Birdingonthe.NetRecent Postings from
> Home > Mail |
Scarlet Tanager,©Douglas Pratt |
|
9 Feb canaan valley eagle, kingfisher [Ken Dzaack ] 9 Feb Fox Sparrow (Tucker) [Casey Rucker ] 8 Feb PVAS Bird Trip to Shenandoah River and Old Country Club Road ponds [sanford sagalkin ] 7 Feb Another Wood Duck drake, Harpers Ferry [Deb Hale ] 7 Feb Little Indian Creek WMA, Monongalia County [Terry Bronson ] 7 Feb Re: Bat flying around before dusk [Patsy Hunter ] 7 Feb Re: Bat flying around before dusk [Patsy Hunter ] 7 Feb Re: Bat flying around before dusk ["Olcott, Susan P" ] 6 Feb FOY Wood Duck et al, Harpers Ferry [Deb Hale ] 6 Feb Wild Turkey- Jefferson County [Carol Del-Colle ] 5 Feb Hancock County - Tree Sparrows [John Boback ] 5 Feb Monongahela River Trail north of Hildebrand Dam--Mergs, Grebes, Butter-butts [Terry Bronson ] 5 Feb Pine siskins [Kevin Cade ] 5 Feb Fwd: eBird Report - Pipestem State Park, Feb 5, 2012 [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 5 Feb Fwd: eBird Report - New River-Madams Creek to Sandstone Falls, Feb 5, 2012 [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 5 Feb Snow Goose & raptors @ UDC [Gary Felton ] 5 Feb Gull hat trick, Surf Scoter, Horned Grebe [Matt Orsie ] 5 Feb Chipping Sparrow [Dave Patick ] 5 Feb Fw: Post "Breakfast Special" [Bruni Haydl ] 5 Feb PVAS Birdwalk at the National Conservation Training Center [sandy sagalkin ] 5 Feb Rusty blackbirds and waterfowl ["Rankin, Gary" ] 4 Feb Bat before dark [Rennie Talbert ] 4 Feb Berkeley Co. turkeys [Alex ] 4 Feb Rte. 2 Birding [Dave Patick ] 4 Feb Eagles and Chipping Sparrows, Hardy County ["David E. Carr" ] 4 Feb Great Backyard Bird Count scheduled for Feb. 17-20 [Terry Bronson ] 4 Feb Re: Bat flying around before dusk [Gary Felton ] 4 Feb Re: Bat flying around before dusk [Steve Mace ] 3 Feb Bat flying around before dusk [Deborah Beutler ] 4 Feb common goldeneye, yellow-rumped warbler and one not idetified [Wilma Jarrell ] 3 Feb peent [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 3 Feb Watters Smith State Park and Jackson Mills 4-H Center [Terry Bronson ] 3 Feb Jefferson county waterfowl [Matt ] 3 Feb Singing Horned Lark, Common Mergansers, Ring-billed Gull- Jefferson County [Carol Del-Colle ] 3 Feb More Common Goldeneyes, other neighborhood birds, Harpers Ferry [Deb Hale ] 3 Feb 2011 CBC's [Jane Whitaker ] 3 Feb morning walk [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 2 Feb American Woodcock [Mike Griffith ] 2 Feb wide variety of waterfowl/Winfield Locks [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 2 Feb Randolph County Crossbills ["Tallman, Robert E" ] 2 Feb Re: birds, recently [Bruni Haydl ] 2 Feb Cheat Lake RB Merganser; Core Arboretum update [Terry Bronson ] 2 Feb Re: birds, recently [Terry Bronson ] 2 Feb We are now within Bald Eagle safe dates! [Richard Bailey ] 2 Feb FOY Yellow-bellied Sapsucker- Yard/Summit Point [Carol Del-Colle ] 2 Feb birds, recently [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 2 Feb ruffed grouse [Wilma Jarrell ] 1 Feb RS nest [Bruni Haydl ] 1 Feb Winter finches defy prognosticators ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 1 Feb Turkey Vulture Roost/Cross Lanes [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 1 Feb Vulture Roost [] 1 Feb Randolph Countyr Mergansers ["Tallman, Robert E" ] 31 Jan Golden-crowned Kinglets [Willa Grafton ] 31 Jan Screech Owl [Rennie Talbert ] 31 Jan Northern Pintail - Claymont Court [Matt ] 31 Jan Pied-billed Grebe at Teter Creek Lake in Barbour County [Kyle Aldinger ] 31 Jan Showing off [Bruni Haydl ] 30 Jan Cheat Lake additions [Ryan Tomazin ] 30 Jan Barbour-Randolph-Tucker-Preston Counties loop; Canaan Valley Shrike--maybe [Terry Bronson ] 30 Jan American Pipits --- Harrison Co.; Waterfowl --- Cheat Lake [Derek Courtney ] 30 Jan 50+ Siskins (Tucker) [Casey Rucker ] 30 Jan open water has helped ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 30 Jan ducks and bald eagle [Wilma Jarrell ] 29 Jan Ross's Goose, Bonaparte's Gull, Red Crossbills and other FOY's [Matt ] 30 Jan Surf Scoter and American wigeons on Shenandoah River - Jefferson County [Bird Mom ] 29 Jan Brooke County - A Bufflehead [John Boback ] 29 Jan Preston notables - Black Vultures, ducks, Rusty Blackbird ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 29 Jan Moncove Lake, Monroe County [Sharyn Ogden ] 29 Jan Multiplying Meadowlarks, Harpers Ferry [Deb Hale ] 29 Jan Another huge Wild Turkey flock [Terry Bronson ] 28 Jan Ride [Herb & Sarah Myers ] 28 Jan Purple Finches and Robin [Ginnie ] 28 Jan Pleasant Creek WMA and Tygart Lake birds [Terry Bronson ] 28 Jan test message [Ginnie ] 28 Jan Pipits, waterfowl, and raptors in Hardy County ["David E. Carr" ] 27 Jan eagles near Winfield ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ] Subject: canaan valley eagle, kingfisher From: Ken Dzaack <crossfire02 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:00:19 -0500 2-8-12: I got a good look at a Kingfisher and a mature Bald Eagle this afternoon at the intersection of Coffman Lane and Cortland Rd. I also saw the Northern Shrike last week near the same location. Pine Siskins in numbers, finches, and cardinals were at my feeders in Canaan Valley.Subject: Fox Sparrow (Tucker) From: Casey Rucker <autoblock AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 08:37:12 -0500 Hi, all, The first, and quite early, Fox Sparrow of the year appeared on my porch yesterday evening, and it's there now. High count of Pine Siskins last week was 162, and I had fun yesterday feeding them by hand. The bird on my palm would defend its territory vigorously. Good birding, Casey Rucker Dry Fork, WVSubject: PVAS Bird Trip to Shenandoah River and Old Country Club Road ponds From: sanford sagalkin <monsansagalkin AT MYACTV.NET> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 15:54:43 -0500 Braving the forecast of snow, a few hearty PVAS souls went out looking for waterfowl this morning along Bloomery and John Rissler roads and in the Old Country Club Road ponds. At the Old Country Club Road ponds, we saw large numbers of Gadwals, two Pied-billed Grebes, a few Mallards and the usual complement of Canada Geese. Along Bloomery and John Rissler Roads, we picked a couple dozen American Black Ducks, Mallards, Common Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers, Gadwals, and over a dozen American Widgeons near the Rt 9 bridge. In addition, we had a Bald Eagle, Great Blue Herons, Mourning Doves, Belted Kingfishers, Pileated Woodpeckers, American Crows, White-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina Wrens and Eastern Bluebirds, the latter flying around the rocks in the middle of the river near the Rt 9 bridge. We checked the owl tree and found the occupant missing. By then, the snow started and we went home. Sandy Sagalkin Sharpsburg, MDSubject: Another Wood Duck drake, Harpers Ferry From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 16:21:32 -0500 I found this WOOD DUCK drake swimming in the Shenandoah near town - in a not easily accessible stretch of the river: down from the VA-340 bridge & along the Nat'l Park wetlands, there is a little path that crosses the railroad track & leads down to the river. He was swimming closely with a pair of GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Another pair of teals swam closer to the far bank; nearby a pair of Canada Geese and American Black Ducks dilly-dallied. Closer toward the bridge, I could see several Mallards. I forgot to mention the other waterfowl I found on the Shenandoah yesterday (Bloomery-Rissler Rds): 40 Common Mergansers 2 A. Black Ducks 1 Mallard (Drake) 3 Gadwall 2 A. Wigeon I am determined to find more secretive hideouts of these Wood Ducks! Deb Hale Harpers Ferry/BolivarSubject: Little Indian Creek WMA, Monongalia County From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:20:35 -0500 Derek Courtney and I went in search of Short-eared Owls this morning. Along John Fox Road west of I-79, we found zero owls. Only 2 Killdeer, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 5 Juncos, and 2 Song Sparrows at dawn. By the time we got to Little Indian