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2 Sep free public tour day at Three Rivers Avian Center Sept 4 [Wendy Perrone ] 2 Sep Fw: Hanging Rock Tower (29 Aug 2010) 2 Raptors [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 2 Sep Fw: Hanging Rock Tower (28 Aug 2010) 5 Raptors [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 1 Sep Nighthawks [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 1 Sep Re: Bluestone Dam White Ibis Update [Bob Burrell ] 1 Sep Bluestone Dam White Ibis Update [Wade Snyder ] 1 Sep Pleasant Creek WMA--Semi Plover and Shoveler but no White-rumped Sandpiper [Terry Bronson ] 1 Sep Baird's Sandpiper in Ohio and West Virginia ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 1 Sep Baird's Sandpiper in Ohio and West Virginia ["Rankin, Gary" ] 1 Sep White-rumped diag. - was, White-rumped, Least, Solitary, et al. -- Ple asant Creek WM ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 1 Sep "Four-and-twenty blackbirds..." [Jean Neely ] 31 Aug White-rumped, Least, Solitary, et al. -- Pleasant Creek WMA [Derek Courtney ] 1 Sep origins of migrating nighthawks ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 31 Aug White Ibis-yes [David Patick ] 31 Aug Yard birds yesterday: Prairie Warbler, pewee, baby junco [Casey Rucker ] 31 Aug Bald Eagle [Bob Burrell ] 31 Aug Pine Siskin [Sally Egan ] 31 Aug more birds, owls [tammy lester ] 31 Aug migration [tammy lester ] 30 Aug Nighthawks [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 30 Aug Morgantown Nighthawks, Great Egret, Huge Chimney Swift roost [Terry Bronson ] 30 Aug FW: Kingwood nighthawks and other [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 30 Aug Re: Kingwood nighthawks and other [michael welch ] 30 Aug Red-breasted nuthatch; yard birds; etc. ["Rankin, Gary" ] 30 Aug Red-breasted Nuthatch ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ] 30 Aug nighthawks [Donna Mitchell or Bill Roody ] 29 Aug Lots of Nighthawks [Sandra Farkas ] 29 Aug Nighthawks [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 30 Aug Kingwood nighthawks and other ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 29 Aug New River white ibis [Allen Waldron ] 29 Aug Whip-poor-wills [Kevin Cade ] 29 Aug Pied-billed Grebe, Osprey in Barbour County [Terry Bronson ] 29 Aug nighthawk bonaza [Donna Mitchell or Bill Roody ] 29 Aug Whip-poor-will and warblers at Dolly Sods [Derek Courtney ] 28 Aug whip poor will ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ] 29 Aug yard-warblers ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 28 Aug Nocturnal Thrushes + Sleepy Creek WMA [Matt Orsie ] 28 Aug Lots of Killdeer& a few peeps- Jefferson County [Carol Del-Colle ] 28 Aug peak nighthawks ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ] 28 Aug Nighthawks [sharon kearns ] 28 Aug white ibis returns [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 28 Aug Nighthawks [Herb & Sarah Myers ] 28 Aug Lone Nighthawk [jeff del col ] 28 Aug Re: nighthawks ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 27 Aug nighthawks ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ] 27 Aug Greenbrier County Great Egrets [Wade Snyder ] 27 Aug Green-winged Teals, Great Egrets at Prickett's Fort [Terry Bronson ] 27 Aug Re: nighthawks ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 27 Aug Humminbird Peak and other activity ["Rankin, Gary" ] 27 Aug RFI; Brooks trip to Oregon/California ["gljeinwv AT juno.com" ] 27 Aug nighthawks [Donna Mitchell or Bill Roody ] 27 Aug Hilton Pond 08/22/10 (Front Yards & Sourwoods) ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] 27 Aug Wild turkeys [Jean Neely ] 26 Aug Nighthawks [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 26 Aug nighthawks ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ] 26 Aug Dolly Sods [Herb & Sarah Myers ] 26 Aug Brown Thrasher, Hummingbirds, Robins- yard birds [Carol Del-Colle ] 26 Aug Baird's Sandpiper [Mike Griffith ] 26 Aug Red-breasted Nuthatch-Jefferson County [Nancy Kirschbaum ] 26 Aug Mini migrant fallout and shrub-birding in north Preston County [Terry Bronson ] 25 Aug White Ibis - not seen [Deborah Beutler ] 25 Aug nighthawks ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ] 25 Aug Nighthawks [richardkazmierski Kazmierski ] 25 Aug Western Monongalia County [Terry Bronson ] 24 Aug Fw: Hanging Rock Tower (22 Aug 2010) 2 Raptors [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 24 Aug Fw: Hanging Rock Tower (15 Aug 2010) Raptors [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 24 Aug Re: Double-breasted cormorants [John Tharp ] 24 Aug Re: Double-breasted cormorants [Matt Orsie ] 24 Aug Re: Double-breasted cormorants [Terry Bronson ] 24 Aug Double-breasted? [jeff del col ] 24 Aug It's Double-CRESTED, I said CRESTED [Bob Burrell ] 24 Aug Double-breasted cormorants [Bob Burrell ] 24 Aug Huntfield ponds [Matt Orsie ] 23 Aug White Ibis - Bellepoint, WV [Matt Orsie ] 23 Aug white ibis update [Jim & Judy Phillips ] 22 Aug Hilton Pond 08/11/10 (New River Hummingbirds) ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] Subject: free public tour day at Three Rivers Avian Center Sept 4 From: Wendy Perrone <wendy AT TRACWV.ORG> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 07:50:50 -0400 Hi everyone! Looking for something to do on Labor Day weekend? Remember that Three Rivers Avian Center has a free Public Tour Day from 1 - 5 on Saturday Sept. 4th. Live raptors, informational exhibits, etc - great fun for all ages! Bring your camera... Three Rivers Avian Center is located on Brooks Mountain Road between Hinton and Sandstone, just off Route 20 in Summers County. Turn onto Brooks Mountain Road and follow the signs. Have a great Labor Day weekend, and we hope to see you. -Wendy -- Wendy Perrone, Executive Director Three Rivers Avian Center Brooks Mtn Road HC 74 Box 279 Brooks, WV 25951 304-466-4683 (land line) 304-575-5024 (mobile) www.tracwv.org New River Gorge Peregrine Restoration Coordinator No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.441 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3104 - Release Date: 08/31/10 06:34:00Subject: Fw: Hanging Rock Tower (29 Aug 2010) 2 Raptors From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 06:46:50 -0400 Hanging Rock Tower
Waiteville, West Virginia, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 29, 2010
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 1 2 2
Bald Eagle 0 1 1
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 5 5
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 0
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 1 1
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Total: 2 9 9
Observation start time: 10:00:00
Observation end time: 13:00:00
Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter Jim Phillips
Observers: Rodney Davis
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report submitted by Jim Phillips (cne01663 AT mail.wvnet.edu)
Hanging Rock Tower information may be found at:
http://www.hangingrocktower.org/
Subject: Fw: Hanging Rock Tower (28 Aug 2010) 5 RaptorsFrom: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 06:46:04 -0400 Hanging Rock Tower
Waiteville, West Virginia, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 28, 2010
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 1 1 1
Bald Eagle 0 1 1
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 4 4
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 0
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 1 1 1
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Total: 5 7 7
Observation start time: 10:45:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 4.25 hours
Official Counter Jim Phillips
Observers: Mark Morgan
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report submitted by Jim Phillips (cne01663 AT mail.wvnet.edu)
Hanging Rock Tower information may be found at:
http://www.hangingrocktower.org/
Subject: NighthawksFrom: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 20:21:47 -0700 Hi All, Only had 4 Nighthawks tonight. Coming from the north and heading south, which made it hard for me to see over the tree line, I might have missed a few. Kim Kazmierski Hurricane, WVSubject: Re: Bluestone Dam White Ibis Update From: Bob Burrell <C.cibarius AT DOREN.