteworthy birds of the morning were a RED-EYED VIREO and a lingering PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER. While the latter is common here in spring and summer, they become difficult to find after about early Aug. Also, today at Discovery Park, another PURPLE MARTIN was over the south meadow. We don't get RE Vireo every year up here at Tiny's Land. Scott Atkinson Lake Stevens mail to: scottratkinson AT hotmail.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Of swifts, woodpeckers and flycatchers. From: Roger Moyer <rogermoyer1 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:19:43 -0700 While going to a family reunion over by Bigg's Junction this weekend I decided to leave a couple days early to see if I could find a WHITE HEADED WOODPECKER at Wenas Creek. Going over White Pass I stopped at Oak Creek Burn Area to check out the LEWIS' WOODPECKER population. I got a quick count of 16. This was in the heat of the day so I am sure there are a few more. In to Wenas I found the FLICKER, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, HAIRY, DOWNY and probably heard the the WHITE HEADED WOODPECKER. I had the PACIFIC-SLOPE, GRAY, HAMMOND'S and probably the LEAST FLYCATCHERS. Along with the EASTERN and WESTERN KINGBIRD, SAY'S PHOEBE and WESTERN WOOD PEWEE. I called Wilson Cady (Many Thanks by the way) for directions for the ACORN WOODPECKER which would become a new state record for me. Wilson told me exact directions to the Grainary Tree. And he told me about the ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER and LESSER GOLDFINCHS all around Lyle. So I took off and looked for them. With the fire there the road was closed on Thursday. But on Friday morning I was able to go looking for them. I set up my scope on the Grainary Tree a local gentleman stopped by and said the ACORN WOODPECHERS weren't using the tree anymore. ( I can't vouch for the accuracy of his statement.) But he said that the birds were up by his place the old schoolhouse by Balch Pond. Sure enough he gave me directions which trees to look at and within a half hour a pair of them showed up. In the mean time an ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER and LESSER GOLDFINCH both showed up. So again a big thanks to Wilson Cady for three new state records 325, 326, 327. I can only assume is migration of the VAUX'S SWIFTS. I was along the Klickitat River on Thursday night and saw more swifts than I think I have ever seen at one time. There must have been between 2-3,000 migrating through. I also had several larger ones in the flocks. From the different sizes I think a couple were WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS and one was a BLACK SWIFT. For the chimney conservationists you should talk to the people in the town of Klickitat just out of Goldendale. They have a wonderful chimney that a local population of Swifts are using. It is probably 150-200' tall and no longer in use. Roger Moyer _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Late Pied-bill Grebe Chicks From: Richard Fleming <richflem AT speakeasy.net> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:16:45 -0700 In 2008 we had 2 downy chicks on the back of mom on the 1st of October. In that year the pair produced four clutches starting in May. Unfortunately, no pied-bill grebes nested on Green Lake in 2010. One pair nested four times in 2009. We think that only one chick survived into the fall. In 2008 there were four pair nesting on the lake. Prior years had as many as a dozen pairs nesting on Green Lake. _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Fill this morning From: Connie Sidles <constancesidles AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:29:55 -0700 Hey tweets, the Fill was really hopping with migrants this morning. Constellations of Yellow Warblers are coming through, ranging in sun- bright yellowness all the way from a G-zero class star to G-8. Some of them are rivaled by very yellow-looking Orange-crowned Warblers, who don't seem to mind foraging right next to duller colored brethren. I found bunches in every bush, most especially in the alder grove kitty- corner from the kiosk, in the cottonwoods and treeline near Boy Scout Pond, and in Surber Grove. Also in mixed flocks were Warbling Vireos and Willow Flycatchers and one Lincoln's Sparrow. Also in Surber: an Olive-sided Flycatcher (!!), Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Brown Creeper. Three juvenile Cooper's Hawks were doing their best to snare one of the hundreds of American Goldfinches feasting on the chicory in Hunn Meadow East. No luck. They ganged up on the Green Heron who has made Main Pond its home, but that was bust too. The Green Heron was too feisty. - Connie, Seattle constancesidles AT gmail.com www.constancypress.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Swifts at Monroe From: Larry Schwitters <lpatters AT ix.netcom.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:30:05 -0700 Make that 11,000 plus at Monroe last night. I will strive to do more careful work in the future. In the world of Black Swifts, they are getting data off their recovered geolocators. Larry Schwitters Issaquah On Aug 30, 2010, at 9:37 AM, Larry Schwitters wrote: > Tweeters, > > You probably missed the huge flocks of Passenger Pigeons, but there > are still enough Vaux's Swifts to put on a show you will never > forget. There were 13,000 plus at Monroe Frank Wagner elementary > last night. > > Check out the chimney earthquake retrofit that local Audubon pulled > off instead of a tear down. Marvel at what a spectacle it will be > on the WDFW website if we can get those two security cameras up and > running. > > Larry Schwitters > Issaquah > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters AT u.washington.edu > http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Swifts at Monroe From: Larry Schwitters <lpatters AT ix.netcom.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:37:13 -0700 Tweeters, You probably missed the huge flocks of Passenger Pigeons, but there are still enough Vaux's Swifts to put on a show you will never forget. There were 13,000 plus at Monroe Frank Wagner elementary last night. Check out the chimney earthquake retrofit that local Audubon pulled off instead of a tear down. Marvel at what a spectacle it will be on the WDFW website if we can get those two security cameras up and running. Larry Schwitters Issaquah _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: FW: RE: Northern Harrier at Wooodland Park From: "Eric Kowalczyk" <aceros AT mindspring.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:01:57 -0700 three Cooper's hawks recently fledged at Woodland Park Zoo (in the area just behind the zoostage); check out the zoo's blog: http://woodlandparkzblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/wild-coopers-hawks-nesting-at- zoo.