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3 Jul Crossbills [donald jones ] 2 Jul FOY Green River yesterday [sol ] 2 Jul shorebirds [Chris Michelson ] 1 Jul FREE: Help welcome for Cheyenne Audubon survey July 11, 2009 [Barb Gorges ] 30 Jun Blue Grosbeak, Natrona Co. [CJ Grimes ] 28 Jun CROSSBILLS [Francis and Janice ] 26 Jun Crossbill [Tom Axthelm ] 26 Jun Sinks Canyon [Tom Axthelm ] 26 Jun red crossbills [Chris Michelson ] 26 Jun Cheyenne Back Yard - addendum [Chuck Seniawski ] 26 Jun Cheyenne Back Yard [Chuck Seniawski ] 24 Jun Falconer on the Edge book review [Barb Gorges ] 22 Jun BBS survey North of Hulettt, Wy. ["Jean" ] 22 Jun BBS survey North of Hulettt, Wy. [Jean ] 22 Jun Re: Bunting [Andrea Orabona ] 21 Jun Bunting [Francis and Janice ] 21 Jun Rufous Hummer, BBS [CJ Grimes ] 20 Jun Government Valley BBS, Sundance, Wy. ["Jean" ] 20 Jun Government Valley BBS, Sundance, Wy. [Jean ] 19 Jun Moskee BB Survey ["Jean" ] 19 Jun Moskee BB Survey [Jean ] 18 Jun Table Mountain south of Torrington [Jim Lawrence ] 14 Jun NHBC field trip 6/13, Warren Peak to cook Lake, Sundance, Wy. ["Jean" ] 14 Jun NHBC field trip 6/13, Warren Peak to cook Lake, Sundance, Wy. [Jean ] 12 Jun Geese and Kingbird Question [Michelle Simper ] 10 Jun Cheyenne Back Yard [Chuck Seniawski ] 8 Jun Saratoga [Ann Hines ] 8 Jun Bushtits [Hustace Scott ] 8 Jun Casper area BY birds [Jim Lawrence ] 8 Jun No Subject [RT Cox ] 8 Jun Cheyenne Audubon summer outings [Barb Gorges ] 8 Jun Audubon Greenway cleanup June 20, 2009 [Barb Gorges ] 7 Jun Flycatchers, Sundance, Wy. ["Jean" ] 7 Jun Flycatchers, Sundance, Wy. [Jean ] 6 Jun grasshopper sparrow [Chris Michelson ] 6 Jun nightjars near Ten Sleep [CJ Grimes ] 5 Jun Chimney Swift in Casper [Bruce & Donna Walgren ] 5 Jun yellow-billed cuckoo [Bill Ostheimer ] 5 Jun Tree Swallow nesting update [Harry Martin ] 4 Jun Fw: [NHBC] Northern Hills Bird Club field trip June 13. [Jean ] 4 Jun Oven Bird [Tom Axthelm ] 4 Jun Murie field trip [Rose-Mary King ] 2 Jun Cheyenne Back Yard [Chuck Seniawski ] 1 Jun a fortunate frustration [Pat Deibert ] 1 Jun Common Poorwill [Elaine Baumann ] 1 Jun Lesser Goldfinch back at Cheyenne feeder [Barb Gorges ] 1 Jun Bird Banter for May 24, 2009 [Barb Gorges ] 31 May tanager deficit and question [sol ] 30 May Re: More Tree Swallows [PETER ARNOLD ] 30 May More Tree Swallows [Harry Martin ] 29 May EKW this evening [Chris Michelson ] 29 May Rock Springs BBS [fred & fern ] 28 May snowy egret [Chris Michelson ] 27 May Tree Swallow Nesting Update [Harry Martin ] 27 May Black Hills Flammulated Owl ["Jean" ] 27 May Black Hills Flammulated Owl [Jean ] 27 May FW: Mississippi Kite [Barb Gorges ] 27 May Volunteer compensation for BBS routes [Andrea Orabona ] 26 May blue grouse? hooded warbler and white winged dove [Sandy Mitchell ] 26 May Sloan's Lake [Chuck Seniawski ] 26 May IMBD event [Bill Ostheimer ] 26 May "Birdsong" book review [Barb Gorges ] 25 May Cheyenne Back Yard [Chuck Seniawski ] 25 May Broad-winged Hawk [Luke Tiller ] 23 May FW: Fontenelle Dam [Rick Steenberg ] 23 May Cheyenne Big Day Count May 16, 2009 [Chuck Seniawski ] 23 May F E Warren AFB [Chuck Seniawski ] 23 May Cheyenne Back Yard [Chuck Seniawski ] 22 May FW: Unusual Tanager - Possbile Scarlet Tanager - in Lion's Park, Cheyenne [Barb Gorges ] 22 May Busy day in the backyard [RDS ] 22 May Wyoming Hereford Ranch sightings [Greg Johnson ] 22 May Torrington- Hummer [Claylene Fitz ] 21 May Cheyenne Back Yard [Chuck Seniawski ] 21 May Birding Movie [Harry Martin ] 21 May Tree Swallows [Harry Martin ] 21 May a few FOY [Pat Deibert ] Subject: Crossbills From: donald jones <jonaldinio AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 20:25:17 -0600 At our sunflower feeders in Laramie, we have had a flock of red crossbills for several weeks now. At most I have seen 32 at once. They were present last year, although in much smaller numbers. Don Jones - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: FOY Green River yesterday From: sol <solbun AT SWEETWATERHSA.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 12:19:26 -0600 Two male rufous hummingbirds. paula - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: shorebirds From: Chris Michelson <Michelsonce AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 12:16:56 EDT Greetings birders A quick look at Yant's Puddle ( aka Soda Lake ) this morning produced a few migrant shorebirds. There were a number of greater yellowlegs and at least one lesser yellowlegs. Also present were a group of drake canvasback. I suspect these were also migrants. There are still many black-necked stilts and very many American avocets at the lake. There was one black tern flying over the main lake. This seasons crop of California gulls are starting to fly even though there are still some chicks that are little more than fuzz balls. Good birding to all. Chris Michelson Casper, WY **************Dell Summer Savings: Cool Deals on Popular Laptops – Shop Now! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222696924x1201468348/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Faltfarm.mediaplex.com%2Fad%2Fck%2F12309%2D81939%2D1629%2D1) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: FREE: Help welcome for Cheyenne Audubon survey July 11, 2009 From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 17:00:28 -0600 Contact: Barb Gorges, 634-0463 Cheyenne - High Plains Audubon Society For immediate release July 1, 2009 FREE: Audubon chapter invites birdwatchers to help with survey July 11, 2009 Cheyenne - High Plains Audubon Society members invite birdwatchers of all levels of expertise to help with a series of three 5-minute bird surveys around Lions Park, and three at the Wyoming Hereford Ranch, Saturday morning, July 11. Both sites are Wyoming Important Bird Areas. Participants will meet at 8 a.m. in the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens parking lot. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes if you have them. For more information, please call Art Anderson, 638-1286. xxx - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Blue Grosbeak, Natrona Co. From: CJ Grimes <cjgrimes AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:49:57 -0400 I was working today near Gray Reef reservoir on the North Platte River, around 10 am. I heard both the song and chip note of a Blue Grosbeak from across the river. It didn't look like prime habitat, and I'm not sure how unusual this species is in the area, so I figured I'd put it "out there" to the list... CJ Grimes Ten Sleep/Casper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: CROSSBILLS From: Francis and Janice <fcbjmb AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:34:41 -0400 There seems to be many sightings of red crossbills at feeders this summer. Here in the Saratoga area almost everyone who feeds has crossbills, sometimes in large flocks. Could this be the result of the huge number of pine trees killed by the beetles, I guess time will tell but it makes sense. Had a beautiful male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at my grape jelly feeder last night, wonder if he is nesting in this area. We had one very early this Spring but none since. A few years ago a lady told me that she had a pair bring young to her feeder so a nest is possible. Francis - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Crossbill From: Tom Axthelm <taxthelm AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:39:29 -0600 A friend of mine also reported seeing a Red Crossbill at a feeder in Riverton a couple of weeks ago. I have lived hear all my life and never seen one in Riverton, and this time of year seems quite unusual in deed. Tom Axthelm Riverton - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Sinks Canyon From: Tom Axthelm <taxthelm AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:35:32 -0600 Sinks Canyon near Lander is a great little place for all sorts of outdoor activities, including birding. Last weekend when we visited the Rise a Maryland family of birders had just witnessed a female Peregrine catch a White-throated Swift. When we arrived the female Peregrine was eating the swift on a ledge, while the male Peregrine sat 50 yards away from it and watched. At the visitors center at the Sinks there are a few bird feeders with lots of activity. We saw Cassin's Finches, Spotted Towhees, Lazuli Buntings, and Black-headed Grosbeaks at the feeders, with a couple of McGillivary's Warblers in the bushes nearby. Two Broad-tailed Humming Birds were squabbling over the feeders, and a family of Dippers had a nest in the cavern of the Sinks. The other critter of interest in Sinks Canyon this year is a lone Bighorn ram which hangs around the road and parking lots between the Rise and the Sinks. It is quite tame except for the fact that it shows some agression towards vehicles and humans. I have seen it several times this year. The link below is a youtube video of this ram taken this May. Tom Axthelm Riverton http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPdLtRexwqw - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: red crossbills From: Chris Michelson <Michelsonce AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:55:07 EDT Greetings birders An echo to Chuck's recent messages regarding red crossbills. During brown bag birding at the Garden Creek Audubon Center here in Casper there was one adult male, one subadult male, 2 adult females and 2 juvenile who visited both the sunflower seed feeder and the water. I have not seen this species in Casper at this time of year before. There were a number of birds present in the late winter and early spring. Good birding to all. Chris Michelson Casper, WY **************Stay connected and tighten your budget with a great mobile device for under $20. Take a Peek! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100122638x1222405996x1201457362/aol?redir=http://www.getpeek.com/aol) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Cheyenne Back Yard - addendum From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:35:34 -0400 After the male and juvenile Red Crossbills left, a single female showed up at the feeder. On subsequent appearances, the male and juvenile were always together, and the female would show up alone after they departed. Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Cheyenne Back Yard From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:40:00 -0400 Just now, one adult and one juvenile Red Crossbill on my black oil sunflower seed feeders. This is the first time I've had a juvenile in the yard, and the latest for any crossbills (on those rare occasions when I have had them present). Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Falconer on the Edge book review From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:54:35 -0600 This book review of "Falconer on the Edge" was published June 24, 2009 in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle. You are free to republish it anywhere as long as you mention the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle and notify the author of the review, bgorges4 AT msn.com, or the book author, Rachel Dickinson, at rdickinson AT clarityconnect.com. See also these web sites, www.racheldickinson.com and http://falconerontheedge.wordpress.com. Falconer on the Edge, A Man, His Birds, and the Vanishing Landscape of the American West, by Rachel Dickinson, 2009, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 220 pages, hardcover, $24. Reviewed by Barb Gorges Rachel Dickinson examines the life of hardcore falconer Steve Chindgren in her new book, Falconer on the Edge. For several months each fall Chindgren lives in a cabin in southwest Wyoming, near Eden, to hunt sage grouse with his falcons every day. Dickinson researched the book by making a number of trips to Eden. She recently responded to questions by email. Question: When you decided to learn about falconry from somebody besides your husband, Tim Gallagher (author of The Grail Bird and Falcon Fever), were you thinking as a freelance writer or were you more concerned about getting a handle on your husband's obsession? RD: I really wanted to understand what was going on and did think it would make a great book but I guess rather than stress the relationship by learning about the sport from Tim, I decided to go further afield and find the most hardcore of the hardcore falconers. And all roads led toward Steve Chindgren. Question: How would you handle it if Tim, like Steve, decided he was going to fly birds in the middle of nowhere for several months every year? RD: As Steve's wife, Julie, told me, she knew that this was the way Steve was when she married him so whenever there was a fork in the road or a choice to be made falconry always won. If Tim decided that this was what he really wanted to do with his life I would say, see you later and have a nice life. I think Tim's obsession is a bit more under control. Question: Did you develop a taste for sage grouse? No catch and release for falconry, huh? RD: We always ate what the falcons caught. Sage grouse has a strong sage taste but if you take the breast meat and marinate it and then throw on the grill for a few minutes -- not too long because the meat is so lean -- it's darn yummy. What we didn't eat, the falcons ate. Question: Energy development in Wyoming is a subplot in your book, the menace lurking in the background, taking sage grouse before Steve's birds can. RD: I spent a couple of years going to Wyoming for a week or so at a time and I saw enormous change just over those two years. I knew early on that the changing landscape due to energy exploration would be a strong sub-plot in the book -- it had to be because it affected everything that Steve loved. Question: The local Audubon chapter showed Steve's sage grouse film which supports sage grouse conservation. Does his obsession with falcons carry over to sage grouse? RD: Steve knows more about the natural history of the sage grouse than probably most wildlife biologists working out in the field. When he's not flying his birds he's driving around checking on the grouse -- looking for leks, looking for wintering grounds, looking for evidence of bird strikes on fences -- because if you don't really understand the prey species, you can't really understand how to be a falconer. He's as hardcore about the sage grouse as he is about his falconry because it's a part of his falconry experience. Question: What does Steve think he'll do if they are listed as threatened or endangered? RD: If the sage grouse gets listed Steve says he's going to fly his birds on jack rabbits -- that will require a real paradigm shift for him since he's hunted sage grouse for so long. He loves his spot in Wyoming and is determined to keep it as a falconry lodge so he's got to do something. I know he's just hoping and praying it doesn't come to that. Question: Did you have trouble adapting to the open spaces around Eden? RD: I come from the northeast where everything is pinched in with hills and gorges and lakes and streams so it took me a little while to get used to all that space. Once that happened there was no looking back. What a fabulous place. I miss it and hope to get back there, maybe this fall for the annual grouse dinner at Steve's cabin. xxx - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: BBS survey North of Hulettt, Wy. From: "Jean" <jgwindsong AT rangeweb.net> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:31:42 -0700 I helped Mary Yemmington do her Breeding Bird Survey N. of Hulett, Wy Yesterday. It was a fine day with lots of water in the pot holes and Res., but birds seemed to be down with lots missing. The usual prairie birds were seen and or heard. Most notable were Prairie Falcon, Saw-whet owl, Rock wren, and Grasshopper sparrows. Jean, Sundance, Wy. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: BBS survey North of Hulettt, Wy. From: Jean <jgwindsong AT RANGEWEB.NET> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:31:42 -0700 I helped Mary Yemmington do her Breeding Bird Survey N. of Hulett, Wy Yesterday. It was a fine day with lots of water in the pot holes and Res., but birds seemed to be down with lots missing. The usual prairie birds were seen and or heard. Most notable were Prairie Falcon, Saw-whet owl, Rock wren, and Grasshopper sparrows. Jean, Sundance, Wy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Re: Bunting From: Andrea Orabona <Andrea.Orabona AT WGF.STATE.WY.US> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:43:04 -0600 Good morning - According to my records, there have been four documented sightings of Painted Buntings in Wyoming. Latilong 7 (Sundance area): 1 adult male, Ernest Miller, 14-18 May 1991. Latilong 9 (Dubois area): 1 juvenile, Ralph Moldenhauer, 11 October 2003. Latilong 19 (Casper area): 1 adult female, Gloria Lawrence, 8 May 2000. Latilong 28 (Cheyenne area): American Birds Report 29:1010, M. Hanesworth 23-26 May 1951 and 4 June 1975. Thanks for the information, Francis. If your son would like to fill out a rare bird form on this sighting, please let me know and I'll e-mail him the packet. Best - Andrea Andrea Orabona Nongame Bird Biologist WY Game and Fish Dept. 260 Buena Vista Lander, WY 82520 307-332-7723 ext. 232 Andrea.Orabona AT wgf.state.wy.us - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Bunting From: Francis and Janice <fcbjmb AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:38:45 -0400 Here is something for everyone to think about, or at least, it was for me. One of our sons and his wife lives in Rawlins and has started feeding birds. They are not birders by any means but seem to be enjoying their feeder, except for so many little "free loaders" eating way too much seed. He keeps me informed as to what he is getting and last week he called and said he had two new birds at the feeder, a male painted bunting and a green one that he thought might be a female. With my superior knowledge I quickly informed him that he meant a lazuli bunting and he hesitated and said, no I don't think so, I sure it's a painted. Of course, it couldn't be so I dismissed it as a missed ID. A few days later he called again and said it was back and he had his binos and guide and got a good look at the bird and stuck by his original ID, He said it didn't seem to be coming every day so I told him if it came again, call me and I'd be right over, but I still doubted his ID although I was starting to get interested. Needless to say, the birds have not returned but today my son and wife we here for Father's Day and I got out three guides, National Geo, Petersen's and Sibleys and showed them a painted bunting, both were positive that the birds were painted buntings!!! What an idiot I was, the bird of a lifetime and I dismissed it because they are not experienced birders. I told him it was probably feeding on millet and he said that they had quit putting out millet to try and thin out the sparrows about the time that the birds left. He is going to put out millet again so we will see what happens but it is probably too late. Several years ago a lady living at Old Baldy club here in Saratoga swore she had a painted bunting at her feeders for two consecutives springs and called a guy here to come verify it but every time he went out they couldn't find it. I dismissed that one, too. Sibley show a green dot in Wy in their range map and Oliver Scott in A Birders Guide to Wy talks of two confirmed sighting in the state. Maybe we , or at least I, should start listening when this type of sighting comes up even if it isn't from experienced birders. Maybe the Rawlins bird will reappear and I will get another chance, you can bet I'll listen next time. Let me know what anyone has heard or seen about this species in the state, maybe I'll even listen to them. Something to think about for all of us!!! Francis - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Rufous Hummer, BBS From: CJ Grimes <cjgrimes AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:14:43 -0400 Surprised to see a male Rufous Hummingbird check out our feeder this morning, seems a bit early for them? Until today we've only had a couple Broad-tails, who came to our feeder mostly on the cold snowy/rainy days of a couple weeks ago. I imagine all the wildflowers (from the 2+ inches of rain here this month) are keeping the majority of hummers well-fed naturally. I like to see all the reports from BBS routes. Here are mine: On the Worland route, which follows the Nowater trail SE of town, most abundant birds were Western Meadowlark, Horned Lark and Sage Sparrow. Not super exciting, but scary to see the volume of cheatgrass out there. Nothing using solid patches of it except a few Horned Larks. The Ten Sleep route follows the back road to Hyattville and was a little more interesting, with a greater variety of sparrows including 2 Clay-colored, plus more waterbirds and warblers. I was surprised at how FEW Sage Thrashers were out there - ony 3 on TS and ZERO on Worland. I also was kind of expecting to find Green-tailed Towhee, but I didn't on the routes or anywhere around here for that matter. Does anyone out there have a grasp on their range in WY? Good luck to those who have yet to run their BBS route! CJ Grimes Ten Sleep - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Government Valley BBS, Sundance, Wy. From: "Jean" <jgwindsong AT rangeweb.net> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:45:57 -0700 I helped Jen do the Government Valley Breeding Bird survey this morning. There were some species missing or fewer then other years otherwise there were the usual Prairie Birds. There were lots of Upland Sandpipers, more then we have ever seen there. Rock Wrens and Grasshopper Sparrows were fewer then usual. A Male and female Cinnamon Teal had 9 chicks on one of the many ponds. Jean, Sundance, Wy. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Government Valley BBS, Sundance, Wy. From: Jean <jgwindsong AT RANGEWEB.NET> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:45:57 -0700 I helped Jen do the Government Valley Breeding Bird survey this morning. There were some species missing or fewer then other years otherwise there were the usual Prairie Birds. There were lots of Upland Sandpipers, more then we have ever seen there. Rock Wrens and Grasshopper Sparrows were fewer then usual. A Male and female Cinnamon Teal had 9 chicks on one of the many ponds. Jean, Sundance, Wy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Moskee BB Survey From: "Jean" <jgwindsong AT rangeweb.net> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:30:15 -0700 I helped Jen do the Moskee BBS today We saw and or heard all the usual birds of the Black Hills, including Willow Flycatcher, N. Goshawk, Prairie falcon, C. Poorwill(on way to survey) White-throated Swift, Red-headed and Black-backed Woodpecker. It was a great day for me too because i could hear all these birds for a change. Jean, Sundance, Wy. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Moskee BB Survey From: Jean <jgwindsong AT RANGEWEB.NET> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:30:15 -0700 I helped Jen do the Moskee BBS today We saw and or heard all the usual birds of the Black Hills, including Willow Flycatcher, N. Goshawk, Prairie falcon, C. Poorwill(on way to survey) White-throated Swift, Red-headed and Black-backed Woodpecker. It was a great day for me too because i could hear all these birds for a change. Jean, Sundance, Wy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Table Mountain south of Torrington From: Jim Lawrence <jlmotmot AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:35:05 -0700 Hi birders: On our Yoder BBS south of Torrington we had numerous Blue Grosbeaks and Upland Sandpipers. After our survey we found a singing Dickcissel. We found it east of Highway 158 on road 42. This is where one would turn off Highway 158 into the Table mountain Refuge but instead of turning west into it one turns east and goes over the hill towards Nebraska. About a half mile before reaching the Nebraska line is where the Dickcissel was singing from a power line next to the road. We also had Bobolinks at the usual place south of Hawk Springs Reservoir. Good Birding Jim Lawrence South of Casper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: NHBC field trip 6/13, Warren Peak to cook Lake, Sundance, Wy. From: "Jean" <jgwindsong AT rangeweb.net> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:20:20 -0700 5 members and 1 guest had a great trip in the Wy. Black Hills with the first sunny and warm day in over a week. Birds were scarce, but we managed to see or hear 41 species. We got good viewing of Red-eyed Vireo,Veery, and MacGillivray's Warbler. Wild flowers and scenic views were very impressive. List as follows: Great blue Heron Mallard Turkey Vulture Red-tailed Hawk Wild turkey Killdeer Flicker(both Red and Yellow) Cordilleran flycatcher(flyc. were very scarce) Eastern Kingbird Barn Swallow Blue Jay Crow Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Mt. bluebird Townsend's Solitaire Veery Robin(everywhere) Catbird Warbling vireo Red-eyedVireo Yellow Warbler(Warblers were few) Yellow-rumped Warbler(Aud.) Am. Redstart Ovenbird MacGillivray's Warbler Common Yellowthroat Black-headed Grosbeak Chipping sparrow Vesper Sparrow Song Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird W. Meadowlark Brew's blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Red crossbill Pine siskin Am. goldfinch Jean Adams, Sundance, Wy. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NHBC field trip 6/13, Warren Peak to cook Lake, Sundance, Wy. From: Jean <jgwindsong AT RANGEWEB.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:20:20 -0700 5 members and 1 guest had a great trip in the Wy. Black Hills with the first sunny and warm day in over a week. Birds were scarce, but we managed to see or hear 41 species. We got good viewing of Red-eyed Vireo,Veery, and MacGillivray's Warbler. Wild flowers and scenic views were very impressive. List as follows: Great blue Heron Mallard Turkey Vulture Red-tailed Hawk Wild turkey Killdeer Flicker(both Red and Yellow) Cordilleran flycatcher(flyc. were very scarce) Eastern Kingbird Barn Swallow Blue Jay Crow Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Mt. bluebird Townsend's Solitaire Veery Robin(everywhere) Catbird Warbling vireo Red-eyedVireo Yellow Warbler(Warblers were few) Yellow-rumped Warbler(Aud.) Am. Redstart Ovenbird MacGillivray's Warbler Common Yellowthroat Black-headed Grosbeak Chipping sparrow Vesper Sparrow Song Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird W. Meadowlark Brew's blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Red crossbill Pine siskin Am. goldfinch Jean Adams, Sundance, Wy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Geese and Kingbird Question From: Michelle Simper <shelsimper AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:19:06 -0400 Hello all, I had a couple of birding questions for all you out there.... 1) I was wondering if it is possible for me to be seeing a Cassin's Kingbird in the Rozet area? and 2) Coming from Oregon the birding group I belonged to had a leader that was very interested in the Canada Goose and Cackling Goose subspecies so we did quite a bit of studying of them especially where we had so many different subspecies that wintered there so I was wondering if anyone out there could tell me what subspecies of the Canada Geese and Cackling Geese you have here in Wyoming and what time of year they are around and also what would be the most likely in the Campbell County area. Thanks in advance, Michelle Simper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Cheyenne Back Yard From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:17:09 -0400 This morning, an Olive-sided Flycatcher visited for a few minutes. Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Saratoga From: Ann Hines <wilmerhines AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 19:01:34 -0600 I hope third time is the charm is correct. I've tried twice before to send this. We had a WONDERFUL weekend with the great people in Saratoga. I hope more of you will attend next year. We went to a very large, beautiful ranch east of Saratoga for virgin birding. No really outstanding birds, but what a wonderful spot. SOME of the interesting birds that we had were: American Bittern Curlew Sora Virginia Rail Willow Flycatcher Savannah Sparrow Red naped sapsucker Common Merganser Pelican Pied billed Grebe (with chick) Warbling Vireo Swainson's Thrush Ruby crowned Kinglet Truly great people and I'm sure a good time was had by old. Met some new friends and it was good seeting all these nice people in Saratoga. Ann in Casper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Bushtits From: Hustace Scott <hustace AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 17:45:25 -0600 I just had several bushtits and a couple of lesser goldfinches on Little Red Creek. I think I also had a Virginia's Warbler, but without taking the time to actually see the bird I might have been mistaken. Stacey Scott SW of Casper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Casper area BY birds From: Jim Lawrence <jlmotmot AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:10:42 -0700 Hi: We just had a couple Lesser Goldfinches join our American Goldfinches in our backyard SW of Casper. We have had Rose-breasted Grosbeak for a while now. He apparently hasn't read the range maps because he is singing as if he were on territory! Jim Lawrence SW of Casper. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: No Subject From: RT Cox <birder1 AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 08:27:56 -0600 Female Hooded Warbler in our lilacs and chokecherries this morning. We had a male several years ago. Westridge neighborhood, SW Gillette, WY . Kate should be home if anyone wants a try. 307-257-7167 RT Cox - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Cheyenne Audubon summer outings From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 07:29:25 -0600 Dear Wyobirders, Mark your calendar and join members of Cheyenne - High Plains Audubon Society for any of these summer outings. Barb Gorges Cheyenne 20 - Cheyenne Greenway Cleanup 9 a.m. - noon. Directions: Just to the east of where the Greenway crosses East Lincolnway (Hwy 30), turn north onto Van Buren, then first left on Laramie, which deadends at the Greenway. Wear old clothes and gloves, and rubber boots if you have them. Bring rakes. Call Mark Gorges, 634-0463, if you have questions. June 20-21 - Bioblitz, Shirley Basin Audubon Wyoming's "BioBlitz" will be a 24-hour event in which teams of scientists, volunteers, and community members will find, identify, and learn about as many local plant, insect and animal species as possible, to better understand how to protect them. This project is made possible by the TogetherGreen grant. To take part: Interested members of the public will rendezvous between 10a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Shirley Basin Reservoir campsite on June 20 for the event. Participants are urged to contact Audubon Wyoming for more information and to sign up for the event. Members of the public may sign up by calling or e-mailing Alison Holloran at 307-745-4848; aholloran AT audubon.org. July 11 - Cheyenne Important Bird Area Survey 8 a.m. at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens parking lot, Lions Park. All bird watchers are welcome to help with the series of three 5-minute surveys spread around the park and three more at Wyoming Hereford Ranch. Call Art Anderson, 638-1286. July 25 - Rosy Finch Survey, Snowy Range Please contact Alison Holloran at the Audubon Wyoming office for more information, 307-745-4848; aholloran AT audubon.org. Most current information is to meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Forest Service visitor center just above Centennial for orientation. Aug. 8 - Turtle Rock Nature Hike, Vedauwoo Rec. Area 8 a.m. at Cheyenne Botanic Gardens parking lot, Lions Park. Drive I-80 west to Vedauwoo (approx.30 miles). This is a U.S. Forest Service fee area ($5 per car?). Dress for a 3-mile hike on somewhat uneven terrain. Pack water, lunch and dress for summer mountain weather. Barb Gorges, 634-0463. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Audubon Greenway cleanup June 20, 2009 From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 07:24:49 -0600 Contact: John Cornelison, 634-1075 Cheyenne - High Plains Audubon Society For Immediate Release June 8, 2009 Cheyenne Audubon chapter to hold Greenway cleanup The public is invited to help members of the Cheyenne - High Plains Audubon Society clean up a section of the Cheyenne Greenway Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. - noon. Directions: Just to the east of where the Greenway crosses East Lincolnway (Hwy 30), turn north onto Van Buren, then first left on Laramie, which deadends on the east side of the creek, at the Greenway. Wear old clothes and gloves, and rubber boots if you have them. Bring rakes. Call Mark Gorges, 634-0463, or John Cornelison, 634-1075, if you have questions. XXX - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Flycatchers, Sundance, Wy. From: "Jean" <jgwindsong AT rangeweb.net> Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 14:17:48 -0700 On this cold, wet, foggy day I had 6 - 10 Flycatchers in my yard looking for bugs on the ground. They were flying all around so hard to count numbers. Most were W. Wood-Pewees. 1 Olive-sided and 2 Willows. A few i could not get close enough to identify. I really felt sorry for them. Jean, sundance, Wy. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Flycatchers, Sundance, Wy. From: Jean <jgwindsong AT RANGEWEB.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 14:17:48 -0700 On this cold, wet, foggy day I had 6 - 10 Flycatchers in my yard looking for bugs on the ground. They were flying all around so hard to count numbers. Most were W. Wood-Pewees. 1 Olive-sided and 2 Willows. A few i could not get close enough to identify. I really felt sorry for them. Jean, sundance, Wy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: grasshopper sparrow From: Chris Michelson <Michelsonce AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 17:20:20 EDT Greetings birders While doing my BBS east of Glenrock today, I encountered a singing grasshopper sparrow. It was in the grasslands about 3/4 mile east of the entrance to the Dave Johnson power plant. I don't know if there were more than one in the area since I was restricted on where I could stop. Good birding to all. Chris Michelson Casper, WY **************We found the real ‘Hotel California’ and the ‘Seinfeld’ diner. What will you find? Explore WhereItsAt.com. (http://www.whereitsat.com/#/music/all-spots/355/47.796964/-66.374711/2/Youve-Found-Where-Its-At?ncid=eml cntnew00000007) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: nightjars near Ten Sleep From: CJ Grimes <cjgrimes AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 09:56:05 -0400 I heard my first Common Nighthawk from our yard last night, and 2 or 3 Common Poorwills (hard to tell exactly as a flock of sheep was dominating the local soundscape). Also new in the yard this week was a Broad-tailed Hummingbird which my wife saw at the feeder one day but it has not returned. CJ Grimes Ten Sleep - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Chimney Swift in Casper From: Bruce & Donna Walgren <Piranga AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2009 21:41:00 -0600 Hi everybody, About 7:30 this evening, as I was going out onto our deck, I observed a lone Chimney Swift fly over our back yard. The bird's size, shape, and chatter confirmed the ID. I've often wondered if swifts spent their summers here in Casper - I know that they have been observed here, but as far as I know, no one has observed them using chimneys as a roost here in Casper. Any way, it was a neat sighting and I guess i was just in the right place at the right time for once!! Bruce Walgren Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: yellow-billed cuckoo From: Bill Ostheimer <Bill_Ostheimer AT BLM.GOV> Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2009 11:36:19 -0600 While working on a coal-bed natural gas proposal this morning we found a pair of cuckoos AT 1/2 mile north of the Hwy 14/16 bridge across the Powder River. The land is private and will not allow public access - so this pair is not accessible - but I thought folks would be interested. We have very scant records from this area. Bill Ostheimer BLM, Buffalo Field Office 1425 Fort Street, Buffalo, Wyoming 82834 307.684.1117 fax 307.684.1140 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Tree Swallow nesting update From: Harry Martin <harry AT HARRYMARTINCARTOONS.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2009 10:43:08 -0600 The birds appear to have abandoned the nest. We can barely make out two eggs below a pile of feathers. I am amazed to see so many feathers packed into the nest on top of the eggs and I'm not sure if this is normal. I looked up nesting habits of these birds to find out more. Feathers in the nest: http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/may/24/tree-swallows-feather-their-nests/ General Info: http://www.birdhouses101.com/Tree-Swallow.asp I'm hoping that they will return so we can see the young, but I have not seen the female inubating the eggs. Perhaps they are just not back yet. Unfortunately, all I have is questions with no answers. -- Harry Martin Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Fw: [NHBC] Northern Hills Bird Club field trip June 13. From: Jean <jgwindsong AT RANGEWEB.NET> Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 20:41:58 -0700 ----- Original Message ----- From: Gene To: 'SD Birds Yahoo' ; 'Marie Ritten' ; 'Russell Reisland' ; 'Randy Podoll' ; 'Ramona/Neil Hultman' ; 'Nancy Hilding' ; 'Martin Tarby' ; 'Len/Ardys` Brunko' ; 'Lauren Ross Balyeat' ; 'Kim Schultz' ; 'Katie Herman' ; 'Kathy McClellan' ; 'Kathi Schneider' ; 'Karron Zopp' ; 'Karen Smith' ; 'John/Mary Ann Yuill' ; 'Jim Good' ; 'Jill Tesnow' ; 'Jarred Burleson' ; 'Jan Pharr' ; 'Hugh 4-08 Quinn' ; 'George/Laura Levin' ; 'Frederick Hegeman' ; 'Faye Schroeder' ; 'elizabeth krueger' ; 'Don Bakeberg' ; 'Dennis Chowen' ; 'Darlene Swartz' ; 'Dan Bjerke' ; 'Chris Carbone' ; 'Cheryl Nielsen' ; 'Carroll & Ruth Cash' ; 'Bud/Alice Shaykett' ; 'Bruce Mellberg' ; 'Bill Shepperson' ; 'Bill Clampet' ; 'Patty Lampy' ; 'Mike/Wini Michaels' ; 'NHBC-Yahool' Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2009 9:27 AM Subject: [NHBC] Northern Hills Bird Club field trip June 13. NHBC Field Trip - Saturday, March 14 The Northern Hills Bird Club will conduct a field trip out of Sundance, WY on Saturday, June 13. Birders of all levels and non-members of NHBC are welcome to participate. There is no charge for the trip. Participants will meet at the Conoco Station West exit in Sundance (Exit 185) at 7:30 a.m. for an 8:00 a.m. departure. The trip will last into the afternoon so pack a lunch. Wild flowers should be blooming and Ospreys should be at Cook Lake. If anyone would like to see Sharp-tailed Grouse on their lek please let Jean Adams know. We will need to meet at the Conoco at 5 a.m. We can then come back and have breakfast in Sundance before meeting the rest of the group at the Conoco Station at 7:30. Please contact Jean Adams at 307-283-2467 or jgwindsong AT rangeweb.net for more information. Gene K. Hess Rapid City, SD __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Members ----- NOTE: NHBC announcements and field trip reports that are posted on this list, 'NHBC', should also be posted on the SDOU list 'sd-birds'. This list is provided primarily for the convenience of persons who wish to receive NHBC material but who do not wish to subscribe to the SDOU list 'sd-birds'. ----- MARKETPLACE $9000/Month at Home. Learn how Part Time, online!. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I made $5,827 last week.. Find out How. Part Time!. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mom Power: Discover the community of moms doing more for their families, for the world and for each other Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity a.. 1New Members Visit Your Group Yahoo! Finance It's Now Personal Guides, news, advice & more. DonorsChoose Support our Troops' Children Give to education Yahoo! Groups Mental Health Zone Mental Health Learn More . __,_._,___ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Oven Bird From: Tom Axthelm <taxthelm AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 21:08:15 -0600 My wife saw an Oven Bird in our yard today, and she got a couple of pictures. This is the first time that either one of us has ever seen one, so they are certainly rare here. Tom Axthelm Riverton - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Murie field trip From: Rose-Mary King <rking7453 AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 08:10:17 -0600 Murie Audubon Society will host a field trip at Audubon Center at Garden Creek on Saturday, June 13th at 9:00. Enjoy the spring flowers and birds - family event and children are welcome. Contact June Calmes - (307) 237-9402 Rose-Mary King, Casper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Cheyenne Back Yard From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 12:25:33 -0400 A little late with a couple of these, but.. here goes. Last Thursday, a Veery (first of back yard, as well as first of year) Last Friday, after a few days without sightings, a Swainson's Thrush and an American Goldfinch. This morning, in the steady drizzle, a Philadelphia Vireo, the first I have seen in years in the back yard. I got lots of great views, as he worked his way around and up the locust tree next to our window. Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: a fortunate frustration From: Pat Deibert <pat_deibert AT FWS.GOV> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 11:32:00 -0600 Last Friday my daughter seemed to forget everything she needed for school, necessitating mom to return home from the bus stop to retrieve it instead of venturing on to my work cubicle. As I was muttering things a mother should not mutter (in an empty car by then) I rounded a corner with a small rock escarpment on one side and nearly collided with an adult peregrine falcon! It cleared my car by about a dozen feet and went on to perch on the escarpment (for locals, this was about 1 mile west of the entrance to Crystal Reservoir in Curt Gowdy State Park). Needless to say my daughter was instantly forgiven! Unfortunately the bird was not there on my return trip about 15 minutes later, nor on my way home that evening. Yesterday a yellow-bellied sapsucker visited my pond behind the house. I had always figured they were around given I live on the edge of a coniferous stand, but this was the first visual. It seemed quite content to perch on the rock drinking until the crossbills arrived. Hopefully it will be a return visitor! Pat Pat Deibert Fish and Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wyoming Field Office 5353 Yellowstone Road, Suite 308A Cheyenne, WY 82009 307-772-2374, ext. 226 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Common Poorwill From: Elaine Baumann <songbird827 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 12:50:31 -0400 Bob and I had a neat experience last night we thought was worth sharing: At 9pm. I was sitting at my computer and heard a strange call coming from outside. Thinking it must be a bird, I called Bob to investigate. He said it sounded like a Poorwill, so I checked my online "All About Birds" to listen to the call of the Common Poorwill. I played the "voice" a couple of times, and that is definately what the bird was on our front lawn. To our surprise, the bird on the lawn started answering the call on the computer. This went on for a few minutes, but we could never actually pinpoint the location of the Poorwill on the lawn. We plan to try it again tonight to see if we can get the birds talking to each other again and possibly locate the one outside. What an exciting way to end the day. Bob and Elaine Baumann Shoshoni, WY -- on Copper Mountain Fremont County - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Lesser Goldfinch back at Cheyenne feeder From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 09:13:08 -0600 I'm so excited! A Lesser Goldfinch is back in our yard this morning. We had a few most of the summer last year-a first. Barb Gorges Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Bird Banter for May 24, 2009 From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 09:09:23 -0600 This edition of Bird Banter, "Why can't we encourage the country to 'glow locally?'" was published May 31 in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle. You are encouraged to republish it, hard or virtual copy, but please mention the WT-E and send the name of the publication and date to the author at bgorges4 AT msn.com. Thanks. Why can't we encourage the country to "glow locally"? By Barb Gorges As the daughter of an engineer who installed turbines in power plants, I admire the sleek industrial-sized blades of a wind farm. But, I am also your local "bird lady." I have the usual concerns about birds flying into those blades. At least current designs are less lethal than when the Altamont Pass array was first installed in California. I am concerned about visual pollution. Cheyenne will soon be surrounded by wind farms, like giant picket fences, many producing energy for people outside Wyoming. Also, what about those industrial-sized solar arrays spreading over the "wastelands" of the West? I don't think there are any natural landscapes we can afford to waste by covering them with solar panels. Why do the power experts continue to use the point source model, useful for coal, nuclear and hydro plants, for sustainable power sources that occur, to some degree, everywhere? Shouldn't the Department of Homeland Security be encouraging dispersed power production? I think it is time to plan how we can "glow (as in turn on the lights) locally." Locally grown energy has advantages similar to locally grown food. Why put solar arrays over our deserts (which are actually full of life) when we already have asphalt deserts that are nearly barren? Instead, imagine parking in the shade of a solar array while shopping at WalMart. Imagine small windmills strung along existing utility corridors; their blades whipping so fast birds see and avoid the blurry disks. Point source energy is sent long distances but the energy lost to transmission isn't as much as I thought. Sadrul Ula, University of Wyoming professor of electrical and computer engineering, specializing in power, told me perhaps 10 percent would be lost over 800 miles, depending on the size of the lines. He pointed out energy storage, guaranteeing 24-hour availability of electricity from intermittent power sources like wind and solar, is still problematic. But I don't think that should keep us from using them wherever we can, tying them into the grid for now. In nature prosperous animal and plant species use diversity and redundancy strategies. The sage grouse in Wyoming is in trouble because it requires a certain type of sagebrush habitat that is disappearing. Conversely, crows are becoming more abundant here because they are smart enough to find new foods in new places, such as French fries in fast food parking lots. Developing diverse energy sources is our human equivalent. The most prolific and widespread plants, such as dandelions, produce multiple, redundant seeds so some can be eaten by goldfinches and others can blow about and pioneer new land. The energy equivalent is many small wind turbines and solar arrays. Siting small devices would be less problematic. If solar and wind collectors are spread everywhere, the sun will always be shining and the wind blowing on them somewhere. I have complete confidence engineers will put their minds to improving sustainable energy production. They are already working on the "smart," more efficient, power grid. We don't have to wait for a shortage of fossil fuels to drive innovation. We consumers can drive innovation ourselves. Witness the increased demand, production and improvement of fuel-efficient cars in the last five years. I think we can look forward to solar technology that ekes out electricity from gloom (haven't you gotten sunburned on a cloudy day?) and wind turbines that respond to the slightest breeze. Then all parts of the country can produce sustainable energy. Bird lady that I am I would like to see sustainable energy production incorporated into the already built environment. I'd rather not see Wyoming continue its role as energy colony, giving up resources, again, to the detriment of its valuable, one-of-a-kind, wild landscapes. xxx - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: tanager deficit and question From: sol <solbun AT SWEETWATERHSA.COM> Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 13:55:30 -0600 After the abundance of western tanagers we had last year, it is disappointing that they didn't show up this year. We saw 1 female and 1 young male (?) for a couple days starting on the 24th but that was it. Lazulis were also scant this year. Sometimes birdfeeding is disappointing, but it seems to me from reading this list for a year that the Green River area is hugely variable? Moreso than other areas of the state. paula P.S. my question: anyone know of a good site for Tanager male plumage with respect to age of the bird? The "young male" that visited so briefly had just a bit of red feathers showing around his face/beak. I am assuming this is what a 1st year male looks like? None of my books show anything but juveniles, females, and full breeding plumage adult males. No transition plumages? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Re: More Tree Swallows From: PETER ARNOLD <pgapar AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Sat, 30 May 2009 23:35:13 -0600 Great story Harry, can't wait for the next episode. The drama is building! Pete Cheyenne On Sat, 30 May 2009 20:02:52 -0600 Harry Martin wrote: > Greetings Birders, > > Our video camera is now showing at least one egg in the nest box. > > Two new pairs of tree swallows have moved into two more bird houses. > > There is a lot of aerial activity around the house. Though these birds do >not visit our feeders, they do spend a great deal of time catching flies and >mosquitoes, which we have an abundance of. Installing these bird houses have >in fact, graced us with a natural pest control. > > > -- > Harry Martin > Casper, WY > > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: More Tree Swallows From: Harry Martin <harry AT HARRYMARTINCARTOONS.COM> Date: Sat, 30 May 2009 20:02:52 -0600 Greetings Birders, Our video camera is now showing at least one egg in the nest box. Two new pairs of tree swallows have moved into two more bird houses. There is a lot of aerial activity around the house. Though these birds do not visit our feeders, they do spend a great deal of time catching flies and mosquitoes, which we have an abundance of. Installing these bird houses have in fact, graced us with a natural pest control. -- Harry Martin Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: EKW this evening From: Chris Michelson <Michelsonce AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 21:43:59 EDT Greetings birders Having been out in the field doing raptor nest surveys today I did not get to walk in the park until this evening. A couple of new birds for the year. The first common nighthawks were heard high in the sky. One western wood-pewee was calling from accross the river. Still a couple of Swainson's thrush. Good birding to all. Chris Michelson Casper, WY **************We found the real ‘Hotel California’ and the ‘Seinfeld’ diner. What will you find? Explore WhereItsAt.com. (http://www.whereitsat.com/#/music/all-spots/355/47.796964/-66.374711/2/Youve-Found-Where-Its-At?ncid=eml cntnew00000007) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Rock Springs BBS From: fred & fern <flinton AT WYOMING.COM> Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 10:11:49 -0600 Help, I need someone to help me with the Breeding Bird Survey in Rock Springs. I have been doing this route for about 4 years and would like to see it continue yearly. I can run this route anytime from June 18-23 . My husband , Fred , is the driver and Time keeper and that is a big help when making all the stops. I would like to train someone else to help me with this route. Mary Lynn Corbett usually comes down from Kemmemer but she also does two other routes in her area. Every year she tells me that I need to get someone else to help. This year I have been unable to contact her and so I really need someone to help with this .. I had a pair of cassins finches doing some mating displays in my yard. I thought they nested farther north or at higher elevations. I also still have pine siskins . For the past few days I have had a flock of Cedar Waxwings in the yard. They like the Juniper Berries. and old left over russian olive seeds. They seem to show up every year about this time. Scotts Bottom Nature Area in Green River had at least two pairs of Bullocks oriole's , apair of Western Kingbirds and Says Phoebe. also the usual local birds. No Special Warblers, just hte yellow warbler. and a Catbird. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: snowy egret From: Chris Michelson <Michelsonce AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 12:55:35 EDT Greetings birders This morning at Yant's Puddle there was a snowy egret in the southwest cornor of the inlet basin. Good birding to all. Chris Michelson Casper, WY **************We found the real ‘Hotel California’ and the ‘Seinfeld’ diner. What will you find? Explore WhereItsAt.com. (http://www.whereitsat.com/?ncid=emlwenew00000004) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Tree Swallow Nesting Update From: Harry Martin <harry AT HARRYMARTINCARTOONS.COM> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 22:28:23 -0600 10:00 PM; Both birds are now in the nest. The miniature video camera is watching all the romantic activity. :-) This is the first evening they have occupied the nest since we mounted the camera, and the first time I've seen the male inside the box. Up until this evening, the box was always vacant. At first I thought it was just the female on top of a pile of feathers. But after a while, it was apparent that the male was sharing the space when he moved out of the way. A lot of chirping going on... In case birders are wondering, we have been using the Hawk Eye Nature CAM with infrared night vision and microphone. It works well with 200 feet of A/V cable. The cable just runs straight into the TV set. I'll hook up a VCR and record the eggs hatching if the birds don't abandon the nest. Last year, a pair abandoned a different bird house for unknown reasons, leaving behind unhatched eggs. It's possible the female was lost to a predator. -- Harry Martin Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Black Hills Flammulated Owl From: "Jean" <jgwindsong AT rangeweb.net> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 18:23:31 -0700 While going to her transect this morning, Jen had a Flammulated Owl fly into a tree next to the road. She got excellent views of it. Long pointed wings, large dark eyes and small ear tufts. Anyone wishing directions to the site email me or call 307283 2467. Jean, sundance, Wy. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Black Hills Flammulated Owl From: Jean <jgwindsong AT RANGEWEB.NET> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 18:23:31 -0700 While going to her transect this morning, Jen had a Flammulated Owl fly into a tree next to the road. She got excellent views of it. Long pointed wings, large dark eyes and small ear tufts. Anyone wishing directions to the site email me or call 307283 2467. Jean, sundance, Wy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: FW: Mississippi Kite From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 19:08:26 -0600 Passing on a Cheyenne sighting. Barb Gorges -----Original Message----- From: wayne mcnicholas [mailto:fishtax7 AT bresnan.net] Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 5:59 PM To: bgorges4 AT msn.com Subject: Mississippi Kite My name is Wayne McNicholas. Having been a licenced falconer for 11 years in the past I have a passion for raptors. I grew up in Maryland but traveled to the SE states quite frequently. I have seen Kites before. Yesterday at 14:58 at the intersection of College Drive & S. Greeley Hwy I saw a Mississippi Kite. While I was stopped at a traffic signal it was sitting atop one of the poles. As I was making my turn it chased a miller coming within 20 ft of my school bus. I thought it was strange for it to be in this area so I wanted to report it. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Volunteer compensation for BBS routes From: Andrea Orabona <Andrea.Orabona AT WGF.STATE.WY.US> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 15:22:21 -0600 Good afternoon, The WY Game and Fish Department has received funding this year to compensate volunteers who conduct one or more Breeding Bird Survey routes in the State. If you are a BBS volunteer, please reply to this e-mail and I will send you the form you need to fill out. At this point, I'm unsure of the exact amount volunteers will receive, but wanted to get the process started. Thanks to all who help advance the knowledge of birds in Wyoming! Andrea Orabona Nongame Bird Biologist WY Game and Fish Dept. 260 Buena Vista Lander, WY 82520 307-332-7723 ext. 232 Andrea.Orabona AT wgf.state.wy.us - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: blue grouse? hooded warbler and white winged dove From: Sandy Mitchell <sandymitchell AT SWEETWATERHSA.COM> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 22:30:45 -0600 Does anyone know a location closer to Rock Springs than Grand Teton National Park where I can show students Blue Grouse strutting? Also, I had a White-winged dove on my deck this morning. I've had one off and on for the past five or six years. I can send photos if anyone is interested. Any more sightings of the hooded warbler at the Fontanelle Dam trap? Sandy Mitchell Rock Springs, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Sloan's Lake From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 22:32:42 -0400 Not much waterfowl activity this afternoon, but some interesting land birds. Canada Goose Mallard Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Gray Catbird Swainson's Thrush (4) Olive-sided Flycatcher Cordilleran Flycatcher Orange-crowned Warbler Yellow Warbler European Starling House Sparrow Robin Northern Rough-winged Swallow Black-crowned Night Heron American Crow Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: IMBD event From: Bill Ostheimer <Bill_Ostheimer AT BLM.GOV> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 09:17:07 -0600 You can call or email me with questions. This is the first time we have tried this, so I do not know what to expect. Bill Ostheimer BLM, Buffalo Field Office 1425 Fort Street, Buffalo, Wyoming 82834 307.684.1117 desk 620-2262 cell fax 307.684.1140 ----- Forwarded by Bill Ostheimer/BFO/WY/BLM/DOI on 05/18/2009 09:38 AM ----- Lesley Collins/CFO/WY/BL M/DOI To cc Subject Buffalo Field Office Celebrates International Migratory Bird Day (Embedded image moved to file: pic31461.jpg) Contact: Lesley A. Collins, 307/261-7603 Buffalo Field Office Celebrates International Migratory Bird Day: BLM Hosts Bird Watching Sessions at Welch Ranch on May 30, 2009 The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Buffalo Field Office will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 30, 2009 by offering a morning of bird observations and activities. The event will take place at Welch Management area, located north of Sheridan at the intersection of Highway 338 and the Tongue River. Two bird walks, led by wildlife biologists from BLM and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other members of the Buffalo Field Office staff, will commence at 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. International Migratory Bird Day is an annual conservation and education event to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation. This migratory bird event increases public awareness and involvement in bird conservation. Birds are economically important and a priceless part of America’s natural heritage—and they are critical indicators of environmental health upon which we all depend. Welch Management Area provides 1,750 acres of wetland, forest, and grassland habitat for migrating, nesting, and wintering birds. Year-round nature related activities are offered for visitors. For additional information, please contact Outdoor Recreation Planner Allison Ginn at (307) 684-1116. The BLM manages more land – 256 million acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands. The new figure of 256 million acres represents a decrease of 2.5 million Subject: "Birdsong" book review From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 09:14:40 -0600 This book review of "Birdsong by the Seasons" by Donald Kroodsma, was published May 26, 2009 in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle. Permission is granted by the reviewer for any kind of reproduction. