Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The Utah List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, November 20 at 01:39 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Worm-eating Warbler,©Julie Zickefoose

20 Nov RE: Other Poses of my Mercurial Merlin [Jerry Lig ] 20 Nov raptor trapped in building at SLCC-West Jordan campus [Lu Giddings ] 20 Nov raptor trapped in building at SLCC-West Jordan campus [Lu Giddings ] 20 Nov Other Poses of my Mercurial Merlin [Utah Birds ] 20 Nov White-throated Sparrow at Beus Park, Ogden [] 19 Nov No Sighting - Article about Chicago window strikes [Jeff Bilsky ] 19 Nov ISSR Field Trip yesterday [David Jensen ] 18 Nov Bear River biologist, Bridget Olson, is leaving [] 18 Nov (no subject) [Steve Carr ] 18 Nov Harris's Sparrow in Moab [Jason Pietrzak ] 17 Nov Re: Juncos [Craig Fosdick ] 18 Nov Juncos [] 17 Nov Bear River Refuge Waterbird/Raptor Survey [] 17 Nov White-throated Sparrow [] 16 Nov Tree Sparrows at Jordanelle [Dave Hanscom ] 16 Nov Leucistic RB Gull, LBBG and Bonaparte's Gull Pix [Tim Avery ] 16 Nov Southern Utah Highlights 11/14-11/15 [Jeff Bilsky ] 15 Nov Black-legged Kittiwake Pictures [Tim Avery ] 15 Nov AIC Saturday afternoon [Jason Pietrzak ] 15 Nov Antelope Island Causeway CLOSED [] 14 Nov American Tree Sparrows [Betsy Beneke ] 14 Nov no little gull or black-legged kittiwake at AIC [Lu Giddings ] 14 Nov South Utah Co. - Northern Shrike, Am Tree Sparrow, Merlin, Lewis's Woodpecker [Eric Huish ] 14 Nov More Little Gull Pictures [Tim Avery ] 14 Nov more winter birds at home [] 14 Nov Bear River's "Meet the Manager" Saturday [] 13 Nov Black-legged Kittiwake--AIC [Paul Higgins ] 13 Nov are the AIC gulls still present? [Lu Giddings ] 13 Nov are the AIC gulls still present? [Lu Giddings ] 13 Nov UCB Field Trip Reminder - November Loon Loop - Sat the 14th [Utah Birds ] 13 Nov Ruffed Grouse [Utah Birds ] 13 Nov RE: Possible Split in species for Winter Wren ["Ryan O'Donnell" ] 13 Nov Little Gull and Kittiwake Photos [Utah Birds ] 13 Nov NO SIGHTING - Possible Split in species for Winter Wren [Jeff Bilsky ] 13 Nov Mystery bird identification help [Paul Higgins ] 12 Nov Layton Wild Bird Center Award ["Glenn B. Barlow" ] 12 Nov Bill Fenimore wants to connect on LinkedIn [Bill Fenimore ] 12 Nov Brown Pelican Article ["Pomera Fronce" ] 12 Nov Flamboyant Merlin Photo [Utah Birds ] 12 Nov RE: Help with Identification--Images ["Fish, Michael" ] 12 Nov AIC gulls still there yesterday (Little, Lesser BB, and Kittiwake) ["David Wheeler" ] 12 Nov Help with Identification--Images [Paul Higgins ] 12 Nov Help with identification [Paul Higgins ] 11 Nov A Mercurial Merlin or what? [Utah Birds ] 11 Nov Provo Airport - Hooded Mergansers, Blue-grey Gnatcatchers [Eric Huish ] 11 Nov Little Gull (Ned Bixler) [] 11 Nov AIC Gulls still present [] 10 Nov home [] 10 Nov AIC gull photos from 9 Nov 2009 ["Ryan O'Donnell" ] 10 Nov Eurasian Collared-Dove [Sharon Andrus ] 10 Nov Leucistic RB Gull [Jerry Lig ] 10 Nov Jerry's picture of the Liberty Park Gull [Utah Birds ] 10 Nov White Gull at Liberty Park [Utah Birds ] 9 Nov AIC GullFest continues ["Ryan O'Donnell" ] 10 Nov Leucistic Ring-billed Gull [Jerry Lig ] 10 Nov Slate-colored Junco [] 9 Nov Re: Salt Lake County Lamb's Canyon - Northern Pygmy-Owl [Jeff Bilsky ] 9 Nov Ted Steinke ["Mark Mossing" ] 9 Nov RE: RE: Possible Iceland Gull [Steve Carr ] 9 Nov Ouray NWR General Waterbird Survey [] 9 Nov RE: Possible Iceland Gull [Bryant Olsen ] 9 Nov Little Gull and Black-legged Kittiwake Photos [Utah Birds ] 9 Nov Sage Sparrow, Washington County, Utah [Paul Higgins ] 9 Nov Black-tailed Gnatcatcher #2 Washington County [Paul Higgins ] 9 Nov Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Washington County, Utah [Paul Higgins ] 8 Nov Re: Another AI Causeway Lesser Black-backed Gull [Tim Avery ] 8 Nov Re: Possible Iceland Gull [Tim Avery ] 8 Nov Re: [Birdtalk] Possible Iceland Gull [Tim Avery ] 9 Nov RE: Possible Iceland Gull [Jerry Lig ] 8 Nov Cactus Wren, Washington County, Utah [Paul Higgins ] 8 Nov Salt Lake County Lamb's Canyon - Northern Pygmy-Owl [Jeff Bilsky ] 9 Nov Another AI Causeway Lesser Black-backed Gull [] 08 Nov Re: Possible Iceland Gull [Cliff and Lisa Weisse ] 8 Nov Possible Iceland Gull [Bryant Olsen ] 8 Nov Possible Iceland Gull [Bryant Olsen ] 8 Nov lewis's woodpecker [kimberly roush ] Subject: RE: Other Poses of my Mercurial Merlin From: Jerry Lig <jerrylig AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:38:49 +0000 Rich Beautiful photos.....I hope no one questioned that ID? There is no doubt about it being a Merlin. Jerry _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: raptor trapped in building at SLCC-West Jordan campus From: Lu Giddings <seldom74 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:22:58 -0700 This morning I received a report of a small raptor trapped in the atrium of the Health Sciences building at SLCC's West Jordan campus. It is unclear as to specie, or how long the bird has been trapped inside although it may have been there as long as a week. It is also unclear as to how the bird gained access, as there are no windows and the doors are typical double doors. The bird remains active, although its actual health status is unknown. If any of you know of someone who could help capture and release the bird, I would very much appreciate it. Thanks, Lu Giddings_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: raptor trapped in building at SLCC-West Jordan campus From: Lu Giddings <seldom74 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:22:58 -0700 This morning I received a report of a small raptor trapped in the atrium of the Health Sciences building at SLCC's West Jordan campus. It is unclear as to specie, or how long the bird has been trapped inside although it may have been there as long as a week. It is also unclear as to how the bird gained access, as there are no windows and the doors are typical double doors. The bird remains active, although its actual health status is unknown. If any of you know of someone who could help capture and release the bird, I would very much appreciate it. Thanks, Lu Giddings_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Other Poses of my Mercurial Merlin From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:11:27 -0800 (PST) Birdnet Email -- from the website‏ Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by richbyoung AT isp.com on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 11:00:52   Subject: Other Poses of my Mercurial Merlin   Email_Address: richbyoung AT isp.com   Message: On Nov 11, on the Hotline, I described a conversation I had with a questionable bird that sat high in a tree near the Jordan River. I voiced doubt to the bird as to its stated identity, saying I'd already made a bad call earlier in that Jordan River location. Both the bird and I agreed that he would give me a pose that would demonstrate merlin characteristics for members of Utah Bird community. I provided my best image to curious birders; all of which agreed he is truly an extraordinary Prairie Merlin. They praised the bird for its spectacular pose, now posted on the Hotline under the name, Merlinus struticus. I think we can thank Milt Moody for the name, which I love. But that's not the End of The Story. I have other images that led up to the one posted. Thus, I m responding to those of you who are curious about the unpublished images. Here I've posted a link to a slideshow that demonstrates the Best of The Merlin Poses. And with that, this truly ends my story. http://www.richbyoung.com/merlinus/  _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: White-throated Sparrow at Beus Park, Ogden From: kristinpurdy AT comcast.net Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:52:30 +0000 (UTC) A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was using the feeder on the east side of Beus Park in Ogden, Weber County, today at nearly 5 p.m. The bird was a tan-striped morph. It retreated into the brush behind the feeder when I approached to fill the feeder. I didn't see the sparrow again, despite backing off and waiting 10 minutes or so. I t was sunset, anyway, and time for nighty-night. To reach this spot from the parking lot, walk the paved path around the east side of the pond. Watch for the jumble of boulders on the left (east) side of the path; the feeder is just before the boulders and about 15 feet east of the path. For more information on Beus Park including directions, launch the link below. Kris http://www.utahbirds.org/counties/weber/BeusPark.htm _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: No Sighting - Article about Chicago window strikes From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:27:10 -0700 This article about window strikes in downtown Chicago appeared in the Chicago Tribune recently. I found it interesting. http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/family/chi-1115-birdmigratenov15,0,6325117.story -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: ISSR Field Trip yesterday From: David Jensen <dlj11350 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:29:15 -0800 (PST) Hope I'm not stepping on our fearless leader's (Pomera) toes by reporting that our trip to the ISSR out past the International Center was a good one. Lots of my favorite hawk, the Rough-legged, and one left-over Say's Phoebe were highlights for me. I've seen these phoebes in the spring as early as early March, but this is the first time I've seen one this late in the year. Very nice. David Jensen � _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bear River biologist, Bridget Olson, is leaving From: Betsy_Beneke AT fws.gov Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:30:25 -0700 Dear Birding Friends, Bridget Olson, Bear River Refuge's biologist extraordinnaire, has accepted a position as the Deputy Project Leader at the Litchfield Wetland Management District office in Litchfield, Minnesota. Bridget, her husband, Peter, and their boys Nathan and Jake, will be moving back "home" over the Christmas break, as she begins her new position on January 4th. Refuge staff would like to invite you all to stop by for an open house - to say good-bye and thanks to Bridget - and to wish her well in her new position. We'll have an open house for Bridget and her family on Saturday, December 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm here at the wildlife education center. If you're not able to attend, you can contact Bridget here at the Refuge. With the holidays coming up, Bridget trying to finish her class at USU, and making preparations for the move, she's going to be in and out of the office quite a bit. Here is her contact information: Bridget Olson Bear River Refuge 2155 West Forest Street Brigham City UT 84302 435/734-6433 office Bridget_Olson AT fws.gov Betsy Beneke Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 435.734.6436 office_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: (no subject) From: Steve Carr <stevecarr9 AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:03:18 -0700 To readers of Utah BirdTalk-- It's time again for the Thanksgiving Bird Count. Below is information about the count. Procedures for Count: Select a circular area on the ground (may include water area), 15 feet in diameter, to include feeders, bird baths, shrubs, etc., as you wish. Imagine the circle extending upward as a cylinder. Count the numbers of individual birds of each species which come into this circle (or cylinder) during exactly ONE HOUR. Try to judge as best you can the actual number of individuals which are making visits to the Circle, or which fly through the imaginary cylinder. Try NOT to count the same individual bird over and over again. Please print clearly the number for each species in the In Circle column. If you wish to report any seen outside the Circle, list them in the "Outside" column. Pick any ONE-HOUR period during the day --and make the count on Thanksgiving Day! Please send your count results (even if you see no birds at all) to: Dr. John G. Hewston Natural Resources Building Humboldt State University Arcata, CA 95521 To download a count form, go to: http://www.pvaudubon.org/THANKSGIVING.pdf --Steve CarrPresident, UOS _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Harris's Sparrow in Moab From: Jason Pietrzak <pietrzak AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:10:01 -0700 We came back to Moab late last night and woke up to find our landlord has been filling our feeders. I saw a huge flock of Juncos along with some of the other regulars at sunrise and I saw what I first struck me as a strange leucistic/partial-albino House Sparrow. While I rubbed my eyes furiously and dunked my still-frozen binoculars in hot water (to remove ice and fog), it landed 15 feet away from me and scratched in the litter near the bird-bath. It quickly became clear to me that this was a Harris's Sparrow. According to the official Grand County checklist, Harris's Sparrow has been reported in the county before, but no indication of frequency. eBird has not had previous reports from this region of Utah. I did notice quite a few reports of the HASP near SLC and a couple near St. George. I also pulled up the eBird map of the greater four-corners region if anybody is interested. It shows a handful of sightings in the other four-corners states: https://ebird.org/ebird/GuideMe?speciesCodes=harspa&reportType=species&bMonth=01&bYear=2005&eMonth=12&eYear=2009&countries=US&states=US-AZ&states=US-CO&states=US-NM&states=US-UT&getLocations=states&continue.x=40&continue.y=8&continue=t Good birding, Jason Pietrzak Moab, UT_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Re: Juncos From: Craig Fosdick <craig.fosdick AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:25:45 -0700 Actually, I think Ryan O' Donnell is Mr. Junco. I'm not actually sure what to make of this bird. I would say not Oregon, because it lacks the strong contrast between the head and the rest of the body. It also lacks the brownish tones on the flanks that you would see in an Oregon. But I don't think I would put this bird in the Slate-colored category either. There's not a lot of rufous and brown in the back but the tones are there, and they're also present to a lesser extent in the tertials and secondaries. If this was a female Slate-colored, then I think those tones would be ok, but not for an adult male. Craig. On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 6:39 PM, wrote: > I should just send this email to my local Junco expert Craig Fosdick, > but I thought I'd send this one out to everyone. > > Since I have so many Juncos in my yard, I thought i'd take the opportunity > to learn something about the birds. > I took pictures of a few different Dark-eyed Juncos and posted them in a > gallery. Two of the Juncos were slate colored and I was interested to see > that one had a touch of rufous coloring on its back and side (maybe > female?). The other Slate-colored was mostly blackish. I took a picture of > an Oregon Dark-eyed and then a couple of others with grayish heads. I'm not > sure if the birds with the gray colored head are Oregon (maybe first year), > or Pink Sided? I'm not familiar with the Pink Sided, so I could use some > help identifying the birds. Pictures of them are located at the following > link: > > > > http://www.pbase.com/mfish/image/119486169 > > > > Thanks > > > > Mike Fish > > Logan, Utah > > _______________________________________________ > Birdtalk mailing list > Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk >_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Juncos From: avx AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:39:18 +0000 (UTC) I should just send this email to my local Junco expert Craig Fosdick, but I thought I'd send this one out to everyone. Since I have so many Juncos in my yard, I thought i'd take the opportunity to learn something about the birds. I took pictures of a few different Dark-eyed Juncos and posted them in a gallery. Two of the Juncos were slate colored and I was interested to see that one had a touch of rufous coloring on its back and side (maybe female?). The other Slate-colored was mostly blackish. I took a picture of an Oregon Dark-eyed and then a couple of others with grayish heads. I'm not sure if the birds with the gray colored head are Oregon (maybe first year), or Pink Sided? I'm not familiar with the Pink Sided, so I could use some help identifying the birds. Pictures of them are located at the following link: http://www.pbase.com/mfish/image/119486169 Thanks Mike Fish Logan, Utah_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bear River Refuge Waterbird/Raptor Survey From: Bridget_Olson AT fws.gov Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:20:09 -0700 Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Waterbird/Raptor Survey 11/13/09 Total number of waterfowl around 153,000. Normal for this time of year is 197,000. Total number of shorebirds around 1,700 with a long-term average of around 1,500. Monthly record high counts of canvasback, ring-necked duck, and western grebe. Tundra Swan 14236 Canada Goose 1701 Mallard 5775 Pintail 34738 GW Teal 14251 Shoveler 6543 Gadwall 9735 Wigeon 17414 Canvasback 39759 Redhead 448 Scaup 1186 Goldeneye 388 Bufflehead 1498 Red-breast. Mergan. 