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8 Feb The Good Old Days of Farmington Bay Bald Eagles, February 2005-7 [Utah Birds ] 8 Feb selling wingscapes camera [Susan Gray ] 7 Feb February Antelope Island Survey [Steve Sommerfeld ] 7 Feb Varied thrush- still present [Matthew Schamberger ] 7 Feb WF Goose, Cackling Goose [Joel and Kathy Beyer ] 7 Feb Farmington Bay Gulls [Carl Ingwell ] 7 Feb WInter Wren & Sharpie [] 7 Feb KC Childs is seeing a Hummingbird in Provo... and some of my less interesting Utah Co. sightings. [Eric Huish ] 7 Feb Hooded Mergansers [Utah Birds ] 7 Feb McCcown's Longspurs [Carl Ingwell ] 7 Feb Re: long-eared owl [Steve Krueger ] 6 Feb House Finch Detail Photos [Tim Avery ] 6 Feb Great Gray Owl?? ["Tim Gorman" ] 06 Feb Re: great gray owl?? [Cliff and Lisa Weisse ] 6 Feb RE: great gray owl?? [Steve Carr ] 6 Feb great gray owl?? [Utah Birds ] 6 Feb Winter Wren ["Jim Lofthouse" ] 6 Feb Bird Refuge - Bald Eagle Day [] 5 Feb Big gull day at Farmington: Glaucous, Westerns, Lesser Black-backed, and more [David Wheeler ] 5 Feb Cackling Goose Correction. [Bryant Olsen ] 5 Feb Sue Campbell [Carol Nelson ] 5 Feb Longspurs & Road Detour at Bear River [] 3 Feb Cackling Goose in Liberty Park SLC [Bryant Olsen ] 3 Feb Washington County Field Trip Summary 1/30 [Webmail rfridell ] 3 Feb Re: FW: Eagles Roost .... Amazing! [ConnieM ] 3 Feb Deer Creek Reservoir (Ned Bixler) [] 3 Feb FW: Eagles Roost .... Amazing! [Flora Duncan ] 2 Feb Peregrine at main and 700 south, SLC [Glen Warchol ] 2 Feb (no subject) [Robert Williams ] 1 Feb Washington County Recap [Jeff Bilsky ] 1 Feb Western and Lesser Black-backed gulls at Farmington Bay [Edson Leite ] 1 Feb Western and Lesser Black-backed gulls at Farmington Bay [Edson Leite ] 1 Feb Re: Signs of spring:Owls [] 1 Feb Signs of spring:Owls [Bryant Olsen ] 31 Jan Barrow's Goldeneye and Greater Scaup on JRP [Tom Fletcher ] 31 Jan No Rosy-Finches at Alta [] 31 Jan RE: long-eared owl [Eric Huish ] 31 Jan long-eared owl [STEVEN BRERETON ] 31 Jan Invasion of the siskins [Betsy Beneke ] 30 Jan White Canada Geese [Troy Parkin ] 30 Jan Varied Thrush and Great Egret still at JRP in Lehi. [Eric Huish ] 30 Jan The "Wolf" Moon (no birds--but photos) [Tim Avery ] 29 Jan Mew Gull [] 29 Jan Bear River again [] 29 Jan varied thrush [Robert Williams ] 29 Jan Reducing aircraft-wildlife strikes at airports ["Kennedy, Matthew J" ] 29 Jan Sugarhouse Backyard Birding / City Creek Canyon Owling [Jeff Bilsky ] 28 Jan Golden-crowned Kinglets in Liberty Park,SLC [Bryant Olsen ] 28 Jan Varied Thrush [] 28 Jan Provo Airport and Utah Lake State Park, Utah Co. - 01/28/10 [Eric Huish ] 28 Jan Black Rosy Finches? [Ned Hill ] 27 Jan OOPS - visits for birds continues [Betsy Beneke ] 27 Jan favor needed - longspurs and rails [Betsy Beneke ] 26 Jan Rusty Blackbird [Brian Maxfield ] 25 Jan Burrowing Owl--Antelope Island [Paul Higgins ] 25 Jan American Wigeon Detail Photographs [Tim Avery ] 25 Jan Re: ONC Hawktalk [Angel Johnson ] 24 Jan Cackling Geese at ATK Ranch ["Kristin Purdy" ] 24 Jan Red-winged Blackbirds ["Jim Lofthouse" ] 24 Jan Sharp-tailed Grouse ["Jim Lofthouse" ] 24 Jan Longspurs and chickens [Edson Leite ] 24 Jan UTAH COUNTY - Varied Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, Long-eared Owl [Jeff Bilsky ] 24 Jan Belated bunches of McCown's Longspurs at BRMBR [David Wheeler ] 24 Jan McCown's Longspur and Gray Partridge Pictures [Tim Avery ] 23 Jan Night-herons, Logan Fish Hatchery, 1/23/10 [Craig Fosdick ] 23 Jan Sugarhouse Screech Owls [Jeff Bilsky ] 23 Jan 20~ Gray Partridge at Bear River MBR [] 23 Jan 3 McCown's Longspurs at Bear River MBR [] 23 Jan New bird on state checklist [Utah Birds ] 22 Jan Dusky Grouse [Dave Hanscom ] 22 Jan Birds executing damage and damage control at local trout fisheries [Utah Birds ] 22 Jan Kay Stone saw a Varied Thrush near Lehi (Utah Co.) this morning. [Eric Huish ] 22 Jan Re: White Hawk [ConnieM ] 22 Jan White Hawk [Utah Birds ] 21 Jan Re: Herons hunting for Voles ["Bill Fenimore Sr." ] 22 Jan Salem Pond, Jan 21/10 - Virginia Rail, Snipe, Prairie Falcon, Ducks [Matt Mills ] Subject: The Good Old Days of Farmington Bay Bald Eagles, February 2005-7 From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 16:44:16 -0800 (PST)   Birdnet Email -- from the website‏   It was submitted by richbyoung AT isp.com on Monday, February 08, 2010 at 09:17:03   Subject: The Good Old Days of Farmington Bay Bald Eagles, February 2005-7   Email_Address: richbyoung AT isp.com   Message: In my earlier days of bird photography using a Nikon D100 camera, my images being somewhat pathetic compared to my newer D300, I was fortunate to view and photograph substantial concentrations of bald eagles at Farmington Bay, due to the DWR pattern of poisoning carp in February. It was not uncommon to see as many as 100 eagles at one time, flying, perching, bathing, whatever, all around me. By positioning myself on the west side of the dike near the bridges, I easily photographed eagles swooping in to pick freshly killed carp. Alas, during recent years, the birds did not appear in the routine locations. Instead they were scattered, mostly further south. I was told that the DWR had changed their pattern of rotenone release and were focusing on different ponds. Whatever had been changed, I know not; but I do know that the birds weren't where they had been in previous years. I wish for my Farmington Bay experiences of earlier years with my new cameras. I have gathered a series of my old D100 photos from that time and have posted them on a new site that I m constructing, a work in progress. Here is a link: http://www.richbyoung.com/bald-eagles.html     _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: selling wingscapes camera From: Susan Gray <smcmillan50 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 10:53:33 -0700 I hope this is appropriate for this venue. I bought a Wingscapes Camera for my feeder last Spring (not the newer model they just released). I have loved it, but just don't have the time to really down load the pictures anymore. I thought I would offer it to this list first before trying to sell it on ebay. If anyone is interested please contact me. I will sell it for $125 plus shipping if you want me to mail it to you. I live in Herriman, so if it's convenient to pick it up we can arrange that too. Susan Gray cell 801/712-9643 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: February Antelope Island Survey From: Steve Sommerfeld <ssfeld AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 19:00:05 -0700 It was a beautiful quite day on Antelope Island today. We got our first of the year Barn Owl, flying off the west side of the Visitor's Center. Garr Ranch was inundated with American Goldfinch. Early, the causeway had hundreds of Canada Geese. Our Species count was 39: 1. Canada Goose 2. Cackling Goose 3. Ring-necked Duck 4. Lesser Scaup 5. Bufflehead 6. Common Goldeneye 7. Ruddy Duck 8. Chuckar 9. Ring-necked Pheasant 10. Great Blue Heron 11. Bald Eagle 12. Northern Harrier 13. Red-tailed Hawk 14. American Kestrel 15. Virginia Rail 16. Killdeer 17. Ring-billed Gull 18. California Gull 19. Barn Owl 20. Great Horned Owl 21. Long-eared Owl 22. Northern Flicker 23. Loggerhead Shrike 24. Black-billed Magpie 25. Common Raven 26. Horned Lark 27. Rock Wren 28. Bewick's Wren 29. American Robin 30. European Starling 31. American Pipit 32. Spotted Towhee 33. Song Sparrow 34. White-crowned Sparrow 35. Dark-eyed Junco 36. Red-winged Blackbird 37. Western Meadowlark 38. House Finch 39. American Goldfinch Cindy Sommerfeld_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Varied thrush- still present From: Matthew Schamberger <aboytues AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:31:50 -0700 My wife and I viewed the VARIED THRUSH (near the aforementioned pump house near Jordan River R/C Modelport) today. He appeared five minutes after our arrival and seemed to be ready to roost for the night at 5 PM. Sincerely, Matt Schamberger EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: WF Goose, Cackling Goose From: Joel and Kathy Beyer <twobirders AT q.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:01:06 -0700 This afternoon we spotted a White-fronted Goose and a Cackling Goose in a large flock (~300) of Canada Geese on the Antelope Island Causeway (Davis Co.). The geese were between MM 5 and 6, north side. Joel _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Farmington Bay Gulls From: Carl Ingwell <carlingwell AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 16:06:14 -0700 Jeff Bilsky, Steve and Cindy Sommerfield and I had 2 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 2 Thayers Gulls, 2 Glacous Gulls, Herring Gulls, California Gulls. And Ring Billed Gulls at Farmington Bay today between 1 and 4 PM._______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: WInter Wren & Sharpie From: avx AT comcast.net Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 22:13:40 +0000 (UTC)    I've been up to Third Dam in Logan Canyon for 5 weekends in a row trying to capture a picture of a very elusive Winter Wren . I first saw the Wren five weeks ago where Spring Creek meets the Logan River in the Spring Hollow campground area. I was able to find the bird three out of the five weekends, and today I finally captured a couple of very poor pictures of the bird. The pictures are not spectacular by any means, but they are proof that the bird is there. I played an extreme game of cat and mouse with the bird and I never got more than a quick glimpse of the bird at any one time. I don't know if all Winter Wren's are this hard to spot, but this bird takes the prize as the most challenging I've ever tried to photograph.    