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20 Nov Yellow-breasted Chat (?), Halifax ["P.L. Chalmers" ] 20 Nov FWD: Cattle Egret in Cape Breton ["Blake Maybank" ] 20 Nov Re: Harlequin Ducks [Joan Czapalay ] 19 Nov Towhee visiting hours :) ["ghawkins_ca" ] 19 Nov Towhee update ["ghawkins_ca" ] 18 Nov Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Orange-crowned Warbler Photos [Hans Toom ] 18 Nov Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler and Pine Warbler [Hans Toom ] 17 Nov Fwd: Chignecto Game Sanctuary [] 17 Nov Blue-gray Gnatcatcher [Hans Toom ] 16 Nov Re: Black-throated Gray Warbler [Joan Czapalay ] 16 Nov Black-throated Gray update; Orange-crowns ["Eric L. Mills" ] 16 Nov Black-throated Gray update; Orange-crowns ["Eric L. Mills" ] 15 Nov dead loons [Henk Kwindt ] 15 Nov dead loons [Henk Kwindt ] 15 Nov Black-capped Chickadee in Fairmont, Ant. Co. [Randy Lauff ] 15 Nov Northern Cardinal on Prospect Peninsula ["Blake Maybank" ] 15 Nov Northern Cardinal ["Judy O'Brien" ] 14 Nov Baltimore Orioles, central Halifax ["P.L. Chalmers" ] 14 Nov Brown Thrasher- Pictou [Ken McKenna ] 14 Nov Black-throated Gray Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler updates ["David Currie" ] 13 Nov Re: can we get a Spotted Towhee update [Bob McDonald ] 13 Nov can we get a Spotted Towhee update ["ghawkins_ca" ] 13 Nov Black-throated Gray Warbler [Don MacNeill ] 13 Nov Update on Black-throated Gray Warbler [] 13 Nov Update on Black-throated Gray Warbler [] 13 Nov House Wren [Hans Toom ] 12 Nov Black-throated Gray Warbler ["David Currie" ] 12 Nov Spotted Towee YAHOOOO ["Donald MacLaughlin " ] 12 Nov Re:Spotted Towee update ["bernard burke" ] 12 Nov Re:Spotted Towee update ["bernard burke" ] 12 Nov Black Throated Gray Warbler [Lynn Karchewski ] 11 Nov Re: Update: BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, Halifax ["P.L. Chalmers" ] 11 Nov black throated grey warbler ["Mike" ] 11 Nov Spotted Towhee update ["ghawkins_ca" ] 10 Nov Black-throated Gray Warbler ["David Currie" ] 10 Nov Black-throated Grey Warbler [Donald MacLaughlin ] 09 Nov Spotted Towhee Photos [Hans Toom ] 09 Nov Spotted Towhee [Hans Toom ] 9 Nov Re: SPTO and cat [] 9 Nov Message from NS-RBA Moderator re: reporting ethics ["Blake Maybank" ] 8 Nov Yellow-throated Warbler - Brookdale Cres. ["David Currie" ] 7 Nov Warbler at Brookdale Cres ["David Currie" ] 07 Nov Orange-Crowned Warbler, W. end Halifax [] 07 Nov Orange-Crowned Warbler, W. end Halifax [] 7 Nov Spotted Towhee at Hatchet Lake, HRM ["Blake Maybank" ] 7 Nov Yellow-throated Warbler ["David Currie" ] 07 Nov Correction Rufous Sided Towhee...Spotted western ["ghawkins_ca" ] 07 Nov Black Headed Grosbeak ["ghawkins_ca" ] 6 Nov FWD: Sightings from Cape Sable Island ["Blake Maybank" ] 3 Nov Northern Cardinal ["Judy O'Brien" ] 1 Nov FWD: rare birds at Port Hawkesbury, Cape Breton ["Blake Maybank" ] 1 Nov FWD: Update on Long-billed Dowitchers in Shelburne County ["Blake Maybank" ] 1 Nov Ruby-crowned Kinglet on the Prospect Peninsula ["Blake Maybank" ] 30 Oct FWD: Lark Sparrow in Barrington ["Blake Maybank" ] 29 Oct FWD: Great Egret and late Barn Swallow in Shelburne County ["Blake Maybank" ] 28 Oct FWD: Red-bellied Woodpecker and late Hermit Thrush in Dartmouth ["Blake Maybank" ] 28 Oct FWD: Long-billed Dowitchers in Shelburne County ["Blake Maybank" ] 26 Oct Twelve Blubirds ["daviddnrharris" ] 26 Oct Snow Bunting ["daviddnrharris" ] 25 Oct Orange-crowned warbler in Halifax. ["Terry Boswell" ] 22 Oct FW: a bird in the hand.... [Lynn Karchewski ] 21 Oct a bird in the hand.... [Lynn Karchewski ] 19 Oct "im. painted bunting" [Henk Kwindt ] 19 Oct "im. painted bunting" [Henk Kwindt ] 18 Oct FWD: Great Egret & Little Blue Heron in southern NS ["Blake Maybank" ] 18 Oct Painted bunting [Henk Kwindt ] 18 Oct Painted bunting [Henk Kwindt ] 18 Oct horned lark [Henk Kwindt ] 18 Oct horned lark [Henk Kwindt ] 18 Oct Yellow-breasted Chat in Shubenacadie ["Kathleen" ] 16 Oct Yellow-breasted Chat ["Judy O'Brien" ] 14 Oct Orange-crowned Warbler [Hans Toom ] 13 Oct Highlights from Seal Island, Oct 9-12 2009 ["Blake Maybank" ] 13 Oct Oct 12 - Eurasian Collared Dove and others - Canso ["David Currie" ] 12 Oct Turkey Vulture, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Baltimore Oriole [Hans Toom ] 9 Oct Hartlen Point (back cove) Friday [Terry Paquet ] Subject: Yellow-breasted Chat (?), Halifax From: "P.L. Chalmers" <plchalmers AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:30:22 -0400 I was told on Thursday evening about "a yellow bird, maybe the size of a chickadee" seen occasionally in the garden of a house in the 6400 block of Summit Street in central Halifax, i.e. between Oxford and Connolly Streets. (Summit Street is parallel to Chebucto Road but two blocks north of it.) When queried, my informant, a non-birder, hadn't noticed a white eye ring, but did think the bird's back was olive brown. So it might be a Yellow-breasted Chat, or it might be something else ... Patricia L. Chalmers Halifax Subject: FWD: Cattle Egret in Cape Breton From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:48:9 -0400 From: Bev Crowell bevcrowell AT hotmail.com Subject: Cattle Egret Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 Hi All. Yesterday afternoon ~3:30, my Dad (George Crowell) and I just left Schooner Pond and turned left, heading down Long Beach Road and, eventually, to Port Morien. About half-way along there, you come to a farm - it's the only farm there! Anyway, as we pulled over in front of the house, there it was - a Cattle Egret.....AND not only that, he was up on the front step snatching flies from the screen door!! Mind you, it WAS a warm day. Thanks to Junior Metcalfe for telling us where the bird had been seen. Bev (Sarty) Glace Bay Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: Re: Harlequin Ducks From: Joan Czapalay <joancz AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:26:01 -0400 Just back from a great hike with three Grade 5 students on the Prospect Barrens. We walked well beyond the stone wall and over to the stunted trees where we noticed small ducks around the rocky shore. On close approach we saw they were Harlequins: 4 males and 4 females, sitting on the seaweed at the side of the offshore rocks. The boys are learning about habitat, and are also interested in endangered species, so we were all very pleased to see these beautiful small ducks so well.. As we started back, we realized there was a second flock with 8 males and 6 females swimming around in front of some other rocks. Then a bit nearer the main trail we saw a third group, with 6 male and 6 female. ( Total of 34.) David Erskine, Jonah Glazebrook, and Andrew Williamson were the beginning naturalists on the outing. (David has started a list and Harlequin was a life bird.) Also sighted : Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, 2 Black backed and 10 Herring gulls, 15 Common Eider and a small flock (about 7) Am Pipits. Lovely day to hike. Joan Subject: Towhee visiting hours :) From: "ghawkins_ca" <ghawkins AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:29:50 -0000 We have company coming for the weekend so we'd appreciate anyone coming out, to arrive after 10am for Sat and Sun. Thanks Graham & Vicki Subject: Towhee update From: "ghawkins_ca" <ghawkins AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:55:01 -0000 I've seen the bird everyday at least once except for last Sunday. A couple from Wolfville only had to wait about 15 minutes yesterday where as another couple have yet to see it and they've been here 5 times. So he is erratic. Usually early in the morning and then from 3pm omward seems to be good times. G Subject: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Orange-crowned Warbler Photos From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:02:58 -0400 I've added 29 photos to my website, including recent photos, yesterday and today, of Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Orange-crowned Warbler. Hans http://www.hanstoom.com/Highlights/November09/0126.html _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler and Pine Warbler From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:09:50 -0400 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler and Pine Warbler were foraging on the north face of the hollow at Duncan's Cove, HRM, this morning. Look north between the gate and the creek. Hans ________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Fwd: Chignecto Game Sanctuary From: <garymurray AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:05:02 -0400 > From: "Dale Wilson" I received this today and am forwarding it. Gary. > Good Morning Folks, > > > > I need the help of all my environmental friends. > > > > The Amherst Daily News is conducting an online survey today asking a > question that will have a bearing on the political opinion regarding the > designation of Chignecto Game Sanctuary as a Wilderness Area. > > > > Basically the Cumberland Wilderness proposal calls for a complete halt to > all natural resource harvesting, mining activity and a de-listing of only > 30% of the current roadways, OHV trails and snowmobile trails within the > Sanctuary and surrounding Crown lands. > > > > The DNR proposal is not a proposal from DNR at all, but a proposal brought > forward individually by an employee of DNR at the request of the local MLA. > It basically proposes that all vehicular traffic remain unfettered and that > harvesting and mining continue unabated in all but the wetland areas. > > > > Obviously folks should make their own choice, but the Cumberland Wilderness > proposal is in the best interest of maintaining the ecological integrity > whereas the DNR proposal continues to promote Sanctuary and forestry/mining > in the same breath. > > > > Could you please point your browser to www.amherstdaily.com/ and ask all > your friends to participate with a simple click of the mouse. > > > > Much thanks, > > > > Dale > > > Subject: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:21:24 -0400 A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was foraging on the north slope of the hollow at Duncan's Cove this afternoon. There were a few moths flying about the last time I was here but none were seen this afternoon. Perhaps the relentless foraging of this diminutive bird will find these snoozing moths, or some nice green grubs. If I could give this bird any advice it would be to team up with the local chickadees. I managed a few photos but this is a frustrating bird to photograph as it flits back and forth, in and out, through the tangles. Hans _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Re: Black-throated Gray Warbler From: Joan Czapalay <joancz AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:05:23 -0400 The Black-throated Gray Warbler was in the trees in the middle of the round-about on Webster off lower South Streeet at about 3pm today. (It was my seventh trip looking for it!!) Also in that clump of trees : 1 Orange-crowned, 5-6 Black capped Chickadees, 2 Song Sparrows, a Bluejay and on Blenheim Ave. a Mourning Dove (which is not common in this part of town. Cheers, Joan Don MacNeill wrote: > > Alan Covert and I (as well as Dumont? and Nick) saw it at about 3 PM. > I was > initially confused because of the light throat and black band at top of > breast. When I got home, my Western Sibley shows it as an adult female. > > The location this time was in the driveway at the end of Thornvale > that goes > off to the right. > > Don > > Don MacNeill > donmacneill AT eastlink.ca > > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NS-RBA/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NS-RBA/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: NS-RBA-digest AT yahoogroups.com NS-RBA-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: NS-RBA-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Black-throated Gray update; Orange-crowns From: "Eric L. Mills" <E.Mills AT Dal.Ca> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:28:24 -0400 This morning at 8:45, the South End Halifax Black-throated Gray Warbler was feeding near the ground in shrubbery at the entrance to Cromwell Road (extreme W end of South Street, just before the Arm), as usual on the sunny side of the street. It was scared off by a garbage truck and I didn't re-find it, although it is sure to be close by somewhere. There are now at least 3 Orange-crowned Warblers travelling together (but not with the Black-throated Gray today); today I found them in cedars close to the Waegwoltic clubhouse (S end of Coburg Road). All were nice plain eastern birds. Subject: Black-throated Gray update; Orange-crowns From: "Eric L. Mills" <e.mills AT dal.ca> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:28:24 -0400 This morning at 8:45, the South End Halifax Black-throated Gray Warbler was feeding near the ground in shrubbery at the entrance to Cromwell Road (extreme W end of South Street, just before the Arm), as usual on the sunny side of the street. It was scared off by a garbage truck and I didn't re-find it, although it is sure to be close by somewhere. There are now at least 3 Orange-crowned Warblers travelling together (but not with the Black-throated Gray today); today I found them in cedars close to the Waegwoltic clubhouse (S end of Coburg Road). All were nice plain eastern birds. Subject: dead loons From: Henk Kwindt <cbatl AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:49:10 -0400 Today I found three carcasses of red throated loons on the Cow Bay beach. Henk kwindt, Cow Bay, NS. Subject: dead loons From: Henk Kwindt <cbatl AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:49:10 -0400 Today I found three carcasses of red throated loons on the Cow Bay beach. Henk kwindt, Cow Bay, NS. Subject: Black-capped Chickadee in Fairmont, Ant. Co. From: Randy Lauff <randy.lauff AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:57:07 -0400 With the dearth of birds reported by many, including me, I thought it worth mentioning on the RBA that I had one BC Chickadee near (but not on) my feeder today. My flock disappeared in early August, and I've had a total of three visits by individual chickadees since then. Randy _________________________________ RF Lauff Way in the boonies of Antigonish County, NS. Subject: Northern Cardinal on Prospect Peninsula From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:54:24 -0400 21 November 2009 White's Lake, Prospect Peninsula, HRM We were working in the garden on Saturday morning, when we were pleased to be visited by a female Northern Cardinal, a yard first (and overdue?) and the first record for the Prospect Peninsula. There was a previous nearby cardinal record from the "wrong" side of the Prospect River (and so not on the peninsula proper), but that bird didn't linger. I hope this one does. Good birding, Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: Northern Cardinal From: "Judy O'Brien" <judyobrien AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:56:05 -0400 The N Cardinal just visited my backyard in Dartmouth. He hasn't stayed long as of yet but as winter approaches he may start to feed here. judy Subject: Baltimore Orioles, central Halifax From: "P.L. Chalmers" <plchalmers AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:09:46 -0400 Three, if not four, Baltimore Orioles landed briefly in my neighbour's backyard this afternoon as we watched. She had seen one earlier in the week. Patricia L. Chalmers Halifax Subject: Brown Thrasher- Pictou From: Ken McKenna <kenmcken AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:51:01 -0400 Ken McKenna Box 218 Stellarton NS B0K 1S0 902 752-7644 Hi all I discovered a BROWN THRASHER this afternoon, Nov. 14, next to the McCulloch House ( Museum). on the grounds of the Hector Centre in the town of Pictou. It was in a snowberry-multiflora rose thicket next to the house. It stayed close to the ground and was quiet except for rustling leaves. cheers Ken Subject: Black-throated Gray Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler updates From: "David Currie" <david_currie AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:40:51 -0400 We met Clyde Stoddart from Cape Sable Island this morning for a warbler hunt he found the Black-throated Gray Warbler with no help from us. Spent a couple of hours early this morning at the foot of Coburg Rd until finally he located it as the rest of us were searching elsewhere. It was favouring the taller Junipers in the area near the Tennis Club. We all managed to see it a bit later on Waegwoltic Ave and again it was feeding among the Junipers. The Nashville and 2 Orange-crowned Warblers were also in the area as well as a White-breasted Nuthatch. We then continued to Dartmouth and quickly found and photographed the Yellow-throated Warbler at 30 Brookdale Cres. at about 11:00AM. Azor Vienneau, Clyde Stoddart, David Currie Subject: Re: can we get a Spotted Towhee update From: Bob McDonald <bobathome AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:51:39 -0400 All I know is that the bird was NOT there between 2:15 and 5:05 PM today. Bob McDonald ----- Original Message ----- From: ghawkins_ca To: NS-RBA AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 7:54 PM Subject: [NS-RBA] can we get a Spotted Towhee update I was only here for a short while this morning and I did not see him in that time but my impression from the later day people was that he hadn't shown up at all today. Everyone is still welcome to come out..... Graham ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.63/2500 - Release Date: 11/13/09 07:54:00 Subject: can we get a Spotted Towhee update From: "ghawkins_ca" <ghawkins AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:54:47 -0000 I was only here for a short while this morning and I did not see him in that time but my impression from the later day people was that he hadn't shown up at all today. Everyone is still welcome to come out..... Graham Subject: Black-throated Gray Warbler From: Don MacNeill <donmacneill AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:22:52 -0400 Alan Covert and I (as well as Dumont? and Nick) saw it at about 3 PM. I was initially confused because of the light throat and black band at top of breast. When I got home, my Western Sibley shows it as an adult female. The location this time was in the driveway at the end of Thornvale that goes off to the right. Don Don MacNeill donmacneill AT eastlink.ca Subject: Update on Black-throated Gray Warbler From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:28:18 -0400 All: On the way to "work" about 15 minutes ago (shortly after 12 noon) I came across the warbler with chickadees at feeders in the driveway of the house on the north side of South Street, just above Webster (the continuation of Thornvale from Chebucto). It was very lively and I got only one blurred photo, then it moved on. Again it seemed to be following Fulton Lavender's precept - "follow the sun" as that was certainly the sunny side of the street. Best, Ian Ian McLaren Subject: Update on Black-throated Gray Warbler From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:28:18 -0400 All: On the way to "work" about 15 minutes ago (shortly after 12 noon) I came across the warbler with chickadees at feeders in the driveway of the house on the north side of South Street, just above Webster (the continuation of Thornvale from Chebucto). It was very lively and I got only one blurred photo, then it moved on. Again it seemed to be following Fulton Lavender's precept - "follow the sun" as that was certainly the sunny side of the street. Best, Ian Ian McLaren Subject: House Wren From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:18:32 -0400 I heard an American Tree Sparrow singing outside this morning, the first to arrive back onto our property. A small troop of this species always over-winters at our place, and to me their arrival marks the beginning of the winter birding season here. I was scanning my front yard platform feeder to see if any tree sparrows had found it yet and was surprised and delighted to capture a House Wren in my field of view, a yard first. I trowelled some peanut butter into some local tree cavities in case it requires sustenance, although I don't expect it to hang around. But, I've been surprised before. Hans _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Black-throated Gray Warbler From: "David Currie" <david_currie AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:36:34 -0400 Hi all... I managed to find the bird today at 10:30AM at the end of Birchdale Ave. It was with 2 Orange-crowned Warblers and one warbler I didn't identify but given its bright yellow, it may have been the Nashville seen earlier this week in the area. They were within a half meter of each other for the five minutes I watched and at the very tops of the larger spruces and pines where Birchdale ends. David Currie Subject: Spotted Towee YAHOOOO From: "Donald MacLaughlin " <dmbluenoser AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:28:00 +0000 Success... Finally! It was present from 4:10 - 4:20 PM Thanks Graham. Donald MacLaughlin Halifax Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NS-RBA/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NS-RBA/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: NS-RBA-digest AT yahoogroups.com NS-RBA-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: NS-RBA-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Re:Spotted Towee update From: "bernard burke" <blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:55:34 -0400 The Spotted Towee at Hatchet Lake was seen several times this morning. Graham had seen it for what I believe was the third time just as I got out of my car. The bird decided though, not to give up his lifer staus to me that easy, and it had disappeared the few seconds it took me to get to Grahams house. Being its continuous reappearance, I felt the odds were good to see it, and sure enough aproximately 40 minutes later, at about twenty to 12:00 p.m. it appeared for about 10 minutes. I have posted about 8 photos on the following two links: http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_ynXPk#P-35-9 http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_ynXPk#P-36-9 Bernard Burke blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca Dartmouth Subject: Re:Spotted Towee update From: "bernard burke" <blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:55:34 -0400 The Spotted Towee at Hatchet Lake was seen several times this morning. Graham had seen it for what I believe was the third time just as I got out of my car. The bird decided though, not to give up his lifer staus to me that easy, and it had disappeared the few seconds it took me to get to Grahams house. Being its continuous reappearance, I felt the odds were good to see it, and sure enough aproximately 40 minutes later, at about twenty to 12:00 p.m. it appeared for about 10 minutes. I have posted about 8 photos on the following two links: http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_ynXPk#P-35-9 http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_ynXPk#P-36-9 Bernard Burke blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca Dartmouth Subject: Black Throated Gray Warbler From: Lynn Karchewski <dlkarchewski AT live.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:04:23 -0300 Hi: A very quick check at the end of Birchdale AT 9:30 this morning (Thurs. Nov 12) found a flock of chickadees but no warbler....:0( Thanks. Lynn _________________________________________________________________ Eligible CDN College & University students can upgrade to Windows 7 before Jan 3 for only $39.99. Upgrade now! http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691819 Subject: Re: Update: BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, Halifax From: "P.L. Chalmers" <plchalmers AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:26:03 -0400 I saw this post from Ian at 3:40. I dashed over to Birchdale Avenue, where I found Mike and Fulton ready to leave. The Black-throated Gray Warbler had flown out of sight behind the Birchdale Avenue houses which back onto the Northwest Arm. Fulton's maxim is "follow the sun to find the birds", and Mike pointed out that the angle of the sun was favouring a point slightly further north, so I backtracked to the foot of Coburg Road. There is a gate here that closes off the service road of the Waegwoltic Club to vehicles. I walked around this gate and down towards the water. From here I was able to look south across the sun-drenched back yards of the Birchdale houses, and after examining every Black-capped Chickadee for ten minutes or so, finally had a brief but definite look at this elusive little bird, just after 4:00 p.m. Thanks to Ian for his initial report and updates, and to many others as well. Patricia L. Chalmers Halifax At 03:33 PM 11/11/2009, Ian McLaren wrote: >All: > >Mike King just phoned (at ca. 3:15 p.m.)to say that Fulton Lavender and he had >relocated the BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER in the Morrison preporty at the end >of Birchdale, the last street running (south) off the end of Coburg. I know >that several others had searched the area in vain today, so a good place to >start for those still wanting the bird might be at the end of Birchdale, just >before it enters the private properties. Ann Morrison will put out suet and >peanut butter in the hope of inducing it to stick around. > >I posted the bird when first found as an adult male, but this was from a hasty >half-minute view before I rushed back home to report it. Fulton has >indicatedthat it is either an adult female or first-fall male, and Mike's >photos may tell. > >Cheers, Ian Subject: black throated grey warbler From: "Mike" <warblerking AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:41:55 -0000 I have uploaded 2 photos,1 of the black throated grey warbler that Dennis G. relocated this afternoon and informed Myself, Fulton and Ann M.and 1 photo of the spotted towhee. GO BIRDING, Mike Subject: Spotted Towhee update From: "ghawkins_ca" <ghawkins AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:15:52 -0000 After no sightings since Monday morning, he arrived back sometime between 4:30pm and 5pm today while I picked Vicki up from work. He stayed for about 6 minutes eating millet as fast as he could.....so hopefully he'll be back for more. Will keep you updated G Subject: Black-throated Gray Warbler From: "David Currie" <david_currie AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:02:09 -0400 Azor and I will have to try again...following Blake's reminder...we were at the foot of Coburg Rd and all areas in between, from 7-8 this morning. There is re-paving going on in that exact area this morning on Coburg so park somewhere else and there will be lots of noise. We did have one chickadee though, but it was obvious there was not the group of birds that were there yesterday so were going to chalk it up the time of day and the construction. David Currie Subject: Black-throated Grey Warbler From: Donald MacLaughlin <dmbluenoser AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:16:48 -0400 At 2:35 this afternoon Fulton found the Black-throated Grey in the shrubs in the driveway of 1440 Birchdale Ave. He pointed it out to Gavin and me at that time. Sorry Joan, we were standing in your spot right after you left when we saw it. We were lucky as the landscapers were there cleaning the leaves and a guy with a leafblower pretty much blew it and a Black and White Warbler out of the bushes five minutes after we started watching it. On the path between Waegwoltic Ave. and Coburg Road we saw a Yellow-brested Chat, Northern Cardinal, Orange-crowned Warbler with the normal other birds for the area and Fulton had seen House Finches there earlier. _________________________________________________________________ Ready. Set. Get a great deal on Windows 7. See fantastic deals on Windows 7 now http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691818 Subject: Spotted Towhee Photos From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:52:10 -0400 My website is acting up so I've provided links to my Pbase for today only. Here's two photos of Hatchet Lake's Spotted Towhee taken yesterday: http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/119183272 You can continue to scroll through the November highlights of scenery and other birds to the next batch of towhee photos or get to them there directly here: http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/119214334 Patience is needed to see this bird now because I'm sure it has centered itself around a ring of feeders in the neighbourhood and will only visit each in turn, as it sees fit. Hans _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Spotted Towhee From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:28:16 -0400 I revisited the home of Graham and Vicky Hawkins again this morning with his kind prior permission. I waited from 9AM until 9:45 AM when the Spotted Towhee arrived for a ten minute stay. It foraged mostly on the ground and is not a shy bird by any means. I took a lot of photos mostly with twigs and leaves hiding portions of the bird but was generally satisfied I got the best photos I could under the shady and contrasty conditions. But, alas, all the photos are still severely cropped. We also had this rare bird in our back yard but not in Portuguese Cove. It was in Winnipeg 11 years ago where it is also rare. This bird is easy to find and photograph at the Reifel Sanctuary in Richmond, B. C., where it's very tame. I'll post the photos this evening. Hans _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Re: SPTO and cat From: <joancz AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 13:19:49 -0400 Thanks to Blake for directions to the Spotted Towhee and to the kind folks who allowed access to their deck for viewing. I never expected it in NS! The bird was scratching under the triangular shaped squirrel baffle when I arrived at shortly after ten a.m. I went back to my car for my camera, and when I returned there was a beautiful marmalade cat in the yard. It went under the building right behind the pond. I waited over an hour in hopes of a picture, but the Towhee didn't return. There were both Hairy and Downy woodpeckers, Am Goldfinch, 2 Bluejays, several Song Sparrows, Crows, a Mourning Dove and Robin during that time. Please post if the Mega-tick returns later today. I'd like another try for a picture. Thanks! Joan ---- Blake Maybank wrote: > 08 November 2009 > > This is a reminder that we encourage members of the NS-RBA who chase birds reported to the group, to please send an e-mail to the group reporting their success, or lack thereof. Updates on the status of rarities are important to those who, for various reasons, must delay before chasing the rarity sightings. For example, there were many observers who went to view the Spotted Towhee in Hatchet Lake, though only Dave Currie posted his success at seeing the bird. > > Now, with a Black-throated Gray Warbler thrown into the mix, there will be even more chasing going on. Please provide updates. > > > > > Blake Maybank, Moderator, NS-RBA > White's Lake, Nova Scotia > maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca > "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" > author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" > http://tinyurl.com/birdingns > Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: > http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: Message from NS-RBA Moderator re: reporting ethics From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 12:44:32 -0400 08 November 2009 This is a reminder that we encourage members of the NS-RBA who chase birds reported to the group, to please send an e-mail to the group reporting their success, or lack thereof. Updates on the status of rarities are important to those who, for various reasons, must delay before chasing the rarity sightings. For example, there were many observers who went to view the Spotted Towhee in Hatchet Lake, though only Dave Currie posted his success at seeing the bird. Now, with a Black-throated Gray Warbler thrown into the mix, there will be even more chasing going on. Please provide updates. Blake Maybank, Moderator, NS-RBA White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: Yellow-throated Warbler - Brookdale Cres. From: "David Currie" <david_currie AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 11:42:30 -0400 Hi all... After invading Vicki and Graham Hawkins' property this morning and having great opportunities to see the Spotted Towhee (so much thanks goes out to them for allowing us there), some of the group ended up at Brookdale Cres. Dartmouth to look for that warbler from yesterday. We found the Yellow-throated Warbler with a group of 5-6 chickadees and a Brown Creeper near and on 30 Brookdale Cres. which is an apartment complex. It eventually left there and continued over the building and toward Lake Banook. Look for it foraging along the balconies and roof edges of the buildings as well. That was a fun morning.... David Currie Subject: Warbler at Brookdale Cres From: "David Currie" <david_currie AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 20:36:00 -0400 Hi all Spent an hour or so later this afternoon looking for what I thought was a Yellow-throated Warbler earlier in the day without any luck seeing it again. Although my impression of it certainly made me think Yellow-throated, it could have been a Blackburnian at the distance I was without bins. Hopefully someone will have a closer look tomorrow with some luck. Either species...worth noting. Dave Subject: Orange-Crowned Warbler, W. end Halifax From: iamclar AT Dal.Ca Date: Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:33:14 -0400 All: After coming down from a towhee high, I wandered in W end Halifax, and came across a rather dishevelled Orange-crowned Warbler. It was gleaning something from the large apple tree left of the path leading from the foot of Waegwoltic to Coburg. Cheers, Ian McLaren Subject: Orange-Crowned Warbler, W. end Halifax From: iamclar AT dal.ca Date: Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:33:14 -0400 All: After coming down from a towhee high, I wandered in W end Halifax, and came across a rather dishevelled Orange-crowned Warbler. It was gleaning something from the large apple tree left of the path leading from the foot of Waegwoltic to Coburg. Cheers, Ian McLaren Subject: Spotted Towhee at Hatchet Lake, HRM From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 15:36:22 -0400 07 November 2009, Hatchet Lake, HRM Graham and Vicki Hawkins are hosting a Spotted Towhee at their Hatchet Lake, HRM, feeders. They first noticed the bird yesterday afternnoon, and it has been present off and on all day today (Nov. 7). Ian McLaren and I saw it at 3:00 p.m., and I managed another record shot of the bird, which I'll post shortly. The Hawkins live at 147 Northcliffe Drive, in Hatchet Lake. Take Route 333 (Prospect Road) south from the Exhibition Park, and turn left on to Brookside Road, which is just before Holts RiteStop confectionary, and directly across from the Community Pharmacy and Medical Clinic. Once on Brookside Road, take the first left, onto Northcliffe Road. Their house is at 147, on the left side of the road, but their number sign was recently stolen. Instead, watch for 152 Northcliffe Road, just opposite their house. The bird, which is skittish and wary, as is typical of towhees, is coming in to feeders at the rear of the property. The best vantage point is to go around the front of the house to the stairs leading up to the deck, on the east side of the house. From the deck you can see all the feeders, as well as the ground beneath them, which is where the towhee usually feeds. Visiting birders are welcome, and you may arrive as early as daylight permits. I've warned Vicki that there might be an influx of birders, but they seem prepared for the attention. Their phone number is: 852-4637 Best of luck. Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: Yellow-throated Warbler From: "David Currie" <david_currie AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:44:49 -0400 Hi Exactly where we had a YTWA a couple of years ago, near 23 Brookdale Cres. Dartmouth, there was one there again at about noon today. I will go back in a few minutes to see if a photo is possible, besides, I never had binoculars either earlier. It was seen along the brook and in the courtyard of the apartments on Brookdale Court with chickadees. Another note from Thursday, Nov 5...near our office feeding area, we had an Orange-crowned Warbler and a male Black-throated Blue Warbler at 530 Portland Street. They stayed for an hour, but after yesterday not sure if they will return. David Currie Subject: Correction Rufous Sided Towhee...Spotted western From: "ghawkins_ca" <ghawkins AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:13:23 -0000 I thought that the bird coming into the feeder was a black headed grosbeak. The bird is now back and I got a pic of it. It's Rufous Sided Towhee, not the Grosbeak and by the looks of the white wing barring a spotted western.I'll post a pic Sorry about any confusion on the previous post Subject: Black Headed Grosbeak From: "ghawkins_ca" <ghawkins AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:31:33 -0000 While I haven't been able to get a pic yet, he was in the feeder last night at supper time and then again early this morning. Both times the Blue Jays have scared him off Subject: FWD: Sightings from Cape Sable Island From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 15:25:51 -0400 From: John Nickerson jonsannick AT hotmail.com Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 1 hudsonian godwit at daniels head at 11.59 a.m. also dunlin, sanderling, black-bellied plovers. At the hawk a gray phase Gyrfalcon perched on a rock. sandra and i watched it for 10 minutes it flew toward daniel's head 1:45 p.m. Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: Northern Cardinal From: "Judy O'Brien" <judyobrien AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:25:50 -0400 I just had a beautiful male Northern Cardinal in my backyard in Dartmouth. The first I've seen this year. There was a pair last winter so the female may also be around. Judy O'Brien Subject: FWD: rare birds at Port Hawkesbury, Cape Breton From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 8:28:26 -0400 Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:53:45 -0300 From: "David W. Johnston" dwj.jem AT ns.sympatico.ca I saw three Baltimore Orioles in my back yard today here in Port Hawkesbury. First I have seen this fall. Also, while birding a remote woodland area near town this week, it was interesting that I found two Palm Warblers and a Hermit Thrush - along with the expected Golden-crowned Kinglets, Chickadees, Juncos etc. -- David W. Johnston Mary K. Johnston 207 Hiram St. Port Hawkesbury N.S. B9A 2C3 902 625 1534 dwj.jem AT ns.sympatico.ca Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: FWD: Update on Long-billed Dowitchers in Shelburne County From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 8:26:41 -0400 31 October 2009 Johnny and Sandra Nickerson reported the continued presence of 4 Long-billed Dowitchers on Cape Sable Island. Nine other species of shorebird were reported, including both yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: Ruby-crowned Kinglet on the Prospect Peninsula From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 8:24:45 -0400 1 November 2009, White's Lake, HRM I heard and briefly observed a soggy Ruby-crowned Kinglet in my yard here is White's Lake this morning. Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: FWD: Lark Sparrow in Barrington From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:47:49 -0400 From: John Nickerson jonsannick AT hotmail.com Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 1 Lark Sparrow at Barrington by old ferry wharf. johnny Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: FWD: Great Egret and late Barn Swallow in Shelburne County From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 7:22:54 -0400 From: John Nickerson jonsannick AT hotmail.com Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 1 Great Egret seen today at Centerville, C.S.I. 1 Barn Swallow seen in Clarks Hbr. seen by Murray Newell Johnny Nickerson Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: FWD: Red-bellied Woodpecker and late Hermit Thrush in Dartmouth From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:44:33 -0400 From: Rosemary Gallinger Subject: Dartmouth Birds Oct 27 Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 A late afternoon walk down Oakdale Crescent in Dartmouth along the edge of Birch Cove Park rewarded me with: Red-bellied Woodpecker Hermit Thrush Brown Creeper Rosemary Gallinger Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: FWD: Long-billed Dowitchers in Shelburne County From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:43:17 -0400 From: John Nickerson jonsannick AT hotmail.com Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 4 Long-billed Dowitchers at The Hawk , Cape Sable Island, 9.45 a.m. today. Johnny Nickerson Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: Twelve Blubirds From: "daviddnrharris" <harrisda AT gov.ns.ca> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:33:48 -0000 A flock of twelve Bluebirds were observed (not me) in Spencers Islands on Oct 26. Dave Subject: Snow Bunting From: "daviddnrharris" <harrisda AT gov.ns.ca> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:31:40 -0000 One Snow Bunting was observed at Port Griville beach on Mon. Oct. 26. in Cumb. Co. Dave Subject: Orange-crowned warbler in Halifax. From: "Terry Boswell" <ta_boz AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:37:13 -0000 There is an Orange-crowned Warbler in the gardens between Cork St. and Young St. in Halifax. I spotted him fidgeting around in the trees that divide the yards at 4:30 today (Sun 25 Oct) and it took some time before I could make the i.d. as his plumage is very dull and the faint belly streaks were not showing up to well. I also have an Eastern Wood-pewee hunting for flies under the eaves of the appartment building at the bottom of my garden and I thought that I saw an American Kestrel fly over but wasn't 100% sure as it was moving at speed and fairly high up traveling South-west (Migrating?). Terry Boswell Cork St. Halifax. Subject: FW: a bird in the hand.... From: Lynn Karchewski <dlkarchewski AT live.com> Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:58:28 -0200 From: dlkarchewski AT live.com To: joancz AT ns.sympatico.ca Subject: RE: [NS-RBA] a bird in the hand.... Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:55:54 -0200 Hi: My best guess was an immature Tennessee warbler with an undeveloped eyebrow??? (does that occur?) this was based on the sibley guide but then I looked in another book and on the net and all that went out the window. Looking back at the sibley though it is the best match. Thanks for your reply. :0) Lynn > Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:19:02 -0300 > From: joancz AT ns.sympatico.ca > Subject: Re: [NS-RBA] a bird in the hand.... > To: dlkarchewski AT live.com > > First year Flycatcher, perhaps? or "confusing fall warbler"? Have you > Sibley's? Also The Golden Guide is good for these. They are not easy, > even for the experienced birder. Cheers, Joan > > Lynn Karchewski wrote: > > > > > > ....can be very confusing! > > > > Hi: > > > > I'm hoping to get some help identifying a bird that was window-killed > > (please re-direct me if this is not the appropriate forum). > > Unfortunately I no longer have the carcass, so can't submit photos. > > > > Description: > > > > Head: Olive green except for tan coloured lores. Black, sharp, > > warbler-type bill.* *No* *eyebrow or eyestripe. The colour around the > > eye was black...don't know if this is considered an eye-ring. > > > > Mantle/scapulars/rump: Uniformly olive green. > > > > Throat/breast/belly/flanks: Yellow with some white....there was sort > > of a "background" colour (closer to the skin) of black but no > > streaking when the feathers were smoothed. > > > > Wings: Olive green with the leading edges of the primaries thinly > > lined with white and the trailing edges yellow. Two faint white wing > > bars. > > > > Tail: Uniformly dark gray (not green) with both edges of the feathers > > thinly lined with yellow. > > > > Undertail coverts: Unfortunately, I don't remember, but am thinking > > that they probably weren't much different from the belly (either > > yellow or white) or I probably would have noticed. > > > > Legs/feet: black. > > > > I had tentatively ID'd it but after a while the more books I look at > > the more confused I get. (I thought that being that close to it would > > make identification easier...haha.....joke's on me!) Any and all input > > on this is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. :0) > > > > Lynn Karchewski > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Less clicking: Hotmail access on the new MSN homepage. > > > > > CDN College or University student? Get Windows 7 for only $39.99 before Jan 3! Buy it now! _________________________________________________________________ CDN College or University student? Get Windows 7 for only $39.99 before Jan 3! Buy it now! http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691636 Subject: a bird in the hand.... From: Lynn Karchewski <dlkarchewski AT live.com> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:37:01 -0200 ....can be very confusing! Hi: I'm hoping to get some help identifying a bird that was window-killed (please re-direct me if this is not the appropriate forum). Unfortunately I no longer have the carcass, so can't submit photos. Description: Head: Olive green except for tan coloured lores. Black, sharp, warbler-type bill. No eyebrow or eyestripe. The colour around the eye was black...don't know if this is considered an eye-ring. Mantle/scapulars/rump: Uniformly olive green. Throat/breast/belly/flanks: Yellow with some white....there was sort of a "background" colour (closer to the skin) of black but no streaking when the feathers were smoothed. Wings: Olive green with the leading edges of the primaries thinly lined with white and the trailing edges yellow. Two faint white wing bars. Tail: Uniformly dark gray (not green) with both edges of the feathers thinly lined with yellow. Undertail coverts: Unfortunately, I don't remember, but am thinking that they probably weren't much different from the belly (either yellow or white) or I probably would have noticed. Legs/feet: black. I had tentatively ID'd it but after a while the more books I look at the more confused I get. (I thought that being that close to it would make identification easier...haha.....joke's on me!) Any and all input on this is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. :0) Lynn Karchewski _________________________________________________________________ New: Messenger sign-in on the MSN homepage http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9677403 Subject: "im. painted bunting" From: Henk Kwindt <cbatl AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:49:11 -0300 It appears that the reported "im.painted bunting" is in fact a very young goldfinch as determined by Mike King and both Clarences. The bird is very green and has no wingbars (yet) and appears to behave differently than a "normal" g.f. Sorry for the confusion. Henk Kwindt. Subject: "im. painted bunting" From: Henk Kwindt <cbatl AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:49:11 -0300 It appears that the reported "im.painted bunting" is in fact a very young goldfinch as determined by Mike King and both Clarences. The bird is very green and has no wingbars (yet) and appears to behave differently than a "normal" g.f. Sorry for the confusion. Henk Kwindt. Subject: FWD: Great Egret & Little Blue Heron in southern NS From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:32:16 -0400 From: John Nickerson jonsannick AT hotmail.com Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 300 1 Great Egret in Barrington, Shelburne County, found by Murray Newell. 1 Little Blue Heron in West Pubnico in the marsh to the left of co-op store. Johnny Nickerson Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: Painted bunting From: Henk Kwindt <cbatl AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:33:29 -0300 This morning we had an im. or fem. painted bunting picking the seeds out of the echinasia seedheads. Henk Kwindt, Cow Bay, NS. Subject: Painted bunting From: Henk Kwindt <cbatl AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:33:29 -0300 This morning we had an im. or fem. painted bunting picking the seeds out of the echinasia seedheads. Henk Kwindt, Cow Bay, NS. Subject: horned lark From: Henk Kwindt <cbatl AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:22:22 -0300 There was a small flock of horned lark at Silver Sands beach in Cow Bay, this afternoon. Henk Kwindt, Cow Bay,NS. Subject: horned lark From: Henk Kwindt <cbatl AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:22:22 -0300 There was a small flock of horned lark at Silver Sands beach in Cow Bay, this afternoon. Henk Kwindt, Cow Bay,NS. Subject: Yellow-breasted Chat in Shubenacadie From: "Kathleen" <roughlegged_hawk AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:50:32 -0000 Yesterday morning I found a yellow-breasted chat in the wetlands trail behind the Greenwing Interpretive Centre at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park. It was in a thick patch of alders at the far end of the trail, and only gave me a very brief look. If anyone wants to go look for it, you can go in to walk the trail anytime, even when the park is closed - just be sure to park outside the main gate if you'll be there after 3:00 PM, as that's when the gate is locked. Kathleen MacAulay Milford Station Subject: Yellow-breasted Chat From: "Judy O'Brien" <judyobrien AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:30:25 -0300 I just had a beautiful Yellow-breasted Chat in my backyard in Dartmouth. Judy O'Brien Subject: Orange-crowned Warbler From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:14:54 -0300 There were Yellow-rumped Warblers and American Robins on the leeward side of the southern part of Duncan's Cove, overlooking Duncan Reef. Near the dam a single Orange-crowned Warbler appeared briefly. The numerous birds that were around were hard to ID as they stayed hunkered down due to the stiff north-west wind. Hans _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Highlights from Seal Island, Oct 9-12 2009 From: "Blake Maybank" <accentor AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:26:33 -0400 Here are some highlights from a trip to Seal Island Oct. 9-12. Brant, 6, flying south along the west shore Oct. 12, m.obs. Black Scoter, 30, flying south along the east shore Oct. 11, ELM, IAM, BLM. Pied-billed Grebe, 2, Oct. 11-12, DOM et al. Green Heron, 1, Oct. 11, BLM, et al. Osprey, 6, including 5 on Oct. 11., var. obs. Cooper’s Hawk, 1, Oct. 12, DOM, Dave Tannahill American Woodcock, 1, Oct. 10, IAM and DOM Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 juvenile, Oct. 11-12, Gerd Rotzell, et al. Downy Woodpecker, 1 (rare on Seal), Oct. 12, m.obs. Hairy Woodpecker, 2 (rare on Seal), 1 Oct. 9 (IAM, ELM), 1 Oct. 11 (BLM) Eastern Phoebe, 6+, var. obs. White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (rare on Seal), Oct. 10, DOM et al. House Wren, 2, ELM & IAM Nashville Warbler, 3, including one possible Western race Orange-crowned Warbler, 2, both eastern race, BLM et al., one Oct. 11, one Oct. 12. Palm Warbler, 12+, including one Western race (latter on Oct. 11, BLM et al.) Hooded Warbler, 1, immature female, Oct. 9-10, BLM et al. Lark Sparrow, 1, Oct. 9, IAM & ELM White-crowned Sparrow, 8+, including one Gambell’s race, var. obs. Blue Grosbeak, 1, Oct. 9, BLM Indigo Bunting, 4, var. obs. Baltimore Orioles, 12+, Oct. 9, ELM & IAM. Forwarded by: Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova Scotia maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d Subject: Oct 12 - Eurasian Collared Dove and others - Canso From: "David Currie" <david_currie AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:01:47 -0300 Hi all Fulton Lavender, Mike King and I, (along with my mother), spent the best part of yesterday driving from Dartmouth to Canso and back but as usual we were not disappointed in the birding results. The Eurasian Collared Dove was either at Tom and Terri's feeders on Carleton St. or roosting close by. It appears to be making itself comfortable in the area although still quite wary. Tom took us around to various spots turning up Dickcissels, Indigo Buntings and a Lark Sparrow. All three of these species we found at the Canso Marina but Tom has at least two Dickcissels at his feeder and we had Indigo Buntings at various spots as well. The wind was very high there yesterday as elsewhere I'm sure, and felt we were missing much more as a result. It is shaping up to be another great Fall in Canso. Thanks to Tom and Terri for there hospitality. David Currie Dartmouth Subject: Turkey Vulture, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Baltimore Oriole From: Hans Toom <htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:00:11 -0300 I took a hike out along the coastal barrens of Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park this morning. There were lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers, a few Palm Warblers and one Warbling Vireo. While returning I spotted my first ever Turkey Vulture in the park. I also saw a Northern Harrier. Last Tuesday I spotted a Baltimore Oriole at Duncan's Cove amongst hordes of Blue-headed Vireos and Yellow-rumped Warblers. It's nice to less orioles this year. I hope it stays that way. The bird suffers so much trying to tough out our winters. On Thursday an immature Yellow-bellied Sapsucker passed trhough our place in Portuguese Cove, the first in several years. Hans ________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Hartlen Point (back cove) Friday From: Terry Paquet <terrypaquet AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 9 Oct 2009 16:53:35 -0300 10 species of warbler included Orange-crowned, Wilsons, Yellow-breasted Chat 2 Vireos - Red-eyed, Warbling 2 Baltimore Orioles Indigo Bunting a Stilt Sandpiper hanging out with Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs for nice comparison. Peregrine diving on teal several large flocks of DC Cormorants migrating, numbers of Gannets, pipits and Ipswich and Loncolns Sparrow among others. -- Terry Paquet terrypaquet AT gmail.com