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9 May Need a licensed bander [Susan Pulling Robinson ] 9 May Tall Timbers Bird Window [CK Borg ] 9 May Purple Martin chicks at 11 days [Susan Pulling Robinson ] 9 May Spotted Sandpiper, Orlando [Andrew Boyle ] 9 May Levy County Raptor Sightings 05/08/2008 [Brian Ahern ] 9 May Semipalmated Sandpipers, West Pasco [Ken Tracey ] 9 May The scaup who wouldn't leave ["Thomas J. Dunkerton" ] 8 May Florida's bird resources ["Bruce H. Anderson" ] 8 May SWALLOW-TAIL KITE- Sarasota County [Tom Allen ] 8 May Swallow-Tailed Kite Trackers [Jane Williams ] 8 May vacation [mary gerner ] 7 May Connecticut Warbler @ A.D. Barnes, 5/7 [Roberto Torres ] 7 May kites [william stefancic ] 7 May Loggerhead Shrike [Jeff Hooks ] 7 May Great Cormorant, continues. North Jetty. Ponce Inlet. Volusia County [Michael Brothers ] 7 May Re: Belted Kingfisher [Thomas Sanders ] 7 May Green Key Funnel 5-07-08 [Ken Tracey ] 6 May 5/6/08--White-rumped Sandpiper, Merritt Island NWR ["Christian Newton" ] 6 May 5/6/08--White-rumped Sandpiper, Merritt Island NWR [Christian Newton ] 6 May Honeymoon Island [william stefancic ] 6 May Baird's and White-rumped Sandpipers reported at Merritt Is. NWR ["Bruce H. Anderson" ] 6 May Connecticut Warbler [Murray Gardler ] 6 May Sandpipers and Barn Owls at Celery Fields in Sarasota [Kathryn Young ] 6 May more Swallowtails [Judy or Ray Smart ] 6 May Re: Belted Kingfisher [Charles Geanangel ] 6 May Honeymoon Island RFI [Larry Albright ] 6 May Suntree sites-Brevard Co. [Randi Andersen ] 6 May Belted Kingfisher [Thomas Sanders ] 6 May Swallow-tailed Kite sightings ["Warden, Susan" ] 5 May Rough-winged Swallow tip ["Thomas J. Dunkerton" ] 5 May The Carillon At Dark (Pinellas) [Ron Smith ] 5 May Re: Boyd Hill [Ron Smith ] 5 May Boyd Hill [Lee Snyder ] 5 May Last e-mail [Ron Smith ] 5 May Sora in Pinellas [Ron Smith ] 5 May Swallow-tailed Kite NPR [Judy or Ray Smart ] 5 May Emeralda [william stefancic ] 5 May Horned Grebes in Weekiwachee Preserve [Bev Hansen ] 4 May LIST OWNERS' MESSAGE RE VOLUSIA COUNTY LANDFILL [Lyn Atherton ] 4 May John Chestnut Park - 5/3/2008 [Jose Suro ] 4 May A Henslow's Sparrow at Three Lakes WMA 05/03/2008 [Brian Ahern ] 4 May Merritt Island NWR [David Freeland ] 4 May Re: [FLBIRDS] Volusia County Landfill, New Rules [Meret Wilson ] 4 May SW Englewood Migrants [Susan ] 4 May Green Key ( NPR West Pasco) [Judy or Ray Smart ] 4 May Volusia County Landfill [David Freeland ] 3 May Re: Lincoln's Sparrow, Ft. De Soto Park, 5/3/08 (images included) [Ron Smith ] 3 May RFI Pensacola [John Thomton ] 4 May Volusia County Landfill, New Rules ["dotrobbins AT juno.com" ] 4 May Volusia County Landfill, New Rules ["dotrobbins AT juno.com" ] 3 May Peacock's Pocket Road-Bobolinks [Danny Bales ] 3 May Lincoln's Sparrow, Ft. De Soto Park, 5/3/08 (images included) [Lyn Atherton ] Subject: Need a licensed bander From: Susan Pulling Robinson <spulling AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 15:05:13 -0400 Hi - if you are licensed to band birds and live anywhere near Pinellas County, please contact me. I would like to have my martin chicks banded. Best regards, Susan 727 415 0781 -- ***************************************************************************** Susan Pulling Robinson - Dunedin FL spulling AT tampabay.rr.com "Any day can be a special day, and you just have to get outside, and see what the birds are doing..." Kenn Kaufman Please visit my websites: The Literate Poodle http://homepage.mac.com/spulling/LitPoo/index.htm The Clearwater Optimist Pram Fleet http://homepage.mac.com/spulling/OptimistPram/index.htm To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Tall Timbers Bird Window From: CK Borg <ckborg AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 18:22:52 +0000
Folks,Just wanted to let everyone know that the feeders at Tall Timbers will be
off-line for the summer (Through Labor day). Regardless, you are always more
than welcome to bird TTRS. However, be advised that we recently burned the
majority of habitats along and around the Stevenson Trail and Bird Window. This
being said I was still able to string together a descent list of 50 species the
other day... The highlight was Least Bittern. During the summer months (Mid May
through August) birding is best from predawn to about 10:00 am.Good Birds,C.K.
Borg{ckborg AT hotmail.com}Tall Timbers / Tallahassee
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Subject: Purple Martin chicks at 11 daysFrom: Susan Pulling Robinson <spulling AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 13:47:33 -0400 Our Purple Martin chicks are progressing nicely! Here they are at 11 days. Best regards, Susan -- ***************************************************************************** Susan Pulling Robinson - Dunedin FL spulling AT tampabay.rr.com "Any day can be a special day, and you just have to get outside, and see what the birds are doing..." Kenn Kaufman Please visit my websites: The Literate Poodle http://homepage.mac.com/spulling/LitPoo/index.htm The Clearwater Optimist Pram Fleet http://homepage.mac.com/spulling/OptimistPram/index.htm To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Spotted Sandpiper, Orlando From: Andrew Boyle <andybgator AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 10:32:38 -0700 Hello, All. Thought there would not be anything new before the pelagic trip next week, but... I had to take the youngest to the doctor and noticed a small bird along the shore of Lake Davis on the way there. Made a point to stop on the way back and, sure enough, there is a Spotted Sandpiper feeding along the eastern shore. Could it be the same one from April of last year? (http://drewsbirds.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html) Processing photos soon. Nice to have something new here. Only had a swarm of warblers here for 2 days a week or so ago. Goldfinches are gone along with the Catbirds. Only the residents left in the yard. Andrew Boyle Orlando, FL ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Levy County Raptor Sightings 05/08/2008 From: Brian Ahern <BrianAhern AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 12:25:39 EDT Hi All, Yesterday while in Levy County I came across a few noteworthy sightings: Along the Wildlife Drive at the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge I saw one adult light morph Short-tailed Hawk & a single Swallow-tailed Kite. Throughout the drive I counted around 8 to 10 pairs of singing Prothonotary Warblers which breed there. In the afternoon along US-19 I found a pair of Mississippi Kites feeding over the highway just south of SR-24 while I was heading back home. At Shell Mound the tide was way up, so there were very few shorebirds but I did see a Veery (late ?) in the Hammock there. Best, Brian Ahern Tampa Bay, Florida BrianAhern AT aol.com Photos: _www.pbase.com/brianahern_ (http://www.pbase.com/brianahern) **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Semipalmated Sandpipers, West Pasco From: Ken Tracey <kftracey AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 09:13:55 -0700 Hello, At several coastal sites in West Pasco Semipalmated Sandpipers have been found. Webbing between the toes, on this one I found on a small salt barren, may be a good field mark. Ken Tracey New Port Richey kftracey AT verizon.net To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: The scaup who wouldn't leave From: "Thomas J. Dunkerton" <Woundedmallard67 AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 09:22:12 EDT Hey Everybirdy, Took Giacomo on a playdate yesterday (5/8/08) at a friend's house along the Banana river just south of SR 520 While there, up on the shores of a neighbor's house was a flock of about 75 or so Lesser Scaup. There were almost as many scattered about in the water. Grabbed a quick digiscope of'em and thought I'd share the sighting. See you out there! Tom Dunkerton Titusville, Florida **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Florida's bird resources From: "Bruce H. Anderson" <Scizortail AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:01:55 EDT Hi, BiRDBRAINerS.
Every-so-often I notice that the newer 'BRAINerS begin to ask questions about
the status of various species in Florida. When I have the time, I respond to
some of these, and although I've lived in Florida longer than I can actually
remember, I always consult one of the State's detailed state bird books to make
sure that my recollections are accurate.
Although most new birder's own a field guide for identification purposes,
many new birders, or at least new to Florida, do not realize that there are
resources out there that can provide them with hours of informative reading
that
will not only answer most questions that they might have, but make them realize
that there were bunches of questions that they didn't even know that they had!
First of all, there is the Florida Ornithological Society's website:
http://www.fosbirds.org/
On this not-for-profit Society's website, you may access the Official List of
Florida's birds and find the proceedings of the Society's Records Committee
that compiles that list. Also, you will find maps from the State's only
breeding bird atlas project, photos of Florida's rarer birding finds, Christmas
Bird
Count information, and even a link for printing out a checklist of Florida
bird species that can be used in the field, or just for keeping your State
list.
(FOS membership is open to amateurs, professionals and tweeners, alike, but
for all of this information, you need not be a member!)
There are two very detailed State bird books (without pictures; neither is
meant to be a bird identification book) for Florida. From either of these books
you can find out the status (range, abundance, breeding, etc.) of all species
recorded in the State until the time of publication. While for-profit
advertising is prohibited on this listserve, each of these books is published
by a
not-for-profit organization which is allowed. One book, an annotated checklist,
is published by the Florida Ornithological Society (a special publication), and
the other, about the State's birdilfe, is published by University Presses of
Florida. A third book, also from a not-for-profit publisher (American Birding
Association), is primarily a bird-finding resource, but it lists all species
recorded in the State, and discusses the status of most species in varying
detail. Each of these publishers have websites.
These are the most thorough treatments of all of Florida's birds that I know,
but there are many other books dedicated to Florida's birds out there that
may provide you with information you want: field-identification guides,
bird-finding guides, one book devoted exclusively to Florida's rare and
endangered
birds, regional checklists and many, many more. Most of these may be found on
the
Internet using any search engine.
Also, when you go birding, ask your fellow birders about the resources that
they use. If you are out birding, and you see somebody else with binoculars,
make it a point to ask him/her if she/he is a birder and introduce yourself.
There are a lot of friendly and helpful birders out there!
But please, do not ask me to recommend resources-I have too many friends and
acquaintances who have authored many of them:0)
Happy searching and birding,
Bruce
Bruce H. Anderson
Winter Park, Orange Co., Florida
scizortail AT aol.com
**************
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Subject: SWALLOW-TAIL KITE- Sarasota CountyFrom: Tom Allen <tgallen1 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 18:21:14 -0500 Hi Folks, This afternoon on the way home from work at 4:15pm, a single Swallow-tail Kite was soaring over I-75 just before exit 182, Sumpter Blvd in North Port, Florida. Tom Allen North Port, FL Sarasota County To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Swallow-Tailed Kite Trackers From: Jane Williams <jwilli56 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 15:45:58 -0400 I was traveling north on Douglas avenue just south of Union (on the Dunedin/Clearwater border) and got buzzed by a swallow-tailed kite flying low over the side of the road in this highly urbanized area. 2.30pm on the afternoon of Thursday, May 8th. Jane Williams jwilli56 AT tampabay.rr.com Clearwater Florida To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: vacation From: mary gerner <marygerner42 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 06:45:10 -0700 Subject: Connecticut Warbler @ A.D. Barnes, 5/7 From: Roberto Torres <rtorres AT TNC.ORG> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 23:18:40 -0400 Right on time, Bill Boeringer called me at 6:35 pm to say he found a male Connecticut Warbler in the nature center area of A.D. Barnes park in Miami. I arrived at about 7:00 and in 5 minutes found the bird working the edge of the walkway about 10 yards from the spot where Bill first saw it. After last year's Connecticut fallout in our area, I was expecting no Connecticuts this year, at least not for me. Well, not only was it an awesome adult male, but you can't ask for it any easier. Actually, you can. You can ask for last year again! The one week window is here, so it's time to look for the Connecticuts! Good luck. Roberto Miami-Dade To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: kites From: william stefancic <jws2735 AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 21:19:52 -0400 Hi Brdbrains, I forgot to mention in yesterday's Honeymoon Island report that we saw 2 swallowtail kites floating back and forth over route 50, just east of Webster, near the Withlacoochee (spelling?) Forest. Joyce Clermont william stefancic jws2735 AT earthlink.net EarthLink Revolves Around You. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Loggerhead Shrike From: Jeff Hooks <jeffhooks AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 19:34:36 -0400 At Ft. Desoto while cycling through the new oak grove near the fort, I nearly collided with a Loggerhead Shrike flying between trees. Many of the posts I read on this list sound like they could become haiku: Zooming between oaks the loggerhead shrike dodges the scared cyclist - me Jeff Hooks Instructor, English and Humanities St. Petersburg College Post Office Box 13489 St. Petersburg, FL 33733 (727)321-3089 (727)341-4664 jeffhooks AT hotmail.com hooks.jeff AT spcollege.edu To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Great Cormorant, continues. North Jetty. Ponce Inlet. Volusia County From: Michael Brothers <mbrothers AT CO.VOLUSIA.FL.US> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 15:20:49 -0400 Sorry for the late post. Yesterday, 5/6/08, I again found the Great Cormorant on the rocks of the North Jetty at Ponce Inlet, Volusia County. Despite the fact the winds were very gentle, it had abandoned its old post on top of the tower at the end of the jetty and was content to sit on the rocks with the pelicans. I was surprised to see that the bird was still here. Michael Michael Brothers Marine Science Center Ponce Inlet To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Re: Belted Kingfisher From: Thomas Sanders <tsanders1993 AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 16:08:28 +0000 Thank you all for the great information on Belted Kingfisher migration and breeding, very helpful and informative. It would be interesting to see if the one I saw at Viera is part of a breeding pair. I'll be sure to keep an eye out next time I visit there. Good Birding! Tom Sanders tsanders1993 AT msn.com Orlando, FL > Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 12:34:25 -0400> From: hoatzin AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Subject: Re: [BRDBRAIN] Belted Kingfisher> To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU> > Tom,> The Belted Kingfisher migrates north from interior central Florida to nest > and does not return before the middle of July. It nests in holes in river > banks and streams which we lack. There are a handful of summer records in > Polk County.> Charles Geanangel> eBird Florida editor> Winter Haven, FL> hoatzin AT tampabay.rr.com> To learn more about birds of Polk County FL. click www.polkcountybirds.com> ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Thomas Sanders"Subject: Green Key Funnel 5-07-08 From: Ken Tracey <kftracey AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 09:02:49 -0700 Hello, After a week of no warblers this morning's flight was a welcomed sight, although 137 warblers is a low count morning. Warblers seen; 28 Amer Redstart 8 Blackpoll 5 Common Yellowthroat 4 Black-throated Blue 4 Palm 1 Prairie 1 Northern Waterthrush 1 Black-throated Green 1 Northern Parula Ken Tracey New Port Richey kftracey AT verizon.net To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: 5/6/08--White-rumped Sandpiper, Merritt Island NWR From: "Christian Newton" <cnewton2 AT hughes.net> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 23:22:13 -0400 Hey all, I got a report of a Baird's Sandpiper in the Shiloh Marsh area, so I headed out to try to see it. I got onto Shiloh Road which maybe just a local name or this is what the road is called when it crosses over into Volusia County, but either way I turned onto Oak Tree Road to get to the marshy area (which is located right before the big radar ball if your heading north bound on route 3). For the most part the drive was uneventful until after the fancy looking tower (weather tower). Just after the tower was a large open mud flat, there were several shorebirds in here, but no Baird's. I drove for another mile or so and came to another large muddy area. In this mud flat I observed a large, long winged peep foraging with the scores of Semi-palmated and Least Sandpipers. Only thing about this peep was it had nice White Rump. White-rumped Sandpiper! I was actually hoping to see one today so I was happy about the find. Oh yah I also found a Tom Dunkerton, who also got to see the White-rump. So it was a fun evening in the Shiloh marsh area, even though we weren't able to re-locate the Baird's. There is definitely a lot of good habitat for a Baird's to be in, so it's worth the look. I checked Bio-lab and Peacock cove, pretty much the usual suspects. There is still some really nice Stilt Sandpipers still in the Peacock cove area. 18 species of shorebirds for the evening. Highlights: Clapper Rail (heard) Bobwhite Quail- 2 Reddish Egret- 10 BB Plover- 20 Semi-pal Plover- 100+ Spotted Sandpiper-6 Semi-pal Sandpiper- 30 (probably more) Least Sandpiper-1,000 (probably more) Western Sandpiper- 2 (I'm sure more) White-rumped Sandpiper- 1 Dunlin- 200 (or so) Stilt Sandpiper- 30 (all on Peacock Pockets Cove area) L. Dowitcher- 1 S. Dowitcher- 1 Dowitcher species- a bunch Bobolink- 30 (grassy area along the road to Peacock pocket) Have a good one, Chris Newton Davenport [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: 5/6/08--White-rumped Sandpiper, Merritt Island NWR From: Christian Newton <cnewton2 AT HUGHES.NET> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 23:22:13 -0400 Hey all, I got a report of a Baird's Sandpiper in the Shiloh Marsh area, so I headed out to try to see it. I got onto Shiloh Road which maybe just a local name or this is what the road is called when it crosses over into Volusia County, but either way I turned onto Oak Tree Road to get to the marshy area (which is located right before the big radar ball if your heading north bound on route 3). For the most part the drive was uneventful until after the fancy looking tower (weather tower). Just after the tower was a large open mud flat, there were several shorebirds in here, but no Baird's. I drove for another mile or so and came to another large muddy area. In this mud flat I observed a large, long winged peep foraging with the scores of Semi-palmated and Least Sandpipers. Only thing about this peep was it had nice White Rump. White-rumped Sandpiper! I was actually hoping to see one today so I was happy about the find. Oh yah I also found a Tom Dunkerton, who also got to see the White-rump. So it was a fun evening in the Shiloh marsh area, even though we weren't able to re-locate the Baird's. There is definitely a lot of good habitat for a Baird's to be in, so it's worth the look. I checked Bio-lab and Peacock cove, pretty much the usual suspects. There is still some really nice Stilt Sandpipers still in the Peacock cove area. 18 species of shorebirds for the evening. Highlights: Clapper Rail (heard) Bobwhite Quail- 2 Reddish Egret- 10 BB Plover- 20 Semi-pal Plover- 100+ Spotted Sandpiper-6 Semi-pal Sandpiper- 30 (probably more) Least Sandpiper-1,000 (probably more) Western Sandpiper- 2 (I'm sure more) White-rumped Sandpiper- 1 Dunlin- 200 (or so) Stilt Sandpiper- 30 (all on Peacock Pockets Cove area) L. Dowitcher- 1 S. Dowitcher- 1 Dowitcher species- a bunch Bobolink- 30 (grassy area along the road to Peacock pocket) Have a good one, Chris Newton Davenport To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Honeymoon Island From: william stefancic <jws2735 AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 21:02:40 -0400 We went to Honeymoon Island today, and managed to do some birding without being "held hostage" by some nut holding a gun to his head on the causeway (really, that's what happened to us the last time we were there). First, we hiked the Osprey Trail, where we saw the following: osprey (of course) gray kingbird eastern towhee N. cardinal gray catbirds great crested flycatchers palm warbler Am. crow red bellied woodpecker some "old coots" dressed up in orange t-shirts (bicyclers) At the inlet at the end of the trail: 3 willet a whimbrel On the north side of the causeway (with apologies if we misidentify a peep or two...we're just learning sandpiper ID): short billed dowitchers(lots) semipalmated plovers dunlin least sandpipers willet semipalmated sandpiper black bellied plover ruddy turnstones laughing gulls brown pelicans I really disturbed me that on the south side of the causeway, people are permitted to park their vehicles right at the shoreline. Consequently, it was impossible to bird that side. And besides, all the oil, gas, and other things that leak from the bottom of cars is going right into the water. Is there something that can be done? This is the first time that we have found this. If anyone knows of a good, introductory "class" on shorebird identification, please let me know. Those little peeps are driving me crazy! Joyce Clermont william stefancic jws2735 AT earthlink.net EarthLink Revolves Around You. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Baird's and White-rumped Sandpipers reported at Merritt Is. NWR From: "Bruce H. Anderson" <Scizortail AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 19:41:35 EDT Dave Freeland sent me the following report:
On Friday, a couple named Ward from beachside Brevard posted -- on Space
Coast Audubon's site -- a Baird's Sandpiper sighting from Shiloh Marsh Road.
The
fellow described it very well and, on Monday (May 5), I toured MINWR with the
sandpiper in mind. It was still present, on perhaps the same narrow strip of
mud where the discoverers noted it, in the Brevard County section of Shiloh
Marsh. It was on the Indian River Lagoon (west) side of the road in company
with 2 White-rumped Sandpipers (my seasonal first), several Leasts and Dunlins,
a
couple of Semi Sandpipers and a Pectoral. These birds were all about 15 feet
from my car so I didn't get out and risk flushing the whole bunch.
The Baird's was more robust than the Semis and Leasts, about the same size
as the White-rumpeds, and exhibited a checkerboard pattern on the back
and scapulars. Brown streaks reached down from the chin to mid-breast, cutting
off
sharply to the white underbelly, much as is the case with Pectoral. The
Baird's
had a thin, sharp, black bill of medium length, white superciliary, warm
brown crown and dark legs. The wingtips clearly reached slightly beyond the
end
of the tail, as did those of the White-rumps.
Having seen dozens of Baird's (in the fall!!!) up north, I was sure the
Wards were correct and that I was seeing a spring adult Baird's Sandpiper.
Dave Freeland
Merritt Island, FL
Shiloh Road is a part of Merritt Island NWR. Directions are posted at the
link below:
http://www.cfbw.com/shiloh.shtml
Bruce
Bruce H. Anderson
Winter Park, Orange Co., Florida
scizortail AT aol.com
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Subject: Connecticut WarblerFrom: Murray Gardler <mangrovefirst AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 19:10:40 -0400 Carl Goodrich's last day in Key West until fall ended at Fort Zachary Taylor with 17 species of warblers including the subject warbler. Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Sandpipers and Barn Owls at Celery Fields in Sarasota From: Kathryn Young <kathwren1 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 18:41:53 -0400 Today at Celery Fields Rick Greenspun and I found several Semipalmated Sandpipers (a Celery Fields first -species number 205) and a few White-rumped Sandpipers. Attached are photos of both species. They were found on the lake edge close to the sidewalk that runs towards the west from the gazebo, before you get to the culverts and the no parking sign with the locked cable (south of the sidewalk). You might need a scope to look for them we had the benefit of photographing them from a boat. We were on the lake and the island checking the Barn Owl boxes. Sarasota Audubon Society is happy to report we have Barn Owls in all three of the boxes that were put up last May (2007). If anyone is out at Celery Fields at Dusk or Dawn and sees the Barn Owls flying please report your findings on this list serve we would love to hear about all your sightings. So far we have no reports of them flying around Celery Fields. We have a total of 3 boxes- 1 on the island and 2 north of the island. They are white boxes about 10 feet up that seem to disappear into the sky. Kathryn Young Sarasota Audubon Society The first 2 photos are the Semipalmated and the last photo by Rick Greenspun is the White-rumped Sandpiper To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: more Swallowtails From: Judy or Ray Smart <judenray2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 15:02:24 -0400 Hi all,
At the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey today I walked
out of the Govt Building and looked up to see 3 Swallow-tailed Kites
circling round and round as a group, perhaps a family?