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 15:38:59 -0400 At 02:26 PM 9/1/2010 -0400, Wade Snyder wrote: >I decided to take advantage of a beautiful morning and cash in on some >annual leave to drive down to Hinton to chance a sighting of the White >Ibis. . . . and as I was watching, it became irritated at something in >it's "pool" and scolded the Ibis which appeared from behind some river >vegetation. The Ibis took flight and flew down river landing on the same >rock the Egret was on (very close in distance that David Patick described >from yesterday's post). l was able to watch it then for close to 30 >minutes, as it stayed very close to the Egret, almost as if it felt some >security in being with it. I think there is an alternative explanation that I think merits consideration. I have often seen long-legged waders "fishing together" in a cooperative manner. Given that the White Ibis is immature, this might be a good bet. I have seen Tri-coloreds fishing with Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets fishing with Little Blues, all manners of pairing and such cooperative activity may go on for days. I believe these birds are opportunists and why waste a chance at acquiring an easier meal? My favorite "cooperative" fishing pair was a Great Egret and a Human. I was the Human. I was fishing on the sound side near the Oregon Inlet of the NC Outer Banks and had just hooked a small fish. As I was trying to unhook the wiggly catch without impaling my fingers on the sharp spines of his dorsal fin, it suddenly came unhooked and slipped out of my hands. And BANG, the Great Egret who had been stealthily observing the action nearby of this fumbling Human knowing what to expect, had gobbled that hapless fish down in an instant. The Egret then turned his attention to other fisherfolk further down the shore thinking that surely there must be better sources of food than this clown and stalked off. Bob Burrell Morgantown and Kill Devil HillsSubject: Bluestone Dam White Ibis Update From: Wade Snyder <dry_fly_fisherman1 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 14:26:49 -0400 I decided to take advantage of a beautiful morning and cash in on some annual leave to drive down to Hinton to chance a sighting of the White Ibis. I arrived at Bellepoint Park at 9:15 am and as soon as I set up tripod and scope did a quick scan of area near the Great Egret as everyone had reported. At that point, the Ibis was not near the Egret, nor anywhere else that I could see. So I decided to focus on watching a Great Blue at the base of the dam - and as I was watching, it became irritated at something in it's "pool" and scolded the Ibis which appeared from behind some river vegetation. The Ibis took flight and flew down river landing on the same rock the Egret was on (very close in distance that David Patick described from yesterday's post). l was able to watch it then for close to 30 minutes, as it stayed very close to the Egret, almost as if it felt some security in being with it. Then a helicopter flew in from the dam side and landed in the ballfield - this was Bti spray day of New and Greenbrier Rivers. The chopper scared the Ibis and it took flight, circling several times in the vicinity of the Egret, then sailed downstream ~100 yards to a new set of rocks. This was the last position that I made an observation. What a beautiful bird! The angle of the morning sunlight gave great illumination to the Ibis's peach-colored beak and body coloration. Other notables: - a close flyover from an adult Osprey, circling in front of the dam. - some rather plain looking Wood Ducks dabbling amongst the Canadian Geese (in what Peterson's Field Guide describes as drab "eclipse" plumage) - Cedar Waxwings taking flight from bank vegetation and snatching insects from the air - dozens of all ages of Red-winged Blackbirds bathing in the shallows, then in unison taking flight displaying the red wing bars with brilliant displays against the dark backdrop of the river. - hundreds of Tree Swallows circling with all their antics - six Great Blue Herons at one time scatterd withing viewing range I left the Park around 11 am and feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe the White Ibis. Thanks to all for your previous reports and descriptions, which were most helpful. Have a great day! Wade N. Wade Snyder Daniels, WVSubject: Pleasant Creek WMA--Semi Plover and Shoveler but no White-rumped Sandpiper From: Terry Bronson <terrybronson AT YMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 10:32:18 -0700 Thanks to Derek Courtney for his tip about a White-rumped Sandpiper at Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area in Barbour County. Despite 2 hours of searching, I could not find it, so it must have moved on. However, I did find the following water-related birds: Northern Shoveler--1 bird in the pond west of Routes 250/119. The bird was darker than the females and juveniles illustrated in Sibley's Field Guide, so I'm thinking it was a male in non-breeding plumage. My first in WV. Semipalmated Plover--3 at the impoundment just as you get to the Tygart Lake boat launch area Least Sandpiper--3 at the impoundment Solitary Sandpiper--1 at the impoundment, 3 at the pond w. of Rt. 250 Spotted Sandpiper--1 at the pond w. of Rt. 250 Killdeer--13 w. of Rt. 250, 8 at the impoundment Great Blue Heron--1 at each location Green Heron--5 w. of Rt. 250, 3 at the impoundment Mallard--8 w. of Rt. 250 Wood Duck--2 at the impoundment Canada Goose--1 w. of Rt. 250 Belted Kingfisher--2 w. of Rt. 250 Among land birds, only a couple of highlights: Hairy Woodpecker--1 female w. of Rt. 250 Baltimore Oriole--1 adult male w. of Rt. 250 Cedar Waxwing--21 w. of Rt. 250 And finally, feeding at water's edge at the impoundment: 4 Goldpipers--male American Goldfinches With the heat and humidity climbing rapidly, I did not bird the shrubby wetland trail near the railroad trestle e. of Rt. 250. Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Baird's Sandpiper in Ohio and West Virginia From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 16:41:43 GMT Gary: It must be a good year all over for Baird's Sandpipers. When I was in Washington State, some of the birders were commenting about the unusually high numbers of Bairds that they were seeing. Given, they are more common out there than in the east, but I must have seen 30 at one location at Ocean Shores. And, during the hike on Mtn. Rainer, we saw Bairds walking around on a snow-field above tree-line. Gary Felton - Kingwood ------------------------------------------------ Subject: Baird's Sandpiper in Ohio and West Virginia From: "Rankin, Gary"Subject: Baird's Sandpiper in Ohio and West Virginia From: "Rankin, Gary" <rankin AT MARSHALL.EDU> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 10:06:39 -0400 I had to go to Rome, Ohio yesterday evening and decided to check out the Old Lock (27?) on the Ohio River at Rome while I was there. From the parking area I scanned the concrete pad adjacent to the river (lowest level) and noticed some shore birds. On checking them out closer, I found 12 Killdeer, 5 least sandpipers and 1 Baird's sandpiper (appeared to be a juvenile based on back feather pattern and buffy breastband). As I approached closer, the birds flew out over the Ohio River some distance (now in WV territory) before returning to the upriver end of the concrete pad. The dark rump on the Baird's was clearly visible as it flew. Gary Rankin Lavalette, WV Wayne Co. Gary O. Rankin, Ph.D. Professor & Chair Depart.of Pharmacology, Physiology & Toxicology - BBSC Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Marshall University One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 TEL:304-696-7313 FAX:304-696-7391Subject: White-rumped diag. - was, White-rumped, Least, Solitary, et al. -- Ple asant Creek WM From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 13:28:22 GMT Derek: Perhaps you're already aware of this, but if not. Another diagnostic for White-rumped Sandpiper, if you're close enough to see it, is a small dark orangish area at the base of the lower mandible. All of the field guides don't show it, so, if you have limited experience with the bird and don't have a guide that pictures it, you may not know to look for it. Gary Felton ------------------------------ Subject: White-rumped, Least, Solitary, et al. -- Pleasant Creek WMA From: Derek CourtneySubject: "Four-and-twenty blackbirds..." From: Jean Neely <jeaneely AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 06:26:42 -0400 ...and then some! Had a real treat yesterday morning as wave after wave of what I assume were rusty blackbirds flying thru the trees over the river upstream. They would land for about a second and then go off again. After it was seemingly over‹about 15 minutes later‹the wave started again, but backwards, going downstream. Jean Neely Near Shepherdstown, Jefferson Co.Subject: White-rumped, Least, Solitary, et al. -- Pleasant Creek WMA From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:24:11 -0400 Hi all,
After running some early evening errands in the area, I stopped at
Pleasant Creek WMA. I agree with Terry's assessment that the habitat seemed
more productive earlier in the season at least for total numbers of
shorebirds. But still, with some patient scanning I found 5 species of maybe
a dozen individuals total over the whole area. Highlight for me was a
white-rumped sandpiper. I noticed its differences from the other species
present. Pale overall, bold white supercilium, crossed primaries,
exaggerated high rump when feeding, but really couldn't get a handle on the
extension of the primaries beyond the tail. Perhaps this was due to distance
or heat shimmer, but it wasn't obvious in the field. It was obvious in
the photos however. Plus the white rump was visible during preening and in
flight. Other shorebird species present included Least and Solitary
sandpipers and Killdeer. One bird I identified as a Pectoral, but it was
distant and in pretty tattered plumage. The group was flushed by a family's
dog as they were on the opposite shore. I lost the birds not long after they
flew, but doubt they went very far. White-rumped is one of the later
migrating shorebirds that pass through our area I think, so while not the
harbinger of the Pine Siskin and Long-eared Owl previously reported, I would
agree Fall migration is in full swing :)
Thinking of migration, it seems to me that we are at or may have just
passed the peak timing of the "grass-pipers" through our area. Though
numbers of Buff-breasted, Upland, even Long-Billed Curlews are still being
reported nearby. Sod or turf farms seem good areas to check for these rarer
migrants through the state. A cursory google search showed one in the EP and
one in the southern part of the state near Winfield. Does anyone know if
these areas are productive or "bird-able"? I am guessing no to at least one
of those as I don't recall any reports from those places with good birders
nearby. Just wondering. Feel free to reply off-list if desired.
