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5 Oct Help with ID [] 3 Oct Ann Young remembrance [] 3 Oct Dunedin Causeway & Hammock; Philadelphia Vireo ["Murray Gardler" ] 2 Oct Migrants at Everglades National Park 10/02/2008 [] 01 Oct Virginia Creeper berries ["gatormomlynne" ] 01 Oct Distressing Audubon of Florida Eagle Cam News [Fred ] 29 Sep Re: Least Grebes--in peril? [] 30 Sep Re: Least Grebes--in peril? ["dotrobbins AT juno.com" ] 28 Sep A Few More Least Grebe Photos [Vincent Lucas ] 28 Sep Re: List spammed? ["Renne Leatto" ] 28 Sep My apologies, it's Tracy "the spammer." ["Tracy" ] 27 Sep Re: List spammed? [] 27 Sep List spammed? ["Renne Leatto" ] 23 Sep Swainson's Thrush ["Murray Gardler" ] 23 Sep DUNEDIN CAUSEWAY ["Murray Gardler" ] 22 Sep Re: Dinner Island Ranch/Hendry-Glades Counties NAMC Results 09/20/2008 [Vincent Lucas ] 22 Sep Dinner Island Ranch/Hendry-Glades Counties NAMC Results 09/20/2008 [Vincent Lucas ] 9 Sep After Ike, Can Tina Be Far Behind? [Vincent Lucas ] 8 Sep Black Tern [] 3 Sep from BRDBRAIN: Townsend's Solitaire added to FL state list [] 31 Aug Tropical Audubon Society's Sod Farms Field Trip - Saturday, August 30, 2008 [Paul Bithorn ] 26 Aug St. Augustine Avocet [] 21 Aug St Augustine (few) sooty terns [] 19 Aug Post-Fay Sooty Terns Collier County [Vincent Lucas ] 17 Aug St. Augustine Great White Heron [] 15 Aug Valrico Rufous - 6th year returnee ["Backes" ] 14 Aug Bahamas Bird Report Summer 2008 [] 12 Aug Key West ["Coffeeqtea" ] 7 Aug FWD: Bird Job in Florida [] 6 Aug Re: Red knot info request [Vincent Lucas ] 06 Aug fwd: Effect of Burns on Nesting Birds [smljay ] 06 Aug Red knot info request [smljay ] 4 Aug Bahamas/TCI bird reports [] 4 Aug Surprising facts about America's energy future [Sarah Linney ] 01 Aug Wanna do a Hawk Watch? ["birder01" ] 31 Jul My Email is back up & a Jabiru in LA [Wes Biggs ] 28 Jul Brunton Epoch 10.5x43 for sale ["chnuts" ] 27 Jul Fwd: AUDUBON-FL-LEADERS Digest-new bird education website [] 23 Jul St Augustine Swallow-tailed kites [] 20 Jul The White-Crowned Pigeon Hotel ["Renne Leatto" ] 19 Jul STA-5 Tour Results 07/19/2008 [Vincent Lucas ] 18 Jul Re:Mangrove Cuckoo? [greg voigt ] 18 Jul Mangrove Cuckoo? ["bewickwren" ] 17 Jul FW: Good news for MINWR ["Renne Leatto" ] 16 Jul Good new for MINWR [Tom Rodriguez ] 16 Jul Re: help with egg ID [Wes Biggs ] 16 Jul Re: Help [Vincent Lucas ] 16 Jul help with egg ID ["sun_hair2002" ] 16 Jul Re: Help [Fred ] 16 Jul Re: Help [Vincent Lucas ] 16 Jul Re: Florida Scrub-jay License PLates [Bill Stokes ] 16 Jul Re: Help [Bob Carroll ] Subject: Help with ID From: Marionpelicanpte AT wmconnect.com Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2008 16:51:30 EDT I am seeing a hawk - about the size of a Coopers - but when it flies away I can see white bands near its wingtips - which seem to denote a Nighthawk - but the bird itself doesn't look or act like a Nighthawk. It is dark brown in color - with buffy legs. This is the best I can do. Any thoughts? Marion Conley Sebastian FL Central East Coast on Indian River Lagoon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Ann Young remembrance From: woundedmallard67 AT aol.com Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 20:21:32 EDT Hey Everybirdy, For those who didn't know Ann Young or know of her: This was sent to me by a friend. She passed away on August 31st and rehabbed and released countless birds. _Video of Bird Lady Flies To Heaven by Growing Bolder, at GrowingBolder.com_ (http://growingbolder.com/media/living/pets/bird-lady-flies-home-195200.html) Tom Dunkerton **************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out! (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000001) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Dunedin Causeway & Hammock; Philadelphia Vireo From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 13:01:15 -0400 Causeway highlights; Reddish Egret 1 (white morph) Piping Plover 1 Marbled Godwit 27 Black Skimmer 600+ Hammock; Vireo's; White-eyed (5), Red-eyed (1) & Philadelphia (1 bright bird) Warblers; Black & white (3), Am. Redstart (1), Black-throated Green (1) & Blue (1), Tennessee (20+) & Palm (2 western) Swainson's Thrush (1) Sunset Beach Park (Tarpon Springs) Black Hooded Parakeet 40+ Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Migrants at Everglades National Park 10/02/2008 From: BrianAhern AT aol.com Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2008 20:30:08 EDT Hi All, Many thanks to Ron Smith for posting about the Bell's Vireo, Nashville Warbler & Willow Flycatcher I saw earlier at Lucky Hammock this morning. Later on down the road past the hammock I had a few more warblers including my first Black-throated Green for the day. One slight correction - I saw/heard the Willow Flycatcher about a 1/4 mile (at most) north of Lucky Hammock along the east side of the road about where the exotic "cane/grass" starts on the opposite side. Another Empid chased the Willow Flycatcher a few times but I could never get on it nor did it call other then giving some harsh scolding type sounds while harassing the Willow Flycatcher. My biggest piece of advice is to get to Lucky Hammock as early in the day as possible because by 10 AM most of the activity has stopped and the birds quit calling. Below is my list for the rest of the day spent inside Everglades National Park. Migrants were common but widely scattered with Mahogany Hammock having the best diversity & concentration. Strangely I couldn't find any thrushes despite the large movement many people heard this morning and the abundance of fruiting trees at ENP King Rail - Anhinga Trail White-crowned Pigeon - West Lake Hammock Great Crested Flycatcher Barn Swallow Cliff Swallow Red-eyed Vireo Tennessee Warbler Northern Parula Magnolia Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Yellow-throated Warbler Pine Warbler Prairie Warbler Palm Warbler Black & White Warbler American Redstart Worm-eating Warbler Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush Common Yellowthroat Hooded Warbler Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Bobolink Baltimore Oriole Shiny Cowbird - 1 adult male at the visitor center in Flamingo I'm still trying to decide where to bird tomorrow on my way home. Best, Brian Ahern Tampa Bay, FL. BrianAhern AT aol.com Photos: _www.pbase.com/brianahern_ (http://www.pbase.com/brianahern) **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Virginia Creeper berries From: "gatormomlynne" <gatormomlynne AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:05:58 -0000 This morning in my backyard I tracked a summer tanager as it flew by,and she landed on a nearby pine tree that was almost covered at the top with virginia creeper. To my surprise, also on that tree was a female scarlet tanager, two swainson's thrush, and another female summer tanager. I could see with binocs that the berries were ripe. I haven't been birding that long, but didn't know these berries were a food source and that they fruit in the fall. I'm getting nothing done today because I keep going outside to check and every time there's one of the above birds present. Now I know where to look for hungry migrants. Lynne Erickson Windermere, FL Subject: Distressing Audubon of Florida Eagle Cam News From: Fred <fred AT cetussoft.com> Date: Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:03:34 -0400 I just read the following distressing news on the Maine Bald Eagle Cam Discussion forum - It is with a very heavy heart that I am bringing this news this morning… I checked with Lynda White yesterday to see whether she knew when we might expect the cam to be up for the season. With Birdie coming back home, I figured it was the right time to ask. Well, here is the very sad answer: “Hi, Sherri, Unfortunately we have no funding this year-we are looking for a new sponsor, but it's not encouraging. I am sick about it, but there's nothing I can do. Birdie is the bright spot in my day-to know she has survived her first summer and is headed home does my heart good. If anything changes, I'll let you know. Thanks, Lynda” I emailed her back asking if it were OK to share with others…….I mentioned that the more people that know about it, the better the chances of a sponsor. Told her maybe one of us is a multi-millionaire ( or at least knew of one ). Here is her answer: “Hi, Sherri, Please share the sad news. I know how disappointed so many people will be. What really hurts are the numbers of students who will not have the opportunity that thousands did last season. I heard from teachers in every state, and in some cases entire schools were tuned in every day. Yes, what we need is money. It's the cost of the bandwidth that is so expensive. There is also a problem with the one functioning camera, which we hope is just a connection issue. Florida's nesting season starts today, and we are not allowed to access the tree to remove the cameras. Until last week I still had access to the camera, and the birds had done some work on the nest, though I haven't seen them. I am going to put a notice on the website that we are seeking funding, but if we can't get the camera working from the ground we're dead in the water. Thanks, Lynda” This is most distressing news. Perhaps the Tesoro Resort / Ginn Resorts could increase their support. (There still is a "View the Eagle Cam at Tesoro" link on the Tesoro home page to a Ginn Resorts "Audubon of Florida Eagle Cam at Tesoro" page.) Certainly Edward "Bobby" Ginn (Ginn CEO) has been ~very~ supportive of the project so far, and the Tesoro Resort / Ginn Resorts have benefited from the very positive publicity from last season. I simply cannot believe that there will be no Tesoro eagle cam this year ... Fred (Frederick Wasti) (fred AT cetussoft.com) Mostly in Marshfield Massachusetts http://www.bigbirds.net/ http://www.flukeshots.net/ Subject: Re: Least Grebes--in peril? From: efalconh AT netscape.net Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:16:39 -0400 GOOD EVENING EVERYBODY,? ?? While I understand the feeling behind removing the gator, can the process involve doing that be disruptive to the grebes? Sometimes it takes days to trap a gator, which includes trappers in a boat moving around the lake. Also, it must be taken into account that is how nature works, "survival of the fitness".? Gators must be a predator of Pied-billed Grebes and they learn how to survive. I do share the concern with the grebe family and wish the best. ? ? ERIK HANEY - SAINT PETERSBURG - efalconh AT netscape.net -----Original Message----- From: dotrobbins AT juno.com To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU; FLORIDABIRDS-L AT LISTS.UFL.EDU; FlaBirding AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 7:37 pm Subject: [FlaBirding] Least Grebes--in peril? Hi, Grebophiles (yes, I just made that up) I looked for these birds on Sunday. At first, we all scanned the far banks of the north pond. Nothing. Then, an explosive yodel-whinny. A duet in fact. Very similar to the equivalent vocalization of Pied-billeds. I instinctively jumped back, because they were right at our feet, on the south side of that north pond, and I felt I was too close. That's where their nest is. When I first saw these birds on Sunday, with their nest right at the base of the paved sidewalk trail, I wondered if close human traffic would negatively affect them. Now they've hatched one (champagne for all!) so I guess that the hatching will be ok. But now I understand, per a post on the Tropical Audubon website, that there's an alligator in that pond. It's a small pond, grebes are pretty much defenseless. Is there anyone out there, with even the slimmest connection to the PBC park service, that could get them to relocate this gator? Of course there will always be another, but a couple gator-free weeks might allow these birds to survive. And, who knows, establish themselves. Wouldn't that be grand? Below is the post that from TAS: Posted by Angel & Mariel on 14:31:21 09/29/08 Carl Edwards called me earlier to report that one of the eggs has hatched. With a scope he could see the chick on the adult's back through the reeds. Again as posted earlier please keep your distance when visiting Yamato Scrub to observe these birds. As Ben posted earlier. A four foot gator was also seen in the pond with the Grebe! Maybe something could be done about this. One of the Grebe was trying to run the gator out but the gator stayed. Hope these guys do not become it's next meal! This not questionable, imo. The gator is a supreme and awesome predator. Please, let's get it relocated--they do that all the time in those heavily populated counties. This must happen immediately. I will be glad to talk/email to anyone whose name you can provide, or just forward this note. Thanks, Dotty Robbins 386 454 8087 High Springs former PBC resident for 23 years dotrobbins AT juno.com ____________________________________________________________ Love Graphic Design? Find a school near you. Click Now. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3oLKlkaN4cWoWIfGHFzAis3lIEDAlRO7WE82oPHZ5oMzuXdG/ ------------------------------------ FlaBirding - Florida and Bahama Birding website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ Unsubscribe, mail to: FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-nomail AT yahoogroups.com Resume from Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-normal AT yahoogroups.comYahoo! Groups Links [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Least Grebes--in peril? From: "dotrobbins AT juno.com" <dotrobbins@juno.com> Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:28:13 GMT Hi Tom, Hi Tom, What are you saying? I'm an idiot? Not sure how to read your message. I think the parents could defend against smaller predators--turtle, heron. But the gator will win out, eventually. Dotty Robbins High Springs -- Tom Palmer wrote: yes, I'd much rather see the chick eaten by a snapping turtle or a great blue heron. Tom Palmer Winter Haven Follow my environmental musings at www.lakebluescrub.blogspot.com --- On Mon, 9/29/08, dotrobbins AT juno.com wrote: > From: dotrobbins AT juno.com > Subject: [FlaBirding] Least Grebes--in peril? > To: BRDBRAIN AT LISTSERV.ADMIN.USF.EDU, FLORIDABIRDS-L AT LISTS.UFL.EDU, FlaBirding AT yahoogroups.com > Date: Monday, September 29, 2008, 7:37 PM > Hi, Grebophiles > > (yes, I just made that up) > > I looked for these birds on Sunday. At first, we all > scanned the far banks of the north pond. Nothing. Then, an > explosive yodel-whinny. A duet in fact. Very similar to > the equivalent vocalization of Pied-billeds. I > instinctively jumped back, because they were right at our > feet, on the south side of that north pond, and I felt I was > too close. > > That's where their nest is. > > When I first saw these birds on Sunday, with their nest > right at the base of the paved sidewalk trail, I wondered if > close human traffic would negatively affect them. Now > they've hatched one (champagne for all!) so I guess that > the hatching will be ok. > > But now I understand, per a post on the Tropical Audubon > website, that there's an alligator in that pond. > It's a small pond, grebes are pretty much defenseless. > > Is there anyone out there, with even the slimmest > connection to the PBC park service, that could get them to > relocate this gator? Of course there will always be > another, but a couple gator-free weeks might allow these > birds to survive. And, who knows, establish themselves. > Wouldn't that be grand? > > Below is the post that from TAS: > > Posted by Angel & Mariel on 14:31:21 09/29/08 > > Carl Edwards called me earlier to report that one of the > eggs has > hatched. With a scope he could see the chick on the > adult's back > through the reeds. > Again as posted earlier please keep your distance when > visiting > Yamato Scrub to observe these birds. As Ben posted > earlier. > > A four foot gator was also seen in the pond with the > Grebe! Maybe > something could be done about this. One of the Grebe was > trying to > run the gator out but the gator stayed. Hope these guys > do not > become it's next meal! > > This not questionable, imo. The gator is a supreme and > awesome predator. Please, let's get it relocated--they > do that all the time in those heavily populated counties. > > This must happen immediately. > > I will be glad to talk/email to anyone whose name you can > provide, or just forward this note. > > Thanks, > Dotty Robbins > 386 454 8087 > High Springs > former PBC resident for 23 years > dotrobbins AT juno.com > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________ > Love Graphic Design? Find a school near you. Click Now. > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3oLKlkaN4cWoWIfGHFzAis3lIEDAlRO7WE82oPHZ5oMzuXdG/ > > ------------------------------------ > > FlaBirding - Florida and Bahama Birding website: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ > > Unsubscribe, mail to: > FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com > Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-nomail AT yahoogroups.com > Resume from Nomail, mail to: > FlaBirding-normal AT yahoogroups.comYahoo! Groups Links > > > ____________________________________________________________ Get educated. Click here for Adult Education programs. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3nNbXBZAlX78YI06UQNfes2lATwzUNC9Vjn56PnFnTRKBskI/ ------------------------------------ FlaBirding - Florida and Bahama Birding website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ Unsubscribe, mail to: FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-nomail AT yahoogroups.com Resume from Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-normal AT yahoogroups.comYahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:FlaBirding-digest AT yahoogroups.com mailto:FlaBirding-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: A Few More Least Grebe Photos From: Vincent Lucas <vplucas AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:05:36 -0400 Alan Murray & I made the trek from Naples over to Yamato Scrub In Boca Raton, Palm Beach County to see the Least Grebe this morning, 09/28/2008. The small parking lot was full of cars by the time we arrived at 8:30AM. We joined the others already there and I snapped a couple of so-so photos of this awesome bird for Florida. Here they are for what it's worth: http://www.caloosabirdclub.org/VPL/LeastGrebe2.jpg and http://www.caloosabirdclub.org/VPL/LeastGrebe1.jpg Thanks goes out to David & Lee Hasse for finding this bird (originally found two) and for reporting it so others could have the chance to see it. Cheers. Vince Vincent Lucas Naples, FL vplucas AT comcast.net http://www.flickr.com/photos/leppyone/ http://www.caloosabirdclub.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: List spammed? From: "Renne Leatto" <rennel AT cfl.rr.com> Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:40:33 -0400 Thanks Tracy and all who responded. Mystery solved. Don't feel bad, Tracy. It's happened to me on other lists, too. I hate those aggressive networking sites! Renne [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: My apologies, it's Tracy "the spammer." From: "Tracy" <ode2nature AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:54:03 -0000 To the group and moderators, Please delete any and all invites to the grouply.com group. I had no intention of this going to all the groups on my yahoo lists. Someone sent me an invite and I joined. Then it went to all the lists. I even opted out of a lot of stuff so nothing would go out. I do not like when this happens to me and sure would not intentionally do this to others. Please accept my sincere apologies. I moderate other lists and would find this very unprofessional. Tracy "the spammer" Subject: Re: List spammed? From: woundedmallard67 AT aol.com Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:22:26 EDT I actually re[plied directly to Tracy as I inquired as to who she was. She apologized to me as she was distressed about what had happened. she jined grouply.com and it seemingly hijacked her address book. Just delete the e-mail and all should be fine. Tom Dunkerton In a message dated 9/27/2008 10:39:17 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, rennel AT cfl.rr.com writes: I'm afraid this group and the members' addresses might have been mined by a spammer. I just received this in an email: We share the FlaBirding group. I want to add you as a friend in Grouply so you can see my profile with my pictures, my groups, and my favorite group messages. Here is the link: _http://www.grouply.http://www.grhttp://www.g_ (http://www.grouply.com/register.php?r=739052) <_http://www.grouply.http://www.grhttp://www.g&vt=78_ (http://www.grouply.com/register.php?r=739052&vt=7831340) > &vt=7831340 . Tracy Did anyone else get it? Renne [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: List spammed? From: "Renne Leatto" <rennel AT cfl.rr.com> Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:37:58 -0400 I'm afraid this group and the members' addresses might have been mined by a spammer. I just received this in an email: We share the FlaBirding group. I want to add you as a friend in Grouply so you can see my profile with my pictures, my groups, and my favorite group messages. Here is the link: http://www.grouply.com/register.php?r=739052 &vt=7831340 . Tracy Did anyone else get it? Renne [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Swainson's Thrush From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:23:35 -0400 At 5:30 AM several were heard migrating over Weeki Wachee Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: DUNEDIN CAUSEWAY From: "Murray Gardler" <mangrovefirst AT tampabay.rr.com> Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:21:36 -0400 Causeway Highlights; Magnificent Frigatebird 5 Am. Oystercatcher 1 Herring Gull 1 ad,1 1st cycle Hammock; No migrants this AM. Fred Howard Park; Causeway & beach closed till fall of 2009! Murray Gardler Brooksville, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Dinner Island Ranch/Hendry-Glades Counties NAMC Results 09/20/2008 From: Vincent Lucas <vplucas AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:07:18 -0400 Oops! I forgot to add my contact info on the last post. Here it is: Vincent Lucas Naples, FL vplucas AT comcast.net http://www.flickr.com/photos/leppyone/ http://www.caloosabirdclub.org On Sep 22, 2008, at 1:01 PM, Vincent Lucas wrote: > All: > > Sorry for the lateness of this report. I won't post the full > results of Saturday's Fall North American Migration Count, I'll > leave that up to the compiler, Margaret England, but I will report > our team's results for areas within both Hendry & Glades Counties, > including Dinner Island Ranch WMA -- which "rocked" with birds. > First, however, I want to report that two new birds were added to > the STA-5 list by Kim Willis of the SFWMD & her team. These are > great additions: White-tailed Kite & Blue Grosbeak! Kim even got > pictures! Wish I had been there to see them! Way to go Kim & other > team members. I believe that brings the STA-5 total to 164. > Margaret England will know for sure. . . . > > OK, our team consisted of Alan Murray, Bill & Roberta Marten & me. > We started the day at 7:00AM at the entrance to Dinner Island Ranch > WMA which is off of CR833, approximately 2.5 miles north of its > intersection with CR846 in Hendry County. If interested, you can > find out more about this site here: > > http://www.floridaconservation.org/recreation/dinner_island/ > default.asp > > Our best birds at Dinner Island Ranch, in no particular order, were > 61 Bobolinks, 14 Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, 11 Crested > Caracara, 4 Purple Gallinules, 8 Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, 2 > Black-crowned Night-herons, 8 or so Limpkins, 25+ Eastern > Meadowlarks, 2 Burrowing Owls, 1 Grasshopper Sparrow, 1 Roseate > Spoonbill, 189 Barn Swallows, 2 Bank Swallows, 1 Tree Swallow, 1 > Summer Tanager, 5 Wild Turkeys, 1 American Redstart, 9 Blue-gray > Gnatcatchers and 1 Eastern Kingbird. > > After leaving Dinner Island Ranch, we birded the remaining part of > CR833 to CR835 and then to Chuck Obern's Farm that borders STA-5 to > the west. OnC R833, where we normally see the Burrowing Owls in the > open ranchland area before CR833 makes the big turn to the south, > we saw 9 American White Pelicans and 12 Roseate Spoonbills plus the > usual Mottled Ducks, waders and not much else. Further along CR833, > after it makes the big turn to the south, just north of the > intersection of CR835, in the wetlands to the west, we saw 5 more > Limpkins and a family group of 8 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks very > close to the road. > > Chuck Obern's Farm didn't have much to offer except for 62 Least > Sandpipers and i Eastern Kingbird. We saw 8 more Eastern Kingbirds > along the nearby Deer Fence Canal, where we normally get the > Western Kingbirds & this past winter's overwintering Cassin's > Kingbird. > > We next headed to the Farm 8 Wetland on CR835 just north of the now > defunct Ocean Boy Shrimp Farm. There we counted 10 Snail Kites, one > of which acted as the official "greeter" as it perched on the Farm > 8 sign as we pulled into the chained lane leading up to the > wetlands. In addition to the Snail Kites, Limpkins were abundant > here. We added an additional 11 or so Limpkins to our Hendry County > totals at this site. > > That was the extent of our territory in Hendry County. We next > proceeded to our assigned area in Glades County, which basically > encompassed the area to the west of Clewiston and then north on > CR720 skirting the Herbert Hoover Dike of Lake Okeechobee and then > up US RTE 27 to SR78 and west to LaBelle. The best birds seen in > Glades County had to be the many swallows (mostly Barn) that were > hawking insects along the grassy areas bordering the dike. We > counted 45 Barn Swallows, 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow and 20+ > Tree Swallows & 1 Bank Swallow in the mix. Other migrants seen > along the aforementioned route were 1 Eastern Kingbird, 1 Bobolink > (There were undoubtedly more of them hiding in the sugarcane field > where this one was found), 2 Pileated Woodpeckers (Ortona Locks), 1 > leucistic Boat-tailed Grackle (also at Ortona Locks) and 1 adult > Bald Eagle in Moore Haven. On Wayman Road (north of SR78), we found > several warblers in some Live Oaks. Included were 1 American > Redstart (female), 1 Prairie Warbler and two Yellow-throated > Warblers. Three Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were also present with the > warblers. Nearby were 4 Wood Storks along a ditch in a field. > > It was a hot and humid day but there was a nice breeze to help make > it more tolerable. The tally meal barbecue at the historic > Clewiston Inn was delicious and filling! Thanks to Margaret England > for undertaking the herculean task of organizing and compiling the > Hendry/Glades Fall NAMC and thanks to all of those who volunteered > their time as well. > > Cheers. > > Vince [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Dinner Island Ranch/Hendry-Glades Counties NAMC Results 09/20/2008 From: Vincent Lucas <vplucas AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:01:00 -0400 All: Sorry for the lateness of this report. I won't post the full results of Saturday's Fall North American Migration Count, I'll leave that up to the compiler, Margaret England, but I will report our team's results for areas within both Hendry & Glades Counties, including Dinner Island Ranch WMA -- which "rocked" with birds. First, however, I want to report that two new birds were added to the STA-5 list by Kim Willis of the SFWMD & her team. These are great additions: White- tailed Kite & Blue Grosbeak! Kim even got pictures! Wish I had been there to see them! Way to go Kim & other team members. I believe that brings the STA-5 total to 164. Margaret England will know for sure. . . . OK, our team consisted of Alan Murray, Bill & Roberta Marten & me. We started the day at 7:00AM at the entrance to Dinner Island Ranch WMA which is off of CR833, approximately 2.5 miles north of its intersection with CR846 in Hendry County. If interested, you can find out more about this site here: http://www.floridaconservation.org/recreation/dinner_island/default.asp Our best birds at Dinner Island Ranch, in no particular order, were 61 Bobolinks, 14 Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, 11 Crested Caracara, 4 Purple Gallinules, 8 Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, 2 Black-crowned Night-herons, 8 or so Limpkins, 25+ Eastern Meadowlarks, 2 Burrowing Owls, 1 Grasshopper Sparrow, 1 Roseate Spoonbill, 189 Barn Swallows, 2 Bank Swallows, 1 Tree Swallow, 1 Summer Tanager, 5 Wild Turkeys, 1 American Redstart, 9 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and 1 Eastern Kingbird. After leaving Dinner Island Ranch, we birded the remaining part of CR833 to CR835 and then to Chuck Obern's Farm that borders STA-5 to the west. OnC R833, where we normally see the Burrowing Owls in the open ranchland area before CR833 makes the big turn to the south, we saw 9 American White Pelicans and 12 Roseate Spoonbills plus the usual Mottled Ducks, waders and not much else. Further along CR833, after it makes the big turn to the south, just north of the intersection of CR835, in the wetlands to the west, we saw 5 more Limpkins and a family group of 8 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks very close to the road. Chuck Obern's Farm didn't have much to offer except for 62 Least Sandpipers and i Eastern Kingbird. We saw 8 more Eastern Kingbirds along the nearby Deer Fence Canal, where we normally get the Western Kingbirds & this past winter's overwintering Cassin's Kingbird. We next headed to the Farm 8 Wetland on CR835 just north of the now defunct Ocean Boy Shrimp Farm. There we counted 10 Snail Kites, one of which acted as the official "greeter" as it perched on the Farm 8 sign as we pulled into the chained lane leading up to the wetlands. In addition to the Snail Kites, Limpkins were abundant here. We added an additional 11 or so Limpkins to our Hendry County totals at this site. That was the extent of our territory in Hendry County. We next proceeded to our assigned area in Glades County, which basically encompassed the area to the west of Clewiston and then north on CR720 skirting the Herbert Hoover Dike of Lake Okeechobee and then up US RTE 27 to SR78 and west to LaBelle. The best birds seen in Glades County had to be the many swallows (mostly Barn) that were hawking insects along the grassy areas bordering the dike. We counted 45 Barn Swallows, 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow and 20+ Tree Swallows & 1 Bank Swallow in the mix. Other migrants seen along the aforementioned route were 1 Eastern Kingbird, 1 Bobolink (There were undoubtedly more of them hiding in the sugarcane field where this one was found), 2 Pileated Woodpeckers (Ortona Locks), 1 leucistic Boat-tailed Grackle (also at Ortona Locks) and 1 adult Bald Eagle in Moore Haven. On Wayman Road (north of SR78), we found several warblers in some Live Oaks. Included were 1 American Redstart (female), 1 Prairie Warbler and two Yellow-throated Warblers. Three Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were also present with the warblers. Nearby were 4 Wood Storks along a ditch in a field. It was a hot and humid day but there was a nice breeze to help make it more tolerable. The tally meal barbecue at the historic Clewiston Inn was delicious and filling! Thanks to Margaret England for undertaking the herculean task of organizing and compiling the Hendry/ Glades Fall NAMC and thanks to all of those who volunteered their time as well. Cheers. Vince [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: After Ike, Can Tina Be Far Behind? From: Vincent Lucas <vplucas AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 20:24:01 -0400 OK, I thought it was funny. In all seriousness, Hurricane Ike barely touched Collier County with her (his?) outer feeder bands. In between one of them in the late afternoon, I happened to be passing the North Naples Waste Water Treatment Plant on Goodlette-Frank Rd. south of Immokalee Rd. (CR846) here in Naples. I saw several terns plying the water-filled impoundments. I stopped and scoped them out. There were at least five Black Terns feverishly "fishing" the impoundment straight out from the overpass bridge. I believe that this is only the second time BLTE has been recorded there. Also present were three Sandwich Terns and a lone Forster's Tern. Typical waders were present and a Red-tailed Hawk stood sentinel on top of the lone slash pine near the bridge. I only had five minutes to bird so I'm sure I missed some other birds. Had I had time, I would have liked to have gone down to Laudermilk Park on the Gulf. I'm sure a seawatch would have produced some of the same birds seen post-TS Fay like Sooty & Bridled Terns; perhaps even a jaeger or two. If anyone saw any interesting birds after Ike passed, please post about them. Thanks. Cheers. Vince Vincent Lucas Naples, FL vplucas AT comcast.net http://www.flickr.com/photos/leppyone/ http://www.caloosabirdclub.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Black Tern From: Marionpelicanpte AT wmconnect.com Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 10:53:33 EDT Saw one of these at Spessard Holland golf club in Melbourne Beach - hovering and dipping into one of the ponds there. Marion Con'ey Sebastian FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: from BRDBRAIN: Townsend's Solitaire added to FL state list From: SMLJAY AT aol.com Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 17:00:06 EDT Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2008 14:39:17 -0400 From: Andrew Kratter Subject: Townsend's Solitaire added to Florida's Official State List Birders - The Florida Ornithological Society Records Committee (FOSRC) met on Saturday 30 August at Archbold Biological Station. The highlight our meeting, was the acceptance a record of Townsend's Solitaire that was photographed in March 2008 on private property in Orange County. This is the first record of Townsend's Solitaire in Florida, and ups the Official State List to 503 species. Unfortunately, there was no public access to this site, so it was not "chasable". Details will be published in an upcoming issue of the Florida Field Naturalist. In other news, we are now accepting submissions of Alder and Willow Flycatchers that include descriptions of vocalizations. Before, we were only accepting submissions with recorded vocalizations. We hope that this will spur more submissions, as the status of both species in Florida is murky at best. As everyone knows, it's a tricky field identification problem, but vocal birds can be separated with knowledge of their range of vocalizations. Our website (http://www.fosbirds.org/RecordCommittee/FOSRC.php) will be updated shortly to include these changes and also to include the latest changes in Supplements of the AOU Check-list Committee. Thanks to all those who submitted records and reports. I will write each submitter individually with the results of our deliberations. Good birding! Andy Kratter Secretary, FOSRC 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ Sarah Linney Cocoa, FL ************** It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Tropical Audubon Society's Sod Farms Field Trip - Saturday, August 30, 2008 From: Paul Bithorn <pblifeisgood AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:25:25 -0400 The Tropical Audubon Society field trip on Saturday, August 30, 2005, to the sod farms in Palm Beach County, offered twenty-three birders a mixture of lifebirds, yearbirds and beerbirds. The weather was rather comfortable with balmy breezes provided by Hurricane Gustav, a hurricane bearing down on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Mississippi, keeping us cool and keeping the mosquitoes down. Pray that those folks, still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Katrina, stay out of harms way. Our first stop, the Holeyland/Rotenberger W.M.A., produced some excellent birds. We ran into our good friend, Kevin Sarsfield, on the drive west and he had two scopes set up on a pair of White-tailed Kites seen at close range. Further up the road a Limpkin was seen feeding alongside the road. We stopped at the water control structure west of the Chinese Fan Palm nursery and found a nice mixed flock of warblers, including American Redstart, Black and White, Prothonotary, Prairie, Yellow and Common Yellowthroat, along with White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireos and Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers. We made a brief stop at the nearby new Stormwater Retention Area (STA) for scouting purposes. It includes a pedestrian bridge and bathroom and holds great promise for a future field trip. Bicycling would be recommended as vehicular traffic is prohibited. I did not jot down the name of the new area, so if you know it feel free to post it. Unfortunately, I could not find it on the South Florida Water Management District website. Black-crowned Night Herons, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawks, Barn Swallows and Eastern Towhee were also seen in the W.M.A. We headed north to the radio tower which had Kildeer and Eastern Meadowlarks, but little else. The King Ranch Sod Farms across US 27 had an Upland Sandpiper, Black-necked Stilt, Pectoral Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers and Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers, along with Cliff Swallow. We turned east off of US 27 onto SR 827 and stopped at a flooded field which added Black-bellied and Semi-palmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Stilt Sandpipers and Western Sandpipers to our shorebird count. Mottled Ducks, Wood Storks, Gull-billed Tern and scads of egrets and herons were also seen. Black Terns were in abundance anywhere there was a flooded field. After a hardy lunch in Belle Glade, we hit SR 880 and headed to Brown’s Farm Road, where we met up with the Fearsome Foursome - Roberto “Toe” Torres, Raul “Rock Jetty” Urguelles, Trey “Shoot” Mitchell and Bill “The Barrister” Boeringer. They were scoping a flooded field that had very few birds at first glance. At second glance, the bird of the day, a mottley, alternate plumaged Golden Plover was spotted by Rock Jetty. The mottled underparts of the Golden Plover had the group going for a while, inviting confusion with Pacific and European, but the long primary extensions and the bird’s response to a tape of its call - by circling over our head, repeating its flight call, a squeaky “sweet” - iced the call; American Golden Plover. A Fulvous Whistling Duck was also in the flooded field and we had two adult Bald Eagles fly over. We crossed the canal to another flooded field and picked up two Wilson’s Phalaropes and Semipalmated Sandpiper along with Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, Rough-winged Swallow and Eastern Kingbird. We began the return drive home and stopped by the flooded field on SR 827 that we had visited earlier and added a Caspian Tern and Ruddy Turnstone to our daylist. We crossed US 27 and continued west on SR 827 to the cypress dome on the Miami Canal and picked up four Barn Owls and several Bank Swallows. We called it a day, and returned to Miami picking up Belted Kingfisher, White-winged Dove and Monk Parakeet along the way. A total of 81 species, including 17 shorebird species, were seen on the fieldtrip. Life is good………………….as I hoisted a Full Sail Amber, 12 fluid ounces of ridiculously tasty original amber ale, concocted by a massive brew force of 47 by specialists in the liquid refreshment arts since 1987 and brewed in Hood River, Oregon, as my celebratory libation. Paul Bithorn pbithorn AT plumbers519.com Virginia Gardens, Florida Miami-Dade County _________________________________________________________________ Get thousands of games on your PC, your mobile phone, and the web with Windows®. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/108588800/direct/01/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ FlaBirding - Florida and Bahama Birding website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ Unsubscribe, mail to: FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-nomail AT yahoogroups.com Resume from Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-normal AT yahoogroups.comYahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:FlaBirding-digest AT yahoogroups.com mailto:FlaBirding-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: St. Augustine Avocet From: dreedster AT aol.com Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:32:07 EDT Hi all 5:30 pm Tuesday night at the Vilano Boat ramp, I was lucky enough to find an American Avocet. Another Great white heron was also hanging around. Photos are on Birdbrains. thanks Diane Reed St. Augustine, FL **************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: St Augustine (few) sooty terns From: dreedster AT aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:19:09 -0400 Hi all ? I saw a few sooty terns this morning in the A1A area Guana/GTMNERR property.? They were flying to the east.? Checking Guana dam last night gave me only the usuals of royal tern, sandwich tern, common tern, ruddy turnstone.?? Checking the Vilano Boat Ramp revealed no birds.??Coastal hwy A1A is an interesting challenge with the gusty winds. ? Will keep checking.? I'm sure I'm just missing the show due to having to be at work. thanks Diane Reed St. Augustine, FL [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Post-Fay Sooty Terns Collier County From: Vincent Lucas <vplucas AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:35:11 -0400 All: On a whim, I went down to Laudermilk Park, here in Naples, to see what, if anything, TS Fay had brought in off of the Gulf. Who do I meet when I reach the main covered pavilion off of the parking lot? Alan Murray of course! Alan said he had been there about a half-hour or so and he was pretty sure he saw a Sooty Tern. Together, over the next 1.5 hours or so, we saw four more Sooty Terns as well as a half- dozen or so Black Terns, a few Royals and many Sandwich Terns. One lone Magnificent Frigatebird, some Laughing Gulls, a Brown Pelican or two, a Double-crested Cormorant and a few shorebirds were also seen: Willet (1), Short-billed Dowitcher (15-20 & Sanderling >50. Sooty Tern is rarely encountered in Collier County, usually after a strong storm or hurricane. The winds were steady out of the west/northwest at about 30-40 mph and gusting to over 50 mph at times. Cheers. Vince Vincent Lucas Naples, FL vplucas AT comcast.net http://www.flickr.com/photos/leppyone/ http://www.caloosabirdclub.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: St. Augustine Great White Heron From: dreedster AT aol.com Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:25:28 EDT Hello All A great white heron was seen at 10AM on Sunday at the GTMNERR/Guana dam on the southeast side where the boat/trailers park. It got kind of nervous and flew over to the floating dock behind the GTMNERR. My bet is it will hang around for a while. Also had black & white warblers and American redstart on the trail today; otherwise pretty quiet. I found some bank swallows mixed in with barn swallows on a rural road in St. Johns County also. If you are unable to receive the photo, I also sent it to Birdbrains. thanks Diane Reed St. Augustine, FL **************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2009/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00030000000007 ) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Valrico Rufous - 6th year returnee From: "Backes" <backes1 AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:54:07 -0400 I found a banded female Rufous Hummingbird in my yard this afternoon. I have to assume she's the one that was banded here in 2003 and has returned every year since. We retrapped her in 2005 and 2008 and I was able to photograph 4 of 6 numbers on her band in 2006. She seems to want to perch next to me, having perched numerous times too close to use my binoculars, but there is one very aggressive young male Ruby-throat that's been chasing her every time she lands. One of the times she landed she was nice enough to stretch her right leg and show off her band to at least confirm that she's been banded. Doreen Cubie is planning a trip to central Florida sometime in September and will try to capture this bird in hopes of confirming her identity. We may be able to try banding at other locations if anyone else has non-Ruby-throateds that are feeding at feeders by then. Contact me as soon as you know you have a candidate for banding so we have time to make the necessary arrangements. The winter hummingbird season has begun. Steve Backes Valrico, FL backes1 AT verizon.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bahamas Bird Report Summer 2008 From: spindalis AT aol.com Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:16:04 EDT GENERAL In the 49th Supplement to the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-List of North American Birds the checklist committee followed the Europeans’ lead and split the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) of the New World from the Old World’s Greater Flamingo (P. roseus). They also moved flamingos to a position in the checklist immediately following grebes because DNA analysis shows flamingos are more closely related to grebes than to herons. CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS This winter’s Christmas Bird Counts in the Bahamas are scheduled for the dates shown below. Please contact the person listed if you wish to participate. Nassau 14 Dec, contact Carolyn Wardle - cwardlef AT yahoo.com Grand Bahama 16 Dec, contact Erika Gates - kayaknaturetours AT aol.com South Abaco 20 Dec, contact Anita Knowles - anita AT friendsoftheenvironment.org North Abaco 3 Jan, contact Anita Knowles - anita AT friendsoftheenvironment.org BIRD REPORTS SUMMER 2008 An imm. Brown Pelican at Warderick Wells, Exumas on 24 Jul was unusual (JT). LG found 2000 Neotropic Cormorants on Great Inagua 1 Jun. Single Magnificent Frigatebirds were observed over Paradise I. 23 Jul (WP) and Montagu Foreshore, New Providence 29 Jul (LG). On 2 Jun LG saw 250 Reddish Egrets, 100 Great Egrets, 25 Snowy Egrets, 7 Great Blue Herons, 20 Green Herons, 20 Tricolored Herons, 20 Roseate Spoonbills, and 2000 American Flamingos on Great Inagua. White Ibis were confirmed nesting in mid-June on Pigeon Cay in Bimini Lagoon (JK, CH), their only known nesting site in the Bahamas. DB saw 20+ White Ibis regularly at AUTEC, Andros 26 Jul+, and 2 juvenals were at the egg farm, Grand Bahama 29 Jul (BP). An immature Roseate Spoonbill in the wetlands west of Owl Hole, Grand Bahama 15 Jun was very unusual (BP). Aseasonal gulls in the Bahamas included a Ring-billed Gull 12 Jul on Paradise I. (WP), one at AUTEC, Andros 30 Jul (DB), and a juvenile Herring Gull at Cable Beach G.C., New Providence 28 Jul (TH). JK and CH inventoried nesting waterbirds on cays near Grand Bahama and Bimini 10-15 Jun. They found new Roseate Tern colonies on Victory Cay near Bimini (20 nests) and Holm Rock near Grand Bahama (10 nests), and new Least Tern colonies on Gun Cay near Bimini (15 nests) and Holm Rock (14 nests). On Great Isaac, north of Bimini, they counted 62 Brown Noddy nests, 597 Bridled Tern nests, 81 Laughing Gull nests, 1498 Sooty Tern nests, 6 Roseate Tern nests. This Bridled Tern colony is the second largest in the West Indies; only the one on Penniston Cay, Turks & Caicos Is. is larger (WM). On 5 Jul CW and P&OS checked Goulding Cay off New Providence for nesting seabirds and found Sooty Terns, Bridled Terns, and Brown Noddies nesting successfully. The vegetation had recovered from hurricane damage. PD and LL photographed 20 pairs of Gull-billed Terns nesting on New Providence in mid-June. Seven species of shorebirds at Green Turtle Cay 26 Jul (EB), and 8 species at the egg farm, Grand Bahama 29 Jul (BP) show that the shorebird migration was already underway. Up to 100 White-winged Doves were seen on Great Inagua 1 and 2 Jun (LG). A single White-winged Dove on Warderick Wells, Exumas 18 Jul was the first JT had seen in the two years he has worked there. On 28 Jun a Key West Quail-Dove was seen at the abandoned Coral Harbour G.C., New Providence (CW). A Belted Kingfisher at Maillis Ponds, Adelaide, New Providence 28 Jun (TH) was very unusual as this species does not breed in the Bahamas; one at the Marls near Treasure Cay, Abaco 26 Jul (EB) was probably an early migrant. A Tree Swallow 15 Jul and 3 Barn Swallows 29 Jul near Treasure Cay, Abaco were early (EB). Early warblers seen at St. Augustine’s Monastery, Nassau include a Prairie 21 Jul and a Black-and-white and Yellow-throated 27 Jul (PD, TH). Five Prairie Warblers were at AUTEC, Andros 28 Jul (DB) and 4 at the Treasure Cay Dump, Abaco 29 Jul (EB). During the winter and spring seasons, the Kirtland’s Warbler Research and Training Program on south Eleuthera recaptured 22 previously banded warblers and colored banded 26 new ones (fide JDW). A Northern Waterthrush at Garden of the Groves, Grand Bahama 30 Jul was early (EG). A single male Northern Cardinal was reported from South Cat Cay 24 Jun (BP). EXOTICS A mixed pair, Sulphur-crested and Goffin’s Cockatoos, nested in Nassau’s Botanical Gardens in Jun (TH ph., PD). ADDENDUM On the night of 20 May LR anchored the research vessel Coral Reef II in the lee of Pimlico Cay in the northern Exumas, where he found an active Audubon’s Shearwater colony that he compared to the large one on Allan’s Cay (fide WM). The last sighting of a Kirtland’s Warbler at southern Eleuthera this spring was on 27 Apr near Rock Sound (JDW, RB). ERRATUM In the spring report I said Adderly Cay was south of Lee Stocking Island, I should have said north. Observers: Rudy Badia, Dylan Beyer, Elwood Bracey, Paul Dean, Lynn Gape, Erika Gates, Tony Hepburn, Catherine Hickey, Jim Kushlan, Lionel Levine, Will Mackin, William Pinder, Bruce Purdy, Lou Roth, Peter & Olga Stokes (P&OS), John Thompson, Carolyn Wardle, Jennifer D. White (JDW) **************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2009/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00030000000007 ) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Key West From: "Coffeeqtea" <coffeeqtea AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:11:01 -0000 Hi...I'll be vacationing in Key West in September. Any suggestion for birding? Last year I spent a day at Fort Zach. Thanks, Vikki Subject: FWD: Bird Job in Florida From: SMLJAY AT aol.com Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 09:22:51 EDT FYI: This 12-month position was just posted to the Audubon Leaders list serv in case anyone is interested or knows of someone that would be interested. Sarah Linney, Cocoa ----------------------Original message--------------------- Date:    Wed, 6 Aug 2008 13:19:26 -0400 From:    "SULEK, Jacqui" Subject: FW: Bird Job in Florida ________________________________ From: Florida Bird Conservation Initiative [mailto:FBCI-L AT LISTSERV.MYFWC.CO= M] On Behalf Of Sachs, Elena Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:33 PM To: FBCI-L AT LISTSERV.MYFWC.COM Subject: Bird Job in Florida Title: Research Technician Agency: Florida State University Location: Tallahassee, FL Job Description: Dr. Emily DuVal is looking for a research assistant to help laboratory and = field aspects of studies investigating avian behavioral ecology. Duties will be varied and will include genetic analyses (DNA extraction, PC= R, microsatellite genotyping, DNA sequencing, creation of novel microsatell= ite libraries), data entry (Microsoft Access), video analysis, troubleshoot= ing or development of telemetry equipment, and oversight of and assistance = with lab activities. Work may also involve fieldwork in Panama (for a descr= iption of field conditions, see http://bio.fsu.edu/duval/opportunities.php#= field) or in the Tallahassee area, and management of a field crew, dependin= g on the interests and abilities of the successful applicant. This is a job= for someone who enjoys creative thinking yet can handle repetitive tasks, = is organized and attentive to detail, and works well both independently and= in group settings. The successful candidate is also encouraged to take advantage of the intera= ctive E&E group at FSU by participating in seminars and discussion groups o= f interest. One-year commitment is strongly preferred. Starting date is fle= xible, but position is available starting August 15, 2008. Bachelors degree= and research experience is required. Salary $25-27K/yr, commensurate with = experience and not including benefits. For more information about the work = in the DuVal lab, please see: http://www.bio.fsu.edu/faculty-duval.php To apply, or for more information, please sent your CV, a letter explaining= why you are interested in the job, and names and email contact information= for three references to Emily DuVal, ehduval AT bio.fsu.edu. Qualifications: REQUIRED: 1. Ability to meticulously maintain lab records and data file integrity 2. Ability to work and communicate well with others, function as a construc= tive leader in the field and lab, and maintain a positive attitude during t= edious, frustrating, or otherwise challenging work. 3. Relocation to Tallahassee, FL for at least one year. 4. Willingness to travel to rural Panama for up to four months at a time, i= f required (travel costs paid). PREFERRED: 1. Demonstrated experience with molecular genetic techniques, sterile labor= atory procedures, database management, and avian field research. 2. Fluency in Spanish. Salary: $25,000-27,000/year, commensurate with experience, Last Date to apply: August 15, 2008 Website: http://www.bio.fsu.edu/ Contact: Emily DuVal ************** Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/cars-BMW-128-2008/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00050000000017 ) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Red knot info request From: Vincent Lucas <vplucas AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2008 12:46:25 -0400 I've sent Bill Pitts a couple of photos of flagged Red Knots from SW Florida beaches last winter/spring and never heard anything back from him. Possibly, he was too busy? Not sure. . . . Vince Vincent Lucas Naples, FL vplucas AT comcast.net http://www.flickr.com/photos/leppyone/ http://www.caloosabirdclub.org On Aug 6, 2008, at 12:37 PM, smljay wrote: > Hi All, > > This is a forwarded post included in Charlie Ewell's post to > BRDBRAINS regarding recent sightings of Red Knots along the west > coat of Florida. If anyone sees flagged or banded Red knots, here > is info on the person to send the sightings and in what format: > Sarah Linney, Cocoa > > Originally from: > Charlie Ewell > Cape Coral, FL > anhinga42 AT embarqmail.com > http://birdpatrol.org > > Below is a note re: Red Knots from Chris Burney of the FWC > > Hello All, > > Shorebird migration is almost in full swing, and once again, we > would really > appreciate any sightings of red knot. Please include the following > information with your sightings: > > 1. location (lat/ long if possible or detailed description > including an > address or cross street): > > 2. total flock size > > 3. species composition of the flock > > 4. time > > 5. number of banded knots > > 6. band colors and flag codes (3 character combination of letters > or letters > & number) (Please note on which leg the bands are located.) > > All sightings should be sent directly to Bill Pitts > (William.Pitts AT dep.state.nj.us) > > History of the project: > > We are trying to develop a better understanding of Florida's > wintering red > knot population. Florida, and especially the west coast of Florida, > is one > of three important wintering areas for red knot. A team of > biologist from > around the world working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife > Conservation > Commission has surveyed and banded red knots throughout southwest > Florida > over the last three years. In that time, we have banded about 700 > birds > with lime green flags inscribed with unique alpha-numeric IDs that > can be > read at a distance with a spotting scope. The Florida project is > part of a > larger effort aimed at developing reliable estimates of the flyway- > wide > population of red knots and they're population status. Our work > over the > last several years suggests the possibility of declining wintering > numbers. > It is extremely important that we supplement our trapping/banding > work with > an intensive resighting effort. We would like to enlist your help in > locating flocks of red knots, recording the size of the flocks, and > resighting as many marked birds as is possible. These data will be > used to > help biologist develop new estimates of the red knot population. The > ultimate goal of the project is to determine the size of the Red Knot > wintering population in Florida and the habitats important for their > survival. > > Chris Burney > > Shorebird Partnership Coordinator > > Species Conservation Planning Section > > Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission > > Southwest Regional Office > > 3900 Drane Field Rd > > Lakeland, FL 33811 > > Phone: (863) 648-3200 > > Fax: (863) 701-1248 > > Email: chris.burney AT myfwc.com > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: fwd: Effect of Burns on Nesting Birds From: smljay <SMLJAY AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:42:59 -0400 Here's another one posted to BRDBRAINS of interest to some readers.....Sarah Linney, Cocoa ---------------Original message--------------------- Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 16:41:22 -0400 From: Bev Hansen Subject: Effect of Burns on Nesting Birds --=====================_9129218==.ALT Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed On North Florida Birds, Jim Cox posted the following message about  the pamphlet he and Brett Widener compiled about the effect that  lightning-season burns has on nesting birds. I think this is an  excellent tool for educating those who are concerned about this  question, and I urge birders to distribute information about this  pamphlet as widely as possible. Jim Cox wrote: Brent Widener and I recently put together a short  booklet describing some of the benefits of summer burning for birds  associated with southern pine forests. Based on our research and a  literature review, the threats were found not to be as dire as some  suggest. There also are many, many positives that need to be  considered in a balanced evaluation of this important management  tool. If you'd like to take a look at our review, head on over to our  web site and download the booklet at your convenience.  http://www.talltimbers.org/images/pubs/FireBreedingBirdsBooklet-small.pdf Bev Hansen Spring Hill, FL bevalhansen AT earthlink.net  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Red knot info request From: smljay <SMLJAY AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:37:59 -0400 Hi All, This is a forwarded post included in Charlie Ewell's post to BRDBRAINS regarding recent sightings of Red Knots along the west coat of Florida.  If anyone sees flagged or banded Red knots, here is info on the person to send the sightings and in what format: Sarah Linney, Cocoa Originally from: Charlie Ewell Cape Coral, FL anhinga42 AT embarqmail.com http://birdpatrol.org   Below is a note re: Red Knots from Chris Burney of the FWC  Hello All, Shorebird migration is almost in full swing, and once again, we would really appreciate any sightings of red knot. Please include the following information with your sightings: 1. location (lat/ long if possible or detailed description including an address or cross street): 2. total flock size 3. species composition of the flock 4. time 5. number of banded knots 6. band colors and flag codes (3 character combination of letters or letters & number) (Please note on which leg the bands are located.) All sightings should be sent directly to Bill Pitts (William.Pitts AT dep.state.nj.us) History of the project:  We are trying to develop a better understanding of Florida's wintering red knot population. Florida, and especially the west coast of Florida, is one of three important wintering areas for red knot. A team of biologist from around the world working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has surveyed and banded red knots throughout southwest Florida over the last three years. In that time, we have banded about 700 birds with lime green flags inscribed with unique alpha-numeric IDs that can be read at a distance with a spotting scope. The Florida project is part of a larger effort aimed at developing reliable estimates of the flyway-wide population of red knots and they're population status. Our work over the last several years suggests the possibility of declining wintering numbers. It is extremely important that we supplement our trapping/banding work with an intensive resighting effort. We would like to enlist your help in locating flocks of red knots, recording the size of the flocks, and resighting as many marked birds as is possible. These data will be used to help biologist develop new estimates of the red knot population. The ultimate goal of the project is to determine the size of the Red Knot wintering population in Florida and the habitats important for their survival.  Chris Burney Shorebird Partnership Coordinator Species Conservation Planning Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Southwest Regional Office 3900 Drane Field Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 Phone: (863) 648-3200 Fax: (863) 701-1248 Email: chris.burney AT myfwc.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bahamas/TCI bird reports From: spindalis AT aol.com Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 19:07:35 EDT Hi Florida Birders, I am currently compiling the summer season (June-July) report of birding highlights from the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos. This will be sent to birders who have submitted reports in the past, and posted on this listserve. It will also be used in the West Indies regional report in North American Birds. If you have any sightings you would like to report, please send them to me at _spindalis AT aol.com_ (mailto:spindalis AT aol.com) . Many thanks, Tony White _spindalis AT aol.com_ (mailto:spindalis AT aol.com) **************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/cars-BMW-128-2008/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00050000000017 ) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Surprising facts about America's energy future From: Sarah Linney <SMLJAY AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:07:20 -0400 Dear Friend, Global warming (climate change) is an urgent, but solvable problem. I just took the We Campaign's America's Future quiz and was surprised at what I learned about the power and potential of renewable energy--some of it will surely amaze you. You can take the quiz here: http://wecansolveit.org/quiz. I know you are curious about this, so just do it! The We Campaign is a nonpartisan movement of concerned citizens that was founded by Nobel Prize Laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. We're already a million strong -- and growing each day. Together, we can solve the climate crisis. Or at least make strides toward getting off our dependency on oil and coal. :-) Thank you! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Wanna do a Hawk Watch? From: "birder01" <frozentoze AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:26:46 -0000 The Florida Keys Hawk Watch is looking for observers for this fall's count. This would be a great way to work on your Monroe County list! Counters at this site have seen Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Zone-tailed Hawk in the last few years. A few years back they set the single day world record for Peregrine Falcons (about 425 as I remember). The housing is extremely nice (2-story stilt house on the water, oceanside, with a pool!) and just a short walk from The Wreck & Galley Grill. Contact Casey Lott (not me) if you are interested. Brennan Mulrooney Key Largo, FL Here is the job announcement. RAPTOR OBSERVERS (2) needed to help conduct a long-term, daily, raptor migration count in the Florida Keys from September 15- November 7, 2008. ~2,000 Peregrine Falcons and more than 15,000 raptors of 16 different species are observed at this site annually. Applicants must provide their own high-quality, binoculars (8-10 power), have excellent eyesight, and be prepared for long hours in the field. Previous experience with the in-flight identification of migrating raptors is useful. 2 observers will work at the site daily. Applicants will be recruited as volunteers that receive a per diem of $35 ($1050-1,085/month). Comfortable shared housing will be provided on Grassy Key, near Marathon, FL. is provided. A small reimbursement ($150) will be available for travel to the site. A vehicle is recommended for this position. Work-related gas for travel in the Keys will be paid for by the project. Weather is hot and humid and hurricanes are possible throughout the season. Please send a detailed cover letter or resume AND 2-3 references with CURRENT phone numbers or e-mail addresses to Casey Lott, Florida Keys Raptor Migration Project, HawkWatch International, at clott AT abcbirds.org. Positions are open until filled. Subject: My Email is back up & a Jabiru in LA From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:35:22 -0400 Hi All, Well, it turns out that my computer wasn't struck by lightening, it was struck by cat hair. A Jabiru was found in Central LA (not the one in CA) with a bunch of Wood Storks. If it's relocated tomorrow Dotty Robbins & I plan to go chase it. If anybody is interested in joining us give me a call. Wes Biggs Orlando 407-384-9766 Home 407-376-6967 Cell Subject: Brunton Epoch 10.5x43 for sale From: "chnuts" <chnuts AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:01:51 -0000 All - I have a brand new, UNUSED pair of Brunton Epoch 10.5x43 binoculars, including Pelica Case, tripod mount, and Lifetime full replacement Warranty, for $1200.00. List price is $2060.00. Please contact me off list, or call 352-219-5825. I will ship them to you for free. This is a fantastic price for some great binoculars! They are especially good for close study (butterflies, insects) because of their 3' focus range. Bob Wallace Alachua Subject: Fwd: AUDUBON-FL-LEADERS Digest-new bird education website From: SMLJAY AT aol.com Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:46:36 EDT In a message dated 7/25/2008 10:57:57 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, LISTSERV AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG writes: There is 1 message totalling 42 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. national audubon education pages ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:20:13 -0400 From: "WRAITHMELL, Julie" Subject: national audubon education pages I thought the chapters might be interested in the new bird education pages = on National Audubon's site. I have not explored them yet but thought I'd sh= are the announcement of their launch: Audubon Education Team Launches New Web Pages Over the 4th of July weekend, Audubon launched a new education website http= ://www.audubon.org/educate. The site, whic= h contains over 30 new web pages, has games, crafts, and activities for kid= s and families, and a section for educators. Within the site, visitors can = find out about Audubon Centers, TogetherGreen, birds and birding, Audubon e= ducational products, Audubon nature stores, Audubon Adventures, and much mo= re. These exciting pages are bringing new conservation education features a= nd tools to Audubon's website. .......................... Julie Brashears Wraithmell Wildlife Policy Coordinator Audubon of Florida 2507 Callaway Rd. Ste 103 Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 224-7546 (850) 527-0279 mobile www.audubonofflorida.org ------------------------------ End of AUDUBON-FL-LEADERS Digest - 24 Jul 2008 to 25 Jul 2008 (#2008-48) ************************************************************************ **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: St Augustine Swallow-tailed kites From: dreedster AT aol.com Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:45:17 -0400 Hello all I have had two reliable views of high numbers of STKIs migrating through over the GTMNERR area in A1A in St. Augustine. About two days ago there was a count of around 36 and yesterday a count of 48. These were seen in the area of the Six Mile Boat Ramp at around 10AM. thanks Diane Reed St. Augustine, FL Subject: The White-Crowned Pigeon Hotel From: "Renne Leatto" <rennel AT cfl.rr.com> Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:43:12 -0400 Here's my post from BRDBRAIN for those who are interested, along with the "secret" information, LOL. Key Largo Grande Resort and Beach Club http://www.keylargoresort.com/ Third floor gulf side rooms overlooking the water AND the hardwood canopy are the best. _______________________________________________ In late April, we stayed at a resort just south of Key Largo, one situated on the gulf side and in the middle of its own little hardwood forest. We saw white-crowned pigeons there every day, morning, noon, and night (they even roosted there) during our stay. We saw them from our 3rd floor room balcony (they hang out around the hardwood treetops), our entrance balcony, and everywhere we walked around the resort. We also looked for them at Dagny Johnson and John Pennekamp State Parks, but didn't find even one. We did find other birders looking for white-crowned pigeons, and we sent them to our hotel! Renne Windermere, Orange County [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: STA-5 Tour Results 07/19/2008 From: Vincent Lucas <vplucas AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:58:30 -0400 Today was one of those canicular South Florida July days, with the thermometer pushing 95+ degrees F., and with high humidity, but that didn't stop some 15 or so intrepid birders/photographers/curious from enjoying the day and seeing some nice birds, out at STA-5 in Hendry County. A few folks came from as far away as the St. Petersburg area, while others came from the two coasts in South Florida. I wouldn't say that it was the best day we've ever had at STA-5, but it certainly was far from the worse. But let's face it, any day birding is better than most IMHO! Moving on, we saw a total of 59 species including one new species (Gray Kingbird) to add to the checklist! We probably could have added more species to the tally, i.e. shorebirds, but the water levels were extremely high due to the recent heavy rains in the last week or so. More on the results later, but first, I want to mention a few of the highlights from the trip out to STA-5 from Naples. Alan Murray and I were joined by Neapolitans Bill & Roberta Marten as we plied the back roads out to STA-5. Some highlights: two Great White Herons (white morph of Great Blue Heron). One was seen in the flooded field just north of the intersection of CR835 & CR833 on the west side of CR833. The other one was seen along the canal that parallels CR835 in the vicinity of the Ocean Boy Shrimp Farm. A half-dozen or so Burrowing Owls were seen in the ranchland 3 miles or so west along CR833 just before it makes the big turn south heading toward its intersection with CR835. Of course, we saw the usual Crested Caracara, Sandhill Crane (2), Swallow-tailed Kite, Snail Kite (4 or so at the Farm 8 Wetlands on CR835), Limpkin, Black-necked Stilt, Wood Stork, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Ground- Dove, etc. in several areas along the CR846 --> CR833 --> CR835 corridor. Back to today's results for STA-5, which includes Blumberg Road from the entrance gate at STA-5 to CR835. On the way in, we saw four or so Fulvous-Whistling Ducks in the flooded field at the intersection of CR835 & Blumberg Rd. Also in the same vicinity, we heard an Eastern Towhee and it was later seen by a few of the other birders arriving after us. We saw a Northern Bobwhite along Blumberg Rd. as well as one or two migrant Barn Swallows. On the way out from STA-5, after the others had left, Alan & I and the Martens decided to stop to see if the Barn Owls were at home in the first ag building on Blumberg Rd. (as one is heading south on Blumberg Rd.). Lucky for us, two were in residence. We also saw a Eurasian Collared-Dove (uncommon in the canefield areas of Hendry County) but the biggest surprise was a HY Gray Kingbird sitting on a telephone wire looking extremely "hot" i.e. mouth agape and "panting". This species is uncommon in the interior part of South Florida away from water and the coast. This was a new addition to the STA-5 checklist, which now stands at either 161 or 162. I'm sure Margaret England can clarify this situation when she returns from out West. We also counted a flock of 20+ Barn Swallows pulsing through the area. Finally, and I apologize for the excess verbiage, here is the day list for the STA-5 tour (including Blumberg Rd.) for Saturday, July 19, 2008. Not all birds were seen by all participants: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck -- 6 Fulvous Whistling-Duck -- 5 Wood Duck -- 5 American Wigeon -- 1 Mottled Duck Blue-winged Teal --1 Ring-necked Duck -- 2 Lesser Scaup --1 Northern Bobwhite Pied-billed Grebe American White Pelican -- 4 or 5 Double-crested Cormorant Anhinga Least Bittern -- >20 Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Cattle Egret Green Heron Black-crowned Night-Heron Yellow-crowned Night-heron -- 2 (one immature and one adult) White Ibis Glossy Ibis Roseate Spoonbill -- 1 Wood Stork Black Vulture Turkey Vulture Osprey Swallow-tailed Kite -- 35+ (staging over the cell/impoundment that borders Chuck Oberon's Organic Farm). This is the largest number of SWKIs we've seen at STA-5. Red-shouldered Hawk Crested Caracara -- 2 Purple Swamphen -- >6 Purple Gallinule -- 2 or 3 Common Moorhen American Coot Limpkin Killdeer -- 1 Black-necked Stilt -- >10 Forster's Tern -- 2 Black Skimmer --2 Eurasian Collared-Dove -- 1 Mourning Dove Common Ground Dove Barn Owl -- 2 Common Nighthawk -- 35+ sitting on telephone lines along Blumberg Rd. plus a dozen or so others found elsewhere Gray Kingbird -- 1 (new addition to STA-5 checklist) Loggerhead Shrike Purple Martin -- 2 Barn Swallow -- 20+ Northern Mockingbird European Starling -- 20+ (Seen over one of the cells/impoundments at STA-5, not on Blumberg Rd. The most we've ever seen of this species at STA-5) Common Yellowthroat Eastern Towhee -- 1 Northern Cardinal Red-winged Blackbird Eastern Meadowlark Boat-tailed Grackle That's eight species of waterfowl for mid-July in South Florida folks! Some nice leps, odes and mammals were also seen but I'll save that for another time. The "gimpy" bobcat on CR835 was special though. Thanks goes out to all who attended today's tour and who made the day a great experience! The next STA-5 tour is scheduled for Saturday, August 16th. Contact Margaret England at sta5birding AT embarqmail.com if interested in attending. The shorebirds should be migrating through the interior/sod farms at that time. This area, south of Belle Glade, isn't that far away from STA-5 so bear that in mind. Cheers. Vince Vincent Lucas Naples, FL vplucas AT comcast.net http://www.flickr.com/photos/leppyone/ http://www.caloosabirdclub.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re:Mangrove Cuckoo? From: greg voigt <grg_voigt AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:05:53 -0700 (PDT) john green, I've seen the Mangrove Cuckoo several times at Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda on the boardwalk. Enter the board walk, walk over the water , on the first right about 10 to 40 feet along at about 8 to 10 AM. Good luck. greg voigt [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Mangrove Cuckoo? From: "bewickwren" <bewickwren AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:38:52 -0000 Hi, I'll be in Florida starting Saturday with two other adults and three kids, all non-birders. We'll be doing touristy things, so my time for birding will be extremely limited. I've missed Mangrove Cuckoo on 4 previous trips to Florida, and expect that I will again. But if anyone knows a spot where they've been relatively easy to see, or even hear, recently, I'd love to hear about it. We'll start in the Orlando area, travel down the coast to the keys, then to the other coast, up to St. Petersburg. Hope to hear from someone! Thanks, John Green Riverside, CA Subject: FW: Good news for MINWR From: "Renne Leatto" <rennel AT cfl.rr.com> Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:53:27 -0400 And here it is! I encourage everyone on this list to contact and thank Bill Nelson and Tom Feeney, as Audubon suggests, for saving MINWR for us and all generations to come. And forward this email to your birding friends! This news made my day, maybe my week -- I feel like having a party! Renne NASA To Develop Launch Site on Air Force Lands and Not on Merritt Island _____ Florida is the only place in the world where federally threatened Florida Scrub-jays occur. Habitat for this rapidly declining species would have been significantly impacted by the proposed launch sites NASA had under consideration. NASA had proposed two locations for a private spacecraft launch site which would have resulted in significant habitat destruction on and near the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and Canaveral National Seashore in Brevard County. At least one of the proposed sites would also have caused closure of public access to cherished areas of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge that are some of the top birdwatching sites in the nation. Both proposed sites had the potential to cause serious impacts to both uplands and wetlands, and viable habitat utilized by over 310 species of birds, including federally threatened Florida Scrub-jays, Reddish Egrets (a state species of special concern), federally protected Bald Eagles, Roseate Spoonbills (a state species of special concern), federally endangered Woodstorks, Black Necked Stilts, White Pelicans and scores of others. Access Audubon's initial alert on this issue. Due to the outpouring of opposition to commercial space launch sites in Meritt Island National Wildlife Refuge & Canaveral National Seashore, NASA has decided to seek cooperation with the Air Force to utilize previously impacted sites on Canaveral Air Force Station property. This should avoid damage to natural areas as well as avoid the possibility that key wildlife viewing and ecotourism areas would be closed to public access. Thanks to all the Audubon activists who responded to our call to action earlier this year. Please contact U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (202-224-5074) and Congressman Tom Feeney (202-225-2706) and thank them for intervening to oppose inappropriate sites in the Refuge and Seashore and for their work with the U.S. Air Force to open the door to the use of Air Force lands for this facility. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Good new for MINWR From: Tom Rodriguez <rodrigueztom AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:46:55 -0400 Greetings all, According to Audubon of FL, NASA has decided NOT to use MINWR for the proposed private spacecraft launch site(s). NASA will use Air Force property instead. If you don't know what I'm referring to try searching the archives of this site; Wes has a some good posts in Feb & May this year. Tom Rodriguez Orlando [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: help with egg ID From: Wes Biggs <birdsatfnt AT bellsouth.net> Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:51:43 -0400 Linda, It sounds like a Gopher Tortoise nest to me. They usually have 5 or 6 eggs about the size & color you describe. Wes Biggs Orlando sun_hair2002 wrote: > > I recently found a half dozen empty eggshells beneath a pine tree in > the Withlacoochee Forest > behind my ranch. The are about the size of golf balls, white, and > nearly perfectly round. At > first I thought that they had been stoeln from a nest and eaten by a > Crow or other bird up in > that small pine tree, but theshells were not shattered, nor was there > evidence of uneaten > remnants within the shells, so I'm not sure of the scenario. It is > also possible that they > belong to a ground nesting bird, and that what I found was > post-hatching remnants. > > The area is primarily pine flatwoods, with some hardwood hammocks > mixed in. No water in > close proximity that might water fowl. > > Can anyone help me ID these curious eggs? > > Linda > Inverness > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com > Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.0/1556 - Release Date: 7/16/2008 4:56 PM > Subject: Re: Help From: Vincent Lucas <vplucas AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:16:09 -0400 Well, I don't suppose the fact that it's an entirely different operating system has anything to do with it? On a "bird" related note, we've had five days of almost non-stop rain down here in Naples and finally brought our yearly totals back to "normal". There is considerable flooding in some parts, most notably Marco Island and some areas in Naples. I'm seeing waders like Great Egrets, Tricolored Herons and Snowy Egrets on peoples lawns that are filled with small "lakes" due to the rain. The "din" from the frogs that have hatched is awesome, too. I'm sure this is what the waders are feeding on. I also saw a Black Skimmer flying along US RTE 41 today, something I've never seen before. Vince Vincent Lucas Naples, FL vplucas AT comcast.net http://www.flickr.com/photos/leppyone/ http://www.caloosabirdclub.org On Jul 16, 2008, at 4:21 PM, Fred wrote: > > One of the "perks" of Macs vs. PCs is that Macs just don't get > > viruses/trojans. At least I've never had one in nearly 20 years of > > running Macs and I have never heard of anyone with a Mac getting one > > either. :-) Just a thought. . . . > > This is partly because of market share (Windows vs Mac). > > Just as many software developers write only for Windows (resulting in > fewer apps being available for Macs than for Windows), sleazy virus, > worm, trojan, and spyware vandals also tend to write for Windows PC's > (since they generally want as many people as possible to "enjoy" the > rotten fruits of their labor. Therefore, Macs tend be be more immune > from attacks partly because they are being ignored. > > Similarly, even in Windows PC's, there are differences between > browsers for certain attacks, with Internet Explorer being the most > abused - other browsers, such as Firefox, as they become more popular, > start to be attacked also. > > I myself, using IE in Windows, have never had any successful attack, > either. (Also, I have, as a shareware author, never written any app > other than for Windows, too.) > > Fred (Frederick Wasti) > > Mostly in Marshfield Massachusetts > > http://www.bigbirds.net/ > > http://www.flukeshots.net/ > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: help with egg ID From: "sun_hair2002" <georgeag11 AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:07:20 -0000 I recently found a half dozen empty eggshells beneath a pine tree in the Withlacoochee Forest behind my ranch. The are about the size of golf balls, white, and nearly perfectly round. At first I thought that they had been stoeln from a nest and eaten by a Crow or other bird up in that small pine tree, but theshells were not shattered, nor was there evidence of uneaten remnants within the shells, so I'm not sure of the scenario. It is also possible that they belong to a ground nesting bird, and that what I found was post-hatching remnants. The area is primarily pine flatwoods, with some hardwood hammocks mixed in. No water in close proximity that might water fowl. Can anyone help me ID these curious eggs? Linda Inverness Subject: Re: Help From: Fred <fred AT cetussoft.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:21:28 -0400 > One of the "perks" of Macs vs. PCs is that Macs just don't get > viruses/trojans. At least I've never had one in nearly 20 years of > running Macs and I have never heard of anyone with a Mac getting one > either. :-) Just a thought. . . . This is partly because of market share (Windows vs Mac). Just as many software developers write only for Windows (resulting in fewer apps being available for Macs than for Windows), sleazy virus, worm, trojan, and spyware vandals also tend to write for Windows PC's (since they generally want as many people as possible to "enjoy" the rotten fruits of their labor. Therefore, Macs tend be be more immune from attacks partly because they are being ignored. Similarly, even in Windows PC's, there are differences between browsers for certain attacks, with Internet Explorer being the most abused - other browsers, such as Firefox, as they become more popular, start to be attacked also. I myself, using IE in Windows, have never had any successful attack, either. (Also, I have, as a shareware author, never written any app other than for Windows, too.) Fred (Frederick Wasti) Mostly in Marshfield Massachusetts http://www.bigbirds.net/ http://www.flukeshots.net/ Subject: Re: Help From: Vincent Lucas <vplucas AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:18:56 -0400 Hey Bob et al: One of the "perks" of Macs vs. PCs is that Macs just don't get viruses/trojans. At least I've never had one in nearly 20 years of running Macs and I have never heard of anyone with a Mac getting one either. :-) Just a thought. . . . Cheers. Vince Vincent Lucas Naples, FL vplucas AT comcast.net http://www.flickr.com/photos/leppyone/ http://www.caloosabirdclub.org On Jul 16, 2008, at 2:33 PM, Bob Carroll wrote: > Danny and all, > I got several of those notices at once, and one of them was labeled > as containing a worm virus by my anti-virus software, so I deleted > them all. If anyone else gets them, delete them immediately! > Let me add that I had a really nice day birding Hillsborough County > yesterday. Two Hairy Woodpeckers along the Eagle Trail at Old > Tampa Bay Park were the best birds of the day followed by great > looks at a Reddish Egret and a Sandwich Tern at E. G. Simmons. > Bob Carroll > Gainesville > Florida County Listers' Website > www.geocities.com/gatorbob23 > > I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to > heaven. > Emily Dickinson > US poet (1830 - 1886) > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: gafcity47 > To: FlaBirding AT yahoogroups.com > Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 2:18:20 PM > Subject: [FlaBirding] Help > > Recently I receved an email from BRDBRAIN and FLABIRDS with the > subject > connect with me. I thought it was a valid email since I got them from > the SERVERS. Since then I can't Post on one of them. Has anyone else > had problems? I can't get in touch with any of the SERVERS to find out > if they are having problems. Has someone hacked the birding servers? > I ran a check on my computer, and come up with nothing. > > Danny Bales > Titusville, Fla. > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Florida Scrub-jay License PLates From: Bill Stokes <bstokes4 AT juno.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:33:22 -0400 How about the funding going toward another effort to declare the scrub jay the state bird? Maybe the lessons learned from the failure of the first effort can increase the chances of the second one passing. Vision of this type will be necessary to save this rare species. Bill Stokes St. Pete On Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:02:45 EDT woundedmallard67 AT aol.com writes: > Hey Everybirdy, > > This just came down the pike Certainly want to share it with you > all as > it's a great cause and I was extremely honored to be a part of this > project. > The images were taken by yours truly! ;-) > They look pretty neat in person too, if I do say so myself. > > Tom Dunkerton > > Greetings, > > The outreach committee of the NEFL Scrub-jay Working Group is proud > to > announce the availability of 2 "vanity" license plates featuring > the Florida > scrub-jay. The plates come in two styles and are priced at $11.95 > with tax. This > money will be dedicated to the NEFL Working Group's Scrub-jay > Education > Fund. Let me know if you would like to order a plate or two and > please forward > this offer to all your birding friends. Pictures are attached. > > > > > Thanks, Paula > > ***************************************************************** > Paula Sisson, Fish and Wildlife Biologist > U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service > E-mail:paula_sisson AT fws.gov > http:/www.fws.gov/northflorida Note new address and phone > numbers: > Current Address (until July 1, 2008) New Address (after July 1, > 2008) 6620 > Southpoint Drive, South > Suite 310 > Jacksonville, Florida 32216 > (904) 232-2580 ext. 126 > FAX (904) 232-2404 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200 > Jacksonville, Florida 32256-7517 > 904.731.3134 (direct) > 904.731.3336 (main) > 904.731.3045 (fax) > > > > **************Get the scoop on last night's hottest shows and the > live music > scene in your area - Check out TourTracker.com! > (http://www.tourtracker.com?NCID=aolmus00050000000112) > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > ------------------------------------ > > FlaBirding - Florida and Bahama Birding website: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/ > > Unsubscribe, mail to: FlaBirding-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com > Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-nomail AT yahoogroups.com > Resume from Nomail, mail to: FlaBirding-normal AT yahoogroups.comYahoo! > Groups Links > > > > > ____________________________________________________________ Click now for accounting software that's a huge plus! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3njNqlHBpBuCveJXYJDlLmxlVpGpaRXHF0YGPnHoWiClB30s/ Subject: Re: Help From: Bob Carroll <gatorbob23 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:33:56 -0700 (PDT) Danny and all, I got several of those notices at once, and one of them was labeled as containing a worm virus by my anti-virus software, so I deleted them all.  If anyone else gets them, delete them immediately! Let me add that I had a really nice day birding Hillsborough County yesterday.  Two Hairy Woodpeckers along the Eagle Trail at Old Tampa Bay Park were the best birds of the day followed by great looks at a Reddish Egret and a Sandwich Tern at E. G. Simmons. Bob Carroll Gainesville Florida County Listers' Website www.geocities.com/gatorbob23  I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven. Emily Dickinson US poet (1830 - 1886) ----- Original Message ---- From: gafcity47 To: FlaBirding AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 2:18:20 PM Subject: [FlaBirding] Help Recently I receved an email from BRDBRAIN and FLABIRDS with the subject connect with me. I thought it was a valid email since I got them from the SERVERS. Since then I can't Post on one of them. Has anyone else had problems? I can't get in touch with any of the SERVERS to find out if they are having problems. Has someone hacked the birding servers? I ran a check on my computer, and come up with nothing. Danny Bales Titusville, Fla. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]