I also captured a few more pictures of the Sharp-shinned hawk  that has haunted my bird feeders all winter. I have seen the hawk make dozens of attacks on my feeders during the past few weeks, but I have only seen the Sharpie make one successful hit. These pictures were taken after the Sharpie made unsuccessful attacks and then rested near the feeders to scan for birds. I had to take the pictures through my back window, so they aren't very sharp. Here's a link to pictures of the Sharpie and Wren if you are interested. http://www.pbase.com/mfish/image/121765379 Mike Fish Logan, Utah_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: KC Childs is seeing a Hummingbird in Provo... and some of my less interesting Utah Co. sightings. From: Eric Huish <poorwill_ AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 13:13:14 -0700 KC Childs and his roommate Sean glimpsed a Hummingbird fly out of a tree in their front yard Friday (Feb 5) around 5:00 pm. KC saw it again on Saturday around 5:00 pm, again just a glimpse. He is unsure of species but it does have a faint wing-trill. He now has a few hummingbird feeders out. The sighting is in the area of 300 W 200 S, Provo. ---------- I saw a couple Northern Mockingbirds on Friday (Feb 5) along the road about a mile south of the Lindon Boat Harbor, or about a half mile south of the settling ponds. One was in a Russian Olive between the parkway trail and the lake. The other was in a field on the East side of the road a little closer to the settling ponds. It is possible they were the same bird. Direction to the area - http://www.utahbirds.org/counties/utahco/LindonMarina.htm In my yard this morning when all the birds scattered from the feeders I started looking for the culprit. I saw a Merlin in the elm tree across the street. I walked out to get a better look. I was standing right next to a big blue spruce at the corner of the yard. There were lots of birds making a ruckus in the spruce, I assumed because of the Merlin. A few house sparrow shot out of the spruce with a Sharp-shinned Hawk right behind them. They out flew the sharpie who turned around, flew 5 feet in front of my face, and shot right back into the spruce tree. When the sharpie dove back into the tree a few more sparrow shot out the other side and the Merlin dove down and chased them at lightning speed. They disappeared over the house with the Merlin just a few inches behind a sparrow. Over the next 20 minutes I watched the sharpie circle and fly into the tree several more times. It sounded like it was tussling with a Scrub-Jay at one point. 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: Hooded Mergansers From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 11:23:46 -0800 (PST) Birdnet Email -- from the website‏   It was submitted by melsyurt AT gmail.com on Sunday, February 07, 2010 at 11:58:26 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Hooded Mergansers Email_Address: melsyurt AT gmail.com eBird Report - Pruess Reservoir , 2/5/10    Location: Pruess Reservoir Inlet (Pruess South)(Millard County, UT ... 2 miles East of Garrison, UT, 10 miles east of Baker, Nevada)  Observation date: 2/5/10  Observers: Melissa Renfro and John B. Free  Conditions: Overcast, 40 deg, winds 4 to 5. Reservoir was mostly frozen, Inlet near shore and open and flowing. Overall lake levels are higher than 1 month ago, close to normal levels.  Number of species: 7  Canada Goose 56 Easily spooked, but returned to inlet  American Wigeon 41 Feeding flock in inlet  Mallard 100 Feeding flock in inlet  Green-winged Teal 50 Feeding flock in inlet  HOODED MERGANSER 2 a Pair ... unusual sighting at Pruess: feeding in inlet  Northern Harrier 2 Pair hunting over shores near inlet  California Gull 2 Winter plumage adults, feeding in inlet    ************    Location: Marshes & Clay Spg, Millard Cty, UT ... 4 miles East of Garrison, UT, 14 miles east of Baker, NV)  Observation date: 2/5/10  Notes: Observers: John B. Free and Melissa Renfro  Conditions: Overcast, winds 5-6, 40 deg  Number of species: 9    Canada Goose 20  Mallard 1000 Numerous throughout the marshes  Bufflehead 2  Common Goldeneye 6  American Coot 2  Great Horned Owl 2 In cottonwoods side by side  Common Raven 1  Mountain Bluebird 1 bright male  European Starling 12   _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: McCcown's Longspurs From: Carl Ingwell <carlingwell AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 11:45:03 -0700 After a few different weeks of looking, with no luck, I was finally able to locate the McCown's Longspurs. Jeff bilsky, Dave Hanscom and I found them about 100 yards past the white trailer._______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: long-eared owl From: Steve Krueger <arcusincus AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 10:55:25 -0700 Has anyone see it this weekend? I liive in SLC and was hoping to drive down to see today. Thanks! Steve Krueger Salt Lake City, UT On Jan 31, 2010, at 1:38 PM, Eric Huish wrote: > > Hi Steven and everyone, > > I've been asked this so many times I better just post it. The Long- > eared Owl is being seen along the Provo Airport Dike just South of > the Control Tower. > > Enter the PAD on the West side by turning Left off Provo Center > Street before crossing the Provo River. Travel past the Control > Tower. The pavement will end just before you pass the tower. After > passing the tower there will be a big dirt pull-out on the right > side of the road. If you look past this pullout (south maybe 40 > feet) you will see a big bush growing right up to the road on the > right side of the road. The owl is down in a tree along the > lakeshore just before you reach this bush. This is the last tree > before the big bush and the owl is on the bush side of the tree. A > heavy limb comes out at an angle and then turns upward. Look right > where the limb turns upward. You will be looking down from road > level. > > I Last saw this bird on Thursday, Jan 28th. A lot of people have > gone to view this owl. It is not always there. Please try your > best not to flush this bird. Stay on the road, be quite and don't > make sudden movements. Please don't walk down off the road toward > the owl to get an unobstructed view. > > > Eric Huish > Pleasant Grove UT > poorwill_ AT hotmail.com > 801-360-8777 > > From: breretons AT msn.com > To: birdnet AT utahbirds.org > Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:00:15 -0700 > Subject: [Birdnet] long-eared owl > > Has anyone seen the long-eared owl that has been south of the > tower? If so, could I get some more info on where it is? Thanks. > _______________________________________________ > 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: House Finch Detail Photos From: Tim Avery <western.tanager2 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 21:54:06 -0700 Headed up to Alta to check for Rosy Finches again today. Despite at least 7 feeders around town full of various types of seed, rosy-finches were again absent. Did finally see a few Mountain Chickadee and a lone Steller's Jay. Back in Salt Lake I set up my camera on the feeder hoping to at least take some photos to make the day worth while. The House Finches kept me busy, filling up the entire frame on the limbs of the oaks: http://bit.ly/919kaG Good Birding Tim _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Great Gray Owl?? From: "Tim Gorman" <wyogoob AT allwest.net> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 18:24:27 -0700 I have not seen, heard, or had a report of Great Gray Owl in Southwest Wyoming this fall or winter. Last September/October/November I spent 17 days on the top of the Hamm's Fork drainage where I have seen, and photographed GGO, in the past and found none. Naturally, this doesn't mean they're not around. Tim Gorman Evanston WY 307-679-0656 mobile_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Re: great gray owl?? From: Cliff and Lisa Weisse <CliffandLisa AT octobersetters.com> Date: Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:19:51 -0700 I haven't heard of any in eastern Idaho yet. Snow pack is very light so far this year probably as a result of El Nino. Cliff Steve Carr wrote: > My guess is that the winter snows in Idaho and Wyoming have not been > deep enough to cause an irruption of Great Grays down from the Tetons. > No Great Grays have been reported from even south-eastern Idaho this > winter. > > --Steve Carr > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:44:50 -0800 > From: utah_birds AT yahoo.com > To: birdnet AT utahbirds.org > Subject: [Birdnet] great gray owl?? > > Birdnet Email -- from the website� > > It was submitted by sfarkus AT yahoo.com on > Saturday, February 06, 2010 at 16:38:19 > > Subject: great gray owl?? > > Email_Address: sfarkus AT yahoo.com > > Message: I am forwarding this e-mail sent to me: > > Dear Auduboner from a visiting Auduboner, > > My family was at the East Fork of the Bear River yurt south of > Evanston in the Uintahs last Weds through Friday (~8500 ft). We may > have heard a great-gray owl calling, but didn't see it. The sound had > two syllables with the second one softer. This species can 'erupt' > some years and spread south in winter. We wanted to pass this along > since it is an accidental bird in Utah. We are not positive, but is > was not any of the typical forest owls that we know. Someone might > want to visit the site and check it out. > > Happy birding, > Mike Prather Eastern > Sierra Audubon > Lone Pine, CA > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Birdnet mailing list > Birdnet AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet -- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho cliffandlisa AT octobersetters.com _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: RE: great gray owl?? From: Steve Carr <stevecarr9 AT msn.com> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 17:42:18 -0700 My guess is that the winter snows in Idaho and Wyoming have not been deep enough to cause an irruption of Great Grays down from the Tetons. No Great Grays have been reported from even south-eastern Idaho this winter. --Steve Carr Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:44:50 -0800 From: utah_birds AT yahoo.com To: birdnet AT utahbirds.org Subject: [Birdnet] great gray owl?? Birdnet Email -- from the website� It was submitted by sfarkus AT yahoo.com on Saturday, February 06, 2010 at 16:38:19 Subject: great gray owl?? Email_Address: sfarkus AT yahoo.com Message: I am forwarding this e-mail sent to me: Dear Auduboner from a visiting Auduboner, My family was at the East Fork of the Bear River yurt south of Evanston in the Uintahs last Weds through Friday (~8500 ft). We may have heard a great-gray owl calling, but didn't see it. The sound had two syllables with the second one softer. This species can 'erupt' some years and spread south in winter. We wanted to pass this along since it is an accidental bird in Utah. We are not positive, but is was not any of the typical forest owls that we know. Someone might want to visit the site and check it out. Happy birding, Mike Prather Eastern Sierra Audubon Lone Pine, CA _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: great gray owl?? From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:44:50 -0800 (PST) Birdnet Email -- from the website‏ It was submitted by sfarkus AT yahoo.com on Saturday, February 06, 2010 at 16:38:19   Subject: great gray owl??   