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Updated on Wednesday, November 7 at 05:17 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

We are experiencing the biggest winter finch irruption since the 
"superflight" of , when many boreal finches went well beyond 
their normal ranges. The cause is the largest tree seed crop failure 
in a decade across more than 3200 km (2000 mi) of boreal forest from 
Saskatchewan into Quebec. Today in Toronto, I had a Pine Grosbeak, 
Evening Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls, Pine Siskins and Purple Finches 
migrating along the shoreline of Lake Ontario. Boreal winter finches 
are being reported in many areas of southern Ontario and the United 
States, where some species such as Pine and Evening Grosbeaks haven't 
been seen in years. There is no telling how far south this 
"superflight" will go.

Winter Finch Forecast  is stored at two sites.

http://www.ofo.ca/reports%20and%20articles/winterfinches.php

http://ca.geocities.com/larry.neily AT rogers.com/pittaway-new.htm

Ron Pittaway
Minden and Toronto ON
jeaniron AT sympatico.ca

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Through our Web sites for Hilton Pond Center and "Operation 
RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project," we got many reports in 2007 of 
white hummingbirds around the country. For a discussion of albinism 
and leucism in hummers--as well as a gallery of some of the amazing 
images we received--please visit our "This Week at Hilton Pond" photo 
essay for 22-31 Oct 2007 at 
http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek071022.html

As always we include a tally of birds banded and recaptured during 
the period, plus some miscellaneous nature notes and a mug shot of a 
Cooper's Hawk that showed up in our nets. There's also a long comment 
of the explosion of Northern Cardinals that has appeared this fall at 
Hilton Pond.

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
research AT hiltonpond.org,, eFax:

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

**********

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Hi Everyone

I'm looking at a trip to New York City next spring sometime. Birding will not 
be the main focus of the trip but I would like to do some. I know Central Park 
is great, but are there other spots that are easy to get to with public transit 
that you would recommend? 


As well, when is the peak of the warbler migration?

Thanks

Sandra Savage
Calgary, Canada

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Hi Everyone;

I've recently added three trip reports to the "Birding the Americas" 
web site, for destinations that have relatively limited coverage. The 
reports are:

Cayman Islands, September 2007
http://tinyurl.com/2fcc5b

Honduras, October 2007
http://tinyurl.com/yrqw6t

Guatemala, February-March 2006
http://tinyurl.com/yo5kat


Safe travels, and good birding,

Blake Maybank
maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca

Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"
author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm

White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada

Birding the Americas - Trip Report & Trip Planning Repository
http://www.birdingtheamericas.com 

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As I browse around the web, I often find that many state/regional clubs or 
organizations 

publish their monthly/quarterly/etc. newsletters or journals online. These 
publications 

contain great information on local birds, bird identification, conservation 
issues, and 

many things that could be of interest to people outside of those organizations. 
Is there 

a web site somewhere that lists links to these publications? If not, is a list 
like that 

something that people would find useful?

Here are some examples:

LA Audubon: 
http://laaudubon.org/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=168&op=page&SubMenu= 


Tucson Audubon: http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/verfly/index.htm

Point Reyes Bird Observatory: http://www.prbo.org/cms/35

DVOC: http://www.dvoc.org/Publications/Larus/Larus.htm


Patrick Belardo
pbelardo-at-yahoo
Piscataway, NJ
http://hawkowl.blogspot.com

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At 03:10 AM 07/11/2007, Allison Wells wrote:
>Also, for those of you interested in bird conservation, there is an
>interview with Jeff Wells, Ph.D., on NPR affiliate KUOW that you can
>stream online at: http://www.kuow.org/defaultProgram.asp?ID=3D13753
>
>Jeff talks about threats to the Boreal forest

Coincidentally I am now reading a wonderful book, "Canada's Boreal 
Forest", by J. David Henry, published by the Smithsonial Natural 
History Series.  ISBN .   Despite the geographical 
limitation suggested by the title, the book really discusses taiga 
across the Northern Hemisphere, and does so in a very engaging 
fashion, steeped with knowledge and understanding, but never too 
technical.   Though I've spent a good portion of my life living 
within this remarkable biome, I'm learning with every page 
turned.   Every birder in North America should really come to 
understand and appreciate the boreal forest, its importance, and the 
threats it faces.   Canada has not been a good steward of this 
critical habitat.  And so many of our birds, migrant and resident, 
depend on this forest.

A quick search of the internet showed copies available on Amazon, 
though at other sources it was listed as out-of-print.

In the interest of open disclosure, I must admit that I do know the 
author, but I have no financial or other stake in this 
publication.   I do wish that the book becomes better known.

If anyone has difficulty obtaining a copy, I can put them in touch 
with the author.  The same applies to anyone who might wish a signed copy.

Good birding,


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blake Maybank
maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca

Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"

author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm

144 Bayview Drive
White's Lake, Nova Scotia,
B3T 1Z1, Canada
  


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At 03:06 AM 06/11/2007, Pastor Al Schirmacher wrote:
>50 mile per hour gusts & pebbly snow today are poignant reminders that
>winter is imminent. There is the joy of finding boreal species here 
>in central and northern
>Minnesota - but how else do you finding birding satisfaction after (and
>before) migration?

In light of this query I am taking the liberty of repeating a post I 
made to BirdChat two years ago, though edited and updated where necessary.

In Canada, perhaps because of (or in spite of) experiencing a bit of 
weather during the winter, winter birding  has become a very popular 
activity.   The origins of this slightly insane behaviour apparently 
date from southern Ontario in the 50's and 60's, but the sport's 
appeal really took off with the promotion afforded it by Gerry 
Bennett in the 1980's, through his "Birdfinding in Canada" newsletter.

Winter Birding remains popular today.   The winter period comprises 
the three months of December through February, matching the reporting 
period of "North American Birds".  Winter Birding web pages are 
maintained for nine of ten provinces in Canada.  You may start your 
exploration with the Nova Scotia page:

http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/maybank/other/nswinter.htm

Links are provided to the other provincial winter birding pages, as 
well as the French islands of St-Pierre et Michelon, and 
Iceland.   Ontario, where the fun began, does not have a winter 
birding page yet.  Irony abounds."

I am unaware of any on-line winter bird compilations any U.S. state, 
but many do experience true winter weather (as measured by Canadian 
standards, of course).   We'd be pleased if they joined the fray.

Good (winter) birding,



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Blake Maybank
author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm

mailto:maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca

144 Bayview Drive,
White's Lake, Nova Scotia
CANADA



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Greetings, all!

November 04, 2007

Libby's report:

Red-tail:  1
Swainson:  1
Red-Shouldered:  1
Turkey Vulture:  146
Sharp-shin:  4
Cooper:  2
Unid Accipiter:  1
N. Harrier:  2

Total:  158

-----

Thanks, Libby!