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Woodland ParkZBlog+%28Woodland+Park+Zoo+Blog+%7C+Naturally+Inspiring%29 Eric Seattle > [Original Message] > From: Debbie McLeod > To: tweeters AT u.washington.edu > Date: 8/29/2010 11:41:20 PM > Subject: [Tweeters] RE: Northern Harrier at Wooodland Park > > At ZooTunes Sunday night - I was digging Herbie Hancock getting funky with Watermelon Man, but he had stiff competition in the antics of several Northern Harriers swooping back and forth across the North Meadow. They were present, in and out of the trees and flying fairly low over the crowd for at least a couple of hours. At points, their near-constant vocalizing was louder than the music! I don't know what prey they might have been eyeing - someone's picnic, or a very small child? > > It reminded me of a Little League game I attended recently, during which a pair of Osprey repeatedly brought prey to their nestlings cozily ensconsed atop one of the field's light standards. I was pretty excited, but very few others seemed interested (despite my pointing and exclamations)... > > Debbie McLeod > Kirkland > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters AT u.washington.edu > http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Skagit Sunday - Rainy Pass-Cutthroat Pass From: mattxyz AT earthlink.net Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:23:16 -0700 Hi Tweeters - Having spent Saturday standing in place at the birder social at Ocean Shores, I needed a more active Sunday. So, following in Gary Bletsch's footsteps from a week earlier, I headed up to Rainy Pass on SR20 and hiked from there to Cutthroat Pass & back. Highlights: Am. Three-toed Woodpecker -had them in 3 places -- first, just down the trail from the parking lot -- could still see the cars from the spot where I watched this one. Then, near the log crossing of Porcupine Ck. And once on the way down, between those 2 spots. Prairie Falcon - one sharp looking one was working the Cutthroat Pass area. Sooty Grouse - a mother w/ ~4 young stepped out in front of me on the trail and ignored me for a long while. Clark's Nutcracker - heard everywhere from parking lot to the pass. Gray Jay - greatly outnumbered by the Clark's -- still had 2-3 sightings and several heard. Northern Pygmy-Owl - one, about a mile from the parking lot. Mountain Chickadee - saw a couple, up not far from the campsites - heard a few more. Olive-sided Flycatchers - 2,' pip pip pipping ' away from a snag - getting late for them. Chipping Sparrow - just a couple up near the pass. Finch numbers seemed low -- I heard a couple flocks of Evening Grosbeaks down low, had seveal flyovers of Pine Siskin, and had a group of ~4 almost-certainly Pine Grosbeak fly silently by at the pass. But nothing else On the way home I made a brief stop at the Skagit Game Range where Gary & I enjoyed the Black Phoebe, as reported by Gary. The phoebe did not seem particularly interested in my ipod playback, so just waiting & listening seems most promising for this stakeout. A good day, Matt Bartels Seattle, WA_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Fill rails From: Connie Sidles <constancesidles AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:10:40 -0700 Hey tweets, I think the answer is clear: John takes the honors. Who am I to rail against fate? - Connie On Aug 29, 2010, at 7:37 PM, Marc Hoffman wrote: > So: If John Tubbs found it, and Connie Sidles reported it here, does > it not beg the question "Whose Sora Now?" > > Marc Hoffman > Kirkland, WA > (Whose wife and family disavow any responsibility for his bad puns) > > At 10:02 AM 8/28/2010, Connie Sidles wrote: >> Hey tweets, John Tubbs (may his name ever resound) found a juvenile >> SORA at the Fill this morning. _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: RE: tweeters@u.washington.edu respond when you can From: Keith U <seakeithrun AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:34:02 +0000 tweeters AT u.washington.edu how are you? looks like this news article was in your area...take a look http://bit.ly/9L3fa3 http://bit.ly/blWkqq http://bit.ly/blnLTG http://bit.ly/d4kE5w http://bit.ly/dd4tOB http://bit.ly/b5RY3u http://bit.ly/ceCZjS http://bit.ly/bsmop3 http://bit.ly/cHWXXv http://bit.ly/baZW4Y http://bit.ly/cIiP2M http://bit.ly/c8dEua http://bit.ly/9Y1aSn http://bit.ly/bII25z http://bit.ly/d1ykU3 http://bit.ly/aUR2Nr http://bit.ly/93jqBA http://bit.ly/dn7UrZ http://bit.ly/aB7iIN http://bit.ly/bK01bD http://bit.ly/cYFURu http://bit.ly/9e2S8T http://bit.ly/9C5pAZ _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: RE: Northern Harrier at Wooodland Park From: Debbie McLeod <athanases AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:40:32 -0700 (GMT-07:00) At ZooTunes Sunday night - I was digging Herbie Hancock getting funky with Watermelon Man, but he had stiff competition in the antics of several Northern Harriers swooping back and forth across the North Meadow. They were present, in and out of the trees and flying fairly low over the crowd for at least a couple of hours. At points, their near-constant vocalizing was louder than the music! I don't know what prey they might have been eyeing - someone's picnic, or a very small child? It reminded me of a Little League game I attended recently, during which a pair of Osprey repeatedly brought prey to their nestlings cozily ensconsed atop one of the field's light standards. I was pretty excited, but very few others seemed interested (despite my pointing and exclamations)... Debbie McLeod Kirkland _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Little Blue Heron relocated? From: "Grace and Ollie Oliver" <grace.ollie AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:49:48 -0700 Tweeters, Was anyone successful in relocating the Little Blue Heron? Here's the tweeters alert that came out on Friday. Ryan Merrill received a report of an adult Little Blue Heron seen yesterday morning along the Douglas County shoreline of Wells Reservoir, approximately 1.5-2 miles downstream of Bridgeport, WA. Thanks, Grace Oliver Redmond, WA _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: List removal? From: Pete <hikerpete AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:04:24 -0700 Hi, Can you please provide me instructions on how I can be removed from the tweeters list? thanks, Pete_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Late breeding pied-billed grebes From: "Bert Bartleson" <bartlesonfsc AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:05:08 -0700 Hi Tweets, I have a question that was sparked by Evan Houstan's terrific photo from the fill of the mom and baby PBGB. When I returned from my vacation on August 22rd I found that my resident PBGR had three very young chicks. They were swimming near her, not riding on her back. I watched her try to get them to dive but at first they were having none of it. She would call to them and dive from their midst. The babies looked around like where did mom go? Today they were successfully diving by themselves near shore. Is this apparent very late breeding usual behavior for PBGR's? Thanks, Bert Bartleson, Olympia _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: re Kauai birding and California Gnatcatcher From: Larry Schwitters <lpatters AT ix.netcom.