Creek WMA about 15 minutes later, it was already light, so we found no owls there either. We spent 2 hours and 45 minutes, hiking 2 miles out and back, then checking briefly along the road next to the creek. Birding was slow at first, but eventually we netted 27 species with these highlights: Great Blue Heron--1 Red-tailed Hawk--2 Killdeer--2 Northern Flicker--4 Golden-crowned Kinglet--1 Eastern Bluebird--6 American Robin--1, Derek's first of the year Yellow-rumped Warbler--5 American Tree Sparrow--3 Field Sparrow--1 Song Sparrow--15 White-throated Sparrow--2 Dark-eyed Junco--12 Northern Cardinal--10, including 2 singing males Brown-headed Cowbird--2 flyovers -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Re: Bat flying around before dusk From: Patsy Hunter <patsyhunter AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:43:32 -0500 Sorry for the mass email folks -- hit the wrong button! On Tuesday, February 7, 2012, Patsy HunterSubject: Re: Bat flying around before dusk From: Patsy Hunter <patsyhunter AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:38:56 -0500 Chuck: another wrinkle in the bat saga --- maybe it doesn't have white-nose syndrome .... From the original poster mentioned the red fur so maybe it's a red bat.... See you Friday! On Tuesday, February 7, 2012, Olcott, Susan PSubject: Re: Bat flying around before dusk From: "Olcott, Susan P" <Susan.P.Olcott AT WV.GOV> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:29:46 -0500 It's not unusual to see red bats flying around during warmer days in the winter. They'll catch things like stoneflies and cold hardy moths that may be out. This is normal behavior. So far, so called tree bats, like red bats, hoary bats, and silver-haired bats, haven't contracted white-nose syndrome (WNS). These guys migrate south, then hibernate under leaf piles and other stuff on the forest floor and come out periodically if it's warm enough (above about 50 degrees) - usually in the afternoon or early evening. Bats that get WNS are cave bats (little brown bat, northern long-eared bat) that migrate to specific caves or other underground areas that maintain constant temperatures and humidity in order to hibernate. If you want further information on WNS (and grim it is), check out the FWS website that's acting as a clearing house for everyone working on this disease (http://www.fws.gov/WhiteNoseSyndrome/) Susan Olcott Wildlife Diversity and Technical Services Unit WVDNR Wildlife Resources Section PO Box 99 1110 Railroad St Farmington, WV 26571 (304)825-6787 fax (304)825-6270 susan.p.olcott AT wv.gov -----Original Message----- From: Audubon birding discussion for WV [mailto:WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG] On Behalf Of Deborah Beutler Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 9:43 PM To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Bat flying around before dusk I know this is a bird list server but I thought my observation might be of interest to nature lovers. During the last two evenings, I have observed a small bat flying around the Morris Creek Watershed area (on the border of Fayette and Kanawha counties). Two things struck me as odd about this observation: 1) it was flying around in February when most bats should be hibernating or farther south and 2) it was more than an hour before sunset. The bat this evening was flying over a freshwater pond; I assume it was looking insects. I watched it flying around at night. It was almost glowing with the sun shining on its golden brown fur. It seemed to be healthy. Has anyone else observed bat flying around in February in the bright light of the sun? The birding was rather dull with a few Northern Cardinals, several Carolina Chickadees, and distant calls of Pileated Woodpeckers and American Crow. Deb Deborah K. Beutler, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Biology Faculty Athletic Representative Biology Club Advisor Director of the Central and Southern West Virginia RSEF 2110 Orndorff Hall WVU Institute of Technology Montgomery, Fayette Co., West Virginia 25136 Office Phone: 304-442-3202 www.wvutech.eduSubject: FOY Wood Duck et al, Harpers Ferry From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 17:59:13 -0500 This afternoon, 3-4 pm: The WOOD DUCK drake silently paddled round the corner of the river bank while I had stopped to check out the male Belted Kingfisher sitting on a branch hanging out over the Potomac (at Potomac St. extension above the dam). Just as silently the drake retreated back behind the bank, which abuts private land. I only got a solid 2 minutes of him, but it was glorious. There was also a PIED-BILLED GREBE swimming nearby. I found the EASTERN PHOEBE again along the Shenandoah, in trees near Moulton Park; two PIED-BILLED GREBES swam together downstream from the BTI put-in. But the RED-TAILED HAWKS won the day: 3 circling above the tiny train town of Millville; 1 perched in a farmland tree nearer the Shenandoah; a pair sharing a tree branch on Bakerton Rd....One adult BALD EAGLE flew upriver from the S-Curve spot on Bloomery. This morning, 10 am: 2 COMMON RAVENS being very vocal near the footbridge at Harpers Ferry. Deb Hale Harpers Ferry/BolivarSubject: Wild Turkey- Jefferson County From: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 12:07:33 +0000 Greetings,    Yesterday evening around 4:45, on my way to a church Super Bowl party,  I saw 7 Turkey in some trees that line the creek at Claymont on Huyett Road.  When I first noticed the large birds in the trees, from a distance, I thought Turkey Vulture, and then as I got closer, I could see they were Wild Turkey instead. With no other cars on the road at the time, I stopped the car to look more closely, and count how many I saw. While I was doing this, the closest bird took off in flight to the fields on the other side of the creek. The other birds followed into the fields. I have seen Turkey in trees before, but not very often, so it was a very nice surprise.     Happy birding,         Carol Del-Colle          Summit Point,           Jefferson County ÂSubject: Hancock County - Tree Sparrows From: John Boback <morlitte AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 19:27:15 -0500 Hi All: I spent some time this afternoon birding around Hillcrest WMA. I had hoped for raptors, but ended up with sparrows. American Tree Sparrow (31) White-crowned Sparrow (1) FOY Field Sparrow (1) FOY The wetland complex was ice free and duck free. John BobackSubject: Monongahela River Trail north of Hildebrand Dam--Mergs, Grebes, Butter-butts From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 17:27:23 -0500 I hiked along the Monongahela River Trail from Uffington to the Hildebrand Lock and Dam this afternoon--about 3 miles each way. Birds were concentrated near Uffington and the I-79 bridge at the east end and the open-field area north of the dam at the west end. Of note: Uffington area: Common Merganser--11, just downstream from the bridge Pied-billed Grebe--5 Great Blue Heron--2 Balted Kingfisher--1 Yellow-rumped Warbler--5 At and near field area north of dam: Great Blue Heron--1 Pileated Woodpecker--1 Common Raven--1 Brown Creeper--1 Golden-crowned Kinglet--1 Eastern Bluebird--2 Song Sparrow--5 Dark-eyed Junco--5 Wild Turkey--tracks on the trail, but no birds seen -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Pine siskins From: Kevin Cade <dmgraphics AT DAILYMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 16:17:53 -0500 Saw a couple of pine siskins today at a feeder near my parents' home in Wayne County. They live about a mile from the Beech Fork Dam & Marina. Kevin Cade Putnam CountySubject: Fwd: eBird Report - Pipestem State Park, Feb 5, 2012 From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 16:07:11 -0500 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: eBird Report - Pipestem State Park, Feb 5, 2012 Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 16:02:45 -0500 (EST) From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org To: jimandjudyphillips AT gmail.com Pipestem State Park, Summers, US-WV Feb 5, 2012 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.5 