Email_Address: sfarkus AT yahoo.com   Message: I am forwarding this e-mail sent to me:   Dear Auduboner from a visiting Auduboner,   My family was at the East Fork of the Bear River yurt south of Evanston in the Uintahs last Weds through Friday (~8500 ft). We may have heard a great-gray owl calling, but didn't see it. The sound had two syllables with the second one softer. This species can 'erupt' some years and spread south in winter. We wanted to pass this along since it is an accidental bird in Utah. We are not positive, but is was not any of the typical forest owls that we know. Someone might want to visit the site and check it out.   Happy birding, Mike Prather Eastern Sierra Audubon Lone Pine, CA   _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Winter Wren From: "Jim Lofthouse" <jloft AT digis.net> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:53:17 -0700 Is a winter Wren in Cache County in February a rarity? Want to go look? By the Blacksmith Fork River. Go to the stoplight at Hyrum and Highway 165. Turn east. You will soon drop into the canyon. Cross the river and slow down. There is a turnout on the North side of the road. Park here. The bird was seen by the spring which originates here. This spring travels 100 or so yards before emptying into the river. Jim Lofthouse http://donce.lofthouse.com/jamaica/Rocks%20and%20Stuff/rocks&stuff.htm_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bird Refuge - Bald Eagle Day From: Betsy_Beneke AT fws.gov Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:03:47 -0700 Hi All: Please considering joining us to celebrate Bald Eagle Day on Saturday, February 13. Jen Hajj of HawkWatch International will present a program on raptor I.D. at 10:30 am. Ted Steinke will show some of his wonderful images at 11:30 am, and talk about his photography. We will offer guided car caravan tours to the refuge at 1:00 pm (road conditions permitting). >From 12:00 to 1:00 pm, I'm hosting a small reception for Ted Steinke - help us congratulate him on winning the 2009 National Wildlife Refuge Association Photography Contest with his image of battling northern harriers, taken at Bear River Refuge! Chat with Ted, have some snacks and drinks, and socialize with other birding friends. Ted donated a copy of his winning image to the refuge, which will be on display. Hope to see you there! Put on your calendars...Saturday, March 13 - Tundra Swan Day at Bear River Refuge. It will be "spring" by then, right? It was the 3rd week of March last year, when all those mountain bluebirds showed up outside our wildlife education center! Betsy Beneke Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Big gull day at Farmington: Glaucous, Westerns, Lesser Black-backed, and more From: David Wheeler <dumpster_42 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 20:39:39 -0800 (PST) Wow, I went out in search of a wee little gull (the Mew reported last week) but instead I saw a lot of big gulls, even though I had my five year old Petey with me. I was out there mid-day today. 1) 1st/2nd year GLAUCOUS GULL a few hundred feet past the second bridge, out in the "channels" in the impoundment east of the road. It was nearly pure white with just a bit of rufous speckling on its mantle, huge, and with that large dark-tipped pink bill they have. 2) Adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL quite a ways out in the same impoundment, but farther north (not far south of the 2nd bridge). 3) Three, yes three, adult WESTERN GULLS, way out in the SE quadrant of the impoundment. I had to walk out onto the east-trending dike to get good views of them. The three stuck together in a tight group. They appeared to be of the more northern variety (slightly paler than the southern form, but still a bit darker than a California gull). That's the most Western gulls I've ever seen in Utah. 4) 1st winter THAYER'S GULL, in the southwest portion of the impoundment. Straight, relatively thin bill; warm tones to pale-brownish body; with moderately pale wingtips not as dark as a Herring gull. There were plenty of Herring gulls, as well as Ring-billeds & Californias for comparisons. Some of the juvenal Herrings had the classic pale head on a dark body described in books. A Raccoon plied the distant bank to one of the canals to the west, but I could not get my little boy "on it" in the scope. Good birding to all, David Wheeler _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Cackling Goose Correction. From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 20:03:44 -0800 (PST) After much deliberation and re-examination, and a nasty cold that I have been fighting, I have to report that the possible Cackling Goose I saw a few days ago was really just a smallish Canada Goose, maybe a Lesser Canada Goose(Branta canadensis ssp.parvipes). Sorry to waste everyone time. It does make me wonder though how many "Cackling"geese being reported are really just Lesser Canada Geese, or is it just me that sees a bird I want to see in a bird that I see everyday. Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Sue Campbell From: Carol Nelson <caroljeannelson13 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 16:17:03 -0800 (PST) Sue, Your newsletter has been returned to us as undeliverable.� If you read this could you please reply with your current address, and, or, your telephone number?� Thanks Carol Nelson _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Longspurs & Road Detour at Bear River From: Betsy_Beneke AT fws.gov Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 17:06:38 -0700 Hi All - I wanted to share a couple of things with you all 1. I found one McCown's and one Lapland Longspur in the flocks of horned larks this afternoon at the refuge. They were approximately 4 miles west of the wildlife education center. We're losing a lot of snow, and the birds are feeding on weed seeds very close to the road, where the snow has disappeared. I drove slowly and they stayed close, so I got good views. I didn't drive all the way out to the tour route. The road is wet, muddy and bumpy with all the melting going on, combined with the road work, but the base is still pretty solid. Drive carefully and stay away from soft edges where they are widening the road and have not yet put down more solid road base. 2. For the next month (February 8 to March 8), Forest Street just west of the education center will be closed while they replace the large box culvert for Black Slough (right by our bunkhouse). You will be asked to detour approximately 7 miles to the east, north, west and back south again, in order to get back on the road to the refuge. I created a detailed map with narrative directions for the detour and posted it on the Refuge web site. Of course, the detour will be well-marked with orange road signs as well. We're sorry for the inconvenience, but are also appreciative that Geneva Rock is doing so much work on the road this winter, which will shorten the process later on! Our web site is at: http://bearriver.fws.gov You can print a pdf of the map and directions from the home page. 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: Cackling Goose in Liberty Park SLC From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 17:45:45 -0800 (PST) Today I saw what I think was a lone Cackling Goose mixed in with the 100 or so regular Canada Geese on the south end of the big pond at Liberty Park,SLC. It was noticeably smaller,with the smaller bill, and it stayed off by it self,seeming to avoid getting to close to the other geese. It was very tame and allowed close approach(20ft), so if want to get a good look at one,this would be the place. I saw most of these geese take off and fly west around sunset,but I don't know if the Cackler was with them. See photo at� http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4329278162/ Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Washington County Field Trip Summary 1/30 From: Webmail rfridell <rfridell AT burgoyne.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 16:38:18 -0700 Hello, It was great seeing many of you last weekend at the St. George Winter Bird Festival. As usual the festival was great fun and provided some outstanding presentations, and opportunities to participate in some great field trips. I'd like to thank everyone who participated in our Lytle Ranch and Hurricane area field trips. Below is a list of species seen by at least a few of the participants of Saturday's field trip. Thanks again! Rick Fridell Hurricane, UT Species observed 01/30/10 � Quail Creek State Park (QC), Stratton Pond (SP), Hurricane SR-9 Sewer Ponds (HSP), Sand Hollow State Park (SH), and Hurricane Fields (HF) Canada Goose (SP) Gadwall (QC) American Wigeon (SH) Mallard (SP, SH) Northern Shoveler (HSP) Northern Pintail (SH) Green-winged Teal (QC, SH) Canvasback (SP, SH) Redhead (SP, SH) Ring-necked Duck (SP, HSP) Greater Scaup (QC, SP) Lesser Scaup (SH) White-winged Scoter (SH) Bufflehead (QC,SP, HSP, SH) Common Goldeneye (QC, SH) Hooded Merganser (QC, SP) Common Merganser (QC, SP) Ruddy Duck (all) Pacific Loon (SH) Common Loon (QC) Yellow-billed Loon (QC) Pied-billed Grebe (SP, SH) Horned Grebe (SH) Eared Grebe (SH) Western Grebe (QC) Double-crested Cormorant (QC, HSP) Great Blue Heron (QC) Bald Eagle (QC, SH) Northern Harrier (HF) Red-tailed Hawk (SH, HF) Ferruginous Hawk (HF) American Kestrel (HF) Merlin (2 � HF) American Coot (all) Killdeer (HF) Ring-billed Gull (QC) Rock Pigeon (HF) Eurasian Collared-Dove (SP) Mourning Dove (HF) Greater Roadrunner (HF) Northern Flicker (HF) Black Phoebe (HSP) Say�s Phoebe (QC, HF) Loggerhead Shrike (SH, HF) Common Raven (QC, HF) Rock Wren (QC) Mountain Bluebird (HF) American Robin (HF) European Starling (HF) Savannah Sparrow (HF) White-crowned Sparrow (HF) Red-winged Blackbird (HF) Western Meadowlark (HF) Brewer�s Blackbird (HF) Common Grackle (possible � HF) Great-tailed Grackle (SP) Brown-headed Cowbird (HF) House Finch (HF) Lesser Goldfinch (HF) House Sparrow (HF)_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Re: FW: Eagles Roost .... Amazing! From: ConnieM <connie.mcmanus AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 07:49:31 -0700 Wow! What a Backyard Bird count that would be! ConnieM On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 6:08 PM, Flora Duncan wrote: > > > Flora M. Duncan > > > > ------------------------------ > Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:18:38 -0800 > > > ----- Original Message ----- > *Subject:* Fwd: Eagles Roost .... Amazing! > > > > > > *Comox, Vancouver Island, B.C.* > * > > > In January 2009, the weather was so cold that the bald eagles were cruising > over our houses looking for > * *helpless cats or small dogs,* > > *to make a quick meal of. Some kind souls decided to feed the eagles down > at Goose Spit so they could survive the cold spell* *without * > > *eating our pets. Here's what happened! Take note, this is Vancouver > Island ... NOT ALASKA ! > > One of the residents took these photos in front of his home. What a sight > to see! > > > ** > > > ** > > > ** > > > ** > > > > ** > > > * > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > > > ------------------------------ > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Birdtalk mailing list > Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk > -- Connie McManus Nibley, Cache County, Utah_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Deer Creek Reservoir (Ned Bixler) From: utahbixlers AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 02:43:05 +0000 (UTC) Location:     Deer Creek Reservoir Observation date:     2/2/10 Notes:     sky:overcast - temp. 15F reservoir is frozen - river feeding the reservoir is open Number of species:     20 Tundra Swan     2 Gadwall     15 American Wigeon     40 Mallard     5 Bufflehead     3 Common Goldeneye     6 Pied-billed Grebe     1 Bald Eagle     2 Red-tailed Hawk     3 Rough-legged Hawk     1 American Kestrel     1 American Coot     31 Eurasian Collared-Dove     2 Northern Flicker     1 Black-billed Magpie     10 Common Raven     5 European Starling     162 White-crowned Sparrow     3 Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided)     3 House Sparrow     88 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: FW: Eagles Roost .... Amazing! From: Flora Duncan <fmduncan AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 01:08:11 +0000 Flora M. Duncan Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:18:38 -0800 ----- Original Message ----- Subject: Fwd: Eagles Roost .... Amazing! Comox, Vancouver Island, B.C. In January 2009, the weather was so cold that the bald eagles were cruising over our houses looking for helpless cats or small dogs, to make a quick meal of. Some kind souls decided to feed the eagles down at Goose Spit so they could survive the cold spell without eating our pets. Here's what happened! Take note, this is Vancouver Island ... NOT ALASKA ! One of the residents took these photos in front of his home. What a sight to see! _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Peregrine at main and 700 south, SLC From: Glen Warchol <gwarchol AT sltrib.com> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 14:13:04 -0700 Eating a rock dove in a parking lot next to the Millcreek Coffee shop. He hauled it up 10 feet to a door overhang on an empty office and didn't seem to care who walked by. _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: (no subject) From: Robert Williams <iamcool_really AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:19:36 -0700 Hey This is Robert Williams i am going to be in logan this week end for a seminar and i will have alot of time to bird only problem is i would not know where to start? i am wondering if anyone can give some pointers on good spots to visit around logan? Also i am wondering about any good owl spots there, i will be able to bird at night as well. any advice would be awesome! Robert Williamsiamcool_really AT hotmail.com801-995-5088 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469228/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Washington County Recap From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 21:51:53 -0700 This weekend I was down in Washington County for the St. George Bird Fest and saw 77 species total. Here are some highlights by location. *Quail Creek Res* Common Loons, Yellow-billed Loon, Great Horned Owls (several heard all night while camping), Western/Clark Grebes, Double-crested Cormorants * Sand Hollow Res* Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorants *Zions RV Park * 5 Inca Doves, Western Meadowlarks, Eurasian-Collared Doves *Stratton Pond *Greater Scaup, Canyon Wren, Hooded Mergansers, Rock Wren *Snow Canyon *Anna's Hummingbird (displaying occasionally), Greater Roadrunner (VERY tame), Red-naped Sapsuckers (rumors of a yellow-bellied male), Mountain Bluebird, Canyon Wren *Tonaquint Nature Center *Abert's Towhees, Ferruginous Hawks *Road to Lytle Ranch *Sage Sparrows, Cactus Wrens, Loggerhead Shrikes *Lytle Ranch *Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Black Phoebe, Western Bluebirds and the other usuals for this time of year (although we didn't get Crissal Thrasher but I'm sure they were around and also no Black-tailed Gnat-catchers this time) *St. George Various Locations (Parks, Ponds, Fields) *Vermilion Flycatcher (unfortunately I didn't pay attention to the exact spot, but I'm sure someone out there knows and can give precise directions for those interested), Soras, Says Phoebes, lots of White-crowned and Song Sparrows etc etc etc Contact me for any further questions or details about any of these sightings. 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: Western and Lesser Black-backed gulls at Farmington Bay From: Edson Leite <falco_columbarius22 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 19:51:38 -0800 (PST) I went birding today looking for a few of the birds reported recently. I first went to Farmington Bay looking for the Mew Gull no luck with that. But I did spot a LBBG at the second bridge and a Western Gull about 100 yds past the second bridge on the far edge of the open water. � Location:� ���Farmington Bay WMA--Crystal Unit--Southwest Observation date:� ���2/1/10 Number of species:� ���24 Canada Goose� ���20 Mallard� ���8 Northern Shoveler� ���X Bald Eagle� ���5 Northern Harrier� ���X Red-tailed Hawk� ���3 Rough-legged Hawk� ���4 American Kestrel� ���6 American Coot� ���X Ring-billed Gull� ���X Western Gull� ���1 California Gull� ���X Herring Gull� ���X Lesser Black-backed Gull� ���1 Eurasian Collared-Dove� ���X Mourning Dove� ���X Northern Flicker� ���X Black-billed Magpie� ���X American Robin� ���X European Starling� ���X White-crowned Sparrow� ���X Red-winged Blackbird� ���X Western Meadowlark� ���X House Sparrow� ���X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Then I went to the Jordan River South of 2100 S where I found 2 Cackling Geese just north of the pedestrian bridge. � Location:� ���2300 S Jordan RIver Observation date:� ���2/1/10 Number of species:� ���22 Cackling Goose� ���2 Canada Goose� ���60 Gadwall� ���1 Mallard� ���30 Northern Shoveler� ���100 Green-winged Teal� ���6 Redhead� ���2 Greater Scaup� ���1 Lesser Scaup� ���6 Bufflehead� ���6 Common Goldeneye� ���100 Barrow's Goldeneye� ���16 Ruddy Duck� ���4 Eared Grebe� ���6 Sharp-shinned Hawk� ���1 American Coot� ���10 Ring-billed Gull� ���1 Rock Pigeon� ���12 Northern Flicker� ���3 Black-billed Magpie� ���2 American Robin� ���3 European Starling� ���30 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Edson Leite 801-560-8197 _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Western and Lesser Black-backed gulls at Farmington Bay From: Edson Leite <falco_columbarius22 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 19:51:38 -0800 (PST) I went birding today looking for a few of the birds reported recently. I first went to Farmington Bay looking for the Mew Gull no luck with that. But I did spot a LBBG at the second bridge and a Western Gull about 100 yds past the second bridge on the far edge of the open water. � Location:� ���Farmington Bay WMA--Crystal Unit--Southwest Observation date:� ���2/1/10 Number of species:� ���24 Canada Goose� ���20 Mallard� ���8 Northern Shoveler� ���X Bald Eagle� ���5 Northern Harrier� ���X Red-tailed Hawk� ���3 Rough-legged Hawk� ���4 American Kestrel� ���6 American Coot� ���X Ring-billed Gull� ���X Western Gull� ���1 California Gull� ���X Herring Gull� ���X Lesser Black-backed Gull� ���1 Eurasian Collared-Dove� ���X Mourning Dove� ���X Northern Flicker� ���X Black-billed Magpie� ���X American Robin� ���X European Starling� ���X White-crowned Sparrow� ���X Red-winged Blackbird� ���X Western Meadowlark� ���X House Sparrow� ���X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Then I went to the Jordan River South of 2100 S where I found 2 Cackling Geese just north of the pedestrian bridge. � Location:� ���2300 S Jordan RIver Observation date:� ���2/1/10 Number of species:� ���22 Cackling Goose� ���2 Canada Goose� ���60 Gadwall� ���1 Mallard� ���30 Northern Shoveler� ���100 Green-winged Teal� ���6 Redhead� ���2 Greater Scaup� ���1 Lesser Scaup� ���6 Bufflehead� ���6 Common Goldeneye� ���100 Barrow's Goldeneye� ���16 Ruddy Duck� ���4 Eared Grebe� ���6 Sharp-shinned Hawk� ���1 American Coot� ���10 Ring-billed Gull� ���1 Rock Pigeon� ���12 Northern Flicker� ���3 Black-billed Magpie� ���2 American Robin� ���3 European Starling� ���30 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Edson Leite 801-560-8197 _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: Signs of spring:Owls From: western.tanager2 AT gmail.com Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 17:08:42 +0000 Bryant, et all, February - April are typically the best months for hearing and seeing Northern Saw-whet Owls in Utah. March is the height of their singing but with the light winter we've had at the lower elevations--February will probably be a great month. Also February and March are the two best months for Boreal Owl in Utah. Head up to higher elevations in the middle of the night and give it a try! Good Birding Tim Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -----Original Message----- From: Bryant Olsen Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 08:29:13 To: Subject: [Birdtalk] Signs of spring:Owls _______________________________________________ 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: Signs of spring:Owls From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 08:29:13 -0800 (PST) Last night I went owling up city creek(SLC)again, and apparently the owls think its spring, because they were going crazy,especially the Northern Saw-whets. I heard them in 3 different places in the canyon,doing both their toot call and the whinny, see http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4320820827/ . I heard them near picnic area 8, 11? or 12?(the one with the bathrooms and grove of junipers and spruces) and mile post 2. Also W. Screech Owls(also near the bathrooms) see� http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4320886389/ ,and a Great Horned Owl (near mile post 2) see http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4320746163/ . I can only imagin what you could hear/see with one of those fancy I-pod things there now(if anyone has one and want to go up I could show were I heard them). Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Barrow's Goldeneye and Greater Scaup on JRP From: Tom Fletcher <birdertom AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:33:01 -0700 There were about 12 Barrow's Goldeneyes and 1 Greater Scaup on the Jordan River Parkway at 2320 S. A really great variety of ducks in the area (list below). Some pictures are here: http://www.pbase.com/tfletcher/jordanriver2010 I started my day looking for gulls and geese at Lee Kay, Lake Park and Decker Lake. There was not much going on out of the usual at any of these places, but the ducks more than made up for it. Cheers, Tom Location: Jordan River Parkway - 21st S - 33rdS Observation date: 1/31/10 Number of species: 18 Canada Goose 30 Gadwall 4 Mallard 10 Northern Shoveler 8 Green-winged Teal 1 Redhead 3 Greater Scaup 1 Lesser Scaup 15 Bufflehead 2 Common Goldeneye 120 Barrow's Goldeneye 12 Ruddy Duck 10 American Coot 3 Rock Pigeon 2 Downy Woodpecker 1 Black-billed Magpie 2 Common Raven 1 European Starling X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: No Rosy-Finches at Alta From: western.tanager2 AT gmail.com Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:20:13 +0000 Sam and I went up to Alta for the 2nd time this month and struck out on Rosy-Finches. The feeders at the Ben Hame home have been empty as with those visible from Powder Ridge Road looking north. There is a feeder on the corner of Alta Bypass and Powder Ridge Road on the south side that had one loaded with Millet. Just of note, last spring I had a flock of a couple hundred Rosy-Finches above the gravel pit at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. This may be a good location to scope from the park and rides to the north or south, or the ski shop parking lot on the west side of the pit. Good Birding Tim Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: RE: long-eared owl From: Eric Huish <poorwill_ AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:38:06 -0700 Hi Steven and everyone, I've been asked this so many times I better just post it. The Long-eared Owl is being seen along the Provo Airport Dike just South of the Control Tower. Enter the PAD on the West side by turning Left off Provo Center Street before crossing the Provo River. Travel past the Control Tower. The pavement will end just before you pass the tower. After passing the tower there will be a big dirt pull-out on the right side of the road. If you look past this pullout (south maybe 40 feet) you will see a big bush growing right up to the road on the right side of the road. The owl is down in a tree along the lakeshore just before you reach this bush. This is the last tree before the big bush and the owl is on the bush side of the tree. A heavy limb comes out at an angle and then turns upward. Look right where the limb turns upward. You will be looking down from road level. I Last saw this bird on Thursday, Jan 28th. A lot of people have gone to view this owl. It is not always there. Please try your best not to flush this bird. Stay on the road, be quite and don't make sudden movements. Please don't walk down off the road toward the owl to get an unobstructed view. Eric Huish Pleasant Grove UT poorwill_ AT hotmail.com 801-360-8777 From: breretons AT msn.com To: birdnet AT utahbirds.org Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:00:15 -0700 Subject: [Birdnet] long-eared owl Has anyone seen the long-eared owl that has been south of the tower? If so, could I get some more info on where it is? Thanks. _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: long-eared owl From: STEVEN BRERETON <breretons AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:00:15 -0700 Has anyone seen the long-eared owl that has been south of the tower? If so, could I get some more info on where it is? Thanks. _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Invasion of the siskins From: Betsy Beneke <birderbetsy AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:07:23 -0800 (PST) I've noticed growing numbers of�siskins and goldfinches�in my yard and at the feeders the last couple of weeks, but this morning, after the latest snow, the siskin invasion has really been something.� At the highest count, there were 33 siskins visible in the trees, on the feeders and ground.� They're enjoying the new thistle sock I purchased from�Bill last week, and I can tell you I'm very happy to have gotten a bag of nyjer for Christmas! � Betsy Beneke Perry�- Box Elder County� _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: White Canada Geese From: Troy Parkin <utahsblindspot AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:57:56 -0700 Quick question for anyone that can help. Three days ago I saw 3 white geese in line of Canada Geese. They were the same size and were not Ross or Snow Geese. They were fairly low apr 60 ft. and I thought I could see some slight pigmentation on the primaries but I was driving and didn't have a ton of time to observe. Any ideas? Hybrids? -- Thanks, Troy Parkin Blind Spot Inc. 801-915-0906_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Varied Thrush and Great Egret still at JRP in Lehi. From: Eric Huish <poorwill_ AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:46:35 -0700 A group of Utah County Birders went to look for the Varied Thrush this Morning. We found it right by the old pump house as soon as we walked up, about 9:00 a.m. (directions at bottom of email.) Back at the Parking area as we were about to leave the Great Egret flew into view south of us and landed out of view in a field. We drove down the street and parked in the first Inlet Park parking lot and got great views of the egret in the field across the street. As we were watching the egret a Merlin zipped past overhead. Here are our lists for the day - Location: Model Airfield/Jordan River Parkway - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 1/30/10 Notes: 19�f, sunny. Birding with Ned Bixler, Jeff Cooper, Milt Moody, Tuula Rose, Bert Cundick, Junece Markham and David Walton. We went to look for the Varied Thrush Kay Stone found the week before by the pump house. Number of species: 19 Canada Goose 60 Fly Over Great Blue Heron 2 Great Egret 1 Flew in and landed in the field across street from first Inlet Park parking lot. Bald Eagle 2 Northern Harrier 1 Merlin 1 American Coot 1 Northern Flicker 1 Black-billed Magpie 10 Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee 2 American Robin 3 Varied Thrush 1 We got great views. European Starling 100 Spotted Towhee 2 Song Sparrow 2 Red-winged Blackbird 50 Western Meadowlark 2 Singing American Goldfinch 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) --------------------------------------------- Location: Mitchell Hollow Wetlands - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 1/30/10 Notes: 30�f, sunny. Birding with Ned Bixler, Jeff Cooper, Milt Moody, Tuula Rose, Bert Cundick and Junece Markham. Number of species: 8 Canada Goose 9 Fly Over Mallard 7 Canvasback 1 Bufflehead 2 Common Goldeneye 13 American Kestrel 2 American Robin 6 Fly Over European Starling 10 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) ------------------------------------------- Here is the original email with directions to the thrush - From: poorwill_ AT hotmail.com To: birdnet AT utahbirds.org Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:02:13 -0700 Subject: [Birdnet] Kay Stone saw a Varied Thrush near Lehi (Utah Co.) this morning. Kay Stone called to report a Varied Thrush on the Jordan River Parkway North of the Model Airfield (Lehi) this morning (Jan 22). To get to the Model Airfield (R/C Modelport) take Lehi Main Street from I-15 exit #279 west 2.7 miles to 2300 W. Take 2300 West, South 2.3 miles. The Parking area is on the right side of the road. >From here walk North along the main paved Parkway past the airfield. There will be a dirt path that takes off to the left and as you continue along the paved parkway the dirt road will meet back up to the pavement on your left. About here there is a small dilapidated old pump house that pumps water from a canal into a bay in the river. Kay said he saw the Thrush around here in a tree next to the trail about 10:50 a.m. This area is about a half mile from the airfield parking lot. Eric Huish Pleasant Grove UT poorwill_ AT hotmail.com 801-360-8777 _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: The "Wolf" Moon (no birds--but photos) From: Tim Avery <western.tanager2 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:29:27 -0700 Last night Sam and I drove up Emigration Canyon to photograph the moon. What a night it would have been for listening for night migrants.... If it were later April or May. The best thing about January almost being over and February here--1 month closer to spring migration! A few pix: http://bit.ly/cIy0zU Good Birding Tim _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Mew Gull From: Roostertael AT aol.com Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:10:02 EST Hi, I forgot to mention that previously reported Mew Gull is still at the second bridge at Farmington Bay. Hotline type photo included. Jack Binch_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Bear River again From: Roostertael AT aol.com Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:55:53 EST Hi, I went back to Bear River to try for a better photo of the McCown's Longspurs. I did see three, but could not get a decent photo. I saw two a half mile or so before the trailer on the east side, and the marked male back at the original place by the 40 MPH sign. They are extremely flighty, and frustrating to search through. One surprise was an early Savannah Sparrow mixed in with the Horned Larks just past the Canadian Goose Club. Jack Binch_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: varied thrush From: Robert Williams <iamcool_really AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:54:58 -0700 Went and saw the varied thrush today, i got to the pump house and found about 500 red winged black birds making a huge racket, decided to walk around the dirt path and look when i made it back to the pump house the black birds and moved into to the field behind the pump house and the varied thrush was in the bushes across the trail i watched the bird for about 10 minuets until the black birds came back and the thrush flew into the trees behind the shack. the list for the park way trail varied thrush-1 black capped chickadee-6 starlings-200 red wing black birds-500 juncos-2 ring-necked pheasant-1 red tail hawk-1 kestral-1 rough legged hawk-1 magpies-15 Canada geese-15 mallards-2 coot-1 Robert Williams _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390707/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Reducing aircraft-wildlife strikes at airports From: "Kennedy, Matthew J" <kenne748 AT my.erau.edu> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:36:59 +0000 Dear fellow birding enthusiasts, As a lifelong birder and professional aviator for over 16 years, I am conducting a nation-wide study on the level of community support for the mitigation measures used at airports to reduce the wildlife strike hazard to commercial aircraft. Getting input from different regions of the country is necessary to gauge whether there are regional differences due to varying bird populations or possible high profile incidents involving wildlife strikes on aircraft. Responses are submitted electronically to a database that does not identify users, so your answers will be completely confidential. Findings will be released only as analyzed data or summaries in which no individual�s answers can be identified. Please take a few moments to share your opinions and experiences. I appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to contribute toward this important research about community views on wildlife mitigation measures at airports. The survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XTVS225 If you would like a summary of my findings, please send me your e-mail address at kennedym2009 AT yahoo.com. Once the study is complete, I will e-mail the summary to you. Best Regards, Matt Kennedy Graduate student in Aeronautical Science Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Sugarhouse Backyard Birding / City Creek Canyon Owling From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:49:10 -0700 Been working from home the last couple of days in Sugarhouse and have noticed that PINE SISKINS are back in my neighborhood for the first time this winter. Also, there have been a pair of WESTERN SCREECH OWLS in my yard nightly for the last few days. Last night I took some friends owling up City Creek Canyon where we found a handful of WESTERN SCREECH OWLS and a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL. 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: Golden-crowned Kinglets in Liberty Park,SLC From: Bryant Olsen <bryant_olsen AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:48:48 -0800 (PST) Today I saw several Golden-crowned Kinglets in Liberty Park,SLC, northeast portion in the conifers west of the pavilion. Quite unusually, they were feeding? on the ground near the edge of a snow bank,and allowed close approach. See photos at� http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4313080586/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/4312343909/ Good Birding Bryant Olsen _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Varied Thrush From: Roostertael AT aol.com Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:38:45 EST Hi, Thanks to Kay for reporting it and Eric for posting it. The Varied Thrush was right in the trees next to the pump house as reported. On the walk up to the pump house, I only saw two other birds. A fly over by a Great Egret and a Rough-legged Hawk. On the way back again I only saw three birds. A Spotted Towhee, a Northern Flicker and a Northern Harrier. Lots of good looking habitat, but not many birds. Maybe partly because of the time. I was there at 3:30. The thrush was reported as a male, and I am not sure. The bib does not look black, but darker that the few females I have seen. Photo attached. Jack Binch_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Provo Airport and Utah Lake State Park, Utah Co. - 01/28/10 From: Eric Huish <poorwill_ AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:42:20 -0700 Location: Provo Airport Dike - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 1/28/10 Notes: 40�f, Sunny. Lake and Moat iced over. Birding with KC Childs and Matt Mills. Number of species: 20 Canada Goose 1 Mallard 5 Common Goldeneye 1 Ring-necked Pheasant 3 Great Blue Heron 2 Northern Harrier 3 Red-tailed Hawk 4 American Kestrel 2 Rock Pigeon 2 Long-eared Owl 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Black-billed Magpie 4 Black-capped Chickadee 2 American Robin 4 European Starling 20 Song Sparrow 1 White-crowned Sparrow 2 Red-winged Blackbird 450 Western Meadowlark 4 House Finch 15 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) ---------------------------------- Location: Utah Lake SP - Utah Co. UT Observation date: 1/28/10 Notes: 40�f, Sunny. Lake and harbor iced over, river and mouth open. Birding with KC Childs and Matt Mills. Number of species: 10 Canada Goose 40 Mallard 40 Northern Pintail 30 Bufflehead 3 Common Goldeneye 20 Northern Harrier 1 American Coot 40 Ring-billed Gull 12 Herring Gull 1 American Robin 15 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) ------------------------------- 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: Black Rosy Finches? From: Ned Hill <ned_hill AT byu.edu> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:58:46 -0700 Does anyone know if the Black Rosy Finches (and Gray-crowned, too) are coming to the usually feeders up near Snowbird/Alta? Are there other reliable places to find them? I have a visitor coming from the East next week who would dearly love to see a Black Rosy Finch. Ned Hill ned_hill AT byu.edu _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: OOPS - visits for birds continues From: Betsy Beneke <birderbetsy AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:21:28 -0800 (PST) So sorry, I think if I type too fast, the message automatically sends. � Anyway, if you visited to see rails or longspurs as a result of seeing�a message on birdtalk, or sharing the information with other birders, send me a note that says:� (example) � Betsy (names not required) rails - 3 visits - 2 people each time longspurs - 4 visits, 1 person each time � In addition, if you would rate your experience as good, fair or poor, that would help too.� I don't want to make this a big deal - only respond if you want to, or have the time.� It's perfectly O.K. to ignore my message. � I want to show that when interesting bird sightings are reported via electronic media, word gets out, and people visit.� That's it.� Your name and information will go no further than "statistics" provided to refuge managers for planning purposes.� THANK YOU for your help!� If you have questions or concerns email me separately. � Again, Thanks. � Betsy Beneke � � _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: favor needed - longspurs and rails From: Betsy Beneke <birderbetsy AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:14:35 -0800 (PST) Hi All, � If you have time, I need a quick favor.� We're in the "planning and budget" phase of the year at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, and I need your QUICK help. � When I posted last summer about all the rails with young that were in the open� on the auto tour - OR -� when myself, and others, posted about the McCown's longspurs at the refuge in the past couple of weeks, did you make a trip to the refuge to see these birds/bird sights? � If you did, would you send me a quick email and break it down to which bird event and how many visits and people came to see? � Example: � Betsy Beneke Rails _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Rusty Blackbird From: Brian Maxfield <bmaxfield AT ubtanet.com> Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:44:56 -0700 I located a RUSTY BLACKBIRD in the Pariette Wetlands in Uintah County on 1/26/2010. The bird was observed just below the dam on the Redhead Pond. I was foraging along the only open water along the stream. It stuck around for a few minute before disappearing into a tamarisk thicket. Of course I did not have my camera with me that day. A word of caution to any interested in relocating this bird. The road to the area is dangerous this time of year. You will have to drive on about 30 miles of packed snow/ice and then the last five miles have not been graded and has receive very little traffic. There is about a foot of snow in the area. There is also heavy truck traffic in the area since this is the epicenter of the energy development in Utah. Also, this area is very cold. Last night it was -15 degrees F and that has been the normal temps over the last month. I will be going to this area several more times in the next week or so and will report if I observe the bird again. Brian _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Burrowing Owl--Antelope Island From: Paul Higgins <phigginscsc AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:15:03 -0800 (PST) Only Burrowing Owl I am aware of spending the winter on Antelope island.� Appears to be doing well. January 24, 2010. � http://www.pbase.com/phiggins/owlburrowingai _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: American Wigeon Detail Photographs From: Tim Avery <western.tanager2 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:18:33 -0700 Taken at St. George Golf Course in Washington County last week. About the best place to photograph cooperative wigeons, up close and personal: http://bit.ly/6eCLvW Good Birding Tim _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Re: ONC Hawktalk From: Angel Johnson <adeist AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:50:44 -0700 This Thursay, January 28 at 6 pm, Dr. Steve Slater from Hawk Watch International will lead a discussion about recent trends in recreational activities such as bird watching, ATV use, rock climbing, hiking etc., the potential impacts of these activities on raptors, and methods for being better stewards of our shared environment. This lecture is FREE for Ogden Nature Center members and only $3 for seniors and $4 for adults who are not members. PLEASE RSVP by Tuesday, January 26 to 801-621-7595. birdtalk-request AT utahbirds.org wrote: > Send Birdtalk mailing list submissions to > birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > birdtalk-request AT utahbirds.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > birdtalk-owner AT utahbirds.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Birdtalk digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. UTAH COUNTY - Varied Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, > Long-eared Owl (Jeff Bilsky) > 2. Longspurs and chickens (Edson Leite) > 3. Sharp-tailed Grouse (Jim Lofthouse) > 4. Red-winged Blackbirds (Jim Lofthouse) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:48:46 -0700 > From: Jeff Bilsky > Subject: [Birdtalk] UTAH COUNTY - Varied Thrush, White-throated > Sparrow, Long-eared Owl > To: Birdtalk > Message-ID: > <5a27b5571001241348y3710c01dq98c11d835311570b AT mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > I found the VARIED THRUSH with the help of The Sommerfields who had located > it this morning. It is a male and was just barely south of the > aforementioned Lehi pump house. The directions were easy to follow. My > experience seeing it was rather unusual. As I walked up to the pump house, a > man and his dog were coming up the path. The dog began snarling and barking > at me while the man told it to be quiet. As they got closer, the Varied > Thrush suddenly popped up into a tree, clearly startled. Excited by suddenly > finding the bird, my attention turned away from the dog, who then managed to > get out of his collar and coming running at me. With one hand on my > binoculars, I continued to watch the Thrush, while dancing to avoid a > possible dog attack. Unbelievable. The man was able to corral his dog with > no damage to me. The Thrush, shortly after, disappeared deeper into the > trees to the east and I was not able to relocate it. The perils of birding. > > Also, I was able to see Eric Huish's WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and the > LONG-EARED OWL continues to hang out past the control tower on the west side > of the Provo Airport Dike. No dog hazards for either of these sightings. > > Good Birding. > > _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Cackling Geese at ATK Ranch From: "Kristin Purdy" <kristinpurdy AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:11:26 -0700 Is there a cure for the spinning eyeballs, baldness from tearing the hair out in clumps, and the migraine that come from sifting through thousands of Canada Geese and Mallards to find what I believe were four CACKLING (taverneri) GEESE?!? The ponds at the ATK Ranch on Promontory Road, Box Elder County, were jam-packed with waterfowl this afternoon, most notably, four species of geese: Canada, Cackling, Snow, and Ross's. A smattering of Common Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks, Common Goldeneyes, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal and American Coot were also present. Studying this biomass the find Cackling Geese is not an endeavor for anyone with something better to do. I scanned for nearly two hours until I found four birds that I believe were Cacklers and of course, they weren't the most distinctive minima or leucopareia subspecies, they were most likely taverneri so as to compete with a Canada Goose parvipes ID and with my sense of self-worth as a birder. And I thought it was going to be a raptor day. The four Cacklers stayed together and appeared to be more calm than the many Canadas, especially when two ranch dogs ambled near the ponds, bee-lined to a goose carcass they seemed to know, and then one dog came away with a goose leg and foot dangling from his muzzle like a pendulum. Many goose took flight or cleared a wide berth for the dogs; the Cacklers merely stretched tall and walked a few steps in the other direction. The single Snow Goose and the two Ross's Geese were surprises; in fact, I ignored the white geese for a long time, figuring they were just domestics. When I paid attention, Doh! To reach ATK Ranch from SR-83 mile 16.5 south of ATK, turn west on Golden Spike Road and drive 2 miles. When the road splits and Golden Spike Road bears right, continue straight onto East Promontory Road and note your odometer when you pass the Welcome to Promontory sign (at the split). The ranch is 8.4 miles from there. Kris_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Red-winged Blackbirds From: "Jim Lofthouse" <jloft AT digis.net> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:06:03 -0700 There has been some Red-winged Blackbirds here all winter, but today a large flock showed up. My guess, there is in excess of 400 birds in this flock. Jim Lofthouse Paradise, Cache County http://donce.lofthouse.com/jamaica/Rocks%20and%20Stuff/rocks&stuff.htm _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Sharp-tailed Grouse From: "Jim Lofthouse" <jloft AT digis.net> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:59:58 -0700 Today, Sunday, 2:30 PM, 9 Sharp-tailed Grouse at 9300 S 100 E Paradise, Utah. Jim http://donce.lofthouse.com/jamaica/Rocks%20and%20Stuff/rocks&stuff.htm_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Longspurs and chickens From: Edson Leite <falco_columbarius22 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:36:28 -0800 (PST) Beth and I went north today looking for the longspurs and chickens people have been reporting lately. We found a LAPLAND LONGSPUR around 7.3 miles past the Visitors Center. It was with a flock of about 300 HORNED LARKS it would usually stay towards the front of the flock. We found several MCCOWN'S LONGSPUR from 5 - 7 miles from the Visitors Center. No luck with the Gray Partridges. Then we headed up to Howell to look for the Sharp-tailed Grouse. After driving around for 2 hours. We finally found the spot for the Sharp-tailed Grouse off UT-83 about 1.5 miles south of the Howell turn off. Other birds in Howell, lots of Euroasian Collared Doves, lots of Western Meadowlarks, lots of Ring-necked Pheasants, one Prairie Falcon. Good Birding Edson Leite 801-560-8197 _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: UTAH COUNTY - Varied Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, Long-eared Owl From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:48:46 -0700 I found the VARIED THRUSH with the help of The Sommerfields who had located it this morning. It is a male and was just barely south of the aforementioned Lehi pump house. The directions were easy to follow. My experience seeing it was rather unusual. As I walked up to the pump house, a man and his dog were coming up the path. The dog began snarling and barking at me while the man told it to be quiet. As they got closer, the Varied Thrush suddenly popped up into a tree, clearly startled. Excited by suddenly finding the bird, my attention turned away from the dog, who then managed to get out of his collar and coming running at me. With one hand on my binoculars, I continued to watch the Thrush, while dancing to avoid a possible dog attack. Unbelievable. The man was able to corral his dog with no damage to me. The Thrush, shortly after, disappeared deeper into the trees to the east and I was not able to relocate it. The perils of birding. Also, I was able to see Eric Huish's WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and the LONG-EARED OWL continues to hang out past the control tower on the west side of the Provo Airport Dike. No dog hazards for either of these sightings. 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: Belated bunches of McCown's Longspurs at BRMBR From: David Wheeler <dumpster_42 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 10:21:16 -0800 (PST) On Friday I saddled up the mighty Daihatsu, loaded up me trusty dog, and set off into the storm to see if Kris' directions to longspurs were still good. Yep. I quickly located a flock of larks in the field she had so thoroughly described, and shortly thereafter a white tail in a flushed flurry pointed the way to a bird I had not seen in some years. Thank you, Kris. But the interesting thing occurred about twenty minutes later, when returning after being blocked from my desire to see the refuge (Bear River Migr Bird Ref) by a long stretch of very deep mud (I suspected I would have had to use a can opener to cut my way out through my rusty roof had I tried to go on). I noticed a flock of six McCown's Longspurs fairly close to where the previous lark flock had been. These McCown's longspurs were in various stages of plumage, with the "breedingest" of them being surprisingly bright (quite likely the one described by others previously), with sooty breast, black crown, clear breast band, and very bright brick-red "shoulder" patches. All six of the longspurs had the inverted black T on white tails. The flock fed compliently next to my car on the side of the road. A bonus was a flock of 16 Gray partidge ("Huns") hunkered down against the snow in the same open field, about 50 feet south of the road. Lovely. They were a little beyond where Kris described the Longspurs to dwell. Another bonus was meeting Kris on my way out to to the paved road, thus getting a chance to catch up with an old friend. Good birding to all! David _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: McCown's Longspur and Gray Partridge Pictures From: Tim Avery <western.tanager2 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:19:45 -0700 Here are a few shots of one of the McCown's Longspur seen at Bear River today. This was the most heavily marked of the three, with a prominent V across the chest. Also a couple distant shots of the flock of Gray Partridge, and a Kestrel chewing on a mouse. http://bit.ly/76nxWq Good Birding Tim _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Night-herons, Logan Fish Hatchery, 1/23/10 From: Craig Fosdick <craig.fosdick AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:49:36 -0700 Today I made a quick stop to scan the waters of the Logan Fish Hatchery, adjacent to Hwy 30. Two Black-crowned Night-herons were present, hanging out in the fallen tree branches. I am assuming that one of these birds is the same one as from the Dec 19 CBC, and I believe that they have been seen by others in the New Year as well. Checklist below.. Good birding, Craig Craig Fosdick Logan, Utah. Location: Logan Fish Hatchery Observation date: 1/23/10 Number of species: 15 Gadwall 3 Mallard 6 Northern Shoveler 4 Great Blue Heron 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron 2 Bald Eagle 1 Killdeer 2 Wilson's Snipe 9 Ring-billed Gull 250 California Gull 6 Black-billed Magpie 1 Common Raven 6 European Starling 500 Song Sparrow 1 Brewer's Blackbird 3 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2 (http://ebird.org)_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Sugarhouse Screech Owls From: Jeff Bilsky <jbilsky AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:04:54 -0700 For the past couple of days I have heard what I thought were the distant sounds of Western Screech Owls in my neighborhood. Tonight I got my confirmation as one was just sitting in my backyard on a wire. There's a hollow in my back tree where Starlings nested last summer. I am hopeful that the Owls will find it. Nice to hear them again in the neighborhood. -- Jeff Bilsky Salt Lake City jbilsky AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: 20~ Gray Partridge at Bear River MBR From: western.tanager2 AT gmail.com Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:24:28 +0000 Just west of where the longspurs were seen. They were north of the road near the corrals with the cattle. Found by Eric Huish. Good Birding Tim Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: 3 McCown's Longspurs at Bear River MBR From: western.tanager2 AT gmail.com Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:12:36 +0000 Same place as Kris reported them .2 miles west of the white building with the Canada Geese on it, abou 2.5 miles from the visitor center. Good Birding Tim Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: New bird on state checklist From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:03:49 -0700 The Utah Records Committee has added the Brown-capped Rosy-Finch to the Utah State checklist which brings the total number of species to 445. Here's a list of the latest additions to the checklist with links to the "First State Records" : http://www.utahbirds.org/RecCom/ArchFirstState.htm _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Dusky Grouse From: Dave Hanscom <hanscom AT cs.utah.edu> Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:07:51 -0700 (MST) I had a most unusual experience late this afternoon. One of my chores for the day, in preparation for a cross country ski race at Mountain Dell, was to clean the snow and ice off the stairs that go down from the parking lot to the lower level of the golf clubhouse. When I walked down to the bottom to start the job, there was a Dusky Grouse sitting on a large garbage pail under the deck, not more than 15 feet from me! I apologized to him for the commotion I was about to make, and then started chopping the ice. He totally ignored me. After finishing the shoveling and going back down, he was still there, but on the ground walking around on the concrete. As I cleaned up more snow at the bottom of the stairs, he finally flew off into a nearby spruce tree. (Much to my relief, I might add. I thought he must be sick or hungry, although he certainly looked healthy and well fed. Guess he just knew a kindred spirit when he saw one.) If you decide to stop by tomorrow to see if he's still there, be aware that a bunch of us will show up before 8:00 to set up in the downstairs room, and racers will start arriving by 8:30. And then there's the hoard of tubers who descend upon Mountain Dell on Saturdays. Bottom line, better get there early. Or wait until Sunday when it's quiet. This is certainly something for the monthly Mountain Dell birding survey to keep their eyes out for in February! Dave Hanscom _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Birds executing damage and damage control at local trout fisheries From: Utah Birds <utah_birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:05:26 -0800 (PST) Birdnet Email -- from the website‏ It was submitted by Richard Young on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 13:14:29   Subject: Birds executing damage and damage control at local trout fisheries   Email_Address: richbyoung AT isp.com   Message: For the past year, I've made an effort to photograph birds and their activities along the Salt Lake Jordan River Corridor, gaining much pleasure in the process. On January 19th while visiting the newly opened Sandy fishery at 1000 West and 98th South, I photographed a pied billed grebe consuming a sizeable goldfish in that pond! Most people are aware that it is illegal to introduce goldfish and other species of fish into such waters. I was amazed to see evidence of goldfish in this location, recently open to fishing in September of 2009. On the other hand, I was heartened to see the grebe taking matters into its own bill, thus eliminating one alien from the Sandy Fishing Pond. Earlier, in 2009, I photographed a Double Crested cormorant downing a catchable sized trout at Willow Pond in Murray, adjacent to the Murray/Jordan River Parkway. Fishermen there complained about the cormorants taking lots of trout from this pond. Maybe they would be happy to know other birds are doing them a favor by removing goldfish! A link demonstrating both birds fishing is provided: http://www.richbyoung.com/birds-fish.html      _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Kay Stone saw a Varied Thrush near Lehi (Utah Co.) this morning. From: Eric Huish <poorwill_ AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:02:13 -0700 Kay Stone called to report a Varied Thrush on the Jordan River Parkway North of the Model Airfield (Lehi) this morning (Jan 22). To get to the Model Airfield (R/C Modelport) take Lehi Main Street (I-15 exit #279) west 2.7 miles to 2300 W. Take 2300 West, South 2.3 miles. The Parking area is on the right side of the road. >From here walk North along the main paved Parkway past the airfield. There will be a dirt path that takes off to the left and as you continue along the paved parkway the dirt road will meet back up to the pavement on your left. About here there is a small dilapidated old pump house that pumps water from a canal into a bay in the river. Kay said he saw the Thrush around here in a tree next to the trail about 10:50 a.m. This area is about a half mile from the airfield parking lot. Eric Huish Pleasant Grove UT poorwill_ AT hotmail.com 801-360-8777 _______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Re: White Hawk From: ConnieM <connie.mcmanus AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:13:31 -0700 I have seen white harriers exactly like this at the Bear River Bird Refuge and also along the Valley Hwy in Cache Valley and was not certain what they were. Then I saw one perch on a fence post really close to where I was standing and he gave me a good long look - with Sibley's in hand - and I came to the conclusion it was a male Northern Harrier. When it flew off, the darker slate upper body showed the distinct white rump, but the under side was a very light gray with the dark bands on the wing tips as shown here. Nice picture!! ConnieM On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 11:46 AM, Utah Birds wrote: > From: > "Joey Foote" > To: > birdnet AT utahbirds.org > Message contains attachments > > * White Hawk Flying.jpgWhite Hawk Flying.jpg > > Does the Northern Harrier have a white phase? This hawk has the > profile and flight pattern of a Harrier. Seen at Farmington Bay, main > dike, yesterday, Jan 20th. Sorry for the poor light . . . It was not > the best conditions for photos of moving critters. > > Joey Foote > > _______________________________________________ > Birdnet mailing list > Birdnet AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet > -- Connie McManus Nibley, Cache County, Utah_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: White Hawk From: Utah Birds <utahbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:46:55 -0700 From: "Joey Foote" To: birdnet AT utahbirds.org Message contains attachments * White Hawk Flying.jpgWhite Hawk Flying.jpg Does the Northern Harrier have a white phase? This hawk has the profile and flight pattern of a Harrier. Seen at Farmington Bay, main dike, yesterday, Jan 20th. Sorry for the poor light . . . It was not the best conditions for photos of moving critters. Joey Foote_______________________________________________ Birdnet mailing list Birdnet AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnet Subject: Re: Herons hunting for Voles From: "Bill Fenimore Sr." <birderb AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:49:42 -0700 Steve: Some years ago, I was training my dog out near the north end Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area. I observed a GBH walking along an undercut bank in the Ogden River. Suddenly, he turned his head, looking at the bank and stabbed into it. When he pulled his head out, I was amazed to see a muskrat held in his bill that was struggling. The GBH managed to swallow it, head first. You could see the muskrat wriggling, as it was moving down its gullet. A remarkable experience, one that I would have never expected to see. Winter must make GBH and other birds that winter here more resourceful when the usual prey base is scarce. Regards, Bill Fenimore On Thu, Jan 21, 2010 at 11:43 AM, Steve Coleman wrote: > Last Friday while out at Farmington Bay I watched several Great Blue > Herons in the fields west of the main dike hunting voles along with the many > Northen Harriers. I stopped and took pictures of one of them and posted some > of the pics on my blog, this was fascinating to watch. They hunted on dry > land with deadly precision and caught several voles. > > Several years ago I was guiding a group of school teachers in the area east > of where the Nature Center now is and we watched a GBH take a Yellow-headed > blackbird that was sitting on a cattail, the YHBB never knew what hit him, > that was the first time I observed these magnificent birds hunting where > they weren't wading in water. > > Watching birds is an ongoing education for me of nature, their ability to > adapt and survive. It never gets old or boring. > > Cheers > Steve > http://stevesbirdnblog.blogspot.com > > _______________________________________________ > Birdtalk mailing list > Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org > http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk > -- Bill Fenimore Wild Bird Center www.wildbird.com/layton 1860 North 1000 West Layton, UT 84041-1858 801-525-8400 Store 801-525-8415 Fax (801) 699-9330 Cellular_______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk Subject: Salem Pond, Jan 21/10 - Virginia Rail, Snipe, Prairie Falcon, Ducks From: Matt Mills <mattymills2005 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:12:08 -0800 (PST) Went by Salem Pond on Thursday afternoon with some folks from BYU. By far the best bird was a VIRGINIA RAIL feeding along the edge of the pond amongst the rocks. Viewing from the west side of the pond (the parking area at 200 S 200 W) we could see the bird on the NE side of the pond where a large, sloping lawn meets the rocks at the waters edge. Unfortunately, after watching the bird for a short time a dog ran down and flushed it. Ducks at the Pond included: Red-breasted Merganser - 1m Common Goldeneye - maybe 15 Bufflhead - 2m Lesser Scaup - maybe 25 or so Redhead - 1m Northern Pintail - 1f Northern Shoveler Mallard Gadwall Other birds include: Pied-billed Grebe - maybe half a dozen American Coot - yep Wilson's Snipe - 3 Prairie Falcon - 1 flyby chasing a Red-tailed Hawk Eurasian Collared Dove - tons! White-crowned Sparrow Song Sparrow - 5 Dark-eyed Junco Also, at Novell in Provo there was a GREAT BLUE HERON in the pond and a flyby BALD EAGLE. At East Bay - the 3 juv. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS continue. Cheerio Matt Mills Provo _______________________________________________ Birdtalk mailing list Birdtalk AT utahbirds.org http://utahbirds.org/mailman/listinfo/birdtalk