35 Ring-necked Duck 787 Ruddy Duck 4382 Pied-billed Grebe 49 Eared Grebe 19 Western Grebe 61 Clark's Grebe 15 A.W. Pelican 48 D.C. Cormorant 10 Great Blue Heron 115 BC Night Heron 7 White faced Ibis 2 Killdeer 3 American Avocet 773 Greater Yellowlegs 48 Long Billed Curlew 10 Marbled Godwit 775 Dowitcher 120 Bonaparte's Gull 69 Ring Billed Gull 708 California Gull 19 Coot 2617 Bald Eagle 3 Northern Harrier 45 Rough-legged Hawk 2 Peregrine Falcon 1 Bridget Olson Wildlife Biologist Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 2155 West Forest St. Brigham City, UT 84302 Phone: 435/734-6433_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: White-throated Sparrow From: avx AT comcast.net Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:30:04 +0000 (UTC) I am home from work today and I have another White-throated sparrow in the yard. The last White-throated visited my yard from Oct. 31st to Nov. 3rd. Too bad this one didn't show up this weekend for my first weekend of Feeder Watch. I took a photo of him through my dirty window just for proof that he was hear. Here's a link to a couple of long shot photos of the bird if you're interested. The pictures I took at the first of the month of the White-throated Sparrow are at the beggining of this same gallery if you want to compare. I wish I could know if it is the same bird, but I guess there is no way to tell for sure. I watch my feeders close on weekends but I am not usually home during daylight hours on weekdays to see what birds show up. The white-throated could have been around all month with-out me knowing it. I'll see if I can get a better phot o of the bird today to compare to the pictures from the first of the month http://www.pbase.com/mfish/image/119476996 This past weekend was the first weekend of the Feeder Watch Program. I didn't have anything that I thought was unusual. The coolest bird was a Sharp-shinned Hawk that cleared the feeders once on Saturday. Other than that I was over-run by Juncos. My high count for Juncos was 37 birds and according to the Cornell Lab, that is a high number. I constantly have about 20+ Junco's in the yard at any one time. Is anyone else seeing those large numbers? I am just curious because the Cornell data entry flagged me on the number of Juncos reported. I started a gallery for the 2009 Feeder Watch season. Mostly to record the weather conditions of the day and maybe any other interesting details . Obviously there isn't much in the gallery yet, but below is a link if you are interested in seeing my feeder watch area(or at least part of it) . I am a bit surprised that the data entry for F eeder W atch doesn't ask what type of seed I have out during each count. I know if I didn't have white-millet on the ground, that I wouldn't have near as many birds around. I have been interested to observe that most of the birds feed from the ground. The platform feeder is also popular, but very few birds feed from the tube feeder when there is seed on the ground. Just for interest sake, I have 9 feeders in my watch area. Mostly Black Sunflower S eed and White Millet, but I also have a Thistle feeder, Sawflower S eeds, and a Suet feeder. Occassionaly I put out cracked corn for the pheasants but I mostly take that out to work for the Chukars. http://www.pbase.com/mfish/image/119383332 Mike Fish Logan, Utah_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Tree Sparrows at Jordanelle From: Dave Hanscom <hanscom AT cs.utah.edu> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:59:02 -0700 (MST) Thanks to last week's heads up from Betsy up at Bear River, I looked more carefully at the sparrows when my wife and I walked the trail through the Jordanelle Wetlands this morning. Sure enough, there were a few Tree Sparrows amongs the Song Sparrows. We've been walking over there most every week for the past month or so, since the high elevation trails got too snowy. This was the first week we didn't see any snipes or ducks. The ponds have finally frozen over. Still lots of Song Sparrows and Black-capped Chickadees, and a Kingfisher. Dave Hanscom _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Leucistic RB Gull, LBBG and Bonaparte's Gull Pix From: Tim Avery <western.tanager2 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:43:26 -0500 Here is the last of my early winter gull pictures from Antelope Island last week as well as pictures of the cool white Ring-billed Gull at Liberty Park. I took one really cool picture of the swirling flock of Bonaparte's Gulls as well thats at the top of the page: http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=topn&cat=-607&id=ubird Good Birding Tim_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Southern Utah Highlights 11/14-11/15 From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:47:43 -0700 Birded some spots around Washington County area over the weekend with Carl Ingwell and Brittany Badger. Here are my personal highlights: Saturday 11/14 - Lytle Ranch Saw several LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES on the drive from our camp site to Lytle Ranch. The Ranch was relatively quiet but we one of the first birds we found - right near the parking area was a CRISSAL THRASHER. We spent a couple hours hiking around the ranch and found a lot of the expected species: a LADDERBACKED WOODPECKER, lots of RED-NAPED SAPSUCKERS, a big group of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, a VERDIN etc. A surprise was a single VESPER SPARROW that I briefly tried to call something else. We were also able to corral at least 3 BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHERS by hiking up onto the desert hillsides near the ranch. Due to the relative quietness we decided to bail and head to... Kolob Road On the lower portion of the road, we came across a massive flock of sparrows that included mostly JUNCOS and WHITE-CROWNEDS, but also had a few PINE SISKIN, LINCOLN'S SPARROWS, and SPOTTED TOWHEES. We the drove the road all the way up to the top and to the reservoir. There was a good deal of snow up on the plateau but the roads were clear. It was COLD up there - especially by the reservoir where we got blasted in the face with snow drifts while trying to figure out if that was, in fact, a loon flying around out there. It will remain a mystery as none of us thought it was worth it. We did find a group of at least 6 LEWIS' WOODPECKERS that appeared to be engaged in cooperative collecting and caching of food - providing some of the best looks any of us have had of this species. Other great looks at GOLDEN EAGLES, an adult BALD EAGLE, and lots of RED-TAILED HAWKS. Had to get back relatively early on Sunday and just made a couple stops with nothing really significant to share except we found a group of SAGE SPARROWS as we headed out of our camp site and back to pavement. We camped somewhere in the vicinity of Lytle ranch - off one of the dirt road offshoots - Northeast of the ranch I believe. Good Birding. -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Black-legged Kittiwake Pictures From: Tim Avery <western.tanager2 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:51:06 -0500 Here are a few shots of the Kittiwake I snapped last week on the causeway: http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=608&id=ubird Cheers Tim_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: AIC Saturday afternoon From: Jason Pietrzak <pietrzak AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:40:47 -0700 I stopped by AIC on my way from the airport to Logan last night, as the sun came out for about an hour. I had been hoping to see the rare gulls, but they must have been blown out by the storm. I did see a couple of Bonaparte's Gulls as well as almost a dozen Franklin's Gulls. Aside from that, there was a lone Long-tailed Duck out by the last bridge. Good birding, Jason Pietrzak Moab, UT_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Antelope Island Causeway CLOSED From: western.tanager2 AT gmail.com Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:20:48 +0000 Just got a call from the Sommerfeld's who got a call from Paul Higgins reporting the causeway was shut down by the military today!!! So if you were planning on heading out that way you might want to call first! cheers Tim Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: American Tree Sparrows From: Betsy Beneke <birderbetsy AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:37:45 -0800 (PST) The weather seemed to keep a lot of potential refuge visitors at home today, but the waterfowl hunters came in smiling.� We've had bird feeders up at the education center for 6 weeks or two months now (thank you, Lee Shirley,�Bill Fenimore and Jess Herbert as well as Wasatch Audubon and Friends of the Bear River Refuge),�but other than a migrant flock of juncos, the only takers have been house sparrows...until today. � A small flock of birds was swirling about on the south side of the education center this morning, and my attempts to identify them were aggravated by the snow, wind and poor light conditions.� However, a few birds decided to settle down next to the building, and I was able to identify them as tree sparrows.� They didn't stay long, but a couple of the birds hopped up onto the feeder to check things out before departing.� These are the first tree�sparrows I've seen this fall. � Betsy Beneke � � _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: no little gull or black-legged kittiwake at AIC From: Lu Giddings <seldom74 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:32:30 -0700 Five Utah County Birders made the drive early this morning to the causeway, and we picked up a sixth birder at the park entrance. Although the north-bound trip was mostly through the snow, we were graced with roughly 90 minutes of sunshine and unexpectedly blue skies once we reached the causeway. A cold breeze blew while we birded. It felt very much like winter. About 500 Bonaparte's gulls remained near the second bridge, but if the rare gulls were there, it was not our good fortune to see them. While we looked through the gulls we watched the front move in from the north. It hit us with strong winds and driving snow and dispersed the gulls near the second bridge. Scattered pockets of ducks, geese, and California and ring-billed gulls remained along the causeway as we headed home. Thanks to the following for braving the weather: Yvonne Carter Kim Grace Mark Mossing Oliver Nichelson Deloy Pack Lu Giddings_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: South Utah Co. - Northern Shrike, Am Tree Sparrow, Merlin, Lewis's Woodpecker From: Eric Huish <poorwill_ AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:03:50 -0700 I met the Utah County Birders this morning for the field trip. The group headed for Antelope Island. Due to weather KC Childs and I chickened out and decided to bird closer to home. We birded the Salem Pond area and Spring Lake. Then the snow lifted and it looked clear to the south so we headed to Burriston Ponds, Mona Reservoir and Goshen Canyon. We birded a few minutes along on Dividend Road near Eureka but were hit by a blizzard so we turned around and headed home. Highlights - in order of appearance. (Click links for directions) Lewis's Woodpeckers in the usual spot. - http://www.utahbirds.org/counties/UsualPlaces.htm Ring-necked Ducks and Wilson's Snipe at the north pond surrounded by houses north of Salem Pond. - http://www.utahbirds.org/counties/utahco/SalemPond.htm A Merlin and Am Kestrel side by side at Spring Lake. - http://www.utahbirds.org/counties/utahco/SpringLake.htm Red-breasted Mergansers at Mona Reservoir. - http://www.utahbirds.org/counties/juab/MonaReservoir.htm An American Tree Sparrow in Goshen Canyon, on the Utah County side. (Goshen Canyon is south of Goshen, Utah County) A young Northern Shrike along Dividend Road. - http://www.utahbirds.org/counties/utahco/TinticLoop.htm and a great view of a Coyote on the hillside at the East end of Dividend Road. Full lists below - -------------------------- Location: Lewis's Woodpecker Spot - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 11/14/09 Notes: Birding with KC Childs Number of species: 10 Ring-necked Pheasant 2 American Kestrel 1 Lewis's Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 3 Black-billed Magpie 6 Black-capped Chickadee 2 American Robin 1 Heard Only European Starling 10 Spotted Towhee 1 Heard Only Dark-eyed Junco 1 Heard Only This report was generated automatically by eBird --------------------------------------- Location: Salem Ponds - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 11/14/09 Notes: Birding with KC Childs. We birded the main pond, the lower pond, the north pond (between all the houses) and the fields in the area between the ponds. Number of species: 19 Canada Goose 1 Mallard 10 Ring-necked Duck 30 Common Goldeneye 5 Pied-billed Grebe 4 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Coot 20 Wilson's Snipe 3 KC saw several more. Rock Pigeon 4 Eurasian Collared-Dove 31 Northern Flicker 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 American Robin 6 European Starling 50 White-crowned Sparrow 3 Dark-eyed Junco 4 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 12 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Heard Only Brewer's Blackbird 30 This report was generated automatically by eBird ---------------------------------------- Location: Spring Lake - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 11/14/09 Number of species: 9 Pied-billed Grebe 2 American Kestrel 1 Merlin 1 Perched in a tree right next to a kestrel. They were only a couple feet apart. American Coot 10 Ring-billed Gull 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Black-billed Magpie 1 Song Sparrow 1 Heard Only House Finch 11 This report was generated automatically by eBird --------------------------------------- Location: Burriston Ponds - Juab Co. UT Observation date: 11/14/09 Number of species: 14 Common Goldeneye 5 Pied-billed Grebe 14 Accipiter sp. 1 American Coot 5 Northern Flicker 5 Black-billed Magpie 6 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 American Robin 50 European Starling 200 Cedar Waxwing 12 Spotted Towhee 2 Song Sparrow 1 White-crowned Sparrow 4 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 3 This report was generated automatically by eBird ------------------------------------- Location: Mona Valley - Juab Co. UT Observation date: 11/14/09 Notes: Along the road west of Mona Reservoir. Number of species: 1 Loggerhead Shrike 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird ------------------------------------------- Location: Mona Reservoir - Juab Co. UT Observation date: 11/14/09 Notes: Birding from the dam. Number of species: 5 Canada Goose 2 Red-breasted Merganser 4 duck sp. 100 On the south end of the reservoir to far to ID. Great Blue Heron 1 Sandhill Crane 1 Heard Only Horned Lark 6 This report was generated automatically by eBird --------------------------------------- Location: Goshen Canyon - Juab Co. UT Observation date: 11/14/09 Number of species: 3 American Robin 3 Spotted Towhee 1 Heard Only Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 3 This report was generated automatically by eBird ------------------------------------- Location: Goshen Canyon - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 11/14/09 Number of species: 5 Northern Harrier 1 Spotted Towhee 1 American Tree Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 2 American Goldfinch 3 This report was generated automatically by eBird ----------------------------------- Location: Dividend Road - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 11/14/09 Notes: Birding with KC Childs. We got a great look at a Coyote on the hillside at the east end of the road. After 30 minutes it got windy and started snowing heavily so we turned around. Number of species: 6 Golden Eagle 1 Northern Shrike 1 Young bird, very brownish. Black-billed Magpie 2 Common Raven 6 Juniper Titmouse 2 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 50 This report was generated automatically by eBird Eric Huish Pleasant Grove UT poorwill_ AT hotmail.com 801-360-8777 _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: More Little Gull Pictures From: Tim Avery <western.tanager2 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:43:47 -0700 Couldn't really pass up the chance to take a few more pictures of this delightful Little Gull... Who knows when one will pop up here again: http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=609&page=1&sort=na&id=ubird Good Birding Tim_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: more winter birds at home From: Roostertael AT aol.com Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:14:33 EST Hi, The little bit of snow brought in a couple of new winter only birds to my feeders and yard. A Spotted Towhee and some Cedar Waxwings. A little more color to look at. Jack Binch_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bear River's "Meet the Manager" Saturday From: Betsy_Beneke AT fws.gov Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:25:28 -0700 On Saturday, November 28, Bear River Refuge's Manager, Bob Barrett, will be staffing the Information Desk in the Wildlife Education Center from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is being done to provide Refuge visitors, friends and neighbors with an opportunity to meet Bob, ask questions or discuss ideas or suggestions you may have. All topics are open - land management, water management, bird viewing or photography opportunities, hunting, fishing, education and events, the road construction project - whatever. Bob is always happy to meet with folks to discuss concerns. This day is providing a Saturday opportunity, since he doesn't normally work weekends. Betsy Beneke Outdoor Recreation Planner Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 2155 West Forest Street Brigham City UT 84302 435.734.6436 office http://bearriver.fws.gov_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Black-legged Kittiwake--AIC From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:34:06 -0800 (PST) Spent lunch with my good friend Jack Bench and his Black-legged Kittiwake...Thanks Jack Antelope Island Causeway, November 13, 2009 http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/kittiwakeblacklegged Paul _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: are the AIC gulls still present? From: Lu Giddings <seldom74 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:26:37 -0700 Now that I finally have the opportunity to make the drive, I'm curious if any or all of the three great birds are still around. Any news from anyone who checked today, successful or otherwise, is much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Lu Giddings_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: are the AIC gulls still present? From: Lu Giddings <seldom74 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:26:37 -0700 Now that I finally have the opportunity to make the drive, I'm curious if any or all of the three great birds are still around. Any news from anyone who checked today, successful or otherwise, is much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Lu Giddings_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: UCB Field Trip Reminder - November Loon Loop - Sat the 14th From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:47:55 -0800 (PST)     November 14 (Sat), 2009: Loon Loop - 7:00 a.m.-12 p.m., meet at Sam’s Club parking lot, 1313 S. University Ave., Provo: Deer Creek and Jordanelle reservoirs, East canyon reservoir, and the Antelope Island Causeway if time and the birds permit.  Led by Lu Giddings. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Ruffed Grouse From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:43:22 -0800 (PST)   Birdnet Email -- from the website‏ It was submitted by Abbajoe AT gmail.com on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 11:48:52   Subject: Ruffed Grouse   Email Address: Abbajoe AT gmail.com   Message: I see a ruffed grouse just off 820 N at 1200 W in Provo.11:45 Friday11/13/09         _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: RE: Possible Split in species for Winter Wren From: "Ryan O'Donnell" <ryan AT biology.usu.edu> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:17:54 -0700 Here is another interesting, detailed, and well-written summary of the Winter Wren situation: http://slybird.blogspot.com/2008/07/winter-wren-is-multiple-species.html I've only seen two Winter Wrens in Utah and I've only photographed one of them. I just went back and reviewed the photos, and it was a Pacific Winter Wren. http://200birds.blogspot.com/2008/11/winter-wren-another-partial-albino.html The three Utah photographs I could find on Tim Avery's website also seem to me to be the Pacific (sub)species, although I'm less sure about the Lucin bird than the other two: http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=385 The photos on the Utah Birds website also all seem to be Pacific to me (although there are a couple broken links?): http://www.utahbirds.org/birdsofutah/BirdsS-Z/WinterWren2.htm Looking at the range maps on the blog above, it seems this is the most expected (sub)species in Utah but that we could get some eastern Winter Wrens as vagrants. Are there any records of the Eastern (sub)species in Utah? -Ryan Ryan P. O'Donnell Ph.D. candidate Department of Biology and the Ecology Center Utah State University 5305 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322-5305 http://home.comcast.net/~tsirtalis/_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Little Gull and Kittiwake Photos From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:35:40 -0700 Rick Fridell sent in some very nice photos of the LITTLE GULL and BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE showing that they not just any regular gulls. http://www.utahbirds.org/hotlinephotos/2009/LittleGull2.htm _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: NO SIGHTING - Possible Split in species for Winter Wren From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:24:10 -0700 http://earbirding.com/blog/archives/774 -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Mystery bird identification help From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:45:04 -0800 (PST) Thanks to all those who helped with the identification of my mystery bird photographed in Leeds last weekend. I've concluded Kris Purdy gave the most accurate identification. It's a Black-whiskered Blue Nose...yes, that fits Thanks, Paul _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Layton Wild Bird Center Award From: "Glenn B. Barlow" <gbarlow35 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:41:05 -0800 (PST) Congratulations to Bill Fenimore on this achievement!. � The Layton Wild Bird Center and Bill Fenimore have been selected as the�2009 Utah Environmental Education Business of the Year.� He will be�presented with this award during the�award ceremony that will be held�at the 20th Annual USEE conference at the Wasatch Retreat and Convention Center, Salt Lake City�from 11:35-12:00 on Friday November 20. � Glenn _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bill Fenimore wants to connect on LinkedIn From: Bill Fenimore <birderb AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:13:44 -0800 (PST) LinkedIn ------------ I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. - Bill Fenimore Confirm that you know Bill Fenimore https://www.linkedin.com/e/isd/858098526/ektv7wqG/ Every day, millions of professionals like Bill Fenimore use LinkedIn to connect with colleagues, find experts, and explore opportunities. ------ (c) 2009, LinkedIn Corporation _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Brown Pelican Article From: "Pomera Fronce" <pinkstring AT xmission.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:28:36 -0700 Good Morning - There's an article in Thursday's Tribune about the Brown Pelican being taken off the endangered species list. Here's the link: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_13764792?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com And for the "old-fashioned" readers like me, check out page A11. One of our favorite memories of a trip Anne and I took to San Diego last year was watching those big B-52s nose dive into the ocean for fish. Pomera_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Flamboyant Merlin Photo From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:05:11 -0700 Here is Richard Young's photo of the uninhibited Merlin at the Kennecott Nature Center: http://www.utahbirds.org/hotlinephotos/2009/Merlin.htm _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: RE: Help with Identification--Images From: "Fish, Michael" <Michael.Fish AT atk.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:42:29 -0700 Hey Paul, Next time you see your "mystery" bird, hold up a mirror to it and say "here skeeter-skeeter". If the bird fluffs up and scampers over to sit on your shoulder, he migrated from my daughter's bedroom in Logan. Either that or Disneyland is missing a bird from the Tiki Room. J hehe (Fabulous pictures as usual) Mike From: birdtalk-bounces AT utahbirds.org [mailto:birdtalk-bounces AT utahbirds.org] On Behalf Of Paul Higgins Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:38 AM To: birdtalk AT utahbirds.org Subject: [Birdtalk] Help with Identification--Images Sorry, Forgot to add images of bird I could not identify, photograhed in Leed's, Utah, last weekend. http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/mysterybird _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: AIC gulls still there yesterday (Little, Lesser BB, and Kittiwake) From: "David Wheeler" <dswheeler AT utah.gov> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:18 -0700 The three gulls of interest (Little, Lesser Black-backed, and B-L Kittiwake) were still at the causeway with a large group of Bonaparte's gulls at the second bridge as of late yesterday morning (Nov 11th). The Little gull can be a little difficult to pick out from the swirl of the Bonaparte's gulls, but if one is patient and quick of eye, one should see it's dark underwing stand out when it takes its turn swirling forward, flying to the head of the "line". _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Help with Identification--Images From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:37:56 -0800 (PST) Sorry, Forgot to add images of bird I could not identify, photograhed in Leed's, Utah, last weekend. http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/mysterybird _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Help with identification From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:33:09 -0800 (PST) I found this bird in Leed's, Washington County, Utah, last weekend. Could not identify in Sibley's Guide, colorful bird...I need help. Paul _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: A Mercurial Merlin or what? From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:25:19 -0800 (PST) Birdnet Email -- from the website‏ It was submitted by Richard B. Young  on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 15:10:51   Subject: A Mercurial Merlin or what?   Email_Address: richbyoung AT isp.com   Message: I was photographing at the Kennecott Nature Center of Murray again today Wed., Nov. 11, the same location that I made a bad call, saying I had photographed a 2nd merlin (one on Oct. 23; the 2nd on Oct. 30th). The second bird was later identified and posted as a juvenile sharp-shinned hawk by a birder who would know the difference. I emphasize again, that I m not a birder , rather a photographer who likes to photograph birds! So, today when I called up into a tree where a bird was perched, What kind of bird are you? , and heard the reply I'm a Merlin! , I said, Oh, no! I m not going to be embarrassed again. Been there done that! The bird retorted I AM A MERLIN!, AND YOU PHOTOGRAPHED ME ON OCT. 23RD! LOOK AT ME CLOSELY! I admit the bird did look familiar I said, I'll tell you what If you will pose for me showing as many merlin features as you can . Really strut your stuff, I'll tell people I located you again, on Wednesday, Nov.11 at the same location and provide them with the image I take of you in such a position. The bird said, Fair enough . After the photograph, I thanked the bird and said I hope he didn't strain himself in such a strenuous pose. So, how about it, people do I or do I not have a strained merlin who wants you to know he's baaack? I'll email the image to those of you who will be kind in your response. Milt should I email you an image as well?   Richard B. Young     _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Provo Airport - Hooded Mergansers, Blue-grey Gnatcatchers From: Eric Huish <poorwill_ AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:19:18 -0700 Birded the Provo Airport Dike this morning (Utah County). There were 5 Hooded Mergansers in the moat north of the southeast corner and two 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers between the south east corner and the south extension. Location: Provo Airport Dike - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 11/11/09 Number of species: 32 Gadwall 1 Mallard 6 Hooded Merganser 5 In the moat on the east side of the dike. Ring-necked Pheasant 1 Heard Only Pied-billed Grebe 2 Clark's Grebe 3 Western/Clark's Grebe 4 Great Blue Heron 1 Northern Harrier 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 2 Virginia Rail 1 Heard Only American Coot 50 Ring-billed Gull 180 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 6 Black-billed Magpie 4 Black-capped Chickadee 15 Marsh Wren 9 Heard Only Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Between southeast corner and south extension. American Robin 3 European Starling 25 Spotted Towhee 3 Song Sparrow 5 White-crowned Sparrow 35 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 2 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 9 Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided) 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1000 House Finch 18 American Goldfinch 3 House Sparrow 4 This report was generated automatically by eBird Eric Huish Pleasant Grove UT poorwill_ AT hotmail.com 801-360-8777 _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Little Gull (Ned Bixler) From: utahbixlers AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:29:58 +0000 (UTC) Wed. Nov. 11th - 11:45 am.  There was a Little gull at the Deer Creek State Park marina.  I watched it for a period of time.  However, when I returned at 1:30 pm, I could not relocate it. Ned Bixler Provo _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: AIC Gulls still present From: western.tanager2 AT gmail.com Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:35:28 +0000 The Little Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Lesser Black-backed Gull and roughly 1000~ Bonaparte's Gulls were still present at the causeway today. Quite an impressive show to watch. At some point I might have also seen a wandering Rick Fridell (Rare outside of the mojave desert region in Utah) picking up his fill of our out of range winter gulls. The mostly luecistic Ring-billed Gull was also still at Liberty Park. New pictures to come probably tomorrow. Cheers Tim Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: home From: Roostertael AT aol.com Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:48:17 EST Hi, It seems a bit insignificant right now, but the American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins are back in the valley. At least it gives me something different to look at while I am home. Jack Binch_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: AIC gull photos from 9 Nov 2009 From: "Ryan O'Donnell" <ryan AT biology.usu.edu> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:38:11 -0700 Here are some photos of gulls I took along the Antelope Island Causeway yesterday, 9 Nov 2009. Black-legged Kittiwake: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/BLKIsmall.jpg Little Gull: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/LIGU1.jpg http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/LIGU2.jpg http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/LIGU3.jpg Lesser Black-backed Gull: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/LBBG.jpg Bonaparte's Gull: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/BOGU1.jpg http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/BOGU2.jpg http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/BOGU3.jpg http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/BOGU4.jpg http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/BOGU5.jpg California Gull: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/Tsirtalis/CAGU.jpg Good birding, Ryan O'Donnell _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Eurasian Collared-Dove From: Sharon Andrus <sunflower3594 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:27:02 -0700 A pair of Eurasian Collared-doves have been hanging around Brigham City for the past couple of months. They were sighted again today. Do they stay all winter?? Sharon_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Leucistic RB Gull From: Jerry Lig <jerrylig AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:41:57 +0000 Just thought I'd let everyone know. I sent the photos of the leucistic Ring-billed Gull to 7 or 8 birders, all who have written or are writing field guides, and all have identified it as a Ring-billed Gull. Good to have other opinions since I am not a gull expert in the least (however you define "expert"). Jerry _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Jerry's picture of the Liberty Park Gull From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:28:11 -0700 Here are the pictures that Jerry Liguori took of the interesting Liberty Park gull. http://www.utahbirds.org/hotlinephotos/2009/WhiteGull2.htm _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: White Gull at Liberty Park From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:37:21 -0700 Kris Van Fleet sent in some very close-up pictures of the Gull at Liberty Park, seen from several angles and flying. Here's a link: http://www.utahbirds.org/hotlinephotos/2009/WhiteGull.htm _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: AIC GullFest continues From: "Ryan O'Donnell" <ryan AT biology.usu.edu> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 21:32:32 -0700 Today between about 1:30 and 3:30PM I was able to relocate the LITTLE GULL, BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL along the Antelope Island Causeway. I did not see the Sabine's Gull or any Scoters. The Kittiwake was only seen briefly when I arrived and was not seen again in the next several hours. The Little Gull was seen at least 4 or 5 times, but it was sometimes a half hour or so between observations. All three rare gulls were at the last bridge along the causeway toward the island, with hundreds of BONAPARTE'S GULLS. All three were photographed. I'll post links to photos tomorrow if I get the chance. Good birding, Ryan Ph.D. candidate Department of Biology and the Ecology Center Utah State University 5305 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322-5305 http://home.comcast.net/~tsirtalis/_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Leucistic Ring-billed Gull From: Jerry Lig <jerrylig AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:40:31 +0000 Got some pics of the leucistic Ring-billed Gull today, I sent them to Milt to post. It does have a faint tail band and some very faint coloration on the primaries and underwing coverts. Jerry _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: Unclutter your desktop. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9690331&ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen:112009 _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Slate-colored Junco From: avx AT comcast.net Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:21:47 +0000 (UTC) I believe I had a "Slate-colored" Dark-eyed Junco in my backyard tonight - for real this time. Let me know what you think - (Craig).   :) Here's a link to a couple of pictures: http://www.pbase.com/mfish/image/119228207 I also saw two wild turkeys at the intersection of 6th west and Highway 89 in Logan. The turkeys were right next to the pavement picking at the newly upturned dirt. This is the south corner of Rendezvous Park were all of the trees are getting torn out and fill dirt is being brought in. What is going in that part of the park - anybody know? Sorry - no pictures of the turkeys. Mike Fish Logan, Utah _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: Salt Lake County Lamb's Canyon - Northern Pygmy-Owl From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 16:58:21 -0700 Inspired to learn more about these owls, I located the following article - I thought this may be of interest to many of you: http://www.nwf.org/NationalWildlife/printerFriendly.cfm?issueID=129&articleID=1738 On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 6:17 PM, Jeff Bilsky wrote: > I was successful (with some help) in relocating the Lamb's Canyon NORTHERN > PYGMY-OWL a couple of times in the last week. A group of us went up there > tonight and were not able to find it, however. Here's what I've observed: > The two times I found it it was seen perched high atop a pine on the North > Side (left as you're heading in) of the road in the general vicinity of the > parking area. I saw it out there between 4 and 5 pm both times I saw it. The > first time I saw it, it flew around a bit to various perches and the second > time it disappeared off into the woods after sitting on a single perch for > several minutes. I have not heard it vocalize and I don't believe that > playing call will be useful. I think your best bet is to just use your eyes > to scan the tops of the tall pines in the area. Here's a poorly lit video > still of the bird: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8CasmTJw0aqNlo > > > Also of > interest, I observed an adult BALD EAGLE fly over Lamb's Canyon on Saturday > and was tipped off to its presence by the Pygmy-Owl suddenly looking > straight up at it. > > Today near Antelope Island, in addition to all the good birds that have > been mentioned on other posts, I located a NORTHERN SHRIKE in the farm > fields over near the GSL Shoreline Preserve. > > Good > Birding! > > -- > Jeff Bilsky > Salt Lake City > jbilsky AT gmail.com > > > > > -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Ted Steinke From: "Mark Mossing" <mossing1 AT q.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 16:38:26 -0700 Thought you might be interested in an article in Sunday's Tribune regarding Ted's grand prize in the National Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest. It is on page H3 of the AWAY section of the paper under the Outdoors heading and there is a large copy of the winning photo. You can also find the article on-line at www.sltrib.com. Place your cursor on the "Features" button on the top line, and then click on the "Outdoors" button in the dialog box that unfolds. The pic and article are on the following screen that comes up. Enjoy your birding. Mark Mossing mossing1 AT q.com _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: RE: RE: Possible Iceland Gull From: Steve Carr <stevecarr9 AT msn.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 16:33:26 -0700 Just to add my 2 cents worth, after close, personal examination of the bird in question - a purely albino bird should have more of a pink eye than this bird - it has a pale gray iris. I would expect the bill to be totally pink, without any black. This one has a blackish distal 1/2. These factors might tend toward an Iceland Gull. However, in certain lights, there was a tinge of yellowish in the legs, which would mitigate against the Iceland. Plus, the plumage is pure white without the slightest hint of a pale gray mantle or gray or tan in between the feathers as we'd likely see in an Iceland. The tipping point probably is that this bird is exactly the same size as all the Ring-billeds in the same area, instead of being noticeably 3-4 inches larger if it were an Iceland. Whether is is a pure albino Ring-billed or a partial leucistic Ring-billed is still open to question. --Steve Carr Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:02:28 -0800 From: bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com To: birdtalk AT utahbirds.org Subject: [Birdtalk] RE: Possible Iceland Gull Thanks everyone for the feed back. The consensus seems to be its a leucistic juvenile Ring-billed Gull. It is just to pale, even for an Iceland Gull. Still a beautiful bird though. It was funny, I was at the park checking with my binoculars for pink legged gulls, hoping to turn up something unusual, jealous of all the activity up north, and then I looked down and less than 10ft. from me was this beautiful nearly pure white gull. I guess I just wanted it to be a 2nd winter Iceland really bad, but alas, it was not. Good Birding Bryant Olsen __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Ouray NWR General Waterbird Survey From: Diane_Penttila AT fws.gov Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 13:58:51 -0700 Ouray National Wildlife Refuge General Waterbird Survey 11/9/09 The cranes and the unusual species of geese can usually be found in the field in front of the office or S-4. Evening is best. The following birds were seen within the survey route: Canada geese 1,175 Snow goose 10 Greater white-fronted goose 1 Mallard 892 Gadwall 17 Green-winged teal 1,789 Northern shoveler 114 Northern pintail 169 American wigeon 2 Bufflehead 37 Ruddy duck 9 Hooded merganser 4 Common merganser 21 American coot 22 Great blue heron 11 Double-crested cormorant 1 Sandhill crane 646 Black-crowned night heron 3 American white pelican 1 Killdeer 19 Dowitcher's spp 3 Wilson's snipe 15 Western grebe 1 American kestrel 2 Sharp-shinned hawk 1 Northern harrier 1 Red-tailed hawk 1 Bald eagle 1 Ring-billed gull 24 Diane Penttila Ouray NWR Randlett, UT (435)545-2522 x 12 diane_penttila AT fws.gov_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: RE: Possible Iceland Gull From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:02:28 -0800 (PST) Thanks everyone for the feed back. The consensus seems to be its a leucistic juvenile Ring-billed Gull. It is just to pale, even for an Iceland Gull. Still a beautiful bird though. It was funny, I was at the park checking with my binoculars for pink legged gulls, hoping to turn up something unusual, jealous of all the activity up north, and then I looked down and less than 10ft. from me was this beautiful nearly pure white gull. I guess I just wanted it to be a 2nd winter Iceland really bad, but alas, it was not. Good Birding Bryant Olsen __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Little Gull and Black-legged Kittiwake Photos From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 07:48:40 -0700 Jack Binch sent in pictures of the LITTLE GULL and the BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE that is presently being seen at the Antelope Island Causeway http://www.utahbirds.org/hotlinephotos/2009/LittleGull.htm _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Sage Sparrow, Washington County, Utah From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 06:16:32 -0800 (PST) Sage Sparrow, Sand Hallow, Washington County, Utah http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/sparrowsage _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Black-tailed Gnatcatcher #2 Washington County From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 05:19:46 -0800 (PST) I messed up the earlier e-mail.� Blacktailed Gnatcatcher.� Washington Co., Utah http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/gnatcatcherblacktailed Paul _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Washington County, Utah From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 02:27:20 -0800 (PST) Black-tailed Gnatcatchaer-- Beaver Dam Slope, Washington County, Utah http://upload.pbase.com/edit_gallery/phiggins/gnatcatcherblacktailed _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Re: Another AI Causeway Lesser Black-backed Gull From: Tim Avery <western.tanager2 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 23:36:02 -0700 Kris, I would say this is indeed a different gull. Twice it flew by yesterday while we were watching the swarm of Bonaparte's at the last bridge--looking not nearly as developed as the previous LBBG that has been around. Hard to believe 10 years ago there were only 2 records, and now we are having multiple birds show up at the same places! Cheers Tim On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 6:15 PM, wrote: > In addition to the other celebrity gulls (including the SABINE'S) already > reported on Antelope Island's Causeway today, another LESSER BLACK-BACKED > GULL was in the same place where Jack Binch found one on October 24. The > location is just west of the weather station on the north side of the > causeway, and within a half mile or so (east of) of the big bridge near the > marina. > > > > This LBBG appeared to be a third winter bird and differed from Jack's in > several ways. First, the gonys spot was red and black and the upper mandible > showed some black above the gonys; second, the trailing edge of the wings in > flight seemed a near perfect edge instead of various feathers still growing > in; third, this bird was REALLY smudgy around the sides of neck and upper > breast; and fourth (and a bit odd), the folded wingtips barely reached the > tail. > > > > Jack's bird had the appearance of two "notches" on the trailing edge of > each wing at the two molt centers where the flight feathers were still > growing in. That bird's beak was also very yellow with a red-only gonys > spot, and the wingtips were much longer than the tail. > > > > It seems quite unlikely that the bird could have undergone such radical > changes in two weeks, including regressing a year in age and shortening its > wingtips. Hee-hee. > > > > John Bellmon, Keith Evans, Jack Rensel and I studied today's gull for a > long time; John also saw the first LBBG and agreed this was a different > bird. Later, Jeff Bilsky, another two-LBBG-er, came to the same conclusion. > > > > What a day for gulls in Utah! > > > > Kris > > _______________________________________________ > Birdnet mailing list > Birdnet AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet >_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Re: Possible Iceland Gull From: Tim Avery <western.tanager2 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 23:31:19 -0700 That is a way cool looking bird. Any all white gull/bird in general is pretty cool looking. However, I am inclined to believe this is a albino/leucistic Ring-billed Gull. The pictures with the California Gulls shows it more int eh size range of a Ring-billed than the larger Iceland Gull, which should be on par with the California's. The tip of the bill is also showing Pink if you look at the larger images. Not sure if it would be to that stage yet on an Iceland Gull, but Cliff can probably expand on that. I think I need to go down and try to photograph this bird, pretty slick looking. Bryant's email is a great reminder that our city parks are an under-birded and over-looked arena for birding, simply overshadowed by the mountains and drowned out by the giant (but shrinking) lake to the west. The parks around the Wasatch front have turned up some stunning birds over the years. Black Scoter at Sugarhouse Park Worm-eating Warbler at Beus Pond Summer Tanager at Liberty Park Good Birding Tim On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 5:22 PM, Bryant Olsen wrote: > I just saw what I believe to be a 2nd winter Iceland Gull in Liberty > Park,SLC. It was mixed in with all the hordes of begging California and > Ring-billed Gulls on the south end of the big pond. It was very tame and I > got very close and got some good photos, see > http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4087933312/ . It was extremely pale, > almost pure white, with pink legs and bill, and stood out like a sore thumb. > Good Birding > Bryant Olsen > > > _______________________________________________ > Birdtalk mailing list > Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk >_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: [Birdtalk] Possible Iceland Gull From: Tim Avery <western.tanager2 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 23:31:19 -0700 That is a way cool looking bird. Any all white gull/bird in general is pretty cool looking. However, I am inclined to believe this is a albino/leucistic Ring-billed Gull. The pictures with the California Gulls shows it more int eh size range of a Ring-billed than the larger Iceland Gull, which should be on par with the California's. The tip of the bill is also showing Pink if you look at the larger images. Not sure if it would be to that stage yet on an Iceland Gull, but Cliff can probably expand on that. I think I need to go down and try to photograph this bird, pretty slick looking. Bryant's email is a great reminder that our city parks are an under-birded and over-looked arena for birding, simply overshadowed by the mountains and drowned out by the giant (but shrinking) lake to the west. The parks around the Wasatch front have turned up some stunning birds over the years. Black Scoter at Sugarhouse Park Worm-eating Warbler at Beus Pond Summer Tanager at Liberty Park Good Birding Tim On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 5:22 PM, Bryant Olsen wrote: > I just saw what I believe to be a 2nd winter Iceland Gull in Liberty > Park,SLC. It was mixed in with all the hordes of begging California and > Ring-billed Gulls on the south end of the big pond. It was very tame and I > got very close and got some good photos, see > http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4087933312/ . It was extremely pale, > almost pure white, with pink legs and bill, and stood out like a sore thumb. > Good Birding > Bryant Olsen > > > _______________________________________________ > Birdtalk mailing list > Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk >_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: RE: Possible Iceland Gull From: Jerry Lig <jerrylig AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 02:53:53 +0000 I'll go out on a limb here and suggest that the white gull at Liberty Park is an albino Ring-billed Gull. Seems to be too small for an Iceland compared to the other Gulls in the photos and the bill pattern fits. Also there are no dark or dusky markings at all. Even thought the European Icelands are very whitish, I think it's an albino Ring-billed Jerry _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/ http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Cactus Wren, Washington County, Utah From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 18:52:58 -0800 (PST) Cactus Wren, Sand Hollow, Washington County, Utah. November 8, 2009 http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/wrencactus _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Salt Lake County Lamb's Canyon - Northern Pygmy-Owl From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 18:17:47 -0700 I was successful (with some help) in relocating the Lamb's Canyon NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL a couple of times in the last week. A group of us went up there tonight and were not able to find it, however. Here's what I've observed: The two times I found it it was seen perched high atop a pine on the North Side (left as you're heading in) of the road in the general vicinity of the parking area. I saw it out there between 4 and 5 pm both times I saw it. The first time I saw it, it flew around a bit to various perches and the second time it disappeared off into the woods after sitting on a single perch for several minutes. I have not heard it vocalize and I don't believe that playing call will be useful. I think your best bet is to just use your eyes to scan the tops of the tall pines in the area. Here's a poorly lit video still of the bird: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8CasmTJw0aqNlo Also of interest, I observed an adult BALD EAGLE fly over Lamb's Canyon on Saturday and was tipped off to its presence by the Pygmy-Owl suddenly looking straight up at it. Today near Antelope Island, in addition to all the good birds that have been mentioned on other posts, I located a NORTHERN SHRIKE in the farm fields over near the GSL Shoreline Preserve. Good Birding! -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Another AI Causeway Lesser Black-backed Gull From: kristinpurdy AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 01:15:25 +0000 (UTC) In addition to the other celebrity gulls (including the SABINE'S) already reported on Antelope Island's Causeway today, another LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was in the same place where Jack Binch found one on October 24. The location is just west of the weather station on the north side of the causeway, and within a half mile or so (east of) of the big bridge near the marina. This LBBG appeared to be a third winter bird and differed from Jack's in several ways. First, the gonys spot was red and black and the upper mandible showed some black above the gonys; second, the trailing edge of the wings in flight seemed a near perfect edge instead of various feathers still growing in; third, this bird was REALLY smudgy around the sides of neck and upper breast; and fourth (and a bit odd), the folded wingtips barely reached the tail. Jack's bird had the appearance of two "notches" on the trailing edge of each wing at the two molt centers where the flight feathers were still growing in. That bird's beak was also very yellow with a red-only gonys spot, and the wingtips were much longer than the tail. It seems quite unlikely that the bird could have undergone such radical changes in two weeks, including regressing a year in age and shortening its wingtips. Hee-hee. John Bellmon, Keith Evans, Jack Rensel and I studied today's gull for a long time; John also saw the first LBBG and agreed this was a different bird. Later, Jeff Bilsky, another two-LBBG-er, came to the same conclusion. What a day for gulls in Utah! Kris _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Re: Possible Iceland Gull From: Cliff and Lisa Weisse <CliffandLisa AT octobersetters.com> Date: Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:37:28 -0700 Bryant, I think you're right. Everything seems spot on for Iceland, plumage, size, structure, etc. Congratulations on a very cool bird. Cliff Bryant Olsen wrote: > I just saw what I believe to be a 2nd winter Iceland Gull in Liberty > Park,SLC. It was mixed in with all the hordes of begging California > and Ring-billed Gulls on the south end of the big pond. It was very > tame and I got very close and got some good photos, see > http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4087933312/ . It was extremely > pale, almost pure white, with pink legs and bill, and stood out like a > sore thumb. > Good Birding > Bryant Olsen > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Birdtalk mailing list > Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk -- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho cliffandlisa AT octobersetters.com _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Possible Iceland Gull From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 16:22:25 -0800 (PST) I just saw what I believe to be a 2nd winter Iceland Gull in Liberty Park,SLC. It was mixed in with all the hordes of begging California and Ring-billed Gulls on the south end of the big pond. It was very tame and I got very close and got some good photos, see http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4087933312/ . It was extremely pale, almost pure white, with pink legs and bill, and stood out like a sore thumb. Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Possible Iceland Gull From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 16:22:25 -0800 (PST) I just saw what I believe to be a 2nd winter Iceland Gull in Liberty Park,SLC. It was mixed in with all the hordes of begging California and Ring-billed Gulls on the south end of the big pond. It was very tame and I got very close and got some good photos, see http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4087933312/ . It was extremely pale, almost pure white, with pink legs and bill, and stood out like a sore thumb. Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: lewis's woodpecker From: kimberly roush <kroush AT xmission.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 12:58:38 -0700 I looked for the Lewis's Woodpecker in East Canyon as directed by the lower reservoir on Friday AT 1-2:30 pm with no luck. Please let me know if anyone sights it again. Thanks Kimberly Roush _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet