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17 Mar Tuesday rt 99 ["Jim Nordquist" ] 17 Mar Robins ["geeyoda" ] 17 Mar Re: Re:grouse [Ralph Goff ] 17 Mar Re:grouse [K M ] 17 Mar Re: Grouse ["nikovich71" ] 16 Mar Re: re: California gulls [] 16 Mar Grouse [Ralph Goff ] 17 Mar Spring Weather... ["gwapple2001" ] 16 Mar re: California gulls [K M ] 16 Mar California Gull ["skyman845" ] 16 Mar Gulls , Goldfinch & More ["nikovich71" ] 16 Mar Re: Re: Wascana Gull Roost [] 16 Mar Sharp-tailed Grouses were dancing this morning ["stephane.canevet" ] 16 Mar Re: Wascana Gull Roost ["Brett" ] 16 Mar Re: Wascana Gull Roost ["nikovich71" ] 16 Mar Returned mail: User unknown [] 15 Mar Wascana Gull Roost [] 15 Mar No Subject ["William Davenport" ] 15 Mar Robins arrived in Yorkton [ChrisB ] 15 Mar Common Goldeneye ["skyman845" ] 15 Mar Re: tiny owl ["nikovich71" ] 15 Mar Re: tiny owl [Kate Johnson ] 15 Mar American Tree Sparrow ["Gordon Taylor" ] 15 Mar Re: tiny owl [] 15 Mar Re: birding in Saskatoon - April 1 and 2 [Blake Maybank ] 15 Mar Re: tiny owl [Kate Johnson ] 15 Mar Re: tiny owl [] 15 Mar Re: tiny owl [Bruce Wilson ] 15 Mar Re: ["William Davenport" ] 15 Mar tiny owl [Kate Johnson ] 15 Mar Re: [Paul Bannick ] 15 Mar No Subject ["William Davenport" ] 15 Mar Blue Jays in South Regina [] 14 Mar California Gulls on ice of Wascana Lake, Regina [] 14 Mar Matador Area Birds ["zedbander" ] 14 Mar Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 [Blake Maybank ] 14 Mar Bluebirds along Highway 99 ["b_quiring" ] 14 Mar Saturday late afternoon on road 99 ["stephane.canevet" ] 14 Mar Ring-billed Gull & Mountain Bluebird ["nikovich71" ] 13 Mar Saturday Birding ["Kathy Hedegard" ] 13 Mar To Sask Landing and back [M A ] 13 Mar Re: Spring! ["Kevin" ] 12 Mar nature regina field trips ["Jim Nordquist" ] 12 Mar Cleaning the Nest Boxes along Highway # 99 [] 12 Mar Re: Spring! [Brenda Schmidt ] 12 Mar Re: Spring! [] 12 Mar Spring! [K M ] 11 Mar Congrats to The Schmidts and their Rustic Bunting ["Steven" ] 11 Mar Re: Re: Cardinals ["Dan Heffernan" ] 11 Mar Re: Cardinals ["Jim Nordquist" ] 10 Mar Re: Re: Cardinals [] 11 Mar Re: Cardinals ["Ryan" ] 11 Mar Re: Cardinals ["nikovich71" ] 10 Mar Re: Cardinals ["bunting64" ] 10 Mar Cardinals ["Dan Heffernan" ] 10 Mar Tree Sparrow in Regina Yard [] 9 Mar bluebird/tree swallow nest boxes [K M ] 9 Mar Re: Mountain Bluebird ["Liis Veelma" ] 09 Mar Sharp-shinned Hawk back again ["nikovich71" ] 9 Mar Re: Mountain Bluebird [Kate Johnson ] 09 Mar Mountain Bluebird [Lorne Robb ] 08 Mar Cardinals in PA ["bunting64" ] 08 Mar Mammals and Grouse ["nikovich71" ] 07 Mar To Ponteix and back [M A ] 07 Mar crows and meadowlark [Bill & Lynne McDonald ] 06 Mar Swift Current area [M A ] 06 Mar Swift Current [M A ] 06 Mar Sask Landing Prov Park (Feb 27.28) [M A ] 06 Mar Swift Current area [M A ] 06 Mar Red-winged Blackbird, Golden Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk ["b_quiring" ] 06 Mar Western Meadowlark at Weyburn [] 5 Mar Thursday Birding ["Kathy Hedegard" ] 05 Mar Re: Rustic Bunting - Last date [] 04 Mar Re: Rustic Bunting - Last date [Brenda Schmidt ] 4 Mar Re: Rustic Bunting - Last date ["Rob Parsons" ] 04 Mar Rustic Bunting - Last date [Brenda Schmidt ] Subject: Tuesday rt 99 From: "Jim Nordquist" <j.nordquist AT accesscomm.ca> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:15:46 -0600 Yesterday afternoon ,I took my Mom and Ruth Englund out to Rte 99. The first birds of note were three common ravens just south of the valley. There were two deer on the top of the south side of valley. Next bird was a pigeon sitting on the old concrete bridge arch. Now for the good stuff. We saw approx. twenty five mountain bluebirds along 99,mostly males,some females. Some were looking hard at boxes,some looked like bachelors at the dance,just hanging out on the fence wire. We saw four horned larks in the valley,some more on Old Hwy 11,towards Condie. I saw two birds at a distance,which flew into a bush,on closer inspection they were my first two male robins of the spring. Ala Bob Luterbach, I drive with window open so I can hear bird calls. This is how I spotted two of the HOLA's, I also stopped to listen to a BCChickadee doing its "springs here" call. The School bus driver and two students that were getting off exactly where I chose to stop must have wondered what we were up to. They also shut the BCCH up. Along 99 we saw 8 starlings,I heard sparrows at the game farm. We got the best look at two gray partridges,they were crouched right on the shoulder of the road. We stopped for some cherry refreshment at the Prairie Cherry in Lumsden. We took the Old 11 into Condie ,Regina,drove by Condie and were overflown by two Canada geese. All in all, a pleasant way to spend a beautiful Saskatchewan spring day. Jim Nordquist Regina Sask which is just south of rte 99Subject: Robins From: "geeyoda" <geeyoda AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:45:54 -0000 I am Happy to report Three Robins spotted In Pense today... GloriaSubject: Re: Re:grouse From: Ralph Goff <alfg AT sasktel.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:01:23 -0600 Thanks Kim and Nick. I was fairly sure it was a ruffed grouse as they are common here in the bushes. I was just expecting to see more of a ruffed head. Ralph at Lipton ----- Original Message ----- From: "K M"Subject: Re:grouse From: K M <dragonflypondsk AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:10:41 -0700 (PDT) Hi Ralph ,
As I was waiting for the email to come up Nick beat me to the answer. I
thought it was a ruffed grouse as well but I can't tell whether or not it is a
female as I find the male "ruffies" sometimes hide their ruffs until they are
startled or displaying. There is a way to tell by the tail feathers but you
have to have a really good view of the spread tail. Kim in Regina
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Subject: Re: GrouseFrom: "nikovich71" <nikovich71 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:03:26 -0000 Hi Ralph, it is indeed a Ruffed Grouse. Cheers, Nick --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, Ralph GoffSubject: Re: re: California gulls From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:53:05 -0600 This evening, I counted 8 California Gulls first standing on the ice over by
open areas near Pine Island .Later, they flew directly over to the edge of the
openings near the Albert Street Bridge and remained there until I left at 6:45.
This species winters along the Pacific arriving here in Spring from the west
through mountain passes in the Rockies. Smaller lighter mantled Ring-billed
Gulls will arrive here from the south very soon. (Unless they have already and
I have missed them.)
This is a great opportunity to learn the breeding plumages of all regulars
including Herring Gulls and Franklin's Gulls. A Thayer's Gull, or Kumlien's, is
not out of the question. A Glaucous Gull or more is to be expected. Later,
Bonaparte's Gulls make a quicker transit with the potential for a Sabine's with
these. There is one older Spring record for a Little Gull on Wascana Lake.
As mentioned previously, Lesser Black-backed Gulls are becoming more regular in
March/April. Other species are of course possible with last year two adult
Great Black-backed Gulls here and a Slaty-backed Gull in Saskatoon.
Good Birding
Bob L
Regina
----- Original Message -----
From: K M
To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 8:04 PM
Subject: [Saskbirds] re: California gulls
Hi everyone,
I, too, went to see the gulls at Pine Island. I haven't seen California gulls
before but I did see the three gulls (judging by the size, color of legs and
bill size and what I think was a red and black dot on at least one of the
bills) they must be the Californias everyone is seeing. Two more gulls flew in
before I left and I'm pretty sure they were Californias as well. I was there bt
4:45- 5:30pm. Kim in Regina
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Subject: GrouseFrom: Ralph Goff <alfg AT sasktel.net> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:07:34 -0600 Just checking in for confirmation here. I am calling this a female ruffed grouse but not quite sure so I"m looking for other opinions.. It showed up under my bird feeder a few days ago and I took the picture through the kitchen window. http://hotimg23.fotki.com/p/a/142_165/24_4/Grousebyhouse-vi.jpg Ralph at LiptonSubject: Spring Weather... From: "gwapple2001" <gswap AT sasktel.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:12:24 -0000 Fellow Birders, I meant to do some reporting sooner, but my post-Olympic funk kicked in---temporarily replaced by the Brier last week!---and I was busy with other things. At any rate, the company re-instated "extended" runs from Biggar to Edmonton a couple of weeks ago. While only four crews, I do have enough seniority to hold this job, albeit as the `junior' man! On Feb. 13th, I was called for speed (container) train 199 with Conductor Mark Pickett at 0230 hrs. It was an "old-fashioned" train, only 5600 feet long! We didn't see anything of note in SK and we tied up in Edmonton at 1230 hrs. We lay over until 0230 on the 14th when our return trip on speed 112 was ordered. This time we were handling 10,110 feet of containers, better known as the usual in these days of modern railroading! It was a long night's journey into day and we didn't reach Biggar until nearly 12 hours later. Of note on the eastward leg was (# indicates a new year bird): Com Raven – 1 Yonker and 5 at the Unity dump. It is the lowest number of Ravens I've seen here all winter. Eur Starling – 40+ at the Unity dump. Mallard – 8 on the open water at the Sifto Salt plant, just E of Unity. Canada Goose – 2 at Sifto too, my first here this spring. # Snowy Owl – My first bird of the year (!!!) is a heavily barred individual sitting on a fence post just E of Sifto. N Shrike – One adult at Cavell siding. Although tired, I pop in to see my Mom for a few minutes. In her yard are: Cedar Wxwg – 10+ Boh Wxwg – 3 R-b Nuthatch – 1 House Finch – 5+ Pine Siskin – 5+ I then feel I have enough energy to make a quick drive around the "South Square" route just south of town in hopes of seeing a Mountain Bluebird. Unfortunately, I `dip' but do see the following: Canada Goose – The Geese have returned to BigR too! There are 16 on the open water at the Sewage Lagoon just south of town. Mallard – 4 birds are probably still the remnants of the over-wintering flock that survived here all winter. N Shrike – I obtain a fine view of this adult bird as it actively hunts along the road south of the lagoon. Eur Starling – 4 birds at the dump. Com Raven – 2 at the dump as well. During the drive home I count 12 more Canada's on the ice at Perdue Marsh. Spring is starting to sprung!!!... Cheers, Guy, S'toonSubject: re: California gulls From: K M <dragonflypondsk AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:04:41 -0700 (PDT) Hi everyone,
I, too, went to see the gulls at Pine Island. I haven't seen California gulls
before but I did see the three gulls (judging by the size, color of legs and
bill size and what I think was a red and black dot on at least one of the
bills) they must be the Californias everyone is seeing. Two more gulls flew in
before I left and I'm pretty sure they were Californias as well. I was there bt
4:45- 5:30pm. Kim in Regina
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Subject: California GullFrom: "skyman845" <skyman845 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:47:12 -0000 Today on my way home, I spotted 3 California Gull on the ice near Pine Island at Wascana Greg in Regina ps the Goldeneye was no where to be foundSubject: Gulls , Goldfinch & More From: "nikovich71" <nikovich71 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:55:08 -0000 Good afternoon all, This morning I set out with May Haga to once again bird Valley Rd. and Pike Lake with a few stops on the way. Checking the Gull roost across from the QE2 this morning, there were once again 2 lone Ring-billed Gulls sat on the ice. On the way home, they had vanished from this spot, but another 15 or so Ring-bills were further downstream , this time, closer to the old San Site. While on a dirt road east of Valley Rd. I heard at least 2 very vocal American Goldfinch fly over. Other things of note were 2 Bohemian Waxwings in a small group of about 5 Cedar Waxwings. These were feeding on berries at a nearby acreage. Robins were everywhere and in full song. Also at this location were many woodpecker species, including a vocal Northern Flicker, Hairy's , Downy's and a Pileated. A bit further down this same road were 2 Gray Partridge. There were 2 Ruffed Grouse at the park , along with the usual suspects, plus Canada Geese and more and more Horned Larks on the road that winds behind the scout camp. Several American Tree Sparrows were giving their one-note "teesp" call from within the dense shrubs , but none came into view. The Bluebirds were not seen this time, and there were no raptors around. Cheers, Nick SaskatoonSubject: Re: Re: Wascana Gull Roost From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:43:50 -0600 Brett
I wonder if these two California Gulls were a couple of the three seen the
previous day or were they new arrivals? Typically birds begin to arrive early
in the evening with some stragglers from the Landfill later towards and
sometimes after dusk. The diminished light later makes viewing the densely
packed birds difficult although the darker mantled gulls are easier to spot.
The challenge late is to see other details to identify them.
Dan Sawatzky and I were both at the Lake earlier. I arrived at 5:30 and
remained in the area until about 7:00 p.m. The sun set at 7:04 and the cloudy
west sky significantly reduced the light towards and at sunset so I decided to
call it a disappointing night after rechecking Marsh areas near Candy Cane
Park. I must have just missed you.
I checked my past notes and see that it is still early for numbers of birds to
arrive. Tonight, I will be out there again. Hopefully, the numbers and species
diversity will improve. If not there is always tomorrow.
Good birding
Bob L
Regina
.
----- Original Message -----
From: Brett
To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 8:16 AM
Subject: [Saskbirds] Re: Wascana Gull Roost
I stopped by Wascana Lake last night about 7:10, there were two California
Gulls present at that time.
Brett
Regina
--- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, tsb2001 AT ... wrote:
>
> This evening, I eagerly checked both the Lake and Marsh for gulls. Nada !!!
Not one ?
>
> It is very early yet though. I also recall that during previous years
checking the roost 'religiously each evening does get tedious after a couple of
weeks. The reality is that this effort does require great stamina and
dedication plus the ability to endure chilly winds and evening temps while
standing on the shore next to open water. If you are going to participate in
this evening vigil do dress warmly including wind pants, a warm jacket with a
hood, appropriate winter footwear plus warm gloves. You will never regret being
well dressed as the fun and your patience will be tested if you are ill
prepared.
>
> Of course part of the excitement is just to witness the sheer numbers
present plus the continuing challenge of learning all of the typical plumages.
There is also the opportunity to see unusual species. Last year the gull
excitement here was all about the two adult Great Black-backed Gulls which
appearing during the first week in April. Possibly, we will be able to see
other exciting finds among the numbers of gulls such as a Little or Mew Gull.
Hopefully, the Saskatoon 'gull watchers' will also find exotic species such as
the marvellous Slaty-backed Gull of last year.
>
> I am predicting that a Lesser Black-backed Gull will again make an
appearance here as these appear now to be annual each spring since at least
2006. This species is also becoming more regular at Saskatoon.
>
> Good birding
> Bob L
> Regina
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Sharp-tailed Grouses were dancing this morningFrom: "stephane.canevet" <stephane.canevet AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:37:26 -0000 Hello, This morning between 7 and 8.30 I was watching a group of 9 grouses dancing north of White city. I notice they were not very vocal (same on sunday). I remember than last year (end of April-beguinning of may) they were way more vocal.I could even hear their call a few hundred meters away...It quiet the morning! Does somebody know why? Thanks StephaneSubject: Re: Wascana Gull Roost From: "Brett" <bquiring AT sasktel.net> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:16:04 -0000 I stopped by Wascana Lake last night about 7:10, there were two California Gulls present at that time. Brett Regina --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, tsb2001 AT ... wrote: > > This evening, I eagerly checked both the Lake and Marsh for gulls. Nada !!! Not one ? > > It is very early yet though. I also recall that during previous years checking the roost 'religiously each evening does get tedious after a couple of weeks. The reality is that this effort does require great stamina and dedication plus the ability to endure chilly winds and evening temps while standing on the shore next to open water. If you are going to participate in this evening vigil do dress warmly including wind pants, a warm jacket with a hood, appropriate winter footwear plus warm gloves. You will never regret being well dressed as the fun and your patience will be tested if you are ill prepared. > > Of course part of the excitement is just to witness the sheer numbers present plus the continuing challenge of learning all of the typical plumages. There is also the opportunity to see unusual species. Last year the gull excitement here was all about the two adult Great Black-backed Gulls which appearing during the first week in April. Possibly, we will be able to see other exciting finds among the numbers of gulls such as a Little or Mew Gull. Hopefully, the Saskatoon 'gull watchers' will also find exotic species such as the marvellous Slaty-backed Gull of last year. > > I am predicting that a Lesser Black-backed Gull will again make an appearance here as these appear now to be annual each spring since at least 2006. This species is also becoming more regular at Saskatoon. > > Good birding > Bob L > Regina > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >Subject: Re: Wascana Gull Roost From: "nikovich71" <nikovich71 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:30:11 -0000 I will be checking the roosts over here as often as I can Bob. Cheers, Nick S'toonSubject: Returned mail: User unknown From: leftboot AT accesscomm.ca Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:02:45 -0600 The original message was received at 2010-03-15 23:59:25 -0600 from postoffice.accesscomm.ca [10.0.0.1] ----- The following addresses had permanent fatal errors -----Subject: Wascana Gull Roost From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:28:58 -0600 This evening, I eagerly checked both the Lake and Marsh for gulls. Nada !!! Not one ? It is very early yet though. I also recall that during previous years checking the roost 'religiously each evening does get tedious after a couple of weeks. The reality is that this effort does require great stamina and dedication plus the ability to endure chilly winds and evening temps while standing on the shore next to open water. If you are going to participate in this evening vigil do dress warmly including wind pants, a warm jacket with a hood, appropriate winter footwear plus warm gloves. You will never regret being well dressed as the fun and your patience will be tested if you are ill prepared. Of course part of the excitement is just to witness the sheer numbers present plus the continuing challenge of learning all of the typical plumages. There is also the opportunity to see unusual species. Last year the gull excitement here was all about the two adult Great Black-backed Gulls which appearing during the first week in April. Possibly, we will be able to see other exciting finds among the numbers of gulls such as a Little or Mew Gull. Hopefully, the Saskatoon 'gull watchers' will also find exotic species such as the marvellous Slaty-backed Gull of last year. I am predicting that a Lesser Black-backed Gull will again make an appearance here as these appear now to be annual each spring since at least 2006. This species is also becoming more regular at Saskatoon. Good birding Bob L Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: No Subject From: "William Davenport" <wdav AT shaw.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:52:43 -0600 Heard our first Robin of the year while walking on Saskatchewan Crescent East around 4:00 this afternoon. Bill Saskatoon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Robins arrived in Yorkton From: ChrisB <spooky.fish1 AT sasktel.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:04:10 -0600 Hi group! I guess I should back up to yesterday first...I spotted a Canada Goose near Marchwell. Spring is very close! And this afternoon, I heard a Robin sounding alarm (at a cat no doubt) in my neighborhood in Yorkton. Great sights and sounds... Happy birding, Christine Yorkton [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Common Goldeneye From: "skyman845" <skyman845 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:49:05 -0000 I went by Wascana today in an attempt to pick up a gull or two. I did not find any but did spot a Common Goldeneye near Pine Island Greg in ReginaSubject: Re: tiny owl From: "nikovich71" <nikovich71 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:32:50 -0000 Hi Kate, another good diagnostic, is that the Saw-whet has bn all black bill ,while the Boreal Owl's bill ( if you can see it clearly enough ) is a pale , dull yellow in colour. Don and I had a very funny encounter last Saturday, while walking the nature trail at Pike Lake.. Don was ahead of me, climbing up the wooden steps, and suddenly he spun around faced me, and said "Was that you ?" ... I replied "I thought that was you" ? We were both hearing the (VERY rare, if not unheard of) DAYTIME call of a Northern Saw-whet Owl !! ....So, both continuing up the steps and still hearing this sound, it soon became apparent... There was a truck, backing up way, across in the distance, doing an absolutely spot-on impression of the little Owl-that-never-was. And no, we had NOT been drinking ! :-) Cheers, Nick S'toonSubject: Re: tiny owl From: Kate Johnson <twoshoes AT yourlink.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:25:31 -0600 Thank you! I'll pass this along to my friends, who will SURELY be as interested in identifying their owl as I am! Heh! You've also answered my question about whether the northern saw whet and the boreal are the same bird -- because in the photos I found online, they looked so similar -- so thank you for that, as well. Kate http://goldengrainfarm.blogspot.comSubject: American Tree Sparrow From: "Gordon Taylor" <gr.taylor AT shaw.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:10:52 -0600 On last Saturday morning upon arriving at the Saskatoon Field House I was treated to the music of an American Tree Sparrow coming from within one of the Spruce Trees at the SE corner. I walked over and waited until another couple walked by on the other side of the trees. That sent the bird over to my side so I could admire it. Good birding, Gordon in Saskatoon. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: tiny owl From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:47:25 -0600 Kate
I am thinking/guessing that it is a Northern Saw-Whet Owl based upon the
overall paler face. The larger (10 inch versus 8 inch)) Boreal Owl would have a
darker border on the facial discs. (My computer screen just does not provide
enough detail as the bird is apparently in the shade.) At first glance that
would be my guess. Either species could appear at this time and location. I am
going with Saw-Whet Owl for the reasons stated.
Take care
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: Kate Johnson
To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 11:55 AM
Subject: Re: [Saskbirds] tiny owl
Thank you. It does look like the northern saw whet. (or is the boreal
owl the same thing?)
Bob, I've forwarded the photos to you.
Kate
Stubblejumpers Cafe
http://stubblejumperscafe.pnn.com
Life at Golden Grain Farm
http://goldengrainfarm.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: birding in Saskatoon - April 1 and 2From: Blake Maybank <maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:04:29 -0300 Hi Saskbirders; Greetings from "sunny Nova Scotia" (sic). My wife and I will be in Saskatoon over the Easter weekend (attending a surprise birthday party for my mother, so don't let her know), and I'll have time for some prairie birding on April 1 and 2. I'll have a rental car, my binoculars, and am headed out, weather permitting, to reconnect with a prairie spring, and to photograph early prairie wildflowers. I do realise that there will be lots of work and/or family committments for local birders at that time, but if anyone wishes to accompany on my wanderings on either day, please reply to me directly. In the meantime I must update the winter list summaries that I posted here yesterday -- already I've been advised of changes, additions, and corrections. It is ever thus. And I'd be obliged if you can ensure some lovely weather for our Easter sojourn in Saskatoon. Cheers, Blake Maybank maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blake Maybank White's Lake, Nova ScotiaSubject: Re: tiny owl From: Kate Johnson <twoshoes AT yourlink.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:55:02 -0600 Thank you. It does look like the northern saw whet. (or is the boreal owl the same thing?) Bob, I've forwarded the photos to you. Kate Stubblejumpers Cafe http://stubblejumperscafe.pnn.com Life at Golden Grain Farm http://goldengrainfarm.blogspot.comSubject: Re: tiny owl From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:28:01 -0600 Kathy
I am curious and would be pleased to receive these owl images ( tsb 'at'
sasktel.net ). I think that these images will most probably suggest a Northern
Saw-whet Owl ;however, as suggested, a Boreal Owl is also a possibility.
A wandering Northern Pygmy-Owl in Saskatchewan would I think be a Provincial
Record: however, I very much doubt this species would be a straggler to
Saskatchewan so far from the mountains and foothills.
Good birding
Bob L
Regina
----- Original Message -----
From: Kate Johnson
To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 9:34 AM
Subject: [Saskbirds] tiny owl
Friends in Kelvington had a tiny owl perched in a tree in their yard
one day about a month ago. They said it was only about 8" tall. I
only have the Saskatchewan Birds book and there is no owl in there
that fits the description, though my friends have just sent photos.
Can I post photos to the list for help in identifying the bird or is
there a better way?
Kathy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: tiny owlFrom: Bruce Wilson <wilsonb AT csolve.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:32:48 -0400 At 11:34 3/15/2010, you wrote: >Friends in Kelvington had a tiny owl perched in a tree in their yard >one day about a month ago. They said it was only about 8" tall. I >only have the Saskatchewan Birds book and there is no owl in there >that fits the description, though my friends have just sent photos. >Can I post photos to the list for help in identifying the bird or is >there a better way? > >Kathy Kathy: Something that small is likely a Northern Saw Whet Owl or a Boreal Owl. Do a google and you will find images Bruce Wilson Barrie, Ontario, Canada Life Member NMRA Member Scale 7 Group Gauge 0 Guild 7mmNGA Member Bird Studies Canada Ontario Field Ornithologists Ontario Bird Banding AssociationSubject: Re: From: "William Davenport" <wdav AT shaw.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:56:33 -0600 Paul, in 41 yards in this house, this is only our second sighting.
Thanks for the interest.
Bill
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Bannick
To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 9:28 AM
Subject: Re: [Saskbirds]
Hi Bill,
Are the White-winged Crossbills regular for you?
Regards,
Paul
Paul L. Bannick
Nature and Bird Photography
www.paulbannick.com
206-352-1940
My first book, "The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters with North America's
Most Iconic Birds" is now shipping!
For sample pages, book event dates and more information, see:
http://www.paulbannick.com
________________________________
From: William Davenport
Subject: tiny owlFrom: Kate Johnson <twoshoes AT yourlink.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:34:59 -0600 Friends in Kelvington had a tiny owl perched in a tree in their yard one day about a month ago. They said it was only about 8" tall. I only have the Saskatchewan Birds book and there is no owl in there that fits the description, though my friends have just sent photos. Can I post photos to the list for help in identifying the bird or is there a better way? KathySubject: Re: From: Paul Bannick <paul.bannick AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:28:24 -0700 (PDT) Hi Bill, Are the White-winged Crossbills regular for you? Regards, Paul Paul L. Bannick Nature and Bird Photography www.paulbannick.com 206-352-1940 My first book, "The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters with North America's Most Iconic Birds" is now shipping! For sample pages, book event dates and more information, see: http://www.paulbannick.com ________________________________ From: William DavenportSubject: No Subject From: "William Davenport" <wdav AT shaw.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:11:38 -0600 We have just had a pair of White-winged Crossbills at the heated water bowl. As well, starting this past Friday, a Red-breasted Nuthatch began excavating a new nesting cavity in a dead birch trunk that we have left standing in the yard for decorative effect ... this is the third such cavity in the yard; work continued Saturday and Sunday. Last year, nuthatches used one twice and then the House Wrens raised a family in the same cavity. We have noticed a cycle in our yard for nesting spots, but usually the cycle occurs in subsequent years rather than in the same year. Bill Saskatoon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Blue Jays in South Regina From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:39:30 -0600 For the last two years, a pair of Blue Jays have been summer regulars in this immediate area of South Central Regina. During the winter of 2008/2009, likely these same birds remained in the area. This past winter of 2009/2010, this species was apparently not present. I searched various feeders in the area throughout the winter without seeing or hearing them. I also have feeders which should have attracted them to my yard if they were present. Today , two high flying Blue Jays were seen and heard calling in the neighbourhood. This is the first time I have noted them here. Blue Jays are both permanent residents in many areas of this Province and yet there are observable fall and spring movements of both individuals and smaller groups. I am uncertain why some birds move and others do not although? I grasp the advantages and disadvantages of migration. Perhaps this is another example of variations within populations. Some individuals are perhaps quicker to adapt innovative behaviours while others utilise a more conservative/traditional approach. Good Birding Bob L Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: California Gulls on ice of Wascana Lake, Regina From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:14:22 -0600 I counted 3 California Gulls in pristine alternate/breeding plumage standing on the ice east of the Trafalgar Fountain, Wascana Lake. The were gathered on the edge of a series of open water areas created by aeration throughout the winter. These same areas create upwellings which are sample by dabblers and gulls throughout the spring and during fall. This afternoon, I counted 4 male Mountain Bluebirds sitting on or near nest boxes along Highway # 99. One bird flew to the opening on a box and then disappeared inside prior to emerging and then sitting again upon the post near the box. It is simply amazing how quickly apparently these early nesters begin their breeding cycle as these birds are typically still in flock early. I counted 5 frisky Richardson's Ground Squirrels along the shoulders of this road. Horned Larks were numerous along Highway 6 and at the edge of some country roads. These typically are not found within the Qu"Appelle Valley along # 99 and were not present today. Jim Cummings apparently drove the # 99 route about the same time I did and saw zero Mountain Bluebirds there and 1 American Robin during his quicker transit. He did see three Mountain Bluebird at Condie Reservoir plus located a Great Horned Owl nest at a undisclosed location during his trip. Good birding Bob L Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Matador Area Birds From: "zedbander" <danzaz AT sasktel.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:07:41 -0000 Sadly, the snow is mainly gone from this part of West Central Saskatchewan. That means the Snowy Owls that were resident most of the winter have moved north. There are still owls passing through but they are mainly white-probable males. I did find an area south and east of Rosetown yesterday where I could see thirteen owls from one spot. It is very flat there and I could probably see most of four square miles, but still... This morning I went out at daybreak to see if there were still owls on our cultivated land, since we do have a little snow left. It was about -7C, but completely calm and clear. From the elevated vantage of the Matador Pasture Bull Field, I could see five Snowy Owls, which is three more than I saw at any time through the winter. One of them appeared to me to be a juvenile, the rest were very white. From that spot, I also saw six coyotes, a dozen Mule Deer, 35 pronghorn antelope, many Horned Larks and Snow Buntings, and a dozen Canada Geese. No Merlin or Prairie Falcon this time. The starlings are back in our yard, setting up house at a couple of yard lights. We had a Hairy Woodpecker here on and off all winter, and there was one here on Friday. I had as many as thirty redpolls at the feeders through the winter. There are still a few around. There was a Red-breasted Nuthatch at my feeders all winter, and I suspected there might be another, but this morning was the first time I saw two together. So far, we have four Great Horned Owls visible on nests, and quite a few yards where we've heard owls calling. In one abandoned yard northwest of Kyle, I watched a Great Horned Owl, likely the male by its call, go out in a field and catch a rodent, bring it back to the roof of the barn, and call until the other owl came to take the offering. Pretty good chance that that yard will have a nest. There was one Golden Eagle on a nest last weekend, but that seems early. It was on a new nest near the old one, so I suspect it was a trial sitting. Dan MatadorSubject: Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 From: Blake Maybank <maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:45:42 -0300 Winter Birding in Canada - 2009-10 - Final Summary
14 March 2010
The birding this past winter season in Canada was
less exciting than normal. With two exceptions
(see Manitoba and Quebec, below) every province
recorded winter season species totals that were
lower than average. Here are some possible reasons for this:
- The active El Nino circulation in the
Pacific caused Canada to experience its warmest
and driest winter since 1948. Precipitation was
down by nearly 25%, and the average temperatures
were 4 degrees Celsius above normal. The Arctic had its warmest winter ever.
- Wild food was easier for birds to access,
and most feeder-watchers reported less activity at their feeding stations.
- There were few irruptions of northern owls and finches.
- Though twitchers did have good birds to
chase, there were not as many rarities as a typical winter.
- The first day of the winter birding
season, Dec. 1, fell on a Monday, which meant
that, in most areas, the concerted search for
winter birds did not begin until the first
Saturday of December, six days into the winter
season, by which time an early cold snap had
pushed waterfowl further south, and likely
removed many “half-hard autumn lingerers”.
- The first day of the Christmas Bird Count
period also fell on a Monday, which meant that
most counts were held later in December than is
usual, reducing the number of species recorded.
Here are the links to the Winter Birding web
pages for all ten Canadian provinces, as well as
the French islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon, and the country of Iceland.
PROVINCES FROM EAST TO WEST:
Newfoundland and Labrador: http://tinyurl.com/2jqo5p
129 species. Highlights: Northern Lapwing (3
separate birds); Yellow-legged Gull (2);
Slaty-backed Gull; +++ Ivory Gulls; White-winged
Dove (1st winter record); Redwing.
There were sufficient gaps between winter storms
to allow Newfoundland birders to locate a good
variety of rare and regular species, though
slightly fewer than in recent years. The
province continues to offer superb gull watching
in the St. John’s area, but that may change soon,
and there are plans to stop pumping sewage in the
harbour. And rumours are floating about that
authorities might consider changing landfill
practices at the famous St. John’s garbage
dump. Both actions make sense environmentally,
but would cause much anguish to gull-watchers.
Nova Scotia: http://tinyurl.com/nswinter
181 species. (average = 195). Highlights: Red
Phalarope (3rd winter record); Empidomax
flycatcher sp.; Prairie Warbler (2nd winter
record); Spotted Towhee (1st winter record, 2nd
provincial record). Big Misses: Northern Fulmar,
Spruce Grouse (resident), Red Knot, White-crowned Sparrow.
We’ve been keeping track of Nova Scotia’s winter
birds since 1996, and the total this past winter
tied the lowest previous total, set in
1998/99. Almost every observer was complaining
about the scarcity of birds. The mood was glum.
Prince Edward Island: http://tinyurl.com/peiwinter
107 species (average = 113). Highlights: Cattle
Egret (2nd winter record); Broad-winged Hawk (2nd
winter record); Black-legged Kittiwake (1st
winter record). Big Misses: Sharp-tailed Grouse (resident, introduced).
A soft winter made it hard to find winter
specialties, and kept the province’s total below the long-term average.
New Brunswick: http://tinyurl.com/nbwinter (updated 12 Feb)
151 species (average = 162). Highlights:
Virginia Rail (1st winter record); Marsh Wren
(2nd winter record); Ovenbird (2nd winter
record); Lark Sparrow (2nd winter record). Big
Misses: Wilson’s Snipe; Carolina Wren; American Pipit.
A dearth of rarities kept the province’s total
well below the long-term average.
Quebec: http://tinyurl.com/qcwinter
178 species (10 year average = 166, not including
exotics). Highlights: Pacific Loon (1st winter
record); Great Egret (2nd winter record); Black
Vulture (1st winter record); Barnacle Goose (1st
winter record); Rock Ptarmigan (1st winter
record); Arctic Tern (1st winter record);
White-winged Dove (1st winter record); Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher (1st winter record).
Quebec birders took advantage of the mild winter
to really explore their large province, and ended
up with one of their highest totals to
date. They added seven species to their 10-year cumulative winter list.
Ontario: http://tinyurl.com/onwinter
191 species. Highlights: Barnacle Goose (2nd
winter record); Yellow-billed Loon (2nd winter
record); Black-tailed Gull (2nd winter record);
Ivory Gull; Phainopepla (2nd provincial and
Canadian record, 1st Canadian winter record);
Northern Waterthrush (2nd winter record). Big
Misses: Eurasian Wigeon; Yellow-headed Blackbird.
The province had fewer species than the previous
two winters, but managed to surpass the Nova
Scotia total for the first time. The Phainopepla
took pride of place, of course, and attracted many admirers.
Manitoba: http://tinyurl.com/mbwinter
109 species (average = 99). Highlights: Wood
Duck (2nd winter record); Greater Scaup (1st
winter record); Common Loon (2nd winter record);
Western Grebe (1st winter record); Sora (1st
winter record); Thayer’s Gull (1st winter
record); Lincoln’s Sparrow (2nd winter record);
Swamp Sparrow (2nd winter record); Yellow-headed
Blackbird (2nd winter record); Brambling (1st
winter record; 2nd provincial record).
Manitoba birders pulled out all the stops in the
first few days of December, and their diligence
was rewarded when they achieved the highest total
since they started keeping records nine years
ago. And equally as important – for the first
time they bettered the total of their provincial rival, Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan: http://tinyurl.com/skwinter
100 species (average = 111) - Highlights: Wood
Duck (1st winter record); Sandhill Crane (2nd
winter record); Rustic Bunting (1st provincial
record, 2nd Canadian record); Rose-breasted
Grosbeak (2nd winter record); Baltimore Oriole
(1st winter record). Big Miss: American Three-toed Woodpecker
Perhaps if Saskatchewan birders knew how
determined their Manitoba neighbours were they
might have pushed harder in the first days of
December. But, alas, they didn’t, and struggled
to reach 100 species, the lowest total since they
started winter listing 8 years ago. But there
was a great consolation prize in one of the
rarest birds across the country this winter.
Alberta: http://tinyurl.com/abwinter
136 species (average = 142). Highlights: Cape
May Warbler (3rd winter record); Green-tailed
Towhee (1st Canadian winter record); Lincoln’s
Sparrow (1st winter record). Big Miss: Red-breasted Merganser.
Alberta turned in a slightly lower than normal
performance, no doubt due to a paucity of
rarities, though the Green-tailed Towhee was outstanding.
British Columbia: http://tinyurl.com/bcwinter
237 species (average = 250). Highlights: Pectoral
Sandpiper (2nd winter record); Oriental
Turtle-Dove (1st Canadian record, if accepted);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1st winter record);
Western Scrub-Jay; Nashville Warbler; Western
Tanager (2nd winter record); Clay-colored Sparrow
(3rd winter record); Brambling (3rd winter
record). Big Misses: Least Sandpiper; Cassin’s Auklet.
B.C. had a lower-than-average winter total, but
the weather was mild, and there was the
distraction of the Winter Olympics, at which
winter birding was not a competition, more’s the
pity. And there were no pelagic birding trips,
so tubenoses were absent from the list. Several
key Christmas Counts have not yet reported in,
and there are rumours of a documented Jack Snipe
on one of them, so the total could inch up later on.
Other Reporting Regions:
French Islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon: http://tinyurl.com/spmwinter2
83 species (average = 84, 14 years of
data). Highlights: Hairy Woodpecker (1st winter
record); Brown Creeper (3rd winter record);
Meadowlark sp. (1st winter record). Big Misses:
Purple Finch; Common Redpoll; Pine Siskin.
SPM birders enjoyed a winter of above average
temperatures, but only an average number of
species, among which were only a few finches.
Iceland: http://tinyurl.com/iceland-winter
98 species. (average = 91, 10 years of
data) Highlights: Bean Goose (1st winter
record); Northern Shoveler (1st winter record);
Stellar’s Eider (1st winter record); Northern
Lapwing (1st winter record); Bonaparte’s Gull
(1st winter record); Ross’s Gull (1st winter
record); Black Redstart (1st winter record); Brambling (2nd winter record)
30 species of waterfowl, 13 of shorebirds, 13 of
gulls, and seven new winter species (in the past
10 years of data) helped Icelandic birders surpass their long-term average.
Other Resources:
Environment Canada’s Winter Seasonal Forecast:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/saisons/index_e.html
Reference: What is Winter Birding?
In Canada, perhaps because of (or in spite of)
experiencing a bit of weather during the winter,
winter birding has become a very popular
activity. The origins of this slightly insane
behaviour apparently date from southern Ontario
in the 50's and 60's, but the sport's appeal
really took off with the promotion afforded it by
Gerry Bennett in the 1980's, through his
"Birdfinding in Canada" newsletter. Winter
Birding remains popular today. The winter
birding period comprises the three months of
December through February, matching the reporting
period of "North American Birds" journal.
"For those who may be unfamiliar with the
concept, it basically involves a frenzied search
during the first couple of weeks to squeeze in as
many late migrants as possible before the
onslaught of usually more severe weather
conditions. Christmas Bird Counts often jack up
our total, as do normal winter activities. Plus,
it gives us birders something to do for the three
slowest birding months of the year other than
sitting idle on our hands until March. To me, at
least, a winter list is great for maintaining
birding enthusiasm, and gets a person active and
out of the house to ward off the winter doldrums
that tend to creep up mid season."
- Ryan Dudragne, Saskatchewan
Good (winter) birding,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blake Maybank
maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca
White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada
Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"
author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm
“A true Canadian loves the Winter, revels in it,
especially in the North. . . .Winter is on, the
air becomes like rich wine that strengthens and
invigorates; pure, crisp and
health-giving. Those who have not travelled in
the vast, snowbound lake country of the North, or
tramped on snowshoes in the Winter forest, where
the brilliant sun, shining out of a sky that is
pure, clear blue; those who have never witnessed
the wild, majestic spectacle of a swiftly
marching snowstorm—To them I will say that no
matter what they may have seen and done, life
still holds something for them that they should
not miss. Not every country has these things and
I, for one, say we are fortunate. ”
- Grey Owl
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Bluebirds along Highway 99From: "b_quiring" <bquiring AT sasktel.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:32:28 -0000 I took a drive out Highway 99 this morning. I saw my first Mountain Bluebirds, two groups were seen one 5 birds the other 8 birds. Also of note I saw a Robin on the route. No Eagles though. BrettSubject: Saturday late afternoon on road 99 From: "stephane.canevet" <stephane.canevet AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 03:05:32 -0000 Hi everyone, I went for a short time after 4PM on #99. Not too much but I heard my fist Kildeer of the year besides the game farm. Also I heard 1 gull but could't see it neither. Otherwise I saw 3 magpies,a few Sterlings, 1 Raven and lots of Deers. StephaneSubject: Ring-billed Gull & Mountain Bluebird From: "nikovich71" <nikovich71 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 02:06:22 -0000 Good evening all, This afternoon my pal Don Weidl and I took a trip out to Valley Road, and then up to Pike Lake and back. On the way down, we stopped off at the Gull Roost close to the Queen Elizabeth II Power Plant, and after a few minutes of scanning the area and picking up a few Canada Geese, , one very obvious Cackling Goose , several Mallards and Rock Pigeons, our first 2 Ring-billed Gulls appeared from the direction of the city dump, and then landed right on the roost spot, where pretty soon there will be hundreds of these gulls. I need to check my records, but I'm pretty sure this is the earliest I've seen this species. Making our way to Valley Rd, via the backroad that leads past the landfill, we then got a single Gray Partridge , several Magpies and Common Raven. Once at Valley Road , we headed east where we then had our first looks at 2 lovely male Mountain Bluebirds. Pike Lake was fairly quite, and checking the Great Horned Owl nest, we noted it was empty, so finished off our walk around the park with the usual species that one finds there, including White-breasted Nuthatch, Hairy and Downy Woodpecker. An unusual species for the park were 2 a pair of very inquisitive White-winged Crossbills. Looking for Tree Sparrows on the way home, ( we didn't see any, but probably heard a couple ) ,we picked up a few American Robins, a couple European Starlings. All in all, we managed 16 species. Not bad for a couple of hours on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Cheers, Nick SaskatoonSubject: Saturday Birding From: "Kathy Hedegard" <hedegardk AT accesscomm.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:44:32 -0600 Hi Birders: What a lovely sunny, I said SUNNY, day down here in the SE corner. I went out early to try to locate a grouse lek and ended up driving all over the country - first around my usual Estevan routes and then out west to my old stomping grounds of Bromhead, Tribune, Lake Alma, Gladmar, Oungre (I made a back roads loop) and home via #18. The snow is quickly melting now the fog has moved on. There's more snow in the fields out in the hills (Missouri Coteau) west of Oungre/Tribune. That's good as that area has been drought-ridden for several years. It would be nice to see the potholes filled up and some water in the salt lakes south of Gladmar. Water is being released from Rafferty reservoir into the Souris River. This has been going on for a couple of weeks now. There's a good, refreshing flow of water in the old river now; lovely to see and hear running water. Boundary is ice-free past Sunset Subdivision. So, I did find a couple of Sharp-tailed Grouse leks. I don't know how 'permanent' they are. I got to watch 14 or so males doing some dancing. One lek location is close to town so I'll go out earlier tomorrow to see if anything happens. I counted a total of 80 STGR for the day. I found my first-of-the-year Mountain Bluebirds. Two were near Roche Percee; two males were at the entrance of the Hamar/RM 7 Cemetery south of Bromhead (stopped in to say hello to my parents and other family members). And two were just north of Bromhead. Other birds: Grey Partridge 12 Snowy Owl 6 Ring-necked Pheasants 13 Black-billed Magpies 5-6 European Starlings ~25 Rock Pigeons many Canada Geese 1000s (all residents) Golden Eagle 1 Bald Eagle 1 (South of Lake Alma - other than the bluebirds, this was my only migrating bird of the day) Great Horned Owl 3 on nests American Robin 3-4 Common Raven 2-3 Horned Lark 100s Snow Bunting 100s House Sparrow most farms and towns Also, white-tailed and mule deer, coyotes and gophers (Richardson's) and one dead skunk (poor thing). Lots of new calves at the farms and ranches. They are so cute. I hope everyone had lovely day roaming around. One more thing, there was a pair of Hooded Merganser at Woodlawn weir/dam two days ago. This is likely a pair that's been wintering on Boundary. There are White-winged Crossbills at the park as well. Kathy in Estevan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: To Sask Landing and back From: M A <dudra.m AT sasktel.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:30:34 -0600 Yesterday, it was so nice outside. I had a day off work so decided to cut short my errands and head to Sask Landing Provincial Park for the afternoon. Ryan was a willing ride along! On the way there, we saw: 1 Prairie Falcon (3.5 km south of Stewart Valley) 1 Great Horned Owl on nest (along Hwy #4, near the gravel pile) 2 Black-billed Magpies 3 European Starlings (2 in one sighting, 1 in another sighting) a few Horned Larks several House Sparrows (in the same area as where we found 1 of the Starlings and the Great Horned Owl ... a farmer has bales that he is hauling out for cattle, so lots of stuff for the House Sparrows and Starling to forage through.) At Sask Landing, we saw: 1 Ring-necked Pheasant (heard only) 1 large accipiter hawk 2 Downy Woodpeckers (1 male, 1 female) 4 Black-billed Magpies 10 Black-capped Chickadees 15 Golden-crowned Kinglets 1 Dark-eyed Junco 400-500 Common Redpolls (I have never seen that many at once... it was hard to get a good count with so many - and you could hear even more than you were seeing!) 1 Porcupine (up in a tree) 1 Tiger Beetle species We were hoping to get a sighting of one of the first Mountain Bluebirds of the year but no such luck. Oh well... maybe next time! On the way back home 2 1/2 hours later, we saw: 1 Rock Pigeon a few Horned Larks at least 20 Pronghorn - Mary Ann & Ryan, Swift Current 50° 17' 00" N - 107° 48' 00" W http://dudrl.sasktelwebsite.netSubject: Re: Spring! From: "Kevin" <moorek AT sasktel.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:18:56 -0000 Richardson's Ground Squirrels are out which is definately a major sign of spring. How about crocus's? Has anyone seen a blooming crocus - like in the south west I guess. What is the earliest crocus you've seen? Mine was back in 1990? I was hiking in SW SK, I think near Mankota, and I sat down on an old pile of stones. The kind of stone pile that a farmer collects as s/he removes the rocks from the field for plowing and piles them up on the edge of the field. It was an unusually hot sunny day. I was sitting on these rocks which were warm And at the edge of the rocks, between two well embedded stones was the green tip of a crocus coming up. It was the last day of Feb. I never got back there to see if the thing survived and flowered or if late frosts or snow killed it. I suspect the latter. Kevin in Lumsden --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, K MSubject: nature regina field trips From: "Jim Nordquist" <j.nordquist AT accesscomm.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:14:36 -0600 Saturday, April 10 - Wascana Floodplains & Bratt`s Lake This trip was fantastic last year with over 20 species of spring migrants seen including 100,000+ Snow Geese. With this winter's heavy snowfall, there should once again be lots of puddles to entice migrating waterfowl. We'll check the sloughs and sheetwater in the Kronau - Estlin area and probably Buck Lake. Please confirm the date with the Bird Line. Share of gas about $2. Leader: Keith Barr Time: 9:00 a.m. - noon Meet at the RSM parking lot Saturday, April 17 - Route 99 and Valeport Marsh This is one of our favourite trips of the year. We will drive along Route 99 in the Qu'Appelle Valley from Hwy 6 to Craven, then on to Valeport Marsh to see the spring migration. There should be waterfowl, gulls, hawks, Bald Eagles, Mountain Bluebirds, meadowlarks and more. Crocuses should be blooming. Share of gas about $3. Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Meet at the RSM parking lot [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Cleaning the Nest Boxes along Highway # 99 From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:13:28 -0600 Yesterday was an opportunity to clean out and check the condition of nest boxes along Highway # 99 (the North Valley Road). I was hoping that I would see some early migrant Mountain Bluebirds;however, did not see any of these and fewer other birds. I did see several Black-billed Magpies, a Raven and a pair of House Sparrows attending one nest box. My strategy is to move boxes farther away from the increasing numbers of homes being built along this route. Overall though, numbers of House Sparrows appear to be declining in this area. This North Valley Road ( # 99) is a good route for seeing flock of Mountain Bluebirds during mid to later March perhaps because the south facing slopes nearby become bare a week or more earlier than areas near Regina or the north facing slope within the south side of this same Qu'Appelle Valley. Bluebirds forage along the bare slopes or areas apparently gleaning spiders which are active early in spring and securing "freeze dry" preserved bodies of grasshoppers and crickets which are exposed by the melt. Mountain Bluebirds also glean chokecherries in coulees left over from the following season. Typically, Mountain Bluebirds arrive first and have the best opportunity to secure prime real-estate. Tree Swallows arrive later and take what is left over. House Wrens also a few houses placed closer to cover. Occasionally a pair or more of Eastern Bluebirds arrive in June just about the time the second nesting occurs with the Mountain Bluebirds. My sense is that these are failed nesters arriving from elsewhere such as the Eastern Qu'Appelle or along the Souris Valley. To prevent Tree Swallows from holding all the vacant boxes I place nest boxes in pairs. This encourages two species to nest rather than just one. Tree Swallows and Mountain Bluebirds will not tolerate others of this species to nest in close proximity: however, they will tolerate another species to be nearby. I suspect that the Golden Eagle which wintered in the Valley has returned to its breeding territory elsewhere although there is a chance that I missed it as my tour was approaching noon typically a quieter time for seeing birds. I am hoping that the thaw here is quicker making the River overflow its banks and create excellent habitat for Sedge Wrens, LeConte's Sparrows and Yellow Rails. Unfortunately most of the Valley floor is now cut for hay each year. Yellow Rails will typically require either lightly grazed or sedge habitat which has at least several years growth creating grassy swales within shallow water. Good birding Bob L Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Spring! From: Brenda Schmidt <vinny AT sasktel.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:44:19 -0600 Last week I received a report of a mourning dove calling in the hills north of Luck Lake. Brenda Creighton, SKSubject: Re: Spring! From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:36:36 -0600 Kim
The single Eurasian Collared Dove reported last fall apparently disappeared
months ago !? from the Jim Nordquist's yard and no others have been reported
here since.
I have not seen any Mourning Doves yet or know of any wintering in this City. I
am curious just what species this could be.
Good birding
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: K M
To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 10:25 AM
Subject: [Saskbirds] Spring!
Hi everyone,
I'm probably one of the few Reginians who actually yells and jumps for joy
when they see Richardson's ground squirrels but there they were (3 of them), on
their mounds along 9th Ave N between McCarthy and Courtney N. I think we
actually have our own personal ground squirrel that lives under our walkway if
10 sunken interlocking bricks and 2 bags of sand later are any indication. I'm
looking forward to photographing him/her when they finally poke their noses up
this spring.
On a bird note- my sister casually informed me that she saw a mourning dove in
a tree outside the TC Douglas building yesterday. I'm wondering if it actually
was an Eurasian collared dove or a very early mourning? Has anyone else in
Regina see mourning doves yet or E.C doves? Kim in Regina
__________________________________________________________
Get the name you've always wanted AT ymail.com or AT rocketmail.com! Go to
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Subject: Spring!From: K M <dragonflypondsk AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:25:17 -0800 (PST) Hi everyone,
I'm probably one of the few Reginians who actually yells and jumps for joy
when they see Richardson's ground squirrels but there they were (3 of them), on
their mounds along 9th Ave N between McCarthy and Courtney N. I think we
actually have our own personal ground squirrel that lives under our walkway if
10 sunken interlocking bricks and 2 bags of sand later are any indication. I'm
looking forward to photographing him/her when they finally poke their noses up
this spring.
On a bird note- my sister casually informed me that she saw a mourning dove in
a tree outside the TC Douglas building yesterday. I'm wondering if it actually
was an Eurasian collared dove or a very early mourning? Has anyone else in
Regina see mourning doves yet or E.C doves? Kim in Regina
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Subject: Congrats to The Schmidts and their Rustic BuntingFrom: "Steven" <plantman108 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:05:16 -0000 I just opened my latest copy of Birder's World and there on page 14 was an article(photo) re: the Rustic Bunting in Saskatchewan and the two birds in Ketchikan, Alaska. Congrats to Harvey and Brenda in keeping the bird fed so many could see it. Steven Weir Regina,SkSubject: Re: Re: Cardinals From: "Dan Heffernan" <d.heffernan AT shaw.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:06:45 -0600 The first sighting (male only) was the last weekend in February. The male and
female together showed up a few days later, and have returned every couple of
days since then.
----- Original Message -----
From: Ryan
To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 9:35 PM
Subject: [Saskbirds] Re: Cardinals
Hey Dan,
I don't recall seeing a post from you before-- welcome to Saskbirds! Do you
remember which day the cardinals showed up, and if by 'a couple of weeks' that
would include the final couple of days in February?
This is certainly a good record. Over the last decade there has been at least
one cardinal report nearly every year, which may or may not be attributed to a
west-northwestward range expansion, or that more people are reporting their
bird sightings from more localities.
Off the top of my head, I will list a couple of records for example: for a
while there was a pair in Lumsden that has not been reported for two or three
years. During the fall and winter of 2007/2008 a female cardinal frequented a
Saskatoon feeder, and this past May a cardinal was reported from Lloydminster
although I don't recall details of the latter.
Best of Birding,
Ryan Dudragne
Swift Current, SK
--- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Heffernan"
Subject: Re: CardinalsFrom: "Jim Nordquist" <j.nordquist AT accesscomm.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:14:17 -0600 2 or 3 years ago,the PA paper had a report of a female cardinal in Prince
Albert,photo too,as I recall
----- Original Message -----
From: Dan Heffernan
To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 2:57 PM
Subject: [Saskbirds] Cardinals
We have had a pair (male and female) of northern cardinals visiting the feeder
in our backyard over the past couple of weeks. I'd be interested in knowing if
there have been other sightings around the province. I think we are well
outside their usual range.
Dan Heffernan
Prince Albert
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Subject: Re: Re: CardinalsFrom: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:47:42 -0600 All
I agree with Ryan's comments regarding the now almost annual reports of
Northern Cardinals in Saskatchewan. However, I think generally that there have
been fewer reports of pairs. I think by far the majority of sightings have been
of single males and fewer lone females.
The very few scattered numbers here leads perhaps to an unfortunate lack of
potential for either recruiting or replacing mates for this non-migratory
species. My experience with this species in Saskatchewan suggests they these
can be very secretive and cautious because no rivals are present; therefore,
territorial defence is minimal. Possibly another major barrier to a permanent
range extension for this species in Saskatchewan is perhaps the severity of
Saskatchewan winters.
The distinctive loud song is often given from a prominent perch particularly
very early during the morning. Here is a link to both the songs and calls of
Northern Cardinals. Once you learn the song you will hear it as a background
sounds during tv shows including the Master's Golf Tournament.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/sounds
Good Birding
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: Ryan
To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 9:35 PM
Subject: [Saskbirds] Re: Cardinals
Hey Dan,
I don't recall seeing a post from you before-- welcome to Saskbirds! Do you
remember which day the cardinals showed up, and if by 'a couple of weeks' that
would include the final couple of days in February?
This is certainly a good record. Over the last decade there has been at least
one cardinal report nearly every year, which may or may not be attributed to a
west-northwestward range expansion, or that more people are reporting their
bird sightings from more localities.
Off the top of my head, I will list a couple of records for example: for a
while there was a pair in Lumsden that has not been reported for two or three
years. During the fall and winter of 2007/2008 a female cardinal frequented a
Saskatoon feeder, and this past May a cardinal was reported from Lloydminster
although I don't recall details of the latter.
Best of Birding,
Ryan Dudragne
Swift Current, SK
--- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Heffernan"
Subject: Re: CardinalsFrom: "Ryan" <pl8guy AT sasktel.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:35:31 -0000 Hey Dan, I don't recall seeing a post from you before-- welcome to Saskbirds! Do you remember which day the cardinals showed up, and if by 'a couple of weeks' that would include the final couple of days in February? This is certainly a good record. Over the last decade there has been at least one cardinal report nearly every year, which may or may not be attributed to a west-northwestward range expansion, or that more people are reporting their bird sightings from more localities. Off the top of my head, I will list a couple of records for example: for a while there was a pair in Lumsden that has not been reported for two or three years. During the fall and winter of 2007/2008 a female cardinal frequented a Saskatoon feeder, and this past May a cardinal was reported from Lloydminster although I don't recall details of the latter. Best of Birding, Ryan Dudragne Swift Current, SK --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Heffernan"Subject: Re: Cardinals From: "nikovich71" <nikovich71 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:52:09 -0000 Its nice to finally hear from Prince Albert birders on here as we seldom get reports from there. What an excellent treat to have not one , but a pair of Cardinals ! I heard reports of the same thing last year with at least one bird visiting a P.A feeder, and also had 3rd-hand information of actual breeding somewhere near , or at Prince Albert, although I never got that confirmed. Cheers Nick S'toonSubject: Re: Cardinals From: "bunting64" <bunting64 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:16:35 -0000 Excellent! This saves me having to call you tonight and ask if you'd mind visitors. 'Your' birds are attracting some attention - I've had a couple of inquiries since I mentioned them on this board a couple of days ago. So to Stan and Dayne, please feel free to Dan directly. Jim Heffernan PS. Dan... shouldn't you be working at this time on a Wednesday afternoon? --- In Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Dan Heffernan"Subject: Cardinals From: "Dan Heffernan" <d.heffernan AT shaw.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:57:48 -0600 We have had a pair (male and female) of northern cardinals visiting the feeder in our backyard over the past couple of weeks. I'd be interested in knowing if there have been other sightings around the province. I think we are well outside their usual range. Dan Heffernan Prince Albert [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Tree Sparrow in Regina Yard From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:52:38 -0600 Just now I saw a Tree Sparrow in my back yard under the feeders. This is the first one that I have seen since last fall. House Finches are also becoming more numerous at my feeders. Today I counted 12+ up from the 3-6 which wintered here. Three Pine Siskins are daily visitors as well. Good birding Bob L Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: bluebird/tree swallow nest boxes From: K M <dragonflypondsk AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 16:30:14 -0800 (PST) Hi everyone,
I read Lorne's post and recalled I had the same problem a few years ago. I was
told that you have to score the inside of the house quite abit so the young can
claw their way out (mine was not). I did this and had several successful tree
swallow broods afterwards.
Today there was a male downy woodpecker at a popular tree and (what I think
were) house finches singing in Rochdale Park. Kim in Regina
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Subject: Re: Mountain BluebirdFrom: "Liis Veelma" <lveelma AT mts.net> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:42:40 -0600 Hello Lorne Anyone who is thinking of putting up bluebird boxes or boxes for other cavity nesting birds should look at the North American Bluebird Society (NABS) website. There is a great deal of information there, including links to local organizations. http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/ Liis Veelma Winnipeg MBSubject: Sharp-shinned Hawk back again From: "nikovich71" <nikovich71 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:46:33 -0000 This morning while walking back from the Shoppers Drug Mart via some back alleys , I watched an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk fly, then perch on an Elm Tree over 2nd street east while drawing the angry attention of 2 Chickadees. I also forgot to mention the abundance of Robins I have seen since Saturday. Gord and I found at least 12 off of Valley Road, and Manu and I saw maybe 6 towards Hanley. The question is are these early arrivals or over wintering birds. Some photos from the previous weekends trip up North, now on my blog : http://www.saskbirder.com Cheers, Nick SaskatoonSubject: Re: Mountain Bluebird From: Kate Johnson <twoshoes AT yourlink.ca> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 13:57:12 -0600 On 9-Mar-10, at 1:46 PM, Lorne Robb wrote: > > When I saw a male mountain bluebird yesterday I checked & cleaned > our bluebird houses. The bluebirds didn't stay here last year & I > had thought the tree swallows had used the houses but I was > surprised to find that 4-6 young but feathered tree swallows had > perished in each house. I'm wondering if the hole was too high for > the young birds or what else could have caused these birds to die. > I'd be interested to know if this is a common occurrence. > > Lorne at Pasqua Lake > > Lorne, I'll be interested to hear what others have to say about this. My mother-in-law says that they used to have lots of barn swallows in the farmyard till neighbours sprayed with pesticide; later they found dead babies in the nests and the swallows didn't return for some 20 years. If interested, you can read her story here; just scroll down the page a little ways: http://stubblejumperscafe.pnn.com/15374-week-4-giant-among-men KateSubject: Mountain Bluebird From: Lorne Robb <rlrobb AT sasktel.net> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:46:58 -0600 When I saw a male mountain bluebird yesterday I checked & cleaned our bluebird houses. The bluebirds didn't stay here last year & I had thought the tree swallows had used the houses but I was surprised to find that 4-6 young but feathered tree swallows had perished in each house. I'm wondering if the hole was too high for the young birds or what else could have caused these birds to die. I'd be interested to know if this is a common occurrence. Lorne at Pasqua Lake [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Cardinals in PA From: "bunting64" <bunting64 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:50:51 -0000 Hi All, I took a phone call from my brother in PA last night. He and the family got a bit excited by a pair of cardinals visiting their feeder over the weekend. A male had been in the area last year. Now they've got both sexes. I don't know how common cardinals are in SK, but they are new to me in this province. JimSubject: Mammals and Grouse From: "nikovich71" <nikovich71 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:15:09 -0000 On Saturday and Sunday I went out with two friends for a couple of hours, seeing as the weather was so welcoming. On Saturday Gordon Crockford and I toured valley road and some surrounding countryside, in the crazy hopes that Guy's Gyrfalcon might still like the area and would be sitting pretty on a hay-bale next to the road. Of course, it wasn't ! One thing we did see, and it wasn't the nicest of sights, was a dead coyote laying on the shoulder , not far from the Moon Lake Golf Course. The poor thing lay there with its paws removed for the amazing prize of a $20.00 bounty, that is apparently still in effect until the end of this month. Just horrible. We also found several Sharp-tailed Grouse on a turn-off close to this location. On Spadina , just before the CP Bridge, closest to the QE2 Power Plant, there were ( as there always seems to be ) a group of at least 8 European Starlings sunning themselves, and a now increasing number of Common Ravens. On Sunday, Manu Grande and I traveled some back roads near Blackstrap and Dundurn, through to Hanley. Highlights were : Red Fox - 2 Badger - 1 - My earliest ever encounter of this animal. Sunning itself surrounded by snow. Richardson's Ground Squirrel - 1 - first one of the year Gray Partridge - A good sized covey of about 20 birds Horned Lark - 15 Snow Bunting - At least a thousand. A huge swarm of them east of Indi Lake. No raptors seen at all, and we combed every back road in the area and every conceivable power pole :-) Cheers, Nick SaskatoonSubject: To Ponteix and back From: M A <dudra.m AT sasktel.net> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:58:27 -0600 Just after noon, we three plus my Dad went for a drive to Ponteix and back... It was a nice afternoon for a drive (even with the fog we drove into south of Swift Current and out of a few miles north of Cadillac!) Our highway critter totals(to and from) included: 1 immature Bald Eagle (a few miles north of Cadillac... just south of 'the curve in the coulee') 10 Gray Partridges at least 18 Sharp-tailed Grouse (a flock of 12, and a flock of at least 6) 3 Great Horned Owls (a pair in the tree row just north of the Wymark intersection, and one sitting below a nest in the tree row just south of the Rhineland grid -- all on the east side of Hwy #4) 3 Black-billed Magpies several Horned Larks 1 Red Fox 2 White-tailed Jack Rabbits (one chasing the other east of Cadillac) a few Mule Deer 1 White-tailed Deer lots of Richardson's Ground Squirrels In Cadillac, we saw: 4 Rock Pigeons at least 6 European Starlings lots of House Sparrows In Ponteix, we saw: Rock Pigeons 2 Eurasian Collared Doves 1 Black-billed Magpie lots of House Sparrows a few Richardson's Ground Squirrels ....and just north of Ponteix (on the hill by the Shrine), we saw 1 Snowy Owl sitting on the snow-covered field with several Richardson's Ground Squirrels running around not far from him. When we dropped my Dad off (on 2nd Av NW), a Black-phased Gray Squirrel was sitting in a tree (in front of his senior's apartment building) eating a peanut. Since the 'rat problem' of last Fall, there haven't been as many Squirrel sightings around the City. (My Dad said they were all told, in his senior's apartment building, NOT to feed the Squirrels as per orders from the Department of Public Health and the Pest Control people.) We enjoyed our drive, and it was nice going home to Ponteix for even a short time. I miss that town (my hometown), so it was nice driving around it a bit. We also stopped in for a short visit with my Dad's brother and wife, so that was most enjoyable, too! Here at home, just shortly before we left for Ponteix, we had 3 Red-breasted Nuthatches, at least 15 Cedar Waxwings, at least 4 House Finches, a few Pine Siskins, several Common Redpolls, and a couple House Sparrows. The feeders haven't gone down much so it looks like the birds weren't spending too much time feeding today. Likely, the Sharp-shinned Hawk and/or the Merlin are still around. As we look forward to this upcoming week, nice weather is in the forecast. We best enjoy it because we know we will be having another taste of winter weather (or even a few tastes) before it is truly Spring. Happy birding!!! - Mary Ann, Larry, & Ryan, Swift Current 50° 17' 00" N - 107° 48' 00" W http://dudrl.sasktelwebsite.netSubject: crows and meadowlark From: Bill & Lynne McDonald <bl.mcdonald AT sasktel.net> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:04:57 -0600 We saw our first two crows and western meadowlark for 2010, today about 3 miles east of Mortlach. Bill & Lynne, Moose Jaw [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Swift Current area From: M A <dudra.m AT sasktel.net> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:02:20 -0600 What a beautiful sunshiney day with temps topping out just over the +8C mark!!! This afternoon, Larry and I went for a drive in the country... spending most of our time driving down gravel roads. We didn't see a whole lot in the 2 1/2 hours and the 100 km mi we drove (just a little north and east, a little to the north and west, and just immediately south of the City), but we did see a little bit: 6 Gray Partridges (2 doubles and 2 singles) 1 unidentified large Hawk 9 Rock Pigeons (by farmyards) 16 Black-billed Magpies several Horned Larks 25+ Snow Buntings House Sparrows (near every farm yard) lots of Richardson's Ground Squirrels at least 49 White-tailed Deer (1 herd) at least 52 Pronghorn (1 herd) fresh Badger diggings Here on the home front, we had 'the usuals' in our yard... but they were not spending much time at the feeders or out in the open. I wouldn't either, if I were a little bird... not with the two little raptors that have taken to hanging around the neighbourhood. - Mary Ann & Larry, Swift Current 50° 17' 00" N - 107° 48' 00" W http://dudrl.sasktelwebsite.netSubject: Swift Current From: M A <dudra.m AT sasktel.net> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:20:30 -0600 We have been seeing 'the usuals' in our yard the past few weeks... namely: at least 2-3 Red-breasted Nuthatches 6-8 House Finches 10-15 Pine Siskins 25-30 Common Redpolls a few House Sparrows The House Finches are such a treat... the males have been singing sweetly the past month, and last weekend a couple of the males were each feeding their selected lady. They would fly to the feeder, get a sunflower seed, then go up to her and feed her. Love is in the air:) ------------------ Yesterday (Mar 5), we had a Black-capped Chickadee at the feeder (haven't seen one here for a few weeks). Mar 4 Ryan saw a Sharp-shinned Hawk fly through the neighbourhood, and yesterday, Larry saw a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Merlin fly by the back yard within five minutes of each other! No wonder the birds haven't been actively feeding the last few days! We get a flock of 20+/- Cedar Waxwings pass through the yard from time to time... No Bohemian Waxwings. Seems like a weird year for Waxwings around here. We also have the occasional 1 or 2 Black-billed Magpies fly over on patrol but they haven't been stopping in (yet.) Feb 1 we had a handsome male American Robin show up in our yard - hanging around our backyard eating chokecherries that are still on the trees. There are also other fruits in the immediate neighbourhood (plums on the tree next door, and mountain ash berries on our tree in the front yard), so he had lots of food to choose from. I think the last day we seen him was around Feb 10 or 11. Mid-February, we also had 2 Northern Flickers in our backyard - dining on Chokecherries for a few minutes. Nice to see, but they didn't hang around. We had some good suet and shelled peanut choices out, but I guess they had better pickings elsewhere. Feb 15, when we got home around 3:30PM (from Calgary), I made sure I paid close attention to our yard and feeders so I could at least report something for our home city on the GBBC!! There wasn't a lot of activity, but I did manage to tally up 2 House Finches, 8 Pine Siskins, & 6 Common Redpolls. Ryan went out and about in the dark mid-evening to the SPARC (Research Station) grounds and did manage to see a Great Horned Owl. I reported that on the GBBC, as well as a Merlin a co-worker of mine reported as seeing on Feb 15 as well. Happy birding everyone....Spring is in the air:) - Mary Ann, Larry, & Ryan, Swift Current 50° 17' 00" N - 107° 48' 00" W http://dudrl.sasktelwebsite.netSubject: Sask Landing Prov Park (Feb 27.28) From: M A <dudra.m AT sasktel.net> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:02:52 -0600 Last weekend (Feb 27), around 9:00AM, Larry, Ryan and (only) one other member of our local Naturalist club headed to Sask Landing Provincial Park to clean out/ repair/ replace (if required) birdhouses. The Mountain Bluebirds could be returning almost any time now. Hopefully we will have some take up residence in these houses. (We do have the occasional Bluebird take a house but for the most part they are occupied by Tree Swallows and House Wrens. Oh, well... at least they're not being occupied by House Sparrows.) Going to the Park, they saw 1 Common Raven, a few Horned Larks, & a herd of 40-50 Pronghorn, & a second herd of less than 10 Pronghorn. At Sask Landing they saw a pair of Mallards, 2 Black-billed Magpies, American Tree Sparrows (heard a couple), a flock of 30-40 Common Redpolls, 1 Coyote, 1 Porcupine (up in a tree), & a number of White-tailed and Mule Deer. On the way back to Swift Current they saw a flock of few Sharp-tailed Grouse (in a farmyard near the highway), 1 Prairie Falcon, a couple Horned Larks, & 1 Richardson's Ground Squirrel. The next day (Feb 28), later in the morning, we (Larry, Ryan, and I) headed to Sask Landing Provincial Park to clean out more birdhouses. En route, we saw 12 Sharp-tailed Grouse, 1 Black-billed Magpie, at least 13 Horned Larks, at least 2 House Sparrows (near a farm), a herd of 40+/- Pronghorn, & 1 Richardson's Ground Squirrel (a different one, in a different location from the one they saw yesterday.) At Sask Landing, we saw 5 Sharp-tailed Grouse, a pair of Golden Eagles, 1 male Hairy Woodpecker, 11 Black-billed Magpies, 3 Black-capped Chickadees, House Sparrows (heard only), 1 Porcupine, over 15 Mule Deer, & 7 White-tailed Deer, & 1 Moose. On the way home mid-afternoon, we saw a pair of Great Horned Owls, 2 Black-billed Magpies, 5 Horned Larks, at least 45 House Sparrows (10 or so alongside a farmyard, & 30+ on and near bales in a sheltered area). The sheltered area was a good spot to pull into - even if it meant contributing to missing the first period of the Olympics CDN-US hockey game -- that is where we found the pair of GH Owls, & a Magpie (along with the House Sparrows). - Mary Ann, Larry, & Ryan, Swift Current 50° 17' 00" N - 107° 48' 00" W http://dudrl.sasktelwebsite.netSubject: Swift Current area From: M A <dudra.m AT sasktel.net> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:54:58 -0600 Has it really been January since I last shared our sightings? Hmmm... did we have a February? Time is flying by.... Going to and from work this past week, we were seeing 50+ Gray Partridges (total of a few flocks), 20-30 Sharp-tailed Grouse (total of 3 or 4 flocks), 1-3 Snowy Owls (on the 'best' February days we had as many as 5 Snowy Owls in the 25-minute drive back home after work), 2-4 Black-billed Magpies, several Horned Larks, 75-150 Snow Buntings (a couple flocks of 75 each), 175+ Pronghorn (1 herd of 125+ and another herd of 50+), 4-20 Mule Deer, and a few Richardson's Ground Squirrels. I guess the little gophers think it is Spring. In February, we also often seen 1 or 2 White-tailed Jack Rabbits - usually when we were going to work (when it was still dark.) Out at work, we have been seeing a flock of 15+/- Gray Partridges, a flock of 12 Sharp-tailed Grouse, 2 Black-billed Magpies, & a multitude of House Sparrows (at least 75!), as well as 1 White-tailed Jack Rabbit & 1 Nuttall's Cottontail. The pair of BBMA have been starting to carry sticks the past couple weeks so I am assuming they are renovating a nest. We did have a few European Starlings around this winter, but I haven't seen them for a couple weeks now. The February long weekend, we were not around for the GBBC... we went to Calgary that weekend to celebrate our grandson's 1st birthday (we did participate in the GBBC, though... documenting and submitting the sightings along the way - both to and from Calgary and while in Calgary that weekend.) Friday (Feb 12), from Swift Current to the Saskatchewan/ Alberta border (approx 2 hours), we saw: 14 Rock Pigeons, 1 Black-billed Magpie, 2 Common Ravens, 1 Coyote, 15 Mule Deer (total of 2 different herds), & 36 Pronghorn (total of 3 different herds). Monday (Feb 15), from the Saskatchewan/ Alberta border to Swift Current, we saw: 1 Black-billed Magpie, 3 Mule Deer (1 herd), & 54 Pronghorn (1 herd). NO Snowy Owls the entire trip - not in Saskatchewan nor in Alberta:( - Mary Ann, Larry, & Ryan, Swift Current 50° 17' 00" N - 107° 48' 00" W http://dudrl.sasktelwebsite.netSubject: Red-winged Blackbird, Golden Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk From: "b_quiring" <bquiring AT sasktel.net> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:27:27 -0000 I led a Nature Regina field trip through AE Wilson Park this morning, we found most of the usual species, but we happened across a Red-winged Blackbird in one of the adjoining alleyways. Needless to say I have not seen this bird this winter even though I walk through this area about twice a week. Also of note the number of Redpolls are rising significantly, we probably encountered 40-50 birds spread out over a wide area. This afternoon I found myself with some free time so I decided to take a run down Highway 99 and try for some very early Bluebirds. None were found, however I did get a good look at a Golden Eagle that was perched on a fence post on top of a hillside. While admiring the bird, I also saw one Rough-legged Hawk soaring close by. Not a bad day of birding. Brett Quiring ReginaSubject: Western Meadowlark at Weyburn From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:03:59 -0600 Carol Bjorklund reports a Western Meadowlark this last week near Weyburn. These early or first sightings of this species in smaller groups or individuals such as American Robins and American Crows can be harbingers of Spring or also may suggest successful over-wintering birds simply becoming more vocal or active. Horned Larks are now seen in pairs and smaller flocks scattered in the nearby agricultural landscapes. Very soon will arrive the Mountain Bluebirds and sometimes in concert with these will be the return passage of Northern Shrikes in the Qu'Appelle Valley. Cannot wait for the gull migration later this month. In any event, spring appears to be very much on the horizon in Southern Saskatchewan . The long range forecasts suggest a rapid melting of the snow over the next couple of weeks which should provide runoff and minor flooding within the Wascana Basin which will flush out the Wacana Marsh and Lake. We shall see though what actually transpires. The 3 Pine Siskins and 6+ House Finches at my feeder are becoming very vocal now. The Red-breasted Nuthatches and Downy Woodpeckers are now concentrating their foraging efforts on the nut feeders rather than the beef suet. The raw suet is much more attractive to these species during the frigid winter weather. Enjoy the sunny skies and mild temperatures this weekend. Good Birding Bob L Regina [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Thursday Birding From: "Kathy Hedegard" <hedegardk AT accesscomm.ca> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:01:32 -0600 Morning Birders: Yesterday I drove west from Estevan to Oungre on #18, north to Weyburn on #35 and back home through the Weyburn-Goodwater oilfield, south to Torquay and #18 back home. I came across 6 Snowy Owls. There were 4 Snowy Owls between Estevan and Bromhead. All were heavily barred. One more flew across the road just south of Weyburn. This one was very white as was the 6th bird north of Torquay. Other birds: Grey Partridges ~20 Ring-necked Pheasants ~30 Sharp-tailed Grouse ~15 European Starlings - many, sunning in treetops Common Raven 2 Horned Larks Snow Buntings House Sparrows In my yard: Eurasian Collared Doves 30-35 fly in at feeding times (approx 9:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.) and a few are around at any time during the day. They are very vocal now in the mornings Downy Woodpeckers 1 pair Red-breasted Nuthatches 3-4 Cedar Waxwings (not in my yard, but close by) ~20 American Robin - heard one when I stopped to check out the waxwings. There have been several around all Winter A few days ago I drove around my route south of town. Two Golden Eagles were perched together on a power pole structure. Thanks again, Brenda and Harvey, for the Rustic Bunting Experience. Kathy in Estevan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Rustic Bunting - Last date From: tsb2001 AT sasktel.net Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:35:31 -0600 Great bird and incredible hosting job by Brenda and Harvey. You did well and I
am certain that this was appreciated.
My sense is that except for the rather remote location of Creighton that many
more people would have seen this bird as this sighting sparked international
news and is featured in both print and online sources. Of note as well is that
according to 'Birders World', two vagrant Rustic Buntings were sighted together
at a feeder in Ketchikan, Alaska, in Oct-Nov of 2009. Check out the typical
migrational pattern for this species which may account for it wandering to
North America instead of its traditional wintering areas.
Of regional interest, also was the presence of another Eurasian species, a
Brambling, which was at a feeder at Pierson, Manitoba. Both birds
departed/disappeared about the same time.
This is again a reminder just what is possible rather than more probable at
your feeder or anywhere.
Good birding
Bob L
Regina
----- Original Message -----
From: Rob Parsons
To: Saskbirds AT yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 7:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Saskbirds] Rustic Bunting - Last date
Hi Brenda,
Likewise, it was a pleasure to meet you & Harvey after quite a few years
of seeing your posts on Saskbirds. (I'm slowly adding Saskbirders to my
life list of birders.) I was curious as to how many people saw your special
visitor? By the way, did it and the juncos disappear together, just like
the way they arrived? I've found the association of the two species to be
intriguing.
Cheers,
Rob Parsons
Winnipeg, MB
CANADA
parsons8 AT mts.net
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: Rustic Bunting - Last dateFrom: Brenda Schmidt <vinny AT sasktel.net> Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:41:01 -0600 Hi Rob, 27 people saw it. That's including us. I did see one junco on the 27th, but no others since the 22nd. best BrendaSubject: Re: Rustic Bunting - Last date From: "Rob Parsons" <parsons8 AT mts.net> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 19:27:39 -0600 Hi Brenda,
Likewise, it was a pleasure to meet you & Harvey after quite a few years
of seeing your posts on Saskbirds. (I'm slowly adding Saskbirders to my
life list of birders.) I was curious as to how many people saw your special
visitor? By the way, did it and the juncos disappear together, just like
the way they arrived? I've found the association of the two species to be
intriguing.
Cheers,
Rob Parsons
Winnipeg, MB
CANADA
parsons8 AT mts.net
Subject: Rustic Bunting - Last dateFrom: Brenda Schmidt <vinny AT sasktel.net> Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:51:52 -0600 The Rustic Bunting was last seen on February 22. The juncos are gone as well. Everyone who made the trip to see the bird was successful. It was a pleasure to meet everyone. Happy birding! Harvey & Brenda Schmidt Creighton, SK |