Cheers,
Patty Waits Beasley
Corpus Christi, TX

Season totals to date:
239.........Black vulture
44419.......Turkey vulture
234.........Osprey
168.........Swallow-tailed kite
1...........White-tailed kite
27286.......Mississippi kite
0 ..........Hook-billed kite
7...........Bald eagle
215.........Northern harrier
1711........Sharp-shinned hawk
1205........Cooper's hawk
2 ..........Northern goshawk
15..........Red-shouldered hawk
569825......Broad-winged hawk (18 DM)
403.........Swainson's hawk
95..........Red-tailed hawk
2...........Ferruginous hawk
27..........White-tailed hawk
1...........Short-tailed hawk
21..........Zone-tailed hawk
5...........Harris's hawk
0...........Rough-legged hawk
0...........Common black hawk
0...........Golden eagle
847.........American kestrel
82..........Merlin
242.........Peregrine falcon
7...........Prairie falcon
5...........Aplomado falcon
11..........Crested caracara
216.........Unknown accipiters
63..........Unknown buteos
15..........Unknown falcons
0 ..........Unknown eagles
116.........Unknown raptors
------------------------
647,486 .... Season total to 11/04
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our 2007 HWI crew: Joel Simon, Dane Ferrell, Libby Even
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All reports, including photographs and videos, are posted on our web site.
Drop on by the Texas Hawk Watches web site at http://www.ccbirding.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

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Greetings, all!

November 05, 2007

Libby's report:

Swainson:  3
Unid-Buteo:  2
Turkey Vulture:  201
Black Vulture:  35
Sharp-shin:  2
Cooper:  3
Unid Accipiter:  1
Am. Kestrel:  1
Peregrine:  2

Total:  250

The two peregrines were a male and female pair - size difference is 
striking with these birds in flight.  A very nice surprise!
Platform construction has begun and we are temporarily moved while the crew 
& their trucks block our views and heavy equipment rattles our brains.  If 
we are not at our usual location, please come to the bottom of the hill - 
our current perch is at the picnic table near the entrance of the nature 
trail.  Instead of taking the first left at park entrance, go straight then 
turn right at the "T" - you'll see us.

-----

Thanks, Libby!

Cheers,
Patty Waits Beasley
Corpus Christi, TX

Season totals to date:
274.........Black vulture
44620.......Turkey vulture
234.........Osprey
168.........Swallow-tailed kite
1...........White-tailed kite
27286.......Mississippi kite
0 ..........Hook-billed kite
7...........Bald eagle
215.........Northern harrier
1713........Sharp-shinned hawk
1208........Cooper's hawk
2 ..........Northern goshawk
15..........Red-shouldered hawk
569825......Broad-winged hawk (18 DM)
407.........Swainson's hawk
95..........Red-tailed hawk
2...........Ferruginous hawk
27..........White-tailed hawk
1...........Short-tailed hawk
21..........Zone-tailed hawk
5...........Harris's hawk
0...........Rough-legged hawk
0...........Common black hawk
0...........Golden eagle
848.........American kestrel
82..........Merlin
244.........Peregrine falcon
7...........Prairie falcon
5...........Aplomado falcon
11..........Crested caracara
217.........Unknown accipiters
65..........Unknown buteos
15..........Unknown falcons
0 ..........Unknown eagles
116.........Unknown raptors
------------------------
647,736 .... Season total to 11/05
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our 2007 HWI crew: Joel Simon, Dane Ferrell, Libby Even
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All reports, including photographs and videos, are posted on our web site.
Drop on by the Texas Hawk Watches web site at http://www.ccbirding.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

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Archives: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdchat.html

Hello everyone,

Dave Rintoul, the list owner for BIRDCHAT, generously
sent me a bunch of lovely images of sparrows (and one
non-sparrow) that you might enjoy looking at. These
images are scheduled to publish daily on my blog at
3pm, beginning today. This is the link for the first
of these images;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2007/11/american_tree_sparrow.php

GrrlScientist
Devorah
Central Park


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Hello everyone,

Someone from BIRDCHAT sent a CBC-related email to me,
but it was eaten by my spam filter. can you please
re-send that email?

this week's issue of Birds in the News is now
available for you to enjoy. BITN features a lovely
image of a lesser flamingo flying low over calm
waters, its image reflected from the still surface
below. This week's issue of BITN also includes a
special section for CBC schedules, so please be sure
to send me links to your online CBC schedule so I can
share it with everyone, and hopefully help boost the
numbers of CBC participants this year! 

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2007/11/birds_in_the_news_104.php

Also, if you have photographs of birds that you'd like
to share with a large and appreciative audience,
please send them to me, along with information as to
how you'd like those images to be credited. 

Another article that I wrote that you might be
interested in discusses where pet parrots come from in
America;


http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2007/11/where_do_all_those_pet_parrots.php 


GrrlScientist
Devorah
Central Park

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First, here in Maine, we are seeing a lot of winter finch activity -
Pine Grosbeaks and Bohemian Waxwings in Bangor, White-winged Crossbills
and Pine Siskins in a number of locales farther south (including in our
yard Gardiner, 20 minutes from the midcoast area of Wiscasset). It will
be interesting to track the finch movement across the country this
winter!

Also, for those of you interested in bird conservation, there is an
interview with Jeff Wells, Ph.D., on NPR affiliate KUOW that you can
stream online at: http://www.kuow.org/defaultProgram.asp?ID=13753

Jeff talks about threats to the Boreal forest ("America's bird nursery")
and answers questions about his new book, "Birder's Conservation
Handbook: 100 North American Birds At Risk"
(http://www.borealbirds.org/jeffbook.shtml) 

Since BirdChat is a national network of birders, if there is a Chatter
who is on a Washington State listserv (I used to be on Tweeters - is it
still around?) or a San Francisco-area list, those birders are invited
to these talks and it would be great to get this invite to those lists: 
11/6
Tues. 7:30pm
Seattle, WA 
Elliott Bay Book Company 
101 South Main Street 
www.elliottbaybook.com

11/7
Wed. 8pm
Emeryville, CA
Audubon California 
4225 Hollis St. 
www.audubon-ca.org
Golden Gate Audubon & Audubon California 

Bird well!

Allison Wells

Help protect the nature of Maine. Become a member today! 
http://www.nrcm.org/giveagift.asp 


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We had one of the wettest summers on record, and latest falls, with temps every 
day thrugh October running 5-10 degrees above normal. So fall birding hasn't 
even started yet in South Texas. 


=================
  Jim Turner 
Victoria, Texas
  havivoca AT yahoo.com

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I've already had Evening Grosbeak, Purple Finches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, 
Pine Siskins and a Red Crossbill in the yard this year, but as someone 
landlocked the majority of the year, 

I envy those fortunate enough to live close to coastal areas.
Gary Felton
Kingwood, WV 
GLJEINWV AT JUNO.COM
------------------------------------------------------
Here in the East, we're experiencing an invasion of northern species right now 
(Evening Grosbeaks, Purple Finches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskins and 
crossbills). 

 I'm hoping some of those turn up in my yard so I can add them to my new yard 
list. But I 

personally love winter here along the Atlantic coast. That's when so many great 
birds 

show up - Harlequin Ducks, eiders, alcids, rare gulls. I'm looking foward to 
trips to 

places like Long Island's Montauk Point and New Jersey's Sandy Hook and 
Barnegat Inlet. 

Happy winter birding to all!

 

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Here in the East, we're experiencing an invasion of northern species right now 
(Evening Grosbeaks, Purple Finches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskins and 
crossbills). I'm hoping some of those turn up in my yard so I can add them to 
my new yard list. But I personally love winter here along the Atlantic coast. 
That's when so many great birds show up - Harlequin Ducks, eiders, alcids, rare 
gulls. I'm looking foward to trips to places like Long Island's Montauk Point 
and New Jersey's Sandy Hook and Barnegat Inlet. Happy winter birding to all! 

=====================
From: Pastor Al Schirmacher 
Date: 2007/11/05 Mon PM 02:13:50 CST
To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
Subject: [BIRDCHAT] Winter Satisfaction Query

50 mile per hour gusts & pebbly snow today are poignant reminders that 
winter is imminent.

There is the joy of finding boreal species here in central and northern 
Minnesota - but how else do you finding birding satisfaction after (and 
before) migration?

Guess there are always books....

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties 

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John J. Collins
Raritan, NJ
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we 
understand; we will understand only what we are taught." (Senegalese proverb.) 


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Sorry for first posting in html instead of plain text

john AT bajabirder.com

Baja Mexico 23.5 N 109.7W,  Southern tip of Baja. Picture taken in Nov 3 2007


I recently took some photographs of a hawk. I can't decide what species, 
although I'm sure he is an immature, lacks distinctive head markings, and has a 
pale or clear eye. 

I have posted the pictures on 

http://picasaweb.google.com/bajabirder/MysteryHawk

50 mile per hour gusts & pebbly snow today are poignant reminders that 
winter is imminent.

There is the joy of finding boreal species here in central and northern 
Minnesota - but how else do you finding birding satisfaction after (and 
before) migration?

Guess there are always books....

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties 

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Jeff, thanks for the great review of accipiter ID.

Jerry


At 08:09 AM 11/5/2007, Jeff Bouton wrote:
>John,
>    This is an immature Cooper's Hawk . . . . . .



Jerry Blinn
Perceptive Systems
Placitas, NM

jerry AT avisys.net
Web Site: www.avisys.net 

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Greetings, all!

November 03, 2007

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawks = 2
Red-tailed Hawks = 2
Swainson's Hawks = 4
Unknown Buteos = 4
Turkey Vultures = 153
Black Vultures = 18
Sharp-shinned Hawks = 6
Cooper's Hawks = 15
Unknown Accip = 1
Northern Harriers = 4
White-tailed Hawk = 1
Total = 210

Nice diversity (9 species counted; 13 species observed, including local 
Crested Caracara, Red-shouldered Hawk, Osprey, American Kestrel).

Non-Raptor highlights include 1 Clapper Rail found on our pre-count walk 
around the pond(nice spot Bob!) Also, Marsh and Sedge Wrens, Sandhill 
Cranes, Lincoln's and Savannah Sparrows, Brown Thrasher.

Hazel is rocking...

-----

Thanks, Dane!

Cheers,
Patty Waits Beasley
Corpus Christi, TX

Season totals to date:
239.........Black vulture
44273.......Turkey vulture
234.........Osprey
168.........Swallow-tailed kite
1...........White-tailed kite
27286.......Mississippi kite
0 ..........Hook-billed kite
7...........Bald eagle
213.........Northern harrier
1707........Sharp-shinned hawk
1203........Cooper's hawk
2 ..........Northern goshawk
14..........Red-shouldered hawk
569825......Broad-winged hawk (18 DM)
403.........Swainson's hawk
94..........Red-tailed hawk
2...........Ferruginous hawk
27..........White-tailed hawk
1...........Short-tailed hawk
21..........Zone-tailed hawk
5...........Harris's hawk
0...........Rough-legged hawk
0...........Common black hawk
0...........Golden eagle
847.........American kestrel
82..........Merlin
242.........Peregrine falcon
7...........Prairie falcon
5...........Aplomado falcon
11..........Crested caracara
215.........Unknown accipiters
63..........Unknown buteos
15..........Unknown falcons
0 ..........Unknown eagles
116.........Unknown raptors
------------------------
647,328 .... Season total to 11/02
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our 2007 HWI crew: Joel Simon, Dane Ferrell, Libby Even
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All reports, including photographs and videos, are posted on our web site.
Drop on by the Texas Hawk Watches web site at http://www.ccbirding.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksu.edu/audubon/chatguidelines.html
Archives: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdchat.html

Greetings, all!

November 01, 2007

Red-tailed Hawks = 4

Turkey Vultures = 122

Black Vultures = 40

Cooper's Hawks = 3

Northern Harriers = 2

White-tailed Hawks = 2

Total = 173

We counted 2 White-tailed Hawks; 1 sub-adult, and 1 juvie. While Raptors 
are slowing down, Geese, Wood Storks, Anhingas, and White Pelicans are 
going strong.

The Season is winding down, but Hazel still rocks ....

-----

Thanks, Dane!

Cheers,
Patty Waits Beasley
Corpus Christi, TX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our 2007 HWI crew: Joel Simon, Dane Ferrell, Libby Even
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All reports, including photographs and videos, are posted on our web site.
Drop on by the Texas Hawk Watches web site at http://www.ccbirding.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksu.edu/audubon/chatguidelines.html
Archives: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdchat.html

Greetings, all!

November 02, 2007

Dane's report:

Swainson's Hawks = 2

Unknown Buteos = 1

Turkey Vultures = 85

Black Vultures = 35

Sharp-shinned Hawks = 9

Cooper's Hawks = 11

Unknown Accips = 3

Northern Harriers = 16

Unknown Raptor = 1

Total = 163

Awesome day for Northern Harriers! The day's tally included excellent looks 
at 4 adult males. It doesn't get much better than that.

Hazel rocks...

-----

Thanks, Dane!

Cheers,
Patty Waits Beasley
Corpus Christi, TX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our 2007 HWI crew: Joel Simon, Dane Ferrell, Libby Even
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All reports, including photographs and videos, are posted on our web site.
Drop on by the Texas Hawk Watches web site at http://www.ccbirding.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksu.edu/audubon/chatguidelines.html
Archives: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdchat.html

Greetings, all!

October 31, 2007

Libby's report:

Broad-wing:  2
Red-tail:  1
Turkey Vulture:  212
Black Vulture:  43
Sharp-shin:  10
Cooper's:  3
Northern Goshawk:  2
Unid Accipiter:  4
Merlin:  1
N. Harrier:  2
Unid Raptor:  1

Total:  281

The day started with the usual vultures - our first day with recognizably 
migrating Black Vulture groups who went south and to our surprise, did not 
come back 10 minutes later.  An early morning merlin soared for us a bit, 
much to our pleasure.

I know, I know.....quit stalling and give them what they want to hear.

At about 2:15, two very large accipiters were spotted by Dane gliding 
in.  Just beyond "Tree Three" they stopped their glide, began to circle 
each other, and both displayed that flap that can be no other than an 
Northern Goshawk's.  Both birds were immatures in view for approximately 
five minutes circling higher with intermittent flaps - they stayed long 
enough for both of us to have scope views.  Before leaving, one called to 
the other clinching the id.  (Luckily, Dane has spent some time doing 
studies on nesting Cooper's and is quite familiar with their calls.)

We are so grateful that the accipiters have those distinctive flaps - the 
appearance of these two immies was much like that of two female Coops on 
steroids - but neither a Coop nor Sharpie will ever fly like a buteo.  How 
lucky we are.

-----

Thanks, Libby!

Cheers,
Patty Waits Beasley
Corpus Christi, TX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our 2007 HWI crew: Joel Simon, Dane Ferrell, Libby Even
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All reports, including photographs and videos, are posted on our web site.
Drop on by the Texas Hawk Watches web site at http://www.ccbirding.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

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Greetings, all! The data gremlin is back. Here's some more back reports, 
finally in ...



October 30, 2007

Dane's report:

Broad-winged hawks = 2
Red-tailed Hawk = 1
Turkey Vultures = 133
Sharp-shinned Hawk = 1
Cooper's Hawk = 1
Unknown Accipiter = 1
Osprey = 1
Unknown Raptor = 2
Total = 142

Hazel rocks...

-----

Thanks, Dane!

Cheers,
Patty Waits Beasley
Corpus Christi, TX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our 2007 HWI crew: Joel Simon, Dane Ferrell, Libby Even
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All reports, including photographs and videos, are posted on our web site.
Drop on by the Texas Hawk Watches web site at http://www.ccbirding.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

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John,
   
  This is an immature Cooper's Hawk.
   
 The first step in this ID process is to assign this bird to its proper genus. 
The long slim body with very long tail and short wings makes this easy to do - 
Accipiter. Buteos and falcons will almost always show the wingtips near, at or 
beyond the tail tip. The brown back, vertically streaked chest, and light eye 
allow us to say (as you surmised) this is an immature Accipiter: Sharp-shinned, 
Cooper's, or Northern Goshawk. 

   
 The next step is a bit more difficult and requires a bit of a feel for these 
three species, which becomes easier with time and experience. For example, 
after capturing and banding thousands of Accipiters, the instant the image 
popped up my brain said "Cooper's", but to describe the subtleties recognized 
is more difficult. Some of these are summarized below: 

   
 Head shape: the flat-headed look with raised hackles is a classic look for 
Coop's while Sharp-shinned and Gos tend to look more round headed. Gos can 
approach this at times but Sharpies never do. Nick-named "Pinheads" in some 
raptor circles, the small headed sharpie always appears very rounded and never 
like this bird. 

   
 Eye-placement: some guides suggest that the eye is placed more toward the beak 
(forward) on the head in Coops vs. Sharpie (in the latter the eye doe appear to 
be toward the center of the head). I've never been sure if tis is born out by 
measurement or is just accentuated by the Cooper's penchant for fluffing up its 
hackles (feathers on back of head and neck) making its head appear longer 
toward the back or a combination of both. Regardless you can see how the eye 
appears forward on the face/head in these shots. 

   
 Breast streaking: in the immature Accipiter species Cooper's show more 
distinct and heavier streaks on the upper breast fading to thinner and more 
sparse streaking as you move down on to the belly. Sharp-shinneds and Northern 
Goshawks have uniform streaking top to bottom.You will note that while this is 
a more heavily marked Cooper's overall the streaking closer to the throat on 
the breast is heavier than toward the undertail. (individual streaks on Gos 
also tend to appear more sparse and perhaps individual streaks tend tobe more 
distinct... many guides describe these as teardrop shaped). 

   
 I think even here you could safely stop but I'll add a few more bits to cinch 
the ID and maybe help in future accipiter challenges. 

   
 Supercilliary: while not definitive in of itself, its worth noting that 
Northern Goshawks will usually show a much more distinct superciliary (white 
eyeline) that will extend behind the eye to the back of the head. 

   
 Back: In general the larger species tend to show more light markings through 
the back, so a Shrpie will tend to show less, Gos will average more light 
markings on the brown back (again like other average differences this is not 
definitive and only should be used in concert with a number of other structural 
and markings differences). 

   
 Tail: again on average Sharp-shinneds generally show squared off or notched 
tails while both Gos and Coops show rounded tails (however tail wear and molt 
can make rounded tails appear square and vice versa so despite the arrow in 
your Peterson Guide to Birds of North America, tail shape should only be one 
factor in your ID process amongst these species ;p). As in the back, Sharpies 
tend to show comparatively little white at the tail tip while the larger 
species average more extensive white tail tips. 

   
 Among those with rounded tails there are average distinct differences in the 
shape and patterning of both Gos and Cooper's tails. For example, Cooper's 
Hawks have the longest tails (and flight feathers) in relation to their body 
length so will appear the longest tailed of the three. Goshawks have the 
shortest tail as compared to their body and very often can appear more like 
Red-shouldered Hawks when cruising low over a field on bowed wings! (RSHA has 
one of the longest tails of Eastern Buteos at least, so can appear much like a 
Gos and vice versa to my eye). Also the tail banding on Coops and Gos differ. 
Coopers tend to show relatively straight dark and lighter brown bands on the 
tail. Goshawks show a very "wavy" pattern here often with lighter lines between 
light and dark bands accentuating the contrast even more. 

   
 Lastly, I will point to the general structure of the body as a good indicator 
of this being Cooper's Hawk and not a Northern Goshawk. You get the feel of a 
relatively long slim bird here. Goshawks are a lot "beefier" particularly 
through the chest and will offer the feel of a much chunkier bird. Coming off a 
fun football Sunday I will use the analogy of a Kicker to a Lineman perhaps! If 
you suspect you might be looking at a Goshawk and it appears as long and 
slender as this bird I will suggest you are not right! While similar in length, 
look at the dramatic difference in weights to see what I mean. 

   
  From Peterson's "Hawks" Wheeler and Clark list:
   
 Cooper's Hawk length - male 39 cm, female 45 cm; weight - m 341g, f 528g 

  Northern Goshawk   length - m 49 cm, f 58 cm;   weight - m 816g, f 1,059g
   
 So while Goshawks average only between 20-22% longer than Cooper's Hawks, they 
are 100% or more heavier in mass. So to coin a phrase I'd say, "If you are 
waffling between Cooper's and Gos, I'd guess Cooper's more often than not, the 
latter ALWAYS appears very large!" 

   
  Good Birding All,
   
  Jeff Bouton
  Product Specialist - Birder/Naturalist Markets
  Leica Sports Optics
  Florida
  jbouton2 AT earthlink.net
  My Birding Blog: www.birdwatchersdigest.com/leica
   
   
  

john  wrote:
  john AT bajabirder.com

I recently took some photographs of a hawk. I can't decide what species, 
although I'm sure he is an immature, lacks distinctive head markings, and has a 
pale or clear eye. 

I have posted the pictures on 

http://picasaweb.google.com/bajabirder/MysteryHawk



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The end of the year is rapidly approaching so I need to remind all BirdChatters 
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late so perhaps it's time to remind everyone of a few items.  