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:52:10 -0700 Well put Mark. Spotted Owls were being nailed to posts like it was their fault. I guess the logic was that if there are no more owls to protect then we can go back to clear cutting. Larry Schwitters Issaquah On Aug 29, 2010, at 7:33 PM, Mark Egger wrote: > ???? Actually, saving what very little is left of the old growth > forests in the PNW is hardly an "anti-logger" effort! This is/was a > one of the top conservation priorities of the National Audubon > Society and the Washington State Audubon, and this effort, which has > met only mixed success, was designed to preserve an entire > ecosystem, including numerous rare species of animals and plants, > including the Marbled Murrelet, as well as the Spotted Owl. As to > this having "destroyed entire communities," I would contend that any > town whose economy is based primarily on logging old growth timber > is a doomed town in any case. Old growth logging is a dead-end > prospect no matter how you cut it. (sorry for the pun). If they > don't choose to diversify, as many such towns have, they will go > under soon, Spotted Owl or no Spotted Owl. I worked in the woods > cutting fire trails, cleaning creeks, and planting trees for almost > a decade, so I know what I'm talking about here. I saw first-hand > the devastation of clear-cut logging, the window-dressing that the > logging companies use to excuse their rapacious behavior, and the > mono-culture desert they plant to replace what was a diverse natural > ecosystem. At some point you have to say, enough -- what's left of > the old growth should be protected not just for owls but for > watershed conservation and for the entire community of organisms for > which the Spotted Owl is an indicator species. > > As to Mt. Graham, I actually agree with you, and I think the F.S. > made a good-faith effort to mitigate the habitat damage. But I see > that example as WAY different from either the owl or the > gnatcatcher. Also, I think most people who are aware of wildlife > conservation issues at all are probably just as well-informed about > the plight of the native Hawaiian avifauna as they are about the > gnatcatcher or the squirrel, and there have been substantial efforts > over years to both educate folks and to solve the problems. But > there's little that can be done about mosquito-borne diseases, food > plants that are now extinct, and other problems these species face. > > Bottom line, I agree with you completely that every effort should be > made to try to stop the collapse of the honeycreeper declines, but I > disagree with you that this implies that our efforts to save other > species are misguided or not equally as important. > > Mark > > > > > > On Aug 29, 2010, at 4:04 PM, rccarl AT pacbell.net wrote: > >> My point is that our priorities for saving species are completely >> cockeyed. Trying to accomplish everything usually gets you >> nothing. If you spend 90% of your effort on 10% of the problem >> you'll lose 90% of the time. Saving Hawaiian birds should be our >> top priority, but they are the bottom. >> >> We have 14 critically endangered species in the US (IUCN Redlist >> not counting the ones already extinct). 13 of these critical >> species are in Hawaii, but 90% of the effort has been elsewhere. >> Next to nothing is happening to save all those unique Hawaiian >> species while we let various political activists use the Endangered >> Species Act for other purposes at huge economic and political >> cost. Anti-loggers used the Spotted Owl to stop logging here in >> the NW: that cost 100's of million of dollars and destroyed entire >> communities. Anti-growth activists used the California >> Gnatcatcher (yes, it's cute, but far from critically endangered and >> very similar to other gnatcatchers). That effort probably cost a >> billion dollars. Finally, in Arizona, anti-science Luddites used >> the newly "discovered" Mt. Graham sub-species of the red squirrel >> to try to stop one of the great astronomy projects on the planet. >> >> While we were in the midst of all these other headline and resource >> grabbing controversies, most birders and nearly all the rest of the >> nation, had no idea that Hawaiian bird populations were collapsing. >> >> >> >> Richard Carlson >> Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian >> Part-time Economist >> Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA >> rccarl AT pacbell.net >> Tucson 520-760-4935 >> Tahoe 530-581-0624 >> Kirkland 425-828-3819 >> Cell 650-280-2965 >> >> --- On Fri, 8/27/10, m.egger AT comcast.net wrote: >> >> From: m.egger AT comcast.net >> Subject: [Tweeters] re Kauai birding and California Gnatcatcher >> To: tweeters AT u.washington.edu >> Date: Friday, August 27, 2010, 4:06 PM >> >> >> >> Secondly, I couldn't let Richard Carlson's statement from the >> message below go unanswered: "While we've spent enourmous efforts >> to "save" barely ID'able sub-species -- Mt. Graham squirrels, Cal >> Gnatcatcher etc., we've let an entire Hawiian avifauna collapse". >> While I agree that the Hawaiin endemic are wonderful & need more >> conservation efforts to same them, I completely disagree with the >> implication that the Mt. Graham Squirrel and the California >> Gnatcatcher are "barely ID'able sub-species" apparently not worthy >> of conservation efforts. First, the California Gnatcatcher is a >> full and well-marked species, not a subspecies (and it's a very >> cool little bird!), easily distinguished from the other >> gnatcatchers when one knows what to look for. Moreover, it is >> easily conserved, IF we choose to save what's left of its habitat. >> Sadly, the situation with the Hawaiian forest endemics is more >> complex & they face a whole set of serious threats to their >> existence: habitat destruction, disease, introduced predators, loss >> of native food plants, climate change, etc. Anyway, my point is >> that both the Hawaiian endemics AND the endangered species on the >> mainland of North America deserve out strongest efforts to protect >> their habitats and help them survive. >> >> Mark >> > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters AT u.washington.edu > http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Fill rails From: Marc Hoffman <tweeters AT dartfrogmedia.