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11 May Georgia's 2nd Brown Creeper Nest, Rabun County, 5/11/08 [Ken Blankenship ] 11 May American Golden Plover Tybee North Beach [Diana Churchill ] 11 May Marshallville Super Sod Farm, etc. [Nathan Farnau ] 11 May Re: Wilson's Phalarope - Bartow County Loop 5/11/08 [Deb Zaremba ] 11 May Wilson's Phalarope - Bartow County Loop 5/11/08 [Mark McShane ] 11 May Brown Creeper and Red-breasted Nuthatch nesting, Burrell's Ford Road, Rabun County, 5/1/08 [Carol Lambert & Jeff Sewell ] 11 May Cedar Waxwings, House Wren nest [Vicki DeLoach ] 11 May Gray Catbird [Linda Burgess ] 11 May GA RBA, 05/10/08 [Steve Holzman ] 10 May Henry Co. Scissor-tail is back ["James F. Flynn Jr." ] 10 May Birds in Polk County [Lisa McNamara ] 10 May Common Nighthawk ["nuthatch3 AT aol.com" ] 10 May More Centennial Park birds... [Nathan Farnau ] 10 May Ivy Log Gap Rd / Gumlog Gap Rd Point Counts 5/10/08 [Ken Blankenship ] 10 May Photo Link to Mark's Wilson's Phalarope with a bonus Dickcissel, Bartow County 5/10 [Darlene Moore ] 10 May Birding Trip [Trey McCuen ] 10 May Crow leaving carcasses [Patty Jenkins ] 10 May date correction: Mississippi Kites in Washington County 05/09/2008 [Mark Freeman ] 10 May Mississippi Kites in Washington County 05/10/2008 [Mark Freeman ] 10 May banding report - Joe Kurz, Meriwether Cnty [Charlie ] 10 May Ocmulgee National Monument and Bond Swamp [Trey McCuen ] 10 May Wilson's Phalarope in Bartow Co today [Bobzarem Bellsouth net ] 10 May Correct street for Ivory-billed Woodpecker lecture by Dr. Hill in Macon [Sheila Willis ] 10 May Lost our nest of Phoebes?? [Steve Moore ] 9 May Cochran Shoals Report 5/9/08 [Ken Blankenship ] 9 May White Morph Great Blue Heron near Titusville FL [D Hodgson ] 9 May Possible Sora in Lilburn [D Hodgson ] 9 May Arrowhead (Floyd County) 5/9/08 [Dan Roper ] 9 May Chuck-Will's-Widow [Adrienne Myles ] 9 May ADMIN: Was Re: [GABO-L] Boston, Mass Places to Bird [Steve Holzman ] 9 May Boston, Mass Places to Bird ["Joseph D. Weissman, M.D., Ph.D." ] 9 May All Women's Birding Bust [Nita Wynn ] 8 May Screech Owls 2, Snakes 0 [Tim Rose ] 8 May AWBB - The Butter Butts [Bird Gab ] 8 May ORAS Field Trip to Cochran Shoals [Ed Maioriello ] 8 May Black-billed Cuckoo in Cherokee County [Rusty Trump ] 8 May Dove question [Marla Mitchell ] 8 May MIssissippi Kite in Houston County [Jim Gilreath ] 8 May Big win for California Condors ["Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)" ] 8 May Migration of Bitterns ["Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)" ] 8 May Mississippi Kites - Murray County - 5/8/08 [Joshua Spence ] 8 May American Bittern in Atlanta ["Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)" ] 8 May American Bittern Atlanta today May 8th ["Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)" ] 8 May Georgia IBA job announcement [Mary Elfner ] 8 May Jekyll Island news [Leon Galis ] 8 May Re: Cutting of trees along the highway ["mimbrava AT mindspring.com" ] 8 May please submit your Swallow-tailed Kite reports [Mark Freeman ] 8 May William Laws Re: RTHA behavior [Carole Ludwig ] 8 May Cutting of trees along the highway ["Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)" ] 7 May Reed Creek Park 5/04/08 (Columbia County) [Eugene Zielinski ] 7 May Stilt Sandpiper, Forsyth Co. ["James F. Flynn Jr." ] 7 May Dickcissels - Monroe [Charlie ] Subject: Georgia's 2nd Brown Creeper Nest, Rabun County, 5/11/08 From: Ken Blankenship <kenhblankenship AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 22:21:49 -0400 Today I started at dawn surveying a unique area in Rabun County along Billingsley Creek Rd and Overflow Creek Rd. This is the same area where I had high hopes of "winter finches" or Northern Saw-whet Owl on New Year's Day this year but instead enjoyed some snow and high temperatures below freezing. The weather was wet this morning, but obviously much warmer than my last visit. I had been planning to survey here for breeding Red-breasted Nuthatch this spring, and had thoughts of other species of northern affinity such as Brown Creeper or Golden-crowned Kinglet. Documentation of Georgia's first Brown Creeper nest on Burrell's Ford Rd on May 1, 2008 by field ornithologist and accomplished author Frank Renfrow confirmed what had already been suspected for some time, and galvanized my efforts to survey for these species in this habitat, which is not unlike that along Burrell's Ford Rd. Reading some of Frank's work from the South Carolina side of Burrell's Ford Rd where he has documented first breeding records in that state of Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Golden-crowned Kinglet gave me more to go on; he also personally gave me some tips on what I might look for. Low and behold, at my very first stop this morning at 6:50am, when I got out of the car I heard a BROWN CREEPER calling and singing several times. Over the next hour, I heard the bird on two other occasions, and finally on the fourth encounter I got visual confirmation. However, I could not locate a nest and the bird always seemed to fade away headed north before appearing out of nowhere 20 minutes later in the same area near the road. While I was staking out this bird, I heard some tiny high-pitched chip notes that I at first dismissed as a Carolina Chickadee. When I finally detected some movement, I found a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET foraging up in the canopy. The bird was not giving its typical "trill" call, nor was it singing. I was only able to observe this bird for about three minutes before I lost it. After a full 30 minutes and no sign of the Brown Creeper, I reluctantly headed off down the road. While birding in this area I found lots of other cool birds (see highlights below). Finally, at 9:30am, I stopped in an area that looked good – lots of dead pines with loose bark, a creek audible in the background. I began walking the road, and soon made out a distinct call note. It was not as long as a typical Brown Creeper trill call, and was certainly not their song. But the voice was just… right. Incredibly, within a few minutes I saw a BROWN CREEPER hitching up a tree trunk! I got on the bird, saw that it had a moth in its bill, and soon lost it as it flew towards a huge dead pine. Not long after, the bird re-appeared near this same tree, this time moth-less, and flew off again. I searched up and down that tree, and did find some large areas of loose bark. To my utter amazement, when I heard the bird calling again it came in to the same tree with a bug in its bill, landed on a patch of loose bark, and quickly ducked underneath! He popped back out a few seconds later to head off to forage. A nest! Over the next 45 minutes I observed this bird foraging in the vicinity within a radius of about 50 yards of the nest. He returned to the nest nine times total, usually with a moth but sometimes with other bugs. On the seventh delivery, he came out with a fecal sack and deposited it on a nearby tree trunk before continuing to forage. I was watching the nest constantly, and I do not believe there were two active birds; it is my guess that the female is incubating eggs at this time and the male is tending to her. Obviously, I was elated at such dumb beginners luck in finding these cool breeding birds of Georgia! Recent confirmed or suspected breeding records of Brown Creeper in Georgia: 5/1/08 nesting confirmed at Burrell's Ford Rd (Frank Renfrow) 5/21/06 one bird found at Burrell's Ford Rd (AAS Warbler Workshop) 6/19/04 two birds found at Burrell's Ford Rd (Bill Lotz, Jeff Sewell) Annotated Checklist of Georgia Birds (Beaton et al., 2003) "Uncommon transient and winter resident over entire state except rare in extreme south, 20 Sept (1964) – 12 May (1983). Mountain extreme dates 30 Sept – 14 Apr, Piedmont 20 Sept – 18 Apr, Coastal Plain 14 Oct – 12 May, and Coast 8 Oct – 16 Apr. A summer record 27 June 1981 at Grassy Ridge (Rabun County) at 1065 meters suggests the possibility of nesting (Oberle and Haney 1997). An additional record 31 May 2000 at Blackrock Mountain (Rabun County) may be either a late migrant or another summer record (O 65:67)." Here are the highlights from a few spots in the mountains today: Billingsley Creek Rd = BCR Overflow Creek Rd = OCR Dillard Loop = DL N. Panther Creek Rd / Yonah Dam Rd = PCR/YDR Wood Duck 1, DL Black Vulture 3, outside Toccoa Whip-poor-will 1, OCR Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1, PCR/YDR Hairy Woodpecker 4, BCR Eastern Wood Pewee 1, BCR Acadian Flycatcher 4, BCR; 2, OCR Eastern Kingbird 1, DL; 4, PCR/YDR White-eyed Vireo 1, PCR/YDR Blue-headed Vireo 2, BCR; 1, OCR Red-eyed Vireo, several locations Purple Martin 3, DL Tree Swallow 5, DL Northern Rough-winged Swallow 35, DL BANK SWALLOW 6, DL Barn Swallow 15, DL BROWN CREEPER 2, including nest, BCR Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2, DL GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET 1, BCR Wood Thrush 1, BCR; 1, OCR; 2, PCR/YDR Gray Catbird, tons on DL (the cabbage fields are now strawberries – they must love it!) Cedar Waxwing, DL and PCR/YDR Northern Parula 5, BCR; 1, PCR/YDR YELLOW WARBLER 1, DL Black-throated Blue Warbler 1, OCR Black-throated Green Warbler, BCR and OCR Yellow-throated Warbler 3, BCR; 2, OCR; 1, PCR/YDR Pine Warbler 3, BCR Palm Warbler 1, DL Blackpoll Warbler 3, DL Black-and-white Warbler 1, BCR; 1, OCR; 2, PCR/YDR American Redstart 2, DL Worm-eating Warbler 4, BCR SWAINSON'S WARBLER 1, BCR; 1, PCR/YDR Ovenbird, several locations Northern Waterthrush 1, DL Louisiana Waterthrush 4, BCR; 2, OCR; 1, PCR/YDR Common Yellowthroat 3, PCR/YDR Hooded Warbler, several locations Yellow-breasted Chat 5, PCR/YDR Scarlet Tanager 4, BCR; 1, OCR; 1, PCR/YDR Dark-eyed Junco 1, BCR Indigo Bunting, several locations Red-winged Blackbird, nest-building on DL Eastern Meadowlark 1, DL Orchard Oriole 1, PCR/YDR American Goldfinch, several locations Ken Blankenship Marietta, GA (Cobb County) http://www.wingsoverga.com ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: American Golden Plover Tybee North Beach From: Diana Churchill <dichurch AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 22:12:31 -0400 I went around to Tybee North Beach about 5 pm this evening. The first bird I saw was a large plover standing alone in a tire track on the upper part of the beach. As I photographed it, I thought it didn't quite look like a Black-bellied. When it flew a short distance, there were no dark armpits. Later, I found a breeding plumage Black-bellied Plover on the beach as well. This is the first time I have found American Golden Plover on the beach. To see photos, visit my web site http://web.mac.com/dichurchbirds and click on Diana's Blog. Cheers, Diana Diana Churchill Tybee Island, GA dichurch AT bellsouth.net http://web.mac.com/dichurchbirds ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Marshallville Super Sod Farm, etc. From: Nathan Farnau <natwan AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 19:04:07 -0400 The Marshallville Super Sod Farm today had at least one nice flock of shorebirds including: Short-billed dowitcher - 12 STILT SANDPIPER - 1 Lesser yellowlegs - 22 Dunlin - 2 Sanderling - 1 All birds were in alternate plumage except the sanderling, whose ghostly-white winter color stood out like a sore thumb against the warmer rufous and brown tones of the other birds. There were many pools of standing rainwater on the sod: good for birds, hard for driving. As an aside, I stopped (or TRIED to stop) at Bond Swamp NWR, but found the road blocked by storm debris and damaged powerlines. Upon circumnavigating the disaster zone (30+ miles), I made it to the swamp loop trailhead and found the kiosk destroyed by fallen trees. The entire forest here is a MESS with uprooted trees. It won't look the same there for quite a while I imagine. Think twice before hiking this trail, because it's blocked by significant debris in more than a dozen places. Nathan Farnau East Atlanta (DeKalb County) ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Re: Wilson's Phalarope - Bartow County Loop 5/11/08 From: Deb Zaremba <debzarem AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 15:45:39 -0400 Deb and I birded the same area later in the day today with about the same results as Mark. We met Bill Lotz, Karen and Luke Theodorou and David Hollie and his mom while we were there too. The only other birds of a note were a couple of WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS that David, Karen and Luke pointed out to us when we got there, a bunch of Pectoral and Semi-palamated Sandpipers and a probably Merlin (fly by so fast caught us by surprise). We had many singing Grasshopper Sparrows across the road from Brandon Farm Road as well as a few Eastern Kingbirds. The Dunlin was a great looking bird in breeding plumage. A quick stop at Legacy Sod farm turned up a group of six dowitchers (looked to be paler and spotted in the throat, so probable Short-billed) and a few more Least and Pectporal Sandpipers, Cliff Swallows and the only Killdeer we saw all day. As Stacy mentione d yesterday, Last night, we enjoyed seeing five Common Nighthawks migrating over our yard around 7:30PM headed north and three female Blackpoll Warblers taking turns in the birdbath. very cool! Bob and Deb Zaremba Marietta, GA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark McShane" To: Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 11:42 AM Subject: [GABO-L] Wilson's Phalarope - Bartow County Loop 5/11/08 > Hi All, > > Bill Wiggins and I birded Brandon Farm Road and Taff Road only this > morning hoping mainly to relocate the Wilson's Phalarope seen yesterday. > We couldn't relocate the phalarope this morning visiting the Brandon Farm > Road pond and the Taff Road ponds several times. We did get a lot of good > birds though, highlights included: > > Brandon Farm Road (coming from Hwy 113, fields just after the first house > on the right, just over the top of the first hill on the right): > > Indigo Bunting > Dickcissel (maybe as many as 3 pair!) > Bobolink (30+) > Eastern Meadowlark > Had seen Orchard Oriole here last time as well. > > Brandon Farm Road (at the first pond on the left) > > Wood Duck > Mallard > Greater Yellowlegs > Lesser Yellowlegs > Solitary Sandpiper > Spotted Sandpiper > Least Sandpiper > Loggerhead Shrike > Grasshopper Sparrow > > Taff Road pond and area: > > American Kestrel > Semipalmated Plover > Killdeer > Greater Yellowlegs > Lesser Yellowlegs > Spotted Sandpiper > Semipalmated Sandpiper > Least Sandpiper > Pectoral Sandpiper > Dunlin > Short-billed Dowitcher > Blue Grosbeak (male and female) > > Good Birding All! > > Mark > > Mark McShane > Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, Georgia > eagleeyed AT bellsouth.net > > ********** > To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to > http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html > > To contact a listowner, send message to > GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU > > To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to > http://www.gos.org/gabo.html > > ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Wilson's Phalarope - Bartow County Loop 5/11/08 From: Mark McShane <eagleeyed AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 11:42:54 -0400 Hi All, Bill Wiggins and I birded Brandon Farm Road and Taff Road only this morning hoping mainly to relocate the Wilson's Phalarope seen yesterday. We couldn't relocate the phalarope this morning visiting the Brandon Farm Road pond and the Taff Road ponds several times. We did get a lot of good birds though, highlights included: Brandon Farm Road (coming from Hwy 113, fields just after the first house on the right, just over the top of the first hill on the right): Indigo Bunting Dickcissel (maybe as many as 3 pair!) Bobolink (30+) Eastern Meadowlark Had seen Orchard Oriole here last time as well. Brandon Farm Road (at the first pond on the left) Wood Duck Mallard Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Solitary Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Loggerhead Shrike Grasshopper Sparrow Taff Road pond and area: American Kestrel Semipalmated Plover Killdeer Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Spotted Sandpiper Semipalmated Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Dunlin Short-billed Dowitcher Blue Grosbeak (male and female) Good Birding All! Mark Mark McShane Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, Georgia eagleeyed AT bellsouth.net ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Brown Creeper and Red-breasted Nuthatch nesting, Burrell's Ford Road, Rabun County, 5/1/08 From: Carol Lambert & Jeff Sewell <lambertsewell AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 11:24:40 -0400 A caller to the Rare Bird Alert reported seeing Bown Creepers nesting at the above location, this being the Georgia side of the Chattooga River and, I am assuming, where a pair was reported nesting a few years ago. He also saw nesting Red-breasted Nuthatches there. Jeff Jeff Sewell Georgia Rare Bird Alert Georgia Ornithological Society 770-493-8862 Tucker, DeKalb Co., GA lambertsewell AT mindspring.com ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Cedar Waxwings, House Wren nest From: Vicki DeLoach <VLDELOACH AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 10:51:31 EDT CEDAR WAXWINGS have been whistling in the yard daily for the past week. This morning at the Publix at Hickory Flat we watched a flock of roughly 200 waxwings descend on some small trees in the parking lot, their yellow banded tails flashing. The HOUSE WREN has been singing atop a previously empty bird house. I checked it earlier this week and it was stuffed full of twigs. Don't know if he's found a mate yet. It's not extraordinary to have WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS in May, but I don't recall having them this late before. The last two we spotted were on May 4. DRAGONFLIES: A couple of recent dragonflies were Lancet Clubtail and Yellow-sided Skimmer. Bluet damselflies are everywhere and dancers are starting to appear. Vicki DeLoach SE Cherokee Co./yard http://flickr.com/photos/vickisnature/ **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Gray Catbird From: Linda Burgess <rami_46 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 10:25:30 -0400 We have had a Gray Catbird frequenting our suet feeder for the last couple of days.Just put the suet feeder up hoping to attract woodpeckers and others. Linda Burgess Powder Springs, Ga Cobb County ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: GA RBA, 05/10/08 From: Steve Holzman <steve_holzman AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 07:12:05 -0700 - RBA * Georgia * Georgia statewide * May 10,2008 * GAGA0805.10 - Birds Reported WILSON'S PHALAROPE Connecticut Warbler Painted Bunting King Rail Mississippi Kite Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Bobolink Black-bellied Whistling Duck Stilt Sandpiper Black-billed Cuckoo Dickcissel -Transcript hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert date: May 11, 2008 number: 770-493-8862 to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com coverage: Statewide compiled: May 10,2008 compiler: Jeff Sewell transcriber: Steve Holzman A WILSON'S PHALAROPE was found in Bartow County on Sat. May 10 The bird was on Brandon Farm Road on the left side past the power lines near the cattle pond. http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&D=1&O=D&P=13482 A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was seen in Catoosa County on Monday May 5. http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&D=1&O=D&P=5745 A male PAINTED BUNTING is visiting his feeder near McDonough in Henry County, GA. The bird was seen on the evening of May 6, 2008 at the observer's home near Big Cotton Indian Creek. http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&D=1&O=D&P=9536 A KING RAIL was reported on Friday May 9th, from Cochran Shoals. http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&P=R5944 MISSISSIPPI KITES have been reported in various areas including: Washington County: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&D=1&O=D&P=13952 Houston County: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&D=1&O=D&P=11757 Murray County: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&D=1&O=D&P=11419 Lamar County: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&D=1&O=D&P=7251 On Saturday May 10th, A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was observered at its traditional locaiton near McDonough along King Mill Rd. A male Scissor-tail was perched on the power lines near the power transmission structure where this species has nested in the past. http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&D=1&O=D&P=14861 BOBOLINKS were reported from Forsyth County: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&P=R2209 Bartow County: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&P=R6752 and 2500 in Laurens County: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&P=R2052 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS are at the Altmaha River Waterfowl Management Area A STILT SANDPIPER was observed at American Proteins in northern Forsyth Co. on May 7th along the edge of the largest settling pond. Also there: 8 Least Sandpipers, 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Sandpipers http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&D=1&O=D&P=10307 A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was reported from Cherokee County http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&P=R5426 DICKCISSELS reported from Baldwin County http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&P=R6752 and Monroe & Lamar Counties http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&P=R4745 and Bartow County: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0805&L=gabo-l&P=R6425 This concludes the current edition of the Georgia Rare Bird Alert. For information about the Georgia Ornithological Society, see www.gos.org, or email us at information AT gos.org. To join GOS, send a check for $20 to GOS, P.O. Box 181, High Shoals, GA 30645. -End transcript Steve Holzman North High Shoals, GA Oconee County, USA ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Henry Co. Scissor-tail is back From: "James F. Flynn Jr." <jim.flynn AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 23:02:53 -0400 Hi, folks, I did some birding in a few counties south of Atlanta today and on the way back I stopped by the traditional Scissor-tailed Flycatcher spot near McDonough along King Mill Rd. A male Scissor-tail was perched on the power lines near the power transmission structure where this species has nested in the past. Directions: From I-75 exit 216 (southerly-most McDonough exit on I-75), proceed east on GA 155 a short distance to King Mill Road at the entrance to Midland Industrial Park on the right. Turn right and continue to it's dead end into Us 23/GA 42. Turn left (north) on GA 42 and turn right on King Mill Road until you cross a power line cut in 1/4 mile. Notice on the left where the first power line pole is located. I started the day looking for Whip-poor-wills (which seemed to be all over this morning) in Butts Co. before dawn then headed to Baldwin Co. the check out a few areas recommended by Steve Parrish. One of the Baldwin Co. areas that I birded was the Oconee River Greenway, which was mentioned by Steve in his post earlier this week. The park is located east of Milledgeville along GA 22 just west of the Oconee River (look for the small brown boat ramp sign on the south side of the highway). The wide cement paths of the greenway wind their way through some nice bottomland habitat on the west bank of the Oconee. Highlight here was 4 Swainson's Warblers, which Steve mentioned in his email. Also present were American Redstarts, Prothonotary, Black-and-white, Hooded & Kentucky Warblers, Cliff Swallows (nesting under the GA 22 bridge) and the typical species that you would expect this time of year. I happened to run into Steve while I was there and he showed me a Red-shouldered Hawk's nest complete with two siblings. While Steve and I were watching the nest, one of the parents brought back a snake to the nest for the youngsters. I also wandered around Bartram Forest for a while (located south of Milledgeville off of Carl Vinson Dr., which is off of GA 112); nothing out of the ordinary observed there, just a nice mixture of bottomland and upland species, and lots of paths traversing these habitats to explore. After birding around Baldwin Co. I headed to southern Lamar Co. (Taylor Rd./Forsyth-Yatesville Rd.) to search for the Mississippi Kite congregation as well as the Dickcissels that have been reported there recently. Unfortunately, I couldn't locate any kites (perhaps because nobody was plowing today?) but there were a few Dickcissels along Taylor Rd. Two males and one female Dickcissel were observed. Jerry and Rose Payne sent me an email stating that they had observed over 150 Mississippi Kites along Taylor Rd. on Thursday and Friday. Then onto the Scissor-tail site mentioned above, then to EL Huie. Not too much at Huie; about 40 Least, 8 Semipalmated and 2 Spotted Sandpipers were the only migrant shorebirds; a Belted Kingfisher beating the tar out of a sunfish on the cement spillway of the pumphouse pond was morbidly entertaining. Finally, I headed to Bartow Co. to see the Wilson's Phalarope discovered by Mark McShane this morning (which was still there as of about 7pm, along with a few Grasshopper Sparrows, some Bobolinks and a couple of Dickcissels) before making one last stop at Field's Landing Park, Cherokee Co. on the way home. There is a distant Osprey nest on a platform in the middle of Lake Allatoona that can be viewed from this park; two adult Osprey were occupying the nest. Field's Landing is the boat ramp symbol pointing to the northeast in the top third of the DeLorme p. 20 grid D1 block. Entrance fee is $3. Take care, Jim Flynn Forsyth Co., GA http://www.gos.org http://www.atlantaaudubon.org/ ****************************** ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Birds in Polk County From: Lisa McNamara <lisa AT ALTOM.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 18:43:16 -0700 Yesterday was an incredible bird day at my Polk County retreat. While I was eating breakfast, I heard the chink note of Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a species I hadn't seen yet this year, so I raced out and found two gorgeous males in a tree behind the cabin. Not long after that, I heard Yellow-throated Vireos calling, and I raced out even faster for that! I never actually SEE Yellow-throated Vireos - well, I think I saw one last fall, but it was high up and silent, and you know it could have been a Pine Warbler. But this time, they were calling like mad, and flying across the pond and from tree to tree, a whole flock of them - well, at least three - and I got some pretty good looks. With that kind of bird karma, how could I miss seeing more, so I went for a walk. I didn't see or hear the usual Louisiana Waterthrushes, or the Wood Thrush that sings down by the gate, but I did see a lot, including several new ones for the year. Highlights: Wild Turkey Great Blue Heron Ruby-throated Hummingbird (at feeders) Great Crested Flycatcher Yellow-throated Vireo - new Red-eyed Vireo White-eyed Vireo Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Magnolia Warbler - new (bold black streaks!) Blackburnian Warbler - new (bright orange!) Prairie Warbler Black-and-white Warbler Common Yellowthroat Hooded Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat - new (bright yellow!) Summer Tanager Scarlet Tanager (bright red!) Rose-breasted Grosbeak - new (black and crimson!) Indigo Bunting (bright blue!) American Goldfinch Plus, the bluebird babies in the nest box have hatched! Lisa McNamara Southwestern Polk County ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Common Nighthawk From: "nuthatch3 AT aol.com" <nuthatch3@AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 21:10:43 -0400 Tonight around 7:50 pm, I spotted and observed a Common Nighthawk moving north. I was at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, GA. This is a FOTS for me. Hoping more will be coming in! Have a great night. Stacy Zarpentine Roswell GA North Fulton County USA ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: More Centennial Park birds... From: Nathan Farnau <natwan AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 20:42:25 -0400 Another lunch in Centennial Olympic Park. . . another interesting migrant. This time it was a GRAY- CHEEKED THRUSH. And it was generous enough to sing. There was also another BLACKPOLL WARBLER (female). Fun stuff. . . Nathan Farnau East Atlanta (DeKalb County) ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Ivy Log Gap Rd / Gumlog Gap Rd Point Counts 5/10/08 From: Ken Blankenship <kenhblankenship AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 19:21:13 -0400 Today I did Point Counts at nine of the Cerulean Warbler Survey Areas on Ivy Log Gap Rd and Gumlog Gap Rd (Areas 1-7, 10, and 11). I am disappointed to report that no Ceruleans were detected today, but I was happy to find lots of other happy birds singing their hearts out, along with 1,000's of wildflowers (especially trillium), which carpeted the forest floor in some areas. Eagle sp. 1, Area 11 Chimney Swift, Area 2 White-breasted Nuthatch, Areas 5 and 10 Eastern Wood Pewee, Areas 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, Blue-headed Vireo, Areas 1, 4 Red-eyed Vireo, all Areas except 1 Wood Thrush, Areas 1, 2, 5 Cedar Waxwing 3, Area 3 Black-throated Green Warbler, Areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 Yellow-throated Warbler 1, Area 1 Ovenbird, all Areas Blackburnian Warbler, 1 at Area 6 plus 4 others between areas Blackpoll Warbler 1, Area 3 plus 2 others between areas Worm-eating Warbler, Areas 1, 2, 6, 7 Kentucky Warbler 2, Area 2 Chestnut-sided Warbler, Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11 American Redstart, Areas 5 and 10 plus 8 others between areas Black-and-white Warbler, Areas 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11 Hooded Warbler, all Areas Scarlet Tanager, Areas 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 11 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2, Area 10 Indigo Bunting, Areas 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11 American Goldfinch, several Areas The "Eagle sp." is one of those birds that I honestly just wish I had not seen at all as opposed to the horrible, tempting, long-distance, back-lit views I had of this bird as it soared, banked three times, and then cruised quickly away headed NE at high altitude. The bird was simply huge. Its primaries appeared to extend just a little extra bit, creating the impression of "hands" (No, I am not just quoting a Sibley guide – that is the impression I got in the field). It was missing at least one primary on one side, about the fourth one in I'd say, creating a gap that may have enhanced the "hand" impression. There was NO indication of white anywhere on this bird's head, body, or tail. The bird was in the brightest part of the sky, and was more or less a completely dark silhouette, except... Except that when it banked, I could detect a subtle contrasting "V" of a lighter color across the wings. However, I could NOT see any indication of a lighter color in the nape or undertail coverts. Let's just say it was one of those birds you wish you had back, and in fact I tore down off that mountain and drove all around that area even into NC a little bit on Hwy 66 looking for it! Miscellaneous Notes: CANADA WARBLERS are in on Brasstown Bald, chip-singing away, along with ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS, OVENBIRDS, CHESTNUT- SIDED WARBLERS, VEERY, and I heard both BROAD-WINGED HAWK and COMMON RAVEN calling up there but did not spot them. No singing Winter Wrens up there today. http://www.wingsoverga.com/UnionCountyBirdingSites.html#BrasstownBald I ran into Jim Hanna on Brasstown today. He reports that he found a single WILLOW FLYCATCHER at the Blairsville Ingles today. This is especially amazing considering that when we scouted there last weekend we discovered that "they" have taken the habitat destruction to new levels and have ripped out all but the last 100 feet or so of willows and alders on the creek, plus they keep all the brush mowed to the ground. Jim also reported YELLOW WARBLERS and a probable (silent) Willow Flycatcher in Dillard today. http://www.wingsoverga.com/RabunCountyBirdingSites.html#DillardLoop Finally, I have talked to several people recently about where exactly Gumlog Gap Rd is so they can go look for Ceruleans. It is not as easy as looking at a DeLorme or Google Earth, because exploring the area has revealed no fewer than three roads with "Gumlog" in the name and three more with "Ivy Log," not to mention the geographical features of Gumlog Gap and Ivy Log Gap. Here is the manuscript I have written for birding this area very thoroughly, which will appear the next time I publish "Wings Over Georgia" on the web: From the light in Blairsville at the intersection of US 76 and US 19/129, (a McDonald's is on the south side of this intersection), head north on US 19/129 for 2.7 miles and turn right onto Rogers Road. You will pass a shallow arm of Lake Nottely on your left, and then you'll come through a residential area with some low, scrubby habitat along a creek on the left side of the road. Listen in this area for singing Northern Parula above, or Blue-winged or Yellow Warblers down low, but stopping here can be tricky so be careful and respect local traffic. At 0.8 miles from US 19/129, turn left onto Bradley Road. You will curve around past some open fields on your left, and at 0.5 miles from Rogers Rd watch carefully for a gravel road on your right signed as Forestry Rd #100; turn right here – this is Ivy Log Gap Road. For the first 0.5 mile or so, the understory is very thick and there are lots of young pines. You may hear Kentucky or Prairie Warblers in this area. You will pass several cabins and a few private drives, and at 1.1 miles from Bradley Rd you will enter the national forest at a gate; re- set your odometer here. Just past this gate on a tree on your left, you'll notice the first of 15 areas that have been marked by the DNR/USFWS for the purpose of surveying for the declining Cerulean Warbler. Biologists have followed an experimental protocol of thinning cuts and group selection cuts (along with uncut control areas) to increase vertical forage area for the warblers and attempt to re-create in a young forest the diverse vertical structure created in older forests by blow-downs and dying trees. Birders are encouraged to participate in the effort to detect the Cerulean Warblers by keeping track of their sightings in these marked areas and reporting the birds [http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/birds/ceruleansurvey.htm ]. You can view a map of the areas here [insert link]. As you begin to bird your way along Ivy Log Gap Rd, keep your windows down and stop to get out whenever you hear something interesting. Typical breeding birds that should be singing vigorously from late April through early June include Ovenbird, Hooded Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood Pewee, Indigo Bunting, and more. From mid-April through mid- May you may also find a few migrants such as Blackpoll Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and Bay-breasted Warbler among others. As you reach higher elevations you should also encounter Chestnut-sided Warbler (especially in open areas with lots of vines and tangles), American Redstart, and Blackburnian Warbler. In areas of pines you may hear Yellow-throated Warbler, Kentucky Warblers are sporadic in areas with a dense understory, and at the highest points you may find Dark-eyed Junco or Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Overhead you may hear and see Broad-winged Hawks or experience a rare croaking fly-over of a Common Raven. Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey are resident but you'd be lucky to stumble into one; the grouse can be heard "drumming" from March through April. At exactly 6.2 miles from the gate, you will notice that Ivy Log Gap Rd curves down to the right while another road continues straight ahead. Take this road, which is marked by a small brown post as Forest Service 334 and is called Gumlog Gap Road. Continue birding your way down the road; the high elevation means more fluorescent-orange-throated Blackburnian Warblers should be found, along with lots of American Redstarts and other birds mentioned earlier. At 2.4 miles from where you left Ivy Log Gap Rd, you'll see a spur road head up to your right which is gated almost immediately. The sign may be broken, but this is Raven Cliffs Rd; it is also shown on some maps as FAA Tower Rd. You can park on the side of the road and take a nice hike up this road to an FAA signal tower, more good birds (Dark-eyed Juncos, Blackburnian Warblers, American Redstarts, and Chestnut-sided Warblers breed here), and at the top you’re rewarded with an amazing view of four states on a clear day. However, do not approach the FAA structure while you are at the top. Only 0.1 miles past the FAA tower road on the right you'll see the marker for Cerulean Warbler survey Area 10. It is well worth the short hike down to this cut area with a good thicket-filled understory, both for the birds and for the unique sight of literally 1,000’s of blooming trillium and other wildflowers carpeting the forest floor in May; more than a half-dozen varieties of trillium may be represented. From here, you have a couple options to complete your tour. You can either turn around, retrace your way back to Ivy Log Gap Rd, turn left, and bird your way all the way down off the ridge, then through some open habitat, and eventually dead-end into GA Hwy 66 where you can turn right to arrive in the town of Young Harris. Or, you can continue to bird your way down Gumlog Gap Rd, stopping at the remaining Cerulean survey areas in the hopes of detecting one of these special birds, and you will eventually dead-end into paved Gumlog Road (note that the word "Gap" is NOT in the name). Turn left, and in 4.5 miles you will dead-end at US 19/129 and a gas station. By turning left and heading south, you will arrive back at the McDonald's intersection where you started in Blairsville after 5.2 miles. Hope this helps :) Sorry for the long post! Ken Blankenship Marietta, GA (Cobb County) http://www.wingsoverga.com ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Photo Link to Mark's Wilson's Phalarope with a bonus Dickcissel, Bartow County 5/10 From: Darlene Moore <djmoore67 AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 19:07:16 -0400 GABOers, After Mark McShane's call of a Wilson's Phalarope on Brandon Farm Rd. I packed up the 3 small children (same children who got great looks at the Long-tailed duck and 3 Scoters at Ft. Yargo), and headed to Bartow County. I was joined by Max Medley and got a few shots of the bird. Also had Dickcissels singing just down the road. One posed nicely. Link to photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/djmoore1657/ Darlene Moore Decatur, GA ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Birding Trip From: Trey McCuen <barredowl AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 18:58:15 -0400 I will be leading a birding trip to Ocmulgee National Monument, Central city park and Lower poplar street here in Macon on May 24. We will meet at the visitors center of the national monument and we will start the walk at 9:00 AM, so get there a little before 9:00. After birding the monument we will carpool to Lower poplar street and Central city park. There is 10 person limit on how many people can come. PLEASE E-MAIL ME OFF-LIST to make reservations. The trip should end between 2:00-3:00. Key bird possibilities include Mississippi kite, Painted bunting, Baltimore oriole, Orchard oriole, Yellow billed cuckoo, Common ground dove, Acadian flycatcher, Prothonotary warbler and various shorebird species. Bring binoculars and a field guide of course. Also bring bug repellent and drinks and snacks. The trails are easy walking. ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Crow leaving carcasses From: Patty Jenkins <pschwar AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 16:43:22 -0400 We have a crow which is leaving bird carcasses in our birdbath. Today's is the third this week. Has anyone else seen this kind of behavior? Can anybody explain it? It's really QUITE nasty! Patty Jenkins DeKalb County ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: date correction: Mississippi Kites in Washington County 05/09/2008 From: Mark Freeman <roam4birds AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 13:26:10 -0700 (Sorry folks, had the wrong date in the subject line of my last post. Mark) --------- I'll add another Mississippi Kite report to the growing list. Yesterday around 3pm while travelling north on GA 15 in Washington County I saw a group of 30+ Mississippi Kites foraging high and low over a large field at Harts Ford Rd. This was about 6 miles north of downtown Wrightsville. (Delorme p36, G4) 32.807397, -82.759777 Also, had an Osprey further north on GA 15 in Hancock County, about halfway between downtown Sparta and the turn for GA 22. (Delorme p29, H7) Concerning MIKIs appearing in suburban areas, I have seen them quite close to downtown Watkinsville over subdivisions, and down on the SC coast I often see them quite low over strip malls, subdivisions, and other developed areas. Perhaps Michael Bender in Athens can jump in the discussion - I seem to recall him posting something about a pair very possibly nesting near his home not far from Beechwood Shopping Center in west Athens. (Saw one MIKI carrying a stick near his house...) Perhaps the more open nature of the suburban landscapes present a foraging opportunity to which the kites are adapting? Mark Freeman Watkinsvile, GA (Oconee County) and Spring Island, SC roam4birds AT yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Mississippi Kites in Washington County 05/10/2008 From: Mark Freeman <roam4birds AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 13:19:51 -0700 I'll add another Mississippi Kite report to the growing list. Yesterday around 3pm while travelling north on GA 15 in Washington County I saw a group of 30+ Mississippi Kites foraging high and low over a large field at Harts Ford Rd. This was about 6 miles north of downtown Wrightsville. (Delorme p36, G4) 32.807397, -82.759777 Also, had an Osprey further north on GA 15 in Hancock County, about halfway between downtown Sparta and the turn for GA 22. (Delorme p29, H7) Concerning MIKIs appearing in suburban areas, I have seen them quite close to downtown Watkinsville over subdivisions, and down on the SC coast I often see them quite low over strip malls, subdivisions, and other developed areas. Perhaps Michael Bender in Athens can jump in the discussion - I seem to recall him posting something about a pair very possibly nesting near his home not far from Beechwood Shopping Center in west Athens. (Saw one MIKI carrying a stick near his house...) Perhaps the more open nature of the suburban landscapes present a foraging opportunity to which the kites are adapting? Mark Freeman Watkinsvile, GA (Oconee County) and Spring Island, SC roam4birds AT yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: banding report - Joe Kurz, Meriwether Cnty From: Charlie <cmmbirds AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 12:22:17 -0700 Hi folks, Today was the first banding day of the MAPS season at Joe Kurz WMA in Meriwether County, GA. This is our 2nd year, and our first really organized year. It was a good day, even though the weather was threatening all day, and the bird song seemed very quiet compared to last year. We caught: Recaptured birds: Blue Grosbeak and Yellow-breasted Chat from 7/19/07 Yellow-breasted Chat from 5/13/07 Escapes: Carolina Wren and Summer Tanager (female) Banded: Red-eyed Vireo (3) Blue Grosbeak Yellow-breasted Chat Summer Tanager (3) Indigo Bunting (5) Downy Woodpecker Prairie Warbler (3) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Northern Mockingbird Northern Cardinal (2) We'll open nets at 6:30 am on Saturday May 24. All are welcome to attend. Good day! Charlie Muise Lamar County ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Ocmulgee National Monument and Bond Swamp From: Trey McCuen <barredowl AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 13:42:49 -0400 Anne Davis and I birded the Monument and Bond Swamp this morning. We tallied 62 species. Highlights were: Mississippi kite- 4 Cooper's hawk Broad winged hawk Yellow billed cuckoo- 3 Barred owl Ruby throated hummingbird Eastern wood pewee- 2 Acadian flycatcher- ~4 Northern rough winged swallow Barn swallow White breasted nuthatch Wood thrush Yellow throated vireo- 2 Gray catbird Cedar waxwing Scarlet tanager Summer tanager- ~4 Shorebirds: Greater yellowlegs Lesser yellowlegs Solitary sandpiper Spotted sandpiper Least sandpiper unidentified peeps Warblers: Northern parula Pine warbler American redstart Prothonotary warbler Swainson's warbler Hooded warbler Common yellowthroat Trey Mccuen Macon, GA ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Wilson's Phalarope in Bartow Co today From: Bobzarem Bellsouth net <bobzarem AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 13:06:04 -0400 I just received a call from Mark McShane telling us that he found a Wilson's Phalarope in Bartow a few minutes ago. The bird was on Brandon Farm Road on the left side past the power lines near the cattle pond. Cool! Bob Zaremba Marietta, GA ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Correct street for Ivory-billed Woodpecker lecture by Dr. Hill in Macon From: Sheila Willis <swillis AT WAYXCABLE.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 12:18:15 -0400 Hey folks, Hope you are fine. While trying to get map directions for the upcoming 5/12 lecture on the Florida Ivory-billed Woodpeckers by Dr. Hill(see Steve Holzman's 4/30 post for more info), I came across some conflicting information on directions to the lecture site which was listed as 4182 Forsyth Rd in Macon at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Note that there is both a Forsyth Rd and Forsyth St in Macon. MapQuest gives the correct directions for Forsyth RD, listing the location as WEST of I-75 along GA 19-N somewhat near (east) Wesleyan College. It is just east of Charter Blvd. Two major streets that are west of the location are Park St. (southside) & Forest Hill Rd (northside). As you would drive along in that area, Vineville Ave is the portion of the road that lies between Forsyth Rd & Forsyth St. Strange that they separated it this way into 3 different names for the route that really are just short distances. MSN Maps incorrectly assumes you made a mistake & gives the location as Forsyth ST and will not let you choose any other. It has the street address as EAST of I-75. Forsyth St. is crossed by I-75 and so the 4182 is showing as being on the east side of that freeway. If you followed their directions, you'd be nowhere near the Museum. We all know how many towns use the same "first name" for streets but include it with the additional "last names" of street, road, avenue, etc. Which can be confusing, right? Thanks to all who make sure they've listed the correct "last name" of a route. Recently, I also used one of these map sites to find the location of a motel. Turned out, it was sending me in the opposite direction at the exit but luckily I saw the sign for the motel at the off ramp & manage to get where I needed to go. So now, I almost always look up the site on at least 2 map web references. And it's still true that many of these sites/DeLorme mislabel the roads in S. GA for some reason, even though you can find the correct ones with some minimal effort at times (via state highway & county maps). Safe travels! Take care. Sincerely, Sheila Willis Native American-Naturalist Talks & Tours Waycross, Ware Co., GA ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Lost our nest of Phoebes?? From: Steve Moore <steve AT BIRDWATCHRADIO.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 06:55:48 -0400 My family has been watching a nest of Phoebes that was built about twenty feet from our deck. The birds hatched approximately twelve days ago and everything was looking very normal. Both parents working hard and lots of vibrancy from the birds in the nest. To our dismay all activity abruptly stopped almost overnight. Both parents disappeared completely from the yard and all activity in the nest stopped cold. I waited a day and nothing....so I climbed up to take a look. I found four large healthy looking nestlings covered with feathers but not real flight feathers yet....all dead. They don't seem to be maimed in any way. Any thoughts on what may have happened? There hasn't been anything weather related, the nest is well covered and it's hard to believe that something would have happened to both parents at the same time? Very sad. Thanks, Steve Moore Gainesville, GA ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Cochran Shoals Report 5/9/08 From: Ken Blankenship <kenhblankenship AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 21:44:06 -0400 I made it down to the The Shoals today for a while after work. I am hoping tomorrow's ORAS Field Trip will turn up good news of the RED-SHOULDERED HAWK family; the young have not been seen in several days but hopefully it is just coincidence of timing and nothing worse. An active HAIRY WOODPECKER nest was found today along the boardwalk in a dead branch. Incredibly, the KING RAIL is still in the swamp/marsh TIK-TIK-TIK-ing happily away as usual but never giving the slightest chance of a visual. A family of EASTERN PHOEBES was found by Nathan Farnau near the boardwalk entrance, and he also had a singing LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH on the riverbank along the Philly Vireo Trail. WODU Wood Duck 2 PBGR Pied-billed Grebe 1 GBHE Great Blue Heron 23 YCNH Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 1 GRHE Green Heron 1 OSPR Osprey 1 RTHA Red-tailed Hawk 2 KIRA King Rail 1 SPSA Spotted Sandpiper 2 CHSW Chimney Swift 2 RTHU Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 BEKI Belted Kingfisher RHWO Red-headed Woodpecker 1 HAWO Hairy Woodpecker 2 EAPH Eastern Phoebe 6 GCFL Great Crested Flycatcher 2 EAKI Eastern Kingbird 3 WEVI White-eyed Vireo 4 YTVI Yellow-throated Vireo 1 REVI Red-eyed Vireo 4 NRWS Northern Rough-winged Swallow 16 CLSW Cliff Swallow 2 BARS Barn Swallow 1 BGGN Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 16 EABL Eastern Bluebird 2 CEDW Cedar Waxwing 34 PIWA Pine Warbler 4 BLPW (fots) Blackpoll Warbler 1 AMRE American Redstart 1 LOWA Louisiana Waterthrush 1 COYE Common Yellowthroat 3 INBU Indigo Bunting 8 RWBL Red-winged Blackbird 10 OROR Orchard Oriole 1 AMGO American Goldfinch 21 Ken Blankenship Marietta, GA (Cobb County) http://www.wingsoverga.com ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: White Morph Great Blue Heron near Titusville FL From: D Hodgson <dhodgson AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 12:54:44 -0400 I just returned from a trip with my parents to the Titusville\Merritt Island area. While I realize this is not about a Georgia bird, I also know that many of you do go down to that area periodically. I managed to get over 1000 pics on the trip, but the highlight for me was finding a resident White Morph Great Blue Heron at the Viera Wetlands. If anyone is interested in more specific information or directions, please let me know. Regards, David Hodgson ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Possible Sora in Lilburn From: D Hodgson <dhodgson AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 12:28:35 -0400 Yesterday afternoon I was in my back yard when a small bird ran from the bushes and out the gate. I tried to follow with a camera to get a pic but couldn't locate it. I only got a brief view, but it looked liked a small rail. It was brownish and has what appeared to be a short, thick yellow beak with a blackish base. I have looked through my books and the only thing that I can find that has those features is a Sora. Is this possible? Likely? Any other species it could be? Btw, my house is in a development and is not next to any wetlands or marshes, but the county has been doing a lot of road construction about ¼ mile away...including replacing the bridge over a nearby creek. Any advice or comments would be appreciated. Regards, David Hodgson Lilburn, GA ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Arrowhead (Floyd County) 5/9/08 From: Dan Roper <RopersFive AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 09:23:35 EDT Ladies and Gents, Arrived at Arrowhead this morning at 6:10 a.m. and birded for two hours. Had a modest total of just 45 species, the best of which was a singing male yellow warbler. The female hooded merganser with chicks continues to "hang out" at pond #11. Today she and six chicks - all now about 3/4ths full-size, were repeatedly diving. Another female merganser was in pond #2 (she's been there for better than a month, but I haven't seen any chicks with her in weeks). I didn't see the American bittern today. I did see it near dusk last Saturday (5/3). Work on the dam for the lake on the north side of the property continues. I think they'll have that lake filled sometime this year. The addition of a lake to the property ought to enhance waterfowl variety and numbers next winter. Regards, Dan Roper Armuchee (Floyd County), GA **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Chuck-Will's-Widow From: Adrienne Myles <adriennemyles AT MAC.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 08:44:36 -0400 We heard a Chuck-Will's Widow the other night. I have not heard one in my yard in about 7 years. Other birds I have had in the yard recently are : Blackpoll warbler Cape May Warbler Kentucky Warbler Scarlet Tanager-He has been singing for 10 days so I am thinking he is staying! Wood Thrush-Seems to be staying also. Adrienne Myles Social Site for Birders http://www.birdwatcherbuddy.com North Fulton County ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: ADMIN: Was Re: [GABO-L] Boston, Mass Places to Bird From: Steve Holzman <steve_holzman AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 05:13:52 -0700 There are many new members to this list and to birding listservs in general.  So I'd like to take this opportunity to point out a few sources of excellent info. Birding Listservs: One of the best compendiums is http://www.birdingonthe.net/birdmail.html It has subscription information and archives for (almost) all of the North American lists. This should be the first website to visit when planning a trip. It is usually 100% more effective to email the listserv of the place you are visiting for information. Honestly, I use Google for most everything these days. For example, googling for the info Joe asked about brings up: http://www.massbird.org/links/index.htm#Places which has a list of places to bird in Boston. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADMIN Section:  Some reminders to the list in general: We have guidelines. These have been worked on and fine-tuned in the almost 10 years the list has been active. You received these when you subscribed, but many people don't read them. Here's the link in case you want to refresh your memories. http://www.gos.org/gabo.html we also have a FAQ http://www.gos.org/gabo-faq.html Here's a pertinent section: Q: What are appropriate topics for discussion? A: Bird sightings (particularly of rare or unusual birds); birding sites; trip reports; birding event/meeting/trip announcements; bird behavior, biology, and ecology; state or regional bird-related conservation issues (but not politics or arguments); and similar topics pertinent to Georgia and its immediate vicinity. Please use common sense, and feel free to contact an owner if you are in doubt about the appropriateness of a given topic.  Here's another one (the most frequently forgotten or disregarded) Q: Is there a special format for posts? A: Posts should have an informative subject line and should always include a signature with the poster’s full name and geographic location. Please also use, at least once, the full name of any birds you mention; this will make searching the archives more productive for all. Post in plain text only..... I know this seems petty and 'controlling' but the only way a list can survive and not fracture (as MANY lists have done) is to maintain guidelines and enforce them without offense or excessive force. Over the years, a few people (including myself) have tried to create forums, Yahoo Groups, etc to allow a less controlled environment where we can discuss cats, gardening, worldwide bird conservation, whatever. For the most part these other lists don't stick around very long. We all seem to come back to GABO and post according to the guidelines. I'll take that as an endorsement of the job Marion and I are doing. Thank you for your time, Steve Holzman (CO-ADMIN GABO-L) North High Shoals, GA Oconee County, USA ----- Original Message ---- From: "Joseph D. Weissman, M.D., Ph.D." To: GABO-L AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU Sent: Friday, May 9, 2008 7:36:10 AM Subject: [GABO-L] Boston, Mass Places to Bird I will be travelling to Boston, Mass tomorrow and would like to spend 1-2 days birding. Anyone familiar with any good locations nearby? Or a birding listserver for that location? Joe Weissman               ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Boston, Mass Places to Bird From: "Joseph D. Weissman, M.D., Ph.D." <jdweissman AT NIMONITOR.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 11:36:10 +0000 I will be travelling to Boston, Mass tomorrow and would like to spend 1-2 days birding. Anyone familiar with any good locations nearby? Or a birding listserver for that location? Joe Weissman ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: All Women's Birding Bust From: Nita Wynn <wynnn AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 07:05:47 -0400 Our team, the Babe-Breasted Warblers, went out on May 6 for our All Women's Birding Bust. Four out of our five members were able to participate: Cheryl Kanes, Becky Valentine, Lynda Wiggins and Nita Wynn. Our day began at 5:00 am at Rum Creek WMA. We enjoyed hearing Whip-poor-will and Chuck-will's widow, as well as viewing the aeronautics of Common Nighthawk. During the early morning, we combed Rum Creek and Piedmont NWR. A few highlights from these areas were Bachman's Sparrow, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Northern Bobwhite, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Prothonotary and Black-throated Blue Warblers, Northern Waterthrush and Cliff Swallows. Next we headed to Macon; there the Baltimore Oriole cooperated beautifully. On Lower Poplar Street, we witnessed an Eastern Kingbird convention of easily 30-40 birds. Afterwards, we interrupted our flight to the coast with a stop at Bond Swamp. Then, while eating our lunch in the car, we headed to McIntosh County. After investigating Harris Neck NWR and Altamaha WMA, we continued on to Jekyll Island. Highlights from these areas included Least Bittern, Purple Gallinule, Barred Owl, Marsh Wren, Mottled Duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Red Knot, Gray Kingbird, numerous Whimbrels, and Willet incongruously perched on telephone lines. Finally we closed the birding bust on St. Simon's Island with a Great Horned Owl calling at 11:00 pm. It was a long, exhausting day after birding approximately 18 hours, but we had lots of fun and saw many marvelous birds. Our final count came to 135 species. We are already looking forward to 2009, when we plan to have more fun and see even more birds. Nita Wynn Gwinnett County Snellville, GA ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Screech Owls 2, Snakes 0 From: Tim Rose <feralman AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 21:17:45 -0400 After an apparently abortive Screech Owl nesting attempt early in the spring, I was surprised last weekend to find an owl looking out of one of my nest boxes. I soon had enough evidence to determine that it was a mother, that the eggs had hatched, and that as of now the young are not yet big enough to peek out of the box. I think it's the same female from the last two years. I suspect they're on a later schedule than usual because of the false start. Last night I saw one of the parents (I haven't definitively seen the male yet but in the coming and going in the dark I can't tell who's who) bringing in a snake, maybe a foot and a half long, and dropping it off for the kids. This evening there was a repeat performance with another snake, about the same size. Tim Rose Lilburn, Gwinnett County ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: AWBB - The Butter Butts From: Bird Gab <BIRDGAB AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 19:41:38 EDT AWBB - The Butter Butts Thank goodness the Butter Butts ignored the weather forecast and proceeded as planned on Saturday’s big day around Atlanta. We began by listening to the pre-dawn chorus in Druid Hills then drove slowly around the neighborhood searching the roof-tops for the one lone turkey. We then headed to Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve hoping to hear the Barred Owl and see the nesting Red-shouldered Hawks. A pair of Wood Ducks stole the show, and the Waterthrushes had a singing competition. The sound of Wood Thrushes was also lovely. We then went to Henderson Park, in DeKalb County, where even with the threat of rain we were able to see several Blackpoll Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers and a Baltimore Oriole. We saw a female Purple Finch, that we had seen while scouting the day before. We assumed she was still around because her right eye was infected. After waiting out a brief rain shower under the pavilion, which we shared with a couple of children’s birthday parties, we headed to the Mercer Wetlands. The Yellow-crowned Night-Herons and the Hooded Warbler were a real treat. As the rain subsided, we meandered over to Cochran Shoals. By then, it was time for hats and sunscreen! We were welcomed by the sound of the King Rail and spectacular displays from the Red-tailed Hawks and Osprey. We decided to end the day at the Johnson Ferry Unit on the Chattahoochee River. We were delighted to see our second Orchard Oriole of the day. While trying to pish-up sparrows in the grassy field, a Sedge Wren popped up long enough for all to get a good look. We ended the day at dark, hoping for a calling owl, Whip-poor-will or a Chuck-will’ s-widow. As the evening fog rolled in, we were just happy we had had such a fun day of birding in some great spots so close to the city. Sally Hodges Cheryl Kanes Mary Jane Stone Becky Valentine 82 species **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: ORAS Field Trip to Cochran Shoals From: Ed Maioriello <edm AT MAIORIELLO.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 17:08:20 -0400 The Oconee Rivers Audubon Society will be having a field trip to Cochran Shoals, part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Saturday Morning May 10th. We will meet at the Shops of South Athens Shopping Center parking lot in time to leave at 6:30AM. This is the shopping center on South Milledge where it meets the Athens bypass. There is a detailed description of Cochran Shoals on Ken Blankenship's great WingsOverGA site, http://www.wingsoverga.com/CobbCountyBirdingSites.html#CochranShoals. We will try to carpool using as few cars as possible. We should arrive a little before 8:00AM for those that wish to join us there. As usual, you should bring your binoculars, any snacks or water desired, and dress for the weather. Bug spray is probably recommended though I didn't have any issues last Sunday. Please feel free to contact me at fieldtrip AT oconeeriversaudubon.org or on my cell 706-296-5275 if you have any questions. Ed Maioriello Athens, GA ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Black-billed Cuckoo in Cherokee County From: Rusty Trump <rusty_trump AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 16:56:47 -0400 Hi Georgia Birders, My sister-in-law called me regarding a bird that hit her window and was sitting on her deck stunned/hurt. From her description it sounded like a cuckoo, but she said that the bill was black not yellow. She then sent me a photo of the bird and it was a Black-billed Cuckoo! After about 20 minutes of sitting on their deck the bird eventually flew off and headed out into the woods. Take Care, Rusty Trump Suwanee, GA ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Dove question From: Marla Mitchell <marla.mitchell AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 15:15:57 -0400 Yesterday below our feeder, a dove was feeding. I would say Mourning Dove but there was something that puzzled me. It was smaller than the Mourning Doves, appearing to be full grown (but maybe I am wrong) and although being otherwise colored like a Mourning Dove it had several good size perfect white circles on its wing and back. I checked the field guide and compared it to the traditional Mourning Dove as well as others and the description mentioned nothing about white spots on any individuals. Is this normal with a Mourning Dove and has anyone else seen a Dove like this with white circles. I thought that maybe some of you more seasoned birders might have an answer hopefully for me. It was a very pretty dove and was completely at ease with us sitting on our back porch just a few feet from it. Take care and God bless, Mrs. Marla Mitchell Loganville, GA (Walton County) ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: MIssissippi Kite in Houston County From: Jim Gilreath <jsgilreath AT COX.NET> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 14:44:43 -0400 I would like to add another Mississippi Kite sighting to earlier ones posted by Joshua Spence and Charlie Muise. The unusual thing abut this sighting is that this is the first one I have seen from my suburban backyard. Not only is this area suburban, but there is a lot of habitat destruction from development of shopping areas, housing and roads. The Mississippi Kite has been riding thermals above our house in Bonaire all this week May 5-May 8. Maybe more asphalt and concrete makes for stronger thermals? I have been watching birds in the yard and above the yard for 24 years and you would have thought I would have seen another one previously, but no, this is the first. Based on other reported sightings posted on this forum, perhaps Mississippi Kite populations are increasing? Jim Gilreath In the Backyard, Bonaire, GA Houston County ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Big win for California Condors From: "Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)" <rhc0 AT CDC.GOV> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 14:17:29 -0400 http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/08/conservation.deal.ap/index.html Bob Cheek Stockbridge, Ga. ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Migration of Bitterns From: "Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)" <rhc0 AT CDC.GOV> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 13:58:16 -0400 As I watched this Bittern this morning fly to breed in the North lands, I thought to myself the tremendous odds of this bird or its fledglings returning to the South. If it does not get hit by a car, fly into an electrical wire, fly into a building, or gets to it's familiar marshland to find it developed and gone, is a miracle of God; not to mention its normal problems of predation by other animals. Bob Cheek Stockbridge, Ga. ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Mississippi Kites - Murray County - 5/8/08 From: Joshua Spence <spencejoshua AT BELLSOUTH.NET> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 13:26:50 -0400 I made a quick stop at the Boukardts Sodfarm in Murray County this morning. I was hoping for some migrant shorebirds but none were observed. I did see two Mississippi Kites here. There were some vultures catching some thermals and these two kites came and joined them. It looked to me that they came out of the forest along Holly Creek. They very well could have roosted there last night. I got some wonderful views as they soared over me for about five minutes, then they turned north and began gaining altitude. These are the first kites I've seen in Murray County in many years. There's been several reports of these in northern GA over the last few weeks. Can anyone recall a recent spring that has had this many MIKI reports from this part of the state? Joshua Spence, Murray County ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: American Bittern in Atlanta From: "Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)" <rhc0 AT CDC.GOV> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 13:19:36 -0400 There is a wetland on Clarimont pass the VA Medical Center where the American Bittern has been seen in the past. It was definitely coming from that direction. Cheers! Bob Cheek ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: American Bittern Atlanta today May 8th From: "Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)" <rhc0 AT CDC.GOV> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 13:02:27 -0400 This morning on my way to work, I had an American Bittern fly over my car on 75 north near the Clairmont road exit. The deep, rapid wing beats and sharp pointed wings were very distinct. Bob Cheek Stockbridge, Ga. ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Georgia IBA job announcement From: Mary Elfner <gaiba AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 10:56:06 -0400 The following post was previously approved by Steve Holzman: Georgia Important Bird Areas (IBA) Coordinator Job Description An Important Bird Area (IBA) is a place that provides essential habitat for one or more species of birds, whether in breeding season, winter, or during migration. These sites are considered to be exceptionally important for bird conservation. The Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program is a global group of partners coordinated by BirdLife International, with the National Audubon Society being the United States partner. These internationally based programs use landscape and management-based approaches to bird conservation. Taken together, these approaches are designed to help ensure the survival of all bird species. The mission of the Georgia Important Bird Areas Program is to identify, monitor, conserve, and restore significant bird habitats in Georgia. The Georgia IBA program is a cornerstone of the Atlanta Audubon Society's (AAS) conservation platform. The primary goal of the Georgia IBA Program is to identify and conserve key breeding, wintering, and migratory sites for birds. Duties: The Coordinator will lead the IBA Program in Georgia and work with the IBA Advisory and IBA Technical Committees, volunteers, and other organizations, to coordinate all aspects of the program, including: . continuing the ongoing work of developing and updating a list of priority species . identifying monitoring needs, developing and implementing plans to meet them . nominating Important Bird Area sites and submitting proposals for Global IBA status . collecting necessary data to evaluate nominated sites . serving as an advocate for sound management of birds on IBAs by attending stakeholder meetings, writing letters, and regularly communicating with decision makers at IBAs . collaborating with partners to develop conservation plans for select IBAs . enabling partners to implement conservation plans by o assisting with meetings/consensus building o helping to secure funds for IBA management projects either internally or through grant writing activities o developing monitoring and evaluation strategies to track the success of management projects . managing a network of volunteers to support the work, including engaging local Audubon chapters, the Georgia Ornithological Society, and others . writing grants and raising funds to carry out program objectives . communicating and networking with key stakeholders statewide including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the various Georgia chapters of the National Audubon Society, the Georgia Ornithological Society, etc. . raising awareness of the IBA program through a variety of channels, such as conferences, public outreach, articles, presentations, etc. . updating the IBA portion of the AAS website and creating annual reports . other duties directed by the IBA Advisory Committee and the board of the Atlanta Audubon Society. Qualifications: B.S. degree is required, with at least three years professional (not student) experience preferred, M.S. degree preferred, in biology, ecology, conservation biology, wildlife biology, ornithology, natural resources, or equivalent. Qualified applicants should have a sound knowledge of birds, bird monitoring, conservation, and be familiar with birds of the southeast. Applicants should have experience in program management and fund-raising. Applicants should be highly organized, be able to take the initiative with little direction, have strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with scientists, educators and the general public, possess solid computer skills, and demonstrate a passion for wildlife and habitat conservation. Position Information: This part time position will be contracted through the Atlanta Audubon Society. Salary and hours are negotiable and flexible. This is a consulting position, so no benefits are included. Job location may be at home office or at the AAS office. Work will require travel for meetings, observations of IBA sites, and gathering data for the IBA process. Interested candidates can email cover letter and resume to Kelly Hopkins, Conservation Chair - Atlanta Audubon Society, hopkins_kelly AT bellsouth.net . ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Jekyll Island news From: Leon Galis <lgalis AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 09:59:32 -0400 We just received a note from one of the editors of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the paper has decided to reopen its public forum on the future of Jekyll Island State Park, which ran last week and drew over 260 responses. If you haven't already contributed or encouraged others to do so, please help out now. We have an opportunity here to show how much people care about Jekyll's future. We also have a chance to demonstrate to the press that the Jekyll development question is well worth covering. As you can see from some of the comments already posted, there is a push to have the Governor rethink his appointees' plans for Jekyll Island State Park. Thanks for doing whatever you can to keep the AJC discussion moving forward. To enter a comment on the AJC's website, simply click on the following link and then click on "post a comment." www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/opiniontalk/entries/2008/04/28/jekyll_islands.html The "comments box" on the website has unlimited space, so write as much as you wish. Thanks, Mindy and David Egan Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Re: Cutting of trees along the highway From: "mimbrava AT mindspring.com" <mimbrava@MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 08:32:16 -0400 They've done something similar, though on a smaller scale, in Roswell. They clear-cut a narrow swath of trees along the exit onto Holcomb Bridge Road simply to erect a noise barrier where, to my understanding, there were no private homes to protect from freeway noise. It is ugly and, in my eyes, totally unnecessary. The leadership in this state always scares me. Mim Eisenberg Roswell Fulton Co. On May 8, 2008, at 7:11 AM, Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH) wrote: > On Interstate 75 yesterday, the roads crews are cutting down trees in > Henry County way pass the highway. They have the great machines that > literally grab large trees and rip them down. I hate to know how many > bird nest that have been destroyed needlessly. No wonder the DOT > is in > billion of dollars worth of debt. Sometimes the leadership in this > state scars me. > > Bob Cheek > Stockbridge, Ga. > > ********** > To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to > http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html > > To contact a listowner, send message to > GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU > > To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to > http://www.gos.org/gabo.html > ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: please submit your Swallow-tailed Kite reports From: Mark Freeman <roam4birds AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 05:29:17 -0700 With all the kite sightings across the state, mostly Mississippis, but also a few Swallow-taileds, this is a good time to remind folks to please submit all your sightings of Swallow-tailed Kite to the Center for Birds of Prey in SC. They are continuing their ongoing citizen-science effort to collect STKI sightings reports range-wide (from southeastern NC to eastern TX). All data received will contribute towards conservation efforts to protect this beautiful bird. They have upgraded the online reporting form to include a Google Maps system of generating lat/longs for your sighting location. Please report sightings at this website: http://www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/swallowtail/swallowtail.html And if you submit reports online, please mention so in your GABO posts to keep people aware of the project. Spread the word! Bookmark that website. Thanks very much! Mark Freeman Watkinsville, GA (Oconee County) and Spring Island, SC roam4birds AT yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: William Laws Re: RTHA behavior From: Carole Ludwig <carolelud AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 07:33:31 -0400 I am a veterinarian and worked at the SC Birds of Prey Center for a while.? A possible explanation for the odd RTHA behavior is that it might be a hawk that was an orphan or was injured and spent time in a rehab facility, ?thus became used to the presence of people and maybe even seek them out as a source of food. Carole Ludwig, Watkinsville, Oconee Co. ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Cutting of trees along the highway From: "Cheek, Bob (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)" <rhc0 AT CDC.GOV> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 07:11:48 -0400 On Interstate 75 yesterday, the roads crews are cutting down trees in Henry County way pass the highway. They have the great machines that literally grab large trees and rip them down. I hate to know how many bird nest that have been destroyed needlessly. No wonder the DOT is in billion of dollars worth of debt. Sometimes the leadership in this state scars me. Bob Cheek Stockbridge, Ga. ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Reed Creek Park 5/04/08 (Columbia County) From: Eugene Zielinski <zielinskiee AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 23:27:45 -0400 A belated report... I paid a short late morning visit to Reed Creek Park in Martinez, just outside of Augusta, on Sunday (May 4). Birds were not numerous, but variety was pretty good, especially for warblers -- American Redstart (2, male & female), Northern Waterthrush (2, possibly 3, singing), Yellow Warbler (male, singing a very odd song), Blackpoll Warbler, Prairie Warbler (singing), Black-and-White Warbler (heard only), as well as Northern Parula (nests here) and Common Yellowthroat (year-round resident). Gene Eugene Zielinski Augusta (Richmond Co) ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Stilt Sandpiper, Forsyth Co. From: "James F. Flynn Jr." <jim.flynn AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 22:58:31 -0400 Hi, folks, I stopped by American Proteins in northern Forsyth Co. this evening and observed a single Stilt Sandpiper along the edge of the largest settling pond. Also there: 8 Least Sandpipers, 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Sandpipers. Take care, Jim Flynn Forsyth Co., GA http://www.gos.org http://www.atlantaaudubon.org/ ****************************** ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html Subject: Dickcissels - Monroe From: Charlie <cmmbirds AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 14:51:19 -0700 Hi folks, Today 4 year-old Allan and I went after Loggerhead Shrikes (LOSH) in Monroe and Lamar Counties. Our normal route usually includes Forsyth-Yatesville Road, where some good sightings have occurred lately. With all the Mississippi Kites I've seen, and the big numbers reported there, I was very excited. But weather changes, and birds move and... well, we saw ONE Mississippi Kite. Sigh. However, we did locate FIVE Dickcissels! There were 3 separate birds singing in the location mentioned earlier. There was also a PAIR on Lee Williamson Road, which is also a dirt road, only a couple miles away. Allan had fun learning the calls and appearance of the many Blue Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Yellow-breasted Chats, etc. He got good looks at both oriole species. We ended up banding 2 of the 9 LOSH we found. Interestingly, we found none in one of the most productive areas - that of Lee Williamson, Parks Road and the eastern end of Brent Roads. Cheers, Charlie Muise Lamar County ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ********** To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request AT LISTSERV.UGA.EDU To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to http://www.gos.org/gabo.html