From the BirdChat guidelines page, 
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REQUIRED ELEMENTS -- Your real name and your e-mail address (to use as a 
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subscriber in the USA may not be common knowledge to a subscriber in Armenia!  
I've seen some messages lately that also had names abbreviated or just first 
and last initials.  Remember, full names!
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And of course, if you have any questions about management of your subscription 
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Thanks for all your support and cooperation.  Have a happy holiday season and 
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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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john AT bajabirder.com

I recently took some photographs of a hawk. I can't decide what species, 
although I'm sure he is an immature, lacks distinctive head markings, and has a 
pale or clear eye. 

I have posted the pictures on 

http://picasaweb.google.com/bajabirder/MysteryHawk

Hi all,

After linking many of my photos to a "Flickr" site, I've finally been able
to add my report of this past June's Alaska trip to my website.  We visited
Gambell and the Nome area.  It has many photos (including a few of Jason
Horn's that he let me use), so if you still have 'dial-up' you'll have to be
patient.  Go to the address below and click on the "2007 Alaska Trip" link
under "What's New."

Good birding,
Dave DeReamus
Compiler of the 'Eastern PA Birdline'
Easton, PA
becard AT rcn.com
My 'Eastern PA Birding' Website: http://users.rcn.com/becard/home.html

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Chatters:

I wholeheartedly concur with Dick's Muck Boot recommendation. They 
are extremely comfortable. Whether in Antarctica, western Alaska, or 
in the snow or mud during the local CBCs, they have been the best for 
me. I use the insulated version. Thanks to Greg Lashley for 
originally recommending them years ago!

Phil

At 14:53 11/04/2007, Dick Payne wrote:
>I use Muck Boots, which are the most comfortable "rubber" boots I've 
>ever worn.
>I've "Mucked" on several continents with no difficulty and used them at
>home for yard work. Yes, they do take up a lot of space in my bag, but I
>stuff them with things that have to be packed anyway. So, that minimizes
>the amount of space. But, I will admit in this age of less than delightful
>air travel, that it becomes a problem.
>
>The worst thing in my experience is boots that don't fit well or ones that
>leave you feeling like you have ice cubes for feet.

==================================
Phil Davis      Davidsonville, Maryland     USA
                 mailto:PDavis AT ix.netcom.com
================================== 

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While everyone I bird with swears by NEOS, I can't use them on my size 14 
feet w/ shoes or other boots on. That's the curse of big feet. I use Muck 
Boots, which are the most comfortable "rubber" boots I've ever worn. 
I've "Mucked" on several continents with no difficulty and used them at 
home for yard work. Yes, they do take up a lot of space in my bag, but I 
stuff them with things that have to be packed anyway. So, that minimizes 
the amount of space. But, I will admit in this age of less than delightful 
air travel, that it becomes a problem.

The worst thing in my experience is boots that don't fit well or ones that 
leave you feeling like you have ice cubes for feet.

Dick Payne
Colorado Springs, CO

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I have to admit that my NEOS Trekker boots leak.

That's disappointing as I thought the 20" length up my leg would work for here 
in CA and Alaska. 


No matter what I do in securing them, they always leak a little bit -- an 
unfortunate situation because they are the only "boots" I've seen that pack 
down so easily into a small volume. 


I'm ready to go to waders, but those will be difficult to pack.



Daniel Edelstein

Ellison Bay, WI

&

Novato, CA (Bay Area)


http://www.warblerwatch.com

12 Kingfisher Court
Novato, CA 
 (voice & DSL fax)

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Gordon,

I recommend you pay a little, and take trips with Hawaii Forest and Trail. I 
took one of Rob Pacheco's trips into the Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge where 
we got the Akiapolaau, and years later took another of his trips for the 
Palila. 


If you try to do those trips on your own, you'll face the hassles of getting 
your own permit to enter the Hakalau NWR, and the rental car restrictions 
against driving on the Saddle Road to go for the Palila. 


Darrell Lee
Alameda, CA

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We're going to the Big Island over winter break this year (last week  
of December), and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations  
for good birding spots.  We're staying on the west coast, near Kona.   
I was considering going up into the mountains to try for some of the  
native Honeycreepers, but it looks like it would require renting a  
4WD and paying a guide, and we're trying to economize a little.  This  
is not, strictly speaking, a birding trip, but I'd like to sneak off  
for a little birding if possible.

Any ideas for good spots for interesting species, on the Kona coast?   
Any of the local birds would be of interest to me.  We were in Kaua'i  
three years ago & I got a bunch of the endemics & some other cool  
species, and would like to try for anything interesting that might be  
out there -- within a two-three hour drive of Kona.

Any recommendations welcome.

cheers,

Gordon Bonnet
Trumansburg NY

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Thanks for all the info so many of you sent regarding Neos Overshoes.  

I have owned the Villager Neos for some years and have been very satisfied with 
their performance. They just weren't high enough for the purpose I need them 
for on my upcoming trip. That is why I inquired specifically about the 
"Trekker" style which is 20 inches high. 


After considering all the info sent to me and discovering a local birder with 
Trekkers, I have ordered my pair. They will arrive by the end of this week. I'm 
going to test them in advance of my trip for leaks by wearing them in a large 
water-filled bucket or bathtub. That should tell me if there are any defects. 
Leakage is the only concern I really have. I know they have a bigger foot-print 
and can be a bit ackward to wear. I'm used to that so it is not a concern. 
Packing them with ease and keeping my shoes and feet dry in a marsh is my only 
concern. Once I've tested these boots, I can report back on my findings to 
anyone who is interested. 


Good birding!

Lynea

Lynea Hinchman
Michigan City, Indiana
Heart of the Indiana Dunes
CanyonWrenatComcastdotnet
 
"The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived though its first
material expression be destroyed.  A vanished harmony may yet again inspire
the composer, but when the last individual of a race of living beings
breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a
one can be again."  William Beebe
 

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 I hope Prince Henry gets the gallows.

On Oct 30, 2007 9:39 PM, snorkler AT juno.com  wrote:

> http://www.guardian.co.uk/monarchy/story/0,,2202160,00.html
>
> This is the same species as our Northern Harrier, but it's a rarer species
> in the UK.
>
> Darrell Lee
> Alameda, CA
>
> BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksu.edu/audubon/chatguidelines.html
> Archives: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdchat.html
>



-- 
Carol C. Anderson
gretagarbo AT movistar.com.gt
www.monterey-bay.net/birds

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Hello Birdchatters,

I am just writing to let you know that my bird pals in
Washington State are already putting together an
online CBC schedule that can be viewed here;

http://www.wos.org/WACBCs.htm

If any of you are also making an online schedule for
your state's upcoming Christmas Bird Counts, be sure
to email the link to me so I can include it in my
weekly issue of "Birds in the News". 

Thanks,

GrrlScientist
Devorah
Central Park



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I saw NEOS used in various places in Alaska.....they seem like overkill 
in many ways including most importantly weight. A pair of Cabellas water 
proof socks ~16 to 18"did it for me inside hiking boots that did not 
retain water as much as some models. 

While hiking and biking 10 to 30 miles a day the less weight on your 
feet  results in advantages in speed, stamina/exhaustion. Neos are 
cloddish while hiking and on dance floors. 

Fv
Nj

Gy�rgy Szimuly wrote:

> My vote for footgear is definitely the Hanwag.
> http://www.hanwag.de/
>
> I am using it since 2003 and I had no problem with it should the  
> conditions be wet, dry, rocky or muddy.
> I used it in rainforests of Thailand, Sulawesi, Halmahera, Mexico and  
> savannas in South Africa, or Tierra del Fugeo. Very light weight and  
> comfortable.
>
> BR: Szimi
> ----------
> Gyorgy Szimuly (Szimi)
> Skype: szimistyle
> iChat: szimistyle.com AT mac.com
> URL: http://www.szimistyle.com
> Blog: http://szimistyle.blogspot.com
>
> On ., at 10:33, gljeinwv AT juno.com wrote:
>
> I purchased a pair of NEOS Explorers about 6 years ago and have been  
> very satisfied.  Well made, very functional, comfortable, and I can  
> get them on and off over my hiking shoes wth very little effort. I'm  
> not familiar with the Trekkers, but if they are at all comparable to  
> the Explorers in quality and functionality, I'm sure they'll suit  
> your needs.
> Gary Felton - Kingwood, WV
> --------------------------------------------------------
> HI All,
> Does anyone have experience with NEOS Trekker while birding in  
> marshes and/or mud?  Do
> they really keep the shoes or hiking boots inside dry?  Would you  
> recommend them over
> rubber boots?  What about packing them?  Are they less cumbersome to  
> pack?
>
> Any first hand experience with this specific make of NEOS would be  
> greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Good birding!
> Lynea
>
> Lynea Hinchman
> Michigan City, Indiana
> Heart of the Indiana Dunes
> CanyonWrenatComcastdotnet
>
>
> BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksu.edu/audubon/chatguidelines.html
> Archives: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdchat.html
>
> BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksu.edu/audubon/chatguidelines.html
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>

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Hello, BirdChat!

Check out next week's schedule and photographs at--
http://tinyurl.com/27jlox

* Monday, the Black Oystercatcher
* Tuesday, Hawaiian honeycreepers
* Wednesday, Gull Identification II
* Thursday, "Goldeneyes and Whistling Wings"
* Friday, a listener's story: "Crows 'n' Chips"

BirdNote is a radio series, two minutes per episode, which you can
listen to or read on the web site. It�s also available as a podcast.
http://www.birdnote.org/birdnotepodcast.xml

Some of the shows are specific to the Pacific Northwest, but many are of
general interest. A stunning photograph accompanies each story. All
episodes are in the archives, both as a transcript and in MP3 format.
Visit the website to find out more. http://www.birdnote.org

Have an idea for a story? Drop us a line: info AT birdnote.org. Thanks!

Ellen Blackstone
mailto:ellen AT 123imagine.net
BirdNote, in partnership with Seattle Audubon

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My vote for footgear is definitely the Hanwag.
http://www.hanwag.de/

I am using it since 2003 and I had no problem with it should the  
conditions be wet, dry, rocky or muddy.
I used it in rainforests of Thailand, Sulawesi, Halmahera, Mexico and  
savannas in South Africa, or Tierra del Fugeo. Very light weight and  
comfortable.

BR: Szimi
----------
Gyorgy Szimuly (Szimi)
Skype: szimistyle
iChat: szimistyle.com AT mac.com
URL: http://www.szimistyle.com
Blog: http://szimistyle.blogspot.com

On ., at 10:33, gljeinwv AT juno.com wrote:

I purchased a pair of NEOS Explorers about 6 years ago and have been  
very satisfied.  Well made, very functional, comfortable, and I can  
get them on and off over my hiking shoes wth very little effort. I'm  
not familiar with the Trekkers, but if they are at all comparable to  
the Explorers in quality and functionality, I'm sure they'll suit  
your needs.
Gary Felton - Kingwood, WV
--------------------------------------------------------
HI All,
Does anyone have experience with NEOS Trekker while birding in  
marshes and/or mud?  Do
they really keep the shoes or hiking boots inside dry?  Would you  
recommend them over
rubber boots?  What about packing them?  Are they less cumbersome to  
pack?

Any first hand experience with this specific make of NEOS would be  
greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Good birding!
Lynea

Lynea Hinchman
Michigan City, Indiana
Heart of the Indiana Dunes
CanyonWrenatComcastdotnet


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-------------- Forwarded Message: --------------
From: Michael Hendrickson 

Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2007 

There will be a winter bird festival this coming February 15th-17th in 
Meadowlands, Minnesota or what birders call "Sax-Zim Bog".  
   
Website for the festival: http://moumn.org/sax-zim/ 
There is on-line registration. 
   
This is one of very few winter bird festivals, an opportunity for 
birders to see birds like: Sharp-tailed Grouse, Great Gray Owl, 
American-Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Northern Shrike, Gray 
Jay, Black-billed Magpie, Boreal Chickadee, Snow Bunting, Pine Grosbeak, Purple 

Finch, Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll and 

Evening Grosbeak. Other festival possibilities are: Gyrfalcon (Duluth Harbor), 
Thayer's Gull (Duluth Harbor), Iceland Gull (Duluth Harbor), Glaucous Gull 
(Duluth Harbor) Snowy Owl (Duluth Harbor)  Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, 
Bohemian Waxwing and western strays like Harlequin Duck, 
Varied Thrush or a Townsend's Solitaire.
  
Speakers:  February 15th:  Dave Benson "Owls of the North" 
February 16th: Laura Erickson: birds and how they survive the winter months in 
northern Minnesota.

DIRECT ANY REPLIES TO
Mike Hendrickson
Duluth, Minnesota
mlhendrickson AT yahoo.com



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The only problem we have heard of is that they are noisy, especially for
birding in forest or when searching for easily-spooked species.

Saludos,
Jane

Jane A. Lyons, Ph.D.
Mindo Bird Tours
Quito, Ecuador
http://www.mindobirds.com.ec
Tel ; 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: National Birding Hotline Cooperative (Chat Line)
[mailto:BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU] On Behalf Of gljeinwv AT juno.com
Sent: S�bado, 03 de Noviembre de 2007 03:33 a.m.
To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
Subject: [BIRDCHAT] RFI Birding Footgear

I purchased a pair of NEOS Explorers about 6 years ago and have been
very satisfied.  Well made, very functional, comfortable, and I can get
them on and off over my hiking shoes wth very little effort. I'm not
familiar with the Trekkers, but if they are at all comparable to the
Explorers in quality and functionality, I'm sure they'll suit your
needs.
Gary Felton - Kingwood, WV
--------------------------------------------------------
HI All,
Does anyone have experience with NEOS Trekker while birding in marshes
and/or mud?  Do 
they really keep the shoes or hiking boots inside dry?  Would you
recommend them over 
rubber boots?  What about packing them?  Are they less cumbersome to
pack?

Any first hand experience with this specific make of NEOS would be
greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Good birding!
Lynea 

Lynea Hinchman
Michigan City, Indiana
Heart of the Indiana Dunes
CanyonWrenatComcastdotnet
 

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I purchased a pair of NEOS Explorers about 6 years ago and have been very 
satisfied. Well made, very functional, comfortable, and I can get them on and 
off over my hiking shoes wth very little effort. I'm not familiar with the 
Trekkers, but if they are at all comparable to the Explorers in quality and 
functionality, I'm sure they'll suit your needs. 

Gary Felton - Kingwood, WV
--------------------------------------------------------
HI All,
Does anyone have experience with NEOS Trekker while birding in marshes and/or 
mud? Do 

they really keep the shoes or hiking boots inside dry? Would you recommend them 
over 

rubber boots?  What about packing them?  Are they less cumbersome to pack?

Any first hand experience with this specific make of NEOS would be greatly 
appreciated. 


Thanks in advance.

Good birding!
Lynea 

Lynea Hinchman
Michigan City, Indiana
Heart of the Indiana Dunes
CanyonWrenatComcastdotnet
 

BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksu.edu/audubon/chatguidelines.html
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Hi Lynea and all,

I own a pair of NEOS Villagers, which only come to about mid-calf, so I
don't have experience with the Trekker, but can offer some answers/opinions
to your questions.  I would also suggest searching the Birdchat archives as
this subject has been well covered in the past.

Does anyone have experience with NEOS Trekker while birding in marshes
> and/or mud?


As a general rule, NEOS are great in marshes, mud, snow and water.  Until
you get to water that is deeper than the boot is tall.  Then they're not as
great.  That aside, they really are great shoes.


Do they really keep the shoes or hiking boots inside dry?


Yes.

Would you recommend them over rubber boots?


No.  Use these or rubber boots, not both.  You should wear your regular
footwear with NEOS.  The advantage that NEOS give you is that you get a good
fit around your foot because you're wearing normal shoes or boots and the
NEOS go on over those, where I've always had a lot of problems with rubber
boots fitting good and giving me sufficient support.

What about packing them?  Are they less cumbersome to pack?


I haven't compared vs. rubber boots, but would guess that yes, they can be
packed down to a tighter bundle than rubber boots.  In simplest terms, NEOS
are waterproof nylon bags with soles and some velcro strips and straps that
you use to tighten around your foot and leg.  The "bag" opens up wide enough
to easily slip your booted foot inside, then you cinch it all down tight and
you're ready to go.  It is very fast and simple.  I used the pair I have in
Minnesota last January since I don't have any snow boots.  They worked
fantastic and even my unlined pair added some warmth to my feet.  And yes,
they can be packed down to a pretty small package.

The complaints that people have had about them is that being overboots, they
can be trip you up because the soles are wider than normal shoes or boots.
I haven't had such a problem with my NEOS.  Another complaint is that when
used in the tropics they can be horribly hot.  Since they are just
waterproof nylon designed to keep water out, the complaint is
understandable, but Steve Sosensky reported that's never been a problem for
him.  One last complaint is that they can be hard to use on narrow muddy
trails, but that probably depends on how surefooted you are in general.  The
important thing here is that "your mileage may vary".

I have no financial interests in NEOS, just a happy customer.

Brandon Best
Lawrenceville, GA

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Hi Lynea,

I have a pair of NEOS that are knee-high. I don't remember the name 
of the model. I love them. I can wear real shoes inside and they are 
much lighter than rubber Wellies. The legs are flexible so they pack 
down very well. The only problem I ever had with them is that REI 
changed the size of the soles of their hiking boots, so my boots no 
longer fit inside. I wear tennis shoes or running shoes instead. I've 
heard people complain that they get sweaty in the tropics, but I 
don't have any experience with that.

At 07:51 PM 11/1/2007, Canyon Wren wrote:
>Does anyone have experience with NEOS Trekker while birding in 
>marshes and/or mud?  Do they really keep the shoes or hiking boots 
>inside dry?  Would you recommend them over rubber boots?  What about 
>packing them?  Are they less cumbersome to pack?
>
>Any first hand experience with this specific make of NEOS would be 
>greatly appreciated.


Good birding,

Steve Sosensky,
SoCA Bird Guides      www.sosensky.com/guides
Nature Photos                      www.sosensky.com/nature_photos.htm
Optics4Birding   www.optics4birding.com
Aliso Viejo, CA  N,  W

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HI All,
Does anyone have experience with NEOS Trekker while birding in marshes and/or 
mud? Do they really keep the shoes or hiking boots inside dry? Would you 
recommend them over rubber boots? What about packing them? Are they less 
cumbersome to pack? 


Any first hand experience with this specific make of NEOS would be greatly 
appreciated. 


Thanks in advance.

Good birding!
Lynea 

Lynea Hinchman
Michigan City, Indiana
Heart of the Indiana Dunes
CanyonWrenatComcastdotnet
 
"The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived though its first
material expression be destroyed.  A vanished harmony may yet again inspire
the composer, but when the last individual of a race of living beings
breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a
one can be again."  William Beebe
 

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Hi

 

As my field season is winding down, I'm starting to continue working on my
web site.  Over the past two months, I've added lots of bird photos, mainly
from the western states.  You can see what's new at
www.birdinfo.com/recentpostings.html 

 

I've also decided to join the multitude of people that are using Flickr
sites to share their photos.  Seems to work for me to share images from
places I work, as well as more artsy bird shots, and images of butterflies,
scenery, wildflowers etc.  My photos are posted at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgsbird/ 

 

Enjoy!

 

Michael G. Shepard

Victoria BC


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Hi

 

As my field season is winding down, I'm starting to continue working on my
web site.  Over the past two months, I've added lots of bird photos, mainly
from the western states.  You can see what's new at
www.birdinfo.com/recentpostings.html 

 

I've also decided to join the multitude of people that are using Flickr
sites to share their photos.  Seems to work for me to share images from
places I work, as well as more artsy bird shots, and images of butterflies,
scenery, wildflowers etc.  My photos are posted at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgsbird/ 

 

Enjoy!

 

Michael G. Shepard

Victoria BC
_______________________________________________
Tweeters mailing list
Tweeters AT u.washington.edu
http://mailman1.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters

I watched a Great Blue Heron and Osprey go at it one time on the 
Sheepscot River in Maine. The Heron chased the Osprey out of his own 
nest. Not sure what started it but I'm guessing it was a fish.

Bob

At 09:57 AM 11/1/2007, you wrote:
>Watched a Cooper's Hawk harassing/chasing a Pileated Woodpecker this 
>morning (which was interesting enough with their size differential - 
>have not observed this particular mix before) - moved a bit closer 
>to make sure that it was indeed a Cooper's rather than a Gos - it 
>spooked from a stand of trees into a forested area - 20 seconds 
>later, the Pileated flew off in the exact direction that the 
>Cooper's had gone - they then picked up their "game" of chase once again.
>
>So, what's happening here?  Juvenile inexperience?  Interspecies 
>play? Basic stupidity:)?  Any thoughts?
>
>Al Schirmacher
>Princeton, MN
>Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
>BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksu.edu/audubon/chatguidelines.html
>Archives: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdchat.html

Capt. Bob G. Bernstein
www.seabgb.com  

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Hi everyone,
The education staff at the ridge are wrapping up 
for the season.  We'll miss their daily reports.

Here's the October 31 report from Hawk Ridge in Duluth, MN.  www.hawkridge.org

The commentary from a count interpreter follows.