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:37:44 -0700 So: If John Tubbs found it, and Connie Sidles reported it here, does it not beg the question "Whose Sora Now?" Marc Hoffman Kirkland, WA (Whose wife and family disavow any responsibility for his bad puns) At 10:02 AM 8/28/2010, Connie Sidles wrote: >Hey tweets, John Tubbs (may his name ever resound) found a juvenile >SORA at the Fill this morning._______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Sun Lakes State Park-Tennessee Warbler From: "Doug Schonewald" <dschone8 AT donobi.net> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:58:44 -0700 After a long spell of not being able to get away Barb and I spent all day birding Grant County. While the weather was wonderful there was little to report with the exception of a Female/1st Fall TENNESSEE WARBLER at the picnic area of Sun Lakes State Park. Also of interest at Sun Lakes was an adult Peregrine which perched along the cliff and sent many of he birds scrambling. Most areas visited were reasonably birdy with migrating sparrows and warblers at all locations. Most numerous were the good numbers of Wilson's Warblers. We did see our first of the year White-crowned Sparrows at several locations. Soap Lake held a few shorebirds but the largest concentrations by far were the Red-necked Phalaropes. There was probably several hundred at East Beach. Interestingly there were few raptors present with a single red-tail, several kestrels, and the peregrine the only raptors seen all day. I cannot remember the last time I only saw a single red-tail in a day of birding in the Columbia Basin. Cheers Doug Schonewald Moses Lake, WA _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Sun Lakes State Park-Tennessee Warbler From: "Doug Schonewald" <dschone8 AT donobi.net> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:58:44 -0700 After a long spell of not being able to get away Barb and I spent all day birding Grant County. While the weather was wonderful there was little to report with the exception of a Female/1st Fall TENNESSEE WARBLER at the picnic area of Sun Lakes State Park. Also of interest at Sun Lakes was an adult Peregrine which perched along the cliff and sent many of he birds scrambling. Most areas visited were reasonably birdy with migrating sparrows and warblers at all locations. Most numerous were the good numbers of Wilson's Warblers. We did see our first of the year White-crowned Sparrows at several locations. Soap Lake held a few shorebirds but the largest concentrations by far were the Red-necked Phalaropes. There was probably several hundred at East Beach. Interestingly there were few raptors present with a single red-tail, several kestrels, and the peregrine the only raptors seen all day. I cannot remember the last time I only saw a single red-tail in a day of birding in the Columbia Basin. Cheers Doug Schonewald Moses Lake, WA _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list Inland-nw-birders AT uidaho.edu https://www.lists.uidaho.edu/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders Subject: Re: Fill rails From: Marc Hoffman <tweeters AT dartfrogmedia.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:37:44 -0700 So: If John Tubbs found it, and Connie Sidles reported it here, does it not beg the question "Whose Sora Now?" Marc Hoffman Kirkland, WA (Whose wife and family disavow any responsibility for his bad puns) At 10:02 AM 8/28/2010, Connie Sidles wrote: >Hey tweets, John Tubbs (may his name ever resound) found a juvenile >SORA at the Fill this morning._______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: RE: re Kauai birding and California Gnatcatcher From: Mark Egger <m.egger AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:33:38 -0700 ???? Actually, saving what very little is left of the old growth forests in the PNW is hardly an "anti-logger" effort! This is/was a one of the top conservation priorities of the National Audubon Society and the Washington State Audubon, and this effort, which has met only mixed success, was designed to preserve an entire ecosystem, including numerous rare species of animals and plants, including the Marbled Murrelet, as well as the Spotted Owl. As to this having "destroyed entire communities," I would contend that any town whose economy is based primarily on logging old growth timber is a doomed town in any case. Old growth logging is a dead-end prospect no matter how you cut it. (sorry for the pun). If they don't choose to diversify, as many such towns have, they will go under soon, Spotted Owl or no Spotted Owl. I worked in the woods cutting fire trails, cleaning creeks, and planting trees for almost a decade, so I know what I'm talking about here. I saw first-hand the devastation of clear-cut logging, the window-dressing that the logging companies use to excuse their rapacious behavior, and the mono-culture desert they plant to replace what was a diverse natural ecosystem. At some point you have to say, enough -- what's left of the old growth should be protected not just for owls but for watershed conservation and for the entire community of organisms for which the Spotted Owl is an indicator species. As to Mt. Graham, I actually agree with you, and I think the F.S. made a good-faith effort to mitigate the habitat damage. But I see that example as WAY different from either the owl or the gnatcatcher. Also, I think most people who are aware of wildlife conservation issues at all are probably just as well-informed about the plight of the native Hawaiian avifauna as they are about the gnatcatcher or the squirrel, and there have been substantial efforts over years to both educate folks and to solve the problems. But there's little that can be done about mosquito-borne diseases, food plants that are now extinct, and other problems these species face. Bottom line, I agree with you completely that every effort should be made to try to stop the collapse of the honeycreeper declines, but I disagree with you that this implies that our efforts to save other species are misguided or not equally as important. Mark On Aug 29, 2010, at 4:04 PM, rccarl AT pacbell.net wrote: > My point is that our priorities for saving species are completely > cockeyed. Trying to accomplish everything usually gets you > nothing. If you spend 90% of your effort on 10% of the problem > you'll lose 90% of the time. Saving Hawaiian birds should be our > top priority, but they are the bottom. > > We have 14 critically endangered species in the US (IUCN Redlist not > counting the ones already extinct). 13 of these critical species > are in Hawaii, but 90% of the effort has been elsewhere. Next to > nothing is happening to save all those unique Hawaiian species while > we let various political activists use the Endangered Species Act > for other purposes at huge economic and political cost. Anti- > loggers used the Spotted Owl to stop logging here in the NW: that > cost 100's of million of dollars and destroyed entire communities. > Anti-growth activists used the California Gnatcatcher (yes, it's > cute, but far from critically endangered and very similar to other > gnatcatchers). That effort probably cost a billion dollars. > Finally, in Arizona, anti-science Luddites used the newly > "discovered" Mt. Graham sub-species of the red squirrel to try to > stop one of the great astronomy projects on the planet. > > While we were in the midst of all these other headline and resource > grabbing controversies, most birders and nearly all the rest of the > nation, had no idea that Hawaiian bird populations were collapsing. > > > > Richard Carlson > Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian > Part-time Economist > Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA > rccarl AT pacbell.net > Tucson 520-760-4935 > Tahoe 530-581-0624 > Kirkland 425-828-3819 > Cell 650-280-2965 > > --- On Fri, 8/27/10, m.egger AT comcast.net wrote: > > From: m.egger AT comcast.net > Subject: [Tweeters] re Kauai birding and California Gnatcatcher > To: tweeters AT u.washington.edu > Date: Friday, August 27, 2010, 4:06 PM > > > > Secondly, I couldn't let Richard Carlson's statement from the > message below go unanswered: "While we've spent enourmous efforts to > "save" barely ID'able sub-species -- Mt. Graham squirrels, Cal > Gnatcatcher etc., we've let an entire Hawiian avifauna collapse". > While I agree that the Hawaiin endemic are wonderful & need more > conservation efforts to same them, I completely disagree with the > implication that the Mt. Graham Squirrel and the California > Gnatcatcher are "barely ID'able sub-species" apparently not worthy > of conservation efforts. First, the California Gnatcatcher is a full > and well-marked species, not a subspecies (and it's a very cool > little bird!), easily distinguished from the other gnatcatchers when > one knows what to look for. Moreover, it is easily conserved, IF we > choose to save what's left of its habitat. Sadly, the situation with > the Hawaiian forest endemics is more complex & they face a whole set > of serious threats to their existence: habitat destruction, disease, > introduced predators, loss of native food plants, climate change, > etc. Anyway, my point is that both the Hawaiian endemics AND the > endangered species on the mainland of North America deserve out > strongest efforts to protect their habitats and help them survive. > > Mark >_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Juvenile Green Heron at Nisqually NWR From: Tony <tvarela AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:24:43 -0700 During a walk on the North side trail we were fortunate to observe this heron on the prowl in the canal. http://tonyv.smugmug.com/Nature/NWR/11427960_dZs9b#987418597_qfy6U-XL-LB _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Skagit Black Phoebe From: Gary Bletsch <garybletsch AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:17:14 -0700 (PDT) Dear Tweeters, This afternoon at around four, I pulled into the Fir Island Game Range. Matt Bartels waved me over about ten seconds later, and within a minute or two, we were looking at a Black Phoebe. This is almost certainly the one that Bob Hamblin found here on, I think it was, the 20th August. The Game Range (often now called Wylie Slough) has two parking areas; park at the huge new one with the (clean) new toilet. This is the parking area closer to the boat launch, NOT the headquarters parking area. In mid-parking-lot is a gap in the fence, near an orange sign warning about "hunters with guns" (one of several of these signs here). Stand on the dike by the gap in the fence and scan the "middle pond." The bird was doing the same thing for Matt and me that it did for Bob, flycatching and moving among low perches by the water's surface. We watched it catch a dragonfly or damselfly. It spent some time on the west side of the east hedgerow, and also the east side of the west hedgerow. Listen for a call, rather soft in volume, sounding like "tseek" or "tseet." Over at Hayton Preserve, with a flock of about 300 Canada Geese, were 11 White-fronted Geese. These birds had briefly held the title of "bird of the day"--for the fifteen minutes prior to my bumping into Matt! Yours truly, Gary Bletsch � Near Lyman, Washington (Skagit County), USA � garybletsch AT yahoo.com � � _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Fwd: FW: Fascinating Hummingbird Video From: Will Markey <yekramw AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:01:31 -0700 I have seen this PBS documentary on TV. It is great. I found listening to the producer talk about the filming of the documentary in this You Tube segment very interesting. I thought many of you out there would be interested and enjoy it. Will & Willie Markey E of Auburn of Soos Creek. > > > > Click your mouse here: Humming > Birds< http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hjnc1kHMDDo&feature=player_embedd > ed> > > or: > > http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hjnc1kHMDDo&feature=player_embedded > > > > > > -- Will Markey_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: Updated version of (excel) WA County Checklists available at WA Birder site From: rccarl AT pacbell.net Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:28:01 -0700 (PDT) Beautiful job and, I'm sure, an enormous effort.  I'm keeping county lists in WA, AZ, CA & MN, but wish MN didn't have so many ^&*() counties. RCC Richard Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA rccarl AT pacbell.net Tucson 520-760-4935 Tahoe 530-581-0624 Kirkland 425-828-3819 Cell 650-280-2965 --- On Wed, 8/25/10, Matt Bartels wrote: From: Matt Bartels Subject: [Tweeters] Updated version of (excel) WA County Checklists available at WA Birder site To: "tweeters" , "InlandNW" Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 12:02 PM #yiv1355411251 {font-family:Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-family:arial, sans-serif;background-color:#ffffff;color:black;}#yiv1355411251 p{margin:0px;}  Hi Tweeters & Inland NW Birders - I've just completed the latest update to the excel version of the WA  County Checklist , based on the latest county checklist updates at WA Birder and on the new taxonomic decisions of the AOU in their 51st checklist supplement.   If you are looking for a handy source for the new names & revised ordering of the WA list, with the longspurs & some buntings moved ahead of the warblers, the new genus for Orange-crowned Warbler …. not to mention the Pacific Wren’s appearance – this could be helpful. The checklist is available at: http://www.wabirder.com/bartel_co_checklist.html This version of the checklist is based on the latest updates of county-firsts compiled by Ken & Laurie Knittle for Washington Birder, and covering information gleaned through August 2010. It includes:   1. Revisions of all the Western Washington county checklists. Rather than update one or two counties per quarter as has been done in the past, Ken & Laurie Knittle worked with local experts and revised all the Western WA counties this time around.  If you have a particular county you are interested in, the pdfs of the one-page checklists are also updated & available on the WA birder site.   2. In addition to updating the list with the AOU 51 changes, Clements/Avisys  sort order is included for those who want to compare between this and their Avisys lists.   3. Many county firsts, and a few more error corrections (sorry!)   If you are looking for a quick reference for how common a given species is in any county, this excel file can be handy. Further, if you are interested in keeping track of your county lists, this file  works as a checklist for each county and the state as a whole. As needed, the list can be sorted back & forth between older checklist arrangements, Avisys's Clements ordering, or the newest taxonomic list decision from the AOU. Thanks again to the Knittle's for making this data available in Washington Birder, and thanks to those who have sent questions, comments or suggestions. Let me know if you have any problems working with the sheet or ideas for changes. Finally, for anyone already using the old file who wants instructions  on how to transfer your information from that one to this new one,  read on (for everyone else, I'd recommend skipping the dry  instructions that follow). Short version: Use the the same tax order to sort both your old file  and the new one. Add blank lines the where new species will be inserted (none for this update), but check to be sure you've got 503 species in the last version you used. ‘Copy’ the color-coded cells portion of old file, and paste "values" only into the new file [using “paste-special”]. Longer Step-by-step Explanation: 1. Download newest file from webpage [save under a different name than your own file] 2. Open both the new file and your old one. 3. Make sure both old and new files are sorted according to the same taxonomic order (the 4 sorting options are given in columns c, d, e, and f).To sort according to one of them, select the entire file and click 'sort' from the 'Data' menu. Check the box for ‘Header Row’, and then select the desired sort order in the top box, with the default setting of Ascending selected. 4. On your [old] file, insert blank rows [using the 'rows' option on the Insert menu] where new species will be added. For this summer 2010 update, there are no new species to add lines for, but check to be sure you've got 503 species in the last version you used. (The most recent additions were the Greater Pewee & Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, so check for those first) Those changes will leave your data ready for transfer. 6. On your [old] file, highlight all of the cells that have the color coding in them and press control-C to copy this section [or use the  'copy' option from the Edit menu]. In the present file (once you've  added the blank rows for the new state species) this would be all the  cells from G4 to AT506. 7. Click on the G4 box of the new file, and then choose 'paste special' from the edit menu. In the dialogue box that opens, select 'values' under the paste section [instead of 'all']. It is important to paste only the values -- otherwise you will bring over all the old  color codes too! All your data should be pasted into the new file. 8. Do some double checking to ensure the formulas are adding up to  the same numbers they did in the old file. Also check to be sure you  haven't brought over the old color codes [check a new 'county first'  like the Franklin County Marbled Godwit to ensure you have the color codes from the newest version in place] 9. Once you’ve successfully transferred your data, you can sort the new list according to the most current taxonomic ordering by repeating the sort instructions in step 3 above. That should do it. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions -- Matt Bartels Seattle, WA -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Updated version of (excel) WA County Checklists available at WA Birder site From: rccarl AT pacbell.net Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:28:01 -0700 (PDT) Beautiful job and, I'm sure, an enormous effort.  I'm keeping county lists in WA, AZ, CA & MN, but wish MN didn't have so many ^&*() counties. RCC Richard Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA rccarl AT pacbell.net Tucson 520-760-4935 Tahoe 530-581-0624 Kirkland 425-828-3819 Cell 650-280-2965 --- On Wed, 8/25/10, Matt Bartels wrote: From: Matt Bartels Subject: [Tweeters] Updated version of (excel) WA County Checklists available at WA Birder site To: "tweeters" , "InlandNW" Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 12:02 PM #yiv1355411251 {font-family:Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-family:arial, sans-serif;background-color:#ffffff;color:black;}#yiv1355411251 p{margin:0px;}  Hi Tweeters & Inland NW Birders - I've just completed the latest update to the excel version of the WA  County Checklist , based on the latest county checklist updates at WA Birder and on the new taxonomic decisions of the AOU in their 51st checklist supplement.   If you are looking for a handy source for the new names & revised ordering of the WA list, with the longspurs & some buntings moved ahead of the warblers, the new genus for Orange-crowned Warbler …. not to mention the Pacific Wren’s appearance – this could be helpful. The checklist is available at: http://www.wabirder.com/bartel_co_checklist.html This version of the checklist is based on the latest updates of county-firsts compiled by Ken & Laurie Knittle for Washington Birder, and covering information gleaned through August 2010. It includes:   1. Revisions of all the Western Washington county checklists. Rather than update one or two counties per quarter as has been done in the past, Ken & Laurie Knittle worked with local experts and revised all the Western WA counties this time around.  If you have a particular county you are interested in, the pdfs of the one-page checklists are also updated & available on the WA birder site.   2. In addition to updating the list with the AOU 51 changes, Clements/Avisys  sort order is included for those who want to compare between this and their Avisys lists.   3. Many county firsts, and a few more error corrections (sorry!)   