Good birding,
Ray Smart
New Port Richey, FL
judenray2 AT yahoo.com
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Subject: Re: Belted KingfisherFrom: Charles Geanangel <hoatzin AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 12:34:25 -0400 Tom, The Belted Kingfisher migrates north from interior central Florida to nest and does not return before the middle of July. It nests in holes in river banks and streams which we lack. There are a handful of summer records in Polk County. Charles Geanangel eBird Florida editor Winter Haven, FL hoatzin AT tampabay.rr.com To learn more about birds of Polk County FL. click www.polkcountybirds.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Thomas Sanders"Subject: Honeymoon Island RFI From: Larry Albright <camachuelo34 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 12:13:06 -0400 All, Can anybody confirm whether Honeymoon Island has Piping Plover, Gray Kingbird, Seaside Sparrow, or Sharp-tailed Sparrows? Any suggestions where would be a better place to look? Ft. DeSoto? We are driving from inland tomorrow morning, so it doesn't really matter where we have to go. Thanks, Larry Albright Winter Haven, FL camachuelo34 AT verizon.net To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Suntree sites-Brevard Co. From: Randi Andersen <womanathewell AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 09:52:16 -0400 Subject: Belted Kingfisher From: Thomas Sanders <tsanders1993 AT MSN.COM> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 09:47:09 -0400 Hello all. We went to Viera Wetlands last Saturday and saw many of the birds others have been seeing there including Black-bellied Whistling Duck. We also heard and then saw one Belted Kingfisher. Upon entering my list on e-bird this was considered a rare sighting. Is this due to the time of year (May 3rd) and the fact that most of them have alreday headed North? I was a little surprised thinking they would be fairly common in any Florida wetland any time of year. Any comments or information would be appreciated as I like everyone subscribing to this list enjoy learning new things about even our most commonly seen birds. Thanks, Tom Sanders tsanders1993 AT msn.com Orlando, FL To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Swallow-tailed Kite sightings From: "Warden, Susan" <swarden AT HEALTH.USF.EDU> Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 08:42:06 -0400 About those lovely birds - what a treat to see them. As a relatively new bird enthusiast, this is one that is easy to identify. I was heading home late last week on I-75 and saw two of them over the freeway in Pasco County. This morning I was on I-275 and saw another flying low and directly against traffic. What a nice way to start the day! Sue Warden Brooksville, Fl PPlease consider the environment before printing this e-mail To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Rough-winged Swallow tip From: "Thomas J. Dunkerton" <Woundedmallard67 AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 22:42:41 EDT Hey Everybirdy,
A quick mention of why it's good to have more than one field guide. A
casual discussion between friends we noticed in Sibley's, he writes of and
illustrates a square tail, whereas in Peterson's, he makes no mention of this
characterisitic for a field mark, but the illustration depicts a notched tail.
Photographed this one yesterday in the vicinity of MINWR. Of course,
Rough-winged is not a very difficult swallow to pick out as it's brown color
and dusky throat are pretty distinctive. From afar, trying to judge a
silhouette, depending which field guide you're holding, you may want to think
again!
See you out there.
Tom Dunkerton
Titusville, Florida
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Subject: The Carillon At Dark (Pinellas)From: Ron Smith <rsmith52 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 22:14:07 -0400 Kodak HTML Email
Good evening,
Lori and i took a walk out at The Carillon just before dark this evening and
found a Sora (how late will it stay?) and a Least Bittern (attached image).
Actually, we saw two bitterns right out in the open!
Along 28th Street, south of Roosevelt Blvd., we saw a probable Long-billed
Dowitcher in one of the wet spots by the road.
A few extra pictures are at PinellasBirds.com. under South Pinellas.
Ron Smith
St.Pete, FL
rsmith52 AT tampabay.rr.com
www.PinellasBirds.com
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Subject: Re: Boyd HillFrom: Ron Smith <rsmith52 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 21:26:39 -0400 Hi Lee, Great find!!! I have heard from some of the patrolmen working south St. Pete that they have seen coyotes on occasion along Pinellas Point Drive during the midnight shift. They can't go much further south in Pinellas, otherwise they'd have to pay a toll. Ron Smith St. Pete, FL rsmith52 AT tampabay.rr.com www.PinellasBirds.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lee Snyder"Subject: Boyd Hill From: Lee Snyder <lee.snyder2 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 21:20:33 -0400 Hey y'all, While walking the road along (and outside) the western edge of Boyd Hill in St Petersburg at 8:45pm, my wife and I saw a coyote cross the road from the golf course neighborhood and into the brush alongside the fence. This is the first coyote I have seen in St Pete. Regards, Lee Snyder St Petersburg To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Last e-mail From: Ron Smith <rsmith52 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 18:40:57 -0400 Sorry folks, Discovered wasn't spelled correctly in my last e-mail. A "C" for a "V" could happen to just about anyone, but more often it could happen to me. Ron Smith St. Pete, FL rsmith52 AT tampabay.rr.com To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Sora in Pinellas From: Ron Smith <rsmith52 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 18:26:10 -0400 Good evening, This past Saturday morning I detected three different Soras at various locations around Lake Maggiore in south St. Pete. The 3rd of May is rather late and I am pleading to Pinellas, and state birders, to be thinking of the species as May moves along. There may possibly be a late spring report/record waiting to be discocered for your area. Ron Smith St. Pete, FL rsmith52 AT tampabay.rr.com www.PinelasBirds.com To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Swallow-tailed Kite NPR From: Judy or Ray Smart <judenray2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 18:03:07 -0400 Hi all,
Driving home from work going south on Little Road in New Port Richey
had a fly-over Swallow-tailed Kite after turning west onto Plathe Road.
Perhaps they are nesting in the area?
Good birding,
Ray Smart
New Port Richey, FL
judenray2 AT yahoo.com
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Subject: EmeraldaFrom: william stefancic <jws2735 AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 12:27:26 -0400 Hi Birdbrains, We visited Emeralda Marsh in Lake County this weekend, and found it to be pretty quiet. However, we did manage to find a great barred owl (pics attached)! Also: moorhen black vulture Northern cardinal white ibis glossy ibis great egret snowy egret red shouldered hawk (which coughed up feathers as we watched and photoed) stilt coots lesser yellowlegs anhinga least bittern little blue heron great blue heron scaup or ring necked duck (we didn't have a scope and they were too far out to tell, ever with binocs) boat-tailed grackles northern perula black bellied whistling ducks (about a dozen) We didn't have time to do a hike through the woods to find warblers, etc. We didn't see any bobolinks, the real reason we went there. Also, this morning, there were about 30-40 cedar waxwings still hanging around our mulberry trees here in Clermont (Sugarloaf Mt. area) Joyce Clermont, Fl william stefancic jws2735 AT earthlink.net EarthLink Revolves Around You. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Horned Grebes in Weekiwachee Preserve From: Bev Hansen <bevalhansen AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 11:26:57 -0400 This morning Al and I found a pair of Horned Grebes in partial breeding plumage in the biggest lake in Weekiwachee Preserve (Hernando County). To see these bird, walk in the west entrance off Shoal Line Blvd. and turn right at the fork in the road. The pair were fairly close to the shore, to the right of a sheltered bench. They then moved further right into a cove. To reach this section of the preserve, from the intersection of US-19 and Osowaw in Spring Hill (Wal-Mart is on the southwest corner of this intersection), turn west on CR-574, and drive 1.6 miles to Shoal Line Blvd. Turn right and proceed 3.0 miles to the preserve parking lot on the right (across from the Coast Guard building). Bev Hansen Spring Hill, FL bevalhansen AT earthlink.net To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: LIST OWNERS' MESSAGE RE VOLUSIA COUNTY LANDFILL From: Lyn Atherton <bonniedabird AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 21:03:20 -0400 David Hartgrove's succinctly worded message of 5/1/08 spelled out the new rules of the Volusia County Landfill and the problems which caused the new rules to be implemented. Please consider the subject closed on this listserve. If you have questions about the landfill, please contact DavidSubject: John Chestnut Park - 5/3/2008 From: Jose Suro <jsuro AT ATTGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 21:00:32 -0400 My friend Richard and I decided to visit John Chestnut Park on Lake Tarpon for the first time in a couple of months and we weren't disappointed. Lots of birds, including Carolina Wrens, Titmouse, Downy's and Parulas. Warblers, except for the Parulas were conspicuously absent though. Parulas were everywhere and singing up a storm. I walked away from my camera for a moment and one landed on the lens! Highlights of the day included two beautiful Swallow-tailed Kites feeding right over the canopy (there are a lot of dragonflies around), and a Great Crested Flycatcher - the first decent picture I've taken of one. I've attached a couple of images. Best, Jose Suro Tierra Verde, Florida To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: A Henslow's Sparrow at Three Lakes WMA 05/03/2008 From: Brian Ahern <BrianAhern AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 20:41:48 EDT Hi All, Yesterday while surveying for butterflies at Three Lakes WMA in Osceola County I flushed up a single adult Henslow's Sparrow along Road 10 from a somewhat moist grassy area. I was walking through the grass in hopes of flushing up a few Georgia Satyrs (no luck) so the Sparrow was a nice unexpected bonus. It sat up on a low bare branch for about a minute before going back down. The habitat at Three Lakes WMA is fire-managed dry prairie, extremely similar to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park where Park Biologist Paul Miller has found that Henslow's Sparrows are a late winter resident staying up through early June and can even be heard singing in the mornings during the spring in Florida. So I would think my sighting is not all that "rare" given the location and habitat but is always a very cool sparrow to see! My only other migrants yesterday were a small flock of Bobolinks (very few hammocks in dry prairie for warblers!) Best, Brian Ahern Tampa Bay, Florida BrianAhern AT aol.com Photos: _www.pbase.com/brianahern_ (http://www.pbase.com/brianahern) **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Merritt Island NWR From: David Freeland <Freela148 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 15:59:10 EDT A tour of Peacock's Pocket at Merritt Island NWR turned up neither the female Ruff nor the first-cycle Black-headed Gull. Plenty of shorebirds were present, including nicely plumaged Stilt Sandpipers, but neither of the recent rarities. It should be noted that the photos posted of the gull, while problematic to some, appear to show good field marks of a Black-headed Gull, not a Bonaparte's. The lightness of the neck and mantle along with the two-toned bill with plenty of red in it are characteristic of Black-headed Gulls that are seen routinely in New England, New Jersey and Niagara Falls, where I spent nearly 50 years birding. Dave Freeland Merritt island, FL **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Re: [FLBIRDS] Volusia County Landfill, New Rules From: Meret Wilson <wilsonsplover AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 08:54:46 -0700 I have been birding at the landfill for almost 20 years because, for the first 10 years, I was counting Bald Eagles on a weekly basis for Eagle Watch. As I noted more and more exciting birds out there my local Audubon group starting making annual trips out there. So, the place has been used a birding site for many years. For a number of years Susan Gaze was the environmental specialist for the landfill and was just super in allowing total access to the entire landfill, including up to the top of the "mountains". She would load people up in her jeep and take them out to see the eagles if they wanted. The landfill even put in some dummy pipes for a pair of nesting Northern Rough-winged Swallows so they wouldn't get drowned in the operating water transfer pipes. The landfill folks have always been as accommodating as possible, in my opinion. Since then the administration has had some changes and along with that has been the setting down of rules for everyone's safety. This is a very sue happy society we live in now-a-days and I am sure the regulations are just as much for their protection as for ours. The birds will still come and we will still be allowed to see them and that is the good thing. Meret Wilson Ormond beach --- "dotrobbins AT juno.com"Subject: SW Englewood Migrants From: Susan <susansd AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 11:11:58 -0400 Hi all, I went out this morning with no expectations, as the migrating warblers seemed to have come to an end in my neighborhood since the last cold front passed through several days ago. I was pleasantly surprised when I got to the woods across the street, and found a Wood Thrush first, and then a female Blackpoll Warbler. Moving on, I then heard a "plllt", and chased down an Eastern Wood-Pewee. A little flurry of warblers moved through then, and I picked up a male Am. Redstart, a female Cape May, and a male C. Yellowthroat. The Carolina Wren, Pine Warbler, and Great Crested Flycatcher were nearby calling and singing, and overhead a Green Heron shot by. Soon afterwards, a Laughing Gull chased a Bald Eagle right over me, and a few Black Skimmers came barking by on their way to the ICW. Nice start to my day. Susan Daughtrey Englewood, Charlotte County susansd AT comcast.net To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Green Key ( NPR West Pasco) From: Judy or Ray Smart <judenray2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 08:28:14 -0400 Hi all,
Not much activity at the Green Key funnel this morning, just a few
Redstarts, Prairies, Palms, 1 Catbird, 1 Barn Swallow, and at the beginning
of the boardwalk one Parula. Still one Horned Grebe hanging around off the
observation deck, starting to get its breeding plumage.
Good birding,
Ray Smart
New Port Richey, FL
judenray2 AT yahoo.com
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Subject: Volusia County LandfillFrom: David Freeland <Freela148 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 06:56:12 EDT Thank you, Dotty Robbins, for stating so eloquently the "real deal" on birding behavior at properties such as the Volusia County Landfill. Obeying an owner's rules to bird a property like this should be routine business for birders, obvious beyond the point of the owner finding it necessary to emphasize rules that we all ought to know without reprimand. It's not clear to me who, if anyone, in the birding community is hampered by the landfill restating what we all have been told before or, more to the point, should know instinctively. At least once I noticed a birder who knew better, but wanted a "closer look" at the gull hordes over an active landfill pile, go where he was told not to go at Volusia. That birder is also one who now feels betrayed by others in the birding community and feels obligated to sermonize behavior to the rest of us who ALWAYS obey the rules. The bottom line is that there's no guarantee that any person will exercise good judgment or even common sense when seeking that long-awaited rarity. Smarter people than I have said it before: "You cannot legislate good taste. Some people have it and some don't." Here's to all of you with good taste, good common sense and a passion for birding that includes recognition of the rules governing proper birding behavior. Dave Freeland Merritt Island, FL **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Re: Lincoln's Sparrow, Ft. De Soto Park, 5/3/08 (images included) From: Ron Smith <rsmith52 AT TAMPABAY.RR.COM> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 21:56:29 -0400 Good evening, Great find today at Fort DeSoto. Lincoln's Sparrows in Pinellas in May are not at all unexpected. Don Margeson photographed one today at the Roosevelt Wetlands, and there are at least three later-in-May reports for Pinellas including a very late one seen, 29 May 1989 at Fort DeSoto by J.Baker & R.Christian. Ron Smith St. Pete, FL rsmith52 AT tampabay.rr.com www.PinellasBirds.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Lyn Atherton To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 5:27 PM Subject: [BRDBRAIN] Lincoln's Sparrow, Ft. De Soto Park, 5/3/08 (images included) Early this afternoon at Ft. De Soto Park, Chris Newton discovered a Lincoln's Sparrow in the mangroves at the culvert on the west side of the North Hammock. Fortunately, Pat Burns and I were still in the park, so we went up to the hammock and found Chris and the sparrow at the culvert. During our observation, the sparrow left the culvert and headed up the trail towards the pond, feeding as it moved north. Below are two images of the sparrow which show the definitive characteristics of this lovely sparrow--buffy eye-ring, buffy malars, wide gray supercilium, fine black streaking on flanks, throat, and buffy breast, and blackish streaks on upperparts. Lyn -- -- Lyn Atherton Tierra Verde, FL bonniedabird AT earthlink.net To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: RFI Pensacola From: John Thomton <jthomton AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 22:15:25 -0500 Hey everyone, So my cousin gets married in Pensacola next Saturday (the 10'th). I'll be arriving Friday late afternoon (driving from Orlando) and leaving Sunday mid-morning. I may not have a ton of time to bird, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to try! The two birds I'm most interested in seeing are Swainson's Warbler (not a lifer - got a brief but identifiable look at Ft. DeSoto in 2007 - but I've never seen one singing) and Broad-Winged Hawk (state bird). I just noticed the post of the Broad-Winged near Tallahassee, and I recall Gallus getting Swainson's Warbler somewhere. I'd prefer to try for both birds around Pensacola. Are they likely or even possible in or near Pensacola, local birders? Gallus, is the Swainson's spot you went to far from I-10? Is the spot on the Birding Trail Guide or in Pranty? Any cool breeders at Ponce De Leon SP this time of year, anyone? How about the Apalachicola bluff area? Is that worth a hike if I have an hour or two? I do have Pranty's guide which I will consult, but I appreciate anyone's advice or opinions to any or all of the above questions. Thanks a lot, and good birding! John Thomton Orlando, Orange Co. _________________________________________________________________ Make Windows Vista more reliable and secure with Windows Vista Service Pack 1. http://www.windowsvista.com/SP1?WT.mc_id=hotmailvistasp1banner To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Volusia County Landfill, New Rules From: "dotrobbins AT juno.com" <dotrobbins@juno.com> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 00:44:50 GMT Hi Florida birders,
I sure wish someone else had risen to the bait here, but no one has.
First, I don't see the requests from the Volusia landfill folks as a disaster,
or a loss of access, or even a negative statement about birders' behavior.
These are good people running a business. They recognized that birders want
access, and that this is a positive aspect of their operation. And something
they want to continue to allow.
They rose to the occasion by formalizing some rules. Rules to ensure our safety
and avoid interruption to their operation.
Best I can tell, these are the same rules they gave us verbatim when we signed
in. So formalizing the rules is efficient: they don't have to use up personnel
time chatting with each and every birder entering their operation.
Formalizing these rules is also positive in that it makes things clear. I was
at the site 4 times this winter. Twice I was with groups who had gotten
permission for special access. The other 2 times I was with birders who had
been there before, and were able to say: we are allowed here, and here, but not
here. During all 4 visits, we were careful not to abuse our access privilege.
Other birders, from out of state or maybe on their own for the first time,
would not have the benefit of knowing the protocol of where to park and where
to scope from. Yes, they were told when they signed in, but some of this is
ambiguous on the ground in an unfamiliar area. Formalizing the rules--marking
the spots--is a positive thing.
I don't see the formalization of rules, and designation of access/parking
areas, as a negative. They want us to keep coming.
That part was easy; yet I must address this: both Bob W and Wes were vehement
that the birding community, and they personally, were betrayed by birders who
broke the rules. Dave Hartgrove's note, in the first sentence, states this was
the reason for these rules:
"After several of incidents over the past winter, where persons
looking for various gulls exhibited far more enthusiasm than common
sense,..."
I personally don't have evidence of this, actual or hearsay, but I have to
assume the Landfill personnel (and Dave's reporting) is correct: someone/s
messed up. Intentionally or out of ignorance.
Does that deserve all the vitriol? All the (direct quote) "*&^%$%&*! AT "?
Someone may have blundered out of ignorance, or because of the lack of clarity
in the verbal instructions. But what I'm hearing is an opportunity to flag the
whipping boy du jour (no names mentioned, of course), and let the world know
how superior the writer is to the rest of the community.
(Can you read between the lines? Maybe...just maybe those common folk, the ones
w/o connections, aren't good enough birders to be allowed in there...?)
I'm not big on vehemence and venom. I've been at the receiving end of some of
it. I'd like to see a birding community where we help one another, beginner to
high-list chaser. I try to avoid contention, I'm a Libra and a crusader for
fairness, I raised kids and don't care for squabbling. Some folks can only feel
good about themselves when they are putting down others. Pretty transparent.
I don't thing the birding community deserves the lashing. This is a totally
negative message without specifics. Volusia Landfill has posted some rules and
designated some spots for us. This tells me they support our presence and want
to continue it, while minimizing any negative impact on their operation. I
don't see this as a platform to proclaim superiority while stomping down
others.
Landfills attract gulls, have you heard? Guess we didn't need anyone to tell us
that.
I thank both Michael Brothers (the quiet guy) and Wes Biggs for their time and
efforts in helping to set up group visits and representing the scientific and
birding community to the landfill personnel. They bridged the gap for us.
As for some new formalized rules, it's business, not personal, get over it. And
anyone who hints that the birding community should take this personally is
doing a great disservice.
Dotty Robbins
High Springs
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Subject: Volusia County Landfill, New RulesFrom: "dotrobbins AT juno.com" <dotrobbins@JUNO.COM> Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 00:44:50 GMT Hi Florida birders,
I sure wish someone else had risen to the bait here, but no one has.
First, I don't see the requests from the Volusia landfill folks as a disaster,
or a loss of access, or even a negative statement about birders' behavior.
These are good people running a business. They recognized that birders want
access, and that this is a positive aspect of their operation. And something
they want to continue to allow.
They rose to the occasion by formalizing some rules. Rules to ensure our safety
and avoid interruption to their operation.
Best I can tell, these are the same rules they gave us verbatim when we signed
in. So formalizing the rules is efficient: they don't have to use up personnel
time chatting with each and every birder entering their operation.
Formalizing these rules is also positive in that it makes things clear. I was
at the site 4 times this winter. Twice I was with groups who had gotten
permission for special access. The other 2 times I was with birders who had
been there before, and were able to say: we are allowed here, and here, but not
here. During all 4 visits, we were careful not to abuse our access privilege.
Other birders, from out of state or maybe on their own for the first time,
would not have the benefit of knowing the protocol of where to park and where
to scope from. Yes, they were told when they signed in, but some of this is
ambiguous on the ground in an unfamiliar area. Formalizing the rules--marking
the spots--is a positive thing.
I don't see the formalization of rules, and designation of access/parking
areas, as a negative. They want us to keep coming.
That part was easy; yet I must address this: both Bob W and Wes were vehement
that the birding community, and they personally, were betrayed by birders who
broke the rules. Dave Hartgrove's note, in the first sentence, states this was
the reason for these rules:
"After several of incidents over the past winter, where persons
looking for various gulls exhibited far more enthusiasm than common
sense,..."
I personally don't have evidence of this, actual or hearsay, but I have to
assume the Landfill personnel (and Dave's reporting) is correct: someone/s
messed up. Intentionally or out of ignorance.
Does that deserve all the vitriol? All the (direct quote) "*&^%$%&*! AT "?
Someone may have blundered out of ignorance, or because of the lack of clarity
in the verbal instructions. But what I'm hearing is an opportunity to flag the
whipping boy du jour (no names mentioned, of course), and let the world know
how superior the writer is to the rest of the community.
(Can you read between the lines? Maybe...just maybe those common folk, the ones
w/o connections, aren't good enough birders to be allowed in there...?)
I'm not big on vehemence and venom. I've been at the receiving end of some of
it. I'd like to see a birding community where we help one another, beginner to
high-list chaser. I try to avoid contention, I'm a Libra and a crusader for
fairness, I raised kids and don't care for squabbling. Some folks can only feel
good about themselves when they are putting down others. Pretty transparent.
I don't thing the birding community deserves the lashing. This is a totally
negative message without specifics. Volusia Landfill has posted some rules and
designated some spots for us. This tells me they support our presence and want
to continue it, while minimizing any negative impact on their operation. I
don't see this as a platform to proclaim superiority while stomping down
others.
Landfills attract gulls, have you heard? Guess we didn't need anyone to tell us
that.
I thank both Michael Brothers (the quiet guy) and Wes Biggs for their time and
efforts in helping to set up group visits and representing the scientific and
birding community to the landfill personnel. They bridged the gap for us.
As for some new formalized rules, it's business, not personal, get over it. And
anyone who hints that the birding community should take this personally is
doing a great disservice.
Dotty Robbins
High Springs
To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list,
please visit us on the web at:
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____________________________________________________________________________
Subject: Peacock's Pocket Road-BobolinksFrom: Danny Bales <sueredfish AT MSN.COM> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 18:13:27 -0400 Howdy Yall, I was driving Peacock's Pocket road today on the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge looking for shore birds. I started seeing Bobolinks jumping up from the side of the road. I guess there were around 10 to 15 total. So... anyone trying to get a FOS Bobolink, Peacock's Pocket Road is the place... Good Luck! Danny Bales Titusville, Fla. To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________Subject: Lincoln's Sparrow, Ft. De Soto Park, 5/3/08 (images included) From: Lyn Atherton <bonniedabird AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 17:27:18 -0400 Early this afternoon at Ft. De Soto Park, Chris Newton discovered a Lincoln's Sparrow in the mangroves at the culvert on the west side of the North Hammock. Fortunately, Pat Burns and I were still in the park, so we went up to the hammock and found Chris and the sparrow at the culvert. During our observation, the sparrow left the culvert and headed up the trail towards the pond, feeding as it moved north. Below are two images of the sparrow which show the definitive characteristics of this lovely sparrow--buffy eye-ring, buffy malars, wide gray supercilium, fine black streaking on flanks, throat, and buffy breast, and blackish streaks on upperparts. Lyn -- -- Lyn Atherton Tierra Verde, FL bonniedabird AT earthlink.net To subscribe, unsubscribe or view archives of the brdbrain listserv list, please visit us on the web at: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html To set to no mail: send a message "SET BRDBRAIN NOMAIL" to LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU Report any problems to the listserv administrator: listadmin AT admin.usf.edu ____________________________________________________________________________ |