Black Vultures          0
Turkey Vultures 0
Ospreys         0
Bald Eagles             53
Northern Harriers       12
Sharp-shinned hawks     3
Cooper's hawks  0
Northern Goshawks       3
Red-shouldered hawks    0
Broad-winged hawks      0
Red tailed hawks        142
Rough-legged hawks      6
Golden Eagles   5
American Kestrels       0
Merlins         0
Peregrine Falcons       0
Unknown                 0
Swainson's Hawks        0

Total:224
Total for season: 57143


QUICK VERSION:
Pizza party!  A fair number of raptors migrating 
today due to the STRONG northwest winds�one of 
which was a partial albino (MOSTLY albino) 
Red-tailed Hawk.  Staff wrapped up the overlook 
and ended the day with a spectacular bird in the hand.

DETAILS:
Okay, so the pizza didn't stay hot very long in 
that wind!  Regardless, we relished the 
opportunity to celebrate a fantastic season 
together with our visitors, staff and volunteers.

Just before the pizza arrived, we were treated to 
a look at a mostly albino Red-tailed Hawk soaring 
and gliding on the lake side of the ridge.  We 
didn't get GREAT looks at it, but those with eyes 
glued to their scopes were able to at least 
determine the species.  Once when it turned, I 
had a great view of the sun shining off (and 
through) all of its white flight feathers!  What 
a great bird.  My friend Mike drove around a bit 
this afternoon at some likely roost spots, but wasn't able to find it anywhere.

Once the party was over, it was time to start 
wrapping up the overlook--including inventory on 
the merchandise and transporting everything to 
our storage unit.  We had many hands (lured up 
there by pizza) so it was light and fun 
work!  The trailer is now empty and awaiting 
transport to Julie's house for winter 
storage.  Speaking of the trailer, I would like 
to issue a formal THANK YOU to the Blackmore 
family�Doug, Michelle and volunteer Sydoney�for 
allowing us to park various trailers and vehicles 
at their home very close to the ridge.  It sure 
saved us from long drives with the trailer and 
possible vandalism and we can't express our gratitude enough!

Once the trailer was empty and the vehicles 
packed with equipment, supplies and leftover 
merchandise bound for the storage unit, it was 
time to go.  But WAIT!  It's the banding station 
on the radio and they have a GREY GHOST!  Do we want it?  Duh!

What's a gray ghost?  It's a term used to 
describe a very special Northern Harrier�an adult 
male.  If you've seen these beautiful creatures 
coursing low over an open field or marsh, you 
understand.  Grey ghosts have long wings that are 
white underneath and light gray on top with black 
wing tips.  The body is light gray above and 
white below with rusty flecking on the 
chest.  Harriers have facial discs like owls do 
and the eyes on an adult male are a striking 
yellow color.  In other words, they are GORGEOUS 
birds!  To give you an idea of how often we see 
these birds in the hand, it's the first one I've 
had in the hand that our station has banded, and 
I've been working at the ridge for seven 
years.  Volunteer Linda jumped at the chance to 
adopt this bird, so after a short photo session, we sent him on his way.

And now we're all on our way, too.  We have 
really enjoyed all the visitors at the overlook 
this season and hope through our daily updates 
that we have been able to bring the ridge a 
little closer to you--no matter where you are!

Happy hawkwatching!
Debbie
__________________________
Debbie Waters
Education Director


Molly Thompson
Duluth, MN

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Greetings, all!

October 29, 2007

Dane's report:

Broad-winged Hawks = 5
Red-tailed Hawk = 1
Turkey Vultures = 107
Sharp-shinned Hawks = 8
Cooper's Hawks = 2
Unknown Accipiter = 1
Northern Harriers = 2
Bald Eagle = 1
Unknown Raptor = 1
Total = 128

Bald Eagle was a first year Bird. We were hoping it would hang around, as 
this tremendous Raptor flew to the northeast; but we have not seen it again.

Non-Raptor highlights include both Sedge and Marsh Wrens; as well as 
Savannah and Lincoln's Sparrows.

Hazel rocks ....

-----

Thanks, Dane!

Cheers,
Patty Waits Beasley
Corpus Christi, TX

Season total to date:
103.........Black vulture
43568.......Turkey vulture
233.........Osprey
168.........Swallow-tailed kite
1...........White-tailed kite
27286.......Mississippi kite
0 ..........Hook-billed kite
7...........Bald eagle
189.........Northern harrier
1681........Sharp-shinned hawk
1170........Cooper's hawk
0 ..........Northern goshawk
14..........Red-shouldered hawk
569819......Broad-winged hawk (18 DM)
397.........Swainson's hawk
86..........Red-tailed hawk
2...........Ferruginous hawk
24..........White-tailed hawk
1...........Short-tailed hawk
21..........Zone-tailed hawk
5...........Harris's hawk
0...........Rough-legged hawk
0...........Common black hawk
0...........Golden eagle
847.........American kestrel
81..........Merlin
242.........Peregrine falcon
7...........Prairie falcon
5...........Aplomado falcon
11..........Crested caracara
206.........Unknown accipiters
58..........Unknown buteos
15..........Unknown falcons
0 ..........Unknown eagles
112.........Unknown raptors
------------------------
646,359 ... Season total to 10/29
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our 2007 HWI crew: Joel Simon, Dane Ferrell, Libby Even
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All reports, including photographs and videos, are posted on our web site.
Drop on by the Texas Hawk Watches web site at http://www.ccbirding.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

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Watched a Cooper's Hawk harassing/chasing a Pileated Woodpecker this morning 
(which was interesting enough with their size differential - have not 
observed this particular mix before) - moved a bit closer to make sure that 
it was indeed a Cooper's rather than a Gos - it spooked from a stand of 
trees into a forested area - 20 seconds later, the Pileated flew off in the 
exact direction that the Cooper's had gone - they then picked up their 
"game" of chase once again.

So, what's happening here?  Juvenile inexperience?  Interspecies play? 
Basic stupidity:)?  Any thoughts?

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties 

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For those of you who, like me, enjoy the Onion's brand of humor, here's a
minute of audio fun:

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/68880

I think we bird watchers know that corvids _do_ seek world domination - and
they have the brains to pull it off, too...


Jennifer Rycenga
Half Moon Bay, CA

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The flag on rosyfinch.com  is waving-- the 
rosy-finches have arrived on Sandia Crest, just east of Albuquerque.

This is the earliest arrival date for rosy-finches at Sandia Crest House 
since we began keeping records in 1999. Two members of the Crest House 
staff, who are now quite reliable observers, said they thought they had 
seen small flocks over the past couple of weeks, but didn't get a good 
enough look to be positive.

Fran Lusso and Dave Weaver wrote (October 31, 2007): "Well, we put the 
feeders up today and within 5 minutes there was a gray crowned chowing 
down!  So I think you can start the flag waving!  Dave also saw 2 black 
rosies, mt chickadees and dark eyed juncos.  A turkey vulture was also 
seen circling.  Ours was the only entry into the log..." 

Ken

-- 
Ken and Mary Lou Schneider
Miramar, Florida 33029

Rosy Finch Web Site: 
Ken's Blog: 

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