If you are looking for a quick reference for how common a given species is in any county, this excel file can be handy. Further, if you are interested in keeping track of your county lists, this file  works as a checklist for each county and the state as a whole. As needed, the list can be sorted back & forth between older checklist arrangements, Avisys's Clements ordering, or the newest taxonomic list decision from the AOU. Thanks again to the Knittle's for making this data available in Washington Birder, and thanks to those who have sent questions, comments or suggestions. Let me know if you have any problems working with the sheet or ideas for changes. Finally, for anyone already using the old file who wants instructions  on how to transfer your information from that one to this new one,  read on (for everyone else, I'd recommend skipping the dry  instructions that follow). Short version: Use the the same tax order to sort both your old file  and the new one. Add blank lines the where new species will be inserted (none for this update), but check to be sure you've got 503 species in the last version you used. ‘Copy’ the color-coded cells portion of old file, and paste "values" only into the new file [using “paste-special”]. Longer Step-by-step Explanation: 1. Download newest file from webpage [save under a different name than your own file] 2. Open both the new file and your old one. 3. Make sure both old and new files are sorted according to the same taxonomic order (the 4 sorting options are given in columns c, d, e, and f).To sort according to one of them, select the entire file and click 'sort' from the 'Data' menu. Check the box for ‘Header Row’, and then select the desired sort order in the top box, with the default setting of Ascending selected. 4. On your [old] file, insert blank rows [using the 'rows' option on the Insert menu] where new species will be added. For this summer 2010 update, there are no new species to add lines for, but check to be sure you've got 503 species in the last version you used. (The most recent additions were the Greater Pewee & Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, so check for those first) Those changes will leave your data ready for transfer. 6. On your [old] file, highlight all of the cells that have the color coding in them and press control-C to copy this section [or use the  'copy' option from the Edit menu]. In the present file (once you've  added the blank rows for the new state species) this would be all the  cells from G4 to AT506. 7. Click on the G4 box of the new file, and then choose 'paste special' from the edit menu. In the dialogue box that opens, select 'values' under the paste section [instead of 'all']. It is important to paste only the values -- otherwise you will bring over all the old  color codes too! All your data should be pasted into the new file. 8. Do some double checking to ensure the formulas are adding up to  the same numbers they did in the old file. Also check to be sure you  haven't brought over the old color codes [check a new 'county first'  like the Franklin County Marbled Godwit to ensure you have the color codes from the newest version in place] 9. Once you’ve successfully transferred your data, you can sort the new list according to the most current taxonomic ordering by repeating the sort instructions in step 3 above. That should do it. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions -- Matt Bartels Seattle, WA -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters_______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list Inland-nw-birders AT uidaho.edu https://www.lists.uidaho.edu/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders Subject: RE: More on Ocean Shores...Hardly A Bad Day At All From: Rccarl <rccarl AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:12:41 -0700 Thanks for the early Plover note. I tried but smartphone failed Fri. -----Original Message----- From: Blair Bernson Sent: Sunday, August 29, 2010 11:11 AM To: tweeters AT u.washington.edu Subject: [Tweeters] More on Ocean Shores...Hardly A Bad Day At All With so many skilled birders at the Game Range at Ocean Shores, there are many others who could do a better job on reporting what was seen despite not seeing the coveted Mongolian/Lesser Sand Plover, so I will mostly comment on "the experience" which was so very positive. I was fortunate in seeing the first post on the Lesser Sand Plover literally minutes after it was first posted just through happenstance. Knowing that such rarities are often very ephemeral, the temptation of course was to "get in the car and go". But other responsibilities made that at least difficult, so I hesitated. I also suspected that while seeing this bird would certainly be a wonderful addition to my "state list" that I may have seen it earlier elsewhere in the world. I checked and confirmed that although I had not seen it in Asia (where I have birded only briefly) that I had seen it many years ago (in the '70's) when I was much more avid and there was a visitor to Oregon. And thus I absolutely determined to postpone a trip until the next day. And as has been reported, that delay meant I did not see the Plover while an immediate "go decision" probably would have resulted in that success. BUT...while sure there was disappointment, what a great day anyhow. The weather was fabulous and Ocean Shores and the Game Range in particular was populated by many dozens (certainly over 70) of eager birders and many, many great birds as has already been pointed out. And it was great fun and instructive to meet and listen to and bird with many of the people (from all over the state and Oregon) whose names and observations regularly appear on this site. And despite the shared disappointment of "the miss", the pervasive mood was positive and appreciative of simply having the opportunities to participate in "birding" and the window that the activity gives us all into this wonderful natural world including its mysteries of "why was this bird here in the first pla [The entire original message is not included] _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: Re: re Kauai birding and California Gnatcatcher From: rccarl AT pacbell.net Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:04:55 -0700 (PDT) My point is that our priorities for saving species are completely cockeyed.� Trying to accomplish everything usually gets you nothing.� If you spend 90% of your effort on 10% of the problem you'll lose 90% of the time.� Saving Hawaiian birds should be our top priority, but they are the bottom. We have 14 critically endangered species in the US (IUCN Redlist not counting the ones already extinct).� 13 of these critical species are in Hawaii, but 90% of the effort has been elsewhere.� Next to nothing is happening to save all those unique Hawaiian species while we let various political activists use the Endangered Species Act for other purposes at huge economic and political cost. � Anti-loggers used the Spotted Owl to stop logging here in the NW: that cost 100's of million of dollars and destroyed entire communities. � Anti-growth activists used the California Gnatcatcher (yes, it's cute, but far from critically endangered and very similar to other gnatcatchers). � That effort probably cost a billion dollars.� Finally, in Arizona, anti-science Luddites used the newly "discovered" Mt. Graham sub-species of the red squirrel to try to stop one of the great astronomy projects on the planet. While we were in the midst of all these other headline and resource grabbing controversies, most birders and nearly all the rest of the nation, had no idea that Hawaiian bird populations were collapsing.� Richard Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA rccarl AT pacbell.net Tucson 520-760-4935 Tahoe 530-581-0624 Kirkland 425-828-3819 Cell 650-280-2965 --- On Fri, 8/27/10, m.egger AT comcast.net wrote: From: m.egger AT comcast.net Subject: [Tweeters] re Kauai birding and California Gnatcatcher To: tweeters AT u.washington.edu Date: Friday, August 27, 2010, 4:06 PM #yiv481098607 p {margin:0;} � Secondly, I couldn't let Richard Carlson's statement from the message below go unanswered: "While we've spent enourmous efforts to "save" barely ID'able sub-species -- Mt. Graham squirrels, Cal Gnatcatcher etc., we've let an entire Hawiian avifauna collapse". While I agree that the Hawaiin endemic are wonderful & need more conservation efforts to same them, I completely disagree with the implication that the Mt. Graham Squirrel and the California Gnatcatcher are "barely ID'able sub-species" apparently not worthy of conservation efforts. First, the California Gnatcatcher is a full and well-marked species, not a subspecies (and it's a very cool little bird!), easily distinguished from the other gnatcatchers when one knows what to look for. Moreover, it is easily conserved, IF we choose to save what's left of its habitat. Sadly, the situation with the Hawaiian forest endemics is more complex & they�face a whole set of serious threats to their existence: habitat destruction, disease, introduced predators, loss of native food plants, climate change, etc. Anyway, my point is that both the Hawaiian endemics AND the endangered species on the mainland of North America deserve out strongest efforts to protect their habitats and help them survive. � Mark � � � From: tweeters-bounces AT mailman2.u.washington.edu [mailto:tweeters-bounces AT mailman2.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of rccarl AT pacbell.net Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 8:07 AM To: tweeters AT u.washington.edu; Karen Subject: Re: Fwd: [Tweeters] Kauai birding advice?- � Don't forget the great flock of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters that come into their nests near the Lighthouse just before dusk. If you are lucky enough to see a native Hawaiian land bird, don't forget that they're disappearing.� While we've spent enourmous efforts to "save" barely ID'able sub-species -- Mt. Graham squirrels, Cal Gnatcatcher etc., we've let an entire Hawiian avifauna collapse.� When I first visited Hawaii in 1970, Iiwi & Apapane were common, now you'll be lucky to see one. Richard Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA rccarl AT pacbell.net Tucson 520-760-4935 Tahoe 530-581-0624 Kirkland 425-828-3819 Cell 650-280-2965 --- On Thu, 8/26/10, Karen wrote: From: Karen Subject: Re: Fwd: [Tweeters] Kauai birding advice?- To: tweeters AT u.washington.edu Date: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 9:11 AM I am enjoying the responses re: Kauai birding as I will be there for 10 days in November.�� I'd love to hear about any recommendations. � Thanks for your help! Karen -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: re: Ocean Beach flocking patterns From: "Dianna Moore" <dlmoor2 AT coastaccess.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:01:05 -0700 The large flocks of shorebirds have a way of disappearing suddenly, and as to where they go....we find them scattered throughout the harbor beaches, and even the golf courses. There is a lot of shoreline that is privately owned, and quite a few sand bars and small, mostly sandy islands within the harbor. If you are fortunate to be here when the tide is right (two hrs before/after high tide), they can be seen flying in brilliant ribbons across the peninsula...from the inner bay to the outer beaches as high tide arrives and back after it has passed. They often pass right over my house, and I can hear their wings as they rush overhead. There are many miles of Washington beaches they can "hide" on...all the way from Taholah in the north to the border of Oregon. Dianna Moore Ocean Shores, Wa. dlmoor2 AT coastaccess.com _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters Subject: More about The Big Year From: John Puschock <g_g_allin AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:26:29 +0000 Howdy, Getting back to The Big Year movie, there are some photos from the filming of it at http://bit.ly/cJWmH6 and http://birdersforum.com/index.php/topic,896.0.html (the second link has some of the same pics as the first, but also a few additional ones). Much of the filming -- principal photography for those of you in the biz -- was done in B.C., and these photos are from Squamish, but if you look closely, you'll see there's a WA State Ferry sign in the background of some of them, along with another one with "Anacortes Marina" on it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but since Washington ferries don't go to Squamish (unless it's for some connecting service), I'm assuming that place is a stand-in for Anacortes, though I think that would be an odd place to start a pelagic. (You'll see in the photos that there's a boat, hence my assumption that it involves a pelagic. This scene will probably have footage filmed this past summer during a Shearwater Journeys pelagic as well.) I haven't heard for sure, but I think the movie is based on the book but not a strict adaptation. I don't think the main characters will have the same names as the real people in the book. I've read that Angelica Houston is playing Debi Shearwater but won't be called Debi Shearwater, and Jim Parsons (Sheldon from "The Big Bang") is playing a blogger. Since blogs were very new in 1998, this seems to be a character added to modernize the story. And getting really picky, Steve Martin is running around with some new Swarovskis....Anyway, it would probably be easier to just wait to see the movie next year rather than sit here and make guesses. :) John Puschock Wedgwood, Seattle g_g_allin AT hotmail.com http://www.zbirdtours.com p.s. If you're really into it, there's some more about filming in B.C. at http://bit.ly/9aKB45 _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters