The West Virginia Birding List

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Recent Postings from
The West Virginia Birding List

Updated on Tuesday, February 9 at 01:37 AM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

9 Feb Red-tail hawk in Teays Valley [historybuff ]
8 Feb bald eagle ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ]
8 Feb Shenandoah River drive by... [Matt Orsie ]
8 Feb Cooper's Cavorting [Jeffrey Del Col ]
8 Feb Never underestimate the intelligence of birds! [Bird Mom ]
8 Feb Monongalia Co. Merlin et al. [Derek Courtney ]
8 Feb First Fox Sparrow [Bruni Haydl ]
8 Feb Re: Fox sparrow Jefferson County ["Lynne Wiseman, Realtor" ]
8 Feb Fwd: Trumpeter Swans [Zach Thompson ]
8 Feb Different birds [Jean Neely ]
7 Feb BNC invitation to presentation on eagles [Allen Waldron ]
7 Feb Pileated Woodpecker [John Snyder ]
7 Feb Busy feeder day - raptors, woodpeckers and Rusty Blackbird [Doren Burrell ]
7 Feb Tree Sparrow ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ]
7 Feb snow & song [Jim & Judy Phillips ]
7 Feb Fox Sparrow- Summit Point [Carol Del-Colle ]
7 Feb Ohio River Birding [David Patick ]
7 Feb Possible Redpoll in Philippi? [Jeffrey Del Col ]
6 Feb In Memoriam--Ruth Ann Dean ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ]
6 Feb Robins in Teays Valley [historybuff ]
6 Feb Red-winged Blackbirds, Rusty Blackbirds [Bruni Haydl ]
6 Feb Re: Rusty Blackbirds Jefferson Co. ["Lynne Wiseman, Realtor" ]
6 Feb Birder cards ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ]
5 Feb More Jefferson County Birding [KATE WEATHERBY ]
5 Feb Cheat Lake Update [Kyle Aldinger ]
5 Feb Jefferson Co. Birding [David Myles ]
5 Feb owl & tree sparrow [Jim & Judy Phillips ]
5 Feb surf scoter, horned grebe [Wilma Jarrell ]
5 Feb Re: Introduction and sightings ["Hubbard, John" ]
5 Feb Muscovy Ducks [Rodney Davis ]
5 Feb Fwd: Whooping Cranes []
5 Feb Re: Introduction and sightings [Wil Hershberger ]
4 Feb Introduction and sightings [Tracy Jackson ]
4 Feb legislative vulture? ["Cynthia D. Ellis" ]
4 Feb Reporting Bald Eagle Sightings [Tracy Jackson ]
4 Feb Whooping Cranes [Susan Aaron ]
4 Feb Red-headed Woodpecker - Summit Point [Matt Orsie ]
4 Feb crows [Donna Mitchell ]
3 Feb Re: Peregrine Falcon [John Snyder ]
3 Feb Red Shouldered's in Love? [Bruni Haydl ]
2 Feb large flock of canada geese [leslie ]
2 Feb Canvasback at Country Club Road - Jefferson County [Matt Orsie ]
2 Feb birds [leslie ]
2 Feb eagle cam [Donna Mitchell ]
2 Feb eagles [Jim & Judy Phillips ]
1 Feb Rare Sighting [Susan Aaron ]
1 Feb Cedar Waxwings [Jeffrey Del Col ]
1 Feb Re: Foul Weather friends [Stan Corwin-Roach ]
1 Feb Foul Weather friends [Bruni Haydl ]
1 Feb Re: Peregrine Falcon [Gerald Kruth ]
1 Feb Birding Festival Announcement [Wil Hershberger ]
1 Feb Peregrine Falcon [Jim Triplett ]
31 Jan Two More Lifers [Susan Aaron ]
31 Jan Fwd: (PVAS) Volunteers needed to help with rusty blackbird blitz [Wil Hershberger ]
31 Jan yard birds & 10" of snow [Jim & Judy Phillips ]
30 Jan Winter Birding [Susan Aaron ]
30 Jan Snow brings birds to yard [Carol Del-Colle ]
30 Jan Bald Eagle at Beech Fork Lake ["Rankin, Gary" ]
30 Jan Ohio River Birding [David Patick ]
30 Jan Waterfowl - Jefferson County [Matt Orsie ]
29 Jan ducks and eagle [Wilma Jarrell ]
29 Jan red-necked grebe , common merganser [Wilma Jarrell ]
29 Jan FYI those interested [John Jacobs ]
29 Jan Changes at the bird feeder [Bob Burrell ]
28 Jan Reducing aircraft-wildlife strikes at airports [Matt Kennedy ]
28 Jan Hundreds of Canada Geese-Huntfield Retention Pond [Carol Del-Colle ]
27 Jan Carolina Wrens [Ben Borda ]
27 Jan ruffed grouse and brown creeper [Wilma Jarrell ]
27 Jan Morgantown area on Wednesday [Terry Bronson ]
27 Jan Re: Carolina Wrens [tammy lester ]
27 Jan rusty blackbird [Jim & Judy Phillips ]
26 Jan green-winged teal and surf scoter [Wilma Jarrell ]
26 Jan Eagles [Ms Diane Holsinger ]
26 Jan Carolina Wrens redux [Bob Burrell ]
26 Jan Re: Carolina Wrens [Wil Hershberger ]
25 Jan Re: Carolina Wrens [John Snyder ]

Subject: Red-tail hawk in Teays Valley
From: historybuff <historybuff AT CITYNET.NET>
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 02:37:37 -0500

Today my bird feeders were filled with the usual visitors. There were many cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, gold finches, morning doves, a downy woodpecker, and lots and lots of starlings. South of Milton, there were 10-15 crows in a field alongside the road, and also a red-tailed hawk perched in a tree. (I am not going to count the mallards in the Hurricane Reservoir, the ones in the little pond behind the Catholic Church of the Ascension, or those in the pond at Blenko Glass. They have become so domesticated that I do not consider them "wild" anymore.) Cookie Ambler Teays Valley, Putnam County
Subject: bald eagle
From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 19:32:44 -0500

We, Bev Wright, Kim Kazmierski and I, birded in Putnam County today. Our Rusty Blackbird Blitz went Pffft with no sightings, but, every day birding is a good day. We saw some individual Red-tailed Hawks and at least 5 sets of paired Red-tails which were flying or perching together. About a dozen young Wild Turkeys, all with beards, were seen on Custer Ridge Road. As our day ended, we saw a [4th year?] Bald Eagle with nearly white head and tail. The weather was sunny with temperatures ranging from 21 to 31 degrees, light winds, and variably modest amounts of snow cover. Ice was abundant with fantastic patterns. Some wetlands grasses and shrubs were hung with icy pendants. Sun-warmed ice sheets in fields cracked with loud retorts. Clumps of snow fell with startling thuds. Our trip, as we sought spots for Rusties, led around the Winfield Locks, on Rt. 62 to Buffalo and back to the Putnam County Park at Eleanor, on Rt. 817 to the Wetlands of Winfield, and back to the Buffalo Bridge, on "new" Rt. 35 to the Teays Valley exit and back to Winfield/Eleanor via Rt. 34. Birds are listed in order as first seen: Crow Starling Blue Jay Cardinal Herring Gull Flicker Tree Sparrow Song Sparrow Carolina Wren White-crowned Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Yellow-rumped Warbler Mockingbird House Finch Mourning Dove Red-shouldered Hawk Rufous-sided Towhee Rock Pigeon Kestrel Red-tailed Hawk Canada Goose Downy Woodpecker Junco White-throated Sparrow Eastern Bluebird White-breasted Nuthatch Wild Turkey Goldfinch Red-bellied Woodpecker House Sparrow Brown Creeper Great-Blue Heron Ring-billed Gull Mallard Double-crested Cormorant Black Duck Bald Eagle [jct. Rt. 34/35] ~Cindy Ellis, Putnam County -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net "When defending the nest, the elders were among the most suicidally aggressive. They were obedient to a simple truth that separates our two species; humans send their young men to war; ants send their old ladies." from the short story “The Trailhead” by E.O. Wilson
Subject: Shenandoah River drive by...
From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 18:04:20 -0500

All, I finally caught up on the snow blowing and shoveling from the 31 inches we got at the house on Fri/Sat. This gave me a chance to get down to the river for a quick drive through. No places to pull over, The river is high and the only ducks seen were Mallards (4) , Hooded Mergansers (3) and Common Mergansers (18). I sure hope the melt off is slow as there is almost 3 inches of liquid tied up in this snow and any sudden melting would surely create record flooding. BTW, We're in the cross hairs again with 10-20 inches forecast for Tues/Weds. I think I'm in the snow belts of the great lakes(:> Matt Orsie Summit Point, WV wvbirder.org
Subject: Cooper's Cavorting
From: Jeffrey Del Col <jadel1947 AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:34:14 -0800

As I pulled into my drive this afternoon, I spotted a pair of Cooper's Hawks wheeling around one another has they moved across the open space between the woods on either side of my house. Must be that time of the year, despite the looming wintry blast headed for us. Jeff Del Col, Philippi
Subject: Never underestimate the intelligence of birds!
From: Bird Mom <pep4223 AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 20:38:14 +0000

We have a few Coopers hawks that regularly eat off our backyard feeders.Ā We usually see "success" at least once a week, but since the snowstorm, the hawks have invented aĀ unique technique.Ā They wait until the birds collect under the feeders and are inside the deep shoveled out walkways we made to get to the feeders.Ā With 3 feet of snow, these walkways are tall and narrow.Ā The hawk finds a perch that is lower thanĀ usual, then quickly moves in when unsuspecting birds are feeding on the ground inside the narrow shoveled outĀ walkways.Ā Ā A pesky flock of starlings were taken by surprise today.Ā Success!Ā I couldn't have chosen a better food source.Ā I've never seenĀ the hawksĀ take a starling at our feeders (it's usually a dove), butĀ large numbers ofĀ starlings make them good pickings right now. Joette Borzik Jefferson County
Subject: Monongalia Co. Merlin et al.
From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:19:50 -0500

Hi all, Did some light birding this morning, mostly from my truck. Weather was beautiful. But lots of covered roads and trees down which limited birding stops so I didn't get everywhere I would have liked. Nothing too unexpected. Still no sapsuckers or siskins. Some sightings as follows. Cheat Lake: 3 Carolina Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 6 Wild Turkey all across from Edgewater Lake is frozen as much as I could see. Didn't venture down Morgan's Run. Airport: 24 American Crow 1 Common Raven Mon River (various stops): 2 Turkey Vultures 1 Bald Eagle 2 Lesser Scaup 1 Ring-necked Duck 12 Mallard 2 Pied Billed Grebe 1 Mute swan and many Canada Goose WVU farm along Chestnut Ridge Rd: 1 leucistic Red-tailed Hawk (well known at this location) that I tried to turn into a gyrfalcon or something more exciting Marilla Park: 2 Pileated Woodpeckers 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker Home (near the football stadium): 1 Merlin which I have seen on and off for about a month 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Winter Wren 1 Carolina Wren 1 Northern Mockingbird 2 American Tree Sparrow 176 American Robin (seemed like a lot ... I checked carefully for vagrants but there were none) 85 House Sparrow 112 European Starling and other regulars Good birding, Derek
Subject: First Fox Sparrow
From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 11:34:37 -0500

Just had my first Fox sparrow appear this morning. It was on the snow which is almost level with the window sill, about two feet from the window. The Towhee was there with him in the same frame (if I'd have a camera). Gorgeous against that white background. The Fox has come back three times. What a treat. All this and restored power too..... Since my heated pedestal birdbath is now empty and I'm not going to shovel any more paths I decided to improvise by using a large saucer from a plastic flowerpot and just setting it on top of the snow near the back door. The bluebirds found in fairly quickly as they did the dish of mealworms, but the doves persisted in sitting in the dry birdbath. Creatures of habit for sure. One of the Red-shouldered hawks is in the same tree he sat in yesterday and is soaking up the sun. Been there for nearly an hour. One thing I noticed during this snowstorm is that the Bluejays were noticeably absent from the feeding frenzy while it was snowing. They have slowly filtered back in to their usual numbers. Odd that such a big and sturdy looking bird would lay low. I did see another 17 Rusty blackbirds yesterday. Bruni Haydl Jefferson Co
Subject: Re: Fox sparrow Jefferson County
From: "Lynne Wiseman, Realtor" <lewiseman AT AOL.COM>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 10:27:02 -0500

Sorry for the late post but we also had a Fox Sparrow appear yesterday morning about 9AM under a feeder in the back yard. He flew up into a tree and then disappeared not to be seen again during the day (but I was busy shoveling the 25+ inches of snow). Lynne Wiseman Jefferson County
Subject: Fwd: Trumpeter Swans
From: Zach Thompson <glorifyenterprisesinc AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 09:35:08 -0500

Fellow Birders, This is an opportunity to see a rares species. The Trumpeter Swans are in the field to the left of the "B" on this map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=37.675635,-79.798765&hl=en&geocode=&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=16&sll=37.674786,-79.799559&sspn=0.008084,0.013754&ie=UTF8&ll=37.675006,-79.798915&spn=0.008084,0.013754&t=h&z=16 The Gala Wetland Bank in Botetourt County is 40 minutes N. of Roanoke, about 40 minutes from Lewisburg, WV and 50 minutes from Lexington. Zach From: Barry Date: Sun, Feb 7, 2010 at 2:24 PM Subject: [Roanoke Birds] Trumpeter Swans To: James Hancock , roanoke birds Sunday 7 Feb'10 at1:00 PM (5) Trumpeter Swans, most with neck and leg bands were seen in a cut cornfield 200 yds north of the Gala wetlands. Also seen at the wetlands (1) Tree Sparrow, (1) E Phoebe, (1) Cooper's Hawk. seen by Ed Burroughs and Barry Kinzie
Subject: Different birds
From: Jean Neely <jeaneely AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 05:41:05 -0500

Good morning to all: Cindy¹s post reminded me: after shoveling a strip of the 24 inches of snow off the front deck, I threw out some seed for the birds Saturday. Delighted to see some different customers immediately show up! Song sparrow and tree sparrow (only one each), but never seen at my feeding stations. Also the usual suspects: chickadees, white throated sparrows, goldfinch, downy and hairy woodpeckers (going for the suet cakes), white-breasted nuthatches, and cardinals. Haven¹t seen any siskins over here, which seems surprising. Also, nothing on the river (Potomac), including Canada geese, for the past couple of days. Jean Neely Near Shepherdstown in Jefferson Co.
Subject: BNC invitation to presentation on eagles
From: Allen Waldron <awaldron AT SUDDENLINK.NET>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 23:08:38 -0500

No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2674 - Release Date: 02/07/10 14:35:00
Subject: Pileated Woodpecker
From: John Snyder <wem AT ONETEL.COM>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 21:37:44 -0500

While we have a resident pair near the house, they're rarely nearer than a couple of hundred feet. This morning on the way to church we spotted one low on a tree adjacent to the road. I stopped, then just let the car drift up alongside the tree, until we were only about 20 feet away. Alas, no camera in the car. But it was still a great look at a magnificent bird, who was very nonchalant about the whole thing. Later this afternoon, we watched a fox trot along the snow-covered meadow behind our house. These, coupled with our regular feeder clan made for a great day! Cheers, John & Caroline Snyder Summersville
Subject: Busy feeder day - raptors, woodpeckers and Rusty Blackbird
From: Doren Burrell <g.immer AT DOREN.NET>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 20:15:41 -0500

On a cloudy, dreary winter day, my front windows made for great outdoor television as I watched my bird feeders for the DNR winter count project. the usual suspects were in abundance and I had some very special surprises. Four woodpecker species turned up, as well as a Field Sparrow, 3 or 4 raptors and a Rusty Blackbird. Tallies for the day: Mourning Dove 19 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Accipiter sp. 1 Coopers Hawk 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 American Crow 5 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Carolina Chicakdee 5 Tufted Titmouse 2 Carolina Wren 2 Eastern Bluebird 1 Rufous-sided Towhee 1 Song Sparrow 4 White-throated Sparrow 9 Field Sparrow 1 Chipping Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 14 Northern Cardinal 12 American Goldfinch 5 Rusty Blackbird 1 Doren Burrell Kanawha County, WV American Goldfinch 5
Subject: Tree Sparrow
From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 19:14:46 -0500

There was steady rain here all day Friday, so conditions are very icy under the snow [only about 3"]. We got a substantial increase in numbers of Cardinals, Juncos,and Carolina Chickadees and had a species not often seen at our feeders...American Tree Sparrow...the only one so far this season. ~Cindy Ellis, Putnam County -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net "When defending the nest, the elders were among the most suicidally aggressive. They were obedient to a simple truth that separates our two species; humans send their young men to war; ants send their old ladies." from the short story “The Trailhead” by E.O. Wilson
Subject: snow & song
From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:49:33 -0500

Looks like we received about 1' of snow over the weekend. We now have 17"-20" on the ground. This morning, cardinals, song sparrows and both chickadees were singing. Yesterday we saw a robin in some sumac. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Subject: Fox Sparrow- Summit Point
From: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 21:22:22 +0000

Greetings, Ā Ā About 3:30 this afternoon, I looked out to see a beautiful Fox Sparrow joining the large group of White-crowned, White-throated, and Song Sparrows scratching in the snow for the seed I had out on the ground.Ā This is my first sighting of a Fox Sparrow for the new year, and my first sighting of one in the yard in quite a few years.Ā I always hope that I willĀ have one in the yard, but I have only had two other previousĀ yardĀ sightings of these lovely large sparrows.Ā Ā Ā This morning, I looked out to see a quiet yard except for a juvenile Cooper Hawk sitting inĀ a tree close to the house and right near feeders and suet.Ā He stayed aroundĀ in some trees further away for a while, Ā and then took off without any yard bird attacks as farĀ as I know.Ā Ā Ā Ā I just wish theĀ grackles would go away.Ā They are eating too much seed and making it difficult for the other birds.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Happy birding, Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Carol Del-Colle Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Summit Point Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Jefferson County
Subject: Ohio River Birding
From: David Patick <patick AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 15:05:01 -0500

I went out birding for a half day today visiting Mason County,WV and Gallia County in Ohio.The temp was 19 initially with constant snow flurries and rose to 23 at Noon.I visited the RCB Locks,Crab Creek Campground,Gallipolis Ferry and lastly the Ohio River in Gallipolis.Some of the sightings were: RCB Locks: Pied-billed Grebe-1 Pintail-6 Canvasback-16 Bufflehead-7 Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Cormorant-1 Red-tailed Hawk-1 Crab Creek: Common Merganser-2 Males Red-tailed Hawk-1 Rusty Blackbird-12 Common Grackle-12 Gallipolis Ferry: American Pipit-30 Savannah Sparrow-4 Northern Harrier-1 Ohio River(Gallipolis) Common Goldeneye-2 Canvasback-2 Pied-billed Grebe-1 Red-tailed Hawk-1 Cooper's Hawk-1 David Patick Huntington,WV 25701
Subject: Possible Redpoll in Philippi?
From: Jeffrey Del Col <jadel1947 AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 11:30:01 -0800

As I shovelled a path to the nyjer feeder this morning, I looked up and saw what appeared to be a Common Redpoll perched on it. The bird was the right size and had the black chin and red head. Unfortunately, I had no binos, just a snow shovel, and as I stood in a quandry about whether I should try to get to the binos I keep in my car or just stand there gaping, the bird took off. So I'll call it a possible. At Christmas I reported seeing three redpolls, but I think that may have been a hasty and mistaken ID of some Purple Finches. The bird I saw today seemed a dead ringer for the Common Redpoll in my Smithsonian bird ID book. The feeders have been full of the usual suspects, too, and there have been Downies and Hairies on the scene. Jeff Del Col, Philippi
Subject: In Memoriam--Ruth Ann Dean
From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET>
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 17:52:25 -0500

[This is forwarded from a message by Potomac Valley Audubon. A number of folks on the listserv will have known Bob from the bird banding station.] Sadly, Ruth Ann Dean, one of PVAS's founding members, has died after a long and courageous struggle with cancer. She passed away last Thursday at her home, surrounded by family and friends. Our sincere condolences go out to her family, especially husband Bob Dean and sons Hickory and Robin Dean. According to the Martinsburg Journal, arrangements by Brown Funeral Home in Martinsburg will be announced on Monday. The website where these announcements can be found is http://www.brownfuneralhomeswv.com/ __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group Messages in this topic( 1) Recent Activity: Visit Your Group Start a New Topic [image: Yahoo! Groups] Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest• Unsubscribe• Terms of Use . __,_._,___ -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net "When defending the nest, the elders were among the most suicidally aggressive. They were obedient to a simple truth that separates our two species; humans send their young men to war; ants send their old ladies." from the short story “The Trailhead” by E.O. Wilson
Subject: Robins in Teays Valley
From: historybuff <historybuff AT CITYNET.NET>
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:38:28 -0500

Besides the usual birds at my birdfeeder, there were at least twenty or more robins in the yard Friday. Also saw two crows - one landed on a fence post near my yard and the other flew to a sycamore tree where it perched. First crows I have seen for a long time. The robins are back today. "Bob bob bobbing along." Cookie Ambler Teays Valley
Subject: Red-winged Blackbirds, Rusty Blackbirds
From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET>
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:39:01 -0500

Watching the feeding frenzy all day long is exhausting. Just measured the snow on my sidewalk at 30". No wonder it took so long to shovel a path to the feeders. New birds for the day were a pair of Red-winged blackbirds and a flock of 27 Rusty blackbirds. They didn't hang around all that long but were nice to see. The pair of Red-shouldered hawks were back again and one of them stayed well over an hour. I am so hoping they will choose my property to build a nest. Because it was snowing most of the day I decided to use the Bluebird feeder, the type of hopper feeder with a hole on each end. I've never had any luck with it in the past but today a pair of Carolinas went in immediately to get peanut suet and mealworms. At one point the one inside the feeder poked its head out the hole and passed a mealworm to the one outside. Really sweet. Can't believe I'm seeing blue skies. Hope that is the end of our snow event. Oops, a female Purple finch just showed up. Will have to see if he brought his friends. Bruni Haydl Charles Town
Subject: Re: Rusty Blackbirds Jefferson Co.
From: "Lynne Wiseman, Realtor" <lewiseman AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:04:39 -0500

Great day for birding from the home windows with over 2' of snow on the ground. Got out there and put some food out for the birds and in some places had to use snow shoes. Anyway, had to mention we had 6 Rusty-Blackbirds hanging around all day along with the usuals plus one Ruby-Crowned Kinglet on the suet, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker and the brown creeper. Happy birding! Lynne Wiseman Jefferson County
Subject: Birder cards
From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET>
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 11:51:50 -0500

*Mine says, "Protect your natural resources and I'll be back." One of the first places I saw the idea for the cards was in a column by Scott Shalaway. * * ~Cindy Ellis, Putnam County* -----Original Message----- From: H Thomas Bartlett To: OHIO-BIRDS AT LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU Sent: Mon, Feb 1, 2010 10:46 am Subject: [Ohio-birds] Birder cards For the last 10 years or so, various birding groups have been giving out cards which birders are to leave at places they visit, shop, eat at, etc telling the owners that birders were there and spent money. I always wondered how effective they are. Well Paula and I found out. Since the early 1990, when I go to the UP of Michigan, I eat at Ang-Gio's restaurant at least once over the weekend. It is a good Italian resturant. While eating there Saturday night, we got to talking with the owner. When I mentioned we were up there birding, he got very excited and ran over to the checkout counter. He came back with six of these cards which were taped together. They are cards from one of Michigan's birding groups and a little different than ones I have seen. They had a place for how much was spent. The owner proudly showed us that these six cards represented over $1000 in meals from just the last couple of weeks. He wanted to know if I had a card. I had cards from the Kirtland Bird Club in Cleveland but had left them home. Never again! He made sure to tell me that birders are always welcome at his place and make sure I tell other birders. I doubt if he donates to birder causes but I'll bet he brings up birders at chamber of commerce/business meetings. So some progress is being made to show the business community that birders are an economic force. Tom -- H. Thomas Bartlett Tiffin, Ohiohthomas.bartlett AT gmail.com ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at:http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: listowner AT ohiobirds.org ------------------------------ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now. -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net "When defending the nest, the elders were among the most suicidally aggressive. They were obedient to a simple truth that separates our two species; humans send their young men to war; ants send their old ladies." from the short story “The Trailhead” by E.O. Wilson
Subject: More Jefferson County Birding
From: KATE WEATHERBY <yankee_in_virginia AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 11:41:32 -0800

How quickly things change!! I didn't get to Country Club Road Pond until just a little before noon today, but did see some different birds than David saw this morning. The snow coming down made it a little challenging, but I was using my new scope (how exciting!) so I don't think I missed too much in the hour I was there. Canada Geese 144 (6 on the pond when I arrived, 138 flew in while I was there) Mallards 45+132 flying over, all from west to east (28 males & 17 females on the pond) Gadwall 10 (5 males & 5 females) Redheads 8 (4 males & 4 females) Hooded Mergansers 4 (2 males & 2 females) Pied-billed Grebes 3 Canvasback 1 male American Coots 3 Yellow-rumped Warblers 2 Carolina Wren 1 calling Winter Wren 1 American Crows 3 Fish Crow 1 heard from a different direction than the Am. Crows Common Raven 1 White-throated Sparrows 6 Northern Flicker 1 Happy Birding, Kate Weatherby Harpers Ferry
Subject: Cheat Lake Update
From: Kyle Aldinger <kaldinge AT MIX.WVU.EDU>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:54:51 -0500

Hey all, I did some birding around Cheat Lake this morning, but the rain/snow mix hampered my efforts. The lake is almost completely frozen, with the exception of a few patches at Cheat Lake Park. I was able to find HOODED and COMMON MERGANSERS (2 drakes) near the park office. Enjoy the snow! Kyle Aldinger Morgantown, WV
Subject: Jefferson Co. Birding
From: David Myles <dkmyles AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:31:51 -0500

All, I took the opportunity to do some birding this morning before the big snow storm. I saw many of the usual suspects. The Shenandoah River is still high and only had a number of Common and Hooded Mergansers along with a Pied-billed Grebe. There was a Fish Crow at Moulton Park. I also saw the Barred Owl in the sycamore tree along the river on John Rissler Rd. I also saw 2 Red-tail Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawk and Coopers Hawk. Lake Shannondale was frozen with a small open area along the bank with a few Mallards and Coots. The Country Club road pond was by far the most productive. Along with a couple hundred Canada Geese were Redheads, one Canvasback, Gadwall, Mallards, American Black Ducks and Ruddy Ducks. BTW...we had a Coopers Hawk in our yard on Wednesday. This isn't unusal as we see him many times during the winter. However, he stayed in the yard the whole day. He would fly back and forth from the front yard to the back. He purched on the deck railing for 30 minutes at one time. This made for a great photo op. He kept the Starlings and Squirrles away, but unfortunately kept all the other birds away. Get out there before the snow gets too deep. David Myles Harpers Ferry Jefferson County
Subject: owl & tree sparrow
From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:23:13 -0500

Yesterday afternoon a barred owl was hooting in our neighborhood. This morning I saw an Amer. tree sparrow at the feeder at McKeever Lodge in Pipestem S.P. Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Subject: surf scoter, horned grebe
From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT FRONTIERNET.NET>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 10:57:52 -0500

I birded yesterday afternoon above Hannibal Lock and Dam. One horned grebe, a male hooded merganser and a male kestrol were new for me this year. A complete list of birds on walk follows. I returned just before dusk to see the surf scoter, 3 scaup, 1 pie-billed grebe and 5 American coot. Earlier just above New Martinsville saw a male canvasback and at Proctor 3 male common merganser. Wilma Jarrell Wileyville Wetzel County > > > Location: New Martinsville, Wetzel County, WV, US > Observation date: 2/4/10 > Number of species: 19 > > Canada Goose 47 > Mallard 20 > Bufflehead 9 > Common Goldeneye 1 > Hooded Merganser 1 > Ruddy Duck 2 > Horned Grebe 1 > Great Blue Heron 1 > Cooper's Hawk 1 > American Kestrel 1 > Ring-billed Gull 28 > Herring Gull 1 > Rock Pigeon X > Mourning Dove 3 > Blue Jay 1 > Northern Mockingbird 1 > Song Sparrow 2 > House Finch 1 > House Sparrow 5 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2666 - Release Date: 02/03/10 19:35:00 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2666 - Release Date: 02/03/10 19:35:00
Subject: Re: Introduction and sightings
From: "Hubbard, John" <hubbard AT MARSHALL.EDU>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 10:08:35 -0500

A gyrfalcon would be highly unusual and noteworthy. Could you provide some details? John Hubbard Huntington, WV -----Original Message----- From: Audubon birding discussion for WV [mailto:WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG] On Behalf Of Tracy Jackson Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 10:56 PM To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Introduction and sightings I live in Fayetteville, WV and my Summer job is Professional Whitewater Guide. I always get to see a large variety of birds (both at home and on the river). I don't know how rare it is, but I got to see a Pileated Woodpecker today...up close. I only had my cell phone on me, and it doesn't take good pictures. I took 2 shots, but you can't see the bird in either. I saw a Red Shoulder Hawk here about a month ago. Both of these are beautiful birds. I make my own Suet, and get a lot of different types of birds at my Suet feeder. I have a couple of Red-Bellied Woodpeckers as regular visitors to my feeder. There are always Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers outside. I have seen a Green Heron on the river. I've also seen Cooper's Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Osprey, American Bald Eagle, Red Tail Hawks, Kestrel, a Belted Kingfisher, a Gyrfalcon, a couple of Tundra Swan, Turkey and Black Vultures and always Great Blue Heron. As far as here at home, I see a very wide variety every day. I got to see a Dark Eyed Junco at my feeder about a month and a half ago. That was very cool. I'm just getting into bird watching seriously, so there will be many more posts to come. Blessed Be, Tracy Jackson awindsong AT gmail.com Fayetteville, WV Fayette County
Subject: Muscovy Ducks
From: Rodney Davis <wvkestrel AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:44:21 -0500

Tom and Debbie Long have discovered a pair of, what appear to be, Muscovy Ducks on the Greenbrier below Ronceverte. I have put photos on Hanging Rock's site. http://www.hangingrocktower.org/ducks.htm
Subject: Fwd: Whooping Cranes
From: wv4me AT AOL.COM
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 07:09:41 -0500

-----Original Message----- From: wv4me AT aol.com To: sf46aron AT EARTHLINK.NET Sent: Fri, Feb 5, 2010 7:07 am Subject: Re: Whooping Cranes Hi My son lives in Gainesville and I have been to Payne's Prairie. I love it there! We were there at the end of December. We saw the Sandhills and a Whooping Crane. At the edge of town, there is the UF beef farm. The Sandhills follow the cows. We got up close views! There were two Whooping Cranes. I got some good pictures. We are going down again in March. Marcia Anderson Scott Depot Putnam Co. -----Original Message----- From: Susan Aaron To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Thu, Feb 4, 2010 6:43 pm Subject: Whooping Cranes Went birding yesterday at a really unique place called Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a little south of Gainsville, FL. It is a beautiful place and an easy trail...if one is used to walking 3 miles of trail terrain. Ouch!As usual I can't describe all that was there but I will mention that I counted 200+ alligators along 1.5 miles. Considering there is over 20,000 acres, I wondered how there could be any other life there cause regardless of age or size, all of them looked healthy and content. I just counted those on the opposite banks and in the water plants in the river. Didn't check for any over the edge of the trail as the trail is accessible to the gators and they roam freely. There was an 8 footer lying beside the observation tower.What really amazed me were the water fowl feeding among them like they were rocks or at least not much of a threat. I mean they would be inches from them sometimes. I got two lifers. There were at least 4 Whooping Cranes (but were too far away to get a good sighting without a scope), and an American Bittern. That makes 12 lifers so far this trip.Several adult and juvenile Bald Eagles flying around with the (many)Black Vultures. Numerous Sandhill Cranes along with all the herons, ibises, and other water fowl all lit by a bright afternoon sun. Beautiful day.Susan AaronHuntington, WVCabell Co.
Subject: Re: Introduction and sightings
From: Wil Hershberger <wil AT NATUREIMAGESANDSOUNDS.COM>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 07:05:27 -0500

Hi Tracy and welcome, Pileated woodpeckers are fairly common in some areas. They are always a real treat to see and watch. Pileated woodpeckers are among my favorite birds. Thanks for sharing your sightings and a lot of folks envy your job and being on the river all day. Wil Hershberger Nature Images and Sounds, LLC Hedgesville, WV The Songs of Insects My Blog On Feb 4, 2010, at 10:56 PM, Tracy Jackson wrote: > I live in Fayetteville, WV and my Summer job is Professional > Whitewater > > Guide. I always get to see a large variety of birds (both at home > and on > > the river). I don't know how rare it is, but I got to see a Pileated > Woodpecker today...up close. I only had my cell phone on me, and it > doesn't take good pictures. I took 2 shots, but you can't see the > bird i > n > either. I saw a Red Shoulder Hawk here about a month ago. Both of > these > > are beautiful birds. I make my own Suet, and get a lot of different > type > s > of birds at my Suet feeder. I have a couple of Red-Bellied > Woodpeckers a > s > regular visitors to my feeder. There are always Downy and Hairy > Woodpeckers outside. I have seen a Green Heron on the river. I've > also > > seen Cooper's Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Osprey, American Bald Eagle, > Red > > Tail Hawks, Kestrel, a Belted Kingfisher, a Gyrfalcon, a couple of > Tundra > > Swan, Turkey and Black Vultures and always Great Blue Heron. As far > as > > here at home, I see a very wide variety every day. I got to see a > Dark > > Eyed Junco at my feeder about a month and a half ago. That was very > cool. I'm just getting into bird watching seriously, so there will be > > many more posts to come. > > Blessed Be, > Tracy Jackson > awindsong AT gmail.com > Fayetteville, WV > Fayette County
Subject: Introduction and sightings
From: Tracy Jackson <awindsong AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 22:56:11 -0500

I live in Fayetteville, WV and my Summer job is Professional Whitewater Guide. I always get to see a large variety of birds (both at home and on the river). I don't know how rare it is, but I got to see a Pileated Woodpecker today...up close. I only had my cell phone on me, and it doesn't take good pictures. I took 2 shots, but you can't see the bird in either. I saw a Red Shoulder Hawk here about a month ago. Both of these are beautiful birds. I make my own Suet, and get a lot of different types of birds at my Suet feeder. I have a couple of Red-Bellied Woodpeckers as regular visitors to my feeder. There are always Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers outside. I have seen a Green Heron on the river. I've also seen Cooper's Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Osprey, American Bald Eagle, Red Tail Hawks, Kestrel, a Belted Kingfisher, a Gyrfalcon, a couple of Tundra Swan, Turkey and Black Vultures and always Great Blue Heron. As far as here at home, I see a very wide variety every day. I got to see a Dark Eyed Junco at my feeder about a month and a half ago. That was very cool. I'm just getting into bird watching seriously, so there will be many more posts to come. Blessed Be, Tracy Jackson awindsong AT gmail.com Fayetteville, WV Fayette County
Subject: legislative vulture?
From: "Cynthia D. Ellis" <cdellis AT WILDBLUE.NET>
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 21:24:45 -0500

In Charleston today I saw a Black Vulture and a ("the famous squirrel-eating Capitol"?) Red-Tailed Hawk rising and flying near each other high over the lawn of the Capitol. It made a striking scene to see the birds against the gold dome. ~Cindy Ellis, Putnam County; today in Kanawha -- Cynthia D. Ellis RR 1 Box 163 Red House, WV 25168 304 586-4135 cdellis AT wildblue.net "When defending the nest, the elders were among the most suicidally aggressive. They were obedient to a simple truth that separates our two species; humans send their young men to war; ants send their old ladies." from the short story “The Trailhead” by E.O. Wilson
Subject: Reporting Bald Eagle Sightings
From: Tracy Jackson <awindsong AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 20:47:00 -0500

For 2 years I've been seeing American Bald Eagle in the New River Gorge. There are quite a few adult birds there, and also quite a few young.
Subject: Whooping Cranes
From: Susan Aaron <sf46aron AT EARTHLINK.NET>
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:43:32 -0500

Went birding yesterday at a really unique place called Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a little south of Gainsville, FL. It is a beautiful place and an easy trail...if one is used to walking 3 miles of trail terrain. Ouch! As usual I can't describe all that was there but I will mention that I counted 200+ alligators along 1.5 miles. Considering there is over 20,000 acres, I wondered how there could be any other life there cause regardless of age or size, all of them looked healthy and content. I just counted those on the opposite banks and in the water plants in the river. Didn't check for any over the edge of the trail as the trail is accessible to the gators and they roam freely. There was an 8 footer lying beside the observation tower. What really amazed me were the water fowl feeding among them like they were rocks or at least not much of a threat. I mean they would be inches from them sometimes. I got two lifers. There were at least 4 Whooping Cranes (but were too far away to get a good sighting without a scope), and an American Bittern. That makes 12 lifers so far this trip. Several adult and juvenile Bald Eagles flying around with the (many)Black Vultures. Numerous Sandhill Cranes along with all the herons, ibises, and other water fowl all lit by a bright afternoon sun. Beautiful day. Susan Aaron Huntington, WV Cabell Co.
Subject: Red-headed Woodpecker - Summit Point
From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 15:03:46 -0500

All, I was out looking for Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings during a lunch time ride through southern Jefferson county. Only located 9 Horned Larks near the dirt mounds on Meyerstown road. I would expect we won't see those mounds or any other dirt for that matter starting tomorrow as the snow forecast is for 16-24 inches in this area. Upon arriving home there was a Red-headed Woodpecker at the suet feeders. I pleasant surprise indeed... BTW, My web site is back online at: wvbirder.org Matt Orsie Summit Point, WV
Subject: crows
From: Donna Mitchell <mitchell_roody AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 19:18:54 +0000

The following is from a friend, Joe Miller, who lives about 10 miles northeast of Charleston. "Went out this evening [3 Feb] about 4:45 .... and noticed a bunch of crows flying north. They kept coming and coming, and after I started counting, I got to well over 2,000. And I wasn't even outside when the flock started passing, so I don't know how many there were total". Donna Mitchell Belington, WV _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/
Subject: Re: Peregrine Falcon
From: John Snyder <wem AT ONETEL.COM>
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:34:16 -0500

Our resident mockingbird spends most of his waking hours chasing the starlings off the feeders, away from the heated birdbath, and generally giving them the bum's rush. He did, however, meet his match the other day when he tried to chase off the red-bellied woodpecker and discovered it has a somewhat larger and more menacing beck--and he beat a hasty retreat. Best regards, John & Caroline Snyder Summersville -----Original Message----- From: Audubon birding discussion for WV [mailto:WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG] On Behalf Of Gerald Kruth Sent: 01 February 2010 12:36 To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Re: Peregrine Falcon Jim writes: "The good thing about the Mockingbird, it chases away the starlings." -- Jim Triplett 1198 Fledderjohn Rd Charleston, WV 25314 This is the first I have heard of ANYTHING chasing starlings! good for the Mockingbird. Best regards, Jerry Kruth ______________________________________________________________ In a message dated 2/1/2010 12:30:01 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, jtrippy AT SUDDENLINKMAIL.COM writes: A Peregrine falcon was back at the I64 Fort Hill bridge in Charleston yesterday. The work will begin today on the bridge and it will disappear. I saw 2 Pied-billed grebe on the river yesterday at Patrick St. Last Wednesday, I saw two Ruddy ducks on the Kanawha River at the Verizon office building. I haven't seen the Bald eagle for a couple of weeks on the Kanawha River at Charleston. A newspaper article reported that two were seen on the Kanawha River near the University of Charleston, roosting in a tree. I have seen one. A Yellow-rumped warbler has been coming to our feeder since last Thursday. The local Mockingbird has been chasing off the little guy. The good thing about the Mockingbird, it chases away the starlings. -- Jim Triplett 1198 Fledderjohn Rd Charleston, WV 25314 Bus: 304-344-3554 Home: 304-345-3336 Cell: 304-539-3554 jtrippy AT suddenlinkmail.com
Subject: Red Shouldered's in Love?
From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET>
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:02:28 -0500

Taking a snow day has its rewards. I spotted a Red shouldered hawk sitting in a snow covered walnut tree facing the house. While I was fiddling around with the camera and scope trying to get a photo another one flew in and sat right next to the first one. They sat side by side for a few minutes and then #2 flew off again. Guess it is that time of the year when they start building a nest. The day started with 4 Bluebirds drinking from the birdbath. The Towhee also has been around all morning as has the Brown creeper. This particular weather system also brought back my White crowned sparrows. Lots of Cardinals, White-throats, several pairs of Flickers and other woodpeckers. The Barred owl was in the sycamore the last two times I drove by on my way home from work. Bruni Haydl Charles Town
Subject: large flock of canada geese
From: leslie <wordysmith AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:56:15 -0800

During the first fall of snow, on the way home through Loudoun County near Hillsborough, I spotted a crowd of more than 400 geese in a field, with about 20 deer nearby.
Subject: Canvasback at Country Club Road - Jefferson County
From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 18:43:12 -0500

All, I visited the Country Club Road pond today around lunch time. The highlight was a male Canvasback ( first of the year ). That doesn't sound too cool but Canvasbacks are uncommon in the Eastern Panhandle. I've only recorded them twenty times in the last ten years within Jefferson/Berkeley counties. Other Ducks: American Wigeon American Black Duck Gadwall Mallard Redhead (9) Hooded Merganser Matt Orsie Summit Point, WV
Subject: birds
From: leslie <wordysmith AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 13:58:22 -0800

My main event was the last week seeing an immature eagle on Kabletown Road, the second spotting. The Wilt Road-Bloomery-Rissler loops shows mallards common mergansers hooded mergansers American black ducks - I think this is a pair often seen from Rissler to Bloomery s-curve a great blue heron perched high in a tree a goldencrowned kinglet Carolina wrens chickadees titmice (titmouses?) pileated woodpeckers downy woodpeackers robins bluebirds happy birding Leslie Smith
Subject: eagle cam
From: Donna Mitchell <mitchell_roody AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 16:03:33 +0000

Just a reminder that the eagle cam at NCTC in Shepardstown is active. It's fascinating to watch! See the link below. http://outdoorchannel.com/Conservation/EagleCam.aspx Donna Mitchell Belington, WV _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/
Subject: eagles
From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU>
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 08:28:27 -0500

We stopped in at the mouth of the Bluestone River yesterday afternoon. There were at least 8 immature(very striking difference in the plumages) bald eagles in the area. We watched them catch fish and try to take fish from each other. Also, saw hooded & common mergansers, ring-billed gulls. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Subject: Rare Sighting
From: Susan Aaron <sf46aron AT EARTHLINK.NET>
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:45:38 -0500

A former officer of the GA ornathological society lives about two miles from where I am staying in Valdosta. He has had a Virginia's Warbler visiting his yard for almost a month. People from all over the south have been driving in to see it. We went over to see it today and it showed up. It is a female. When it isn't being chased by mockingbirds and blue jays, it shares a hummingbird feeder with a second year Ruby - throated Hummingbird that is still around. The ruby -throated has a pink forehead where it has been caught and marked rather than banded cause of its size. I got a few pics of both birds if anyone wants to see them. There have been a few sightings of Whooping Cranes in the area but we didn't find them today. Susan Aaron Huntington, WV Cabell County
Subject: Cedar Waxwings
From: Jeffrey Del Col <jadel1947 AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 12:25:36 -0800

--- On Mon, 2/1/10, Jeffrey Del Col wrote: From: Jeffrey Del Col Subject: Cedar Waxwings To: wv-bird AT list.sudubon.org Date: Monday, February 1, 2010, 12:44 PM This morning I spotted about two dozen Cedar Waxwings as they flitted around a large holly tree here on the A-B campus. Yesterday the traffic was very heavy at the BOSS and Nyjer feeders. We had Purple Finches, Downies and Red-Bellies, along with the usual suspects. I heard, but did not see, a raven. Hundreds of crows have been perched in the sycamores by the covered bridge every morning when I go to get the newspaper. Jeff Del Col, Philippi
Subject: Re: Foul Weather friends
From: Stan Corwin-Roach <skcorwinroach AT RMROACH.COM>
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:39:55 -0500

I had over 60 cardinals at one time on Saturday. I counted about six times because I was afraid I was double counting but was amazed at that number. Stan -----Original Message----- From: Audubon birding discussion for WV [mailto:WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG] On Behalf Of Bruni Haydl Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 1:36 PM To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Foul Weather friends The number of birds covering the ground and festooning the shrubs and trees on Saturday during the snow was reduced by half on clear, sunny Sunday. Birds with the highest numbers were Juncos and White- throated sparrows. The White-crowns that were regular yard birds seem to have deserted me. The Towhee was here most of Saturday, visiting feeders on three sides of the house and came again this morning. The Brown Creeper is also still in attendance. Even managed to get a photo of it, no small feat. On my walk to the Shenandoah yesterday afternoon to check on the water level I only saw two pairs of Mallards. The water has come down about 8 ft from last week judging by the debris in the tree limbs. Spotting two Golden crowned kinglets on my way back was an added bonus. Bruni Haydl Jefferson Co
Subject: Foul Weather friends
From: Bruni Haydl <bruni AT CITLINK.NET>
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 18:36:23 +0000

The number of birds covering the ground and festooning the shrubs and trees on Saturday during the snow was reduced by half on clear, sunny Sunday. Birds with the highest numbers were Juncos and White- throated sparrows. The White-crowns that were regular yard birds seem to have deserted me. The Towhee was here most of Saturday, visiting feeders on three sides of the house and came again this morning. The Brown Creeper is also still in attendance. Even managed to get a photo of it, no small feat. On my walk to the Shenandoah yesterday afternoon to check on the water level I only saw two pairs of Mallards. The water has come down about 8 ft from last week judging by the debris in the tree limbs. Spotting two Golden crowned kinglets on my way back was an added bonus. Bruni Haydl Jefferson Co
Subject: Re: Peregrine Falcon
From: Gerald Kruth <GKruth AT AOL.COM>
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 12:36:18 EST

Jim writes: "The good thing about the Mockingbird, it chases away the starlings." -- Jim Triplett 1198 Fledderjohn Rd Charleston, WV 25314 This is the first I have heard of ANYTHING chasing starlings! good for the Mockingbird. Best regards, Jerry Kruth ______________________________________________________________ In a message dated 2/1/2010 12:30:01 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, jtrippy AT SUDDENLINKMAIL.COM writes: A Peregrine falcon was back at the I64 Fort Hill bridge in Charleston yesterday. The work will begin today on the bridge and it will disappear. I saw 2 Pied-billed grebe on the river yesterday at Patrick St. Last Wednesday, I saw two Ruddy ducks on the Kanawha River at the Verizon office building. I haven't seen the Bald eagle for a couple of weeks on the Kanawha River at Charleston. A newspaper article reported that two were seen on the Kanawha River near the University of Charleston, roosting in a tree. I have seen one. A Yellow-rumped warbler has been coming to our feeder since last Thursday. The local Mockingbird has been chasing off the little guy. The good thing about the Mockingbird, it chases away the starlings. -- Jim Triplett 1198 Fledderjohn Rd Charleston, WV 25314 Bus: 304-344-3554 Home: 304-345-3336 Cell: 304-539-3554 jtrippy AT suddenlinkmail.com
Subject: Birding Festival Announcement
From: Wil Hershberger <wil AT NATUREIMAGESANDSOUNDS.COM>
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 12:34:53 -0500

Birding Festival Announcement Berkeley Springs Fall Birding Festival Set for Sept. 24-26 The third annual Berkeley Springs Fall Birding Festival will be held the weekend of September 24-26, 2010 Located in one of West Virginia's most historic towns, this three-day festival will include a series of lectures, workshops and birding trips aimed at beginning and intermediate birders and families with children. Most events will be free. The featured presenter will be naturalist, birding expert and nature writer Dr. Scott Shalaway. Shalaway, who has a Ph.D. in wildlife ecology from Michigan State University. lives in Cameron, West Virginia. His weekly nature column appears in the Pittsburg Post-Gazette, the Charleston Gazette, the Wheeling News-Register and other newspapers in the region. He also hosts weekly nature radio shows on stations in Pittsburg and Wheeling. The festival is sponsored by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. For more information, watch the Society's website at www.potomacaudubon.org or contact Judy Webb at 304-258-0992 or natureniche AT earthlink.net. Wil Hershberger Nature Images and Sounds, LLC Hedgesville, WV The Songs of Insects My Blog
Subject: Peregrine Falcon
From: Jim Triplett <jtrippy AT SUDDENLINKMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 11:00:26 -0600

A Peregrine falcon was back at the I64 Fort Hill bridge in Charleston yesterday. The work will begin today on the bridge and it will disappear. I saw 2 Pied-billed grebe on the river yesterday at Patrick St. Last Wednesday, I saw two Ruddy ducks on the Kanawha River at the Verizon office building. I haven't seen the Bald eagle for a couple of weeks on the Kanawha River at Charleston. A newspaper article reported that two were seen on the Kanawha River near the University of Charleston, roosting in a tree. I have seen one. A Yellow-rumped warbler has been coming to our feeder since last Thursday. The local Mockingbird has been chasing off the little guy. The good thing about the Mockingbird, it chases away the starlings. -- Jim Triplett 1198 Fledderjohn Rd Charleston, WV 25314 Bus: 304-344-3554 Home: 304-345-3336 Cell: 304-539-3554 jtrippy AT suddenlinkmail.com
Subject: Two More Lifers
From: Susan Aaron <sf46aron AT EARTHLINK.NET>
Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:37:37 -0500

After looking at a picture I took yesterday of some mixed shorebirds at Merritts Island NWR,FL, I found two other species I didn't have, Dunlins and Black-bellied Plovers. Susan Aaron Huntington, WV Cabell Co.
Subject: Fwd: (PVAS) Volunteers needed to help with rusty blackbird blitz
From: Wil Hershberger <wil AT NATUREIMAGESANDSOUNDS.COM>
Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:12:30 -0500

Forwarding an important message regarding the Rusty Blackbird Blitz See below Wil Hershberger Nature Images and Sounds, LLC Hedgesville, WV The Songs of Insects My Blog Begin forwarded message: > From: Kathy Bilton > Date: January 30, 2010 4:41:11 PM EST > To: Potomac Valley Audubon > Subject: (PVAS) Volunteers needed to help with rusty blackbird blitz > > > Once again this year, researchers have organized a "Rusty Blackbird > Blitz" to gather citizen input on the status of wintering rusty > blackbirds. > > Rusty blackbird populations have fallen steeply, with estimates of > an 85-99% population drop over the past 40 years. Although no one > knows the cause for this decline, winter habitat loss and degradation > are likely candidates. > > The blitz is being held from January 30-February 15. If you'd like to > participate, here's a link from the Smithsonian Institution's > Migratory Bird Center that provides full information: > > http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Research/Rusty_Blackbird/blitz.cfm >
Subject: yard birds & 10" of snow
From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU>
Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:44:03 -0500

While we were re-locating snow from our driveway yesterday we noticed that we had more juncos, white-throated and song sparrows than we previously thought. We also counted at least 20 cardinals at the feeders. We heard a raven fly over but couldn't see it in the falling snow. There were 2 black-capped chickadees singing during the morning and a Carolina wren that was determined to come in to the garage. Several puple finches were visiting the feeders and it seems we are starting to see some more color in some of the goldfinches. Judging from the behavior of the songbirds we probably had an accipiter come through but we never saw the hawk. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Subject: Winter Birding
From: Susan Aaron <sf46aron AT EARTHLINK.NET>
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:36:14 -0500

I came south to GA about the middle of Jan. to avoid some of the winter and to get in some southern winter birding which I’ve never done before. On MLK day we drove to St. Marks Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf Coast near Tallahassee. I have never seen so many birds in one place at one time. I didn’t feel like it was birding cause I could sit in the car and see many of the ducks and water fowl I had to work for in WV. Felt like an avian petting zoo, except they were wild. I got two lifers, Pine Warbler and Piping Plover. Total on trip, 54 species in four hours. Thursday we went to the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival. Attended some interesting presentations yesterday. Today we birded Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, particularly Black Point Wildlife Trail. Again, just way too easy to observe so many species of birds. Got four lifers, Northern Pintails, Sora, Black Skimmers, and American Avocets. Total on trip, 54 species in six hours. Two other lifers as well while sitting on my friend’s porch, Brown-headed Nuthatch and Mississippi Kite. Have been getting in some good bird photography. Temps have been in the low 60’s- low 70’s. Heard you have had some more snow. Makes me worry about my yard birds at home. Susan Aaron Huntington,WV Cabell County
Subject: Snow brings birds to yard
From: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:48:20 +0000

Greetings, Ā Ā Ā I measured our snow total at 5&1/2 inches at 3:15 this afternoonĀ and the snow is still falling.Ā There are birds galore in the yard with at lots of sparrows of three species(Song, White-throated and White-crowned), Purple Finch, Goldfinch, Cardinals,Ā Juncos, House Finch, Carolina Chickadees, Titmice andĀ 3 woodpecker species including Downy, Red-bellied, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.Ā There was also a Mockingbird at one ofĀ the water sources.Ā The sparrows and juncos love hiding underĀ our recycled Christmas tree which is out under one of the feeders. Ā Ā Ā Happy winter birding, Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Carol Del-Colle Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Summit Point Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Jefferson CountyĀ
Subject: Bald Eagle at Beech Fork Lake
From: "Rankin, Gary" <rankin AT MARSHALL.EDU>
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:06:39 -0500

My wife and I drove over to Beech Fork Lake (Dam and marina end) after lunch and spotted an immature Bald Eagle flying in the Twin Coves area. It landed in a tree on one of the points and was still there when we left. The only other bird we saw was a Belted Kingfisher. Gary Rankin Lavalette, WV Wayne Co.
Subject: Ohio River Birding
From: David Patick <patick AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:35:26 -0500

Mike Griffith,Wendell Argabrite and I braved the cold and snow to do some birding along the Ohio River this am.We visited the Ashton area,RCB Locks,Gallipolis Ferry and the Ohio River by Gallipolis.The temperature was initially 14 with constant snow showers.Some of the birds seen were: Ashton: Horned Lark-100 RCB: Horned Grebe-5 Black Duck-6 Pied-billed Grebe-2 Cormorant-1 Herring Gull Ring-billed Gull Kestrel-1 Northern Harrier-2 Gallipolis Ferry: American Pipit-7 Savannah Sparrow-1 Ohio River-Gallipolis: Common Goldeneye-2 Bufflehead-1 David Patick, Huntington,WV 25701
Subject: Waterfowl - Jefferson County
From: Matt Orsie <wvbirder AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:47:13 -0500

All, I went out before the snow ( which we weren't suppose to get much o(:> ) started to really come down hard. The Shenandoah River was still very high, but down from when we had the flooding earlier in the week. To start, there were 5 Fish Crows at the Jefferson Crossing shopping ctr in Charles Town. ( BTW, I found my "westernmost" Fish Crow last weekend near the Potomac river in Cumberland, MD only 500-600 yards from Ridgeley, WV in Mineral County. ) CC = Country Club Pond SR = Shenandoah River Canada Goose 17 SR Wood Duck 1 CC Gadwall 15 CC American Black Duck 4 SR Mallard 54 ( 50 CC, 4 SR ) Ring-necked Duck 1 CC Hooded Merganser 17 ( 4 CC, 13 SR ) Common Merganser 12 SR Pied-billed Grebe 2 CC Great Blue Heron 3 SR Waiting for Wilma to send her Surf Scoter and Red-necked Grebe out way.... Matt Orsie Summit Point, WV
Subject: ducks and eagle
From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT FRONTIERNET.NET>
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:06:11 -0500

This afternoon birded along the river above and below Hannibal Lock and dam. Saw a Cooper's hawk (#61) sitting sitting and calling was still there when I left. Saw an eagle catch a small fish. As I was watching another eagle came after it. Flew up and landed in trees. I believe one was an imm the other a 2nd year. Saw canvasback, redhead, ring-necked duck,greater scaup, bufflehead, and ruddy ducks. When I returned later just before 5:00 there was a surf scoter. Complete list follows Wilma Jarrell Wileyville > > > Location: New Martinsville, Wetzel County, WV, US > Observation date: 1/29/10 > Number of species: 24 > > Canada Goose 167 > Mallard 14 > Canvasback 3 > Redhead 1 > Ring-necked Duck 13 > Greater Scaup 2 > Bufflehead 11 > Ruddy Duck 2 > Bald Eagle 2 > Cooper's Hawk 1 > Ring-billed Gull 13 > Herring Gull 1 > Rock Pigeon 250 > Mourning Dove 14 > Downy Woodpecker 1 > Blue Jay 1 > American Crow 1 > Carolina Wren 2 > European Starling 7 > Song Sparrow 5 > Dark-eyed Junco 3 > Northern Cardinal 5 > American Goldfinch 1 > House Sparrow 10 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2637 - Release Date: 01/21/10 19:34:00 Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2637 - Release Date: 01/21/10 19:34:00
Subject: red-necked grebe , common merganser
From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT FRONTIERNET.NET>
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:54:41 -0500

This afternoon saw one red-necked grebe and two common merganser males at Proctor on river behind PPG shelter Complete list follows Wilma Jarrell Wileyville > > > Location: Proctor > Observation date: 1/29/10 > Number of species: 10 > > Canada Goose 103 > Mallard 25 > Bufflehead 2 > Common Merganser 2 > Pied-billed Grebe 1 > Red-necked Grebe 1 > Double-crested Cormorant 1 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 > American Crow 3 > Northern Cardinal 2 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2637 - Release Date: 01/21/10 19:34:00 Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2637 - Release Date: 01/21/10 19:34:00
Subject: FYI those interested
From: John Jacobs <nomejj AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:53:26 -0500

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1593&srctid=1&erid=1916010
Subject: Changes at the bird feeder
From: Bob Burrell <C.cibarius AT DOREN.NET>
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:59:25 -0500

There is no doubt that the millions of people who maintain bird feeders has caused certain effects on the very feathered friends we are trying to attract. Well documented outbreaks of salmonellosis and conjunctivitis have been well documented. And then there is a very plausible theory out there that we in WV have probably seen the last of the yearly flocks of Evening Grosbeaks owing to the fact that since so many people in the Great Lakes States and southern Canadian Provinces are also maintaining well-stocked bird feeders, that the grosbeaks simply don't have to fly this far south to find plenty of food in winter. Now comes word of another change in bird populations, most likely due to the bird feeding hobby. From an article in Current Biology (Dec 29, 2009) comes word that wide spread bird feeding may be involved in avian evolution. Around 10% of central European blackcaps (an old world warbler) fly from southern Germany to the UK every winter, lured by human- provided birdseed. The remainder fly to Spain. This split migration has been going on since the 1960's, a time which would allow many generations of these groups to evolve, Two different groups have resulted in this time the UK blackcaps have rounder wings, reflecting the shorter distance they travel while their beaks are longer and narrower, better suited for foraging in bird feeders. On the other hand, the Spanish population has evolved broader beaks more adapted for feeding on wild fruits. If this continues, two distinct species may be the result. Bob Burrell Morgantown
Subject: Reducing aircraft-wildlife strikes at airports
From: Matt Kennedy <kennedym2009 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:33:56 -0800

Dear fellow birding enthusiasts, Ā 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.Ā 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.Ā Ā Responses are submitted electronically to a database that does not identify users, so your answers will be completely confidential.Ā Findings will be released only as analyzed data or summaries in which no individualā€™s answers can be identified.Ā Please take a few moments to share your opinions and experiences.Ā I appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to contribute toward this important research about community views on wildlife mitigation measures at airports. Ā The survey can be accessed at:Ā Ā https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XTVS225 Ā If you would like a summary of my findings, please send me your e-mail address at kennedym2009 AT yahoo.com.Ā 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
Subject: Hundreds of Canada Geese-Huntfield Retention Pond
From: Carol Del-Colle <WVnaturalist AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:14:56 +0000

Greetings, Ā Ā Yesterday morningĀ around 11:30, I Ā checked on the pond in the Huntfield subdivision.Ā I found the pond ice free and high with water.Ā It was filled with Canada Geese.Ā I counted 330, but there may have been a few more.Ā There were no other species of waterfowl present at that time.Ā Ā Ā Ā I am still having Purple Finch at the feeders. Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Happy birding, Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Carol Del-Colle Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Summit Point Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Jefferson CountyĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
Subject: Carolina Wrens
From: Ben Borda <abbreb AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:40:27 -0500

I've had a pair of Carolina Wrens visiting my feeders regularly again this season and I've heard them singing several times lately. It had been a couple of days since I last saw them, but I saw them both on my hopper feeders and suet feeders earlier this afternoon. Ben Borda Huntington, WV Cabell County
Subject: ruffed grouse and brown creeper
From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT FRONTIERNET.NET>
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:09:34 -0500

This afternoon went for a walk hoping to find some new birds for this month. Walked about 2 miles and was rewarded with a ruffed grouse. Just before I got home located a brown creeper. Wilma Jarrell Wileyville > > > Location: Fairview Ridge > Observation date: 1/27/10 > Number of species: 19 > > Ruffed Grouse 1 > Red-tailed Hawk 1 > Downy Woodpecker 7 > Hairy Woodpecker 1 > Pileated Woodpecker 1 > American Crow 2 > Carolina Chickadee 8 > Tufted Titmouse 13 > White-breasted Nuthatch 7 > Brown Creeper 1 > Carolina Wren 1 > Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 > European Starling 1 > Song Sparrow 2 > Dark-eyed Junco 7 > Northern Cardinal 15 > House Finch 2 > American Goldfinch 3 > House Sparrow 11 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2637 - Release Date: 01/21/10 19:34:00 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2637 - Release Date: 01/21/10 19:34:00
Subject: Morgantown area on Wednesday
From: Terry Bronson <terrybronson AT YMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:44:03 -0800

I did a fairly quick circuit of the Morgantown area today. Nothing unusual. Highlights: Cheat Lake: Bufflehead--13 on both sides of I-68 bridge Common Goldeneye--1 male off Sunset Beach Marina Hooded Merganser--1 female with the Goldeneye. Hmmm. Not a single bird visible from playground area at Cheat Lake Park Monongahela River: Canada Goose--4 Common Goldeneye--1 male American Coot--6 continue at wastewater treatment facility Great Blue Heron--1 continues with Coots Belted Kingfisher--1 male across river at mouth of Scott's Run Cobun Creek Road near the large farm at bottom of hill: Black Vulture--2 Turkey Vulture--1 Red-tailed Hawk--2 Canada Goose--7 Eastern Bluebird--2 Decker's Creek Trail south of Break Iron Hill Road: Pileated Woodpecker--1 heard Northern Mockingbird--1 Dark-eyed Junco--15 Note: I will not be posting for the next 10 days since I will be in Florida on vacation. Hopefully, someone else can find something good--but not too good--while I'm gone. Terry Bronson Morgantown, WV
Subject: Re: Carolina Wrens
From: tammy lester <efan3usa AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:04:23 -0800

We have one pair here who love the suet or pnut butter cakes. One will sit there and eat and eat and eat. Love to listen to them. Tammy Lester Wyoming County, WV Hello from the coalfields! --- On Tue, 1/26/10, Wil Hershberger wrote: From: Wil Hershberger Subject: Re: Carolina Wrens To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 6:58 AM We have two pair of Carolina wrens that frequent the feeder area every day. During the worst of the cold they were visiting the suet feeders several times a day. Wil Hershberger Nature Images and Sounds, LLC Hedgesville, WV The Songs of Insects My Blog -----Original Message----- From: Audubon birding discussion for WV [mailto:WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG] On Behalf Of Bob Burrell Sent: 25 January 2010 10:10 To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Carolina Wrens I was curious what the collective experience has been across the state with respect to Carolina Wrens. Since the severe cold right after New Year's, I haven' seen any. I remember there was a die off following the severe winters in the late 70's. Bob Burrell Morgantown
Subject: rusty blackbird
From: Jim & Judy Phillips <cne01663 AT MAIL.WVNET.EDU>
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:55:36 -0500

Judy saw a rusty blackbird at our feeder yesterday. Our purple finch numbers are picking up lately. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Subject: green-winged teal and surf scoter
From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar AT FRONTIERNET.NET>
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:07:25 -0500

This evening at Proctor saw a male green-winged teal. Went from there to above Hannibal lock and dam where I saw species #61 for this year in Wetzel Co.which was a surf scotter in with some bufflehead. A complete follows for birds at dam. Wilma Jarrell Wileyville Wetzel Co. > > > Location: New Martinsville, Wetzel County, WV, US > Observation date: 1/26/10 > Number of species: 16 > > Canada Goose 6 > Mallard X > Canvasback 3 > Ring-necked Duck 3 > Lesser Scaup 3 > Surf Scoter 1 > Bufflehead 20 > Common Goldeneye 1 > Ruddy Duck 2 > Ring-billed Gull 16 > Herring Gull 2 > Rock Pigeon X > Mourning Dove 4 > American Robin 170 > European Starling 52 > Song Sparrow 1 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2637 - Release Date: 01/21/10 19:34:00 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2637 - Release Date: 01/21/10 19:34:00
Subject: Eagles
From: Ms Diane Holsinger <dhworkout AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:28:06 -0800

Birded Kinsey Run Dam yesterday The sun came out briefly & there was even a rainbow Ten Bald Eagles were soaring on the ridge overlooking KimseyDam Two Ravens were present All the Eagles were mature white head & tail There were about 256 Mourning Doves on the power line in the Teets pasture field near the dam Diane Holsinger
Subject: Carolina Wrens redux
From: Bob Burrell <C.cibarius AT DOREN.NET>
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:49:36 -0500

In the past 24 hours, at least 12 people responded to my query about whether the recent severe cold spell in early January has had any effect on Carolina Wrens in your vicinity. Only one person related a dearth of activity, but that person had not seen any since October. So, bottom line, so far the weather has not made an impact on the usual C.W.'s most of the respondents were used to seeing. Thank you for the response. Bob Burrell Morgantown
Subject: Re: Carolina Wrens
From: Wil Hershberger <wil AT NATUREIMAGESANDSOUNDS.COM>
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:58:21 -0500

We have two pair of Carolina wrens that frequent the feeder area every day. During the worst of the cold they were visiting the suet feeders several times a day. Wil Hershberger Nature Images and Sounds, LLC Hedgesville, WV The Songs of Insects My Blog -----Original Message----- From: Audubon birding discussion for WV [mailto:WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG] On Behalf Of Bob Burrell Sent: 25 January 2010 10:10 To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Carolina Wrens I was curious what the collective experience has been across the state with respect to Carolina Wrens. Since the severe cold right after New Year's, I haven' seen any. I remember there was a die off following the severe winters in the late 70's. Bob Burrell Morgantown
Subject: Re: Carolina Wrens
From: John Snyder <wem AT ONETEL.COM>
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:14:14 -0500

Our pair are still here outside Summersville at our feeders. Best regards, John & Caroline Snyder -----Original Message----- From: Audubon birding discussion for WV [mailto:WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG] On Behalf Of Bob Burrell Sent: 25 January 2010 10:10 To: WV-BIRD AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Carolina Wrens I was curious what the collective experience has been across the state with respect to Carolina Wrens. Since the severe cold right after New Year's, I haven' seen any. I remember there was a die off following the severe winters in the late 70's. Bob Burrell Morgantown

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