mile(s) Comments: Den Tree& Law Hollow Trails 11 species Black Vulture 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 5 Tufted Titmouse 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 American Goldfinch 3 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - New River-Madams Creek to Sandstone Falls, Feb 5, 2012 From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 16:06:15 -0500 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: eBird Report - New River-Madams Creek to Sandstone Falls, Feb 5, 2012 Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 15:55:05 -0500 (EST) From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org To: jimandjudyphillips AT gmail.com New River-Madams Creek to Sandstone Falls, Summers, US-WV Feb 5, 2012 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 8.0 mile(s) 13 species Canada Goose 12 Mallard 13 Hooded Merganser 2 Common Merganser 1 Great Blue Heron 3 Turkey Vulture 3 Bald Eagle 1 adult on nest Red-tailed Hawk 1 Golden Eagle 1 adult over Sandstone Falls American Kestrel 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 American Crow 8 American Goldfinch 20 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)Subject: Snow Goose & raptors @ UDC From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 11:00:54 -0800 ________________________________ Snow Goose Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk - 3 American Kestrel FOY Northern Flicker at KingwoodSubject: Gull hat trick, Surf Scoter, Horned Grebe From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 13:57:15 -0500 All. Between the "S" turn and the Rt 9 bridge this AM I saw Ring-billed, Herring, and a lone Bonaparte's Gull. Also, a Horned Grebe was at Moulton Park and perhaps the same Surf Scoter that was seen last weekend. Duck notables were numerous American Wigeon and a female Common Goldeneye. Only found a handful of Horned Larks along Cattail Run road in the 1 1/2 inches of snow that fell last evening. Matt Orsie Summit PointSubject: Chipping Sparrow From: Dave Patick <patick AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 17:29:46 +0000 I did some casual birding at Beech Fork State Park Campground this am and refound the previously reported flock of 25 Chipping Sparrows.They were found along the road just past the Park Headquarters and directly across from the Rest Room facilities.There was also 2 Field Sparrows within the flock and 3 Swamp Sparrows nearby.  David Patick, Huntington,WV 25701Subject: Fw: Post "Breakfast Special" From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 11:34:22 -0500 If this is a duplication, please forgive me. I got an error message on my first attempt. Bruni ----- Original Message ----- From: Bruni Haydl To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 11:08 AM Subject: Post "Breakfast Special" After a delicious breakfast I was admiring a handsome Flicker on the suet when the female Pileated flew in and made him scoot over to the other suet cake. Then the male Flicker came. At one point they were both whacking away at the suet while three Flickers were gobbling up the crumbs at the base of the tree. At the same time there were two Downy's, a Hairy and a Red Belly on the trunk of the tree. Absolutely amazing how close they all were to each other since my suet hangs only about 5 ft above ground. Truly a wonderful sight. The female Pileated is now coming to the feeder several times a day, with or without him. A couple of mornings ago one of the RS hawks flew over us carrying a twig. It headed straight for the nest and I could see its head and tail bobbing around as it was working it in. That afternoon one of the hawks was perched in a tree by the driveway, facing the late afternoon sun. The deer were lounging on the lawn on the other side. Nobody bothered to move as my dog and I walked by. They all seem to know our routine. This morning when we came back from our walk the female was sitting in the side yard. Shortly thereafter I checked and the male had joined her on the branch. When I opened the back door to get a photo he took off but she stayed for another hour. A Sharpie was also in the back yard but didn't come near the feeders. On the small bird front, I've noticed an abundance of House finches, often more than 30. Bruni Haydl Charles TownSubject: PVAS Birdwalk at the National Conservation Training Center From: sandy sagalkin <monsansagalkin AT MYACTV.NET> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 07:27:33 -0800 The Potomac Valley Audubon Society started its 2012 birding season with a bird walk at the National Conservation Training Center. We had a group of almost 20, NCTC being our most popular birding venue. It was a cold and cloudy morning with not a great deal of bird activity. But the beauty of the western reach of the campus, one of my favorite areas, made up for it. We followed the Riverview Farm trail through meadows and woods. The highlight of our walk was the eagle nest. the Riverview Farm trail circumnavigates it closely enough to get good views but not so close as to disturb the eagles. Both were on duty yesterday. We saw or heard 25 species. Dark-eyed Juncos and Eastern Bluebirds were plentiful and showy. Some of our group heard a Common Raven. And the Pileated Woodpeckers were noisy and showy. We will be going back March 31. Anyone interested in going can contact me. Please be sure to visit the new Potomac Valley Audubon Society's new website. We have a new interactive birding trail map that will direct birders in our neck of the woods to the best sites in the Eastern Panhandle. Sandy Sagalkin Sharpsburg, MDSubject: Rusty blackbirds and waterfowl From: "Rankin, Gary" <rankin AT MARSHALL.EDU> Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:58:30 +0000 I made a trip up Rte. 2 and over to Winfield late this afternoon. As David Patick reported earlier, there weren't too many birds out along the river. I did find a nice mixed flock of Rusty and Red-winged Blackbirds (about 30 all together with about 12 Rusty BB) at Ashton. Most of the ducks David reported at Gallipolis Ferry were still there, although no Lesser Scaup or Am. Wigeon were present. Since it was getting late, I decided to drive along Rte. 35 to the Winfield locks area, seeing a flock of about 25 Wild Turkeys along the way in Mason Co. When I checked the largest pond near the armory around 5:15 pm, I found a nice variety and number of waterfowl. A list of birds seen on the Winfield pond are shown below: Canvasback 1female Redhead 16 mostly males Ring-necked Duck 16 mostly males American wigeon 2 females Hooded Merganser 10 Common Goldeneye 1 female Gadwall 6 Mallard 6 Am. Coot 4 Canada Goose 2 Gary Rankin Lavalette WV Wayne Co. Sent from my iPadSubject: Bat before dark From: Rennie Talbert <renniett AT FRONTIER.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 16:31:40 -0500 I also saw a bat flying before sundown on Thursday at Barboursville Park. It was a warm enough day, but the way the bat was flying and that it was out at all also made me think that it was diseased. While I watched it, it didn't fly more than ten feet off of the ground, and it flew more or less in a straight line. Rennie Talbert Barboursville, WVSubject: Berkeley Co. turkeys From: Alex <aatsiatsos AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 12:07:04 -0800 I thought I saw a shrike half way along the north side of Business Park Dr (the new road connecting I-81 with Rt. 11 -- the Tabler Station Road exit). I never found the shrike, if that's what it was, but in the cul-de-sac at the end of the road running in front of Allmine Paving I saw 18 turkeys. --Alex Tsiatsos Berkeley Co.Subject: Rte. 2 Birding From: Dave Patick <patick AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 19:55:42 +0000 Wendell Argabrite ,Mike Griffith and I birded this am along Rte. 2 with most of the highlights at Gallipolis Ferry.The Temp. was around 40 degrees and overcast with showers starting around 1130 am.Here are some of the birds seen:  Gallipolis Ferry:  Canvasback-2 Lesser Scaup-1 American Black Duck-2 Coot-2 Ring-necked Duck-4 Pied-billed Grebe-1 American Wigeon-2 Gadwall-1 Mallard-12 Horned Lark-1  Greenbottom :  Sharp-shinned Hawk-1  David Patick , Huntington,WV 25701Subject: Eagles and Chipping Sparrows, Hardy County From: "David E. Carr" <dec5z AT CMS.MAIL.VIRGINIA.EDU> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 09:43:44 -0500 I counted at least 22 Bald Eagles this morning along Parker Hollow Road in Hardy County, west of Baker. Almost all of these eagles were concentrated in a small woodlot at the edge of a large chicken farm about a mile and a half south of the parking lot for Parker Hollow Lake. At least 12 of the eagles were adults, and there were more than a dozen Common Ravens in the area as well. I have long suspected that the large winter concentrations of eagles that tend to turn up in this area were being created by scavenging opportunities at the many large chicken operations in the Baker area. This seemed to be what was going on here. A stop at Kimsey Run Lake was less impressive by comparison: 2 adult Bald Eagles, a Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel, Red-headed Woodpecker, 2 Canada Geese, but no other waterfowl. I was surprised to find 6 Chipping Sparrows mixed in with Dark-eyed Juncos across from the small campground on Kimsey Run Rd. David Carr Arkansaw, WV Hardy CountySubject: Great Backyard Bird Count scheduled for Feb. 17-20 From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 07:20:19 -0500 I haven't seen much publicity on this, so I thought I'd help spread the word. Below is the promotional excerpt from National Audubon. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a great way to learn about and enjoy your local birds, engage with family and friends, and join thousands across the country in submitting observations to the GBBC database. Simply count any birds you observe in your backyard, local park or other location for just 15 minutes on one or more days between February 17 and 20, and report your findings online at http://birdcount.org. Learn more about participating in the GBBC at http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html. And don't forget to enter your sightings in eBird too. -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Re: Bat flying around before dusk From: Gary Felton <wvfauna AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:53:55 -0800 ________________________________ Years ago, I recall seeing a Red Bat, out during the day, in November. Gary Felton - Kingwood From: Deborah BeutlerSubject: Re: Bat flying around before dusk From: Steve Mace <sdmace AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 02:52:19 +0000 I saw one flying in McClintic WMA here in Mason County a couple of days ago. It was about the same time of day as your bat. I'm fearful we have White-nose Syndrome. Sent from Steve Mace On Feb 3, 2012, at 9:43 PM, Deborah BeutlerSubject: Bat flying around before dusk From: Deborah Beutler <Deborah.Beutler AT MAIL.WVU.EDU> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 21:43:15 -0500 I know this is a bird list server but I thought my observation might be of interest to nature lovers. During the last two evenings, I have observed a small bat flying around the Morris Creek Watershed area (on the border of Fayette and Kanawha counties). Two things struck me as odd about this observation: 1) it was flying around in February when most bats should be hibernating or farther south and 2) it was more than an hour before sunset. The bat this evening was flying over a freshwater pond; I assume it was looking insects. I watched it flying around at night. It was almost glowing with the sun shining on its golden brown fur. It seemed to be healthy. Has anyone else observed bat flying around in February in the bright light of the sun? The birding was rather dull with a few Northern Cardinals, several Carolina Chickadees, and distant calls of Pileated Woodpeckers and American Crow. Deb Deborah K. Beutler, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Biology Faculty Athletic Representative Biology Club Advisor Director of the Central and Southern West Virginia RSEF 2110 Orndorff Hall WVU Institute of Technology Montgomery, Fayette Co., West Virginia 25136 Office Phone: 304-442-3202 www.wvutech.eduSubject: common goldeneye, yellow-rumped warbler and one not idetified From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT HUGHES.NET> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 02:28:04 +0000   This afternoon I birded north of Hannibal Lock and Dam. One common goldeneye has joined the canvasback, bufflehead, and ruddyducks, with the usual mallards and Canada geese. One pied-billed grebe, belted kingfisher, three killdeer and ring-billed gulls. Saw the first of season yellow-rumped warblers today. Suprise of the day was a very unexpected bird I got a brief look at as we were walking up bike and walking trail. Saw movement in tree thought it was probably a junco. Got bins on it as the bird  turned to reveal a bright yellow breast and neck. As it looked below a limb once to show a white eye ring. Flew across trail into brushy area inside of fence. Could not relocate it. After we had dinner I returned to try to find it again with no luck. To brief of time to id this one for sure. Wilma Jarrell Wetzel Co. wjar AT hughes.netSubject: peent From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:02:28 -0500 We heard our first of the season woodcock this evening at 6:10. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: Watters Smith State Park and Jackson Mills 4-H Center From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:53:14 -0500 Deciding to do something different, I headed this morning to 2 areas I had never birded before. Watters Smith Memorial State Park is in far southern Harrison County between Clarksburg and Weston. I was really impressed with the mixture of habitats in this historical park, which includes the 1795 log cabin and outbuildings of pioneer Watters Smith and the more modern home of his descendants. It is mostly forested, but has some nice bottomland along a creek and several meadow/grassy areas. I can see that Louisiana Waterthrushes and Yellow-throated Warblers would love it. In fact, I nominated it as an eBird hotspot. The southern half is in WV Breeding Bird Atlas block West Milford-6, a priority block which has already been half-completed. The northern half is in West Milford-5, which has not been covered at all since it's not a priority block. I found a respectable 18 species in the dead of this abnormally mild winter. Mostly usual suspects, but the following were of note: Red-shouldered Hawk--2, near each other, both screaming periodically Yellow-bellied Sapsucker--1 female Also Flicker, Red-bellied, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers. Brown Creeper--1 Eastern Bluebird--3 Hermit Thrush--1 possible. Flushed in woods and flew off low to ground. Never got a good look at it, but size, habitat, and behavior seemed right. Field Sparrow--2 Dark-eyed Junco--4 Sparrow species--15, flushed from the weeds with the Juncos and Field Sparrows, but barely seen. Most likely Juncos. At midday, I visited the Jackson Mills State 4-H Conference Center just north of Weston in Lewis County. Fortunately, no activities were going on and I was able to wander around the entire grounds. The Center is in non-priority block Weston-1. Only 13 species there, all usual suspects, the most notable being: Red-tailed Hawk--1 Pileated Woodpecker--1 Northern Mockingbird--2 At both locations, Tufted Titmice were singing away like spring was here. One White-breasted Nuthatch and one Carolina Wren were also belting it out. I was able to add my first species of 2012 to the Breeding Bird Atlas--the coveted House Sparrow in Weston-1! -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Jefferson county waterfowl From: Matt <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:19:56 -0500 All,
The Shenandoah river has returned to a normal flow allowing the
dabblers more access points. An Eastern Phoebe was seen along Bloomery
road between the "S" turn and Moulton Park. Ring-billed and Herring
Gulls were near the Rt 9 bridge.
CC = Country Club road pond CL - Claymont creek
SR = Shenandoah River
Gadwall 121 CC
American Wigeon 2 CC
American Black Duck 3 (2 SR, 1 CL)
Mallard 15 (3 SR, 12 CL)
Northern Pintail 1 CL
Common Merganser 38 SR
Hooded Merganser 2 SR
Pied-billed Grebe 2 SR
Eastern Phoebe 1 SR
Ring-billed Gull 3 SR
Herring Gull 3 SR
Good Birding,
Matt Orsie
Summit Point
Subject: Singing Horned Lark, Common Mergansers, Ring-billed Gull- Jefferson CountyFrom: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:46:52 +0000 Greetings,    Yesterday a little before noon, I dropped by Candlewood Drive to check things out. All in all, it was very quiet except for a wonderful Horned Lark who was singing his heart out from the top of one of the wooden posts near the curb.  I sat in the car with the window down and just enjoyed his serenade. Eventually, he flew down into the grass and worked his way toward the field.  Through my binoculars, I got some very good looks at him singing. Sweet!     Next I took a ride by the Shenandoah on Rissler and Bloomery. Not too many species of waterfowl were present, although the Common Mergansers took the lead with 38 of them spread out up and down the river. The majority of them I saw from Rissler Road as they splashed and chased one another. More than half of the Mergansers on the river were males. On Rissler, I also found a group of 5 American Black Ducks. Only saw 3 Mallards.  On Bloomery a little ways down river from the dam, I found a Ring-billed Gull with a fish dangling from its beak. When I first saw it, the gull was in the water and seemed to be struggling with what to do with the fish. He finally flew,with fish still firmly in place, over to a rock, and began to try to get a better hold on his prey,so as to be better able to partake of his lunch . When I left, he seemed to be doing very well.    Some of the other usual suspects were seen and heard. The owl was not home.       Happy birding,              Carol Del-Colle           Summit Point            Jefferson CountySubject: More Common Goldeneyes, other neighborhood birds, Harpers Ferry From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 13:16:40 -0500 This morning I counted a whopping 35 COMMON GOLDENEYES on the Potomac at Harpers Ferry (in their same favorite spot near Lock 34). A COMMON RAVEN, being chased by two A. Crows, and an adult BALD EAGLE, flying across the river and settling on a branch near the old eagle's nest, were other highlights of my walk. A little later I encountered - finally - my first flock of about 15 CEDAR WAXWINGS this winter on the Bradford pear trees here in town, plus 10 FISH CROWS perched in a neighborhood tree, and 3 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS circling and making noise over the woods near Nash Farm (the same area where I saw a family of them in late spring). I was out of town for a few days, so nice to come back to this beautiful, magical setting of Harpers Ferry. Deb Hale Harpers Ferry/BolivarSubject: 2011 CBC's From: Jane Whitaker <jane.whitaker AT ME.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:40:11 -0500 Fellow birders; As you are probably aware the Audubon CBC portal is still not functional. I need the WV CBC's to write the report for the Brooks Bird Club REDSTART. I presently have the following CBC's: Canaan, Charleston/Kanawha, Hardy, McDowell, Mountaineer(Morgantown), Parkersburg, Pipestem, and Raleigh. If any of you have access to other completed counts would you please email them to me or pass this info on to your count compiler. Our publishing deadline is early March. Thanks for your help. Jane Whitaker, jane.whitaker AT me.comSubject: morning walk From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:37:32 -0500 On my morning walk on Pipestem State Park, I found the following: winter wren 15 robins 2 red-shouldered hawks 1 sharp-shinned hawk being chased by 2 dozen blue jays 3 pileated woodpeckers Song sparrows, bluebirds, cardinals, chickadees, titmice, Carolina wrens and white-breasted nuthatches were all in fine voice. Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: American Woodcock From: Mike Griffith <birdonawire47 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:59:56 -0500 American Woodcocks were displaying this evening at the entrance to Beech Fork State Park (Cabell Co.) and at the mouth of Butler Adkins Branch (Wayne Co.) - one at each location. Also, a Barred Owl was calling at the first location. This is the first definite Woodcock display I have observed this year. Mike Griffith HuntingtonSubject: wide variety of waterfowl/Winfield Locks From: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:06:56 -0800 Hi All, I birded at the Winfield Locks and Dam area today. What a nice variety of waterfowl! Most were on the 3rd pond. I wore brown, so I think I blended in, nothing flew while I was there. List of birds seen, sorry not numbers: Mallards Canada Geese Redheads Canvasbacks Green-winged Teal Common Goldeneye-only 1 Ring-necked Ducks Wigeon Gadwalls Coots Hooded Mergansers Cormorants Kingfisher Great Blue Heron Swamp Sparrow Red-tailed Hawk-2 Kim Kazmierski Hurricane, WVSubject: Randolph County Crossbills From: "Tallman, Robert E" <Robert.E.Tallman AT WV.GOV> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:08:44 -0500 This morning I spotted a nice flock of RW Crossbills along the Shavers Fork near the mouth of Beaver Creek. I counted 18 individuals, but I could hear several more chattering in the trees that I could not see. These are the first RW Crossbills I've seen on Cheat Mountain since 2010. Rob Tallman Huttonsville,WV Randolph CountySubject: Re: birds, recently From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:43:11 -0500 Both male and female Flickers are at the suet daily. They also like the homemade peanut suet I offer for a treat. Bruni Haydl Charles TownSubject: Cheat Lake RB Merganser; Core Arboretum update From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:39:57 -0500 This morning at the WVU Core Arboretum in Morgantown I found 21 species, almost all usual suspects, with the following being most notable: Canada Goose--36, constantly honking, a lot of chasing going on Pied-billed Grebe--2 Great Blue Heron--1 Belted Kingfisher--1 Eastern Bluebird--2 Yellow-rumped Warbler--1 Singing birds included Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Song Sparrow, and Eastern Bluebird. At Cheat Lake in late morning north of the I-68 bridge: Red-breasted Merganser--1 male sleeping north of the bridge Canvasback--11 Redhead--12 Common Goldeneye--5 Bufflehead--61 Mallard--25 Hooded Merganser--2 at Sunset Harbor Marina Scaup species--8, too distant to be sure South of I-68 bridge: Bufflehead--15 Ruddy Duck--5 Lesser Scaup--5 Mallard--41, could have been same flock seen earlier north of the bridge At Cheat Lake Park in early afternoon only the following were present: Canada Goose--1 Mallard--1 Hooded Merganser--2 Pied-billed Grebe--3 -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Re: birds, recently From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:20:01 -0500 I have a male Flicker that comes to our suet feeders regularly--at least a couple of times a day. Have not seen a female yet. On 2/2/12, Jim & Judy PhillipsSubject: We are now within Bald Eagle safe dates! From: Richard Bailey <rsbailey76 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:11:13 -0500 Hi folks, As of 2/1 we are now within bald eagle and English sparrow safe dates! These two species are probably in different places on your priority list, but it is important that we get as much data as we can on ALL species breeding in WV. Other species now able to be reported: Great-horned Owl, Barred Owl, Red Crossbill, Rock Pigeon. ** NEXT UP: common raven, carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, carolina wren, screech owl - all on 3/1 ** What Donna said last time bears repeating: Just a reminder that if you don't know what Breeding Bird Atlas block you are in, you can go to the following web site: http://martes.dnr.state.wv.us/BreedingBirdsAtlas/AbundanceSurvey/AbundSurv.aspx Scroll to the bottom and put in the "find" box any information you can remember from your location such as a town, cemetery, road name, school, etc. along with the county name and WV. It won't always find where you are but it's pretty good. Example: Barbour County High School, Barbour County, WV. It takes me right to the Belington 1 block. Also, there are 3 ways you can look up when birds are in their "safe dates". One lists the species phylogenetically, another lists the birds by the starting safe date which is the most useful early in the season, and the last by the ending safe date which will be more useful at the end of the breeding season. They can all be found under the Atlas Information tab at the following web site: http://martes.dnr.state.wv.us/BreedingBirdsAtlas/default.aspx However, I know that everyone is busy with all kinds of things, so at the very least a report via the listserv is valuable, particularly if you include good location information so that I can pull it up on a map. Any questions, feel free to give me a call or email Rich richard.s.bailey AT wv.gov 304-637-0245Subject: FOY Yellow-bellied Sapsucker- Yard/Summit Point From: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:58:06 +0000 Finally got my first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker of the year. It joined 3 other woodpecker species in the yard yesterday.   Happy birding,     Carol Del-Colle     ----- Forwarded Message ----- Yard-Summit Point , Jefferson County, Jefferson, US-WV Feb 1, 2012 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM Protocol: Stationary Comments:   The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was the first one I have seen for this year (2012). 18 species Mourning Dove  5 Red-bellied Woodpecker  2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1 Downy Woodpecker  2 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Carolina Chickadee  2 Tufted Titmouse  3 White-breasted Nuthatch  2 Brown Creeper  5 Carolina Wren  1 European Starling  1 Song Sparrow  1 White-throated Sparrow  7 Dark-eyed Junco  3 Northern Cardinal  4 House Finch  1 American Goldfinch  3 House Sparrow  5 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)Subject: birds, recently From: Jim & Judy Phillips <jimandjudyphillips AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 08:37:01 -0500 I saw a couple dozen robins in Pipestem State Park yesterday. On Tuesday, I stopped by the Glenwood Sewage Lagoons in Mercer County(between Bluefield & Princeton) and saw 75 mallards, 15 black ducks, a common goldeneye and a male green-winged teal. Also, that day, I saw a sharp-shinned hawk catch a bird in our yard and carry it to a fence post dining area. We have been having a female pileated woodpecker on our suet lately. This is only the second winter I have had such a treat. In 40 years or so of feeding the birds, I have never seen a flicker at our suet. I wonder how many folks on the list-serv have had flickers on the feeder? The song sparrows and chickadees have been singing for a couple of weeks now in our neighborhood. Yesterday, I heard my first of the season full song from a cardinal. Happy Groundhog Day! Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: ruffed grouse From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT HUGHES.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 02:33:53 +0000 Watched 2 red-tailed hawks flying together then land in different trees in same area this afternoon. Walking back through a neighbors woods I flushed 3 ruffed grouse. A treat seeing this group. Wilma Jarrell Wetzel Co. wjar AT hughes.netSubject: RS nest From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:50:19 -0500 I've been seeing these hawks almost daily and this morning while dogwalking I saw one of them fly over me with something in its talons, land on the nest just briefly and then continue on to my yard. Hmm! Made me wonder if the female was in the nest and he was delivering breakfast. Will definitely keep an eye on the nest. Walking to the river late afternoon I scanned the water and the far shore for activity. Turned out an adult eagle and Kingfisher were in a sycamore on "my" side of the river. They both took off as I got close to shore. That'll teach me to not overlook what is right in front of my nose. Bruni Haydl Charles TownSubject: Winter finches defy prognosticators From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:08:55 GMT Posted on annother listserv. Newspaper article about the predictions in the Winter Finch Forecast being wrong this year. Wonder why? See: http://bit.ly/ymA8Rv ____________________________________________________________ 60-Year-Old Mom Looks 27 Mom Reveals Free Wrinkle Trick That Has Angered Doctors! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4f29aa379d2f4643555st03vucSubject: Turkey Vulture Roost/Cross Lanes From: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:41:27 -0800 Howdy Birders, Thought I would chime in on the Vulture Roost, too.. Since before Christmas, there have been 200+ -300 Turkey Vultures flying in to roost on Koontz Drive in Cross Lanes. My Mom and Dad live on a road off of Koontz, so that is why I've been able to see them. I haven't checked super close, but I made out one Black Vulture. I'll try to check closer the next time I'm over during the evening hours. Kim Kazmierski Hurricane, WVSubject: Vulture Roost From: trfox AT WIREFIRE.COM Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:17:08 -0500 Watched approximately 75 vultures go to roost in downtown Grantsville, Calhoun County last evening. The count included three Black Vultures. Tom Fox Millstone, WVSubject: Randolph Countyr Mergansers From: "Tallman, Robert E" <Robert.E.Tallman AT WV.GOV> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:01:40 -0500 While floating and squirrel hunting the Tygart Valley River between Valley Bend and Dailey (Randolph County) yesterday I observed 2 Hooded Mergansers and at least 12 Common Mergansers. Also several raptors including: Northern Harrier, RSHA, SSHA, RTHA and AMKE. Also a large flock of Black Vultures. Rob Tallman Huttonsille,WV Randolph CountySubject: Golden-crowned Kinglets From: Willa Grafton <wgrafton1 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:24:43 -0500 Three GC kinglets on the tree farm this evening. I know others have been posting them, but I always get excited when I see them this time of year. Love them. Nothing else real exciting. Saw 19 mallards on the lake (Salt Lick #4). Not one other bird. I've been seeing the kingfisher, but didn't show up this evening. Willa Grafton Heaters,WV Sent from my iPhoneSubject: Screech Owl From: Rennie Talbert <renniett AT FRONTIER.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:21:22 -0500 I was walking my dog at Barboursville Park this evening when I decided to check on the screech owl denning over there. The previous couple of times I've been over there he was gone. Today he was sleeping away in his den. He was the only bird of note. Rennie Talbert Huntington, WVSubject: Northern Pintail - Claymont Court From: Matt <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:12:46 -0500 All,
It was a nice finish to the month seeing a FOY drake Northern
Pintail in the creek that runs by Claymont Court off of Huyett road. The
current house at Claymont was built in 1840 by Bushrod
Washington
Subject: Pied-billed Grebe at Teter Creek Lake in Barbour CountyFrom: Kyle Aldinger <kaldinge AT MIX.WVU.EDU> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:54:42 -0500 Hey all, Terry's post with the Pied-billed Grebes at Teter Creek Lake reminded my that I saw the same species at the same location on 29 May 2008. The reason I bring this up is that this is a species of statewide conservation concern and rarity for the atlas. Unfortunately, my observation could not be submitted because the atlas had not started yet, but it may be a place to check this summer (safe dates for Pied-billed Grebes 15 May - 15 July)! They are common during the winter, but so far only 5 blocks have Pied-billed Grebes reported for the atlas!! Kyle Aldinger Morgantown, WVSubject: Showing off From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:32:38 -0500 While chatting with a neighbor who had stopped by this morning I noticed the male Pileated on the suet cake. People can't help but be impressed by these giants. As I'm explaining the markings of the male, the female flies in and starts feeding on the other suet cake. I was thrilled. This is the first time I've seen her since last spring when they both frequented the feeder. A few minutes later I noticed the RS hawk sitting in the same walnut tree, right off the patio. Another chance to show off. ):-) I always appreciate these opportunities to possibly increase someone's interest in birds. Seeing these magnificent birds up close without the need for binoculars just never gets old. Bruni Haydl Jefferson CoSubject: Cheat Lake additions From: Ryan Tomazin <wvwarblers AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:49:21 -0500 Hello All, LeJay Graffious brought me to bird around Cheat Lake, but the only place we had anything was near the bridge and down the road: Hooded Merganser - 2M, 2F Common Goldeneye - 8 Bufflehead - at least 25-35 Redhead - 10 or so Lesser Scaup - 10-15 Pied-billed Grebe - 1 Ruddy Duck - 14 past bridge, 22 down the dead end road at a private marina Canvasback - 2M, 2F Ryan Tomazin | Bridgeville, PASubject: Barbour-Randolph-Tucker-Preston Counties loop; Canaan Valley Shrike--maybe From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:03:04 -0500 I had a Breeding Bird Atlas meeting in Elkins today, so I birded a bit on the way down and some on the way back. Highlights: Barbour County: Route 92 between Claude and Cove Run Roads: American Crow--300. I understand this is a resident flock. Teter Creek Lake Wildlife Management Area--lake 95% unfrozen: Pied-billed Grebe--3 Tygart Valley River in Belington: Domestic Greylag Goose--20. 11 were the usual grey plumage, 9 were white or mostly white. Domestic Swan Goose--4 Canada Goose--1 Mallard--5 All these birds were together just north of the bridge downtown. Tucker County: Timberline Road, Canaan Valley: Red-bellied Woodpecker--1 American Tree Sparrow--4 Cortland Road, Canaan Valley: Red-tailed Hawk--1 immature along South Cortland Road Black-capped Chickadee--4 Blue Jay--2 European Starling--132 Northern Shrike--maybe. I saw a bird fly to the top of a conifer tree between Sagebrush Lane and Coffman Lane Road, at the low spot where there are a few cattails. A very quick 1-handed binocular look revealed what looked like a grayish bird with blackish wings. The bird flew off almost immediately, though, into more conifers, and by the time I could park and get out, I couldn't find it. I did, however, find a Blue Jay where I thought the bird flew, so perhaps that was what I saw. Route 32 north of Canaan Loop Road at Canaan Heights: Common Raven--4 Black Vulture--1 Preston County: Cheat River south of Rowlesburg along Route 72: Common Merganser--4. There was a little half-hearted displaying going on by the 3 males. -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: American Pipits --- Harrison Co.; Waterfowl --- Cheat Lake From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:32:14 -0500 Hi all,
Did a small bit of birding today. Waterfowl numbers were low at Cheat
Lake and diversity dwindling. I didn't check Cheat Lake park as LeJay
already had that area covered. I had a small flock of about 20 American
Pipits and 1 Killdeer across from United Hospital Center in Harrison County
this afternoon as a driveby. Could have been more but I didn't see anything
else that struck me as different species-wise. Numbers are mostly estimates
as I didn't spend much time counting. Best to you all.
Cheat Lake --- Marinas
Mallard 40
Ruddy Duck 25
Bufflehead 5
Cheat Lake --- I-68 Bridge
Mallard 20
Lesser Scaup 2
Canvasback 3
Redhead 4
Common Goldeneye 5
Bufflehead 25
Cheat Lake --- Sunset Harbor
Mallard 10
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Good birding,
Derek
Subject: 50+ Siskins (Tucker)From: Casey Rucker <autoblock AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:01:55 -0500 Hi, all, The Pine Siskin population at my feeders has risen above 50 in the last few days. House Finches, Purple Finches and American Goldfinches show up in much smaller numbers, and the Carolina Wren is still hanging in there. The last Northern Shrike sighting I know of is last Tuesday (1/24), on the fence line on Coffmans/Old Timberline Road. Good birding, Casey Rucker Dry Fork, WVSubject: open water has helped From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:25:56 GMT This time last year, I don't think I had seen more than 30, or 35 species of birds in Preston Couny. That was partially due to winter starting with a vengence on Dec. 1 and not letting up until sometime in March. As of now, I've seen 62 species in Preston County. That's due in part to the mild winter we've been having, which has resulted in some open water, plus, some lingerers I normally don't see in Preston County in January, such as Towhee, Gray Catbird and Chipping Sparrow. Except for one trip to the Cranesville area, all of my Preston County birding has been done around Kingwood and in the Reedsville/Masontown area (UDC), Even if February turns ugly and I don't see any new species, I'm still ahead of the game compared to the last two winters. Gary Felton - Kingwood ____________________________________________________________ 57 Year Old Looks 27 Local Woman Reveals Wrinkle Secret That Has Doctors Angry. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4f26d30b7ea9557145cst03vucSubject: ducks and bald eagle From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT HUGHES.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:53:48 +0000 Â Â Â Â Â Â Checked the river at Proctor and above the dam in New Martinsville
this afternoon. Observed a male northern pintail, a red-tailed hawk, 2
great-blue heron and 3 pied-billed grebe at Proctor.
     Above dam a pair of canvasback, 2 ring-necked duck, 1 bufflehead, 16
ruddyduck, a juvenile bald eagle, and 23 ring-billed gulls.   Â
At home saw a golden-crowned kinglet. First of year and number 51 for Wetzel
County.
Saw a black vulture, sharp-shinned hawk, and red-shouldered hawk in Upshur
County that I have not seen in Wetzel County this month.
                                                               Â
Wilma Jarrell
Wetzel Co.
wjar AT hughes.net
Subject: Ross's Goose, Bonaparte's Gull, Red Crossbills and other FOY'sFrom: Matt <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:15:30 -0500 All,
I can echo John Boback's lament of no waterfowl! I spent the last
few days birding a couple of hours here and a couple of hours there with
Wendell Argabrite and Mike Griffith on the West Virginia west coast. No
waterfowl to say the least (combination of weather this winter, river is
very high, and frequent hunters in the backwater areas). Definitely the
most dismal waterfowl numbers I've ever seen on the Ohio river during
this time of year. Having said that all things are relative and 14
species of duck were seen on the trip.
I came back home today through Cranberry Glades. Just a dusting of snow
on the ground. I even drove the Scenic Hwy (Rt 150) from the south end
to Williams River. Above 4,000 ft the road was crunchy with some icy
spots but was drivable. Only an inch of snow at Black Mtn (4,500+ ft).
The number of Red Crossbills seen near the visitor's center was
outstanding. I counted 34 which is a personal high count in WV. Also
present were Red-breasted Nuthatches (4) and Pine Siskins (7).
I also stopped at the Belle Babb road reservoir and the 2 Martin road
ponds (off of Balle Babb) in Grant county. Saw 10 species of duck in
these three water areas and they are all within one air mile of each other.
Ducks seen in these three areas:
American Black Duck 45
Mallard 14
Green-winged Teal 4
Canvasback 2
Redhead 2
Ring-necked Duck 1
Bufflehead 1
Common Goldeneye 1
Hooded Merganser 2
Ruddy Duck 1
New FOY's for the year:
Ross's Goose - Coonskin Park, Charleston
Double-crested Cormorant - many
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2)
Peregrine Falcon - Pt Pleasant bridge going into Ohio
Bonaparte's Gull - Huntington - Harris Riverside Park
Red-breasted Nuthatch (4)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - Beach Fork SP
Cedar Waxwing - Fish Hatchery - RCB Locks
Eastern Towhee (2) - Greenbottom WMA
Savannah Sparrow - Fish Hatchery - RCB Locks
Fox Sparrow (4) - Greenbottom WMA
Red Crossbill (34)
Where are all the Common Grackles and Purple Finches?
Good Birding,
Summit Point
Subject: Surf Scoter and American wigeons on Shenandoah River - Jefferson CountyFrom: Bird Mom <pep4223 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:56:56 +0000 A late afternoon drive at 4:30 PM on Bloomery Road was fairly quiet except for a lone Surf scoter ( that was being spied on by Barry Marts when I arrived) located near the Zimmerman's property.  I found a pair of American wigeon n ear the Route 9 bridge as seen from  John Rissler Road at 5:00 PM. And I also heard a starling that was imitating a red-tailed hawk perfectly . The Canada geese (300ish) were unsettled at Country Club ponds at 5:30 PM. Small flocks would fly in, and then others would leave in a fuss. There were about 45 Gadwall and 28 Mallards also present. BIRDMOM Jefferson County, WVSubject: Brooke County - A Bufflehead From: John Boback <morlitte AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:01:11 -0500 Hi All: Today I birded the Ohio River in Brooke County along the rail trail south of Wellsburg. I checked about three miles of the river on foot and came up with: Bufflehead (1) female type Ring-billed Gull (3) At least it was one more duck than I had on the river last weekend. John Boback Washington County, PASubject: Preston notables - Black Vultures, ducks, Rusty Blackbird From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:15:41 GMT UDC this morning; Pied-billed Grebe Northern Pintail Black Duck - few Mallard - several Green-winged Teal - pair Hooded Merganser - several Black Vulture - 7 Turkey Vulture - few American Kestrel Northern Mockkingbird Rusty Blackbird American Tree Sparrow Other common resident birds not listed Gary Felton - Kingwood ____________________________________________________________ 53 Year Old Mom Looks 33 The Stunning Results of Her Wrinkle Trick Has Botox Doctors Worried http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4f25a934d258684894ast02vucSubject: Moncove Lake, Monroe County From: Sharyn Ogden <aussiebwat AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:20:07 -0500 Have been travelling up to Moncove lake over the last few weekends. Below are sightings from these visits American coots have increased from 250 to 600 plus yesterday mallards, 2 pair hooded mergansers 1 pair Juvenile goshawk 1 Red Shouldered Hawk 1 3rd year Bald Eagle 1 4th year Bald Eagle 1 Mature Bald Eagles 2 various titmice Ring Neck Ducks 40 plus Redheaded Ducks 3 pair Canada Geese 20 and a partridge in a pear tree (okay, so no partridge but it just ended the list nicely) Sharyn Ogden Blacksburg VA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Deb Hale"Subject: Multiplying Meadowlarks, Harpers Ferry From: Deb Hale <debhale72 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:11:37 -0500 We counted 21 E. MEADOWLARKS flying over the fields of Murphy Farm this morning (& there may have been more taking turns resting in the grass). They are really starting to sing again, too. Also, my band of N. FLICKERS graced the trees & fields: we estimated 14 of them. 4 Common RAVENS were seen & heard. And one immature BALD EAGLE sat perched along the river's edge. We left the park before 10 AM; the birds were only starting to warm up. Full list follows. Deb Hale *Harpers Ferry/Bolivar* Murphy Farm, Jefferson, US-WV Jan 29, 2012 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: clear skies, chilly but mild, no wind 17 species Canada Goose 2 flying over Turkey Vulture 2 Bald Eagle 1 immature; perched on tree down along Shenandoah River Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 14 educated guess; saw 6 earlier in the walk flying from trees, about 14 later on flying from grass - figured they were all part of the same band Pileated Woodpecker 1 American Crow 8 Common Raven 4 Tufted Titmouse 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Carolina Wren 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 14 Dark-eyed Junco 14 Eastern Meadowlark 21 we counted them as they flew up into the air; could be more - This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)Subject: Another huge Wild Turkey flock From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:25:28 -0500 I received another reply a couple of days ago to my query on large turkey flocks. Jim Phillips saw 200 at the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area in the 1980s. Again, note that this was over 20 years ago and that recent sightings have been much smaller. I believe Gary Felton's reply of 120 in Preston County did go directly to this list serv. A few other folks replied with flocks in the 50-bird range. -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Ride From: Herb & Sarah Myers <hesemyers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:20:01 -0500 We took a ride late afternoon through snow squalls to Whitmer and over the mountain to Job looking for Golden Eagles where we saw them last year. We did not see any, but we did not strike out on raptors. Below Whitmer along the Dry Fork, we saw a mature Bald Eagle and a female American Kestrel. It was nice to see the latter since I haven't seen any around here this winter. Herb Myers, Harman, Randolph CountySubject: Purple Finches and Robin From: Ginnie <cronen AT ZOOMINTERNET.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:20:41 -0500 This is still a test run for me. So it will have some content, I will mention that the first Purple finches arrived at our feeders on Jan. 18. the next day the first Robin of the year was in the side yard and yesterday, Jan. 27 I heard a Kingfisher along the creek across the road for the first time this winter. I have intended to learn for a long time how to make entries. Then Matt Orsie mentioned a couple years ago that they almost never receive reports for the area between Parkersburg and Clarksburg, so I said I’d send some. Also need to send some so others know where I am working on BBA II. I have done a BBS run in southern Ritchie County for several years and Tom Fox before me, I’m well acquainted with neighbors and the area, so have quite a lot to send in if I can learn to do that. (Right now I have a couple of computer people with me to see if they can help me.) Ginnie Cronenberger Petroleum Ritchie CountySubject: Pleasant Creek WMA and Tygart Lake birds From: Terry Bronson <bronsonwv AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:19:40 -0500 Despite several hunters running their dogs, I was able to find a few nice birds this morning at Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area in Barbour County. West of Routes 119/250: Red-shouldered Hawk--2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker--1 Eastern Bluebird--3 Yellow-rumped Warbler--4 Eastern Towhee--1 American Tree Sparrow--1 Swamp Sparrow--1 11 other common species East of Routes 119/250 in area between that road and the railroad trestle: Red-shouldered Hawk--1 heard Hairy Woodpecker--2 Eastern Bluebird--1 American Robin--3 Yellow-rumped Warbler--8 8 other common species Other area locations: Tygart Lake, south end: Mallard--6 American Black Duck--4 Ring-necked Duck--3 Common Merganser--1 Bailey Road: Common Raven--1 Yellow-rumped Warbler--2 -- Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: test message From: Ginnie <cronen AT ZOOMINTERNET.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:28:59 -0500 This is a test message to check access to the dist list. Ginnie Cronenberger, Ritchie CountySubject: Pipits, waterfowl, and raptors in Hardy County From: "David E. Carr" <dec5z AT CMS.MAIL.VIRGINIA.EDU> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:47:49 -0500 This morning I had a flock of about 60 American Pipits in the fields at the top of Big Ridge Rd. in Hardy County, WV. Kimsey Run Lake hosted single Ring-necked and Ruddy Duck hens. Surprisingly there were no eagles at the lake, but I did see a female American Kestrel and a fly-over male Northern Harrier. Parker Hollow Lake hosted a single immature Bald Eagle, and I saw an adult Bald Eagle in a tree at the edge of the Lost River north of Baker. David Carr Arkansaw, WV Hardy CountySubject: eagles near Winfield From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:23:36 -0500 A pair of adult Bald Eagles was noted today, 3 pm, at the Hometown
backwater, on the north side of the Kanawha River in the Winfield area.
~Cindy Ellis,
Putnam County
--
Cynthia D. Ellis
RR 1 Box 163
Red House, WV 25168
304 586-4135
304 206-0083
cdellis AT wildblue.net
Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.
~W.C. Fields
|