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20 Nov Purple Finches [Christine Kline ] 20 Nov Pine Siskin - Webster Groves [Marvin Staloch ] 20 Nov Rusty Blackbird [Lester Pannell ] 20 Nov Re: Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head advice ["Mark A. Corder" ] 20 Nov Regular Feeder Birds, Saint Joseph [Larry Lade ] 20 Nov Re: Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head advice [Edge ] 20 Nov Re: Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head advice [Linda Williams ] 20 Nov Northern Shrike [Charles Burwick ] 20 Nov choosing a scope [Kathleen Anderson ] 20 Nov Re: Squaw Creek NWR: call for volunteers Sat [Jill DeWitt ] 20 Nov Re: Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head advice [Bob Fisher ] 20 Nov Re: SCNWR/Smithvillle 11/19/09 /(no birds) [Jennifer Reidy ] 19 Nov Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head advice [Christina McClarren ] 19 Nov raptor run [Lawrence Herbert ] 20 Nov SCNWR/Smithvillle 11/19/09 [Linda Williams ] 19 Nov Eagle Bluffs - Nov 19 [Kathleen Anderson ] 19 Nov Smithville Grebes still there- 11/19 [Andrew Forbes ] 19 Nov Program reminder - St. L birders [Charlene and Jim Malone ] 19 Nov Re: What are Christmas Bird Counts - for all the novices on here [Charles Burwick ] 19 Nov Re: What are Christmas Bird Counts - for all the novices on here [Bill Eddleman ] 19 Nov Re: What are Christmas Bird Counts - for all the novices on here [Larry Lade ] 19 Nov Re: What are Christmas Bird Counts - for all the novices on here [Kristi Mayo ] 18 Nov What are Christmas Bird Counts - for all the novices on here [Christina McClarren ] 18 Nov Creve Coue Lake Loons [Al and Lois Smith ] 18 Nov SLAS Field Trip Announcement, StL Area [Michael Thelen ] 18 Nov Oxbow Lakes Birds, Saint Joseph [Larry Lade ] 18 Nov St. Louis area. Rain days [Bill Rudden ] 18 Nov Smithville, 6/18 - Grebes YES [Bob Fisher ] 18 Nov Top Ten List:::MBRC 2008 18 Nov Smithville Lake - Snow Geese [Bill Blackledge ] 18 Nov Re: Northern Saw-Whet Owl-Question only [Philip Wire ] 18 Nov MICH. BIRD - Anc. Murrelet still around [Charlene and Jim Malone ] 18 Nov Cedar County [Terry McNeely ] 18 Nov CCL & RMBS [Charlene and Jim Malone ] 18 Nov Creve Coeur Lake--no Common Loons at noon [Pat Lueders ] 18 Nov Binders Lake & Little Dixie [Eric Wood ] 18 Nov Northern Saw-Whet Owl-Question only [bryan prather ] 18 Nov SPELLING [Curtis Brobisky ] 18 Nov back yard birds [Curtis Brobisky ] 18 Nov Snow Geese over Manchester MO.STL Co. [Leslie B Jenkins ] 18 Nov Woodpeckers!! [Jenny Gunn ] 17 Nov Re: Birding TEXAS - field guide confusion [Bob Fisher ] 17 Nov Cedar Waxwings [Jo Strange ] 17 Nov Re: Barred owl "almost" attack [Debra Nichols ] 17 Nov Re: Birding TEXAS - field guide confusion [Edge ] 17 Nov Re: Smithville Lake 11/16/09 [Joshua Uffman ] 17 Nov Re: Birding TEXAS - field guide confusion [Bob Fisher ] 17 Nov St Charles Co CBC [Anne McCormack ] 17 Nov Re: Snow Geese in Callaway County [Anne McCormack ] 17 Nov Re: Question about posting CBC info [David Scheu ] 17 Nov Re: Question about posting CBC info [Susan Hazelwood ] 17 Nov Little Dixie Lake (Callaway Co.) [Edge ] 17 Nov Question about posting CBC info [Matthew Torres ] 17 Nov 32 Loons CCL - St. L co [Charlene and Jim Malone ] 17 Nov Re: Birding TEXAS - field guide confusion [Christina McClarren ] 17 Nov Columbia FIELD TRIP [Edge ] 17 Nov Snow Geese in Callaway County [Jean Leonatti ] 17 Nov Brown Thrasher [Leo Galloway ] 17 Nov Little Dixie Lake, Callaway Co. Late Tree Swallow, 9 Co. Loons [Brad Jacobs ] 17 Nov Re: Killdeer young, Dexter City Lake, 11/13, Stoddard Co. [Chris Hobbs ] 17 Nov Re: Latest Fall MO Avocet Records [Bob Fisher ] 17 Nov FOY Purple Finch [Glenn Pickett ] 16 Nov Barred owl in deer camp [Dave Haenni ] 16 Nov Where are the Owls? [Mike Doyen ] 16 Nov killdeer young comment [Lawrence Herbert ] 16 Nov Latest Fall MO Avocet Records [Joshua Uffman ] 16 Nov Re: Killdeer young, Dexter City Lake, 11/13, Stoddard Co. [holly higinbotham ] 16 Nov Re: Avocet at Riverlands [Al and Lois Smith ] 16 Nov Texas sites material [Edge ] 16 Nov Smithville Lake 11/16/09 [Linda Williams ] 16 Nov Re: Birding TEXAS [Michael Grant ] 16 Nov Birding TEXAS [Edge ] 16 Nov Common Loons, Large mixed raft-Creve Coeur Lake [bryan prather ] 16 Nov Re: Birding Trip to Texas - please, I need your help [Jennifer Reidy ] 15 Nov Re: Birding Trip to Texas - please, I need your help [Bob Fisher ] 15 Nov Squaw Creek NWR Sat 11-14 [Dianne & Steve Kinder ] Subject: Purple Finches From: Christine Kline <birdsecretary AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:07:47 -0600 The Burroughs Audubon Library and Bird Sanctuary has been having a Purple Finch visiting the feeders. Today we had both male and female. Are you sitting down? Realized today that's a life bird for me. I had never seen a Purple Finch before and it was SO beautiful. All those times I tried to turn a House Finch into a Purple Finch. I was sorely mistaken. Saw both side by side today. AWESOME! Christine Kline Pleasant Hill, MO ~ Cass County birdsecretary AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: Pine Siskin - Webster Groves From: Marvin Staloch <mstaloch01 AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:35:18 -0600 We have one Pine Siskin at our feeders this morning along with about 3 dozen Goldfinch. Marv and Karen Staloch Webster Groves St. Louis County ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: Rusty Blackbird From: Lester Pannell <pannell2 AT WEBOUND.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:11:52 -0600 Wednesday Bill Wheeler and I spent the day birding Pomme de Terre and Stockton Lakes. We saw a Rusty Blackbird at Stockton Lake and several horned Grebes and Common Loons. There were also good numbers of Cedar Waxwings. North of Lebanon there are four lakes containing about 40 acres. Over the years it has been a good place to observe ducks. last year numbers were down a lot. This fall I have seen only two duks here and a few Pied billed Grebes. There is no big change in habitat. I am concerned that for some reason duks are no longer going to be here. i have been observing ducks here for 20 years. Lesteer Pannell Lebanon ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: Re: Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head advice From: "Mark A. Corder" <buddesystem AT MSN.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:51:07 -0600
the bird guy at Eagle Optics is Jason Sailings
jsailing AT eagleoptics.com
Mark A. Corder 232 S. Cherry Olathe, Kansas 66061 buddesystem AT msn.com
913-764-8844 (office) 913-764-1463 (fax)
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:57:53 -0600
From: edgew AT MCHSI.COM
Subject: Re: Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head advice
To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU
I ditto everything Bob wrote, with a couple explanations, additions. (We've
been through all this before--these questions get asked about once a year).
1. Best source of professional information and answers to questions with full
array of possibilities: EAGLE OPTICS in Wisconsin. They have a web site w/
catalog. They also have an 800 number. Call it with some questions ready and
the very knowledgeable salesperson will give excellent answers and
explanations. This is one case in which buying non-local is most likely the
best for the buyer. I HAVE NO, I REPEAT: NO INVESTMENT/PROFIT INTEREST IN EAGLE
OPTICS. I offer information about Eagle Optics because every birder I know who
has bought equipment through them sings their praises highly. I've bought 3
prs. of binoculars and 2 scopes as I've become more addicted to birding and
desired better optics.
2. Carbon fiber tripods are very expensive and the main feature is being ultra
light. I'm not particularly strong, especially in arms , but decided on a
tripod that is pretty light and is not carbon fiber.
Some people advocate getting the heaviest (they argue that equates with the
sturdiest) tripod available. I often carry my tripod with scope mounted on it
for long distances. I don't want extra weight. The sturdiness is often to
provide stabilization in windy situations. Stabilization can be accomplished in
ways other than carrying around a couple extra pounds on your shoulder.
Also, as Bob noted, a top line scope mounted on a cheap, light weight tripod
meant for video cameras becomes a mediocre scope. This is because scopes are
balanced differently than cameras. The design overwhelms the tripod stability
capability.
3. Height of tripod. This makes a big difference. I'm 5'3". I have AN ANGLED
SCOPE. I do not need a long tripod like Mike Thelen, who is well over 6' and
has a straight angle scope. My tripod, with center post fully extended extends
to well above 6 foot and the angle eyepiece means that anyone from 4' to 6'6"
can use my scope comfortably. My reasoning: why buy a tripod and carry the
weight for extra length in legs and centerpiece that I don't need?
4. BIG DIFFERENCE between what a photographer needs/wants/uses and what a
spotting scope birder wants/needs.
a. FLUID HEAD. Birder wants this for ease in panning.
b. QUICK RELEASE. Scopes made since mine sometimes have the scope part built
in (mine doesn't), and this connects with a quick release plate mounted on the
head. Without the quick release set-up, you have to screw and unscrew the scope
from the head on the tripod (and if you have one, the window mount). This is
tedious, time-consuming and guaranteed to miss a lot of birds.
c. Ask the Eagle Optics salesperson what is the most popular tripod leg
release mechanism and WHY. Ask which is the most troublesome, and WHY.
5. NOTE: the full package of scope and tripod often comes in several
pieces--that is you must decide which of many element selections to make, and
get everything you need. The full array includes:
1. Spotting Scope: this is the "barrel" either straight or angled, many options
as to HD or not, etc.
2. Eyepiece: sold separately, this is mounted onto the barrel. It may be single
focus or zoom. GET A ZOOM (20-60)
3. Quick release (whatever mechanism) for ease on/off tripod head
4. Scope cover (this is for protection from elements and self
klutzitude--dropped mine onto concrete on first outing)
5. Tripod
6. Tripod head (ah, yes, sold separately) remember fluid head
7. Tripod strap (most people don't have it; I use mine to carry tripod on
shoulder with scope mounted--I can balance it, control the movements, change
pressure point on shoulder, etc., AND keep my arm down, rather than holding
onto the tripod at shoulder height--this is important to me because I have good
control of the set up, can often have both hands free to use binocs because of
good balance, and it keeps my arm down and blood flowing in less than perfect
circulation body.
Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
edgew AT mchsi.com
On Nov 20, 2009, at 8:09 AM, Bob Fisher wrote:
Christina:
You can't go wrong with the Swarovski 80 HD, although there are other options
out there. There are, however, a few decisions to make:
------------------------------------------------------------
The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.asp
------------------------------------------------------------
The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.asp
Subject: Regular Feeder Birds, Saint JosephFrom: Larry Lade <gcrownkinglet AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:38:13 -0800 This morning we had heavy, very heavy, fog in the Saint Joseph area. I spent awhile watching the bird feeders in our side yard. Just the "regulars" were observed; European Starlings, House Sparrows, Northern Cardinals, Dark-eyed Juncos, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, American Goldfinches, Back-capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Carolina Wrens, White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches and one Mourning Dove. I was surprised the other day to notice that the forsythia in our front yard was blooming, talk about unseasonably warm weather! Today I noticed that a couple of the buds had burst open into the yellow petals that they usually send forth in the spring! Somehow I just don't think this is going to last. Larry Lade Saint Joseph, MO gcrownkinglet AT yahoo DOT com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: Re: Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head advice From: Edge <edgew AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:57:53 -0600 I ditto everything Bob wrote, with a couple explanations, additions.
(We've been through all this before--these questions get asked about
once a year).
1. Best source of professional information and answers to questions
with full array of possibilities: EAGLE OPTICS in Wisconsin. They
have a web site w/ catalog. They also have an 800 number. Call it
with some questions ready and the very knowledgeable salesperson will
give excellent answers and explanations. This is one case in which
buying non-local is most likely the best for the buyer. I HAVE NO, I
REPEAT: NO INVESTMENT/PROFIT INTEREST IN EAGLE OPTICS. I offer
information about Eagle Optics because every birder I know who has
bought equipment through them sings their praises highly. I've
bought 3 prs. of binoculars and 2 scopes as I've become more addicted
to birding and desired better optics.
2. Carbon fiber tripods are very expensive and the main feature is
being ultra light. I'm not particularly strong, especially in arms ,
but decided on a tripod that is pretty light and is not carbon fiber.
Some people advocate getting the heaviest (they argue that equates
with the sturdiest) tripod available. I often carry my tripod with
scope mounted on it for long distances. I don't want extra weight.
The sturdiness is often to provide stabilization in windy
situations. Stabilization can be accomplished in ways other than
carrying around a couple extra pounds on your shoulder.
Also, as Bob noted, a top line scope mounted on a cheap, light weight
tripod meant for video cameras becomes a mediocre scope. This is
because scopes are balanced differently than cameras. The design
overwhelms the tripod stability capability.
3. Height of tripod. This makes a big difference. I'm 5'3". I
have AN ANGLED SCOPE. I do not need a long tripod like Mike Thelen,
who is well over 6' and has a straight angle scope. My tripod, with
center post fully extended extends to well above 6 foot and the angle
eyepiece means that anyone from 4' to 6'6" can use my scope
comfortably. My reasoning: why buy a tripod and carry the weight
for extra length in legs and centerpiece that I don't need?
4. BIG DIFFERENCE between what a photographer needs/wants/uses and
what a spotting scope birder wants/needs.
a. FLUID HEAD. Birder wants this for ease in panning.
b. QUICK RELEASE. Scopes made since mine sometimes have the
scope part built in (mine doesn't), and this connects with a quick
release plate mounted on the head. Without the quick release set-up,
you have to screw and unscrew the scope from the head on the tripod
(and if you have one, the window mount). This is tedious, time-
consuming and guaranteed to miss a lot of birds.
c. Ask the Eagle Optics salesperson what is the most popular
tripod leg release mechanism and WHY. Ask which is the most
troublesome, and WHY.
5. NOTE: the full package of scope and tripod often comes in
several pieces--that is you must decide which of many element
selections to make, and get everything you need. The full array
includes:
1. Spotting Scope: this is the "barrel" either straight or angled,
many options as to HD or not, etc.
2. Eyepiece: sold separately, this is mounted onto the barrel. It
may be single focus or zoom. GET A ZOOM (20-60)
3. Quick release (whatever mechanism) for ease on/off tripod head
4. Scope cover (this is for protection from elements and self
klutzitude--dropped mine onto concrete on first outing)
5. Tripod
6. Tripod head (ah, yes, sold separately) remember fluid head
7. Tripod strap (most people don't have it; I use mine to carry
tripod on shoulder with scope mounted--I can balance it, control the
movements, change pressure point on shoulder, etc., AND keep my arm
down, rather than holding onto the tripod at shoulder height--this is
important to me because I have good control of the set up, can often
have both hands free to use binocs because of good balance, and it
keeps my arm down and blood flowing in less than perfect circulation
body.
Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
edgew AT mchsi.com
On Nov 20, 2009, at 8:09 AM, Bob Fisher wrote:
> Christina:
>
> You can't go wrong with the Swarovski 80 HD, although there are
> other options out there. There are, however, a few decisions to make:
------------------------------------------------------------
The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.asp
Subject: Re: Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head adviceFrom: Linda Williams <lkwilliams AT KC.RR.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:38:34 -0600 I have already replied with some recommendations privately to Chris, but since I have heard comments several times lately on using an angled scope in a car, I wanted to publicly reply to that. There is a perception that angled scopes are more difficult in a car when they are actually the opposite. Angled scopes can rotate on their tripod collar i.e. they are not "fixed" in a position so you have to look down at an angle all the time. In a car, this is a big advantage over a straight scope. Especially when looking to your left, you can rotate the whole scope so you are looking from a comfortable position with the eyepiece angled to the side toward you rather than climbing onto the steering wheel. Looking to the extreme right, you have more flexibility, too, since the seat can be in the way of a straight scope. With an angled scope, you can also turn the eyepiece downward for shorter people and children without changing the tripod height. This came in handy yesterday when my group had stopped traffic at Squaw Creek to look at two Great Horned Owls sitting side by side in a tree. Three carloads of other visitors including some shorter than me all used my scope without adjusting the tripod. For those reasons, an angled scope was recommended to me by an excellent birder and I have not regretted it. I was skeptical since I am so used to tracking birds through a straight telephoto camera lens. Learning to find and track birds through an angled scope was not as difficult as I feared. As Bob said, there are several top quality scopes. HD or APO, although more expensive, are definitely worth the investment. I am very happy with my Leica APO-Televid 77. It has now been replaced with an 82 mm version which I'm sure is even better since it would allow more light. I also recommended getting a window mount to Chris. I would also recommend making sure you tighten it down securely every time. I guess I took a corner slightly fast with mine on the window yesterday and the window mount came loose from the window and fell, fortunately, into the car, but the scope still suffered a small dent. Linda Williams Liberty, Clay County, MO lkwilliams AT kc.rr.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: Northern Shrike From: Charles Burwick <ozarkbirder AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:10:09 -0600 On Thursday I located a Northern Shrike in the same location I found one last year. The location is about 1/2 mile south of Niawathe Prairie on N Dade rd 61. I would ask the experts if this is probably the same bird that spent much of the winter in this same area last year? I got a few decent pictures. Charley Burwick Greater Ozarks Audubon Greene County Springfield, Mo ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: choosing a scope From: Kathleen Anderson <andersonka AT CENTURYTEL.NET> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:11:43 -0500 The latest issue of Bird Watchers Digest had an article comparing scopes. You might want to look at that. Kathleen Anderson, Columbia ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: Re: Squaw Creek NWR: call for volunteers Sat From: Jill DeWitt <listens2prairies AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:47:03 -0600 Anyone able to volunteer at the refuge Saturday, 10-4 pm? Suggest arriving around 9 to drive circle tour & view birds. Training provided. Please contact me asap. Jill DeWitt Kansas City, MO jdewitt at audubon.org (816) 333-3293 On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 9:27 PM, Linda WilliamsSubject: Re: Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head advice From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:09:00 -0600 Christina: You can't go wrong with the Swarovski 80 HD, although there are other options out there. There are, however, a few decisions to make: 1. Whether to get the straight through or angled eyepiece. Straight through may have an advantage for some people when operated from a car on a window mount (although people who have angled eyepieces usually manage OK). Angled has two main advantages: (1) It is easier for people of different heights to use, and (2) The tripod does not have to be extended as high, making for greater sturdiness. 2. Whether you like Swarovski's a "helical" focusing -- i.e. a ring around the body of the scope -- or would prefer a scope that focuses with one or two knobs at the top (e.g. Zeiss, Kowa, Leica). Zeiss and Leica have two knobs, one for gross focusing, the other for fine tuning. 3. Whether you want to spend $2600 for the top of the line Swarovski (ATM HD or STM HD), $1900 for the ordinary HD (STS or ATS) or $1600 for the non-HD version. "HD" stands for "high definition" glass. Different colors travel at different wave lengths, and HD (and other types of "low dispersion" glass) brings them together, resulting in slightly better resolution. In the case of the Swarovski, the regular model has a resolution of 8-9 seconds of arc, whereas the HD has a resolution of 6-7 seconds of arc. But here's the kicker. Swarovski's own representative will tell you that the human eye cannot distinguish the difference between 8-9 seconds of arc and 6-7 seconds of arc! So you pay $300-1,000 more for an improvement that the human eye is supposedly incapable of noticing! The standard Swarovski is a very fine scope. 4. The $2600 Swarovski ATM HD or STM HD may be new, and it may have features I don't know about. The "M" in "ATM" and "STM" evidently stands for magnesium -- i.e. the scope is lighter. I'd investigate before I spent an extra $700. 5. A magnificent scope on a mediocre tripod is a mediocre scope. All of that precise resolution is meaningless when the scope is shaking. Don't spend big bucks on a scope unless you will be using it on a first rate tripod. My recommendation: If possible, go birding with folks that have both the Swarovski and Zeiss 85 mm scopes and compare them. If not, try them out at a Cabela's or Bass Pro store. That will give you an idea of the focus system issue. While in the store, focus on some distant writing. You can compare resolution by seeing how well you can read small distant print with two competing scopes. (But make sure the platform is very study for both scopes!) For general information about how to test a scope, read my review of the B & L 80 mm scope on the ASM website at http://www.mobirds.org/Articles/scope1.asp. Other personal observations: Swarovski has a very good reputation for customer service. I believe that the Leica scopes are overpriced. I do not favor Kowas. But those are personal opinions. They are all pretty good. Nikon has a new scope that I don't know about. Nikon makes very good optics. Some rated an earlier Nikon scope the best large objective lens scope of its time. Unfortunately, it did not sell because it was not waterproof. The new Nikon may be very good. Most people will say nice things about the scope they bought. That's human nature. You can discuss scope and tripod issues with one of Eagle Optics' very knowledgeable sales reps at 1-800-289-1132. Tripods: I'm not up on tripods, but the ones your dad likes appear to be specialized for photography. Most birders want the following features in a tripod package: 1. Sets up and down quickly. 2. Quick release plate on head. 3. "Fluid head" for moving field of view easily. 4. Light weight for portability (except for old guys like me, who just bird from the car or right next to it). 5. Quick release plate can be used with another head on a window mount so that scope can alternate between window mount and tripod easily. Sturdiness is of prime importance. Here's where compromise comes in. The sturdiest tripod and head will weigh a ton and lack the other features listed above. The trick is to get the sturdiest tripod package that includes those features. (The less you plan to haul the scope and tripod a distance from the car, the heavier they can be and vice versa). Carbon is very sturdy, lighter and more expensive. Most birders I know who have spent the extra money on carbon did so because they travel and/or hike a lot with their scopes. Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: Re: SCNWR/Smithvillle 11/19/09 /(no birds) From: Jennifer Reidy <grizzlyskye AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:52:05 -0600 Linda, Thanks for the report on MComas and the return of the owls. I haven't found the owls there the past 2 winters, so it's great to know they're back!!! Jennifer Reidy Liberty > Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:27:07 +0000 > From: lkwilliams AT KC.RR.COM > Subject: SCNWR/Smithvillle 11/19/09 > To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU > > Highlights from Squaw Creek NWR, Holt County, today: > > 12 Trumpeter Swans > 6 Sandhill Cranes (I originally saw these a couple of weeks ago) > 2 Great Horned Owls sitting together in a tree not far from the old eagle nest > Lots o' Ducks, pelicans, etc... > > Smithville Lake, Clay County: > > 2 Western Grebes and 1 Clark's Grebe as reported earlier by Andy > > McComas Road off J Hwy near Smithville Lake: > > 5:10 p.m. - Eleven Short-eared Owls. Very, very nice to see such a large number, the most I have seen there in several years. In fact, I'm not sure I, or anyone, saw any there last year. > > Good Birding, > Linda Williams > Liberty, Clay County, MO > lkwilliams AT kc.rr.com > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum > To unsubscribe or change subscription options: > https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: I wanted simpler, now it's simpler. I'm a rock star. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?h=myidea?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_myidea:112009 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: Urgent: Need Spotting Scope/tripod/ball head advice From: Christina McClarren <wildreturn AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:59:06 -0800 Dear all: I need anyone with knowledge on this subject's advice asap. IWe (my parents, my husband and I) are about to purchase a spotting scope, tripod and accessories. We'd like to get it all in time to try out before our trip to the Rio Grande. We are going January 9! Yippee! After talking to John Solodar, Paul Bauer and others, (and doing some research) we are thinking of getting a: 1. Swarovski 80 HD spotting scope 2. Manfrotto Bogen 458B Neotec Pro Photo Tripod (my father likes the rapid opening and closing mechanism - Paul Bauer had one. But Solodar said carbon fiber was best for a tripod 'cause it holds steady the best in wind. However, this rapid mechanism can only be found on the Bogen, which is an aluminum tripod, not carbon. I have found no carbon fiber tripod with this same handy mechanism. Someone needs to bring these two excellent features together.) 3. Manfrotto 322 RC2 Grip Action Ball Head (my dad likes the ease of that as well.) With no experience really in using a spotting scope, tripod, etc., I wanted to get anyone's opinion on what you think of these choices versus what you'd purchase - or have purchased. I know others on the list might be interested in the responses I get, so anyone who wants, I will forward you the responses since this might get touchy to discuss on the list, since it might get seen as endorsing a product. Please, we are novices to this. We could use everyone's advice. We only got to talk to John S. and Paul B. and a few others in passing on a quick Riverlands trip - but now we have got to make some expensive decisions. Since it's a big expense, I don't want to go too wrong with this. I want to make an excellent choice as possible. Who better to ask than those who use them? If anyone has tips on how to get deals on these items, that'd be much appreciated. If you know where we could look at any of the aforementioned items locally, that'd be exciting. I also don't know how well this grip action works versus other tripod heads. Any knowledge on that? Any and all advice is very welcome. We want to act quickly on this as our trip is fast approaching January 9. So we need to order items, figure out how to use them once we receive them, try them out, etc. all before then. If there are other accessories we need to think about, please give advice on that, too. Thank you so much, Chris McClarren ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: raptor run From: Lawrence Herbert <certhia AT ATT.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:21:27 -0600 MObirders - Recall years ago that some of us had 50 mile raptor routes that we did for Jim D and Brad J but mostly for our own pleasure. Mine goes from Barton County through Bushwhacker CA, Vernon County then west and south through PSP. Results today: Red-tailed Hawk 32 Dark Red-tail on north road at Bushwhacker (again this year). 1 Dark Red-tail at PSP 1 Buteo species 11 Am. Kestrel 11 N. Harrier gray 3 N. Harrier brown 11 Bald Eagle adult 2 Shrike species 2 Snow Geese waves 6 (all going east and east southeast). I hardly stopped for any sparrows. Good birding, Larry H. Joplin MO. certhia AT att.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: SCNWR/Smithvillle 11/19/09 From: Linda Williams <lkwilliams AT KC.RR.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:27:07 +0000 Highlights from Squaw Creek NWR, Holt County, today: 12 Trumpeter Swans 6 Sandhill Cranes (I originally saw these a couple of weeks ago) 2 Great Horned Owls sitting together in a tree not far from the old eagle nest Lots o' Ducks, pelicans, etc... Smithville Lake, Clay County: 2 Western Grebes and 1 Clark's Grebe as reported earlier by Andy McComas Road off J Hwy near Smithville Lake: 5:10 p.m. - Eleven Short-eared Owls. Very, very nice to see such a large number, the most I have seen there in several years. In fact, I'm not sure I, or anyone, saw any there last year. Good Birding, Linda Williams Liberty, Clay County, MO lkwilliams AT kc.rr.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1Subject: Eagle Bluffs - Nov 19 From: Kathleen Anderson <andersonka AT CENTURYTEL.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:46:53 -0500 We went to Eagle Bluffs today during the 1-3 open time. There is a Coot convention down there....lots and lots of them and not much else. Other ducks we were able to find: Mallard Ruddy Northern Shoveler Gadwall Lesser Scaup - 4 Redhead - 3 Wood Duck - 1 female We also saw 1 Northern Harrier and 2 Double Crested Cormorants. That is almost the entire list, the rest on Cache. Kathleen Anderson, Sandy Elbert, Harold Anderson; Columbia ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1Subject: Smithville Grebes still there- 11/19 From: Andrew Forbes <Andrew.Forbes AT MDC.MO.GOV> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:31:12 -0600 The Clark's and two Western Grebes were at Smithville Lake today (11/19), got great looks from the Litton (sp.?) Visitor Center by the Dam. Andy Forbes, Boone CO. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1Subject: Program reminder - St. L birders From: Charlene and Jim Malone <2bbirdn AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:04:57 -0600 St. Louis birders, Just a reminder and NO it is not about birds but AFFECTS birding.......weather. Dave Murray will do his Winter Forecast this Thursday evening (11/19) at 9:30 PM, Channel 2 (on Charter Cable), KTVI, Fox. Farmer's Almanac says it will be a rough winter, NOAA says the opposite. Wonder what Dave will say? No financial gain, yada, yada. Charlene Malone St. Louis co. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1Subject: Re: What are Christmas Bird Counts - for all the novices on here From: Charles Burwick <ozarkbirder AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:50:52 -0600 I did not get interested in birds until I was almost fifty. I was still working, but some friends in Virginia where I lived at the time told me about the Christmas Bird Count, and encouraged to give it a try. I was busy in my work, and traveled a lot, and had never been a part of any organized group, and certainly was a novice birder. It was a great experience, and I have never missed a Christmas Bird Count since. Usually I do at least four to six counts each season. That is too make sure I am exhausted by the end of the holiday season. Many of the counts have very traditional practices especially around compilation. Some meet for breakfast, some for lunch, and several have compilation dinners at the end of the day. What a great way to finish off a adventurous day. Every each years count day, birds, weather, etc. are different. Please, you must give it a shot. Oooops wrong last word. Do it, you will love it. Charley Burwick Greater Ozarks Audubon Springfield, Mo. Greene County. On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 6:39 AM, Bill EddlemanSubject: Re: What are Christmas Bird Counts - for all the novices on here From: Bill Eddleman <eddlemanw AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:39:01 -0600 Christmas Bird Counts began in 1900 as an alternative to the "Christmas side hunts" that used to be done prior to federal laws preventing shooting of songbirds and other species. As they have evolved, the protocole is to count all birds that can be seen in a circle of 7.5 miles radius, in 24 hours. Obviously, not all birds are counted, because the number of participants in a given count ranges from 1 to over 100. These events are for all skill levels, and oftentimes in my experience, the newbies are placed with experienced birders. The CBCs are coordinated by the National Audubon Society, and they also collate the data and make it available. While the method is not terribly prone to be scientific, data can be standardized by numbers of birds seen per party hour (parties are 1 or more people birding in one part of a county circle) or per party mile. Distance traveled by foot and by vehicle are recorded, as well as time spent on foot, by vehicle, owling, or at feeders. For more information on the Christmas Bird Count, including locations and dates of many of them throughout the US, Canada, and Central America, see: http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/ For information on many Missouri counts, see: http://www.mobirds.org/CBC/CBCSchedule.asp ----Bill Eddleman, Cape Girardeau ---- Original Message ----- From: "Christina McClarren"Subject: Re: What are Christmas Bird Counts - for all the novices on here From: Larry Lade <gcrownkinglet AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:29:07 -0800 Chris, you can click on this URL and find out everything you want to know about Christmas Bird Counts. http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/ Larry Lade Saint Joseph, MO gcrownkinglet AT yahoo DOT com --- On Thu, 11/19/09, Christina McClarrenSubject: Re: What are Christmas Bird Counts - for all the novices on here From: Kristi Mayo <kristi AT WRITEBIRDS.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:27:14 -0600 Chris, et al, The answers to your questions (including the history of CBCs, 100+ years' worth of results, and a list of 2009-10 CBCs across the country) can be found on National Audubon's Christmas Bird Count website: http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc But here's a general answer: During a 24-hour period, teams of birders cover a 15-mile diameter circle and attempt to identify and count every bird they see and/or hear. Most CBC circles are divided up into territories (my circle is usually split into quadrants, but I draw in more territories depending on the number of participants). Groups of birders are divided into teams and assigned to the territories; usually a team will ride in one vehicle and count together throughout the day, although strategies may vary. Teams will generally be composed of a mix of experienced and novice birders. A CBC is perfect for a newbie because it gives you a chance to spend a day in the field with more experienced birders. It's a unique opportunity to slow down and focus on counting every bird on a lake, or each sparrow in a hedgerow. It's a long day in the field, but it goes by fast. You will learn a lot and probably want to come back for more! The CBC count period runs from December 14 through January 5. CBCs are scheduled throughout that period. A list of Missouri's CBCs is maintained here: http://mobirds.org/CBC/CBCSchedule.asp Happy counting, Kristi Mayo Trimble CBC Compiler Kearney MO (Clay Co.) kristi AT writebirds.com On Nov 19, 2009, at 12:12 AM, Christina McClarren wrote: > So, for all us novices on here and the young folk, what are > Christmas Bird Counts, what are they done for, and how are they > done? What experience do you need? Will there be people there to > teach newbies? And is there a central schedule of them all? > > Chris McClarren > St. Louis South City > wildreturn AT charter.net > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum > To unsubscribe or change subscription options: > https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 > ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1Subject: What are Christmas Bird Counts - for all the novices on here From: Christina McClarren <wildreturn AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:12:02 -0800 So, for all us novices on here and the young folk, what are Christmas Bird Counts, what are they done for, and how are they done? What experience do you need? Will there be people there to teach newbies? And is there a central schedule of them all? Chris McClarren St. Louis South City wildreturn AT charter.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://po.missouri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1Subject: Creve Coue Lake Loons From: Al and Lois Smith <alandlois AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:55:05 -0600 Counted 21 Common Loons, might of missed a couple, at Creve Couer Lake early this afternoon also a large raft of ducks way out in the middle. Photos here, starting after the Loons photo 8 and on were from the soccer field side. http://www.photosbyat.com/Birds/Birding-2009-November/2009-11-18-RMBS-CCL Lessor Scaup, Horned Grebes, Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Mergansers, American Widgeon, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, American Coot. Anything else? Hover main photo and pick X3Large in popout below for a really close view. samples http://www.photosbyat.com/photos/717579023_XmAGy-X2.jpg http://www.photosbyat.com/photos/717506460_N8FMi-XL.jpg probably less then a 20th of the line in this photo http://www.photosbyat.com/photos/717591752_9LpvP-X2.jpg at Teal Pond, Riverlands Bonaparte's harassing the feeding Hooded Mergansers http://www.photosbyat.com/photos/717504897_H2gMB-XL.jpg http://www.photosbyat.com/photos/717509223_qbAWb-XL.jpg Also one Common Loon in Teal Pond. Al Smith Bridgeton, St. Louis County http://www.photosbyat.com http://MoBirds.smugmug.com (admin) ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: SLAS Field Trip Announcement, StL Area From: Michael Thelen <mikethelen AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:19:40 -0600 The ST. LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY is sponsoring a field trip this Saturday to Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles County, Missouri. DATE: Saturday, November 21, 2009 MEETING TIME: 8 a.m. MEETING PLACE: Hampton Lake parking lot at Busch CA. DIRECTIONS: http://www.stlouisaudubon.org/Birding.htm#Busch PLAN: This is planned to be a half-day trip, rain or shine. If the birding is good, and there's interest, we might go past the lunch hour some. CA management recommends that we wear hunter orange or other bright clothing. I'll have a reflector vest on, but we generally stay to well-worn paths and open areas without interrupting hunting. LUNCH: No official lunch stop is planned so bring food to eat on-the-fly if you like, or plan to take a late lunch. LEADER: Mike Thelen COST: Free. Everyone is welcome, SLAS members and non-members. MORE INFO: Contact me or visit http://www.stlouisaudubon.org Mike Thelen University City, St. Louis County, MO mikethelen AT sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: Oxbow Lakes Birds, Saint Joseph From: Larry Lade <gcrownkinglet AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:42:35 -0800 These are some of the birds I observed while birding the oxbow lakes region just south of Saint Joseph. Greater White-fronted Goose (1), Snow Goose (2500), Ross's Goose (10), Cackling Goose (6) and Canada Goose (350). Bald Eagle (2), Northern Harrier (1), Red-tailed Hawk (8), American Kestrel (2) and MERLIN (1 this bird was an adult female of the richardsonii race). American Tree Sparrows (30), a Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrows (13), Swamp Sparrows (10), Harris's Sparrows (10) and Dark-eyed Juncos (40). Rusty Blackbirds (30). Larry Lade Saint Joseph, MO gcrownkinglet AT yahoo DOT com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: St. Louis area. Rain days From: Bill Rudden <bilrudn AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:21:29 -0800 1. Jim Ziebol's favorite buteo has returned, hopefully for the winter:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-15-09a-1.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-15-09a2-1.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-15-09a3-1.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-15-09a4-1.jpg 2. Loons were findable today:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-18-09A4.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-18-09A3.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-18-09A5.jpg 3. The thin-billed Hooded-Snowy Loon:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-18-09A.jpg Scaup and Rudy Ducks are in: http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-18-09B3.jpg 4. This the Greater Rudy Duck:http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-18-09B.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/bilrudn/42009/11-18-09B2.jpg LBIMOBill RuddenSt. Louisbilrudn AT yahoo.com 1. Harlan's Hawk2. Common3. Common4. Black Scoter ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: Smithville, 6/18 - Grebes YES From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:18:10 -0600 Gary Johnson and I went to Smithville from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. tonight. The large raft if ducks is still there, and we did see all three species of merganser on the lake. Gull roost is sizeable, but we saw no Franklin's. (We did not look hard for them, however). Our main objectives were the Pacific Loons reported by Doug Willis. We saw at least 18 loons but could not make any of them into a Pacific. Three large grebes were still present but too far away to ID Clark's vs. Western. Also some Horned. Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: Top Ten List:::MBRC 2008 From: "Patrick Harrison (Home)" <saxman AT MARKTWAIN.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:43:43 -0600 Bill Rowe, Secretary of the Missouri Bird Records Committee (MBRC) has provided us with the Top Ten List for 2008. It can be viewed here: http://mobirds.org/MBRC/TopTen/topten2008.asp. Patrick :ASM::::ASM::::ASM::::ASM::::ASM::::ASM: * * * Patrick Harrison * * Shelbyville, Shelby County, Missouri * * saxman AT marktwain.net A * pharrison AT hannibal.k12.mo.us S * webmaster AT mobirds.org M * http://mobirds.org * * http://www.patrickdharrison.com A * ,_ S * >' ) M * ( ( \ * * "|\ * * * *****The Audubon Society of Missouri**** ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: Smithville Lake - Snow Geese From: Bill Blackledge <bill.blackledge AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:10:10 +0000 Several waves of Snow Geese just passed over the house heading south towards the damn. Bill Blackledge Smithville Lake (Clinton County) bill.blackledge AT yahoo.com Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: Re: Northern Saw-Whet Owl-Question only From: Philip Wire <phw222 AT GOOGLEMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:15:38 -0600 From my limited experience: 1) NSWO are uncommon, but probably not as rare as most think, in northern MO. Can't speak from experience for central MO, but I would imagine the same is true for central MO, and eastern MO north of the Ozarks. 2) First year birds and perhaps a few adults will begin arriving in mid-to-late October, adults probably follow in large numbers in November. (banding stations at similar latitudes as MO get birds in mid-October, I think) 3) Anywhere with decent numbers of Eastern Red Cedar are a good bet, but they will occur in areas without Eastern Red Cedar as well (so I hear, I've never found them there, but haven't searched). 4) Saw-whets tend to be loyal to a day-time roost in winter for weeks or months. Suggestions for searching/basis for my answers... the last couple of years I was in north central MO, I would occasionally go out to areas and tape/whistle for saw-whets about an hour after dusk. Taping for them requires patience, as sometimes you have to play for about 15-20 minutes before the birds will respond (I would whistle and imitate bill clicks while I reset the recording). I had best results on an outing in early November, which is consistent with what I heard about first winter birds being the most vocal when they first come down. Using taping, it is possible to cover a MUCH larger area than looking, and gives a more accurate representation of what's out there. In two outings at Union Ridge CA (roughly 30 miles south of the IA border), I had at least two saw-whets responding both times. If you want to tape, I'd get out sooner rather than later. What was remarkable for me was how *unremarkable *the habitat was where I had them at Union Ridge CA. It was a portion of the area that was a former pasture overgrown with cedars from before MDC had acquired the area... areas like this literally abound in north-central and north-eastern Missouri. If I would have had more time (this seems to be a phrase I repeat way too often with birding) I would have checked out lots of similar areas to test my theory (most of these areas have saw-whets in northern MO, they just go undetected). If looking for a new place to find the birds, I'd concentrate efforts on a place that has gone over to cedar succession but has a high-calorie source of food nearby to attract rodents, maybe some crop fields closeby or remnant grasses w/ seeds in the understory. If looking for birds visually, it might be best to wait until January or February, when more pellets and whitewash have accumulated under roosts. Then again, I'm just not as good as some at looking for saw-whets, so maybe somebody else better chime in there. I've always felt like people treat looking for saw-whets a lot like family recipes-- lots of secrets! People tend to keep things pretty close to the vest with where they look and what they find, and even how they look. Definitely understandable for birds on roosts to avoid harassment, but I'd be interested to hear feedback from others with lots of experience to see if they've had the same experiences I've had re: Bryan's questions. Phil Wire Edwardsville, IL phw222 AT gmail.com On Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 2:54 PM, bryan pratherSubject: MICH. BIRD - Anc. Murrelet still around From: Charlene and Jim Malone <2bbirdn AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:51:51 -0600 FYI for those chasers. See post copied below from Mich listers listserve: Charlene Malone St. Louis co. ----------------------------------- Subject: Ancient Murrelet, Berrien County, 11/18/09 BTW, the Carlyle Anc. Murrelet a few years ago was only a one day wonder but in No. IL they had a bird stay for 5 days. See records below: From: Curtis DykstraSubject: Cedar County From: Terry McNeely <terrymcneely AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:40:42 -0600 Yesterday My work took me to Cedar County. With a 2 hour wait my partner and I drove around Stockton Lake and was wishing that I had my binoculars. I observed at close range (less than fifty Yards) 15 common Loons (10 in one group) 25 Pied billed Grebes 1 large raft of ducks 100-150 yds away 1 Loon further out didn't quite look like the rest unsure of it On the way back between El Dorado Springs and Nevada we saw 10000 snow geese in a Corn field. This must of covered 5 acres of more Terry McNeely 25843 Grate Ave Jameson, MO 64647 Daviess County _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: CCL & RMBS From: Charlene and Jim Malone <2bbirdn AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:42:43 -0600 Creve Coeur Lake, St. L co. - after noon, maybe 1 PMish..? hmm...at least 12 COMMON LOONS - even heard them yodeling same assortment of ducks Pat reported with NO unusual ducks. Forgot to check Mallard Lake, looked like there might have been birds there when I drove by. Riverlands MBS ~ 25 (+?) SWANS in cornfield along Hwy 67, kinda' behind Hood's Savage Store. Take exit road to Hood's but instead of going left toward Hood's, follow the road right. It's a dead end and not sure I was suppose to be there but saw NO "No Trespassing" or "Private Road" signs along the road. Went to the end of the road to view the swans. No one hollered at me, so guess it was OK...? MAY have had a Tundra but can not be 100% on this since I was looking at them through fencing and a substation. Maybe they are not frequenting Cora Island Road due to the pipeline construction. Did have a C. Loon in Ellis Bay (water going up with just a few mudflats visible) Did NOT see the Avocet in Ellis Bay or Heron Pond but could have missed it. Not many ducks or gulls there, wrong time of day. Did have female Common Mergs. Charlene Malone St. Louis co. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: Creve Coeur Lake--no Common Loons at noon From: Pat Lueders <Pllueders479 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:15:13 EST I got over to Creve Coeur Lake from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and did not see the Common Loons. There were many hard to ID ducks thru the rain but did see some Horned Grebes and Common Mergansers in with the Scaup, Ruddys, coots, shovelers, etc. Pat Lueders, Webster Groves, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: Binders Lake & Little Dixie From: Eric Wood <ewood802 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:13:03 -0800 Mom and I Went to Binders late this morning and then on to Little Dixie this afternoon. At Binders the highlights were a Male Hooded Merganser in full Breeding Plumage (first time for me) and a Great Egret which dive bombed a unidentified gull. As we were getting ready to leave we saw around 25 American White Pelicans circling but never saw them land. At Little Dixie we saw 3 Bonaparte's Gulls, 12 Common Loons, and 1 Western Grebe. Binders: Ring-necked Duck Redhead Bufflehead Red-breasted Merganser Lesser Scaup Greater Scaup Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Wood Duck Northern Shoveler Great Egret American White Pelican Sharp-shinned Hawk Little Dixie CA: Common Loon Western Grebe Osprey Common Goldeneye Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Northern Pin-tailed Duck Ruddy Duck Redhead Bonaparte's Gull ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: Northern Saw-Whet Owl-Question only From: bryan prather <brynprth AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:54:04 -0800 I had a couple questions regarding the Northern Saw-Whet Owl. 1)Frequency of occurence in Missouri as a whole. 2)Factors that may influence their arrival. 3)Places to possibly see/hear them in Eastern Missouri.(Preferably the greater St. Louis area.) 4)Do they set up territories while their here? Feel free to post answers on the list. Thank You in advance, Bryan ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: SPELLING From: Curtis Brobisky <birdwatchermo AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:18:18 -0500
EXCUSE BAD SPELLINGI WILL PREREAD BEFOR SENDING NEXT TIME.SHOULD HAVE READ
WHITE THROATED SPARROW AS WELL AS NUTHATCH AN SORRY SUZAN FOR X I TYPE WITH I
OR 2 FINGERS
THANK YOU CURTIS
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Subject: back yard birdsFrom: Curtis Brobisky <birdwatchermo AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:54:27 -0500
I STARTED FEEDING THIS WEEK.THE YARD HAS BEEN LITERLY FULL OF BIRDSHAVE A YOTAL
OF 57 SPECIS THIS SUMMER AN FALL ALL FROM A LAZY BOW ROCKER OUT THE BACK
FACEING THE GOLF COURSE.OF COURSE THERE MOSTLY HOUSE SPARROWS AN JUNCOS HAVE 4
NEW YARD BIRDS TODAY CHICKADEE,WHITE BREASTED NUTHATCH WHITE THROATED
NUTHATCH,TIT MOUSE.3 TITMOUSE I DIDNT KNOW THEY COULD EAT SO MUCH THEY ARE ON
AN OFF THE BLACK OIL FEEDER CONSTANLY,ALSO JUST LEARENED [BIRDING ONLY AS A
HOBBY]THAT HOUSE SPARROWS HAD A YELLOWBILL AN ALSO A BLACK BILL.I KNOW ALL THIS
IS VERY COMMON STUFF TO ALL OF YOU BUT ITS ALL I CAN DO NOT BAD THOUGH A CUP OF
COFFEE A SCOPE AN 10 POWER GLASSES AN A LAZY BOY ROCKER. WAS A LITTLE DIFFICULT
FILLING THE FEEDERS CARRYING FEED AN PUSHING A STROLLER ON UN EVEN GROUND BUT
WELL WORTH THE EVERT
THANKS FOR THE LIST SERV BOTH MO & KANS THEY ARE A BLESSING TO ME THANKS ALSO
TO
CHUCVK OTTE &SUXAN HAZELWOOD
CURTIS BROBISKY
_________________________________________________________________
Windows 7: I wanted simpler, now it's simpler. I'm a rock star.
http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?h=myidea?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_myidea:112009
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The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Questions or comments? Email the list owners:
mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.edu
Subject: Snow Geese over Manchester MO.STL Co.From: Leslie B Jenkins <m1n1lover AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:15:00 -0600 A huge flock of Snow Geese just flew over my house, at least 4 V formations heading south. Great new back garden.Les Jenkins. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: Woodpeckers!! From: Jenny Gunn <zooma1949 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:41:47 -0800 I followed the conversations concerning woodpecker attacks on houses and I loved the "attack spider" but I am under serious attack by at least one hairy and maybe two downys. They are making nice round holes under my eaves on the side of the house which has the walkout door for the basement so it's way up off the ground. Earlier holes, especially one, have been used by my bluebirds in years past but I've plugged some holes when the starlings came with steel wool by hanging out a window. I thought that the consensus was that the woodpeckers are searching for food but if so why are they making nice round holes? What were some of the suggestions for deterring since I can't afford that many "attack spiders"? Sitting inside yelling at them to quit does not work and my dogs are really worried about me. Thanks jg There are five new holes made and one has my insulation dribbling out of it. Jenny Gunn East Ozarks Audubon Bonne Terre, MO 63628 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto://mobirds-l-request AT po.missouri.eduSubject: Re: Birding TEXAS - field guide confusion From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:44:40 -0600 Edge makes an excellent point. A book can provide too much information, especially for beginning and intermediate birders. Put another way, a beginning birder, who tries to learn all the fine points make have trouble sorting out the basic field marks. As I understand it, Christina expects to see a lot of life birds in Texas. In other words, she is a beginner at Texas birding, however skilled she may have become elsewhere. In my opinion, she should work first on the basic field marks of the birds that will be new to her in Texas -- especially those that are to be expected. (Learn the accidental Mexican strays later.) Pick a basic U.S. field guide, like the National Geographic, and work with that. Take along Sibley or some other basic guide for a different perspective when you are trying to solve a particular ID problem. I also agree with Edge that the guides that use photos instead of illustrations are often not so helpful. With a few exceptions (e.g. Olsen and Larsson's gull book, which contains 800 photos for 43 species of gulls!) they tend to display many less plumages. Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Cedar Waxwings From: Jo Strange <jostrange AT JUNO.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:09:24 -0600 I had a flock of at least 20 Cedar Waxwings in my yard this afternoon. We seem to have a bumper crop of cedar berries this year. Jo Strange Branson, MO ____________________________________________________________ Online Associates Degrees Connect to AS and AA degrees from leading online universities today! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=vzLybOJZAAHEKggqvt4xlAAAJ1DUTKgb53dyzw0C5Xd2ZAAwAAQAAAAFAAAAANEiWz4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABSJQAAAAA= ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Re: Barred owl "almost" attack From: Debra Nichols <editordeb AT WARPDRIVEONLINE.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:23:22 -0600 Several years ago while birding at Ted Shanks CA in Pike County, I was walking on a boardwalk through the woods that led to a duck blind on the water. I stopped and decided to "pish" for some songbirds. Suddenly, I had this odd feeling and quickly turned around (180 degrees). There coming toward my face was a barred owl--but as soon as it saw my eyes, it veered sharply away. It was probably only 10 to 12 inches from my face when it averted me. It was definitely "a close encounter." Debbie Nichols Hannibal, MO Marion County ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Re: Birding TEXAS - field guide confusion From: Edge <edgew AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:57:11 -0600 Some comments about field guides (in general and specific to this question.) Bear in mind that NO FIELD GUIDE SUITS ALL BIRDERS and that the same birder may prefer one field guide in one situation, and another at another time. Example, generally the Kaufmann field guide is not my favorite, but it has the best illustration of an Alder Flycatcher for the purpose of distinguishing it from a Willow. Every active birder I know owns more than one field guide (although my number has been reduced by 2 in the last 6 weeks, as I've managed to lose one in a mysterious way and another (a big Sibley) by once more driving out from under it. I never seem to learn that I can't see what's on the left front fender! Birders own more than one field guide for the same geographical area because NO SINGLE FIELD GUIDE HAS EVERYTHING IN IT. That's the nature of the critter--a field guide, by definition and heft, just can't have everything we want to know about every species. So we supplement to augment. Some are soon recognized as mistakes because what looked good in the store turns out not to be so helpful in the field. These are often left on the shelf to be consulted after a trip (or maybe before), but aren't taken along. Or, they may have a place in the dusty collection of books in the backends of a lot of birders' vehicles. Some are excellent field guides, but the owner just never gets comfortable with "the new-fangled thing." This gets laborious as name changes, lumps and splits begin to distance the owner of a cherished relic from current birding nomenclature and distribution/ range information. Some (Sibley for example) are excellent field guides--but not for every birder. The Sibley guide was hailed (and rightfully so) as an incredible break-through, welcomed addition to birders' toolkits. But, for most beginning and beginning/intermediate birders there is TOO much there that they don't yet need. That makes it less useful for them. And, it is not perfect. Despite the great skill and painstaking efforts, there are field mark omissions and poorly illustrated birds in it. The "baby" Sibleys (east and west) have all the faults of the big book and the additional handicap of fewer illustrations for most species. For excellent plates, a good level of information, and up-to-date material: The FIFTH edition of the National Geographic Field Guide to American Birds is the best for beginning and intermediate birders. The fourth edition had several problems that were corrected in the fifth. The fifth edition is what I use to teach intermediate birders. People cling to Peterson because it is a known entity. But, like many things, the reputation was built on past efforts that have been surpassed. The new Peterson is not as good (that is: USEFUL) as the National Geo. I haven't looked closely enough at the Eastern National Geo (2008) to evaluate it. Let's get out and use the field guides we have--looks like 3 days without rain! Edge Wade Columbia, MO edgew AT mchsi.com On Nov 17, 2009, at 6:10 PM, Bob Fisher wrote: > How about general field guides to North American Birds that include > the birds of the LGV of Texas?-- e.g.: > > Sibley Field Guide > National Geographic 5th edition. (The 4th is pretty good. I assume > the 5th is better). > New National Geo Eastern by Dunn & Alfderfer (2008) (reviews?) > The new Peterson (actually a collaboration done after Peterson's > death) "This new book combines the Peterson Field Guide to Eastern > Birds and Peterson Field Guide to Western Birds into one volume. It > includes 40 new paintings, digital updates to Peterson’s original > paintings, reflecting the latest knowledge of bird identification, > all new maps for the most up-to-date range information available, > text rewritten to cover the U.S. and Canada in one guide, a larger > trim size accommodates range maps on every spread." (Review?) ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Re: Smithville Lake 11/16/09 From: Joshua Uffman <Birdsandbugs AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:14:20 -0600 Please, keep that bird there - I will be there either the Wednesday prior or Friday after Thanksgiving. More less a bird and dash trip.. Josh From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum [mailto:MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU] On Behalf Of Linda Williams Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 1:31 PM To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Subject: Smithville Lake 11/16/09 Posting for Doug Willis, a nice update on avian actvities at the lake, 1:30 p.m.: From the north end of the dam: HUGE raft of ducks, including FOS Common Mergansers 30 Common Loons 2 PACIFIC LOONS 2 Western Grebes and 1 CLARK'S GREBE are still present Good drizzly-sleety, safe birding to all, Linda Williams Liberty, Clay County, MO lkwilliams AT kc.rr.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Re: Birding TEXAS - field guide confusion From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:10:59 -0600 Christina writes: "I just need one more thing - a recommendation for Field Guides for birding in Texas." How about general field guides to North American Birds that include the birds of the LGV of Texas?-- e.g.: Sibley Field Guide National Geographic 5th edition. (The 4th is pretty good. I assume the 5th is better). New National Geo Eastern by Dunn & Alfderfer (2008) (reviews?) The new Peterson (actually a collaboration done after Peterson's death) "This new book combines the Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds and Peterson Field Guide to Western Birds into one volume. It includes 40 new paintings, digital updates to Peterson’s original paintings, reflecting the latest knowledge of bird identification, all new maps for the most up-to-date range information available, text rewritten to cover the U.S. and Canada in one guide, a larger trim size accommodates range maps on every spread." (Review?) Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Christina McClarren"Subject: St Charles Co CBC From: Anne McCormack <annemccormack AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:11:34 -0600 The Weldon Spring/Busch Wildlife Area Christmas Bird Count in St. Charles County is Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. Meet at 8 AM at Busch headquarters. You can contact me before if you'd like an area assignment. Walk-ins are welcome too! Bring lunch and dress for the weather. $5 fee. Other CBCs are listed at http://app.audubon.org/cbcapp/findCircles.jsp Note: There are 2 pages of listings for Missouri. Anne McCormack annemccormack AT sbcglobal.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Re: Snow Geese in Callaway County From: Anne McCormack <annemccormack AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00:04 -0600 On Sat., Nov 14, at 9 PM I heard snow geese flying overhead. This was in St. Louis county, above my Kirkwood yard. The sky was heavily overcast. About 20 min. later I went outside and heard them again. I wonder if the flock was that large, or if they were circling. Anne McCormack On Nov 17, 2009, at 9:56 AM, Jean Leonatti wrote: Yesterday, I had to drive back and forth to St. Louis – saw a large flock of snow geese feeding in a corn field, just east of the Hatton interchange on I-70. Other than that, it was a pretty miserable drive. Jean Leonatti, CEO Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging 573-443-5823 (ph) 573-875-8907 (FAX) jleonatti AT cmaaa.net From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum [mailto:MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU] On Behalf Of Brad Jacobs Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:40 AM To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Subject: Little Dixie Lake, Callaway Co. Late Tree Swallow, 9 Co. Loons A quick dawn trip to Little Dixie Lake in Callaway Co was very productive. A late tree swallow was over the water. Late date is Nov 24 in Robbins and Easterla 1992. Other birds of interest: Common Loon 7 Horned Grebe 1 D. C. Cormorant 1 Mallard 2 Gadwall 10 Lesser Scaup 150 Ring-necked Duck 20 Bufflehead 6 Ruddy Duck 5 Red-breasted Merganser 2 American Coot 7 Ring-billed Gull 1 Tree Swallow 1 The diversity of the birds today on Little DIxie tells me that there might be a lot of birds out on other lakes in this overcast weather and that a lake check might be a good thing to do soon. Brad Brad Jacobs Missouri Department of Conservation P.O.Box 180 Jefferson City , MO 65102 573-751-4115 ext 3648 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Re: Question about posting CBC info From: David Scheu <David.Scheu AT SWMCMILLAN.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:59:40 -0600 Matthew, It's fine to post about Christmas Bird Counts, and any bird-related events held by non-profit organizations, even if they do charge a fee for participation. These events are not considered commercial advertising. Dave Scheu MOBirds-L list co-owner St. Louis, MO david.scheu AT swmcmillan.com -----Original Message----- From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum [mailto:MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU] On Behalf Of Matthew Torres Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 4:23 PM To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Subject: Question about posting CBC info I would like to know if it is ok to post info about Christmas Bird Counts on the listserv because they do incur a cost. How does that fit in with the policy that was discussed when the birding festival in northern Minnesota was brought up? Thanks, Matthew Torres ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Re: Question about posting CBC info From: Susan Hazelwood <hazelwoods AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:58:40 +0000 It is permissible to post info about Christmas Bird Counts. National Audubon is a non-profit organization and they are the parent-sponsoring organization. Many of the counts are also hosted at the local level by non-profit organizations. -- Susan Hazelwood MOBirds-L Co-Owner Columbia, Boone County, MO hazelwoods AT mchsi.com -------------- Original message from Matthew TorresSubject: Little Dixie Lake (Callaway Co.) From: Edge <edgew AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:46:00 -0600 Brad's Little Dixie Lake report was too good to pass up, even with steady rain this afternoon. No swallow, fewer loons, about a hundred more Lesser Scaup and 4 Greater Scaup, and a cooperative Osprey present. Printed from my CACHE data entry (an option available to all who enter trip reports): Trip: Little Dixie Lake CA Date: 11/17/2009 Species: Total Gadwall: 2 Ring-necked Duck: 8 Greater Scaup: 3 Lesser Scaup: 260 Bufflehead: 7 Red-breasted Merganser: 2 Ruddy Duck: 3 Common Loon: 2 Horned Grebe: 1 Double-crested Cormorant: 1 Great Blue Heron: 2 Osprey: 1 Red-headed Woodpecker: 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker: 1 Eastern Phoebe: 1 Blue Jay: 4 American Crow: 1 Black-capped Chickadee: 3 Tufted Titmouse: 4 White-breasted Nuthatch: 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler: 2 White-throated Sparrow: 8 Dark-eyed Junco: 1 Northern Cardinal: 2 Edge Wade Columbia, MO edgew AT mchsi.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Question about posting CBC info From: Matthew Torres <matthewt34 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:23:07 -0600 I would like to know if it is ok to post info about Christmas Bird Counts on the listserv because they do incur a cost. How does that fit in with the policy that was discussed when the birding festival in northern Minnesota was brought up? Thanks, Matthew Torres ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: 32 Loons CCL - St. L co From: Charlene and Jim Malone <2bbirdn AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:33:17 -0600 Creve Coeur Lake, St. Louis co. 32 (!) COMMON LOONS - tried to turn one into something else but could not. - definitely coming through, maybe something different before sunset or sunrise Wednesday. - they were "best viewed" along Marine Ave. Waterfowl - Good assortment of divers and dabblers but nothing unusual that I could pull out. - Viewing was not the best (pouring rain and then drizzle) Charlene Malone St. Louis co. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Re: Birding TEXAS - field guide confusion From: Christina McClarren <wildreturn AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:19:07 -0800 Okay, I have about all the wonderful info anyone could ever wish for a Birding Trip to Texas. Thank you all so much. Our plans are falling fast into place. I just need one more thing - a recommendation for Field Guides for birding in Texas. Here's the little that I have discovered about that subject. 1. The new 5th edition of Peterson's has a special section on Texas rarities but it's not very comprehensive. I don't see many of the birds included in Edge's list there. 2. The Peterson's Guide to Birds of Texas is old and not very good. 3. The Arnold 2007 Guide to Birds of Texas isn't very comprehensive - as far as Edge's lists are concerned. 4. There are Bird Guides to Mexico that the ABA sells - four, actually. Perhaps what my family and I need to do is supplement the 5th edition of Peterson's with one of these - and we're covered? What does anyone recommend? And which Bird Guide to Mexico do folks recommend, if you recommend one? Here's a link to the ones I looked at: http://www.buteobooks.com/archives/vanperlomex.html Ber Van Perlo's art isn't all that great but recommended for portability. Howell & Webb's is supposed to be the best but hefty. Edwards is supposed to be good since it covers more North American species than any other but the format isn't very helpful in the field since all the plates are shoved together in the middle. Peterson's...well. But I have no experience with any of them. I'd love to hear from all the folks who responded so generously with info on taking a birding trip to Texas. What did you use to study the birds before you went and while you were there? Studying the birds and plates beforehand is essential, as you all know. Thanks, Christina McClarren St. Louis South City wildreturn AT charter.net ---- EdgeSubject: Columbia FIELD TRIP From: Edge <edgew AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:10:55 -0600 Saturday, November 21, Columbia Audubon Society is sponsoring a field trip to Thomas Hill Reservoir led by Bill Clark and Edge Wade. Participation is FREE and all birders are welcome. We will depart from Parkade Plaza parking lot (southwest corner, near the big sign) on Bus. Loop 70 at 7:30 a.m. We will carpool and have FRS radios for communications (please bring yours if you have one, others provided). We will lunch at the small cafe in Kaseyville. This is a diner type place (hamburgers, etc., and according to Bill, great butterscotch milkshakes) We may get to Long Branch Lake if time permits. After birding, will stop at the Shepherd Farms store in Clifton Hill to stock up on bison meat [I need some for Jerry's CBC buffalo chili, and for home use]. They also sell pecans and other delectables. I HAVE NO INVESTMENT/PROFIT INTEREST IN THIS ENTERPRISE. We will return to Columbia about 4 p.m. Questions? Email me. Edge Wade Columbia, MO edgew AT mchsi.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Snow Geese in Callaway County From: Jean Leonatti <jleonatti AT CMAAA.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:56:25 -0600 Yesterday, I had to drive back and forth to St. Louis - saw a large flock of snow geese feeding in a corn field, just east of the Hatton interchange on I-70. Other than that, it was a pretty miserable drive. Jean Leonatti, CEO Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging 573-443-5823 (ph) 573-875-8907 (FAX) jleonatti AT cmaaa.net From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum [mailto:MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU] On Behalf Of Brad Jacobs Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:40 AM To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Subject: Little Dixie Lake, Callaway Co. Late Tree Swallow, 9 Co. Loons A quick dawn trip to Little Dixie Lake in Callaway Co was very productive. A late tree swallow was over the water. Late date is Nov 24 in Robbins and Easterla 1992. Other birds of interest: Common Loon 7 Horned Grebe 1 D. C. Cormorant 1 Mallard 2 Gadwall 10 Lesser Scaup 150 Ring-necked Duck 20 Bufflehead 6 Ruddy Duck 5 Red-breasted Merganser 2 American Coot 7 Ring-billed Gull 1 Tree Swallow 1 The diversity of the birds today on Little DIxie tells me that there might be a lot of birds out on other lakes in this overcast weather and that a lake check might be a good thing to do soon. Brad Brad Jacobs Missouri Department of Conservation P.O.Box 180 Jefferson City , MO 65102 573-751-4115 ext 3648 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Brown Thrasher From: Leo Galloway <leoag AT MAGICCABLEPC.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:04:43 -0600 Monday PM we had a Brown Thrasher feeding on fine ground corn we put out for ground birds. Had about inch of new fallen snow and still bit coming down. Have had Brown Thrashers in winter before, but nice to see a late individual. Leo Galloway St. Joseph, MO leoag AT magiccablepc.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Little Dixie Lake, Callaway Co. Late Tree Swallow, 9 Co. Loons From: Brad Jacobs <Brad.Jacobs AT MDC.MO.GOV> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:40:25 -0600 A quick dawn trip to Little Dixie Lake in Callaway Co was very productive. A late tree swallow was over the water. Late date is Nov 24 in Robbins and Easterla 1992. Other birds of interest: Common Loon 7 Horned Grebe 1 D. C. Cormorant 1 Mallard 2 Gadwall 10 Lesser Scaup 150 Ring-necked Duck 20 Bufflehead 6 Ruddy Duck 5 Red-breasted Merganser 2 American Coot 7 Ring-billed Gull 1 Tree Swallow 1 The diversity of the birds today on Little DIxie tells me that there might be a lot of birds out on other lakes in this overcast weather and that a lake check might be a good thing to do soon. Brad Brad Jacobs Missouri Department of Conservation P.O.Box 180 Jefferson City , MO 65102 573-751-4115 ext 3648 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Re: Killdeer young, Dexter City Lake, 11/13, Stoddard Co. From: Chris Hobbs <chobbs AT EVERESTKC.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:25:54 -0600 Thanks for reporting the Killdeer young at this late date. That's significant and fits the beginning of an apparent trend(?). Reported in the latest American Birds (Vol. 63 No. 2), small Killdeer chicks were reported at Daytona Beach, FL on 11 December and at Inverness, AL on 27 December - extending their known breeding dates in those states by 4 months. Chris Hobbs Shawnee, KS chobbs AT everestkc.net ----- Original Message ----- From: holly higinbothamSubject: Re: Latest Fall MO Avocet Records From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:16:46 -0600 I remember seeing several Avocets at La Cygne Lake in Kansas in winter one year. (I don't remember whether it was January or February). La Cygne Lake is a power plant lake only a few miles west of the Missouri line. I assume that the artificial warmth of the power lake may have had something to do with the Avocets' presence there in winter. Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: FOY Purple Finch From: Glenn Pickett <gpickett AT CENTURYTEL.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:06:29 -0600 Hello list, First of the season, really. Tuesday 11/17 at 0830 we had two female Purple Finch in the oil seed feeder. Also, the number of Am Goldfinch in the area of the feeders has increased to probably 2 dozen in the last couple of days. Glenn Pickett Columbia, Missouri Boone County, 5 miles north of Columbia ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Website: http://mobirds.org/Subject: Barred owl in deer camp From: Dave Haenni <dbhaenni01 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:20:35 -0800 I have a Barred owl story in response to Mike Doyens post about not hearing
owls while in deer camp. A couple weeks ago while bowhunting in Osage county
with my friend Steve he was attacked on 2 separate days by a barred owl. On
each occasion, while in 2 different deer stands 15 feet up in a tree, an owl
(presumably the same one) wacked him from behind in the back of his head,
leaving behind some pretty good scratches. Is this a territorial response? I
presume the owl was not mistaken him for food. Anyone else had this experience?
Last weekend while deer hunting (rifle season) in Pike county saw my 1st Purple
finches of the year feeding on weed seeds on the edge of the woods with some
goldfinches and 6 to 8 fox sparrows feeding on the ground beneath them
Dave Haenni
Des Peres, Mo.
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List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html
Subject: Where are the Owls?From: Mike Doyen <mdoyen AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:03:15 -0800 Spent three nights at our deer camp along the Meramec River, we have been camping on the same farm along the river for over twenty years and this was the first year I did not hear one Barred Owl nor one Great Horned Owl, strange! Mike Doyen Rolla, MO Bird by bird I've come to know the earth. Pablo Neruda. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.htmlSubject: killdeer young comment From: Lawrence Herbert <certhia AT ATT.NET> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:50:44 -0600 Chris in Stoddard Co. and Mobirders - Killdeer young in mid November is a good find. Jerome Jackson, in the Birds of NA account state "...egg dates in Mississippi are from 1 March to 15 Nov. Rare fall nests also found in AR. FL. and S. Carolina..." Good birding, Larry H. Joplin MO. certhia AT att.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.htmlSubject: Latest Fall MO Avocet Records From: Joshua Uffman <birdsandbugs AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:21:11 -0800 Regarding the American Avocet at RMBS (St. Charles Co.) - It appears it is not quite the latest fall record yet. I have just begun going through the seasonal reports since Robbins' and Easterla's Birds of Missouri was published and found the following: Nov. 19, 2007 (1); Squaw Creek NWR, Holt Co.; Larry Lade; BB 75[1]:10. Josh Joshua Uffman St. Louis County, MO Birdsandbugs AT sbcglobal.net MO-Records: www.showme-birds.com Bird Photos: http://www.pbase.com/jpuf ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.htmlSubject: Re: Killdeer young, Dexter City Lake, 11/13, Stoddard Co. From: holly higinbotham <higinbo AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:12:22 -0500 Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:54:39 -0700 From: 1chrisbarrigar AT LIVE.COM Subject: Killdeer young, Dexter City Lake, 11/13, Stoddard Co. To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU Short and sweet. Friday during lunch, I noticed an adult Killdeer making all sorts of ruckus and carrying on as if a nest was nearby. A quick glance revealed a single immature Killdeer, maybe 3 days old running around in the grass opposite of me. Just thought I'd share as I know this warm weather seems to have things messed up here in the bootheel! Kinda' late?! Nearly a week until Thanksgiving! Ducks are present at Duck Creek and Otter Slough CA's, but hunters are reporting low numbers. I haven't spoken with authorities regarding the numbers, but I imagine this weather's got them a little mixed up, too. Good Birding! Chris Barrigar Stoddard Co. 1chrisbarrigar AT live.com chrisbarrigar AT hotmail.com http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris http://community.webshots.com/user/photosbychris1 Windows 7: I wanted simpler, now it's simpler. I'm a rock star. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.asp _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.htmlSubject: Re: Avocet at Riverlands From: Al and Lois Smith <alandlois AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:47:29 -0600 American Avocet was sleeping in the rain today a Heron Pond at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, near shore. Photo 2009-11-16 14:17:27 http://www.photosbyat.com/photos/715424410_MLq4o-L.jpg Al Smith Bridgeton, St. Louis County http://www.photosbyat.com http://MoBirds.smugmug.com (admin) On Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:12:56 -0600, William RoweSubject: Texas sites material From: Edge <edgew AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:09:32 -0600 I've gotten several requests for the RGV sites email. I'm currently updating it with info/changes noted this past week. I'll get it out to requesters later today or tomorrow. Edge Wade Columbia, MO edgew AT mchsi.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.htmlSubject: Smithville Lake 11/16/09 From: Linda Williams <lkwilliams AT KC.RR.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:31:01 -0600 Posting for Doug Willis, a nice update on avian actvities at the lake, 1:30 p.m.: From the north end of the dam: HUGE raft of ducks, including FOS Common Mergansers 30 Common Loons 2 PACIFIC LOONS 2 Western Grebes and 1 CLARK'S GREBE are still present Good drizzly-sleety, safe birding to all, Linda Williams Liberty, Clay County, MO lkwilliams AT kc.rr.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.htmlSubject: Re: Birding TEXAS From: Michael Grant <mikecurlew AT ATT.NET> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:27:45 -0800 And check this web site for the Texas Coastal Birding Trail: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildlife_trails/coastal/ Mike Grant Chesterfield, MO ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.htmlSubject: Birding TEXAS From: Edge <edgew AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:11:11 -0600 Chris, et al: I've just returned from a too-short--3-day--visit to the RGV (short- hand for Rio Grande Valley). For the past decade Jerry and I have spent the last week of December/ first week of January in the RGV. I've made additional quick trips down to see several "ABA firsts"--amazing first-time visitors from Mexico. Note: We love southeast Arizona, San Diego Co. California, south Florida and many other places, but the RGV is #1, especially for birders fairly new to the obsession (uh, I mean, avocation). We've been to various parts of Texas on many occasions--Hill Country (Black-capped Vireo/Golden-cheeked Warbler), High Island (hoping for a fall-out, but pleased with what we found), Galveston/Bolivar Flats (shorebirds & a Kelp Gull), Big Bend and vicinity (Montezuma Quail, Colima Warbler, Fan-tailed Warbler), Lake Balmorhea (Clark's Grebe, etc.), San Bernard NWR, Christmas Bay, Quintana jetty (Seaside Sparrows, Horned Grebe, Purple Sandpiper etc.), Hagerman NWR (Buff- breasted Sandpipers, geese, ducks, Harris's Sparrow), Baffin Bay (Groove-billed Anis, Sandhill Cranes, etc.). Obviously, we have a long-standing love affair with Texas birding, developed en route to a Texas species list of more than 400 as those special birds were sought for their beauty and novelty in the ABA area. All that said, there is no place in the US for birders like the Rio Grande Valley: Working west from South Padre Island (SPI), to the mouth of the Rio Grande at Boca Chica, Laguna Atascosa NWR, Sabal Palm Grove, UT Brownsville campus, Frontera Nature Center, Santa Ana NWR, Quinta Matzatlan, Anzalduas County Park, Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, Roma, Salineno, Falcon State Park and Falcon County Park (and several other sites along the way). This is BIRD CANDYLAND. One of the greatest pleasures I get in birding is watching birders on their first visit to the RGV! When to go: November through March. What you'll see: Minimum 30 lifers--probably 50 plus. Species unique for the US in RGV or at least not typically found in MO (incomplete list): Least Grebe, Northern Gannet, Anhinga, Magnificant Frigatebird, Reddish Egret, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Mottled Duck, Masked Duck, Hook-billed Kite, White- tailed Kite, Gray Hawk, Common Black-hawk, Harris's Hawk, White- tailed Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Crested Caracara, Plain Chachalaca, Clapper Rail, Royal Tern, Sandwich Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Red-billed Pigeon, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Common Ground Dove, White- tipped Dove, Green Parakeet, Red-crowned Parrot, Groove-billed Ani, Ferruginous Pygmy-owl, Common Pauraque, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Ringed Kingfisher, Green Kingfisher, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Beardless-Trannulet, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Great Kiskadee, Couch's Kingbird, Tropical Kingbird, Chihuahuan Raven, Green Jay, Cave Swallow, Black-crested Titmouse, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, Clay-colored Thrush (formerly Clay-colored Robin), Long-billed Thrasher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Sprague's Pipit, Phainopepla, Tropical Parula, White- collared Seedeater, Olive Sparrow, Cassin's Sparrow, Botteri's Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Lark Bunting, Blue Bunting, Hooded Oriole, Altamira Oriole, Audubon's Oriole, Lesser Goldfinch. Drooling? Well, any trip might luck into one of these rarities: Northern Jacana, Roadside Hawk, Green Mango, Elegant Trogon, Social Flycatcher, Rose-throated Becard, Brown Jay, Tamaulipas Crow, Black- headed Nightengale-Thrush, Blue Mockingbird, Gray-crowned Yellowthroat, Golden-crowned Warbler, Crimson-collared Grosbeak Of course, not all of even the "regularly occurring" species will be seen on any one trip (that's one reason RGV birding becomes addictive). I have a lengthy site description/directions/comments list for most of the RGV sites, and suggestions for eateries and accommodations. I'll email it to anyone on request. Edge Wade Columbia, MO edgew AT mchsi.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.htmlSubject: Common Loons, Large mixed raft-Creve Coeur Lake From: bryan prather <brynprth AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:55:18 -0800 Creve Coeur Lake-9-10am This morning, I took advantage of the break in rain and perused the lake. I found some nice visitors there today. C.Loons-4 off by themselves. Boat ramp at the main lake entrance is a nice place to view them.(Athletic field entrance is good, too) Mixed raft included: Northern Shovelers Buffleheads Scaups Many Am. Coots(150?) P-B Grebe Few Gulls Mallard Lake was comparatively quiet, supporting a DC Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Am. Kestrel, Kingfisher. Bryan Prather brynprth AT yahoo.com St. Louis, Co. Mo ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.htmlSubject: Re: Birding Trip to Texas - please, I need your help From: Jennifer Reidy <grizzlyskye AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:44:13 -0600 Hi Chris, I am from Texas, began my birding in Texas, and return every year for more. Bob Fisher is correct when he says you can't do Texas in one trip, so with that in mind, you do need to decide what it is you're after. My advice, from reading your email, is to prioritize seeing new birds, since this may be your one-and-only chance to do that in a new place. Therefore, hands down the place to go is the Lower Rio Grande Valley for several days. The area (and travel around the entire area, it is easy to find info on internet) supports a large variety of subtropical species seen nowhere else in the country. Laguna Atascosa is nearby on the coast and there are breeding Aplomado Falcons there. High Island is very cool if you hit a fall-out, where you can amass over 30 warbler species in 1 spot. However, that is weather-dependent and when it does happen it attracts hordes of birders in a pretty small place (which does however provide much opportunity for help for novices). The hill country of central Texas provides not just great opportunities for Golden-cheeked Warblers and Black-capped Vireos, but also Vermilion Flycatchers, Black-crested Titmice, Black-chinned hummers, Green kingfishers, golden-fronted woodpeckers, scrub jays, other scrub birds, and of course scissor-tailed flycatchers and painted buntings are 'trash' birds in the area. If you don't want to find all these guys on your own, The Nature Conservancy/Fort Hood offers a few guided birding tours through Fort Hood. Otherwise, stay about 1-2 hours west of Austin/San Antonio for best chance at western scrub birds (there are many state parks in area). West Texs also has plenty of specialities, but is less accessible and very remote. Best time to go in general: late April. Best advice: subscribe to Texbirds and do an RFI or just keep an eye on what people see where. Texbirds has more stringent rules for members than mo-birds (generally speaking, all posting need to be on Texas bird sightings). You will get so much info from really good birders. Good luck - Texas birding is awesome!!! Jennifer Reidy Liberty, MO > Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:49:22 -0800 > From: wildreturn AT CHARTER.NET > Subject: Birding Trip to Texas - please, I need your help > To: MOBIRDS-L AT PO.MISSOURI.EDU > > Dear everyone: > > I am a passionate birder of Missouri but I have a one time wish that involves birding outside it. I want to travel and bird in Texas, where many of the migrants first make their way into the States on their migratory pathway to Missouri. > > As a novice to birding in Texas, I need all the help I can get from folks on this list. It's one of the reasons I am on it. I have gotten a few kind responses from my plea for help regarding planning a birding trip to Texas (thank you to those who did respond), but I have a suspicion that due to the fact that I tagged my plea for help onto the end of a long email, many of you missed it - since I know many of you have birded in Texas. So I thought I would try one more time to ask for your help. > > My family and I (my parents and my husband) are starting from scratch and can use all the advice we can get - planning the trip, best places in your opinion to > go, best time to go, best resources/contacts, what to take, etc. We thought we might drive there but are now rethinking that - in order to have more birding time there. We'll rent a car. We'll have a spotting scope by then as well. Yeah! > > We want to take a fabulous dream of a birding trip, since this will most likely be > a once in a lifetime trip for all of us. There are reasons why this trip is a big > deal. My husband and I have never birded anywhere other than Missouri (my > parents did a little in Costa Rica), none of us will probably ever have > the money to do it again and we all have health issues that could easily get > worse any day...and make a birding trip out of the question in the future. > > Texas seemed the place, given important factors we were looking at - a sense of connection to Missouri's migrants, not horribly expensive, mesmerizing in the numbers of birds one can see (so people say), a touch or more of the exotic without leaving the country, and possibly an oppoortunity to help some kind of conservation effort while we're there as a way of giving back. Or does something think another destination more appropriate? > > We want to simply shower in the splendor of birds; we want to be overwhelmed by their beauty. We want to be gluttons for a week on a spiritual avian high. We want a knock-out birding trip - a trip that gives us the chance to be surrounded by a huge diversity of accessible birds. Life lists are something my ma and I have begun to do, but that's not the focus of this trip. Since we are such novices, many birds are going to be lifers in Texas anyway - and if they are not lifers, their sheer numbers will be a life experience. > > What experience do any of you have with High Island as a destination? or Lower Rio Grande Valley? > > We want to go somewhere special for about 7-10 days. We want to be relaxed about it, easy-going. We want to go at the right time - a time when lots of birds are present and traveling through. We want to go to the right place - a place that is easily accessible. We don't want to have to contend with hordes of other people birding - or at least we want to be forewarned that's an issue and how best to deal with it. We'd like to go next Spring. I hope we are not starting our plans too late. Some places get all booked up in advance, right? > > Other issues we need to think about? > > Thanks again, > Chris McClarren > St. Louis Missouri > wildreturn AT charter.net > > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum > ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park > http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.asp _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum List archives: https://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.htmlSubject: Re: Birding Trip to Texas - please, I need your help From: Bob Fisher <bobgfisher AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:21:31 -0600 Hi Christina: I have made quite a few trips to Texas and have seen more than 50% on the Texas state checklist, so I can help. But there are several things that need to be said first: 1. You can't "do" Texas in one trip. It's a very large state. 2. You mention "a sense of connection to Missouri migrants." Most people go to Texas to see birds they don't see here. At the outset, you need to make a "quality vs. quantity" decision. Do you want to go for Texas specialties (i.e. "quality") or a big trip list and diversity (i.e. "quantity")? 3. Texas is, in my opinion, the most "birder friendly" state, but, with a few exceptions, it is relatively short on spectacular natural beauty. When you talk of "splendor" and of being "overwhelmed by beauty" I think of Roseate Spoonbills, egrets and ibis; I don't think of snow-capped mountains or even of rolling prairies. 4. There are some good books available. You ought to borrow or buy the following both for planning and to guide you when you are there: Cooksey & Weeks, A Birder's Guide to the Texas Coast (ABA, 2006) Lockwood, McKinney, Paton & Zimmer, A Birder's Guide to the Rio Grande Valley, fourth edition (ABA, 2008). See also other books listed at http://www.buteobooks.com/states.html#TX. (i.e. ABA sales). 5. Basically, I see two big choices: The Upper Texas Coast (i.e. Bolivar Flats, High Island, Anahuac NWR) during April or the Lower Rio Grande Valley (including S. Padre Island, Laguna Atascosa NWR, Santa Anna NWR, Bentsen State Park & perhaps Salineno, Chipeno and Falcon Dam up stream) at any time (but early winter is good). 6. It is possible to do a lot in one 7-10 day trip. But it is hectic. On my last 10-day trip, I flew to San Antonio in April and rented a car, spent a couple of days in the "hill county" getting Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo, drove to "The Valley" and picked up Red-billed Pigeon at Salineno and Muscovy Duck at Chipeno, spent a night and a half day birding with my friends, Mel and Arlie Cooksey of Corpus Christi, then drove to Galveston, Bolivar Flats, High Island, etc. , where I saw 34 shorebird species in one day and picked up Yellow Rail at Anahuac and witnessed a "fallout" at High Island, then back to San Antonio and home. 7. If you have heard a lot about High Island, you need to put it into perspective. I saw only about 20 species of warblers in 4-5 days there - i.e. less than you can get on a good day in Missouri. The fallout occurred only after a bad storm; there were incredible numbers of exhausted song birds, but I watched them in pouring rain. What was especially good about High Island was to see warblers that are hard to see here -- e.g. Bay-breasted, Cerulean, Golden-winged and Hooded Warbler - often and at close range. Get the books. Check out what you might see, and plan your trip. Please feel free to aks me questions off list. Good luck. Bob Fisher Independence, MO bobgfisher AT comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.aspSubject: Squaw Creek NWR Sat 11-14 From: Dianne & Steve Kinder <dmkinder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:07:23 -0800 Like Larry said we had a fine time birding the area yesterday. Nice to see some Trumpeter Swans back again. The American Pipit spectacle was special. They were a few miles south of the refuge. They were lining the power lines like Swallows, perched on hay bales, dropping into feed in a very green - for November -Alfalfa field, and landing on the road then flying up when a vehicle came by, swirling around and coming back to the road. I have seen more AMPI the last Month or so than I've ever seen before. The bird of the day though may have been a very striking Krider's -type Redtail Hawk seen on the refuge. It had white head, back, and front, but darker wings. pale reddish tail with lighter base. Nice to see some of these lighter birds back in Mo. LOTS of other Redtails on the refuge and in the area of various colorations including a blackish one between the refuge and Mound City. We didn't keep a count but guess-timated we probably saw around 60! Saw one Short-eared Owl on the way home last eve in Caldwell Co. along hwy B north of Hwy 65 an area where there were several last Winter. Fun to see all the Winter Raptors around! Later, Steve Kinder Chillicothe, Livingston Co. dmkinder AT yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum ASM Fall Meeting: September 25-27 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park http://mobirds.org/Meetings/fallmtg09.asp |