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6 Nov exact date of arrival please [Robert Lockett ] 6 Nov exact date of arrival please [Robert Lockett ] 06 Nov Photo: Red-shouldered Hawk [Mike Patterson ] 6 Nov Klamath Falls, Thursday Birding Bunch, 11-5-09 [Julie Van Moorhem ] 6 Nov Coos Brown Booby continues 11/6 [Russ Namitz ] 7 Nov Correction [] 6 Nov Algal bloom off Oregon coast [] 7 Nov Rough-legged Hawk at Ridgefield [] 06 Nov BSNWR gray goose [] 6 Nov Yaquina Bay South Jetty Snow Bunting [Range Bayer ] 06 Nov Phalaropes [Mike Patterson ] 6 Nov Boiler Bay ["Phil Pickering" ] 6 Nov North Polk County Raptor Run ["Pat Tilley" ] 05 Nov Coos Birds 3-4 Oct [Karl Fairchild ] 5 Nov Late Report for the Record ["Mike and MerryLynn" ] 5 Nov North Siletz Bay 11/5 ["Phil Pickering" ] 5 Nov Knute Anderson's photo of Curry Gyrfalcon ["Greg Gillson" ] 5 Nov Boiler Bay ["Phil Pickering" ] 5 Nov Eugene Birders Night - Peru photos ["Tom & Allison Mickel" ] 5 Nov Re: Curry Gyrfalcon [Richard and Marilyn Musser ] 04 Nov RBA: Portland, OR 11-5-09 [Harry Nehls ] 4 Nov Re: kingfisher bashing prey ["pamela johnston" ] 04 Nov Pittock, NW Portland, week ending 11/4/09 [Wink Gross ] 4 Nov Re: kingfisher bashing prey ["Paul T. Sullivan" ] 4 Nov Re: oriole like ["Larry McQueen" ] 4 Nov Re: Fern Ridge Red-shouldered Hawk ["Larry McQueen" ] 4 Nov Fern Ridge Red-shouldered Hawk [] 4 Nov oriole like ["Margaret" ] 5 Nov Air-brakes on Eagles [] 5 Nov Halloween birding: The search for spooky owls, holy grouse, and angelic snowbirds.... [khanh tran ] 5 Nov Brants back at Hatfield ["HARVEY W SCHUBOTHE " ] 4 Nov Turkey Vulture ["Tom Escue" ] 04 Nov Let's play name that prey item [Mike Patterson ] 04 Nov Culver Raptor Route [Kevin Smith ] 04 Nov Re: Wing-banded Northern Fulmar [Mike Patterson ] 04 Nov fernhill notes [Steve Halpern ] 04 Nov Re: Wing-banded Northern Fulmar [DJ Lauten and KACastelein ] 4 Nov Wed morning, Dexter Res. ["Larry McQueen" ] 4 Nov Lane YS FLICKER, Coos BROWN BOOBY continues [Daniel Farrar ] 4 Nov Wing-banded Northern Fulmar [Russ Namitz ] 4 Nov Curry Gyrfalcon [Russ Namitz ] 04 Nov Successful trip to find Black-tailed Gull thanks to Hans [] 04 Nov Successful trip to find Black-tailed Gull thanks to Hans [] 4 Nov Eagles ruining this digiscoping trip! ["HARVEY W SCHUBOTHE " ] 4 Nov Portland's Force Lake: Canvasbacks, etc. [Scott Carpenter ] 4 Nov Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? [Richard and Marilyn Musser ] 4 Nov Bald Eagles at Boiler Bay ["HARVEY W SCHUBOTHE " ] 4 Nov Re: Alula Photo: Link to a Larger Photo [Richard and Marilyn Musser ] 4 Nov Coos Bay south to Flores Lake-31 Oct. -1 Nov. ["Andy Stepniewski" ] 4 Nov Spanish Head ["Phil Pickering" ] 4 Nov Broad Wing Hawk [Henry Horvat ] 4 Nov Re: Alula Photo: Link to a Larger Photo [] 4 Nov Re: Gyrfalcon & Herring Gull---Alula Photo [] 3 Nov Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? [Scott Carpenter ] 03 Nov Re: Band-Tailed Pigeons ["Craig Tumer" ] 03 Nov Re: Mystery Sparrow [Alan Contreras ] 3 Nov Brown Booby Continues, Coos County ["Roger & Betty Robb" ] 3 Nov Mystery Sparrow ["Robert Hancy" ] 3 Nov Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? [Richard and Marilyn Musser ] 3 Nov jackson bottom [] 3 Nov Sharpie gets a meal ["Tom Escue" ] 3 Nov Western Bluebirds At Mary's Peak ["John Thomas" ] 03 Nov Columbia Estuary Report - 11/3/2009 [Mike Patterson ] 3 Nov Oregon birders photo scoping booby [Russ Namitz ] 3 Nov Band-Tailed Pigeons [Seth Reams ] 3 Nov Peru Trip ["Sherry Hagen" ] 3 Nov nice article about birders in LA Times today [Shawneen Finnegan ] 2 Nov Salem Sandhill Cranes [Ellen Cantor ] 2 Nov Re: osprey ["pamela johnston" ] 2 Nov John Day Dam Bonaparte's Gull swarm [David Mandell ] 2 Nov Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? ["R. Adney Jr." ] 2 Nov COOS BROWN BOOBY Monday also PALM WARBLER ["Thomas Snetsinger" ] 02 Nov Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? [Mike Patterson ] 2 Nov Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? [Scott Carpenter ] 2 Nov Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? ["Tom Crabtree" ] 02 Nov Dirrections to Commencement Bay [] Subject: exact date of arrival please From: Robert Lockett <tetraka AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:48:49 -0800 (PST) Hello friends:
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Subject: exact date of arrival pleaseFrom: Robert Lockett <tetraka AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:48:49 -0800 (PST) Hello friends:
Welcome to join our company' member club . Everybody here can enjoy our
products' member price. All customers can browse through our company's home
page---- www.buysell08.com> for latest information . Our products (notebook
PC,digital camera,plasma and LCD TV,digital DV,Motos,phones,Mp3/4,and so on)
all have low price and high quality in order to attract more new customers to
cooperate with us . Hope here is your shopping heaven!
Please contact me via
e-mail: buysell08 AT ymail.com
Best regards
NO.E4606
now:350 EUR
member:328 EUR
Nokia N900 Cell Phone 32GB Unlocked
NO.E4618
now:550 EUR
member:495 EUR
IBM ThinkPad-Laptop-X200T-CTO-12.1"TFT-SL9400
_______________________________________________
obol mailing list
obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org
http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obol
Subject: Photo: Red-shouldered HawkFrom: Mike Patterson <celata AT pacifier.com> Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:08:13 -0800 http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/northcoastdiaries/12590/ -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR Things juvenal http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/northcoastdiaries/11935/ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Klamath Falls, Thursday Birding Bunch, 11-5-09 From: Julie Van Moorhem <jvanmoo AT sisna.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:33:28 -0800 Hi Folks, Four of us (Mary Ellen Sargent, Melody Warner, Jean Van Hulzen and I) birded the Rocky Pt area, Odessa CG, and Eagle Ridge on 11-5-09. At a residence in Rocky Pt area the highlight was a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW; other birds included EVENING GROSBEAK, PINE SISKIN, GOLDEN- CROWNED AND WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. At Odessa CG we saw PILEATED WOODPECKER, WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER, RED- SHOULDERED HAWK, BELTED KINGFISHER, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE and creepers, kinglets, chickadees. At Eagle Ridge ~400 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER were in the shallows close to shore and DUNLIN (3) were on a small sandbar. About 25 BONAPARTE'S GULLs were also in the area. We all got pretty excited when a PEREGRINE FALCON stooped on the ducks/shorebirds--we didn't see it take anything but everything scattered. Also in this area we saw a CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, AMERICAN AVOCET (35), HAIRY WOODPECKER, BALD EAGLE. I continued birding into the afternoon on the Lower Klamath (OR side) but high winds were blowing the dust around and getting out of the car to scope was not easy--dust in your face, scope shaking, etc. Highlights: SNOW GOOSE (16), HORNED LARK (13), RED-TAILED HAWK (10), ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (5), NORTHERN HARRIER (4 or 5), and one YELLOW- HEADED BLACKBIRD in a mixed flock of Red-winged Blackbirds and a few starlings. All in all, a good day in the field. Good birding y'all, Julie Van Moorhem Klamath FAlls _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Coos Brown Booby continues 11/6 From: Russ Namitz <namitzr AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:27:58 -0800 The BROWN BOOBY was seen at 4:15pm this afternoon of the tall B navigation marker. It was not seen on any marker/buoy at 2:30, 3:00 or 3:30. By the way, would-be booby watchers might take note that the Hedge Lane pulloff is just under a mile away (~0.97 ml) while the pull off at Fossil Pt. immediately south of DQ is just over 3/4 mile (~0.82 ml). The Fossil Pt viewpoint would save you at least 1.5 football fields of distance. I used a ruler on the monitor while viewing Google maps. The ocean was impressive this afternoon with the high high tide. There were at least 1000 BROWN PELICANS in the bay proper with a small handful of RED PHALAROPES hiding in calmer corners. Seven RED PHALAROPES and 1 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE were at Bastendorff Beach this afternoon. THAYER'S & HERRING GULLS are around. Check here and at Mingus Park. At Cape Arago, there were 12 HARLEQUIN DUCKS in North Cove and several dark shearwaters (presumably Short-tailed) were flying by. Seawatching conditions were tough due to all the spray in the air due to crashing waves. Good birding, Russ Namitz Coos Bay _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Correction From: gneavoll AT comcast.net Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:51:46 +0000 (UTC) That's Neavoll, not "Neavool," in signature line. ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: gneavoll AT comcast.net To: obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org Sent: Friday, November 6, 2009 4:44:56 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [obol] Rough-legged Hawk at Ridgefield ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (FOS) at Ridgefield NWR around 12:30 p.m. today (11/6/09). Light morph ad. male type hovering, hunting between Markers 11 and 12. George Neavool S.W. Portland _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obol _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Algal bloom off Oregon coast From: Mike_Szumski AT fws.gov Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 16:47:33 -0800 Hi all, An algal bloom remains several hundred meters offshore from Tillamook Oregon to the entrance to Strait of Juan de Fuca. The bloom includes the species of diatom responsible for the wreck of seabirds witnessed several weeks ago. Please let me know if you observe: 1. Any distressed seabirds or shorebirds on the beach 2. Any otherwise healthy birds that appear “dirty” 3. Any accumulations of foam on the beach The best way to reach me is by cell phone (503-705-5747). I’ve placed photos I took of the earlier incident on our office’s ftp site: http://www.fws.gov/filedownloads/ftp_OFWO/SeabirdDieoff/ We observed hundreds of shorebirds feeding in and around the foam (see photos), but did not find any in distress. That’s not to say they were unaffected by the bloom. When shorebirds are oiled by a spill, few if any are found sick or dead. Thanks for your help, Mike _______________________________ Mike Szumski U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 2600 SE 98th Ave., Suite 100 Portland, OR 97266 phone: 503-231-6179 cell: 503-705-5747 mike_szumski AT fws.gov _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Rough-legged Hawk at Ridgefield From: gneavoll AT comcast.net Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:44:56 +0000 (UTC) ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (FOS) at Ridgefield NWR around 12:30 p.m. today (11/6/09). Light morph ad. male type hovering, hunting between Markers 11 and 12. George Neavool S.W. Portland _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: BSNWR gray goose From: barbara.millikan AT gmail.com Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:59:54 +0000 My husband reports that the last three times he's been to Baskett Slough, there has been one uniformly gray goose mixed in with the Canadas. He says it's about the same size. He'd love to know what it is. Thoughts? Barbara_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Yaquina Bay South Jetty Snow Bunting From: Range Bayer <range.bayer AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 13:15:44 -0800 Hi,
Chuck Philo saw an exceptionally bright Snow Bunting at the "gull
puddle" area of the Yaquina Bay South Jetty this morning (Nov. 6) at
10 AM.
--
Range Bayer, Newport, Oregon
Lincoln Co. Bird Information at http://yaquina.info/ybn/bird/bird.htm
_______________________________________________
obol mailing list
obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org
http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obol
Subject: PhalaropesFrom: Mike Patterson <celata AT pacifier.com> Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:48:34 -0800 Yesterday's storm blew in a few RED PHALAROPES. I picked up a dazed and confused individual at Jeffers Gardens and drove it out to the South Jetty were there were a couple dozen in the Parking lot C ponds. Also at the South Jetty were about 60 LEAST SANDPIPERS and couple good-sized flocks of DUNLIN and SANDERLINGS. BROWN PELICANS do not appear to be lingering this season. There were a few (less than 30) that were flying over the river. None on the beaches. None at the Hammond Boat Basin and (according to Steve Warner) no in the usual Seaside spots. Really angry ocean, but nice weather otherwise... -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR Things juvenal http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/northcoastdiaries/11935/ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Boiler Bay From: "Phil Pickering" <philliplc AT charter.net> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 10:16:46 -0800 6:30-9:30 (11/6): overcast w/incoming squalls, wind SW 15-25, swells 10+ everything moving S unless noted 1000 Red-throated Loon 2000 Pacific Loon 500 Common Loon 127 Red-necked Grebe (singles/groups 2-6 all S) 20 Western Grebe 400 Northern Fulmar (about 10% light) 2 Short-tailed Shearwater 800 Brown Pelican 1 Double-crested Cormorant 150 Brandt's Cormorant (most N) 20 Pelagic Cormorant 5 Canada Goose 1100 Brant (flocks to 80) 150 Northern Pintail 7 scaup sp. 35 Black Scoter 4000 White-winged Scoter (most in first 45 min) 1000 Surf Scoter 8 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Common Merganser 4000+ Red Phalarope (widely scattered S) 9 Pomarine Jaeger 300 Bonaparte's Gull 100+ Mew Gull 800+ California Gull 20+ Herring Gull 3000+ Western Gull (mixed ages) 400+ Glaucous-winged Gull (most imm) 600 Heermann's Gull 500 Common Murre 6 Pigeon Guillemot 8 Marbled Murrelet 8 Rhinoceros Auklet Phil philliplc AT charter.net _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: North Polk County Raptor Run From: "Pat Tilley" <pat2ly AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 05:38:52 -0800 On Tuesday this week, Carol Karlen and I completed the North Polk County Raptor survey for Kathy and Bruce Patterson. Kathy is chasing birds in Australia! Of note, on Fir Villa Rd. we scared up a Red-shouldered Hawk that was in the brush alongside the road. It flew across the road in front of us landing in taller nearby trees. Carol got especially good looks at this remarkable hawk. Totals for the survey are: RTHA: 21 AMKE: 22 NOHA: 9 COHA: 1 (Cooper's Hawk) RSHA 1 Additionally, on Enterprise Rd. was a Lewis's Woodpecker. Other nice finds were about a dozen Tundra Swan on the pond south of Coville Rd. at Basket Slough; American Pipits flying as we passed along Livermore Rd., a Meadowlark along Oak Grove Rd. along with an Acorn Woodpecker just past the church, and on Tucker Pond were several SB Dowitchers, and Hooded Mergansers. It was a beautifully clear, sunny day. Thank you Kathy for asking me to do your route. Good to see that the raptors are slowly returning to the valley. Pat Tilley and Carol Karlen_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Coos Birds 3-4 Oct From: Karl Fairchild <dendroicaman AT peak.org> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:51:21 -0800 Hi all, Ulo Kiigemagi and I made a quick trip down for the Brown Booby Tuesday and Wednesday. Highlights: 3 Oct. Pigeon Pt./Fossil Pt. BROWN BOOBY: seen from multiple viewpoints including the small pump house and the Dairy Queen. It was sitting on its normal piling, though it showed some activity toward the end of the hour we watched it (1500-1600) Eurasian Collared-Dove: flock of 30 or so flying around--the range and population expansion of this species is truly phenomenal Great Blue Heron: one rather bold individual hunting the shore near the pump house viewpoint. 4 Oct. Pigeon Pt./Fossil Pt. The Booby was back in its usual haunts, preening and flapping, but didn't go anywhere N. Spit Coos Bay Cal. Gull--60 on the first pond, actively feeding, though I couldn't see what they were after WW Scoter--1, seemed a bit of an unusual spot, made for an interesting combo of ducks with a Wood Duck, N. Shovelers, and 2 Canvasbacks, among the other more usual ducks Barn Swallow-1, seemed a bit late Black Phoebe-2, doing unusual call note that sounded very much like Say's Horned Grebe-6, swimming in a single tight pack Peregrine Falcon-1, sitting on some prey item near the NE corner of the second pond back, possibly a goose (sorry Marilyn :-)) S. Jetty Florence--totally deserted birdwise, but some people in off-road type trucks had pulled up to the very edge of the Dog Pond and looked like they were planning on going mudding in the pond--is this area off limits to motor vehicles? Good Birding all, Karl Fairchild _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Late Report for the Record From: "Mike and MerryLynn" <m.denny AT charter.net> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:18:55 -0800 Hello All, We went after the Brown Booby this last weekend and along the way saw the following species: 30 Oct. 2009 Snow Geese-4 birds one mile east of Phillipi Canyon on the Columbia River in Gilliam Co. 31 Oct. 2009 Pigeon Point, Coos Co. Peregrine Falcon-1 ad. Black Turnstone-45+ Mew Gulls-40 in a flock BROWN BOOBY-1 ad.-watched it plunge dive 3xs from 12-15 feet. 400th Oregon Bird for me. Watched from 1210 hrs to 1315 hrs. a quarter to half a mile out. Northern Fulmar-1 dark morph ad. in the Charleston boat harbor preening. ML took many photos. Winchester Bay, deflation pond Brown Pelican-118 birds Harlequin Duck-1ad. female Black-legged Kittiwake-1ad. Green-winged Teal-4 ad. females on salt water Wrentit-2 near the Umpqua lighthouse. Newport, Lincoln Co. 1Nov.2009 Brown Pelican-15 Whimbrel-1 Clark's Grebe-1 ad. first for us in Lincoln Co. Western Grebe-9 ad. That is it. Later Mike .................................................................................. Mike and MerryLynn Denny Birding the beautiful Walla Walla Valley If you have not birded, you have not lived _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: North Siletz Bay 11/5 From: "Phil Pickering" <philliplc AT charter.net> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:44:31 -0800 3:45 in sustained 30 mph winds gusting to 50 1500 Brown Pelican (95% adult) + very roughly 500 Heermann's 800 Western 800 Cal smaller numbers Herring and G-w Phil _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Knute Anderson's photo of Curry Gyrfalcon From: "Greg Gillson" <greg AT thebirdguide.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 09:39:03 -0800 http://www.pbase.com/gregbirder/image/119086450 Greg Gillson The Bird Guide, Inc. greg AT thebirdguide.com http://thebirdguide.com _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Boiler Bay From: "Phil Pickering" <philliplc AT charter.net> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 09:20:26 -0800 6:45-8:00 (11/5): overcast, wind S15-30, swells 10+ 700 Red-throated Loon 400 Pacific Loon 20 Common Loon 9 Red-necked Grebe (S) 15 Western Grebe 6 Northern Fulmar 25 Brown Pelican (N) 40 Brand't Cormorant 20 Pelagic Cormorant 1 Northern Pintail 70 scaup sp. 10 Black Scoter 3000 White-winged Scoter (S) 400 Surf Scoter 7 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Red Phalarope 10+ Mew Gull 300 California Gull 1 Herring Gull 300 Western Gull 30 Glaucous-winged Gull 500 Heermann's Gull (S) 300 Common Murre (S) 7 Pigeon Guillemot (S) 28 Rhinoceros Auklet (S) Phil philliplc AT charter.net _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Eugene Birders Night - Peru photos From: "Tom & Allison Mickel" <tamickel AT rio.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 08:32:52 -0800 OBOL, Eugene birders night is the second Monday of the month (9 Nov) at 7PM in conference room A at Sacred Heart Hospital, University District (1255 Hilyard St). Everyone is welcome! We normally start by talking about recent sightings, than afterward I'll be showing photos from a recent trip to southern Peru. To find conference room A: - go in the main entrance on Hilyard St and walk past the information desk - turn left at the first hallway and continue to the end past the cafeteria - turn right at the end of the hallway and continue to the end past the dining room - turn right again and then take the first hallway to the left - conference room A (on the right) is across the hallway from the auditorium (almost to the end of the hallway) Tom Mickel _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Curry Gyrfalcon From: Richard and Marilyn Musser <mussermcevoy AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 07:14:51 -0800 (PST) Hi Russ, Thanks for the gyrfalcon report. I've tried to figure out a migration pattern for these falcons, but they seem to show up about anywhere. Do you happen to know whether this sighting was along the coast, or was it inland? Thanks again, Dick --- On Wed, 11/4/09, Russ NamitzSubject: RBA: Portland, OR 11-5-09 From: Harry Nehls <hnehls6 AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:31:56 -0800 - RBA * Oregon * Portland * November 5, 2009 * ORPO0911.05 - birds mentioned Tundra Swan Canvasback Surf Scoter Long-tailed Duck Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Red-throated Loon Eared Grebe MANX-TYPE SHEARWATER BROWN BOOBY White-tailed Kite Northern Harrier BROAD-WINGED HAWK Gyrfalcon Black-bellied Plover Dunlin Bonaparteąs Gull Band-tailed Pigeon Tropical Kingbird Black-billed Magpie Northern Mockingbird Palm Warbler - transcript hotline: Portland Oregon Audubon RBA (weekly) number: 503-292-6855 To report: Harry Nehls 503-233-3976Subject: Re: kingfisher bashing prey From: "pamela johnston" <pamelaj AT spiritone.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:29:31 -0800 There are plenty of invertebrates that get whacked before being swallowed, too. Caterpillars often need a bit of subduing before they go down the hatch. Pamela Johnston _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Pittock, NW Portland, week ending 11/4/09 From: Wink Gross <winkg AT hevanet.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:22:23 -0800 Here is the summary of my morning dogwalks from NW Seblar Terrace to the Pittock Mansion for the week 10/29 to 11/04/09. Species neither seen nor heard the previous week are listed in ALL CAPS. Additional information about my dogwalk, including an archive of weekly summaries and a checklist, may be found at http://www.hevanet.com/winkg/dogwalkpage.html We did the walk 7 days this week. Species # days found (peak #, date) SNOW GOOSE 1 (35, 11/4) Cackling Goose 4 (?[heard only]) Band-tailed Pigeon 2 (1, 11/2 & 3) Anna's Hummingbird 5 (4) Red-breasted Sapsucker 2 (1, 10/29 & 11/1) Downy Woodpecker 3 (2) Northern Flicker 6 (4) Pileated Woodpecker 3 (1) Hutton's Vireo 4 (2) Steller's Jay 7 (4) American Crow 3 (4) Black-capped Chickadee 7 (15) Chestnut-backed Chickadee 4 (5) Bushtit 4 (18, 11/4) Red-breasted Nuthatch 6 (5) Brown Creeper 4 (3, 11/2) Bewick's Wren 2 (1, 11/2 & 3) Winter Wren 5 (1) Golden-crowned Kinglet 6 (20, 10/31) Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 (5, 11/3) Hermit Thrush 4 (1) American Robin 7 (20, 10/31) Varied Thrush 7 (5) European Starling 4 (4, 11/4) Cedar Waxwing 1 (15, 10/30) Spotted Towhee 7 (5) FOX SPARROW 2 (1, 10/30 & 11/1) Song Sparrow 7 (12, 10/30) Dark-eyed Junco 7 (25, 10/31) Purple Finch 2 (3, 11/2) House Finch 6 (8) PINE SISKIN 1 (40, 11/4) Lesser Goldfinch 1 (8, 11/4) In neighborhood but not found on dogwalk: GREAT HORNED OWL Misses (birds found at least 3 days in previous 2 weeks but not found this week): Townsend's Warbler, American Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak Wink Gross Portland _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: kingfisher bashing prey From: "Paul T. Sullivan" <ptsulliv AT spiritone.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:45:11 -0800 Steve, et al, It is quite common for Kingfishers to bash their prey against a perch to stun it before swallowing it. Once I noticed a Kingfisher sitting on a turnbuckle on an irrigation canal near Enterprise. It was whacking a small fish, which refused to go quietly. The bird would whack the fish several times, then pause. The fish would wiggle. The whacking would continue. After several minutes I decided to count whacks. I got to a number over 50 as I recall. I figured I'd missed as many before I started counting. That was one tough fish. I gave up counting and watched awhile longer. The count surely exceeded 150. Finally, I drove away, leaving fish and the kingfisher still battling it out. Paul T. Sullivan ---------------- Subject: fernhill notes From: Steve HalpernSubject: Re: oriole like From: "Larry McQueen" <larmcqueen AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:20:30 -0800 Margaret, It sounds to me like you had an oriole. The question is, what species? This time of year and through the winter, it could be any of the N. Am. orioles, so try to get pictures. Do you mean to say that the underside of the tail feathers are yellow? This would be true with most of the female or immature orioles. If you see it again, take notice if you can, of whether the breast and belly are more lemon-yellow or more apricot yellow (orangish). Also, if the bill is straight or slightly curved. Larry McQueen _____ From: obol-bounces AT oregonbirdwatch.org [mailto:obol-bounces AT oregonbirdwatch.org] On Behalf Of Margaret Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 5:17 PM To: obol Subject: [obol] oriole like I had a oriole like bird in my birdbath today. It was a pale yellow with black and white wing bars and a sharp bill. it flew quickly to a large bush and preened. I could just see its undertail fan out and it was quite yellow. I'll watch Thursday after feeding the birds to see if it comes back. We have had orioles here before but not in the Fall. What else could it be? Marg Tweelinckx Cape Meares _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Fern Ridge Red-shouldered Hawk From: "Larry McQueen" <larmcqueen AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:06:07 -0800 Your hunch is correct. These are both immature Red-shouldered Hawks. The shrike shows the ventral barring more distinctly than most I've seen. The exposures look good to me. Larry _____ From: obol-bounces AT oregonbirdwatch.org [mailto:obol-bounces AT oregonbirdwatch.org] On Behalf Of Kcparkton1 AT aol.com Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 5:24 PM To: obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org Subject: [obol] Fern Ridge Red-shouldered Hawk I think I may have photographed 2 juvenile Red-shouldered hawks today off of Cantrell Rd and Neilsen Rd. I need help with the ID. I also got my first shot of a Northern Shrike, north of the royal ave parking area. I'm still kicking myself because of over exposing the shot. http://www.flickr.com/photos/35913342 AT N04/4076555238/ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Fern Ridge Red-shouldered Hawk From: Kcparkton1 AT aol.com Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:23:52 EST I think I may have photographed 2 juvenile Red-shouldered hawks today off of Cantrell Rd and Neilsen Rd. I need help with the ID. I also got my first shot of a Northern Shrike, north of the royal ave parking area. I'm still kicking myself because of over exposing the shot. _http://www.flickr.com/photos/35913342 AT N04/4076555238/_ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35913342 AT N04/4076555238/) _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: oriole like From: "Margaret" <mtweel AT charter.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:17:05 -0800 I had a oriole like bird in my birdbath today. It was a pale yellow with black and white wing bars and a sharp bill. it flew quickly to a large bush and preened. I could just see its undertail fan out and it was quite yellow. I'll watch Thursday after feeding the birds to see if it comes back. We have had orioles here before but not in the Fall. What else could it be? Marg Tweelinckx Cape Meares_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Air-brakes on Eagles From: Bigrocketman AT comcast.net Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 01:08:52 +0000 (UTC) I understand now that an "alula" is the forward-extending part of the wing, corresponding to a thumb. The eagles I showed in my previous photo, had pairs of medium-sized elevated feathers, that were positioned where the wings join the back and seem to be inside the wing covert feathers. The eagles appeared to be able to raise them and since both feathers came up evenly and were almost vertical, it doesn't seem caused just by an odd flow of air through the gap. Any other such observations or explanations? Steve McDonald http://flickr.com/photos/22121562 AT N00/ http://www.vimeo.com/user458315/videos http://video.yahoo.com/people/4019627 http://cid-229807ce52dd4fe0.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Video?uc=2 _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Halloween birding: The search for spooky owls, holy grouse, and angelic snowbirds.... From: khanh tran <khanhbatran AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 01:03:56 +0000 Hi all, Sorry for the delay. My work and tennis schedule has gotten a bit busy. Anyhow, here it is... Sorry that some of my photos are a bit grainy from transferring them to pBASE (since the server crash, things have not been the same). Some of my images remind me of Bev Dolittle paintings. It was definitely not intentional. I am so in the moment just trying to capture the bird without them flying or scurrying away. **************************************************************************************************** This Halloween, Chris Stearns and I decided to bird Hart's Pass one last time before the heavy snow hits. On Friday night, we started out well and clearly heard one BOREAL OWL close to Clover Flats CG near Athanum Meadows in Yakima County. It was a bit frustrating to not see the reclusive owl as it was literally 15 feet above the car. That's the way it goes. It was my 15th owl species for the year for WA so I will take it!! Lower down at around 5800 ft, we heard another faint skiew near the Eagle's Nest CG. Before dusk, we stumbled on a male SPRUCE GROUSE along one of the closed logging road not far from the Grey Rock Trailhead. I understand this is a tough bird to get for Yakima County. Other than that quiet. On Saturday, we proceed to Hart's Pass. We had to hike the last mile to reach the summit due to 3 feet of packed snow. Conditions were cold with poor visibility and 10 degrees temps. Weeks prior, I had found a gorgeous male ptarmigan that was about 99.7% white with some black freckles. In my eyes, it was close but no cigar. Not satisfied, I wanted another attempt of finding a pure white bird! As we approached the summit, 25-30 MPH winds were unforgiving and ground was icy. I usually don't give up but decided to abort Operation Holy Grouse. To drive almost 400 miles and not have a chance to search was very disappointing. Earlier in the morning, we were successfully seeing other nice birds so our spirits were not entirely dampered. We saw up to 50 PINE GROSBEAKS, a nice flock of roughly 150 GRAY CROWNED ROSYFINCHES, a dozen WHITE WINGED CROSSBILLS, and singlets of NORTHERN SHRIKE and SNOW BUNTING. As we descended down about 2.5 miles from Slate Peak, heading towards the Meadows CG, my mind started to wander. What the heck do these birds eat when the food source is frozen or buried?? Hmmm.. I then saw a good patch of dwarf willows and my grouse instincts kicked in. I instructed Chris to back up and let's try here! Chris slowly backs up the rig about 3O feet as I hesitantly got my gear ready to face the harsh conditions outside. About to get out from the car, I see one white dove-like bird in the snow from the corner of my eyes. It was about 40 feet from the car. What the heck?? All I can see are the large black eyes and dark beak. Later another one appeared and more popped out. I need to have my eyes check and help with my id. Later the next day, while attending to some squeaky problems with our car seat near Meadows CG, I looked about 100 yards away and a NORTHERN HAWK OWL flew in from nowhere. It was in hot pursuit of a prey. Moments later, it was joined by an adult NORTHERN GOSHAWK that kept skybombing it. We heard both birds vocalize. Way cool... What a special TREAT. It was very exciting and emotional seeing the winter plumaged ptarmigans near an open road in WA!! These birds can scoot and scurry quite fast. I was surprised how fast they can run rather than fly. I finally feel that I have a better knowledge and understanding of their behavior and habits. All the persistence and hard work paid off. The birds were probably forced down by the strong winds and descented almost 800 ft from their usual haunts. I suspect they will come down lower in the next few weeks where there are exposed vegetation for food and cover. We saw them the second day under less windy and sunnier conditions. This time, the birds had ascended up higher (almost near the highest ridge) us to use the stunted firs for shelter. They were roosting near them. I also witnessed and videoed a male white-tailed eating larch needles for food. It is probably a Washington FIRST for documenting these exquisite,white plumaged birds on an open road. It was more exciting than seeing two Northern Hawk Owls in one trip at two different locations. Grouse are often not given enough attention from birders and are overlooked or missed. They are really fascinating birds to study and photographed. Also, their complex beautiful plumages and entertaining breeding displays are a hoot to watch. I am NO expert with these group of birds. The last 3 years has been extremely fun and rewarding to learn, discover and appreciate these fancy chickens. I was one of my best Halloween treats ever!! Don't always keep your eyes and ears skyward, look down at times. You may find some thing cool as well:) **************************PHOTOS:**************************************** http://www.pbase.com/spruce_grouse/snowbirds_in_autumn&page=all Khanh Tran (Portland, Oregon) www.ktbirding.com _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Brants back at Hatfield From: "HARVEY W SCHUBOTHE " <ninerharv2 AT msn.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:57:44 +0000 Spotted half dozen Brants foraging with gulls on Yaquina flats by Hatfield Center. Major temp change between 2:30 and 4. Harv Schubothe Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Turkey Vulture From: "Tom Escue" <tom-escue AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:45:02 -0800 Tuesday afternoon I saw a single TURKEY VULTURE over the Hayden Bridge Road-Harvest Lane area of Springfield. Seems kind of late? Tom Escue_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Let's play name that prey item From: Mike Patterson <celata AT pacifier.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:59:45 -0800 http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/northcoastdiaries/12573 -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR Things juvenal http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/northcoastdiaries/11935/ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Culver Raptor Route From: Kevin Smith <kevinsmithnaturephotos AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:37:18 -0800 Kei and I just did our foy raptor count for Culver and got 77 birds!! That's 3 birds per mile! Of course there was a clump of 23 birds in one area. As follow: 42 Red-tailed Hawks 11 Kestrels 6 Northern Harriers 15 Rough-legged Hawks 3 Great horned Owls Just to check on another area we went to Hwy 97 and Iris and only found four Red-tails. that area produced some 30+ birds not too long ago. Kevin & Kei Smith -- Kevin Smith Crooked River Ranch, Oregon _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Wing-banded Northern Fulmar From: Mike Patterson <celata AT pacifier.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:36:21 -0800 The fulmars you found are part of a long term study of already dead birds found on the beach by COASST ( http://www.coasst.org ). Volunteers walk the beach 1 or 2 times per month measuring and marking birds they find. The goals are to establish a base-line of background deadness, watch for significant changes in that base-line and study how long dead things persist on the beach. Wing-banded Northern Fulmar From: Russ NamitzSubject: fernhill notes From: Steve Halpern <steve AT stevenrhalpern.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:06:32 -0800 I got to spend a couple of mornings at Fernhill in Forest Grove. This morning there was a peregrine chasing a couple of yellowlegs. Yesterday there was a nice flock of swans including 3 very distinct juveniles with their reddish/pink bills. There have also been good numbers of pintails and common mergansers along with a smaller group of hooded mergansers n the middle pond. Also of note was a kingfisher which had caught a relatively large (for it) carp and it proceeded to immobilize the struggling fish by smashing the fishes head against a stump repeatedly so that it could eat it. This is a behavior I had seen herons and egrets do before, but never a kingfisher. IF anyone is interested a photo of the peregrine is at: http://www.stevenrhalpern.com/peregrine-IMG_7492.jpg _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Wing-banded Northern Fulmar From: DJ Lauten and KACastelein <deweysage AT verizon.net> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:57:03 -0800 Russ Those are color marked dead seabird survey birds. Part of the CCOAST program. In other words, someone has already counted that dead seabird, and in order to not recount them, or to see how often one recounts them, they are marked with colored ties. Cheers Dave Lauten Russ Namitz wrote: > I saw a dead, salvaged NORTHERN FULMAR that was color-marked with two > zip ties over the left humerus. The lateral tie was red and the > medial tie was gray. The bird was found on a beach in Coos Bay, OR. > I'm putting this on OBOL in hopes that a researcher will see this > information. I will also contact the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center > to report the bands. > Good birding, > Russ Namitz > Coos Bay > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org > http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obol _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Wed morning, Dexter Res. From: "Larry McQueen" <larmcqueen AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:43:11 -0800 We found few birds at Dexter Res, but the morning was bright a colorful after an early fog. Our best bird was a single RED-THROATED LOON located in the middle portion of the lake. Red-throated Loon - 1 Ring-billed Gull - 8 Glaucous-winged Gull - 5 (maybe all were G-w X Western Gull hybrids) Canada Goose - 5 Coot - 1000 Mallard - 2 Bufflehead - 40 Redhead - 5 L. Scaup - 20 Horned Grebe - 1 Pied-billed Grebe - 4 Western Grebe - 4 D-c Cormorant - 6 Bald Eagle - 1 Rock Pigeon - 15 Kingfisher - 1 Flicker - 2 Ruby-cr. Kinglet - 2 Golden-cr. Kinglet - heard Raven - 1 Scrub Jay - 2 Brewer's Blackbird - 6 Spotted Towhee - 1 Am. Goldfinch - 2 House Finch - 1 Song Sparrow - 2 Fox Sparrow - 1 Paul Sherrell, Don Schrouder, Sarah Vasconcellos, Craig Merkel, Dennis Arendt, June Persson, Sylvia Maulding, Dave Brown, Fred Chancey, Ellen Cantor, Dave Hill, and Larry McQueen _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Lane YS FLICKER, Coos BROWN BOOBY continues From: Daniel Farrar <jdanielfarrar AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:29:29 -0800 Obol, At around noon today Lydia Cruz and I observed the Coos Bay BROWN BOOBY. We saw it just south of Pigeon Point after missing it at Hedge Ln. We stopped at Siltcoos Estuary, Lane Co. on the way home. We saw 200+ SANDERLING and 3 dozen+ SNOWY PLOVERS in a loose flock 1/4 mile north of the parking area. There were 8 dark-phase N. Fulmar carcasses on the short walk north. On the way back to the parking lot I spotted a male YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER as we came over the fore dune. It was with 4-5 Red-shafted Flickers in the shore pines just north of the parking lot. I could only see it from about half way up the dune due to the thick pine vegetation. -- Daniel Farrar Dunes City, Oregon jdanielfarrar AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Wing-banded Northern Fulmar From: Russ Namitz <namitzr AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:21:17 -0800 I saw a dead, salvaged NORTHERN FULMAR that was color-marked with two zip ties over the left humerus. The lateral tie was red and the medial tie was gray. The bird was found on a beach in Coos Bay, OR. I'm putting this on OBOL in hopes that a researcher will see this information. I will also contact the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center to report the bands. Good birding, Russ Namitz Coos Bay _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Curry Gyrfalcon From: Russ Namitz <namitzr AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:12:31 -0800 Knute Andersson sent me a good photo of an immature gray-phase GYRFALCON from Curry County on private, non-accessible property. He also saw a Tree Swallow and Turkey Vulture. Good birding, Russ Namitz Coos Bay _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Successful trip to find Black-tailed Gull thanks to Hans From: jonysky101 AT aol.com Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:05:13 -0500 George Neavoll and I headed up from Portland to find the Black-tailed Gull that has been hanging out at Commencement Bay on Tuesday. Thanks to all those who helped with directions we didn't spend too much time seeing unintended sights. When we got to the area where the bird hangs out, we were met by Hans Feddern who was waiting for us. He had given us excellent directions the night before, but we were not expecting him to come out and help us. But he did, he brought his scope and spent a couple of hours helping us to find the gull and then get excellent views. This was a life bird for both of us. Not a big deal for me as I am still in my rookie year, but for George it brought his list closer to 600 as he gets ready to celebrate 60 years as a birder. We went down to Hoquiam STP afterwards, but struck out on the Rarities there. I added 6 birds to my list for the day, which is a very good day for me. George and I talked about how great it is to meet other birders and how helpful they always are. But Hans went way above and beyond helpful, he made the day. Thanks, Hans. Johnny Sasko Sandy, Or_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweetersSubject: Successful trip to find Black-tailed Gull thanks to Hans From: jonysky101 AT aol.com Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:05:13 -0500 George Neavoll and I headed up from Portland to find the Black-tailed Gull that has been hanging out at Commencement Bay on Tuesday. Thanks to all those who helped with directions we didn't spend too much time seeing unintended sights. When we got to the area where the bird hangs out, we were met by Hans Feddern who was waiting for us. He had given us excellent directions the night before, but we were not expecting him to come out and help us. But he did, he brought his scope and spent a couple of hours helping us to find the gull and then get excellent views. This was a life bird for both of us. Not a big deal for me as I am still in my rookie year, but for George it brought his list closer to 600 as he gets ready to celebrate 60 years as a birder. We went down to Hoquiam STP afterwards, but struck out on the Rarities there. I added 6 birds to my list for the day, which is a very good day for me. George and I talked about how great it is to meet other birders and how helpful they always are. But Hans went way above and beyond helpful, he made the day. Thanks, Hans. Johnny Sasko Sandy, Or_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Eagles ruining this digiscoping trip! From: "HARVEY W SCHUBOTHE " <ninerharv2 AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:33:23 +0000 Just got to Salishan nature trail. Birds everywhere on Siletz, mudflats. Not any more. Another Bald Eagle scattered my potential subjects. Same thing yesterday morning at seal rock, day before at Hatfield. Harv Schubothe Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Portland's Force Lake: Canvasbacks, etc. From: Scott Carpenter <slcarpenter AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:24:41 -0800 I spent a few minutes at Force Lake in Portland on Tuesday, November 3, and saw 19+ CANVASBACKS. Also present were 9+ HOODED MERGANSERS and 6+ COMMON MERGANSERS, as well as Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Mallards. I suspect my counts are low, but given that the divers were all actively diving, I did not have time to do a thorough survey. In my experience, Force Lake is a consistent place in the Portland metro area to get relatively close to Canvasbacks and mergansers without disturbing them, and it can provide from some wonderful photo opportunities. The big downside is the foul odor that permeates the area. Scott Carpenter Portland_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? From: Richard and Marilyn Musser <mussermcevoy AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:20:58 -0800 (PST) Hi Scott, Thanks for bringing me "up to speed" on tricks (?) used by photogs. I do understand what DOF is, but not the calculations----but that's ok. I can tell you from extensive experience with gyrs that the pictured bird is flying very slowly----either just taking off or about to land. This is how they appear at slow speed (just a few miles per hour). The only part that might be moving much faster are the falcons wing tips. Best, Dick --- On Tue, 11/3/09, Scott CarpenterSubject: Bald Eagles at Boiler Bay From: "HARVEY W SCHUBOTHE " <ninerharv2 AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:18:00 +0000 While sea watch at Boiler Bay, two Bald Eagles went to sea quarter mile and back. Harv Schubothe Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Alula Photo: Link to a Larger Photo From: Richard and Marilyn Musser <mussermcevoy AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:53:07 -0800 (PST) Hi Steve, I may be incorrect, but I don't think those protruding feathers on these eagles are alulas. I think they may be secondaries. This is especially evident on the trailing eagle. The feather sticking up (trailing bird) on the closet (to the observer) wing seems way out of place for an alula. It's the same on the leading eagle, but not so evident in the photo. Best, Dick --- On Wed, 11/4/09, Bigrocketman AT comcast.netSubject: Coos Bay south to Flores Lake-31 Oct. -1 Nov. From: "Andy Stepniewski" <windypointandy AT dishmail.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:52:09 -0800 COOS BAY SOUTH TO FLORES LAKE 31 OCTOBER-1 NOVEMBER 2009 Report of a BROWN BOOBY in Coos Bay made our initial destination this weekend super easy. Arriving at Fossil Point south of Empire, expert birder-in-residence Russ Namitz pointed out the perched booby to a flock of birders assembled. Our target was across the channel atop a navigation aid about a half-mile distant. Well, that was easy! While there, the bird flew about the channel giving us good views before settling down again on the marker. On another navigational structure we spotted a Peregrine Falcon. A pretty algae-covered boulder 100 yards to our south sported both a Black Phoebe and several Black Turnstones, seemingly an odd admixture but this rock was but a two-second flight from overhanging spruce boughs along the shore. A hundred yards to the east, across the Cape Arago Highway, 20 or so Eurasian Collared-Doves lined wires above a house, hinting a feeder was nearby. We then went on a Tropical Kingbird search along the upper end of Florida Street just east of the north end of Pony Sough. Alas, we weren't going to be as lucky on this second twitch. Ducks in Pony Slough from the bottom of Florida Street included an EURASIAN WIGEON among hundreds of Americans, and a smart Hooded Merganser. In scruffy growth on the far shore north of the airport both White-tailed Kite and American Kestrel revealed rodents aplenty out on those fields. Luck returned to us on our third twitch near the start of the Millacoma Marsh trail, one of our favorite birding trails in Oregon. Here, after I played one or two trills of a Swamp Sparrow song, a sharp chip emanated from the marsh vegetation south of the trail. Ellen spotted the SWAMP SPARROW first. The sparrow, still calling excitedly, flew north across the trail to cattails then dove into brambles and we lost it. Wow! We called other birders nearby (including Carol Karlen and Paul Sullivan), but were unable to coax the bird out, as seems usual for this furtive species at this season. Walking the trail north from the first junction along the main trail, we had repeated views of one or more WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS among a host of other seedeaters, in decreasing order of abundance: Fox, Song, Lincoln's, and Golden-crowned Sparrows, and Spotted Towhees. The Hooker's willows were alive with Ruby-crowned Kinglets along with a few Yellow-rumped Warblers (I heard only Myrtles). A Hermit Thrush called its "ree-ah!" note, too. The brambles were chock full of birds, too. American Goldfinches swarmed about along with a few House and Purple Finches. We next hit Bandon, our favorite shorebird site on the Oregon coast. Spending the entire afternoon along the shore accessed from the observation platform, we tallied 11 species of waders, with a lone Ruddy Turnstone being the only unusual sighting. Most surprising to me were the numbers of Sanderlings on the mudflats, not to mention the Black Turnstones. Here's our list: Black-bellied Plover - 80 Killdeer - 1 Greater Yellowlegs - 3 Ruddy Turnstone - 1 Black Turnstone - 120 Sanderling - 250 Western Sandpiper - 1, yes only one! Least Sandpiper - 750 Dunlin - 750 Long-billed Dowitcher - 60 Wilson's Snipe - 1 In town, on the dock below the Coast Guard building at high tide late Sunday morning, we added several more shorebirds to our list, spotting a pretty, scallop-backed RED KNOT alongside Surfbirds and Black Turnstones, and perhaps the same Ruddy Turnstone we had spotted on the mudflats. On the rocky shore west towards the South Jetty of the Coquille River, were Black Oystercatchers. This brought our shorebird total to 14 species clearly down from the 20 we counted on our last visit in early October, an expected seasonal decline. Across from the mudflats, an adult Peregrine Falcon made passes through the ducks and shorebirds from time to time, putting all birds into wild flight. The other spectacle hereabouts were hundreds of Brown Pelicans and several times that many gulls exploding into flight around the river mouth, why, we couldn't see. Sunday morning's clock change one hour back had me thoroughly disrupted and waking up at 5 am, my usual time, though today only 4 am. What to do? Head up the Coquille River Valley and do some owling! We netted three species: one each of Great Horned, Western Screech-, and Northern Saw-whet while driving east up the North Fork Road, making about 10 stops. We blundered into the Old Railroad Grade Road and decided to take a walk up this quiet gravel road, amidst pleasing mixedwood habitat. Though only 10 miles from the coast, clear indications of more interior habitats are present (Bigleaf Maples and Tanoaks being two prominent examples), increasing opportunities for bird species diversity. We encountered both Hairy and Pileated Woodpeckers and our first-of-fall lowland Varied Thrush among the many chickadees, kinglets, bushtits, and sparrows. Interesting here were WESTERN BLUEBIRDS along with Cedar Waxwings. While driving back to Bandon along OR-42S in bright and warm sunshine, we kept alert for Cattle Egrets in the fields and Tropical Kingbirds on wires but had to be content with a flock of grazing geese, mostly Canadas along with a few Cackling and Greater White-fronts. We saw and heard at least five Red-shouldered Hawks along this loop but decided we needed to get a visual on this bird as we watched a Steller's Jay expertly imitate the hawk! We certainly enjoyed our drive in the Coquille Valley, with its pretty mix of green pastures, brushy hedgerows, and fall color show by maples and cottonwoods. No doubt US-101 around Brookings boasted a similar appeal before subdivision and ranchette development fragmented the coastal meadow habitat along that route. Reflecting on the habitat diversity we had just enjoyed in the Bandon and Coquille Valley it came as no surprise to me that the very juicy Christmas Count circle here has yielded upwards of 155 species and regularly exceeds 145. We then headed south to Flores Lake where we spotted a PALM WARBLER bobbing on the ground about open ground near the blue silos. Many thanks to Tim Rodenkirk for the tip that this site was a reliable microhabitat for this species! We again checked the wide open pastures in the area for Cattle Egret and Tropical Kingbird with no luck. Meadows in this part of the Oregon coast seems to have a much higher proportion of domestic sheep than we have encountered elsewhere in Oregon. Their habit of close-cropping (John Muir referred them as "hoofed locusts" more than a century ago) has resulted in extensive "shortgrass prairie" in this region. I can now see why this area is a regular winter haunt for Lapland Longspur and has yielded other treasures such as Sprague's Pipit. Andy and Ellen Stepniewski Wapato WA windypointandy AT dishmail.net _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Spanish Head From: "Phil Pickering" <philliplc AT charter.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:10:43 -0800 seawatch Spanish Head, Lincoln City 6:45-7:45 (11/4), mostly sunny wind SE 5-10 500+ Red-throated Loon 2500+ Pacific Loon (briefly up to 100/min) 30+ Common Loon 2 Red-necked Grebe 80 Western Grebe 1 Northern Fulmar 25 Brown Pelican 3 Double-crested Cormorant 80 Brandt's Cormorant (N) 1 Pelagic Cormorant 8 Green-winged Teal 30 dabbling duck sp. 1 scaup sp. 3 Black Scoter 150 White-winged Scoter (most N) 1000 Surf Scoter 1 Bufflehead 2 Red-breasted Merganser 800+ California Gull 400+ Western Gull 60+ Glaucous-winged Gull 600 Heermann's Gull 400 Common Murre 5 Rhinoceros Auklet Phil philliplc AT charter.net _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Broad Wing Hawk From: Henry Horvat <henry AT formandstructure.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:29:03 -0500 OBOL'ers: On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 31. & Nov. 1, we had a Broad Wing Hawk fly over our property in Scappoose. What alerted me at first was it's vocalization, which was much different from the usual raptors we see, i.e., Am. Kestrel, N. Harrier, and Red Tail Hawk. It sounded more gull like, sort of a higher pitch call similar to a rising peeeee, without the screaming quality of a Red Tail Hawk. It's body shape was rather chunky and it was smaller than a Red Tail Hawk. We did not get a chance to see it land in the White Oaks next door though.It was a satisfying find for a first ever backyard, Columbia Co. and Oregon bird. Henry Horvat Scappoose Bottoms_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Alula Photo: Link to a Larger Photo From: Bigrocketman AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:50:33 +0000 (UTC) I just loaded a full-sized photo onto my Flickr album, that gives a better look at the alulas of the two Bald Eagles I mentioned in my previous message. The birds were also using their feet as air brakes. http://www.flickr.com/photos/22121562 AT N00/4074753480/sizes/o/ Steve McDonald http://flickr.com/photos/22121562 AT N00/ http://www.vimeo.com/user458315/videos http://video.yahoo.com/people/4019627 http://cid-229807ce52dd4fe0.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Video?uc=2 _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Gyrfalcon & Herring Gull---Alula Photo From: Bigrocketman AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:32:39 +0000 (UTC) I learned a new word today and I'm going to use it here: Two years ago, I took a photo of two young Bald Eagles in Eugene, that were playing tag. When one came up fast behind the other, it raised its alulas. If you look closely, you can also see the tips of the alulas on the leading bird. The shutter speed was 1/1000th-sec. http://www.flickr.com/photos/22121562 AT N00/913858942/sizes/o/ Steve McDonald http://flickr.com/photos/22121562 AT N00/ http://www.vimeo.com/user458315/videos http://video.yahoo.com/people/4019627 http://cid-229807ce52dd4fe0.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Video?uc=2 _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? From: Scott Carpenter <slcarpenter AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 23:30:12 -0800 No sightings. Just more, detailed info about manipulation of bird photos. Dick and Mike -- Thank you for the correction about the alula. I completely spaced that one. I see Kestrel alulas all the time, but they are much smaller. :) I stand by my other comments about the interesting/unusual aspects of the photograph, though. I think it is obvious that the photographer took photos of a Gyrfalcon and a Herring Gull, but it is not clear to me that the image he presented is a single image, or a composite of multiple images. Manipulated images are relatively common. Many pro photographers have workshops (and sell books/PDFs) where people pay them to learn the tricks of the trade. These tricks include adding back the end of a wing when it was not in the original photo, or removing "clutter" (other birds, twigs, leaves) from an image. And the software to do this is getting easier to use -- even Lightroom (a relatively inexpensive product) allows you to adjust exposure and perform "healing" on specific areas within a photo. Below are links to some examples of manipulations, as done by Arthur Morris, one of the preeminent bird photographers of our time who consistently produces spectacular images of birds, both with and without manipulations. http://www.birdsasart.com/bn294.htm -- see an "optimized image" with "repaired wing" of the Nazca Booby at about the middle of the page; this optimized image is derived from two separate images http://www.birdsasart.com/bn290.htm -- see before and after of the American Goldfinch photo in about the middle of the page -- twigs and a leg band were removed http://www.birdsasart.com/bn283.htm -- see before and after of the Turkey Vulture photo at the bottom of the page -- "cluttering" objects, including another vulture, removed from photo If you subscribe to his newsletter, you'll get to see such manipulations on amazing images week after week, and the results are usually even more amazing than the source image(s). One issue to look out for when two or more images are merged is whether or not the depth of field (DOF) is consistent throughout the entire image. If you don't know what DOF is, you can see some visual simulators and find links to technical articles about it at: http://www.liquidsculpture.com/dof.htm Keep in mind that the theory behind DOF is not different for digital vs. film -- light behaves the same way regardless of the sensor that is recording the image. My understanding is that the following gear was used in the Gyr photo: Camera body: NIKON D300s (1.5x crop factor) Lens: 300mm + 1.7 TC = 510mm (effective focal length of 765mm when on 1.5x crop body) aperture: f/6.7 shutter: 1/1600s Given this setup, and using the simulators found at the link above, you will find that the DOF as a function of distance between the Gyr and the lens is: distance of 30 ft --> DOF = ~3 inches distance of 50 ft --> DOF = ~8.4 inches distance of 100 ft --> DOF = ~ 34 inches (~ 2 ft 10 inches) By some accounts, it seems as if the photographer was within 30-50 feet of the Gyr. This is certainly supported by the level of detail in the photos given the gear he used. (based on my experiences shooting in the 600-840mm range on both full frame and a 1.6x crop body). Assuming this is true, the DOF should be between 3 and 8 inches. Everything within this DOF should be sharp. The Gyr is very sharp. The gull is very sharp. The extreme wingtip of the gull is not very sharp and the ground is completely blurred. Certainly some part of the ground had to be within the DOF. Of course, it is theoretically possible to have a blurred ground and sharp bird if the lens is tracking the bird at the appropriate pace. But with a shutter speed of 1/1600s, this would be extremely difficult to pull off, assuming the Gyr was even flying that fast. I've personally had decent luck doing this in the 1/15s - 1/60s shutter speed range. I've tried it at much faster shutter speeds (up to 1/500s), too, but they never seem to work for me. In addition to potential DOF issues, a shutter speed of 1/1600s for an effective focal length of 765mm should be sufficient to freeze motion for the gull's wing, undulating or not. In addition, the lens used is a VR (vibration reduction) lens, which means that 1/1600s is probably equivalent to 1/3200s on a non-VR lens, or potentially even faster (due to lens elements moving to compensate for camera/lens shake/motion). So while it is great that people are enjoying that amazing image of the Gyr with the gull, I think it is unfair to simply dismiss Peter Patricelli's comments, or those of any other experienced photographers, by claiming the photo must be genuine due to the amazing capabilities of cameras to freeze motion perfectly. I do not know Peter personally, but I do know what equipment he is using, and I'm guessing based on his equipment and experiences with bird photography, he has a good understanding of the issues raised above, as well as substantial experience both taking photos and reviewing photos. I know that I've taken over 100,000 photos in the last 4 years alone, and that hundreds, if not thousands, of these have been at shutter speeds of 1/1600s and faster (not in Oregon in winter, of course!). I have never seen irregularities that result from these fast shutter speeds. On the contrary, I've seen unexpected "artifacts" show up on the much slower shutter speeds, where motion is not frozen. All of this said, it is not my intention to take away anyone's joy of seeing that beautiful Gyr/gull image, whether it comes from one pure image, or one or more manipulated images. Scott Carpenter Portland On Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 4:27 PM, Richard and Marilyn Musser < mussermcevoy AT yahoo.com> wrote: > Hi Scott, > As far as I can tell only the right wing of the gyr is visable, and > that protrusion on the leading edge is the alula of that wing. The small > protrusion appearing from the falcon's lower chest is the tip of the outer > tail feather (tail fanned) on the left side of the falcon. > The wing of the gull lowest to the ground is pointing away from the > camera, so it looks too short. > I'm not a camera guy, and it never occurred to me that someone would > "doctor" a photo and represent it as something it wasn't. Silly me. > Best, Dick > > --- On Mon, 11/2/09, Scott CarpenterSubject: Re: Band-Tailed Pigeons From: "Craig Tumer" <craig AT greatskua.com> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:27:05 -0700 I still have three band-tailed pigeons (2 adults and 1 immature) coming to the feeder in my yard in SW Portland. Two weeks ago, there were 10 jockeying for a position on the feeding tray. Craig Tumer SW Portland > -------- Original Message -------- > Subject: [obol] Band-Tailed Pigeons > From: Seth ReamsSubject: Re: Mystery Sparrow From: Alan Contreras <acontrer AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:37:50 -0700 These are juvenile White-crowns, which have colors similar to Chipping but are much larger. -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer AT mindspring.com > From: Robert HancySubject: Brown Booby Continues, Coos County From: "Roger & Betty Robb" <brrobb AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:20:14 -0800 I found the BROWN BOOBY this morning at 8:20 on marker # 7, closer to Charleston than Empire. Later in the morning the Booby was pack on its usual perch off Hedge Lane. Another bird of note was a CLARK'S GREBE on the ocean at the north spit. Roger Robb Springfield, OR_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Mystery Sparrow From: "Robert Hancy" <Bob AT olccclass.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:12:35 -0800 Greetings - I was out at Sauvie Island on Rentenaar Road and found what I thought was a Chipping Sparrow...then came home (to Scappoose on the other side of the channel) to find this bird...what looks again like a Chipping Sparrow - am I right? Thanks for your help! Bob Hancy_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? From: Richard and Marilyn Musser <mussermcevoy AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 16:27:02 -0800 (PST) Hi Scott, As far as I can tell only the right wing of the gyr is visable, and that protrusion on the leading edge is the alula of that wing. The small protrusion appearing from the falcon's lower chest is the tip of the outer tail feather (tail fanned) on the left side of the falcon. The wing of the gull lowest to the ground is pointing away from the camera, so it looks too short. I'm not a camera guy, and it never occurred to me that someone would "doctor" a photo and represent it as something it wasn't. Silly me. Best, Dick --- On Mon, 11/2/09, Scott CarpenterSubject: jackson bottom From: <timkadlecek AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 16:01:28 -0800 I birded Jackson Bottom in Hillsboro for a few hours this morning. The highlights were a GREAT HORNED OWL and a NORTHERN SHRIKE. There was also a single GREATER YELLOWLEGS along with several LONG BILLED DOWITCHERS in the main pond. Also heard a couple times but could not see a RED SHOULDERED HAWK. Tim_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Sharpie gets a meal From: "Tom Escue" <tom-escue AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 15:03:12 -0800 The SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was back in my yard today. I watched it for a while as it patiently tried to locate a HOUSE SPARROW that was hiding in a bush. After several minutes of moving around the bush it instantly sprang into it and flew away with the sparrow in its talons. It all happened in a second or two. Tom in Springfield_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Western Bluebirds At Mary's Peak From: "John Thomas" <johnpam AT mtangel.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:18:51 -0800 Pam and I went to Mary's Peak yesterday. Beautiful weather up there with quite a few hikers. Did see 5 WESTERN BLUE BIRDS right at the top and thought we heard a distant N PYGMY OWL. Looked expectantly for Gray Crowned Rosy Finches but struck out totally on the finches for the first time in several years. Also saw some a RED-TAILED HAWK,OR JUNCOS, heard crows, saw 3 CALIFORNIA QUAIL about two miles from the highway entrance to the recreation area. I tried to make them into Mountain Quail but nope. John Thomas _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Columbia Estuary Report - 11/3/2009 From: Mike Patterson <celata AT pacifier.com> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:33:50 -0800 Columbia Estuary Report - 11/3/2009 The TROPICAL KINGBIRD report at Seaside Monday has yet to be seen again. I spent about an hour today in the area to no avail. There are at least 11 (that's eleven) EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES coming to a feeder at Sunset Lake. A flock of GRAY JAYS and 14 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were on the north side of Saddle Mt Sunday. A RUFFED GROUSE was at Olney. Both CHINOOK and COHO SALMON are running in local streams. A NORTHERN SHRIKE and a lingering OSPREY were at Wireless Rd. ORANGE SULFURS and PAINTED LADIES are still being reported any time the sun comes out. Several AUTUMN MEADOWHAWKS were out doing what meadowhawks do at Ft Clatsop today. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR Things juvenal http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/northcoastdiaries/11935/ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Oregon birders photo scoping booby From: Russ Namitz <namitzr AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:01:05 -0800 Yesterday's World newspaper had a photo of birders gathered to view the Brown Booby in the AM. http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2009/11/02/news/doc4aef7304e1c5b861714126.txt >From left to right: Steve Kornfeld, Paul Sullivan, Carol Karlen, Andy Stepniewski, Diane Cook, unknown Eugene? birder with Thurston hat, Ellen Stepniewski & Peter Low. The booby continues to be seen. A second-hand report that numerous bait fish are still present in the bay fuels the hope that the bird will continue to stick around and remain healthy. Good birding, Russ Namitz Coos Bay _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Band-Tailed Pigeons From: Seth Reams <nepobirds AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 08:24:33 -0800 (PST) We still have at least 4 Band-Tailed Pigeons hanging out in the yard. Isn't a
little late for them to still be here?
Seth and Michelle
NE Portland, OR - Gateway area
portlandbirds.blogspot.com
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Subject: Peru TripFrom: "Sherry Hagen" <birder AT iinet.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 07:55:59 -0800 My husband and I completed a 3 week birding tour of Peru and returned on October 11. We went with Edison Buenano of www.swordbilledexpeditions.com. We had been on 2 trips to Ecuador with him and he is a terrific birder and guide. What I wanted to report was that all the guides down there use the new Birds of Peru (Princeton Field Guides). This is the one that our very own Larry McQueen painted plates for. Everyone LOVES that book in Peru. They all carry the British edition which was pulished in paperback. So hurray for Larry. Sherry Hagen Vancouver, WA birder AT iinet.com_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: nice article about birders in LA Times today From: Shawneen Finnegan <shawneenfinnegan AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 06:43:08 -0800 In today's LA Times is an article about Jo and Tom Heindel, a couple who have devoted their life to birds. Hopefully someday soon they will finish their monograph on the birds of Inyo County that they have been working on for decades. Their son Matt, is a well-known birder and author of many ID articles. Having known the Heindel family since the 1980's they are an inspiration on many levels. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-birders3-2009nov03,0,311565.story Enjoy, Shawneen Finnegan NW Portland _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Salem Sandhill Cranes From: Ellen Cantor <ellencantor AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:17:12 -0800 While kayaking this morning, I saw 3 SANDHILL CRANES flying high and south over the Willamette River near downtown Salem. Other birds of note: 2 WESTERN GREBES, 2 WOOD DUCKS, 2 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 2 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS and various usual suspects...a beautiful early November day... Ellen Cantor Eugene_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: osprey From: "pamela johnston" <pamelaj AT spiritone.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 20:25:44 -0800 An Osprey was also at Hagg Lk in Washington Co. yesterday. Pamela Johnston ----- Original Message ----- From: "ron and Polly Maertz"Subject: John Day Dam Bonaparte's Gull swarm From: David Mandell <davidmandell AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:59:51 -0800 On Sunday there were 200-300 Bonaparte's Gulls below the John Day Dam spillway in Sherman Co. I couldn't pull anything different out of the flock, but I can imagine something good showing up there. There were also a good number of California Gulls, a few G-W Gulls and one 2nd calendar Herring Gull. Duck numbers were still pretty low. Lots of Horned and Western Grebes, as well as one Pacific Loon. David Mandell Portland, OR _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? From: "R. Adney Jr." <rfadney AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:30:16 -0800 Well, here are my two cents worth. I shoot thousands of images a year. I use Photoshop somewhat, but always use Lightroom to develope my raw images. I shoot exclusively in raw format. In all the images on this photographers page (Gyr and others) I see the tell tale signs of Lightroom developing techniques. The blues of the sky in all the Gyr photos show alterations in exposure, light saturation, brightness and contrast. He may use a Photoshop add-on that adds lighting that gives the appearance of Flash. It's one I use to accentuate sunlight through clouds. He definitely shoots with his camera in "vivid" mode rather than "natural". That said, it looks like he shoots in raw format too. Anyone who shoots in raw format, has to develop his/her images. Just like the devoted truist who refuses to "go digital" has to develop his/her images with light,filters, timing and chemicals. I see no difference between developing digital or film, both have to be developed to be enjoyed. I do agree that some mention of techniques is "the right thing to do", it is not a capitol offense to omit such information. I choose to let folks know when I go further than just exposure, brightness, filters and cropping. That's my choice. if I take an over or under exposed shot and bring out a decent shot with photoshop, I am proud of doing that. This lets people know my abilities and maybe they will come to me to save a picture for them sometime. As for the Gyr pics, and all his others, I'd love to have his equipment, and his shots are none the less amazing. With all the hardware, glass and developing involved there all sorts of things that can make any given image imperfect. After looking at all his pics I'd say he's pretty darn good, but he needs to learn Lightroom/Photoshop a little better! His images are good in any case. Rich Adney http://avianpics.blogspot.com/ http://adneyvisualarts.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/adneyvisualarts/ > Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:17:59 -0800 > From: celata AT pacifier.com > To: obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org > Subject: Re: [obol] Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? > > I'm not sure why we're putting so much time into a Gyrfalcon from > New Jersey, but... > > When one has good light and a good camera, it is possible to stop, > motion almost too perfectly. In this case, the "irregularities" are > almost certainly an artifact of stopped motion creating a weird > effect. > > The "extra wing" is the alula which is a set of feathers that act as > a spoiler for air flowing over the wing in dynamic flight. (see below) > http://hippie.nu/~unicorn/tut/img/basics/animalanatomy/wing-feathers.jpeg > Birds have muscular control over these feathers (as they do most of > their feathers) and can pop the alula out during take-offs and landings. > > As for the gull wing anomaly, the tip of the wing is up behind the rest > of the body "defying gravity" probably because it was caught at the top > of an undulation when the shutter snapped. There is not enough contrast > between the grass and the wing to make it pop out and, because most > photos are 2d representations of a 3d world, our brains try to make it > look like the wing and grass are in the same plane and contiguous. The > weird wing stuff is an optical illusion. > > Then, of course, there's the second (and third) photos... > > -- > Mike Patterson > Astoria, OR > Things juvenal > http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/northcoastdiaries/11935/ > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org > http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obol _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: COOS BROWN BOOBY Monday also PALM WARBLER From: "Thomas Snetsinger" <tsnetsinger AT centurytel.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:07:22 -0800 OBOL, Walked out on the bayside of the north spit to the area of the day markers where the booby has consistently been seen. I got out there around 10:30 but had to wait until 12:00 for the lighting to provide satisfactory views. I had picked out the bird well before then, but it was badly backlit. It did a nice fly by on the north side of the eastern tower and settled in for a roost on the western tower above the solar panel while I was there. I was pleasantly surprised that the walk was relatively easy with mostly firm sand . . .still it was probably 2 1/2 miles one way to the closest vantage point. On the hike back a PALM WARBLER joined a mixed flock at the eastern edge of the woods where the bayside road/trail heads inland around a small headland ~0.3 miles from the trailhead. I stopped by Simpson Reef (west of Charleston) and the Weyerhaeuser Settling Pond along the north spit, but found nothing in either area more interesting than a PEREGRINE FALCON. Cheers, Tom Snetsinger_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? From: Mike Patterson <celata AT pacifier.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:17:59 -0800 I'm not sure why we're putting so much time into a Gyrfalcon from New Jersey, but... When one has good light and a good camera, it is possible to stop, motion almost too perfectly. In this case, the "irregularities" are almost certainly an artifact of stopped motion creating a weird effect. The "extra wing" is the alula which is a set of feathers that act as a spoiler for air flowing over the wing in dynamic flight. (see below) http://hippie.nu/~unicorn/tut/img/basics/animalanatomy/wing-feathers.jpeg Birds have muscular control over these feathers (as they do most of their feathers) and can pop the alula out during take-offs and landings. As for the gull wing anomaly, the tip of the wing is up behind the rest of the body "defying gravity" probably because it was caught at the top of an undulation when the shutter snapped. There is not enough contrast between the grass and the wing to make it pop out and, because most photos are 2d representations of a 3d world, our brains try to make it look like the wing and grass are in the same plane and contiguous. The weird wing stuff is an optical illusion. Then, of course, there's the second (and third) photos... -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR Things juvenal http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/northcoastdiaries/11935/ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? From: Scott Carpenter <slcarpenter AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:25:36 -0800 In addition to the interesting feature of the photo that Peter Patricelli mentions (the gull's wing blending into the ground), I'm left wondering what portion of the Gyrfalcon is it that is showing up right above the gull's head. The falcon's left wing appears to be both pointing up and down at the same time. Or perhaps I don't understand falcon anatomy very well. Also, the difference in relative sharpness (depth-of-field) between the ground and the falcon/gull strike me as interesting. In theory, the grasses in the background, foreground, and directly below the gull could be blurred and the subject sharp, but only if the photographer was panning the camera at the exact same pace as the subject. Possible, for sure, but very difficult, at least for me. There's also an inconsistency in the blurred background/bokeh in a semi-circular region surrounding the gull's head. Of course, different lenses have different bokeh. I would expect a 300mm f/2.8 to not exhibit such an inconsistency, though. But I am not personally familiar with that Nikon lens. I'm referring to the photo at: http://www.photoportfolios.net/portfolio/pf.cgi?a=vp&pr=91499&pi=LUKEEORMAND&CGISESSID=0b1275b84a78a17d951bc8019a166b52&u=28337 Scott Carpenter Portland_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Re: Subject: Gyrfalcon carrying Herring Gull - photoshop? From: "Tom Crabtree" <tc AT empnet.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:06:12 -0800 In the immortal words of Jerry Seinfeld, they [the photos] are real and they are spectacular. There has been a great deal written about this incident on the New Jersey equivalent of OBOL. Check this for some of the comments: http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NJBD.html . The pictures are real, not photoshopped. Here is a photo from another photographer of the bird: http://gracesgallery.smugmug.com/Other/Gyr-falcon/10140403_F5Fd6#697300495_y 7Di3 The primary focus on the NJ list isn't whether the photos are real or not, but whether he was the one who pressed the Gyr so much that it eventually gave up its prey and flew off, never to be seen again. He was using some pretty heavy duty equipment, a Nikon D300s and a 300mm F 2.8 lens with a 1.7 teleconverter, probably about $7,000 worth of glass and electronics. Tom Crabtree, Bend _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT oregonbirdwatch.org http://oregonbirdwatch.org/mailman/listinfo/obolSubject: Dirrections to Commencement Bay From: jonysky101 AT aol.com Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:04:05 -0500 George Neavoll and I are heading up to Tacoma to try and find the Black-tailed Gull tomorrow morning. Then back toward Grays Harbor to search the Hoquiam STP area for the other great birds. I'm pretty certain I can find the Hoquiam STP location, but I don't know where Commencement Bay is, nor where the specific log boom is. If some one can help us with specific directions, it would be greatly appreciated. I do know Tacoma a little bit, but nothing about the bay area. Thanks in advance. Johnny Sasko Sandy, Oregon_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters AT u.washington.edu http://mailman2.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters |