Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from South Dakota Birds > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Wednesday, November 4 at 09:40 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Smith:s Longspur,©Barry Kent Mackay

4 Nov Person wants a peacock - needs help. [Nancy Hilding ] 4 Nov Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 11/3/2009 [] 3 Nov state birding maps ["mick" ] 3 Nov PENNINGTON CTY.: CANYON LAKE ["Jocelyn Baker" ] 2 Nov red-bellied woodpecker in Hamlin Co. [David Graham ] 2 Nov Duck Migration map [douglas chapman ] 2 Nov Fw: [ND-BIRDS] Red-bellied Woodpecker (Stutsman Co.) [] 2 Nov SDOU Fall Meeting - ["Jensen, Kent" ] 2 Nov Krider's & Rough-legged Hawks ["Gary & Cindy Olson" ] 2 Nov Sandhill Cranes [Nancy Dunn ] 1 Nov siskins and a surprise [cbstafford ] 1 Nov N of Belle Fourche ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 1 Nov Birding in California [Richard Latuchie ] 31 Oct halloween ["mick" ] 31 Oct NHBC Meeting November 5 ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 30 Oct Whitewood Report ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 30 Oct Snowstorm Birds ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 29 Oct member removed ["Addison Ball" ] 29 Oct The COMEDY OF THE WEEK Invite You !! ["aymanblogger" ] 28 Oct Whitewood Report ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 28 Oct Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 10/27/2009 [] 27 Oct Richarsonii & Maxima [douglas chapman ] 27 Oct Fwd: American Dipper Neg. 90-Day Finding [Nancy Hilding ] 27 Oct gt grackles ["mick" ] 27 Oct Prairie Research Funding Opportunity [] 27 Oct December 09 Bird Notes deadline [douglas chapman ] 26 Oct Trumpeter swans-Brookings County ["sdredstone" ] 26 Oct Trip to IA for Smith's Longspur [douglas chapman ] 26 Oct Raven in Rapid City ["dougback" ] 25 Oct McCook Cty.: GREAT EGRET ["Jocelyn Baker" ] 25 Oct Harris's Sparrow, Pennington [Richard Latuchie ] 25 Oct Black-and-white Warbler [Bill Bossman ] 25 Oct Purple Finch ["Doug Backlund" ] 25 Oct Sunday Birding Minnehaha Co [douglas chapman ] 25 Oct Smith's Longspur Trip [douglas chapman ] 25 Oct Winter Wren [KENNY MILLER ] 24 Oct NHBC Field Trip Report 10-24-09 ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 24 Oct Cattle egret? [Elizabeth Krueger ] 24 Oct Sparrows ["mick" ] 23 Oct Northern Shrike [Bill Bossman ] 22 Oct Late Oct Brookings County outing ["Jensen, Kent" ] 22 Oct Winter Wrens ["Doug Backlund" ] 22 Oct CBC Dates ["Palmer, Jeff" ] 22 Oct www.northern.edu addresses ["dan&erika" ] 21 Oct Bear Butte Lake and area ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 21 Oct More Hermit Thrush ["Doug Backlund" ] 21 Oct Whitewood Sightings ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 21 Oct Meade County Long-tailed Duck [Jennifer Fowler ] 21 Oct Sparrows in the cold, cold rain [douglas chapman ] 21 Oct Tuesday ["mick" ] 20 Oct Re: SDOU meeting in Pierre [douglas chapman ] 20 Oct SDOU meeting in Pierre [douglas chapman ] 20 Oct Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 10/20/2009 [] 20 Oct Fwd: [ia-bird] Re: Please Help Me [douglas chapman ] 19 Oct Piedmont CBC -- Monday, 12/21/2009 ["Addison Ball" ] 19 Oct Rusty's ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 19 Oct Surf Scoter, Pennington Cnty. [Richard Latuchie ] 19 Oct Whitewood Report ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 18 Oct Hermit Thrush and Pierre bird feeders ["Doug Backlund" ] 18 Oct Surf Scoter, Pennington [Richard Latuchie ] 18 Oct NHBC Field Trip 10-24 ["Vic/Donna Fondy" ] 18 Oct siskins back 44N 103W Pennington Co. [cbstafford ] 17 Oct RFI: Nelson's & Le Conte's Sparrows [Nathan Pieplow ] 15 Oct Farm Island State Rec. Area banding [] 15 Oct Sabine's ["Ricky D. Olson" ] 15 Oct RE: swallows ["Jensen, Kent" ] 15 Oct Re: sparrows & ducks [douglas chapman ] 15 Oct Rough-legged Hawk [Bill Bossman ] 14 Oct Re: sparrows & ducks [douglas chapman ] 14 Oct siskins [Richard Latuchie ] 14 Oct sparrows & ducks [douglas chapman ] 14 Oct Brookings Co. Birds - Fall Sparrows ["Jensen, Kent" ] 14 Oct RE: "nelda scam" ["Stevan Hawkins" ] 14 Oct Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 10/14/2009 [] 14 Oct feeder report [David Graham ] 14 Oct PENNINGTON CTY.: CANYON LAKE, RAPID CITY ["Jocelyn Baker" ] Subject: Person wants a peacock - needs help. From: Nancy Hilding <nhilshat AT rapidnet.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:39:50 -0700 Nancy to others, I forward this request for a peacock, I have no idea where you get peacocks. >From: "Cox, Pamela J." >To: "phas.wsd AT rapidnet.com" >Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:44:11 -0700 >Subject: Question, please? > >Hello, >I am looking for a friend for my full grown peacock, he recently >lost his mate. I was wondering if you knew of anyone who had >peacocks in the area, that might be interested in parting with one >or two. >Thank you, I would appreciate any help you can give me. > >Pam > >Pamela J Cox >IAS Secretary >501 E St Joseph >Rapid City SD 57701 >ph 605-394-2291 >fax 605-394-6061 >pamela.cox AT sdsmt.edu > -- Nancy Hilding 6300 West Elm Black Hawk, SD 57718 605-787-6466 phone and fax and voice mail and internet hook up 605-787-6779 alternate phone I have call waiting and "no answer" may mean both lines in use (call before faxing) nhilshat AT rapidnet.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 11/3/2009 From: William_Schultze AT fws.gov Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 10:12:47 -0600 Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 11/3/2009 Canada Geese - 800 Snow Geese - 20,000 Ducks - 38,000 Swans - 300 More ducks and snow geese moved into Sand Lake and the area over the past weekend. Snow geese are being seen regularly on the refuge and in the area. Several thousand have been reported in the Scatterwood Lakes area and in the area south of Groton. Mallard numbers have increased significantly on the refuge. The tundra swans on the refuge are near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. There are also many swans using wetlands throughout northern Brown County. Farmers are continuing with the soybean harvest, and a few small fields of corn have also been harvested in the area. Good waterfowl numbers are still being seen throughout northern Brown County, with the excellent wetland conditions. Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 10/27/2009 Canada Geese - 1000 Snow Geese - 1200 Ducks - 20,000 Swans - 500 Waterfowl numbers on the refuge remained relatively stable from last week. The first snow geese were observed on the refuge on Monday, and white-fronted geese were seen migrating. More lesser scaup have moved into the refuge during the week. Most of the swans on the refuge are in the same areas as last week, which was near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. Some soybeans and a few small fields of corn have been harvested in the area during the last couple of days, but there are still alot of standing crops in the fields. Good waterfowl numbers are still being seen throughout northern Brown County, with the excellent wetland conditions. Bill Schultze Wildlife Biologist Sand Lake NWR 39650 Sand Lake Dr. Columbia, SD 57433 (605)885-6320 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: state birding maps From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:50:59 -0600 Some of our members might be newer and have not used the SDOU website reporting/mapping tool. Jeff Palmer and his staff have done a great job in making the site user friendly. Go to the SDOU website, ( sdou.org/ ) and click on each of the following in order: a.. SEASONAL REPORTING b.. SEASONAL OBSERVATION REPORT SYSTEM c.. PUBLIC ENTRY d.. CREATE A MAP e.. DATE RANGE AND WHATEVER MONTHS YOU WANT f.. ALL OBSERVERS, or if you are an observer and want to check your personal maps, click on your name only. g.. (Note: if you feel you are a competent birder, you should consider becoming an observer, it is free. easy and fun.Go back to the page with the PUBLIC ENTRY on it, and go to the right and click on Observer Entry. Click on the Click Here, and follow the directions.) h.. SELECT THE SINGLE SPECIES YOU WANT i.. VIEW THE MAP j.. When on the map, you can use the color key on the right, or better yet, hold the curser over a county for a few seconds and it will tell you the county name, sightings, and sightings per year. If you are only looking at one year, of course the number of sightings and per year number will be the same. k.. You can print or save a map to your computer. On the national level, you can also put your state or other sightings on e-bird. Go to http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ Have fun Mick SFBC [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: PENNINGTON CTY.: CANYON LAKE From: "Jocelyn Baker" <osprey AT hills.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:50:49 -0700 Common Goldeneyes (4) along with a Cackling Goose, Hooded Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks and Redheads were among the waterfowl species at Canyon Lake, Rapid City this morning, November 3. Yesterday, November 2, a Greater White-fronted Goose was present at New Wall Lake. And, on October 31, several Greater Scaup were observed at Bear Butte Lake in Meade County. Jocie Baker JOCELYN LEE BAKER RAPID CITY, S.D. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: red-bellied woodpecker in Hamlin Co. From: David Graham <uuglypher AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:35:38 -0600 For the past week (since Oct 26) we have had a female red-bellied woodpecker visiting our suet feeders 5x / day or more. This is the first time sunce we moved in and started feeding in June of 2000 that a red-bellied has made an appearance at our feeders. ...and we've never been visited by a red-breasted nuthatch. Would anyone care to opine if either of these observations - positive for the RBWP and negative for RBNH - are unusual for Hamlin County? Dave Graham 3 mi. west, 1 mi. south from Estelline -- "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." John Muir [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Duck Migration map From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:10:14 -0600 Ducks Unlimited has posted their duck migration map if anyone would like to check it. http://www.ducks.org/migrationmap/?poe=migrationHQ Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Fw: [ND-BIRDS] Red-bellied Woodpecker (Stutsman Co.) From: laura_hubers AT fws.gov Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:03:59 -0600 We have a red-bellied woodpecker and red-breasted nuthatches at our feeder this morning - both have been pretty scarce the last few years that I can recall. Laura Hubers Wildlife Biologist Waubay National Wildlife Refuge 44401 134 A St Waubay SD 57273 605 947-4521 ----- Forwarded by Laura Hubers/R6/FWS/DOI on 11/02/2009 11:57 AM ----- Lawrence D Igl Sent by: Birding Discussion List for North Dakota 11/02/2009 11:44 AM Please respond to Lawrence D Igl To ND-BIRDS AT LISTSERV.NODAK.EDU cc Subject [ND-BIRDS] Red-bellied Woodpecker (Stutsman Co.) Hal Kantrud reported that he had a female Red-bellied Woodpecker at his feeders (southeast of Jamestown, Stutsman Co.) on 1 November. Reports of redbellies at feeders in Stutsman Co. have been largely non-existent during the past couple of years. ************************************************************** Lawrence D. Igl, Ecologist U.S.G.S. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 8711 37th Street SE Jamestown, North Dakota 58401-7317 Phone: 701-253-5511 Fax: 701-253-5553 E-mail: ligl AT usgs.gov Internet: www.npwrc.usgs.gov ************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: SDOU Fall Meeting - From: "Jensen, Kent" <kent.jensen AT sdstate.edu> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:54:45 -0600 Call for Papers South Dakota Ornithologists' Union Fall Meeting and Paper Session November 20 -22, 2009 Ramkota Convention Center, Pierre, SD The Fall 2009 South Dakota Ornithologists Union meeting will be held from 20 - 22 November, 2009, in Pierre, SD. Presentations are needed for paper sessions which will be held on Saturday, November 21st. . Any type of presentation involving bird study or research is welcome (about 20 - 25 minutes with time for questions). Please contact K.C. Jensen with the title of your presentation. A digital projector and/or slide projector will be available. Contact : Kent C. Jensen (605) 688-4781 kent.jensen AT sdstate.edu Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences NPB 138, Box 2140B South Dakota State University Brookings, S.D. 57007 K. C. Jensen, Ph.D. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences SPB 138D, Box 2140B South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007 (605)688-4781 (office) (605)690-6104 (cell) (605)688-4515 (FAX) wfs.sdstate.edu/wfsdept/faculty/kcjensen.htm 100% of the shots you don't take don't go in - Wayne Gretzky [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Krider's & Rough-legged Hawks From: "Gary & Cindy Olson" <olsonfam AT nvc.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:54:50 -0600 Beautiful day yesterday with time to go birding. Went up to Sand Lake and western part of Marshall Co. found the following: Tundra Swans 100 plus Snow Geese one small flock flying overhead Canada Geese many many ducks, Mallards, Pintails Scaup, Shovlers, Bufflehead one Hooded Merganser and one Common Goldeneye Rough-legged Hawks several, first of the season many Red-tailed Hawks with one beautiful Kriders sitting in the ditch eating his lunch about a mile west of Houghton on Highway 10. He was more interested in eating then me watching him. Even when someone drove by and blew their horn he still stayed put. In Marshall Co. the slough south of Amherst was a little quiet but did have a late Snowy Egret and 8 late Western Grebes, plus a small group of perhaps a dozen Snow Buntings along the highway, FOS. Gary Olson Aberdeen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sandhill Cranes From: Nancy Dunn <dunn3 AT svtv.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 06:22:27 -0600 I stepped out of my house this morning and heard a small flock of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead, This is the first time I have heard or seen them around are house. We have lived out here for over 15 years. There is small flocks in eastern South Dakota and Minnesota I have come across at times. Pat Dunn 10 miles east of Dell Rapids South Dakota Subject: siskins and a surprise From: cbstafford <turkeyfeathrs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:17:37 -0800 (PST) Anticipating the start of Feederwatch 2009 in less than 2 weeks, I did some preliminary watching, just to see if things are placed well for good observations. The usual winter crowd was around busily browsing. There has been a flock of pine siskins  here the past week or so, at one point this afternoon they numbered between 25-30, largest group I have ever seen here at the house. There may have been several goldfinches with them, there was much scrapping and flitting around. On Wednesday, Good Neighbor Dan, who shares our back lot line, sent me an email with photo he had taken from their back porch. Traipsing across my back yard was a cock pheasant! He is surely an escapee from some hunting concern, I've had grouse and bobwhite as occasional feeder patrons, but this is the first pheasant. He showed up again this morning, picking up spilled sunflower seeds. It remains to be seen whether he sticks around, fun to have him visit regardless.Caroline Stafford [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: N of Belle Fourche From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 14:04:39 -0700 We took advantage of the nice Saturday and birded Whitewood Valley-Nisland-old 85 and back to Belle Fourche looking for winter arrivals such as Snowy Owls, large numbers of Rough-legged Hawks, Snow Buntings, etc. We had 2 Lewis' Woodpeckers at the silo area on Whitewood Valley Road plus an immature Red-headed Woodpecker. This is the exact same area where an adult Red-headed Woodpecker stayed for part of last winter. In the Arpan area we found 10 Gray Partridge and a Prairie Falcon attempting to snag one of them. The only winter arrivals on about 15 miles of old 85 were two Rough-legged Hawks. We walked to the Battle Creek Wetlands pond which had only a few Buffleheads. Other sightings for the trip included 4 Golden Eagles, 2 American Kestrel, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, and 3 Bald Eagles (along 85 N of Belle Fourche). Only 26 species, but still a nice day. Vic/Donna Fondy Whitewood, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Birding in California From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 10:43:33 -0700 I was fortunate enough to have a business meeting to attend in Indian Wells, Ca., near Palm Springs, last week. I had several hours free on the day I arrived and drove on the Palms to Pines Highway as far as Hemet Lake, making several stops along the way. At my first stop, I had some excellent views of Western Scrub-Jay. Then at a stop along the road, I saw many Western Bluebirds, and a couple of Acorn Woodpeckers. At Hemet Lake, I found California Quail, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Pygmy Nuthatch, and lots of White-crowned Sparrows. Last Friday, I spent the day around the southeastern edge of the Salton Sea, and the Imperial Valley. At 228 feet below sea level, the Salton Sea is a result of flooding from the Colorado River, and is fed by agricultural run-off. With no natural drainage, the water has higer salinity than the Pacific Ocean. The area is a mixture of enourmous agricultural fields, some heavy industry, and with a receding waterline, the area is not very attractive. But the birds love it, and it is a great place to bird year-round, although it can be brutally hot in the summer. We had a great day. Temps started in the high 40s, and peaked in the high 70s. I arranged to spend the day with Henry Detwiler, of Southwester Birders, who really knows the area, and had worked up a rough itinerary. We met in Calipatria before dawn, and parted ways after sunset. Definately the most productive birding day I've ever experienced. It's hard to describe just how amazing the birding can be in this area. Variety and sheer numbers. We saw literally thousands of Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets, Snow Geese, Long-billed Curlews, White-faced Ibis, assorted waterfowl. I guess the bird of the day was a single Yellow-footed Gull, although I was lucky enough to see other local specialties like Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Vermillion Flycatcher, Gila Woodpecker , Abert's Towhee, Phainopepla, Gambell's Quail, and Verdin. We were able to see both Sora and Virginia Rail (at the same time), and also heard Clapper Rail, although we never saw it. We saw a group of maybe 150 Sandhills, and a mixed flock of Snow and Ross's Geese that numbered around 4000. Other highlights for me included seeing half a dozen Greater Roadrunners, three Peregrin Falcons, my first Cactus Wrens, and a Brewer's Sparrow, and a White-throated Sparrow, which was apparently reportable in the area. During the day, we saw 109 species For the trip, I saw 120 species, including 24 life birds, and 31 year birds. An amazing place, that I'd highly recommend. Dick Latuchie Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: halloween From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:25:17 -0500 Filled the feeders at Perry Nature Park today. Birds seen were a flock of Cedar Waxwings, Robins, RB Woodpeckers, Juncos, and Goldfinch. The Waxwings were half adults and half juveniles. See photo of each. On Halloween, which birds are symbols of this holiday? Night birds, such as Owls, and Ravens (crows in our territory). While I was busy carving pumpkins on my deck at about 5 o'clock, I heard a ruckus of cawing to the east. It got louder and louder. I assumed the neighborhood crows were fussing over a Halloween tidbit that my neighbor always puts out for them (he loves crows), but as it got louder, I recognized the familiar caw of Owl Alert!, Owl Alert! Suddenly, right over my head, a murder of about 50 crows were flying in a tight circle formation with a large GH Owl in the middle. The owl landed in a neighbor's tree for about a minute, then zoomed off with the murder following. A nice show for Halloween. Happy Halloween Mick SFBC http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/4062936778_a4ab913bfa.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/4062936776_6d3328fa39.jpg [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NHBC Meeting November 5 From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:44:45 -0600 The Northern Hills Bird Club (NHBC) will meet on Thursday, November 5, at 7:00 PM at the Sturgis City Library. THIS IS A CHANGE OF MEETING LOCATION. The Sturgis City Library is located at 1040 2nd Street and also has an accessible entrance on Sherman Street which is one block South of Main Street. Topics for the meeting will include a review of October field trips, planning for the November 14 field trip, review of the Lawrence County Checklist, and election of officers. Bob Druckrey of Rapid City will present the program "Birding in Florida." Refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome. Vic Fondy-NHBC 605-269-2553. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Whitewood Report From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:40:36 -0600 We had 10 Northern Bobwhite at our feeders south of Whitewood this afternoon. First time we have ever seen Bobwhite here and also our only West River sighting. Vic/Donna Fondy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Snowstorm Birds From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:36:30 -0600 The snowstorm brought 8-10 inches of snow at our home South of Whitewood and a pair of female Cassin's Finch. We have not had this species since January of 2009 at our feeders. The Brown Creeper was also seen along with 20-30 Evening Grosbeaks and our other usual feeder birds. Vic/Donna Fondy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: member removed From: "Addison Ball" <AddisonB AT enetis.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:23:50 -0600 Folks -- The sd-birds member who posted "The COMEDY OF THE WEEK Invite You !!" has been removed from sd-birds and his post has been deleted from the sd-birds on-line archive.. Addison Ball Subject: The COMEDY OF THE WEEK Invite You !! From: "aymanblogger" <aymanmo60 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:03:17 -0000 The COMEDY OF THE WEEK Invite You !! ***************************************************** Hi all, COMEDY OF THE WEEK invite you to watch funny bird diva You can watch !! 1. COMEDY OF THE WEEK (bird diva) 1. EVENTS OF THE WEEK (Sad polar bear gets new home) 1. SPORTS OF THE WEEK (Sad polar bear gets new home) 1. POLITICS OF THE WEEK (Button celebrates F1) 1. MOBILE OF THE WEEK (Mobile fuel !!) 1. WEEKLY DOWNLOAD ( Download Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0 ) ******************************************************* Best and Deep Regards, Weekly Download editor http://www.weekly-download.blogspot.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Whitewood Report From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:39:56 -0600 More birds have arrived at our feeders including Pine Siskin on 10/26 and American Goldfinch on 10/27. We have had one Gray Catbird coming to the feeder 10/23 thru 10/27. Today's snowstorm brought in 20 Evening Grosbeaks, 10 House Finches, 1 FOS Townsend's Solitaire, and one Sharp-shinned Hawk plus our regular feeder birds. Vic/Donna Fondy-Whitewood, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 10/27/2009 From: William_Schultze AT fws.gov Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:36:54 -0500 Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 10/27/2009 Canada Geese - 1000 Snow Geese - 1200 Ducks - 20,000 Swans - 500 Waterfowl numbers on the refuge remained relatively stable from last week. The first snow geese were observed on the refuge on Monday, and white-fronted geese were seen migrating. More lesser scaup have moved into the refuge during the week. Most of the swans on the refuge are in the same areas as last week, which was near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. Some soybeans and a few small fields of corn have been harvested in the area during the last couple of days, but there are still alot of standing crops in the fields. Good waterfowl numbers are still being seen throughout northern Brown County, with the excellent wetland conditions. Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 10/20/2009 Canada Geese - 1000 Snow Geese - 0 Ducks - 20,000 Swans - 530 Waterfowl numbers on the refuge actually dropped a little from last week, although waterfowl numbers in the area around the refuge are excellent. Northern Brown County continues to be extremely wet. Shovelers, gadwalls, ruddy ducks and lesser scaup make up most of the ducks currently on the refuge. Most of the swans on the refuge are near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. A few soybean fields were harvested in the area over the weekend, but the majority of crops are still in the field. Bill Schultze Wildlife Biologist Sand Lake NWR 39650 Sand Lake Dr. Columbia, SD 57433 (605)885-6320 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Richarsonii & Maxima From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:50:06 -0500 Hi, At 6:30 while driving down 41st St. in SIoux Falls I saw a flock of 10 Giant Canada Geese (maxima) and 15 Cackling Geese (richarsonii). After seeing the "real" Cackling geese in Washington state 2 weeks ago, I think I'll just call them by the trinomials. I don't understand this grouping yet. I admit it freely. Maybe a paper in Pierre? Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Fwd: American Dipper Neg. 90-Day Finding From: Nancy Hilding <nhilshat AT rapidnet.com> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:09:33 -0600 Nancy Hilding to list serves, In 2008 various organizations petitioned to have the Black Hills population of dippers listed as distinct population segment that is threatened and endangered . I forward as an attached doc (pdf) the USFWS denial (90 day finding) of various environmental organization's 2008 petition to list the Black Hills Population of American Dipper as threatened or endangered - as a distinct vertebrate population segment. Summary of USFWS opinion The USFWS agrees that the BH dipper population is discreet (isolated) , but the opinion denies us on biological and ecological significance of the discreet population in relation to rest of the taxon, It thinks none of the four significance points have yet to be proven : 1. It does not think BH streams are shown to be ecologically unique 2. It does not think loss of BH dippers has been shown to create a significant gap in the range, (argues there are too few birds and not east-most population) 3. It does not think BH population is a natural population juxtaposed to a reintroduced population, 4. It does not think that BHSU research on BH dipper genetics, which juxtaposes genetic differences found in BH dipper population to genetics of 6 other populations of dippers, provides enough whole taxon genetic data to compare with yet. The USFWS does not render an opinion on the threat to BH dippers or critical habitat, as it has not yet agreed that significance to taxon has been proven by petitioners. USFWS will continue to monitor the American dipper's population status and trends and threats to it in the Black Hills and encourages folks to gather more data on dippers and submit it to them. For a copy of the 2008 petition for the BH Dipper contact: Duane Short Wild Species Program Director Biodiversity Conservation Alliance P.O. Box 1512 Laramie, Wyoming 82073 307.742.7978 Phone 307.742.7989 Fax duane AT voiceforthewild.org www.voiceforthewild.org -- Nancy Hilding 6300 West Elm Black Hawk, SD 57718 605-787-6466 phone and fax and voice mail and internet hook up, (call before faxing) 605-787-6779 alternate phone I have call waiting and "no answer" may mean the line is in use cell phone - 605-430-9230, I do not check cell phone messages daily, nhilshat AT rapidnet.com nhilding AT rapidnet.com phas.wsd AT rapidnet.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: gt grackles From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:04:15 -0500 With the unusual sightings of over a hundred GT Grackles at Atkins WPA at Tea, I went out to the Dewey Gevik Blind, and saw another 70 or so Great-tails in the trees and reeds. We have been keeping an eye open all summer for breeding GTG's, but saw none in the SF area, except for a lone male 2 miles west of Dewey. The mystery is where these hundreds of GT's are breeding. See some in the photo below: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/4050532153_d0539f8bc2_o.jpg Mick SFBC [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Prairie Research Funding Opportunity From: <eileen.dowdstukel AT state.sd.us> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:36:39 -0500 FUNDING FOR PRAIRIE RESEARCH offered by Prairie Biotic Research, Inc. We Are Prairie Biotic Research (PBR), Inc. is a Wisconsin nonprofit established in 2000 to foster biotic research in prairies. One way we do this is through a Small Grants Program that funds grants up to $1000 to individuals for the study of any grassland taxon in the USA. We support both natural history and experimental science. We are especially eager to support independent researchers (those lacking institutional support), but anyone may apply. Since 2002, we've awarded 82 grants worth $77,591 to people in 21 states to study insects, plants, mammals, reptiles, slime molds, mycorrhizal fungi, spiders, snails, amphibians, invasive species, and effects of management. Many of these grants supported graduate student research. In 2010, we expect to fund at least 10 grants of up to $1000 each with the donations we have received, including some restricted by donors to support research in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and in Missouri, where research on Missouri Prairie Foundation properties is of special interest. To Apply for a Grant Contact Andrew Williams by email at prairiebioticresearch AT gmail.com for our proposal form with instructions, a two-part historic summary of our Small Grants Program, and a sample researcher agreement form that winners of this competition must sign. We must receive your proposal through the mail before January 9, 2010. Those who won PBR Small Grants Program funding in 2009 are ineligible for this funding in 2010. Our Supporters We are grateful for gifts recently received from individuals, businesses, foundations and non-profit organizations in support of our Small Grants Program: BioLogic Environmental Consulting, LLC; Andria Blattner; Stephen & Nancy Bloom; Kurt Christoffel; Citizens Natural Resources Association of Wisconsin; Conservation and Research Foundation; Robert & Nancy Dott; Hildy Feen; Tamara Felden; Catherine Gimse-Owen & Robert Owen; Don & Helen Hagar; MJ Hatfield; George & Marilyn Johnson; Kyle Johnson; Herbert H. Kohl Charities, Inc.; Roma Lenehan; The Reva and David Logan Foundation; The Fred Maytag Family Foundation; Merganser Fund; Midwest Prairies, LLC; Missouri Prairie Foundation; The R. D. and Linda Peters Foundation; Ursula Petersen; Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation; Jim & Rose Sime; Glenn Teschendorf; Elaine & Richard Tinberg; Tom & Eva Wedel; Andrew Williams; and Willow Springs Foundation. Become A Supporter! Please make a donation to support PBR and our Small Grants Program. Any amount is welcome. PBR is volunteer-run so our overhead is very low. You may specify that your entire tax-deductible donation be given to researchers through our Small Grants Program, or to expand our research endowment that produces income we give away annually through this program. Please help us to help others! THANK YOU !! Michael Anderson, Craig Brabant, Rebecca Christoffel, Jaime Edwards, Brick Fevold, Kerry Katovich, Douglas LeDoux, Victoria Nuzzo, Ursula Petersen, Dennis Schlicht, Scott Swengel, David Voegtlin, Andrew Williams, and Daniel Young the Board and Scientific Advisors of Prairie Biotic Research, Inc. "We Foster Curiosity" Subject: December 09 Bird Notes deadline From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:37:38 -0500 To SDOU Members, This is a reminder that The Bird Notes deadline for the December issue is November 15. Please have all materials in by that date. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Trumpeter swans-Brookings County From: "sdredstone" <sdredstone AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:00:39 -0000 There are four trumpeters in eastern Brokings County on a private slough. They have been there since this past weekend. Subject: Trip to IA for Smith's Longspur From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:35:04 -0500 Hello Birders, Thanks to Tucker L., Paul R. and Bill H. for all the guiding today. The South Dakota contingent got 40-50 Smith's Longspurs in Luton NWR and more Laplands than that. Also in the area--Northern Goshawk, American Pipit, Savannah Sparrows and a Wilson's Snipe. Smith's were a life bird for one SDOU member, so a good day for us. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was seen 10 minutes before we arrived at ca. 10:45 AM and had not been since when we left at about 1 PM. Thanks again. (We saw 51 Red-tailed Hawks in SD/IA between Sioux Falls and Luton.) Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Raven in Rapid City From: "dougback" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:43:20 -0000 I had a report today of raven seen on the lawn of the church across from Canyon Lake in Rapid City. The observer said there were crows there, too, for size comparison. Doug Backlund Pierre, SD Subject: McCook Cty.: GREAT EGRET From: "Jocelyn Baker" <osprey AT hills.net> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:24:10 -0600 A Great Egret was observed late this afternoon in McCook County, along I90 near MM# 368, about 30 miles east of Mitchell. Jocelyn Baker JOCELYN LEE BAKER RAPID CITY, S.D. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Harris's Sparrow, Pennington From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:23:49 -0600 I had a single 1st winter Harris's Sparrow at our feeders today, along with many Juncos (Oregon and Slate Colored). Dick Latuchie Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Black-and-white Warbler From: Bill Bossman <billbossman50 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:51:12 -0500 Yesterday afternoon my wife saw a bird on our deck in Pierre. She told me it was a "tiny, little black and white bird." I quizzed her as to whether it was a Black-capped Chickadee or a Dark-eyed Junco. She advised me that she knew chickadees and juncos, and the bird she saw was neither. She said the bird was black and white in a sort of herring bone pattern. When I conjectured that it could have been a Downy Woodpecker, she let me know that she knows Downy Woodpeckers, and that it definitely was not a Downy Woodpecker! So... when I showed her a photo of a Black-and white Warbler, she said, "That's it! That's the bird I saw on our deck! I was just three feet away from it." According to Birds of South Dakota, the latest Black-and white Warbler was October 25th. My wife saw hers on the 24th. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Purple Finch From: "Doug Backlund" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:16:12 -0500 There was single female Purple Finch on Farm Island today. There are a couple of Fox Sparrows hanging around the gate at the entrance to the hiking trail. The Purple Finch was about a ¼ mile down the trail. Good numbers of Golden-crowned Kinglets are being seen too. The bird feeding stations at Farm Island and the Izaak Walton Club are up and full of food. Birds (and squirrels) are already using them. Doug Backlund Pierre, SD www.wildphotosphotography.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sunday Birding Minnehaha Co From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:06:19 -0500 Hi All, Todd Jensen and I spent a few hours today birding Minnehaha County-- mostly west of Sioux Falls. Few birds found. And the near total lack of any waterfowl--besides coot--was very strange. We saw a few shoveler and a pair of scaup plus a gadwall or 2. But we saw the FOS Snow Buntings, 5 on the road at Weisensee Slough (lake) and the FOS Am. Tree Sparrows, 3 near the river east of town. Also, near Tea, after seeing no Great-tailed Grackle at Atkins all year, there was a flock of 150 of them at a farm NW of the entrance to Atkins. Wonder where they are breeding--it's not Atkins. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Smith's Longspur Trip From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:40:46 -0500 Hi, Tucker Lutter, our SDOU Bird Notes Youth Editor, found a flock of Smith's Longspur in or near the same field(s) they were found last year near Luton, Iowa. Mick Zerr and I are going down tomorrow as Tucker has graciously agreed to take us there. Let me know tonight if anyone wants to go down. I have 2 places left in the car. He also found a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and a Northern Shrike. There are pictures. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Winter Wren From: KENNY MILLER <littlebend AT q.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:47:02 +0000 If I ever needed proof that a bird can show up anywhere in migration I got it today. Had a winter wren in a patch of sagebrush amidst the western wheat grass at Little Bend in Sully County. Also had six tundra swans at Stone Lake and 600+ sandhill cranes on the ground southeast of Cottonwood Lake. Kenny Miller Pierre [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NHBC Field Trip Report 10-24-09 From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:59:46 -0600 Twelve members/guests of the Northern Hills Bird Club (NHBC) birded the Bear Butte Lake area, backroads to Vale, West of Newell, and Whitewood Valley Road on the field trip of October 24, 2009. Weather was good, but windy. Forty-nine species were observed. Bird of the day was a single CATTLE EGRET two miles South of Newell along Highway 79. Ten species of ducks were recorded, but the Long-tailed Duck seen midweek had moved on. Grebes included Western, Pied-billed, and Horned. Raptor sightings were Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, and American Kestrel. Shorebirds were limited to Greater Yellowlegs and Long-billed Dowitchers. Gulls included Ring-billed, Franklin, and Bonaparte's. One huge flock of Horned Larks was seen along old highway 79 and a few Lapland Longspurs were in the flock. Other sightings of interest included a small flock of Mountain Bluebirds North of Nisland, 3 Northern Shrikes, one large flock of Canada Goose, 3 flocks of Sharp-tailed Grouse, one flock of Gray Partridge, and one Lewis' Woodpecker. Lunch was at the Vale Cafe. Vic Fondy-NHBC [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Cattle egret? From: Elizabeth Krueger <ekrueger AT rushmore.com> Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:32:22 -0600 Today we saw what appeared to be a cattle egret, hanging out with cattle, in Butte County just south of Newell. http://www.gdik.com/cattle_egret.htm Elizabeth Krueger Spearfish, SD Subject: Sparrows From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:39:38 -0500 Another gloomy, rainy day. At the Perry Nature Park Feeders, dozens of RC Kinglets, Robins and Juncos, plus Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. The last couple of cloudy days at the SF feeders, the following have shown up: White-throated Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Harris' Sparrow Fox Sparrow (see photo) Plus the usual herd of Juncos, House Sparrows and Finches, Goldfinch, Downy, Hairy, and RB Woodpeckers, RB and WB Nuthatches, Starlings, Robins, Cardinals and Chickadees. Starting to see the conjunctivitis in the House Finch eyes again. http://www.flickr.com/photos/siouxfalls/4040540406/in/set-72157594553766204/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/siouxfalls/4040606110/ Mick SFBC [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Northern Shrike From: Bill Bossman <billbossman50 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:10:16 -0500 I saw my first Northern Shrike of the season this evening in Charles Mix County, between the town of Platte and the Missouri River. I watched it capture and eat a large insect. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Late Oct Brookings County outing From: "Jensen, Kent" <kent.jensen AT sdstate.edu> Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:56:16 -0500 A couple of students and I went on an afternoon birding tour around Brookings Co. - hitting a few WPA's and the Oakwood GPA and State Park (and my house for feeder birds). Franklin's Gull 2500+ Ring-billed Gull 20 Am. White Pelican 12 D.C. Cormorant 3 Pied-billed grebe 7 RN Pheasant 4 Wild Turkey 17 Canada Goose 50+ Mallard 55 Gadwall 300+ A. Wigeon 25 N. Pintail 12 N. Shoveler 20 B.W. Teal 15 G.W. Teal 2 Redhead 9 Ring-necked Duck 8 Greater Scaup 2 Lesser Scaup 50+ Am Coot. 100+ Red-tailed Hawk 7 (one very light color phase, and 2 nearly black) Am Kestrel 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Downy Woodpecker 3 (feeder) Hairy Woodpecker 1 N. Flicker 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 (feeder) Red-headed Woodpecker 1 Belted Kingfisher 2 WB Nuthatch 2 (feeder) Am. Crow 50+ GC Kinglet 3 RC Kinglet 15 + Cedar waxwing 100+ Am. Robin 100+ Yellow-rumped Warbler 5 Dark-eyed Junco 50+ (feeder) Vesper Sparrow 1 Savannah Sparrow 30+ Song Sparrow 5 Fox Sparrow 2 (feeder) White-throated Sparrow 4 (feeder) White-crowned Sparrow 2 (feeder) Harris's Sparrow 8 (feeder) A. Goldfinch 10+ (feeder) House Finch 4 N. Cardinal 1 K. C. Jensen, Ph.D. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences SPB 138D, Box 2140B South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007 (605)688-4781 (office) (605)690-6104 (cell) (605)688-4515 (FAX) wfs.sdstate.edu/wfsdept/faculty/kcjensen.htm 100% of the shots you don't take don't go in - Wayne Gretzky ________________________________ . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Winter Wrens From: "Doug Backlund" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:38:41 -0500 This evening our walk on Farm Island didn't produce any Hermit Thrush, but we did see two Winter Wrens. Doug Backlund Pierre, SD www.wildphotosphotography.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: CBC Dates From: "Palmer, Jeff" <Jeff.Palmer AT dsu.edu> Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:54:53 -0500 CBC Compilers, If possible, please e-mail me with the date and contact information for your CBC this year so that I can update the CBC page on the SDOU web site. Jeffrey S. Palmer College of Arts & Sciences Dakota State University Madison, SD 57042 (605) 256-5190 jeff.palmer AT dsu.edu http://www.homepages.dsu.edu/palmer/ sola fide, sola gratia, sola scriptura [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: www.northern.edu addresses From: "dan&erika" <danerika AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:37:37 -0500 Hi All-- Most www.northern.edu addresses are in flux. I think most, for example the on-line Bird Notes, can be reached at: www3.northern.edu For example, the Bird Notes should be at http://www3.northern.edu/tallmand/sdbn Let me know if you continue to have trouble accessing the northern servers. (This is not a permanent change.) dan -- Dan or Erika Tallman Northfield, Minnesota http://danerika.googlepages.com/home http://picasaweb.google.com/danerika danerika AT gmail.com ".... the best shod travel with wet feet" "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes ...."--Thoreau [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bear Butte Lake and area From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:46:29 -0600 Jocie Baker called this morning with an impressive list from Bear Butte Lake and area, so we went over there. At Sturgis Lagoon we found the Long-tailed Duck, Bonaparte-Franklin and Ring-billed Gulls, plus Lesser Yellowlegs, and 1 American Avocet. Bear Butte Lake had FOS Clark and Western Grebe, Mallard-Gadwall-Bufflehead and Ruddy Ducks, lots of American Coots, some Pied-billed Grebe, and Great Blue Heron. There were Harris' and American Tree Sparrows along the walking trail. Just West of Bear Butte Lake we has our FOS Northern Shrike. Ft. Meade Reservoir had about the same ducks plus several Hooded Mergansers. While we were in the area there were 1000+ Sandhill Cranes flying and calling as they passed by overhead. Vic/Donna Fondy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: More Hermit Thrush From: "Doug Backlund" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:21:39 -0500 This evening we saw four Hermit Thrush on Farm Island. Still lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers out there, and large numbers of robins. Four American Avocets were on the sandbar island in front of the gazebo. Doug Backlund Pierre, SD www.wildphotosphotography.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Whitewood Sightings From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:50:45 -0600 The low weather and fog brought in a Gray Catbird, Harris' Sparrow, and 3 House Finches today at our home feeders South of Whitewood. On our walk to town we had a small mixed flock of Sparrows including Savannah, White-crowned, and Harris'. Vic/Donna Fondy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Meade County Long-tailed Duck From: Jennifer Fowler <waterfowlerlover AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:22:45 -0700 (PDT) Jocie Baker asked me to post that this morning, she had an adult male Long-tailed Duck.  It was in winter plumage.  The bird was in an area SE of Bear Butte Lake.  You can call her for more details on her cell:  430-9615 or e-mail at osprey AT hills.net and she will respond later today. ~Jen Fowler Pactola Lake Subject: Sparrows in the cold, cold rain From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:16:14 -0500 Hi, I went to the Tea area today to look for any sparrows I could find. I checked all the marshes in the Tea area that I could and found (most by walking [cold, wet, bedraggled afterwards!] Atkins Slough): LeConte's - 12 Nelson's - 3 Swamp - 21 Song - 9 Savannah - 16 Vesper - 3 Sedge Wren - 8 Marsh Wren - 1 There were many I could hear hunkered down in the wet vegetation, so many no IDed. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Tuesday From: "mick" <zerrm AT sio.midco.net> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:04:22 -0500 Today, right before sunset, the feeders in Sioux Falls got active. The following were seen, all in a busy feeding mode. White and Red Breasted Nuthatch, Downy and Hairy WP, Cardinals, dozens of Juncos, House Finches and House Sparrows, a Crow, Goldfinch, Chickadees, Robins, three White Throated Sparrows, and two new arrivals, a pair of Hermit Thrushes. See them on the video. http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/zerrmick/?action=view¤t=HermitThrushandWhiteThroatedSparrow.flv Mick SFBC [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: SDOU meeting in Pierre From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:20:31 -0500 I have a Rapidite who will bring a phone book to me. Thanks all. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD On Oct 20, 2009, at 3:29 PM, douglas chapman wrote: > Hi All, > > Does anyone coming to Pierre next month from Rapid City have an extra > Rapid City phone book? I like to have one here, but mine is a 2004 > model. Last years would do nicely. > > If you could reply that you have one, I can let others know not to > bring more. > > Dozens of RC phone directories in Pierre might be overkill ;-) > > Dates are November 20-22, 2009. > > Thanks much. > > Doug Chapman > Sioux Falls, SD > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: SDOU meeting in Pierre From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:29:08 -0500 Hi All, Does anyone coming to Pierre next month from Rapid City have an extra Rapid City phone book? I like to have one here, but mine is a 2004 model. Last years would do nicely. If you could reply that you have one, I can let others know not to bring more. Dozens of RC phone directories in Pierre might be overkill ;-) Dates are November 20-22, 2009. Thanks much. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 10/20/2009 From: William_Schultze AT fws.gov Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:52:59 -0500 Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 10/20/2009 Canada Geese - 1000 Snow Geese - 0 Ducks - 20,000 Swans - 530 Waterfowl numbers on the refuge actually dropped a little from last week, although waterfowl numbers in the area around the refuge are excellent. Northern Brown County continues to be extremely wet. Shovelers, gadwalls, ruddy ducks and lesser scaup make up most of the ducks currently on the refuge. Most of the swans on the refuge are near the south end and in an area about 1 mile south of State Highway 10. A few soybean fields were harvested in the area over the weekend, but the majority of crops are still in the field. Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 10/14/2009 Canada Geese - 1200 Snow Geese - 0 Ducks - 23,000 Swans - 130 Waterfowl numbers continue to increase, especially in the wetlands in the surrounding area. Northern Brown County is extremely wet and overall wetland conditions are excellent. Shovelers and gadwalls make up most of the ducks on the refuge, with small increases in mallards and pintails. Several small flocks of white-fronted geese were seen on the refuge yesterday. Most of the swans on the refuge are near the south end. Crop harvest in the area continues to be at a stand-still, due to the rain and snow we had during the past week. Bill Schultze Wildlife Biologist Sand Lake NWR 39650 Sand Lake Dr. Columbia, SD 57433 (605)885-6320 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fwd: [ia-bird] Re: Please Help Me From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:25:47 -0500 Birders, Iowa Birds List=serve was just hit with the London scam, too. They seem to have found a way in to them. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Begin forwarded message: > From: wewarb AT aol.com > Date: October 20, 2009 8:34:03 AM CDT > To: "IA-BIRD" > Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Please Help Me > Reply-To: wewarb AT aol.com > > I don't suppose I need to point this out to anyone, but I assume > there's about a 100% chance this is a scam. > > Bob Cecil > Des Moines > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Andrew Brumbaugh > To: andybbirder AT yahoo.com > Sent: Mon, Oct 19, 2009 2:56 pm > Subject: Please Help Me > > Am sorry i didn't inform you about my urgent trip to London, i don't > have much time on the PC here,so i have to brief you my present > situation which requires your urgent response actually, I had a trip > to London but unfortunately for me all my money got stolen at the > hotel where i lodged due to a robbery incident that happened in the > hotel.I had been so restless since last night because i have been > without any money moreover the Hotel's telephone lines here got > disconnected by the robbers and they are trying to get them fixed > back i have access to only emails at the library because my mobile > cant work here so i didn't bring it along,please i want you to help > me with money so please can you send me 850 Pounds or any amount you > can afford so when i return back i would refund it back to you as > soon as i get home,Am so confused right now and don't know what to > do, I had been to the embassy and they are currently looking into my > case,Please send the money through Western Union Money Transfer so i > will get it immediately its sent,i want you to please transfer the > money as soon as possible.Here is the details you need for the > transfer below, > > Receivers Names:Andrew Brumbaugh > Receivers Address: 328 Mile End Road > City- London > Country- UK > Zip Code- E1 4NS > > Please get back to me as soon as you have the money sent,once you > are done with the transfer just help me to scan a copy of the > receipt given to you by Western Union or help me to write out the > Money Transfer Control Number(MTCN) > > I will be waiting for your help. Thank you so much > > Best Regards > Andy Brumbaugh > > --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good > as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS > radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; > channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa > Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp > . ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: shannonfound AT sio.midco.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Piedmont CBC -- Monday, 12/21/2009 From: "Addison Ball" <AddisonB AT enetis.net> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:03:43 -0600 The Northern Hills Bird Club has decided that the Piedmont CBC will be Monday, 12/21/2009. (The severe weather alternate date is Monday, 12/28.) Compiler is Addison Ball, 605-787-4311. Further information will be provided closer to the date. Regards, Addison Ball Subject: Rusty's From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:09:42 -0500 There was a flock of Rusty Blackbirds along the Stilling B Basin today. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Surf Scoter, Pennington Cnty. From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:18:23 -0600 I drove out to Wall, got there at 7 this morning. The Surf Scoter gave me excellent views. Spent the first ten minutes without diving just going back and forth. I did get a few pictures through my scope - not very good I'm sure. It is either a female or adolescent. Dark color, with darkest area on the cap, two white spots on the head - one just behind the bill. Dark eyes, matches adolescent picture on iBird Explorer Plus. After 10 minutes, it began diving every few minutes. Other birds included Northern Shovelers, Gadwall, Mallards, a couple of Bufflehead, and a Green Winged Teal. Thanks go to Jocie Baker. On Saturday, I observed a group of about 10 Gray Partridges at Bear Butte Lake. Thanks here to Vic Fondy. Both the Scoter and Partridges were lifers for me. Dick Latuchie Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Whitewood Report From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:49:00 -0600 Our Indigo Bunting and White-throated Sparrows were here for a week and left on 10/16. Our Spotted Towhees were last seen on 10/15. New arrival at the feeder area was a Brown Creeper on 10/19. Other feeder birds remain strong. On my walk to town yesterday I noticed there were no Western Meadowlarks along the way and only one American Robin. Vic Fondy-Lawrence County SD 605-269-2553 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Hermit Thrush and Pierre bird feeders From: "Doug Backlund" <dougback AT pie.midco.net> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:16:54 -0500 There were two, maybe three Hermit Thrush in the woods by the Isaac Walton Clubhouse this afternoon. I saw them while setting up a bird feeder, Missouri Breaks Audubon will be maintaining two bird feeding stations this winter, one at the Isaac Walton and the one at Farm Island. The Isaac Walton Clubhouse is located at 1200 Izaak Walton Rd. It's easy to find using Google Maps. Hermit Thrush photos at link: http://www.wildphotosphotography.com/WildPhotos/birds2/hermit_thrush2.htm Doug Backlund Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Surf Scoter, Pennington From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:32:06 -0600 Jocie Baker has seen a Surf Scoter today at the Sewage Lagoon in Wall this morning, since 11:15. She reports it is on the second body of water heading east from Wall. Dick Latuchie Rapid City [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NHBC Field Trip 10-24 From: "Vic/Donna Fondy" <treasurecreek AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:28:07 -0600 The Northern Hills Bird Club will conduct a field trip out of Sturgis on Saturday October 24th. Interested participants will meet at McDonalds in Sturgis at 7:30 AM and the trip will depart at 8:00 AM. Routing will be finalized at coffee time but will most likely include the Fort Meade recreation area then East of Sturgis to the Belle Fourche River and North to Vale with lunch at the Vale Cafe. Target birds will include Bald Eagle, arriving raptors, and late migrants. Visiting birders and birders of all levels are welcome and there is no charge for the trip. Vic Fondy-NHBC 605-269-2553. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: siskins back 44N 103W Pennington Co. From: cbstafford <turkeyfeathrs AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:52:09 -0700 (PDT) Siskins back at my feeders on Thursday,10/15, with winter plumaged goldfinches. Male Spotted Towhee last seen 9/30 prior to snow and record low temperatures last weekend reappeared on 10/16, still here Sunday am. Caroline Stafford [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RFI: Nelson's & Le Conte's Sparrows From: Nathan Pieplow <npieplow AT indra.com> Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:54:15 -0600 Hello all, An interesting question was recently asked on the ID-Frontiers listserv about separating Nelson's (formerly known as Nelson's Sharp-tailed) and Le Conte's Sparrows that are flushing out of the grass and flying away from you. Ted Floyd pointed out that Le Conte's, when they are flying away, show a strong contrast between a dark gray back and an orange rump (see http://www.flickr.com/photos/somatochlora/3998632202/ for a photo that shows what he's talking about). In response, Allen Chartier posed the question, "Can this one character be used to reliably distinguish Le Conte's from Nelson's Sparrow? Sibley seems to illustrate a buffy/orangeish rump and upper tail coverts on Nelson's Sparrow." Since most people don't get to see these two species very often, let alone together, nobody seems to know. I thought some of you in South Dakota who get to see the birds at their regular fall stopover sites (e.g., near Pierre, and near Tea) might be able to comment. Or, if you haven't ever tried to ID the birds in flight, maybe you could head out there and see if they're still around. Photographs, anyone? (Doug Backlund?) Good birding, Nathan Pieplow Boulder, Colorado Subject: Farm Island State Rec. Area banding From: <eileen.dowdstukel AT state.sd.us> Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:23:30 -0500 Species captured today: Black-capped Chickadee Yellow-rumped Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Ruby-crowned Kinglet Northern Cardinal Lincoln's Sparrow Harris's Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Spotted Towhee And the highlight - Black-throated Blue Warbler Eileen Dowd Stukel, SDGFP Subject: Sabine's From: "Ricky D. Olson" <tatanka40 AT pie.midco.net> Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:11:12 -0500 There is a immature Sabine's Gull in the Oahe Tailrace today. Sharing is half the fun of birding. Ricky D. Olson Fort Pierre, SD [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: swallows From: "Jensen, Kent" <kent.jensen AT sdstate.edu> Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:27:31 -0500 I had a barn swallow night-roosting in my garage last night! K. C. Jensen, Ph.D. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences SPB 138D, Box 2140B South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007 (605)688-4781 (office) (605)690-6104 (cell) (605)688-4515 (FAX) wfs.sdstate.edu/wfsdept/faculty/kcjensen.htm 100% of the shots you don't take don't go in - Wayne Gretzky ________________________________ From: sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of douglas chapman Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 10:26 AM Cc: sd-birds2 Union Subject: Re: [sd-birds] sparrows & ducks Apologies to all. This is not the latest sighting on the site. Thanks to Jeff Palmer, for telling me how to search the site better. Oct 26 seems to be the latest. Doug On Oct 14, 2009, at 11:24 PM, douglas chapman wrote: > I forgot to mention a Barn Swallow at the farm yard at SD 38 and 258th > St. It was flying and still catching insects. This is the latest > reported date on our bird reporting system site, but I saw it well. > The bird flew right by my open car window as I was scoping ducks. > > Doug Chapman > Sioux Falls, SD > > On Oct 14, 2009, at 7:11 PM, douglas chapman wrote: > > > Hi All, > > > > I saw a few migrants today. > > > > Mostly sparrows: Harris's, Swamp, Le Conte's and many Vesper and > > Savannah. > > > > Ducks were mostly Shoveler, Redhead, a few Ring-necked and one male > > Canvasback. One pond was full with coot--no other birds at all. > > > > Also saw a few lingering pelicans and cormorants. Very few gulls--3 > > ring-billed was it. > > > > Doug Chapman > > Sioux Falls, SD > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: sparrows & ducks From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:26:17 -0500 Apologies to all. This is not the latest sighting on the site. Thanks to Jeff Palmer, for telling me how to search the site better. Oct 26 seems to be the latest. Doug On Oct 14, 2009, at 11:24 PM, douglas chapman wrote: > I forgot to mention a Barn Swallow at the farm yard at SD 38 and 258th > St. It was flying and still catching insects. This is the latest > reported date on our bird reporting system site, but I saw it well. > The bird flew right by my open car window as I was scoping ducks. > > Doug Chapman > Sioux Falls, SD > > On Oct 14, 2009, at 7:11 PM, douglas chapman wrote: > > > Hi All, > > > > I saw a few migrants today. > > > > Mostly sparrows: Harris's, Swamp, Le Conte's and many Vesper and > > Savannah. > > > > Ducks were mostly Shoveler, Redhead, a few Ring-necked and one male > > Canvasback. One pond was full with coot--no other birds at all. > > > > Also saw a few lingering pelicans and cormorants. Very few gulls--3 > > ring-billed was it. > > > > Doug Chapman > > Sioux Falls, SD > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rough-legged Hawk From: Bill Bossman <billbossman50 AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:38:32 -0500 This morning at 8:00 I saw my first Rough-legged Hawk of the season. The hawk was perched on a power line along highway 34 about 25 miles east of Pierre in Hughes County. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: sparrows & ducks From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:24:16 -0500 I forgot to mention a Barn Swallow at the farm yard at SD 38 and 258th St. It was flying and still catching insects. This is the latest reported date on our bird reporting system site, but I saw it well. The bird flew right by my open car window as I was scoping ducks. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD On Oct 14, 2009, at 7:11 PM, douglas chapman wrote: > Hi All, > > I saw a few migrants today. > > Mostly sparrows: Harris's, Swamp, Le Conte's and many Vesper and > Savannah. > > Ducks were mostly Shoveler, Redhead, a few Ring-necked and one male > Canvasback. One pond was full with coot--no other birds at all. > > Also saw a few lingering pelicans and cormorants. Very few gulls--3 > ring-billed was it. > > Doug Chapman > Sioux Falls, SD > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: siskins From: Richard Latuchie <rlatuchie AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:38:44 -0600 I also had my first Siskin of the year on Monday. Last year's first was Nov. 6. Dick Latuchie *Subject: Siskin on Monday* From: Bill Bossman Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:28:39 -0500 At my house in Pierre I saw my first Pine Siskin of the fall season late yesterday afternoon. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: sparrows & ducks From: douglas chapman <foodrev AT sio.midco.net> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:11:04 -0500 Hi All, I saw a few migrants today. Mostly sparrows: Harris's, Swamp, Le Conte's and many Vesper and Savannah. Ducks were mostly Shoveler, Redhead, a few Ring-necked and one male Canvasback. One pond was full with coot--no other birds at all. Also saw a few lingering pelicans and cormorants. Very few gulls--3 ring-billed was it. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD Subject: Brookings Co. Birds - Fall Sparrows From: "Jensen, Kent" <kent.jensen AT sdstate.edu> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:33:45 -0500 This morning brought many juncos and an influx of Harris's Sparrows to my feeders 3 miles W of Volga K. C. Jensen, Ph.D. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences SPB 138D, Box 2140B South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007 (605)688-4781 (office) (605)690-6104 (cell) (605)688-4515 (FAX) wfs.sdstate.edu/wfsdept/faculty/kcjensen.htm 100% of the shots you don't take don't go in - Wayne Gretzky ________________________________ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: "nelda scam" From: "Stevan Hawkins" <shawkins4 AT satx.rr.com> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:46:20 -0500 SD-Birders: We got hit by it in San Antonio. Our list moderator for SATXBirds found an article about it and how to combat what is known as the London Scam at http://cyberinsecure.com/yahoo-groups-are-used-by-phishers-to-send-personali zed-scam-emails/ Another one our SATXBirds posted the below that should help clarify things. Hello all, This particular form of scam has been in the news for quite awhile, going back to the beginning of the year but has shown up again recently. It sometimes called the "London scam." It originally showed up on Facebook but it is now being used on various social media sites, yahoo groups, list servs, etc. Regardless, the scam/method is the same. They "act" as if they are the actual person and solicit money from friends, saying they are trapped overseas and need funds. The details vary slightly (robbed, lost wallet, etc). If you do a Google search for "London scam" and "Facebook" you will find tons of news articles. Here are two links to news reports that give an idea of how it works. One is from January, the other from August. 1. January article from a NY news station "Facebook 'London' Scam Picking Up In Intensity: Phishers Hack Into Compromised Accounts, Tell User's Friends They've Been Robbed In London, Need Money Immediately" 2. August article from a tech website "Latest Facebook Scam: Phishers Hit Up 'Friends' for Cash" Hope this helps! As for how to repair the damage, if there is any, to a person's e-mail identity, I don't know about either. Onward! Steve Stevan Hawkins San Antonio TX From: sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:sd-birds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of douglas chapman Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 8:26 PM To: m. melius Cc: sd-birds2 Subject: Re: [sd-birds] "nelda scam" I also got it from "Nelda's" hotmail account. But I have neever had a hotmail account, so it was retrieved another way. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD On Oct 13, 2009, at 7:43 PM, m. melius wrote: > I got the "nelda scam" through my Hotmail account, which is also the > return add for the scam. I don't use that account much anymore. I > looked through my address book there and the closest link I can see > to the true Nelda might be through the old "sd-birds AT birds.northern , > etc", which is still there. Or maybe through Audubon or some other > conservation group she and I were both a part of, esp. for group > networking emails. > > Michael Melius > Hermosa > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sand Lake NWR Weekly Waterfowl Estimate - 10/14/2009 From: William_Schultze AT fws.gov Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:27:28 -0500 Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 10/14/2009 Canada Geese - 1200 Snow Geese - 0 Ducks - 23,000 Swans - 130 Waterfowl numbers continue to increase, especially in the wetlands in the surrounding area. Northern Brown County is extremely wet and overall wetland conditions are excellent. Shovelers and gadwalls make up most of the ducks on the refuge, with small increases in mallards and pintails. Several small flocks of white-fronted geese were seen on the refuge yesterday. Most of the swans on the refuge are near the south end. Crop harvest in the area continues to be at a stand-still, due to the rain and snow we had during the past week. Waterfowl Estimates for Sand Lake NWR - 10/7/2009 Canada Geese - 1000 Snow Geese - 0 Ducks - 17,000 Swans - 4 Although waterfowl numbers on Sand Lake are still relatively low for this time of year, there are good numbers of Canada geese and ducks using wetlands in the surrounding area. Northern Brown County is extremely wet and overall wetland conditions are excellent. It appears that we lost some blue-winged teal over the past week, and picked up some more mallards in the area. On the refuge, there were noticable increases of shovelers and lesser scaup. The majority of the ducks on the refuge are made up of shovelers, gadwalls, lesser scaup, mallards and pintails. The first tundra swans on the refuge were observed today. The soybean harvest was just beginning last week, but is at a standstill because of the recent rains. We received over 2.5 inches of rain at the refuge since last week. Bill Schultze Wildlife Biologist Sand Lake NWR 39650 Sand Lake Dr. Columbia, SD 57433 (605)885-6320 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: feeder report From: David Graham <uuglypher AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:27:00 -0500 After at least two weeks of totally unexciting visits to the feeders: yesterday at 1:30 pm, as I was about to open the back door to leave for Sioux Falls, I observed two first-winter yellow-rumped (Myrtle) warblers at the birdbath! And with snow on the ground, yet! They then went to the suet feeders to fill up on some concentrated calories and left when a b-jay took over the suet. We get them here in the spring - early April most years, but have not heretofore seen them in the fall. Is this late? I've heard that they may over-winter at this latitude. How unusual ... or usual... is this? Dave Graham, W of Estelline, E. of Lake Poinsett -- "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." John Muir [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: PENNINGTON CTY.: CANYON LAKE, RAPID CITY From: "Jocelyn Baker" <osprey AT hills.net> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:24:15 -0600 Among birds observed this morning, October 14, at Canyon Lake were: Pied-billed Grebe, Canvasback, Ruddy Duck, Osprey, Killdeer, Long-billed Dowitcher, Wilson's Snipe, Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Song Sparrow. Jocelyn Baker, Rapid City JOCELYN LEE BAKER RAPID CITY, S.D. 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