On the way back to Morgantown I counted 14 nighthawks over the fields
on 119 for those nighthawk enthusiasts amongst us. Best to you all.
Good birding,
Derek
Subject: origins of migrating nighthawksFrom: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 01:02:13 GMT To friends, birding companions and nighthawk observers: Does anyone wonder how many of the nighthawks you see during fall migration, originate outside of WV? Given where I live in the state, I'd say it's a safe bet that most of the nighthawks I see during fall migration are out of Pa., NY. and points north, and not WV. There may be a few that originated in Monongalia County and perhaps the northern panhandle, but it's probably a very small percentage of the total number that I see. My house is on the middle section of Laurel Ridge, which originates in Pa., and the birds I observe are always following the ridge. I wonder, for example, how many of the birds which are observed in the Huntington area, during fall migration, are birds coming out of Ohio. If you look at the last WV BBA, Common Nighthawk was a very sparse breeder. Does anyone happen to know what the estimated breeding population of nighthawks in WV is? Regardless, I'll go out on a limb and say that the vast number of nighthawks seen in WV during fall migration, did not originate in the state. Anyway, just a thought. BTW, only 4 nighthawks yesterday evening and none this evening. An Eastern Kingbird and female Scarlet Tanager were in the top of the spruces this moring. Gary Felton - Kingwood - ____________________________________________________________ Get Free Email with Video Mail & Video Chat! http://www.juno.com/freeemail?refcd=JUTAGOUT1FREM0210Subject: White Ibis-yes From: David Patick <patick AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:43:29 -0400 After failing to see the White Ibis last Thursday,I decided to take another shot at it today with Wendell Argabrite.We arrived at 1230 at Bluestone Dam and from Bellepointe Park,we saw the immature White Ibis around 1240 pm.It was feeding by some rocks and vegetation about 300 feet downstream from the Dam alongside a Great Egret.It was very satisfying as this was a new state bird for me. David Patick, Huntington,WV 25701Subject: Yard birds yesterday: Prairie Warbler, pewee, baby junco From: Casey Rucker <autoblock AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:39:10 -0400 Hello, all, Yesterday was a banner day in my yard, beginning with very early first-of-fall appearances by Dark-eyed Juncos, and my very first yard baby junco, being fed by mouth by an adult. Later on, an Eastern Wood-Pewee made a rare appearance, spending a few hours helping control my bug population. Six juvenile Eastern Towhees and one baby (not much of a tail yet) made lots of noise in the underbrush. And in mid-afternoon, a Prairie Warbler (female or juvenile -- they're tough to tell apart in fall!) afforded crushing looks to become my first yard bird of the year -- #136, and warbler #29. Woo hoo! ` Casey Rucker Dryfork, WVSubject: Bald Eagle From: Bob Burrell <C.cibarius AT DOREN.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:35:56 -0400 My daughter saw an immature Bald Eagle while kakaking the Upper Yough River near Sang Run MD. This is close to the repeated sightings seen in WV's Hardy and Mineral Counties Bob Burrell MorgantownSubject: Pine Siskin From: Sally Egan <sallye0421 AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:49:40 EDT Hi All!
There was a juvenile Pine Siskin at my feeder this morning among a
group of American Goldfinches.
Sally Egan
Bridgeport, WV
Subject: more birds, owlsFrom: tammy lester <efan3usa AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:11:21 -0700 I forgot to mention the YB Cuckoo I heard, along with Barred Owl, and also
what I believe may have been a Long eared owl. I know for sure it was an owl I
had never heard, and the call fit the Sibley's.
Tammy Lester
Wyoming County, WV
Hello from the coalfields!
Subject: migrationFrom: tammy lester <efan3usa AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:07:20 -0700 Have seen the past few days: Female Scarlet Tanager, Blue-winged warbler,
Yellow warbler, Black vulture. Seems to me that the migration is ON!
Tammy Lester
Wyoming County, WV
Hello from the coalfields!
Subject: NighthawksFrom: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:41:03 -0700 Nighthawks this evening-9 All silent Also had 10 Killdeer flying over calling like mad. Not far behind them was a Cooper's Hawk. Forgot to mention, this is Butterfly not Bird. My Mom said that on Wed, she and my Dad road around on a 4-wheeler near Tribble Road, north of Buffalo, in Mason County and there were 1000's of Monarchs, she said she had never seen anything like that in her life. Wish I could have been there. Kim Kazmierski Hurricane, WV Putnam CountySubject: Morgantown Nighthawks, Great Egret, Huge Chimney Swift roost From: Terry Bronson <terrybronson AT YMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:42:00 -0700 I went out tonight in search of COMMON NIGHTHAWKS, and it turned out to be ridiculously easy, finding about 20 feeding above a cornfield along Route 119 at the intersection of Route 705. This is a WVU farm behind the Transportation Services office and opposite the KLM real estate office. There could have been more since the field slopes up slightly and some could have been out of view. It's been a long time since I've seen Nighthawks, and I had forgotten how big they are--though only 9.5 inches long, their wingspan is a full 24 inches, according to the Sibley Field Guide. Impressive sight. This makes species #198 for me in WV, and #183 in the state this year. I checked several other places--the WVU Animal and Veterinary Sciences Farm (1 Nighthawk), the WVU Stadium and practice field near the Hospital, the Star City Waterfront, but that was it. However, across from Barill Park in Star City at the mouth of Scott's Run, there was a GREAT EGRET feeding in the shallows. It then flew up into a tree, and with dusk approaching it may be roosting there overnight, so an early morning check tomorrow may turn it up. I then headed toward home and checked a place where I had seen a lot of CHIMNEY SWIFTS a couple of weeks ago. This is the Seneca Center along Route 7 near downtown Morgantown along the Monongahela River. It has an old glass factory with a sizable chimney--towering maybe 30-40 feet above the building's roof. At 8:00 pm, there were hundreds of Chimney Swifts circling around this chimney--I eventually estimated about 400. Around and around they went--dozens and dozens of times. About 8:10 I noticed a few begin to drop down into the chimney, and that slowly continued for about 15 minutes. The last bird disappeared about 8:25 just as it was getting almost too dark to see. Must be extremely close quarters with that many birds in that small a chimney. A sight not to be missed. A morning visit to the WVU Core Arboretum was rather uneventful. I managed 31 species, but almost all usual suspects. Just a few highlights: Great Blue Heron--1 Buteo species--1, seen very briefly, but rather small, so probably a Broad-winged Hawk Yellow-throated Vireo--1 heard Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher--1 Hooded Warbler--1 male, sallied out once over the newly paved and re-opened rail trail doing its best imitation of a flycatcher Northern Cardinal--14. A usual suspect, yes, but the interesting thing was a sighting of a female-type bird with a yellow bill, a juvenile with a black bill, and the usual adults with red bills. I don't think I've ever seen a yellow- billed Cardinal before, and no, it was not a Pyrrhuloxia. Rose-breasted Grosbeak--1 Baltimore Oriole--2 Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: FW: Kingwood nighthawks and other From: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:50:17 -0700 Howdy folks, Even though some years I'm more dedicated than others, Nighthawks seem to always go through here. Some years I see them as I'm heading out the door and don't always post. I decided I would try to make an effort this year. Some years okay numbers, some years are low. Cindy mentioned to me before, that Teays Valley is an ancient river bed and maybe that is why they come over this way each year. I think I've been watching approx. 10 years here. Most head in the direction of the Kanawha River and one year I was over at Nitro (beside the Kanawha River) with a friend and saw a large number of them. I know they love the fields for feeding, but might still have some established routes. Sometimes people will notice them during migration feeding during football games where the lights attract bugs. There was one I didn't post on Saturday, because I heard it on the roof of the Hobby Shop in Teays Valley. It made me think it had stopped over, probably feeding around the parking area where there are lots of lights in the evening time. I also thought, wouldn't it be nice to take a peek on that roof to see if there were more? I was surprised to hear it, because I only hear them call in flight. I have noticed they are usually very quiet during migration, most of the time it is only right at dark I hear one call. I used to post to a list serv that was just for Nighthawks, I'm not sure if it still exists. And some of the same people posted year after year, so you could tell there was some sort of migration route. Sometimes I think it would be hard to tell where they are all coming from. I was at Hurricane High School one year and watched them come in every direction "merging" almost over the high school, and heading, if I remember this right, southeast. That was wonderful to watch. Another thing you have to watch for is how high are they flying, sometimes they are so high they are just specks in the sky and sometimes so low they barely go over the roof tops. One year I had to drive to the bottom of the my subdivision to see them and it was very close to where my house sits. Hope everyone has a chance to sit out a few evenings and watch for them. Kim Kazmierski Hurricane WV Putnam County > Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:32:36 -0600 > From: winterfinch AT HOTMAIL.COM > Subject: Re: Kingwood nighthawks and other > To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > To take this one step further, I'd like to suggest that nighthawk observers submit any observations (by sight or sound) to the WV Breeding Bird Atlas project, since this project will be ongoing for approximately the same time period that Gary has outlined. The safe dates for common nighthawk are narrow--June 5 to July 15--but any breeding evidence even outside of those dates will count. You can access and become familiar with the WV BBA project here: http://martes.dnr.state.wv.us/BreedingBirdsAtlas/default.aspx > > It is interesting to watch the nighthawk numbers fluctuate from year to year during migration. One confounding aspect to this however is that, unlike raptors which follow the same geographic and geologic landscape elements year after year, nighthawks will follow a ready food source. As such, any change in pasture land and agricultural field usage from year to year will influence the path of the migration. One year may be exceptional in a certain locale, but then quite uneventful the next year. The data generated from actual records during their breeding season (via the WV BBA) will provide wildlife agencies with a much more useful picture of what can be done within the state for conservation purposes. > > Michael Welch > Randolph County > > > > > > > > > > Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:13:20 +0000 > > From: gljeinwv AT JUNO.COM > > Subject: Kingwood nighthawks and other > > To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > > > To friends, birding companions and nighthawk observers: > > > > 11 Common Nighthawks this evening. I'd like to suggest to all nighthawk observers that we keep detailed reports over the next 5 years and see what the numbers look like over the 5-year period. > > > > In additon, just a few Wood and Swainson's Thrush pre-dawn, one Rose-breasted Grosbeak and very few warblers (a couple each Magnolia and Cape May). > > > > For anyone interested in leps. I observed 22 species of butterflies around the yard yesterday. > > > > Gary Felton > > ____________________________________________________________ > > 1 Tip for Losing Weight > > Cut down 2 lbs per week by using this 1 weird old tip > > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c7af7d016238934e43st06vuc >Subject: Re: Kingwood nighthawks and other From: michael welch <winterfinch AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:32:36 -0600 To take this one step further, I'd like to suggest that nighthawk observers submit any observations (by sight or sound) to the WV Breeding Bird Atlas project, since this project will be ongoing for approximately the same time period that Gary has outlined. The safe dates for common nighthawk are narrow--June 5 to July 15--but any breeding evidence even outside of those dates will count. You can access and become familiar with the WV BBA project here: http://martes.dnr.state.wv.us/BreedingBirdsAtlas/default.aspx It is interesting to watch the nighthawk numbers fluctuate from year to year during migration. One confounding aspect to this however is that, unlike raptors which follow the same geographic and geologic landscape elements year after year, nighthawks will follow a ready food source. As such, any change in pasture land and agricultural field usage from year to year will influence the path of the migration. One year may be exceptional in a certain locale, but then quite uneventful the next year. The data generated from actual records during their breeding season (via the WV BBA) will provide wildlife agencies with a much more useful picture of what can be done within the state for conservation purposes. Michael Welch Randolph County > Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:13:20 +0000 > From: gljeinwv AT JUNO.COM > Subject: Kingwood nighthawks and other > To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > To friends, birding companions and nighthawk observers: > > 11 Common Nighthawks this evening. I'd like to suggest to all nighthawk observers that we keep detailed reports over the next 5 years and see what the numbers look like over the 5-year period. > > In additon, just a few Wood and Swainson's Thrush pre-dawn, one Rose-breasted Grosbeak and very few warblers (a couple each Magnolia and Cape May). > > For anyone interested in leps. I observed 22 species of butterflies around the yard yesterday. > > Gary Felton > ____________________________________________________________ > 1 Tip for Losing Weight > Cut down 2 lbs per week by using this 1 weird old tip > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c7af7d016238934e43st06vucSubject: Red-breasted nuthatch; yard birds; etc. From: "Rankin, Gary" <rankin AT MARSHALL.EDU> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:49:57 -0400 Seeing Cindy Ellis' post about the red-breasted nuthatch reminded me that I was visiting a rose garden near Moundsville, WV this weekend and found a red-breasted nuthatch in pine trees near the garden. It was the first one that I have found this year in WV. Driving back home, we drove through Ohio and stopped at Cambridge, OH for gas. Two immature (one a second year) Bald Eagles circling over were a nice surprise. We also had a white-eyed vireo in our crab apple tree in the front yard this morning. Martin numbers have dropped over the last week and I haven't seen any nighthawks yet. We had lots last year. Gary Rankin Wayne Co. Lavalette, WV Gary O. Rankin, Ph.D. Professor & Chair Depart.of Pharmacology, Physiology & Toxicology - BBSC Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Marshall University One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 TEL:304-696-7313 FAX:304-696-7391Subject: Red-breasted Nuthatch From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:25:04 -0400 Saw 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches in Virginia Pine this morning! Also saw 1 Tree Swallow today; one Purple Martin yesterday. Eastern Kingbirds remain active and vocal here. One was making flycatching-like dives into the Wild Cherry for a berry breakfast. Two Whip-poor-wills called before sunrise. ~Cindy Ellis, Putnam County -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net “Modern man does not experience himself as a part of nature but as an outside force destined to dominate and conquer it. He even talks of a battle with nature, forgetting that, if he won the battle he would find himself on the losing side.” ~E.F. SchumacherSubject: nighthawks From: Donna Mitchell or Bill Roody <mitchell_roody AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:17:54 +0000 After Saturday nights big nighthawk evening I was expecting much the same. However, my grand total was 6, flying from west to east at 5:40 north of Belington, Barbour County. Donna Mitchell Barbour CountySubject: Lots of Nighthawks From: Sandra Farkas <sandralfarkas2 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:17:56 -0400 Hello All, While driving from Canaan Valley towards Seneca Rocks this evening I spotted many nighthawks flitting about. I started noticing them from the Tucker - Pendleton county line and again driving toward Seneca Rocks. This was about 7:30 or so. Sandy Farkas Springfield., VASubject: Nighthawks From: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:44:39 -0700 Hi All, Kind of humid out here tonight with clear skies. These are totals for yesterday evening and this evening. Both evenings watched the sky from 6:30 to 8:30. For yesterday 1 group of 11 and single birds after that with only a total of 16. This evening a group of 9 coming from the South and going North, the rest heading East with a total of 24. Lots of Chimney Swifts this evening. Forgot to mention, Thursday and Friday had 1 Green Heron flying down the street heading for the pond and Saturday 2 heading for the pond. Like clock work, at 8:25 2 bats flying close by, means it is time for me to go in. Kim Kazmierski Hurricane, WV Putnam CountySubject: Kingwood nighthawks and other From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:13:20 GMT To friends, birding companions and nighthawk observers: 11 Common Nighthawks this evening. I'd like to suggest to all nighthawk observers that we keep detailed reports over the next 5 years and see what the numbers look like over the 5-year period. In additon, just a few Wood and Swainson's Thrush pre-dawn, one Rose-breasted Grosbeak and very few warblers (a couple each Magnolia and Cape May). For anyone interested in leps. I observed 22 species of butterflies around the yard yesterday. Gary Felton ____________________________________________________________ 1 Tip for Losing Weight Cut down 2 lbs per week by using this 1 weird old tip http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c7af7d016238934e43st06vucSubject: New River white ibis From: Allen Waldron <awaldron AT SUDDENLINK.NET> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:12:44 -0400 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.851 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3100 - Release Date: 08/29/10 02:34:00Subject: Whip-poor-wills From: Kevin Cade <dmgraphics AT DAILYMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:58:47 -0400 Speaking of whip-poor-wills, I heard one sing this morning around 6 a.m. for about five minutes. Earlier in the year, one was singing fairly regularly in the evenings, but it has been silent for several weeks. Kevin Cade Hurricane Creek Road Putnam CountySubject: Pied-billed Grebe, Osprey in Barbour County From: Terry Bronson <terrybronson AT YMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:49:19 -0700 This morning I went down to Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area in Barbour County, hoping for a few new shorebirds. Only 5 Killdeer, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, and 1 Least Sandpiper were seen. Water levels were higher than my last visit about 3 weeks ago, and it's later in shorebird migration, so that may explain the lack of shorebirds. I was delighted to see one of my favorite birds--a PIED- BILLED GREBE in the wetlands west of Route 250. This bird I'm calling an immature bird--it no longer had zebra- striping on its head, but the head feathers appeared short and spiky, giving it a punk look. A rather early bird, though one was reported by Lavinia Schoene on Aug. 17 at Capon Bridge in the Eastern Panhandle and eBird has records in mid-July and about the third week of August. I expect some long-time WV birders also have earlier sightings, which I'd be interested to hear about. As I was standing near the railroad trestle, I saw an OSPREY winging its way southward. It appeared to be descending toward the wetlands across Route 250. A half-hour later, after getting back to my car, I went over to the wetlands to see if it had in fact come down, and there it was--an adult perched on a dead tree preening a bit and looking around. The Grebe wasn't too far away out in the middle of the water, but the Osprey didn't seem interested. I suspect the bird was migrating and just pausing to rest. I had seen one there back in April, which was probably headed north. Other highlights: Great Blue Heron--2 Green Heron--2 Black-billed Cuckoo--1, eating, you guessed it, a caterpillar Ruby-throated Hummingbird--9. Good thing I got a haircut last week, since a couple buzzed me very closely! Belted Kingfisher--2 Great Crested Flycatcher--2. Hadn't seen any of these for about 2 months. White-eyed Vireo--10, most singing Common Raven--2, resident birds that hang around the railroad trestle. Some weird vocalizing going on today. Might have been a young bird. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher--1 House Wren--2, including 1 probable juvenile with quite a short tail. Both scolding me like crazy. Brown Thrasher--2 Cedar Waxwing--40 Chestnut-sided Warbler--1 Magnolia Warbler--2 Black-throated Green Warbler--2 Prairie Warbler--3 American Redstart--1 Common Yellowthroat--5 Hooded Warbler--1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak--1 Indigo Bunting--18 Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: nighthawk bonaza From: Donna Mitchell or Bill Roody <mitchell_roody AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:44:43 +0000 Between 6:45 and 7:00 last evening, an estimated 580 nighthawks flew due west from the direction of Laural Mountain about 5 miles north of Belington. About 10 minutes later there were approximately 180 foraging over the active pastures around my house. There were more coming from the east but since the first wave was circling back, I couldn't tell if there were more birds or the same ones that I already counted. By 7:15, there were only a few in sight and by 7:30 there were none. Although I had been looking for them earlier in the evening, they could have begun their flight 10 minutes or so previous to my first observing them. Thanks to Cindy Ellis for giving the peak flight dates in past years. I'll be looking for them tonight as well. Donna Mitchell Barbour County Belington, WVSubject: Whip-poor-will and warblers at Dolly Sods From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:03:14 -0400 Hi all,
Buoyed by the Myers' report of Whip-poor-will recently and hearing
from AFMO banders of quasi-regular vocalizations, I decided to spend the
afternoon/evening in the high country. I birded for migrants along FR 19 and
75 during the afternoon. Good numbers of fall warblers were seen. Pine, Cape
May, Blackpoll, BT Green, BT Blue, Chestnut-sided, Black and white, Magnolia
were the species seen. Didn't see either Philadelphia Vireo or Olive-sided
Flycatcher. Good numbers of Red-breasted nuthatches though. By the time
darkness was setting in, I was eating my convenience store dinner on a rock
along the side of FR75 maybe a half mile away from Red Creek Campground.
Didn't want to get too close lest the noise from those all-night AFMO bander
parties drown out my whip-poor-will :) Lots of waiting, then around 8:40 a
whip vocalized twice then evidently moved to the opposite side of FR75 and
vocalized once more. I waited another half-hour or so, but nothing else
came of it. Probably due to the time of year, but it certainly wasn't as
spirited as the Chuck-will's-widow, who put on quite a show for observers
earlier in the year near Ripley. Still, definitely a cool experience. Many
thanks to the Myers for their post.
I have driven the back roads of Preston, Taylor, and Mon Counties in
places I thought promising but have never seen or heard a whip. I know the
Brooks Bird Club had killer looks at one during the foray at Terra Alta. And
I am told they are, at least, a fairly easy bird to hear during the breeding
season, but I haven't seen much posted to the listserv in terms of
sightings. So, if anybody has some good spots for them for next year's
season, I would appreciate receiving the advice, even off list.
Also, in a belated report for earlier in the week, on Thursday I birded
the Ohio River Valley from Green Bottom up to Point Pleasant. Highlights
were a lingering Summer Tanager at the beginning of the boardwalk at Green
Bottom, the continuing Least Bittern off the observation platform there, and
the juvenile Baird's Sandpipers at RCB. Other shorebirds seen along the
route were Least, Semipalmated, Pectoral, Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers
along with 1 Semipalmated Plover and the ubiquitous Killdeer.
The Whip-poor-will was WV#240 for the year. Hope everyone is enjoying
fall migration thus far and anticipating what's still to come. Best to you
all.
Good birding,
Derek
Subject: whip poor willFrom: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:47:52 -0400 Not a peak Nighthawk evening...one seen. But did begin the day with 2 Whip-poor-wills at 6:25; that was nice. ~Cindy Ellis, Putnam County -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net “Modern man does not experience himself as a part of nature but as an outside force destined to dominate and conquer it. He even talks of a battle with nature, forgetting that, if he won the battle he would find himself on the losing side.” ~E.F. SchumacherSubject: yard-warblers From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 01:07:34 GMT To friends and birding companions: Yard-warblers at Kingwood this morning; Blue-winged, Blackburnian (3), Black-throated Green, Blackpoll, Cape May, Magnolia and American Redstart. Other notables; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Acadian Flycatcher Gary Felton ____________________________________________________________ 1 Tip for Losing Weight Cut down 2 lbs per week by using this 1 weird old tip http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c79b30e21f949191d3st04vucSubject: Nocturnal Thrushes + Sleepy Creek WMA From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:13:13 -0400 All, I got up pre-sunrise and heard a handful of Veery coming down from a night of migration. I always look forward to the fall thrush migration. Peak of Veery migration (about now for here) is followed by Wood Thrush and Swainson's Warbler around mid-September. Then, Gray-cheeked Thrush peaks around the third week of September closely followed by Hermit Thrush. A few years back I was fortunate to record what I believe to be a Bicknell's Thrush at my house. This occurred at 4:51am on 9-25-2005. You can listen to that particular call at: http://wvbirder.org/noc.htm You can compare the Gray-cheeked call to the presumed Bicknell's. In other news I met up with Bob and Robin Dean to bird Sleepy Creek WMA this morning. We manged to find 22 warblers comprised of 10 species. The other highlight was a Red-breasted Nuthatch which is the first I've recorded in the eastern panhandle in August. Warblers: Nashville 1 Magnolia 7 Black-throated Blue 1 Black-throated Green 1 Blackburnian 2 Pine 4 Black-and-white 5 American Redstart 1 Worm-eating 1 Ovenbird 1 Good Birding, Matt Orsie Summit Point, WVSubject: Lots of Killdeer& a few peeps- Jefferson County From: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:02:32 +0000 Greetings to all,   After voting in the primary today at Washington High School(around 11:00), I stopped by the school's retention pond on the way out. I counted 23 Killdeer and about 6 sandpipers, think they were Least, but didn't have my scope and wasn't certain. There is still a good amount of water in the pond and lots of mud flat area.   At home this morning, I had over 30 Robins in the yard and trees.                   Happy birding,                      Carol Del-Colle                     Summit Point                      Jefferson CountySubject: peak nighthawks From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:55:28 -0400 Looking at my slim stash of records shows that, for this location, this weekend could be peak Common Nighthawk activity time. Peak dates, in order, have been 8/29, 8/31, and 8/30. Hope that, if you want, you see one/some! ~Cindy Ellis -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net “Modern man does not experience himself as a part of nature but as an outside force destined to dominate and conquer it. He even talks of a battle with nature, forgetting that, if he won the battle he would find himself on the losing side.” ~E.F. SchumacherSubject: Nighthawks From: sharon kearns <skwalks AT FRONTIERNET.NET> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:10:28 -0400 Hi all! My husband is down in Pocahontas Co, Hillsboro, and called to report he saw over 100 NightHawks flying over the farm last evening Aug 28 (he said too many to count after that) as well as Swallow sp and over 50 Flycatchers, didn't know what kind. These birds were accompanied by many swarming insects, probably the reason for the numbers of birds. I had asked him to look for them as we missed seeing any the last couple of years. He has been looking all week and last night was the first he had seen them. i wish I was there!!!! Sharon Kearns presently in Leesburg, VaSubject: white ibis returns From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:55:09 -0400 We watched the white ibis this morning from 1030-1100. It was visible from Bellepoint Park at the base of Bluestone Dam and still in the company of a great egret. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: Nighthawks From: Herb & Sarah Myers <hesemyers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:50:17 -0400 Last evening we were having dinner outdoors with family in Philippi (Barbour County). We were treated to approximately 50 Common Nighthawks flying over in the course of our meal. They varied from a group of 15-20 to smaller clusters as small as two. This was a real treat. Most were heading south though a few were heading other directions. On our way home there were many Chimney Swifts flying over Philippi. Herb Myers, Harman, Randolph CountySubject: Lone Nighthawk From: jeff del col <delcol.jeff AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 09:27:59 -0400 Last evening at 8 o'clock I saw a lone Nighthawk over my house. It was the first Nighthawk I've seen in years. Jeff Del Col PhilippiSubject: Re: nighthawks From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:14:57 GMT Cindy,
I had one nighthawk at Kingwood yesterday evening.
Gary Felton
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Cynthia D. Ellis"
Subject: nighthawksFrom: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:34:31 -0400 Eleven seen tonight. Although there are variables, here are my yearly totals 8/20~9/11, 2003-2009: 436, 436, 295, 656, 120, 173, 153. Best night was 8/29/06---466 birds. ~Cindy Ellis, Putnam County -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net "It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment." ~Ansel Adams **Subject: Greenbrier County Great Egrets From: Wade Snyder <dry_fly_fisherman1 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:12:39 -0400 Spotted (and photographed) two Great Egrets this afternoon in Howard's Creek, Greenbrier County just off Route 60 East coming out of Caldwell. Thanks to Jim Phillips with assistance in proper identification descriptions (new birds for me). N. Wade Snyder Daniels, WV email: dry_fly_fisherman1 AT hotmail.comSubject: Green-winged Teals, Great Egrets at Prickett's Fort From: Terry Bronson <terrybronson AT YMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:49:28 -0700 Those 2 species were the undisputed highlights of my morning today at Prickett's Fort State Park in Marion County. Both were in the often-mud-flat area near the boat ramp, though that area is mostly vegetation-covered right now. This seems awfully early for Green-winged Teal, since migrant ducks shouldn't be arriving until later this fall. But it was delightful to see this little duck--second or third smallest in North America. Only Buffleheads and the vagrant Masked Duck are smaller. A fisherman told me that an Egret has been there "all the time" recently. A passing bicyclist on the rail trail told me that what he called a Cattle Egret had been hanging out about 1.5 miles north. I started to hoof it up the trail to investigate, but only got 0.25 mile before seeing a white dot in the river, which turned out to be the Great Egret that I had seen flying past me about 10 minutes earlier. Returning to the park, I confirmed there was still an Egret there, so that made 2 birds. A Cattle Egret would be extremely unlikely in any event along the riverside, since it is a field bird. Neither the Egret nor the Teal have been reported yet to the WV Breeding Bird Atlas update now in progress. In the first Atlas, no Egrets were reported, but 1 Teal was reported in the Keyser area of the Eastern Panhandle. Both are basically spring and fall migrants. I managed to find 45 species this morning, with about 20 being found in the first hour near the white house along the road to the Superintendent's residence. Highlights: Canada Goose--103 Wood Duck--16 Mallard--180 Green-winged Teal--2 Great Blue Heron--1 Great Egret--2 Green Heron--4 Broad-winged Hawk--1 Killdeer--21, all roosting in the area where the Teals were Other shorebirds--zero Yellow-billed Cuckoo--1 Eastern Kingbird--2 White-eyed Vireo--4, 2 of which looked like juveniles Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher--1 Eastern Bluebird--4, including 2 juveniles Cedar Waxwing--18, including 3 juveniles American Redstart--1, only Warbler seen or heard Rose-breasted Grosbeak--1 Baltimore Oriole--4 Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Re: nighthawks From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:30:18 GMT To those who have been seeing and or, reporting Common Nighthawks: We've been at our current residence for 11 years and I've made it a point of watching for Common Nighthawks every evening that I can, from the third week of August and up through early October. In those 11 years, there has been a consistent down-wards trend in the number of nighthawks I see, with fewer nighthawks every year. So far this year, I've seen none. There has been somewhat of a debate in regards to whether Common Nighthawks are in decline, but the general consensus across NA, reflects what Partners in Flight reports, Common Nighthawks are in steep decline. http://www.savingoursharedbirds.org/loss-of-abundance. Based on what I've seen in the past 11 years, there is no doubt that is the case. If anyone has it, you may want to read the section on Common Nighthawks in Hall's, "Birds of WV". Some of the accounts from years ago are astounding. Gary Felton - Kingwood ---------- Original Message ---------- From: Donna Mitchell or Bill RoodySubject: Humminbird Peak and other activity From: "Rankin, Gary" <rankin AT MARSHALL.EDU> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:45:57 -0400 After a frenzy of RT hummingbird activity at the feeders last week, things have slowed down considerably. Looks like the are on their way south. While the hummers are leaving, an Eastern Screech-owl and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo have been more evident calling at night (full moon effect?) and Yellow-throated Vireos have been more evident calling during the day around the neighborhood. Gary Rankin Lavalette, WV Wayne Co. Gary O. Rankin, Ph.D. Professor & Chair Depart.of Pharmacology, Physiology & Toxicology - BBSC Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Marshall University One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 TEL:304-696-7313 FAX:304-696-7391Subject: RFI; Brooks trip to Oregon/California From: "gljeinwv AT juno.com" <gljeinwv@JUNO.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:02:05 GMT To any WV-bird subscribers, who may have been on the Brooks-sponsored, Oregon/Ca. trip, how did it go? Do you happen to have a list of birds encountered? Gary Felton - Kingwood ____________________________________________________________ Obama Urges Homeowners to Refinance If you owe under $729k you probably qualify for Obama's Refi Program http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c77b79162a298dd030st06vucSubject: nighthawks From: Donna Mitchell or Bill Roody <mitchell_roody AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:20:52 +0000 On my way home from a long work field day Tuesday evening around 7:30, starting in Belington (Barbour County) and heading north on 92, I started seeing a few nighthawks in the fields. When I got home 5 miles north of Belington, there were 30 to 35 nighthawks foraging in the active pastures around my house. Looking above them were about 12 chimney swifts, looking below the nighthawks were monarchs and lots of dragonflies. 15 minutes later all were gone but 2 nighthawks. Last evening there were none. Donna Mitchell Belington, WVSubject: Hilton Pond 08/22/10 (Front Yards & Sourwoods) From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:57:08 -0400 "This Week at Hilton Pond" we explore our small front yard at the Center, finding and photographing a diverse assemblage of flora and fauna from predatory insects to immature hummingbirds to unexpected orchids. For a photo essay about these organisms that could be hanging out in your own front yard in West Virginia, please see our installment for 22-26 August 2010 at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek100822.html . We also pose a question about the importance of Sourwood trees as a hummingbird nectar source. This edition includes the exiting first announcement of how YOU--thanks to the amazing generosity of an alumnus from past Operation RubyThroat expeditions--can go with us for FREE next winter to Costa Rica. If you've always wanted to study hummingbirds in the warm, sunny Neotropics when winter weather is at its worst in North America, here's your big chance to receive one of TWO $1,799 trip scholarships while supporting Hilton Pond Center's education, research, and conservation endeavors. Don't forget to scroll down for a list of birds banded at Hilton Pond during the most recent period, as well as a couple of miscellaneous nature notes. Happy Nature Watching! BILL ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA office & cell (803) 684-5852 fax (803) 684-0255 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org ==================Subject: Wild turkeys From: Jean Neely <jeaneely AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:44:00 -0400 Good morning, All: Yesterday at about 7 a.m. I was driving past a neighbor¹s house when I spotted about a dozen turkeys strolling around his front lawn. An oak tree had started to drop acorns and they were scarfing them up. For some reason, turkeys have been scarce here, but this is my second sighting in two weeks. Also, enroute to my appointment, a young (I should think) cooper¹s hawk dived at a group of crows on the ground‹missing badly. S/he sat there looking a bit stunned as I drove by. Jean Neely Near Shepherdstown, Jefferson Co.Subject: Nighthawks From: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:55:04 -0700 Just 7 Nighthawks tonight, 3 in one group flying high and 4 in another group just barely clearing the roof top. Groups were about an hour apart. Kim Kazmierski Hurricane, WV Putnam CountySubject: nighthawks From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:06:03 -0400 23 Nighthawks noted, in 2 groups, about 6:30. Goldfinches are eating crushed baked egg shells that are tossed on a small gravel pile. Two pairs of Song Sparrows are feeding nestlings. ~Cindy Ellis, Putnam County -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net "It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment." ~Ansel Adams **Subject: Dolly Sods From: Herb & Sarah Myers <hesemyers AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:31:25 -0400 We just returned from two days and one night camping on Dolly Sods. We heard
or saw the following:
Turkey Vulture
Great-horned Owl (heard)
Whip-poor-will (heard)
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay (heard)
American Crow
Common Raven (heard)
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch (heard)
Winter Wren (heard)
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Magnolia Warbler (fall immature)
Black-throated Green Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
Dark-eyed Junco
American Goldfinch
We attended the Allegheny Front Migration Observatory and saw the following
banded:
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Swainsen’s Thrush
Tennessee Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Hooded Warbler
Canada Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
It was a good time and we came home with 1 ¼ gallons of huckleberries.
Herb Myers
Harman, Randolph County
Subject: Brown Thrasher, Hummingbirds, Robins- yard birdsFrom: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:51:56 +0000 Greetings on this beautiful day.    This morning(Thursday) I was very pleased to see a Brown Thrasher come to our pond.  I really haven't seen any around the yard since the beginning of the season when they were just getting back into the area. Since then, they have made themselves rather scarce or have been here when I wasn't watching.     There has been an increase in the Robin activity, with several small flocks flying over (in a southern direction) and about a dozen individuals(immatures and adults) in and around the yard. Also the Ruby-throated Hummers are quite active, and at times, I think I am going to be bombarded by them as they go zooming by chasing one another away from the feeders. I've been having a couple of females, several juvenile males and at least one adult male. I would say that there are 6 or 7 of them partaking of the sugar-water and providing me with a lot of avian entertainment. They seem to be enjoying this wonderful weather as much as I am.     Happy birding,          Carol Del-Colle          Summit Point          Jefferson County           ÂSubject: Baird's Sandpiper From: Mike Griffith <birdonawire47 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:23:10 -0400 Shorebird bonanza! (I'm kinda new at this. Is there a sarcasm button on this dang keyboard?) This afternoon, at the Apple Grove Fish Hatchery (Mason Co.), there were the following shorebirds: Baird's Sandpiper - 2 (juvenile) Spotted Sandpiper - 3 Mike Griffith HuntingtonSubject: Red-breasted Nuthatch-Jefferson County From: Nancy Kirschbaum <nancyk500 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:56:13 -0400 A Red-breasted Nuthatch visited our feeder in Jefferson County this afternoon. -- Nancy Kirschbaum Shepherdstown, WV nancyk500 at comcast dot netSubject: Mini migrant fallout and shrub-birding in north Preston County From: Terry Bronson <terrybronson AT YMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:20:04 -0700 I decided to do some shrub-birding today in the area of Preston County west of Valley Point on Route 26 and south of I-68 to see what might be around. I covered parts of Planeing Mill Road, Beech Run Road, and Harmony Grove Road. The first two have significant areas of overgrown fields and reclaimed mines with many shrubs, as does the communications antenna site along Harmony Grove Road. Shrub-birding highlights were as follows: Turkey Vulture--15 (antenna site) White-eyed Vireo--2, including 1 juvenile (Planeing Mill Rd.) Cedar Waxwing--10 (Planeing Mill Rd.) Prairie Warbler--1 (Planeing Mill Rd.), 1 (antenna site) Grasshopper Sparrow--1 juvenile (Beech Run Road) Eastern Meadowlark--3 (Beech Run Road) Totals: Planeing Mill Road--20 species in 2 hours Beech Run Road--4 species in 40 minutes Antenna site--7 species in 35 minutes Along Harmony Grove Road north of the antenna site at the large farm: Canada Goose--44 Barn Swallow--60 Savannah Sparrow--2 But the real highlight of the day was the mini migrant fallout along Harmony Grove Road in the wooded section between Beech Run Road and the antenna site from 12:05 to 12:40. Not all of these were migrants, of course: Ruby-throated Hummingbird--1 Downy Woodpecker--2 Blue-headed Vireo--1 Red-eyed Vireo--2 Black-capped Chickadee--2 Tufted Titmouse--2 White-breasted Nuthatch--1 Magnolia Warbler--2 Black-throated Green Warbler--2 Black-and-White Warbler--1 American Redstart--1 Hooded Warbler--2 Scarlet Tanager--1 Eastern Towhee--1 Chipping Sparrow--1 Indigo Bunting--1 I'm pretty sure there were a few more birds that I couldn't get on. Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: White Ibis - not seen From: Deborah Beutler <Deborah.Beutler AT MAIL.WVU.EDU> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:56:28 -0400 Spent two hours below Bluestone Dam with Mike Griffith and Dave Patick and didn't see the ibis. We searched the Greenbrier River for a short distance and the New River down to the bridge and and a short distance up the River Road but no luck. We saw many Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Cedar Waxwings, and brown ducks (mostly Mallards and Wood Ducks). An Osprey flew down the Greenbrier to the confluence with the New River. But no ibis. Deb Deborah K. Beutler, Ph.D. Department of Biology WVU Tech Montgomery, Fayette Co., WVSubject: nighthawks From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:16:37 -0400 16 Nighthawks...a group of 15 over a ridge at 6:45 and then one overhead at 8:10. Hummingbird numbers dropped sharply Monday; now have 2/3 fewer. Heard a Blue Jay make a weird vocalization nearly like a Broad-winged Hawk. ~Cindy Ellis, Putnam County -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net "It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment." ~Ansel Adams **Subject: Nighthawks From: richardkazmierski Kazmierski <richardkazmierski AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:07:31 -0700 Nighthawk migration, it's that time of the year. This is when I get most of my yard work done while watching for Nighthawks. This evening while picking Basil leaves off of the stem to make some pesto, I saw 7 Nighthawks heading east. These are the first I've seen for this year's migration. There was 1 single one and then a group of 6. Kim Kazmierski Hurricane, WV Putnam CountySubject: Western Monongalia County From: Terry Bronson <terrybronson AT YMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:48:03 -0700 I hadn't been out to the western end of Monongalia County for several weeks, so I spent a few hours this morning to see what might have shown up. Nothing new, as expected, but a few notable birds: Great Blue Heron--1 at a pond along Miracle Run Road. I've seen one there from time to time. Perhaps from the Blacksville rookery, which I understand is in PA. Belted Kingfisher--1 along Sugar Grove Road, 1 heard along Miracle Run Road Yellow-billed Cuckoo--1 heard where Miracle Run Road meets Simon Haught Road Pileated Woodpecker--2 along Miracle Run Road near the coal mine, 1 interesting male along Lawless Road behind Morgantown Mall. The latter had a moustache that was maybe half black and half red. Definitely a male, and I'm surmising a young bird just molting into its first adult plumage. Indigo Bunting--1 molting male along Lawless Road. Half blue and half grayish. Perhaps another youngster. Baltimore Oriole--1 adult male. I've seen 2 in the last week after a long gap. Going to be heading south very soon. Terry Bronson Morgantown, WVSubject: Fw: Hanging Rock Tower (22 Aug 2010) 2 Raptors From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:57:21 -0400 ----- Original Message -----
From: reports AT hawkcount.org
To: cne01663 AT mail.wvnet.edu
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 8:08 PM
Subject: HSR: Hanging Rock Tower (22 Aug 2010) 2 Raptors
Hanging Rock Tower
Waiteville, West Virginia, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 22, 2010
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 1 1 1
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 1
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 0
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Total: 2 2 2
Observation start time: 08:15:00
Observation end time: 12:15:00
Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter Jim Phillips
Observers: Rodney Davis
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report submitted by Jim Phillips (cne01663 AT mail.wvnet.edu)
Hanging Rock Tower information may be found at:
http://www.hangingrocktower.org/
Subject: Fw: Hanging Rock Tower (15 Aug 2010) RaptorsFrom: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:56:42 -0400 ----- Original Message -----
From: reports AT hawkcount.org
To: cne01663 AT mail.wvnet.edu
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 7:08 PM
Subject: HSR: Hanging Rock Tower (15 Aug 2010) Raptors
Hanging Rock Tower
Waiteville, West Virginia, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 15, 2010
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 0 0
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 0
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 0
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Total: 0 0 0
Observation start time: 09:15:00
Observation end time: 13:00:00
Total observation time: 3.75 hours
Official Counter Jim Phillips
Observers: Brian Hirt, J Ray Davis, Rodney Davis
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report submitted by Jim Phillips (cne01663 AT mail.wvnet.edu)
Hanging Rock Tower information may be found at:
http://www.hangingrocktower.org/
Subject: Re: Double-breasted cormorantsFrom: John Tharp <jlt290 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:57:45 -0500 I don't have specific records on me at the moment, but Double Crested Cormorant has been a near guaranteed sighting in small numbers along the Ohio River from Parkersburg to St. Mary's every winter for the past several years. John Tharp Houston, TX (formerly Parkersburg, WV) On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 5:07 PM, Matt OrsieSubject: Re: Double-breasted cormorants From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:07:43 -0400 All,
According to my records I've had 20 sightings of Double-crested
Cormorant in WV
over the last 9+ years in August. Dates ranged from Aug 1-31.
County # Sightings # Individuals
Cabell 1 1
Jefferson 11 38
Mason 7 26
Putnum 1 1
Matt Orsie
Summit Point, WV
Terry Bronson wrote:
> Thanks to Bob Burrell for his excellent synopsis of the decline
> and rise of the Double-crested Cormorant.
>
> I would add that such sightings are still very uncommon in
> the interior part of northern WV, at least in the 2 years I've
> been living here. I believe they are seen more regularly
> on the Ohio River and multiple birds at a time--someone
> correct me if I'm wrong.
>
> I've seen them on Cheat Lake, the Monongahela River,
> and Tygart Lake, as well as at Decker's Creek, but always
> only 1 bird at a time and it's gone next time I check. I think
> there were 5 birds in my single sighting on the Ohio River.
>
> Also, all the birds I've seen are immature birds and thus
> not breeding, though possible or confirmed breeding has
> been reported in only 3 locations--the Eastern Panhandle,
> an area east of Huntington and an area west of Weston.
>
> So they're not a significant contributor of poop to the water
> and shore yet. Now Canada Geese, on the other hand....
>
> Terry Bronson
> Morgantown, WV
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Bob Burrell
Subject: Re: Double-breasted cormorantsFrom: Terry Bronson <terrybronson AT YMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:20:33 -0700 Thanks to Bob Burrell for his excellent synopsis of the decline and rise of the Double-crested Cormorant. I would add that such sightings are still very uncommon in the interior part of northern WV, at least in the 2 years I've been living here. I believe they are seen more regularly on the Ohio River and multiple birds at a time--someone correct me if I'm wrong. I've seen them on Cheat Lake, the Monongahela River, and Tygart Lake, as well as at Decker's Creek, but always only 1 bird at a time and it's gone next time I check. I think there were 5 birds in my single sighting on the Ohio River. Also, all the birds I've seen are immature birds and thus not breeding, though possible or confirmed breeding has been reported in only 3 locations--the Eastern Panhandle, an area east of Huntington and an area west of Weston. So they're not a significant contributor of poop to the water and shore yet. Now Canada Geese, on the other hand.... Terry Bronson Morgantown, WV ________________________________ From: Bob BurrellSubject: Double-breasted? From: jeff del col <delcol.jeff AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:09:13 -0400 I know, ZZ Top said, '...every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man!" but I didn't think cormorants were such snappy dressers. What's next, cheap sunglasses? Jeff Del Col, PhilippiSubject: It's Double-CRESTED, I said CRESTED From: Bob Burrell <C.cibarius AT DOREN.NET> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:19:15 -0400 Sorry for the goof on the post about the Double Breasted Cormorants. I guess I must have been thinking about something else :) While I am at it, it was the Pamlico Sound, not the Albemarle. I lived on a cove just off the Albemarle. I guess I'll call it a day! Bob BurrellSubject: Double-breasted cormorants From: Bob Burrell <C.cibarius AT DOREN.NET> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:23:12 -0400 The recent sighting by Terry Bronson of Double-breasted Cormorants in the Upper Deckers Creek watershed in Preston County was an interesting and unusual one that would benefit by comment. This species has had its ups and down. Although present in Lake of the Woods, Ontario for a long time, no individuals were seen in the Great Lakes until colonization of the western end of Lake Superior began around 1913. This habitat was successful and the species spread eastward through the Great Lakes even to Lake Ontario. By 1950 everyone agreed that there had been a population explosion. Initially there was a large outpouring of complaints from fisherfolk who felt these birds were competing for the desirable harvest species of fish, however wildlife studies on pellets and what not failed to support this claim. The preferred food of these birds were alewife, perch, and rainbow smelt. Still control measures were instituted, some official and some not, and nesting success was greatly decreased. Soon though, natural nesting failure primarily due to eggshell thinning took over in the 60's and 70's and the Double-breasted Cormorant population crashed. As with other fish eating birds, egg shell thinning was due to contamination of DDT breakdown products and PCBs. Once DDT was banned and the toxicity and sources of PCBs identified and controlled, this species rebounded smartly. Oh boy did they rebound! Today we see another crest in populations of Double-breasted Cormorants and Terry may have witnessed a part of that. As before, fisherfolk are complaining, but most of their concerns are not justified (the birds eat very few salmon fry for instance), but there is a great concern remaining that the populations are decimating pan fry species such as yellow perch and small-mouthed bass. It takes about a pound a day to feed EACH adult cormorant during nesting season. Another documented problem caused by the nesting birds is the vegetative destruction caused by their nesting habits. These birds are colonial nesters and the combined weight of their nests result in breaking of limbs and even entire trees. Add to that the tons of excrement that befouls and kills herbaceous plants and you can see a huge environmental effect. This is especially a problem on small islands and this leads to subsequent erosion. I lived for 8 years on the North Carolina Outer Banks and in that time I could detect annual increases in this species during the winter. Huge, huge numbers of birds spend the winter in the Albemarle Sound where they spend the night. In the morning they fly out and raft up in the ocean. Towards the end of my tenure there (early 00's), I would marvel on my morning trip south along the coastal highway and as I began my climb onto the lengthy Oregon Inlet bridge to Pea Island I could see enormous numbers of cormorants leaving their nightly habitat, flying east over the bridge to the ocean side. The flocks filled the sky in continuous lines from one horizon to the other. Now something has to be feeding those enormous numbers of fish eaters and I do not know if the salt water species that feed them have been as well studied as the Great Lakes species. Also, what do you suppose the effects of all that poop has on the estuary? It is already assaulted enough with pig farm run off (a big lobby in NC). So what is the next stop in cormorant natural history? Huge populations of these birds would not be welcomed in places like New River, Ohio River Islands, or Cheat Lake. Stay tuned. Bob Burrell MorgantownSubject: Huntfield ponds From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:05:57 -0400 All,
No water, no birds. Only the peeps, a couple of Solitary
Sandpipers, and a Spotted Sandpiper. A dead yellowlegs is in the east
side of the drying up pond.
Matt Orsie
Summit Point, WV
Subject: White Ibis - Bellepoint, WVFrom: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:32:40 -0400 All, Thanks to the report and updates from Jim Phillips I was able to juggle my work schedule around and see the bird this afternoon. During the time I was there it moved about from near the base of Bluestone Dam to 1/4 mile down stream on rocks and grass. It liked to "hang out" with a Great Egret. A scope is a plus if you have one. I'll give the directions from Rt 20 regardless if your coming from the north (Through Hinton) or south. Take Rt 3 EAST across the river (This is just south of Hinton). After crossing the bridge stay right going into the small town of Bellepoint. Go past a gas station and turn right onto Miller Ave (You see a sign for the Dam Office and Bellepoint Park) Go to the park. You can scan the river from the playground area or the trail that leads towards the dam. I've placed a couple of photos at: http://wvbirder.org/recent/whib.htm Good Luck if you go, Matt Orsie Summit Point, WVSubject: white ibis update From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:11:47 -0400 Judy and I saw a juvenile white ibis yesterday at the base of Bluestone Dam(east end of the dam) near Hinton. I went back this morning and found the bird in the same area. I watched it from 8-8:15. Then I lost sight of it. Two fishermen flushed it into view at about 9:10. I watched it until 9:30. I plan to return there around 2 this afternoon if anyone is interested in trying to see the bird. Other birds seen in the vicinity: bald eagle, osprey, spotted sandpiper, great blue herons, great egrets, double-crested cormorant, sharp-shinned hawk, kingfishers and lots of vultures. Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WVSubject: Hilton Pond 08/11/10 (New River Hummingbirds) From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:23:26 -0400 We wandered off to the Mountain State this past week for the first-ever New River Hummingbird Festival in Fayette County WV. For an account of what this was all about, please see our "This Week at Hilton Pond" photo essay for 11-21 August 2010 at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek100811.html While there don't forget to scroll down for a list of birds banded and recaptured back at Hilton Pond, as well as miscellaneous nature notes and an acknowledgement of recent donors. Happy (Still Hot!) Nature Watching! BILL ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA office & cell (803) 684-5852 fax (803) 684-0255 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org ================== |