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26 May Re: Western Tanager [Patricia Mclaughlin ] 27 May Burrowing Owl, QLL 20A, Southern Phillips County at 1910. ["Mike Lesnik" ] 26 May FOY Western Tanager Hamilton 5/26 ["martinvanburenbell" ] 26 May Bridger Canyon Broad winged hawk ["gjkingfisher36" ] 26 May Re: Saco yd birds...palm warbler,warblers,lesser goldfinch [Arla Eckert ] 26 May Re: Saco yd birds...palm warbler,warblers,lesser goldfinch ["Mike Lesnik" ] 26 May Ft. Peck sightings ["Chuck Carlson" ] 26 May Saco yd birds...palm warbler,warblers,lesser goldfinch ["twobirdbrains" ] 26 May Posting photos ["Chuck Carlson" ] 26 May Western Tanager [Peter Murray ] 26 May Help identifying a raptor ["capebird1978" ] 26 May South QLL 11D, North McCone County Field Sparrow ["Mike Lesnik" ] 26 May Montana Audubon from Plentywood ["Ed Harper" ] 26 May Missing or Days Late Big List Entries ["Mike Lesnik" ] 25 May Freezout A.M. ["Larry Carter" ] 25 May Re: Black-and-White Warbler in Plentywood ["Mike Lesnik" ] 25 May Blackpoll Warbler Livingston ["mitchhurt" ] 25 May Black-and-White Warbler in Plentywood ["Mike Lesnik" ] 25 May Re: Bobolinks and Chats ["Chris J. Montano Jr." ] 25 May Bobolinks and Chats [Tom Forwood ] 25 May Need Help Again.... ["mtwaggin" ] 25 May Shields Valley Lark Bunting, Bobolinks, Balck Terns ["BethM" ] 25 May Livingston Migrants - 5/25 - Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-eyed Vireo (FOY) [Forrest Rowland ] 25 May Sheridan County Birds ["Mike Lesnik" ] 25 May Eastern Phoebe in Miles City ["Ed Harper" ] 24 May Duffy's Grove, Teton, US-MT [Arla Eckert ] 24 May Duffy's Grove, Teton, US-MT [Arla Eckert ] 24 May Eureka Reservoir, Teton, US-MT [Arla Eckert ] 24 May Cave Mountain Trail head & Campground area, Teton, US-MT [Arla Eckert ] 24 May Ear Mountain Outstanding Natural Area [Arla Eckert ] 24 May Ear Mountain Outstanding Natural Area [Arla Eckert ] 24 May Pine Butte Swamp Preserve [Arla Eckert ] 24 May Piping Plover just south of Westby ["Mike Lesnik" ] 24 May FOY birds for Giant Springs & a few that are still there [Arla Eckert ] 24 May Freezout--Friday [Michael Schwitters ] 24 May Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pair ["jparkerll38" ] 24 May RE: Westby birds ["Stevan Hawkins" ] 24 May RE: Westby birds ["Stevan Hawkins" ] 24 May Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman ["steel_rsd" ] 24 May Oriole & Others [loren haarr ] 24 May Rose Breasted Grosbeak ["farwoodhaven" ] 24 May swainson's thrush ["andreaforbirds" ] 24 May Westby birds ["Ted" ] 23 May Re: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman ["Jeff Marks" ] 24 May Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman ["Mary McFadzen" ] 23 May Livingston area migrants - 5/23 [Forrest Rowland ] 23 May Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman ["steel_rsd" ] 23 May Selective Fallout in Helena ["birder_bob" ] 23 May Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Billings ["jaythom AT juno.com" ] 23 May House Wren ["mike vennard" ] 23 May Riverfront not Riverside Park for Plumbeous Vireo ["Ed Harper" ] 23 May Plumbeous Vireo in Billings ["Ed Harper" ] 22 May Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman ["Jeff Marks" ] 22 May Fw: Fw: Great Egret [1 Attachment] [Karl Hallman ] 22 May Fw: Great Egret [Karl Hallman ] 22 May Re: Re: Shields Valley FOY birds [Forrest Rowland ] 22 May Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman [Jackie Wilson ] 23 May Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman ["alpinepika" ] 23 May Southeast Montana County Road Prairie Birding - why I love it ["Mike Lesnik" ] 22 May Clary-colored Sparrows and Least Flycatcher...and oh yeah, Peregrine Falcon ["Tom Forwood Jr." ] 22 May Re: Unknown Sparrow ["Janice Miller" ] 22 May QLL 35D, Fallon County ["Mike Lesnik" ] 22 May Lazuli Bunting and Yellow-rumped Warblers ["Deb Lewis" ] 22 May Re: Unknown Sparrow ["steel_rsd" ] 22 May Re: Unknown Sparrow ["Chuck Carlson" ] 22 May Unknown Sparrow ["Janice Miller" ] 22 May Re: Shields Valley FOY birds ["steel_rsd" ] 22 May RE: Sidney additions ["Stevan Hawkins" ] 22 May Sidney additions [Maureen OMara ] 22 May Re: Vaux's Swift nesting ["Jeff Marks" ] 22 May Ekalaka Tennessee Warbler fallout ["Mike Lesnik" ] 22 May Vaux's Swift nesting ["bdeeble2003" ] 22 May Carter County is wet, green & birdy ["Mike Lesnik" ] 21 May Flathead/Glacier Birding [paul rossi ] 22 May FOY black chinned hummingbird Hamilton 5th st. 5/21 ["martinvanburenbell" ] 21 May Re: [MOB-Montana. Stevensville Birds [Sid Frissell ] Subject: Re: Western Tanager From: Patricia Mclaughlin <2birders AT bresnan.net> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 19:54:26 -0600 Western Tanager at nearby neighbors on Hodgson, Whitefish. Pat McLaughlin & Glenn Violette, Whitefish, MT On 5/26/2013 9:17 AM, Peter Murray wrote: > Old Chico, Paradise Valley. May 26, 2013 Western Tanager visits > feeder briefly. > Pete Murray > Subject: Burrowing Owl, QLL 20A, Southern Phillips County at 1910. From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 01:27:33 -0000 MOB, West side of US 191 five miles north of the Fred Robinson Bridge in dog town. Pulled of here about an hour with just a speck of cell signal to work on my birding data entry. Glassed the area several time and finally caught it flying and was able to follow it to a ground landing about 300 meters away. Mike Lesnik as above ------------------------------------ Subject: FOY Western Tanager Hamilton 5/26 From: "martinvanburenbell" <martinvanburenbell AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 23:59:30 -0000 Lookin' at 3 of them right now on 5th st. They are late. Martin Bell Hamilton ------------------------------------ Subject: Bridger Canyon Broad winged hawk From: "gjkingfisher36" <gjkingfisher AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 22:10:25 -0000 Mob, This morning I saw a sub-adult Broad winged hawk on the east side of the Bridger Mountains a few miles north of Bozeman. It was sitting in a tree in a mixed conifer/aspen forest and gave me some great looks. I was able to get within about 40 ft. George Kelly, ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Saco yd birds...palm warbler,warblers,lesser goldfinch From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 13:21:16 -0600 Wow, I sure wish I could get over there this spring! Arla Eckert Great Falls On 5/26/13 10:06 AM, "twobirdbrains" wrote: > MOB- > We thought we would keep track of the birds that we saw in our yd (and the > ditch directly behind our yd) Anyone that knows us also knows that this is > something that we rarely do. Following is the two day tally: > > -New yd bird Palm warbler > -Common Yellowthroat > -Wilson's Warbler > -Blackburnian Warbler > -Yellow Warbler > -Tennessee Warbler > -American Redstart > -Myrtle Warbler > -Orange-crowned Warbler > -Blackpoll Warbler > -Black-and-white Warbler > -Nashville Warbler > -Magnolia Warbler > -MacGillivray's Warbler > -Ovenbird > -Northern Waterthrush > -Other unidentified warblers > -Red-breasted Nuthatch > -Lesser Goldfinch > -American Goldfinch > -Baltimore Oriole > -Bullock's Oriole > -Grey Catbird > -Brown Thrasher > -Spotted Towhee > -Olive-sided Flycatcher > -Least/Alder Flycatcher > -Say's Phoebe > -Swainson's Thrush > -Cedar Waxwing > -American Robin > -House Wren > -Tree swallows > -Barn Swallows > -Clay-colored Sparrow > -Song Sparrow > -White-throated Sparrow > -Crown Sparrow > -Lark Sparrow > -Downy Woodpecker > -Hairy Woodpecker > -Northern Flicker > -Red-headed woodpecker > -Eastern Kingbird > -Western Kingbird > -Pine Siskin > -Morning Dove > -Yellow-headed Blackbird > -Red-winged Blackbird > -Lark Bunting > -Meadowlark > -Bobolink > -Horned Lark > -Gray Patridge > -Ring-necked Pheasant > -Kestral > -Willet > -Wilson's Phalarope > -Common Snipe > -Marbled Godwit > -Long-Billed Dowitcher > -American Bittern > -Sora > -Killdeer > -Canada Goose > -Blue-winged Teal > -Mallard > -Northern Shoveler > -Northern Pintail > And the 'garbage birds' > -Cowbird > -Starling > -Grackle > -Collared doves > -House Sparrows > > > The Minneraths > Saco, MT > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Subject: Re: Saco yd birds...palm warbler,warblers,lesser goldfinch From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 16:54:24 -0000 twobirdbrains, Haven't checked the Big List for a bit, but I hope that you are entering your amazing yard list there. Feel free to edit anything into your location if you have an earlier date. (We might need to go to a 24 hour clock time stamp!) Mike Lesnik Dam Interpretive Center --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "twobirdbrains" wrote: > > MOB- > We thought we would keep track of the birds that we saw in our yd (and the ditch directly behind our yd) Anyone that knows us also knows that this is something that we rarely do. Following is the two day tally: > > -New yd bird Palm warbler > -Common Yellowthroat > -Wilson's Warbler > -Blackburnian Warbler > -Yellow Warbler > -Tennessee Warbler > -American Redstart > -Myrtle Warbler > -Orange-crowned Warbler > -Blackpoll Warbler > -Black-and-white Warbler > -Nashville Warbler > -Magnolia Warbler > -MacGillivray's Warbler > -Ovenbird > -Northern Waterthrush > -Other unidentified warblers > -Red-breasted Nuthatch > -Lesser Goldfinch > -American Goldfinch > -Baltimore Oriole > -Bullock's Oriole > -Grey Catbird > -Brown Thrasher > -Spotted Towhee > -Olive-sided Flycatcher > -Least/Alder Flycatcher > -Say's Phoebe > -Swainson's Thrush > -Cedar Waxwing > -American Robin > -House Wren > -Tree swallows > -Barn Swallows > -Clay-colored Sparrow > -Song Sparrow > -White-throated Sparrow > -Crown Sparrow > -Lark Sparrow > -Downy Woodpecker > -Hairy Woodpecker > -Northern Flicker > -Red-headed woodpecker > -Eastern Kingbird > -Western Kingbird > -Pine Siskin > -Morning Dove > -Yellow-headed Blackbird > -Red-winged Blackbird > -Lark Bunting > -Meadowlark > -Bobolink > -Horned Lark > -Gray Patridge > -Ring-necked Pheasant > -Kestral > -Willet > -Wilson's Phalarope > -Common Snipe > -Marbled Godwit > -Long-Billed Dowitcher > -American Bittern > -Sora > -Killdeer > -Canada Goose > -Blue-winged Teal > -Mallard > -Northern Shoveler > -Northern Pintail > And the 'garbage birds' > -Cowbird > -Starling > -Grackle > -Collared doves > -House Sparrows > > > The Minneraths > Saco, MT > ------------------------------------ Subject: Ft. Peck sightings From: "Chuck Carlson" <chuckcmt AT nemont.net> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 10:50:38 -0600 I’ve been lax again in posting the sightings from the Ft. Peck area. I am very jealous of the lists of warblers others have posted from this part of the state. The only ones we’ve seen so far are Tennessee, Yellow and Yellow-rumped. And even the Yellow-rumped have been far fewer this spring than ever before. There was a quick glimpse of a MacGillivray’s or Mourning warbler in the back yard yesterday, but not enough time to make a positive ID. Another intriguing sight occurred on Friday when a male Archilochus hummer showed for about three seconds directly facing me. It was an overcast sky with low light and the throat appeared jet black. A hummer this time of year here is completely unexpected, and while Ruby-throated is the expected species, it could also have been a Black-chinned, which would have been a first for this part of the state, excluding Saco. Alas, even though I immediately put out a feeder, the bird was not seen again. A pair of Hairy Woodpeckers has been regulars at the suet feeder along with the Downy pair. In the field, away from the backyard, there were two White-rumped Sandpipers at the sewage pond yesterday along with about six Semipalmated Sandpipers and two Spotted Sandpipers. Earlier there was a small flock of about 15 Red-necked Phalaropes. A trip out on the Bentonite Road last Monday found two Mountain Plovers for two birders from California – lifer for both. We also found some McCown’s and Chestnut-collared longspurs. And several Red-necked Phalaropes. On the snow-melt-water pond on Galpin Road I’ve had Black-bellied Plovers, Red-necked Phalaropes, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Long-billed Curlews, Long-billed Dowitchers, Marbled Godwits, and Stilt Sandpipers. The water in the pond has been getting quite low, but the major rainstorm we had last night should have rejuvenated it. Chuck Carlson Ft. Peck Subject: Saco yd birds...palm warbler,warblers,lesser goldfinch From: "twobirdbrains" <twobirdbrains AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 16:06:51 -0000 MOB- We thought we would keep track of the birds that we saw in our yd (and the ditch directly behind our yd) Anyone that knows us also knows that this is something that we rarely do. Following is the two day tally: -New yd bird Palm warbler -Common Yellowthroat -Wilson's Warbler -Blackburnian Warbler -Yellow Warbler -Tennessee Warbler -American Redstart -Myrtle Warbler -Orange-crowned Warbler -Blackpoll Warbler -Black-and-white Warbler -Nashville Warbler -Magnolia Warbler -MacGillivray's Warbler -Ovenbird -Northern Waterthrush -Other unidentified warblers -Red-breasted Nuthatch -Lesser Goldfinch -American Goldfinch -Baltimore Oriole -Bullock's Oriole -Grey Catbird -Brown Thrasher -Spotted Towhee -Olive-sided Flycatcher -Least/Alder Flycatcher -Say's Phoebe -Swainson's Thrush -Cedar Waxwing -American Robin -House Wren -Tree swallows -Barn Swallows -Clay-colored Sparrow -Song Sparrow -White-throated Sparrow -Crown Sparrow -Lark Sparrow -Downy Woodpecker -Hairy Woodpecker -Northern Flicker -Red-headed woodpecker -Eastern Kingbird -Western Kingbird -Pine Siskin -Morning Dove -Yellow-headed Blackbird -Red-winged Blackbird -Lark Bunting -Meadowlark -Bobolink -Horned Lark -Gray Patridge -Ring-necked Pheasant -Kestral -Willet -Wilson's Phalarope -Common Snipe -Marbled Godwit -Long-Billed Dowitcher -American Bittern -Sora -Killdeer -Canada Goose -Blue-winged Teal -Mallard -Northern Shoveler -Northern Pintail And the 'garbage birds' -Cowbird -Starling -Grackle -Collared doves -House Sparrows The Minneraths Saco, MT ------------------------------------ Subject: Posting photos From: "Chuck Carlson" <chuckcmt AT nemont.net> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 09:55:58 -0600 Once again, Mobsters Please include species name (if known), location and date in the photo description before posting. The Home page description has a small paragraph addressing this issue. Please read this introductory description. Chuck Carlson Moderator Subject: Western Tanager From: Peter Murray <pmwm12 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 09:17:06 -0600 Old Chico, Paradise Valley. May 26, 2013 Western Tanager visits feeder briefly. Pete Murray Subject: Help identifying a raptor From: "capebird1978" <d.ellison AT bresnan.net> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 13:51:50 -0000 Driving yesterday from Missoula to Helena we detoured through Helmville and spotted a very handsome hawk on a fence post and took a few photos, two of which are posted in the help identification folder. Using the FWP raptor guide narrowed the possibilities but I'm not strong on raptors and would welcome assistance in learning what hawk I saw. Thanks, Dan Ellison, Helena ------------------------------------ Subject: South QLL 11D, North McCone County Field Sparrow From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 13:43:13 -0000 MOB, Presently sitting along side a small reservoir on a State Trust Lands school section south of the Missouri River about 12 miles west of the MT 13 bridge [SE of Wolf Point} where I slept last night. Just got back from a morning hike along the south shore of the pond. Lots of Brown Thrashers and Yellow-breasted Chats. The last of the 23 species from last night and this morning was my target - two gray adult Field Sparrows. I had seen the bird here on a previous visit. I believe that this my third time to bird this little speck of riparian, sagebrush and ravine thicket habitat; and it has always been a pleasant few hours. Last nights sound & light show was an extra bonus. Mike Lesnik Largest hydraulic filled earthen dam in the United States next ------------------------------------ Subject: Montana Audubon from Plentywood From: "Ed Harper" <calidris AT surewest.net> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 04:41:38 -0000 Hello All! A busy day here where we again, for the second consecutive day, logged an even 100 species. We had planned to spend only the early morning in Plentywood before departing for Westby, but we were derailed by the birds at Harry Desilva City Park. Blackpoll Warblers initiated our frenzy followed by numerous Tennessee Warblers. Then came a stunning male Magnolia Warbler, a Philadelphia Vireo, a Red-eyed Vireo, a couple of Orange-crowns, a lone Nashville Warbler, and later, thanks to Mike Lesnick, a female Black-and-white Warbler. Overhead Purple Martins were almost continuously calling and flying about. A stunning male Rose-breasted Grosbeak posed for lingering scope views. From the city park we drove up to the nearby Box Elder Reservoir where additional Blackpoll and Tennessee Warblers provided more good views. But the real highlight here was an astounding 75 Black Terns working the waters. We seemed to always have some interesting birds in view, be it Clay-colored Sparrows or Eared Grebes in their finest plumage. The result of all this was that we did not make it to Westby until after 2:00 PM! Arriving there our spirits fell. We were stunned by the senseless annihilation of habitat in the city park and it wasn't until after our tears dried that another Philadelphia Vireo was added the day's list. It was about the only bird of note in this once productive park, the crown jewel of Montana's birding hotspots. Walking around the town we added a few more birds, Baltimore Oriole being the flashiest addition. A short hop just north of town took us to the Track and Field Pond where we found an active swarm of 1500 Red-necked Phalaropes actively foraging. When not counting phalaropes, we were admiring White-rumped, Stilt, and Semipalmated Sandpipers, all affording a nice study. Later south of Westby on the Goose Lake Road we enjoyed scope looks of Piping Plover, Chestnut-collared Longspur, and Bobolinks. Lots of happy faces in the vans! Finally on the way back into Plentywood on Highway 5, we were treated to a two different sightings of Sharp-tailed Grouse, 3 birds in all, that seemingly wanted to share the road. A good day it was and now as I write this, a light rain is falling at 10:30 PM and one can only wonder what migrants might decide to settle down to provide another day of exciting birding in northeast Montana! Ed Harper SANDPIPER JOURNEYS Bozeman/Sacramento ------------------------------------ Subject: Missing or Days Late Big List Entries From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 03:19:05 -0000 MOB, Spending a bit of shut in time while a severe thunderstorm blows out of McCone County into Roosevelt County and trying to get my Excel copy of the Big List up to date (it has been busy!). Looks like there are some hummingbirds and the Harlequin Duck that were mentioned in the dispatches but are still unclaimed. Several others seemed to have been entered without a message. One way or the other we should be over 300. Mike Lesnik Highland Rd small State Lands reservoir ------------------------------------ Subject: Freezout A.M. From: "Larry Carter" <birder43 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 22:46:47 -0000 MOB, checked out Freezout this morning. The migrant shorebirds have moved on I do believe. First of year birds at Freezout is a pair of Spotted Sandpipers along the banks of Pond 5, one Swainson's Thrush at the Garage site. Other birds worth a note at Freezout are--one American Bittern flying over Pond 5, Clay-colored Sparrows are back in decent numbers, 7 White-faced Ibis along Pond 1, and the pair of Caspian Terns are still on one of the islands on Pond 1, I do believe they are nesting. Birds spotted along Priest Butte Road (Duffy's) are first of year birds--Eastern Kingbirds, one American Redstart, one Warbling Viero, and first American Kestrel at Rattlesnake Butte. Other birds worth a note at Priest Butte Road are--several Swainson's thrush, 3 Bullock's Orioles, a few Common Yellowthroat Warblers and a couple of Yellow Warblers. The Red-tailed Hawks are nesting at Duffy's, and saw both Myrtle and Audubon's Warblers. all for now, Good birding, Larry Carter Fairfield ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Black-and-White Warbler in Plentywood From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 22:24:52 -0000 Sure wish we could do edits after sending! Also forgot to mention that two Piping Plover were seen late this morning on the roadside shoreline of yesterdays pond. Mike Lesnik MT 13 Missouri River Bridge --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Mike Lesnik" wrote: > > MOB, > > In the small stream course just upstream of the Harry Desilva City Park. Ed & one of his group got to see it before it departed the confined space; but I did not see any of their birds from earlier in > the day. > > Mike Lesnik > South of the river west of Wolf Point tonight. > ------------------------------------ Subject: Blackpoll Warbler Livingston From: "mitchhurt" <mitchhurt AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 20:56:04 -0000 I was helping Neil Travis set up mist nets for banding birds at Depuy's Spring Creek this morning and we had good looks at a female Blackpoll Warbler. We only ran the nets for an hour or so but we caught: 2 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Yellow Warbler male 1 Red-naped Sapsucker female 1 Swainson's Thrush female (brood patch) 1 Least Flycatcher male (wing cord) 1 Song Sparrow We will be netting birds all week and on Friday the Forestry Service is bringing a group out to watch us band that day. If you are interested in joining us call me at 406-223-4919. Mitch Hurt Livingston ------------------------------------ Subject: Black-and-White Warbler in Plentywood From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 20:11:52 -0000 MOB, In the small stream course just upstream of the Harry Desilva City Park. Ed & one of his group got to see it before it departed the confined space; but I did not see any for their birds from earlier in the day. Mike Lesnik South of the river west of Wolf Point tonight. ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Bobolinks and Chats From: "Chris J. Montano Jr." <chris.montano81 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 12:29:33 -0700 Awesome, thank you so much for the tip. Ill be up that way on the 6th until the 18th. Did you happens to notice if the osprey was nesting in the river there in card well this year? Chris J. Montano Jr. www.chrismontanojr.com On May 25, 2013, at 12:26 PM, Tom Forwood wrote: > I have had a few Bobolinks in Cardwell the last few days (or is the plural still Bobolink?) In Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park we are now inundated with Dusky Flycatchers, Spotted Towhees, Pine Siskins, Cassin's Finches and Chipping Sparrows. Good numbers of Rock Wrens and Green-tailed Towhees have been seen and several Bullock's Orioles setting up to nest in and near the campground. Yesterday I had my FOY Yellow-breasted Chat and found 3 near the Jefferson River, two of which were at the park's Fishing Access Site. I also finally found the park's FOY Canyon Wren in Sheep Gulch. They have been fairly quiet so far. > > Good Birding all, Tom > > -- > Tom Forwood > Park Ranger > Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park > P.O. Box 489 > Whitehall, MT 59759 > 406-287-3541 > > fwptforwood AT gmail.com > Subject: Bobolinks and Chats From: Tom Forwood <tjfishing75 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 13:26:16 -0600 I have had a few Bobolinks in Cardwell the last few days (or is the plural still Bobolink?) In Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park we are now inundated with Dusky Flycatchers, Spotted Towhees, Pine Siskins, Cassin's Finches and Chipping Sparrows. Good numbers of Rock Wrens and Green-tailed Towhees have been seen and several Bullock's Orioles setting up to nest in and near the campground. Yesterday I had my FOY Yellow-breasted Chat and found 3 near the Jefferson River, two of which were at the park's Fishing Access Site. I also finally found the park's FOY Canyon Wren in Sheep Gulch. They have been fairly quiet so far. Good Birding all, Tom -- Tom Forwood Park Ranger Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park P.O. Box 489 Whitehall, MT 59759 406-287-3541 fwptforwood AT gmail.com Subject: Need Help Again.... From: "mtwaggin" <mtwaggin AT mt.net> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 18:16:44 -0000 Have a photo in Sherry in Helena's album: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MOB-Montana/photos/album/1067049745/pic/1758180012/view?picmode=&mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=1&count=20&dir=asc and I can't id the bird. Know you all will know in a heartbeat! Took it kayaking this morning and have more photos if needed (which I am guessing won't be. Thanks in advance and hope the birders I saw out at the reservoir had as much fun as we did! Birds I know that we spotted: Great Horned Owl (my first - woop!) Cinnamon Teal Blue Winged Teal American Avocets Spotted Sandpipers Canadian Geese with babies Mallards (of course) Wilson's Phalarope Great Blue Heron (they are losing their breeding colors now) Sherry in Helena ------------------------------------ Subject: Shields Valley Lark Bunting, Bobolinks, Balck Terns From: "BethM" <bethmadden64 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 17:20:20 -0000 A nice morning for birding in Park County. Highlights for me were a pair of Lark Buntings along Miller Rd., just past the Arthun's nice wetland (which had a full compliment of ducks and some avocets). Also right there were two male Bobolinks foraging along road by the irrigation pipes, and an Eastern Kingbird. Lots of Brewer's Sparrows and one Sage Thrasher. At Cottonwood Reservoir I was treated to four Black Terns foraging over the water for some time, along with a 'white' tern that I wasn't able to make into Forster's or Common without a second opinion. Stopped at Mayor's Landing and Sacajawea Park before I left town and enjoyed hearing clay-colored sparrows amidst all the chipping sparrows, and was amazed at the cacophony of songs in the woods there - rich indeed. Beth Madden Livingston ------------------------------------ Subject: Livingston Migrants - 5/25 - Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-eyed Vireo (FOY) From: Forrest Rowland <rowbird2005 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 10:05:25 -0700 (PDT) MOB,   I spent a couple hours this morning between Mayor's Landing, the surrounding neighborhood, and Sacajawea Park seeing what was up and about. By far the best find was right after I stepped off my front porch - a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was singing his heart out, and giving good looks!   The second best bird of the morning was my only FOY find: Red-eyed Vireo. Nice to have the Warblings and Red-eyeds back!   Migrant Totals: Gray Catbird   16 Swainson's Thrush   21 Rose-breasted Grosbeak   1 Black-headed Grosbeak   7 Cedar Waxwing (absent since about February)   4 Lazuli Bunting   9 Red-eyed Vireo   1 (FOY) Warbling Vireo   1 Least Flycatcher   4 Bullock's Oriole    6 Western Tanager   4 Orange-crowned Warbler   2 Yellow-rumped Warbler   30 (inc. 3 "Myrtle) Yellow Warbler   36 Common Yellowthroat   1 Magillivray's Warbler   4 Northern Waterthrush   2 Chipping Sparrow   260 Clay-colored Sparrow   7 Lark Sparrow   1   Good Birding,   Forrest Rowland Livingston, MT   Subject: Sheridan County Birds From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 12:36:12 -0000 MOB, Always seems to take from daylight to late afternoon to bird from Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge to Westby. The first couple of hours after daylight produced 25 species in the vicinity of the Katy Lake road bridge. Best was a long term visual observation of a Sora at the east end of the small lake north of the western terminus of Bergers Lake road. Back south the causeway on the eastern end of Medicine Lake gave me a Marsh Wren, the first of six year birds logged on the refuge (did not keep a full day tally for that QLL). A couple of hours at Brush Lake State Park did list 38 species, including another good visual Sora and a Black-crowned Night-Heron for the year tabulation. Best bird to visit the Westby Park water drip out my backdoor last evening was a bright male American Redstart. Visibility less than 1/4 mile right now. Mike Lesnik Westby ------------------------------------ Subject: Eastern Phoebe in Miles City From: "Ed Harper" <calidris AT surewest.net> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 04:46:16 -0000 Hello All, Our Montana Audubon tour had a full and busy day today logging 100 species on a drive from Miles City to Plentywood. Easily the highlight of the day was our first hearing, then sighting and photographing an Eastern Phoebe. We had started our day out birding the levee beside the Tongue River just south of the bridge crossing and west of the local park. The bird was actively foraging, ranging to both sides of the river, while actively calling. The west wind was a reported 22 mph so I hope the bird doesn't stray too far! Other notable birds for the day included a pair of Golden Eagles, 3 Bald Eagles, an immature Snow Goose that seemed lost north of Fox Lake WMA, an American Bittern, and a couple of Black Terns, the latter two species seen from the pullout on the Hwy. 16 crossing at Medicine Lake NWR. Yesterday, I might add, produced about 8 Cassin's Kingbirds along the Old Divide Road roughly midway between Billings and Roundup. Most of the birds, 5 at one time, were located on the upper 1/3 of the route. Usually a quiet road, some large trucks associated with the nearby coal mine are using the road so be careful when birding and pull completely off the road when stopping. Good birding to all, Ed Harper SANDPIPER JOURNEYS Bozeman/Sacramento ------------------------------------ Subject: Duffy's Grove, Teton, US-MT From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 18:34:21 -0600 Arla Eckert Great Falls Duffy's Grove, Teton, US-MT May 19, 2013 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: this is a small grove of trees with a stream going thru it that can be very good birding, there is a house way back in the grove, we bird it from the road only 7 species (+2 other taxa) Mallard 2 pair Red-tailed Hawk 2 pair with nest Mourning Dove X Empidonax sp. X Yellow Warbler X Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) X Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) X Lark Bunting 1 black small bird with large white wing patch, I have seen them many times to the East of this area and know them well. This one was flying in the field near this grove Pine Siskin 15 15 or more they were all over one tree calling like mad ------------------------------------ Subject: Duffy's Grove, Teton, US-MT From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 18:30:43 -0600 Duffy's Grove, Teton, US-MT May 17, 2013 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: neat place to bird from the road 11 species (+1 other taxa) Ring-necked Pheasant X calling Red-tailed Hawk 2 nesting Wilson's Snipe X calling Mourning Dove X Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1 Black-billed Magpie X House Wren 1 first one for me this year American Robin X Gray Catbird 1 Northern Waterthrush 1 in the stream, then came up the bank giving me great looks Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) X Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) X Arla Eckert Great Falls ------------------------------------ Subject: Eureka Reservoir, Teton, US-MT From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 18:29:31 -0600 Eureka Reservoir, Teton, US-MT May 17, 2013 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: very full of water this time 10 species Red-necked Grebe 1 Eared Grebe X there were a number of them, then I looked away and I could only find 1 again Western Grebe 1 Double-crested Cormorant 3 Ring-billed Gull 1 sign sitting Common Tern 1 Black-billed Magpie X Common Raven 1 American Robin X Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 Arla Eckert Great Falls ------------------------------------ Subject: Cave Mountain Trail head & Campground area, Teton, US-MT From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 18:28:08 -0600 Arla Eckert Great Falls Cave Mountain Trail head & Campground area, Teton, US-MT May 18, 2013 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: parking area for Middle Fork Teton Trail head # 108 4 species American Three-toed Woodpecker 1 M. making nest hole in a very dead Aspen, let me take photos of himself Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 male Pine Siskin 3 3 on the ground together, there may have been more ------------------------------------ Subject: Ear Mountain Outstanding Natural Area From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 18:26:09 -0600 Arla Eckert Great Falls Ear Mountain Outstanding Natural Area parking area off main road, Teton, US-MT May 19, 2013 9:20 AM - 10:05 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: I hope I got this marker moved to the right spot now. I had it off by a bit. This is a neat parking lot to bird from and it has a john! 8 species Northern Flicker 1 American Kestrel 1 male near Kestrel box Tree Swallow 1 Violet-green Swallow 1 Mountain Chickadee 2 maybe more then 2 they were calling Mountain Bluebird 4 2 pairs, near boxes Chipping Sparrow 5 at least 5 of them Cassin's Finch 1 singing from tree top ------------------------------------ Subject: Ear Mountain Outstanding Natural Area From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 18:24:46 -0600 Arla Eckert Great Falls Ear Mountain Outstanding Natural Area parking area off main road, Teton, US-MT May 18, 2013 12:45 AM - 1:45 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: I did get the marker moved to the right spot on the map. this is a trail head, parking lot with a john and a neat place to bird 7 species (+1 other taxa) hummingbird sp. 1 came by way to fast to id, no real color so a F Red-naped Sapsucker 1 this M was upset about some thing and was yelling Hairy Woodpecker 1 male Common Raven 1 calling Mountain Chickadee 2 these 2 were checking out a hole in an Aspen that I saw a Red-naped Sapsucker make last year. One of them worked on the hole for a bit on the inside Mountain Bluebird 4 2 pairs near boxes American Robin X Vesper Sparrow 1 in grass area ------------------------------------ Subject: Pine Butte Swamp Preserve From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 18:22:50 -0600 I also saw on the Bell view rd. 3 McCown's Longspurs, and 2 Wilson's Snipe plus number Godwits and Curlews. Arla Eckert Great Falls Pine Butte Swamp Preserve, Teton, US-MT May 19, 2013 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM Protocol: Traveling 10.0 mile(s) Comments: I am including the area along the road to the fen area, I also saw 2 grouse way off that even with the scope I could not id and there is no place for grouse sp so I am putting them here, they were large and had dark heads, they were not turkeys 16 species Canada Goose 1 she may have been on a nest on top of a muskrat house Sandhill Crane 3 2 were flying together and the other one was back up the road away. Marbled Godwit 1 landed on hillside across from fen Wilson's Snipe X calling American Kestrel 1 m Black-billed Magpie X Mountain Chickadee X calling American Robin X Yellow Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler X a number of them Chipping Sparrow 3 seen together Clay-colored Sparrow 2 2 seen and I think there were more calling Savannah Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 1 1 singing and seen, I think there were more Red-winged Blackbird 5 males way off in the fen Brown-headed Cowbird X a number of them ------------------------------------ Subject: Piping Plover just south of Westby From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 23:16:30 -0000 MOB, Location is on the north side of the west end of the smaller pond which is to the north of the Goose Lake Road where it turns east about a mile before the intersection with Stateline Road. Now for warblers! For those heading this way, bring Deet and top off the tanks someplace other than Culbertson. Mike Lesnik Westby City Park ------------------------------------ Subject: FOY birds for Giant Springs & a few that are still there From: Arla Eckert <turtle AT mt.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 15:52:08 -0600 The ones that have been around for a few days now: Chipping Sparrows in the edge of the parking area, 1 Clay-colored Sparrow in the parking lot, the waver of Swainson's thrush are now here , Least Flycatcher. New today Western Wood-Pewee, Lark Sparrow near the stream that comes under the road, getting a drink, Spotted Towhee under the windrow. The owlets are now out of the nest, well at least 2 of them are, not sure about the last one. ------------------------------------ Subject: Freezout--Friday From: Michael Schwitters <schwit AT 3rivers.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 14:39:35 -0600 MOB, What I think was a Hermit Thrush was found at the Garage Grove and several Black Terns were finally found (Pond 5). Several White-faced Ibis remain near Pond 1. Mike Schwitters Choteau MT ------------------------------------ Subject: Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pair From: "jparkerll38" <conundrumjp AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 20:11:16 -0000 Last night, We had a Rose-breasted Grosbeak male appear along with some Black-headed Grosbeak. While looking at them, I realized that one of the females looked different. I took a couple of photos (poor) of the male, and realized today that I also got the different female. We believe it is a Rose-breasted female. The photos are in the album "John Parker's Photos". By the way, we had our first Western Tanager in the yard today. Around the Bozeman area, Swainson's Thrushes, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Chipping Sparrows are everywhere. John Parker Bozeman ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Westby birds From: "Stevan Hawkins" <shawkins4 AT satx.rr.com> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 12:38:22 -0500 Mobsters: Sorry about what was intended to be an off-list inquiry about birding NW North Dakota. Sincerely, Steve Stevan Hawkins San Antonio TX From: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Stevan Hawkins Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 12:31 PM To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [MOB-Montana] Westby birds Ted: Didn't know that Palm Warbler got that far west. What sort of habitat do they prefer? When I do my road trips to visit McKenzie County relatives, I concentrate my birding efforts near the Tobacco Garden Recreation Area, the Keene-Johnson Corner area, and in the North Unit TR National Park. Thanks! Steve Stevan Hawkins San Antonio TX From: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ted Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 10:00 PM To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [MOB-Montana] Westby birds Mob, It's been a rather slow Spring thus far, but this evening I took a walk around the neighborhood hoping the SE winds might have blown in some new birds. No fallout, but a few nice birds, here's a list of the notables. Wood-Pewee species - 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 1 (FOY) Alder Flycatcher - 3 Least Flycatcher - 2 Olive-sided Flycatcher - 1 Loggerhead Shrike - 1 Warbling Vireo - 1 Purple Martin - 6 Gray-cheeked Thrush - 2 Veery - 1 Swainson's Thrush - 1 Gray Catbird - 1 Brown Thrasher - 2 Tennessee Warbler - 2 Nashville Warbler - 1 Orange-crowned warbler - 1 Yellow Warbler - 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler - 12+ Palm Warbler - 1 Blackpoll Warbler - 6 Common Yellowthroat - 1 Chipping Sparrow - numerous Clay-colored Sparrow - numerous Lark Sparrow - 1 Harris's Sparrow - 8 White-throated Sparrow - 2 white-crowned Sparrow - 1 Baltimore Oriole - 2 Ted Nordhagen Westby MT Subject: RE: Westby birds From: "Stevan Hawkins" <shawkins4 AT satx.rr.com> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 12:31:04 -0500 Ted: Didn't know that Palm Warbler got that far west. What sort of habitat do they prefer? When I do my road trips to visit McKenzie County relatives, I concentrate my birding efforts near the Tobacco Garden Recreation Area, the Keene-Johnson Corner area, and in the North Unit TR National Park. Thanks! Steve Stevan Hawkins San Antonio TX From: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ted Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 10:00 PM To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [MOB-Montana] Westby birds Mob, It's been a rather slow Spring thus far, but this evening I took a walk around the neighborhood hoping the SE winds might have blown in some new birds. No fallout, but a few nice birds, here's a list of the notables. Wood-Pewee species - 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 1 (FOY) Alder Flycatcher - 3 Least Flycatcher - 2 Olive-sided Flycatcher - 1 Loggerhead Shrike - 1 Warbling Vireo - 1 Purple Martin - 6 Gray-cheeked Thrush - 2 Veery - 1 Swainson's Thrush - 1 Gray Catbird - 1 Brown Thrasher - 2 Tennessee Warbler - 2 Nashville Warbler - 1 Orange-crowned warbler - 1 Yellow Warbler - 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler - 12+ Palm Warbler - 1 Blackpoll Warbler - 6 Common Yellowthroat - 1 Chipping Sparrow - numerous Clay-colored Sparrow - numerous Lark Sparrow - 1 Harris's Sparrow - 8 White-throated Sparrow - 2 white-crowned Sparrow - 1 Baltimore Oriole - 2 Ted Nordhagen Westby MT Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman From: "steel_rsd" <steel_rsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 16:16:57 -0000 All, I've posted a distant photo in S. Dean album of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. He had quite a voice! Scott Dean, Clyde Park --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Marks" wrote: > > Hey Mary, > > I didn't know alpinepika was you (versus a generic Mary whom I didn't know)! > > Yes, the only B in Tracker for Rose-breasted is the hybrid nesting event from Bozeman in 2010. > > Jeff > > ******************* > Jeff Marks > 4241 SE Liebe Street > Portland, OR 97206 > 503-774-4783 > Birds of Montana Project > http://mtaudubon.org/ > ******************* > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Mary McFadzen > To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com > Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 5:39 PM > Subject: [MOB-Montana] Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman > > > > Hi Jeff, others: > > Is the Gallatin County breeding record in the MT Field Guide then for the male Rose-breasted breeding with the female Black-headed? > > Here's a link to the map image: http://fieldguide.mt.gov/RangeMaps/BirdTypeMap_ABPBX61030_BB_FS.jpg > > Thanks. > > Mary McFadzen > Bozeman, MT > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Marks" wrote: > > > > Mary, > > > > You are correct that a male Rose-breasted produced young with a female Black-headed at Sourdough in 2010. To my knowledge no record exists of a breeding pair of Rose-breasteds, which is surprising given how often the species is seen in the state. > > > > Jeff > > > > ******************* > > Jeff Marks > > 4241 SE Liebe Street > > Portland, OR 97206 > > 503-774-4783 > > Birds of Montana Project > > http://mtaudubon.org/> > > ******************* > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: alpinepika > > To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com> > > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 7:43 PM > > Subject: [MOB-Montana] Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman > > > > > > > > I was thrilled to see a male rose-breasted grosbeak this afternoon during a break in the stormy weather. The bird was singing about five feet away from the Sourdough trail off of Goldstein Rd. > > > > Previous posts here state that a RBGR nested near Sourdough Trial in 2010 and that a male was seen in the same area in 2012. I'm wondering if this is the same vicinity of where I saw the bird today. Also, is 2010 the only breeding record of this species in MT? > > > > Thanks, Mary > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: Oriole & Others From: loren haarr <lorenzoharr AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 08:10:45 -0700 (PDT) Again north of Shamut at my sister's feeder there was a Bullock's Oriole on the suet and a lazuli bunting hanging around along with lots of pine siskins. Back in Harlowton still loads of siskins and crossbills and my black headed grosbeaks have arrived for their 5th year of nesting here. South of town the lark buntings have arrived. Loren Haarr Harlowton  Subject: Rose Breasted Grosbeak From: "farwoodhaven" <farwoodhaven AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 04:43:04 -0000 I just wanted to say that I had a male RBGB briefly at my house in Martin City, near Glacier Park, very unusual, earlier in April, Black Headed Grosbeaks and Evening Grosbeaks are regular visitors. At my farm in Libby, I have had Evening Grosbeaks, several times this spring, large groups. But right now I have a bronze headed cow bird problem, they are worse than rodents at stealing my poultry feed! How do I get rid of them? Little Feather ------------------------------------ Subject: swainson's thrush From: "andreaforbirds" <andrea.stierle AT mso.umt.edu> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 03:55:09 -0000 It was a lovely, soft evening up Woods Gulch in Missoula. We were in search of calypso orchids and were rewarded not only with orchids but also with our FOY Swainson's thrush. Andrea Stierle Butte and Missoula ------------------------------------ Subject: Westby birds From: "Ted" <soraart AT nemont.net> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 03:00:28 -0000 Mob, It's been a rather slow Spring thus far, but this evening I took a walk around the neighborhood hoping the SE winds might have blown in some new birds. No fallout, but a few nice birds, here's a list of the notables. Wood-Pewee species - 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 1 (FOY) Alder Flycatcher - 3 Least Flycatcher - 2 Olive-sided Flycatcher - 1 Loggerhead Shrike - 1 Warbling Vireo - 1 Purple Martin - 6 Gray-cheeked Thrush - 2 Veery - 1 Swainson's Thrush - 1 Gray Catbird - 1 Brown Thrasher - 2 Tennessee Warbler - 2 Nashville Warbler - 1 Orange-crowned warbler - 1 Yellow Warbler - 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler - 12+ Palm Warbler - 1 Blackpoll Warbler - 6 Common Yellowthroat - 1 Chipping Sparrow - numerous Clay-colored Sparrow - numerous Lark Sparrow - 1 Harris's Sparrow - 8 White-throated Sparrow - 2 white-crowned Sparrow - 1 Baltimore Oriole - 2 Ted Nordhagen Westby MT ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman From: "Jeff Marks" <jeff17_marks AT msn.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 18:59:48 -0700 Hey Mary, I didn't know alpinepika was you (versus a generic Mary whom I didn't know)! Yes, the only B in Tracker for Rose-breasted is the hybrid nesting event from Bozeman in 2010. Jeff ******************* Jeff Marks 4241 SE Liebe Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 Birds of Montana Project http://mtaudubon.org/ ******************* ----- Original Message ----- From: Mary McFadzen To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 5:39 PM Subject: [MOB-Montana] Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman Hi Jeff, others: Is the Gallatin County breeding record in the MT Field Guide then for the male Rose-breasted breeding with the female Black-headed? Here's a link to the map image: http://fieldguide.mt.gov/RangeMaps/BirdTypeMap_ABPBX61030_BB_FS.jpg Thanks. Mary McFadzen Bozeman, MT --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Marks" wrote: > > Mary, > > You are correct that a male Rose-breasted produced young with a female Black-headed at Sourdough in 2010. To my knowledge no record exists of a breeding pair of Rose-breasteds, which is surprising given how often the species is seen in the state. > > Jeff > > ******************* > Jeff Marks > 4241 SE Liebe Street > Portland, OR 97206 > 503-774-4783 > Birds of Montana Project > http://mtaudubon.org/> > ******************* > ----- Original Message ----- > From: alpinepika > To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 7:43 PM > Subject: [MOB-Montana] Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman > > > > I was thrilled to see a male rose-breasted grosbeak this afternoon during a break in the stormy weather. The bird was singing about five feet away from the Sourdough trail off of Goldstein Rd. > > Previous posts here state that a RBGR nested near Sourdough Trial in 2010 and that a male was seen in the same area in 2012. I'm wondering if this is the same vicinity of where I saw the bird today. Also, is 2010 the only breeding record of this species in MT? > > Thanks, Mary > Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman From: "Mary McFadzen" <alpinepika AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 00:39:42 -0000 Hi Jeff, others: Is the Gallatin County breeding record in the MT Field Guide then for the male Rose-breasted breeding with the female Black-headed? Here's a link to the map image: http://fieldguide.mt.gov/RangeMaps/BirdTypeMap_ABPBX61030_BB_FS.jpg Thanks. Mary McFadzen Bozeman, MT --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Marks" wrote: > > Mary, > > You are correct that a male Rose-breasted produced young with a female Black-headed at Sourdough in 2010. To my knowledge no record exists of a breeding pair of Rose-breasteds, which is surprising given how often the species is seen in the state. > > Jeff > > ******************* > Jeff Marks > 4241 SE Liebe Street > Portland, OR 97206 > 503-774-4783 > Birds of Montana Project > http://mtaudubon.org/ > ******************* > ----- Original Message ----- > From: alpinepika > To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 7:43 PM > Subject: [MOB-Montana] Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman > > > > I was thrilled to see a male rose-breasted grosbeak this afternoon during a break in the stormy weather. The bird was singing about five feet away from the Sourdough trail off of Goldstein Rd. > > Previous posts here state that a RBGR nested near Sourdough Trial in 2010 and that a male was seen in the same area in 2012. I'm wondering if this is the same vicinity of where I saw the bird today. Also, is 2010 the only breeding record of this species in MT? > > Thanks, Mary > ------------------------------------ Subject: Livingston area migrants - 5/23 From: Forrest Rowland <rowbird2005 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 15:21:22 -0700 (PDT) MOB,   I was joined by George Kelly and John Parker today to visit some spots along the Yellowstone that we reckoned would produce some good migrants. These included the marshy area along Old Yellowstone Trail Rd, the Depuy/Spring Creek Ranch (private restricted access), Sacajawea Park (SE end is the best), and the Mayor's Landing/Scout Camp trail area behind Moja Park.   The sites produced! Some of the more interesting sightings of resident bird included:   Great Horned Owl adult w/ owlet in cavity. Sandhill Crane nest with 2 eggs 7 Evening Grosbeaks in Sacajwea Park, foraging low 6 male Calliope Hummingbirds   Migrant totals (impressive!):   Western Wood-Pewee   2 Willow Flycatcher   1 (FOY) Least Flycatcher   15 Dusky Flycatcher   4 (FOY) Hammond's Flycatcher    1 (FOY) Warbling Vireo   1 All 6 species of Swallows Swainson's Thrush   17 Northern Waterthrush   4 Orange-crowned Warbler   1 MacGillivray's Warber   1 (FOY) Common Yellowthroat   12 Yellow Warbler   71 "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler   83 "Myrtle" Yellow-rumped Warbler   3 Green-tailed Towhee   1 (FOY) Chipping Sparrow   139 Clay-colored Sparrow   12 Brewer's Sparrow   2 Lincoln's Sparrow   3 Western Tanager   4 Black-headed Grosbeak    9 Lazuli Bunting   9 Bullock's Oriole   4   It was a great day in the field, despite the inauspicious start (drizzle and cold).   Good Birding,   Forrest Rowland Livingston, MT       Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman From: "steel_rsd" <steel_rsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 22:00:13 -0000 I went to see if I could find the Rosy-breasted Grosbeak today. It was easy to locate as it was singing loud and clear. He was located about 100 yards north into the trees from the trailhead perched high in a cottonwood. Also saw FOY Gray Catbird and FOY Northern Waterthrush. Lots of Yellow-rumped warblers. Scott Dean Clyde Park, MT --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Marks" wrote: > > Mary, > > You are correct that a male Rose-breasted produced young with a female Black-headed at Sourdough in 2010. To my knowledge no record exists of a breeding pair of Rose-breasteds, which is surprising given how often the species is seen in the state. > > Jeff > > ******************* > Jeff Marks > 4241 SE Liebe Street > Portland, OR 97206 > 503-774-4783 > Birds of Montana Project > http://mtaudubon.org/ > ******************* > ----- Original Message ----- > From: alpinepika > To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 7:43 PM > Subject: [MOB-Montana] Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman > > > > I was thrilled to see a male rose-breasted grosbeak this afternoon during a break in the stormy weather. The bird was singing about five feet away from the Sourdough trail off of Goldstein Rd. > > Previous posts here state that a RBGR nested near Sourdough Trial in 2010 and that a male was seen in the same area in 2012. I'm wondering if this is the same vicinity of where I saw the bird today. Also, is 2010 the only breeding record of this species in MT? > > Thanks, Mary > ------------------------------------ Subject: Selective Fallout in Helena From: "birder_bob" <birder_bob AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 19:11:29 -0000 MOBsters: At the KMart Ponds in Helena this morning, I counted at least 20 Swainson's Thrushes - certainly the most I've ever viewed in one small location. Several times, there were at many as 6 in view at one time. Unfortunately, this was the only migrant species there in abundance. Single warblers were represented by Wilson's, Yellowthroat, and Yellow-rumped. There were about 5 Western tanagers, but this is a common occurrence during, cool, rainy weather at this time of year. Of note was the presence of a lone Sandhill Crane acting like a parent, but with no young located. If this was indeed a successful breeding effort, it would be at least the 6th year that cranes had nested in this area - within the city limits of Helena. Bob Martinka ------------------------------------ Subject: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Billings From: "jaythom AT juno.com" <jaythom@juno.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 13:46:48 GMT We have a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak in our west Billings yard on our platform feeder eating sunflower seeds this morning. This a new yard bird for us and the first time we've seen one in Montana. Jay & Jan Thom ____________________________________________________________ BlackBerry® 10 Get the latest details on the new BlackBerry 10 smartphone. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/519e1e09785161e0915a4st04duc Subject: House Wren From: "mike vennard" <vennard AT itstriangle.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 12:55:02 -0000 The FOY House Wren made an appearance in the alley bushes this morning. Spring entertainment has arrived.... Mike Vennard White Sulphur Springs ------------------------------------ Subject: Riverfront not Riverside Park for Plumbeous Vireo From: "Ed Harper" <calidris AT surewest.net> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 11:24:29 -0000 Just realized that in my previous post I had stated Riverside rather than RIVERFRONT Park in Billings for the sighting of Plumbeous Vireo. Furthermore, if looking for the vireos, go south on S. Billings Blvd. from I-90 to the park located on the left, just before crossing over the Yellowstone River. Upon entering the park, turn right and follow the narrow road to where it shortly ends at the banks of the Yellowstone River. Walk in toward the central part of the park following a well defined trail for about 250 yards. The vireos were rather vocal and, if still present, should be fairly easy to find. Ed Harper ------------------------------------ Subject: Plumbeous Vireo in Billings From: "Ed Harper" <calidris AT surewest.net> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 04:07:26 -0000 In spite of strong winds from the east, our Montana Audubon tour got off to a good start this afternoon in Riverside Park, Billings. In addition to cooperative Least Flycatchers, Yellow-breasted Chats, American Redstarts, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Bullock's Orioles, we were treated to scope views of Plumbeous Vireos. We encountered a vocal pair, quite unusual for this riparian habitat--probably migrants moving through--and with extended views, we were able to carefully view the birds to eliminate Cassin's Vireo. I sometimes find Plumbeous Vireos on my Reedpoint Breeding Bird Survey route in the ponderosa forest habitat on Countryman Creek Road, but this was a pleasant surprise in the riparian habitat at Riverside Park. What other nice surprises will spring migration bring? Ed Harper SANDPIPER JOURNEYS BOZEMAN/SACRAMENTO ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman From: "Jeff Marks" <jeff17_marks AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:56:20 -0700 Mary, You are correct that a male Rose-breasted produced young with a female Black-headed at Sourdough in 2010. To my knowledge no record exists of a breeding pair of Rose-breasteds, which is surprising given how often the species is seen in the state. Jeff ******************* Jeff Marks 4241 SE Liebe Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 Birds of Montana Project http://mtaudubon.org/ ******************* ----- Original Message ----- From: alpinepika To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 7:43 PM Subject: [MOB-Montana] Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman I was thrilled to see a male rose-breasted grosbeak this afternoon during a break in the stormy weather. The bird was singing about five feet away from the Sourdough trail off of Goldstein Rd. Previous posts here state that a RBGR nested near Sourdough Trial in 2010 and that a male was seen in the same area in 2012. I'm wondering if this is the same vicinity of where I saw the bird today. Also, is 2010 the only breeding record of this species in MT? Thanks, Mary Subject: Fw: Fw: Great Egret [1 Attachment] From: Karl Hallman <karl.hallman AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:24:45 -0700 (PDT) Sorry, forgot to say where I saw the Egret. Was kayaking the Bitteroot near Lolo and saw the bird. Didn't know what it was until I showed photo to biologist at Lee Metcalf refuge. ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Karl Hallman To: "mob-montana AT yahoogroups.com" Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 9:18 PM Subject: [MOB-Montana] Fw: Great Egret   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Karl Hallman To: karl.hallman AT yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 9:15 PM Subject: Great Egret Subject: Fw: Great Egret From: Karl Hallman <karl.hallman AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:18:04 -0700 (PDT) ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Karl Hallman To: karl.hallman AT yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 9:15 PM Subject: Great Egret Subject: Re: Re: Shields Valley FOY birds From: Forrest Rowland <rowbird2005 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:17:34 -0700 (PDT) Scott,   I had the Townsend's at the bridge thicket on E Shields River Road, South/West side of the bridge, foraging low. To be honest, I don't think we'll see a lot of these guys, as they are mostly West of the Divide, but I'd reckon we should get a few. I've only been living in Park Co. for a year, and was in Big Timber before that, Bozeman before that. Seems like Townsend's are around, but not numerous in migration. Again, probably due to the fact that most of the birds are going to be nesting near, and West of, the Continental Divide.   The individual in question was a stunner! Below eye-level, too. THAT doesn't happen often! Hope you can find him. Probably moved on, but with the weather the way it has been, maybe not?!?!?   Good Birding,   Forrest --- El mié, 5/22/13, steel_rsd escribió: De: steel_rsd Asunto: [MOB-Montana] Re: Shields Valley FOY birds A: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Fecha: miércoles, 22 de mayo de 2013, 01:02 pm   Forrest, I haven't been up Castle Mnt. Road lately but was curious as to the location of your Townsend's Warbler sighting (or will they be increasing in coming weeks?) I've seen Yellow, Yellow-rumped (both varieties), Orange-Crowned and Common Yellowthroat all at the spur ponds and Yellow and Yellow-rumped pretty much everywhere. Scott Dean Clyde Park --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Forrest Rowland wrote: > > MOB, >   > Just took a quick run up East Shields River Rd, and Castle Mountain Road. FOY for me (in MT) were Western and Eastern Kingbirds (together on all 3 occasions, as discussed in other posts), One gorgeous male Townsend's Warbler, and 3 Male Bobolinks singing their hearts out. Cottonwood Reservoir was dull. Water is still very low, for some reason. >   > Good Birding, > Forrest Rowland > Livingston, MT > Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman From: Jackie Wilson <drjdubs AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 21:05:56 -0600 I remember there was a pairing of Redbreasted and Blackheaded Grosbeak at that site and was just wondering if their offspring had returned. Does anyone know? Jackie Wilson Yellowstone National Park On May 22, 2013 8:43 PM, "alpinepika" wrote: > ** > > > I was thrilled to see a male rose-breasted grosbeak this afternoon during > a break in the stormy weather. The bird was singing about five feet away > from the Sourdough trail off of Goldstein Rd. > > Previous posts here state that a RBGR nested near Sourdough Trial in 2010 > and that a male was seen in the same area in 2012. I'm wondering if this is > the same vicinity of where I saw the bird today. Also, is 2010 the only > breeding record of this species in MT? > > Thanks, Mary > > > Subject: Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Bozeman From: "alpinepika" <alpinepika AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 02:43:02 -0000 I was thrilled to see a male rose-breasted grosbeak this afternoon during a break in the stormy weather. The bird was singing about five feet away from the Sourdough trail off of Goldstein Rd. Previous posts here state that a RBGR nested near Sourdough Trial in 2010 and that a male was seen in the same area in 2012. I'm wondering if this is the same vicinity of where I saw the bird today. Also, is 2010 the only breeding record of this species in MT? Thanks, Mary ------------------------------------ Subject: Southeast Montana County Road Prairie Birding - why I love it From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 02:30:43 -0000 MOB, There is something about fresh green, various flower vapors and cool fresh air. And where else can you spot some movement in a few scraggly trees on the upstream side of a road fill that occasionaly ponds water, park on the 'wrong' side of the road; and then 25 minutes later drive off with 15 species for the QLL that you just entered because every time you take 'one last look' at the trees or the surrounding area, something else pops up. This mid-morning on Webster Road, Wibaux County, southeast corner of QLL 35D the fare ran from Sharp-tailed Grouse to a male Blackpoll Warbler, with two male Harris's Sparrows thrown in to sweeten the pot. Never got out of the vehicle and no traffic came by. Shortly there after, just east of Webster, a high fill is lined with trees on both sides. Movement directly overhead caused me to get out into the still raw northeast wind to locate a first year male Bullock's Oriole. Movement futher east got me moving that way and chanced to look up just at the right time to see some funny looking twigs which turned out to be the tail feathers of a bird that I had looked for on half the horizontal branches in Ekalaka this morning. I did get some inside information last Saturday afternoon that the Common Nighthawk was already around from a ranch lady while her husband changed a flat tire for me. They had seen one on the Powder River Road one night earlier in the week while driving home from Broadus. Various peeps and seagulls (all way outside my comfort zone) at the Lower Baker Pond delayed my arrival at Lamesteer National Wildlife Refuge. No close access road loop here, but did manage to spot several Black Terns foraging above some of the limited open water several hundred yards away. Must have been bitterns in the cattails! Mike Lesnik Wibaux (oil patch tomorrow) ------------------------------------ Subject: Clary-colored Sparrows and Least Flycatcher...and oh yeah, Peregrine Falcon From: "Tom Forwood Jr." <tjfishing75 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 17:53:24 -0600 Hello MOB, Stopped at Headwaters State Park this morning and picked up my FOY Least Flycatcher and several Clay-colored Sparrows. Quite a few birds were out as I hit it between heavy wind periods. As I was taken a tour to the cave at Lewis & Clark Cavern we had my park FOY Peregrine zip by in front of us right before entering the cave. Hopefully they successfully nest at the local Aerie this year. good birding all, Tom -- Tom Forwood Park Ranger Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park P.O. Box 489 Whitehall, MT 59759 406-287-3541 ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Unknown Sparrow From: "Janice Miller" <jan2854 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 22:28:05 -0000 Awesome! Thanks for the tips for Identifying this Vesper Sparrow. Yes, Scott, I would agree...and I'll look for the "U" shape stripe below the eye. The white eye ring and the rufous shoulder had my attention. Sibley's says the rufous is "rarely visible", so the other markings will help me in the future. Thank you! Janice --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "steel_rsd" wrote: > > I've found the dark "U" shape stripe below the eye and the broad white/buff stripe bordering that to be an easy indicator. I don't think it's always as prominent but certainly a good indicator when you do see it, wouldn't you agree? > > Scott Dean > Clyde Park > > --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Carlson" wrote: > > > > Janice > > > > The white eye ring and rufous shoulder (lesser wing coverts) are the best indicators for this grassland sparrow. You should also see white outer tail feathers when it flies. > > > > Chuck Carlson > > Ft. Peck > > > > From: Janice Miller > > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 12:33 PM > > To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com > > Subject: [MOB-Montana] Unknown Sparrow > > > > > > I just placed two photos in the "Identification Help Needed" file. It's a sparrow with a bit of rufous on it's wing/shoulder. > > I included the blurry photo as it was the only one that the sparrow looked at the camera. > > Thanks! > > Janice Miller > > bhha5762 > > Helena > > > ------------------------------------ Subject: QLL 35D, Fallon County From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:23:14 -0000 MOB, At 1310 a Common Night was found perched on a limb. Details later - gotta get to Lamesteer National Wildlife Refuge after a very quick look at the Baker ponds (water in both this year). Mike Lesnik Baker ------------------------------------ Subject: Lazuli Bunting and Yellow-rumped Warblers From: "Deb Lewis" <d.lewis AT bresnan.net> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 13:07:09 -0600 First of the year Lazuli Bunting (male) at the feeders, and first of the year Yellow-rumped Warblers, several, flitting in the willow tree. Deb Lewis Deer Lodge Subject: Re: Unknown Sparrow From: "steel_rsd" <steel_rsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 19:00:58 -0000 I've found the dark "U" shape stripe below the eye and the broad white/buff stripe bordering that to be an easy indicator. I don't think it's always as prominent but certainly a good indicator when you do see it, wouldn't you agree? Scott Dean Clyde Park --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Carlson" wrote: > > Janice > > The white eye ring and rufous shoulder (lesser wing coverts) are the best indicators for this grassland sparrow. You should also see white outer tail feathers when it flies. > > Chuck Carlson > Ft. Peck > > From: Janice Miller > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 12:33 PM > To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com > Subject: [MOB-Montana] Unknown Sparrow > > > I just placed two photos in the "Identification Help Needed" file. It's a sparrow with a bit of rufous on it's wing/shoulder. > I included the blurry photo as it was the only one that the sparrow looked at the camera. > Thanks! > Janice Miller > bhha5762 > Helena > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Unknown Sparrow From: "Chuck Carlson" <chuckcmt AT nemont.net> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:21 -0600 Janice The white eye ring and rufous shoulder (lesser wing coverts) are the best indicators for this grassland sparrow. You should also see white outer tail feathers when it flies. Chuck Carlson Ft. Peck From: Janice Miller Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 12:33 PM To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [MOB-Montana] Unknown Sparrow I just placed two photos in the "Identification Help Needed" file. It's a sparrow with a bit of rufous on it's wing/shoulder. I included the blurry photo as it was the only one that the sparrow looked at the camera. Thanks! Janice Miller bhha5762 Helena Subject: Unknown Sparrow From: "Janice Miller" <jan2854 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 18:33:58 -0000 I just placed two photos in the "Identification Help Needed" file. It's a sparrow with a bit of rufous on it's wing/shoulder. I included the blurry photo as it was the only one that the sparrow looked at the camera. Thanks! Janice Miller bhha5762 Helena ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Shields Valley FOY birds From: "steel_rsd" <steel_rsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 18:02:13 -0000 Forrest, I haven't been up Castle Mnt. Road lately but was curious as to the location of your Townsend's Warbler sighting (or will they be increasing in coming weeks?) I've seen Yellow, Yellow-rumped (both varieties), Orange-Crowned and Common Yellowthroat all at the spur ponds and Yellow and Yellow-rumped pretty much everywhere. Scott Dean Clyde Park --- In MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com, Forrest Rowland wrote: > > MOB, >   > Just took a quick run up East Shields River Rd, and Castle Mountain Road. FOY for me (in MT) were Western and Eastern Kingbirds (together on all 3 occasions, as discussed in other posts), One gorgeous male Townsend's Warbler, and 3 Male Bobolinks singing their hearts out. Cottonwood Reservoir was dull. Water is still very low, for some reason. >   > Good Birding, > Forrest Rowland > Livingston, MT > ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Sidney additions From: "Stevan Hawkins" <shawkins4 AT satx.rr.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 12:35:37 -0500 Mo: What about phalaropes for your mystery shorebird flock? Has you heard of any other suggestions? Later! Steve Stevan Hawkins San Antonio TX From: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Maureen OMara Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 11:40 AM To: MOB Subject: [MOB-Montana] Sidney additions Hello, A couple of days ago I thought I heard the call of a Bullock's Oriole but couldn't confirm with a siting until yesterday. Today I found a Blackpoll Warbler gleaning larva from flowers and leaves. Other warblers out there in addition to the Blackpoll, Yellow and Yellow-rump, just haven't identified yet! I hope to before they all move through. A few more Rose-breasted Grosbeaks showed up this morning. Sparrows are still of the Clay-colored and Chipping Species. Swainson's Thrushes are still around. Mo O'Mara Sidney Subject: Sidney additions From: Maureen OMara <mo1_omara AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 09:39:46 -0700 (PDT) Hello,  A couple of days ago I thought I heard the call of a Bullock's Oriole but couldn't confirm with a siting until yesterday.  Today I found a Blackpoll Warbler gleaning larva from flowers and leaves.  Other warblers out there in addition to the Blackpoll, Yellow and Yellow-rump,  just haven't identified yet!  I hope to before they all move through. A few more Rose-breasted Grosbeaks showed up this morning.  Sparrows are still of the Clay-colored and Chipping Species.  Swainson's Thrushes are still around. Mo O'Mara Sidney Subject: Re: Vaux's Swift nesting From: "Jeff Marks" <jeff17_marks AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 08:50:20 -0700 Ben, It's fairly common for Vaux's to nest in chimneys in Missoula area. Once the young hatch, it can be pretty noisy when chicks beg during food transfers. And of course they roost in chimneys too, sometimes singly or in small numbers, sometimes en masse. I suspect the roosts are not noisy. I've seen a swift fly into my neighbor's chimney across the street, and so far the neighbors have heard nothing. Jeff ******************* Jeff Marks 4241 SE Liebe Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 Birds of Montana Project http://mtaudubon.org/ ******************* ----- Original Message ----- From: bdeeble2003 To: MOB-Montana AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 5:41 AM Subject: [MOB-Montana] Vaux's Swift nesting For the last couple weeks I've been watching Vaux's Swift flying around my neighborhood, and really started paying attention when one evening I saw one bird drop from a "pair" and flutter almost into my chimney in some sort of a display. The last two evenings I've watched the birds more closely and in fact swift(s) are coming and going from a neighbor's chimney. I've only seen one at a time enter/exit, but also 3-4 adults in the air overhead simultaneously. So I don't know if this is a roost or a nest. I'm tempted to ask my neighbor if I can look in to try to confirm a nest. But my neighbor might just then smoke them out (he seems to have frequent conflicts with wildlife around his house). Are Vaux's Swift common chimney nesters? Ben, Missoula Subject: Ekalaka Tennessee Warbler fallout From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 14:14:17 -0000 MOB, The above were widespread and numerous on a hour before breakfast walk around town. Friendly waves from everyone, amazing amount of open space, including cattail wetlands with a nice visual Sora and within earshot of more that one Wilson's Snipe the entire time - 22 species recorded. Mike Lesnik QLLs 35D, 35B & 24D today ------------------------------------ Subject: Vaux's Swift nesting From: "bdeeble2003" <bddeeble AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 12:41:21 -0000 For the last couple weeks I've been watching Vaux's Swift flying around my neighborhood, and really started paying attention when one evening I saw one bird drop from a "pair" and flutter almost into my chimney in some sort of a display. The last two evenings I've watched the birds more closely and in fact swift(s) are coming and going from a neighbor's chimney. I've only seen one at a time enter/exit, but also 3-4 adults in the air overhead simultaneously. So I don't know if this is a roost or a nest. I'm tempted to ask my neighbor if I can look in to try to confirm a nest. But my neighbor might just then smoke them out (he seems to have frequent conflicts with wildlife around his house). Are Vaux's Swift common chimney nesters? Ben, Missoula ------------------------------------ Subject: Carter County is wet, green & birdy From: "Mike Lesnik" <vagapaddler AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 04:56:15 -0000 MOB, Three no sun days on the Long Pines ridge was enough. 61 total species in QLL 45B, 48 of those within the confines of the Custer National Forest - also one wood tick. Best of six year birds came today with several sightings of small groups of Tennessee Warblers, one male American Redstart and several Bobolinks on the west end of Tie Creek Road just before I got on MT 323 and headed for a hot shower in Ekalaka. Mike Lesnik Eastern Montana ------------------------------------ Subject: Flathead/Glacier Birding From: paul rossi <polovetsian AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 22:38:54 -0600 Today, I drove up to the Flathead Valley from Missoula. I saw about 14 American White Pelicans at Ninepipe on the way up, and several feeding American Avocets on the way back down. In the Flathead, I had Red-necked Grebe on Lake Blaine. At Fairview Marsh, I had pairs of both Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, and I heard a Sora. Glacier National Park yielded Townsend's Warbler, Varied Thrush, Vaux's Swift, Harlequin Duck, and a possible swooping Northern Goshawk (It looked big and steady in flight for Cooper's, but may have been just that). Subject: FOY black chinned hummingbird Hamilton 5th st. 5/21 From: "martinvanburenbell" <martinvanburenbell AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 02:03:36 -0000 Hit the feeder like he had already been here a few times. Martin Bell Hamilton ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: [MOB-Montana. Stevensville Birds From: Sid Frissell <sfrissell AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 18:12:27 -0600 Bobolinks have returned to the Bitterroot Valley. I found several males up on fence posts on the road to Metcalf NWR (Wildfowl Lane) just as you turn off from the Eastside Highway (just east of the Forest Service Ranger Station) and on Larry Creek Loop (north-south section) right turn from Bass Creek Road. At home, we now have Bullock's Oriole, Lazuli Bunting, House Wren, Calliope, Rufous, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds, but no W. Tanagers yet. Sid Frissell Stevensville >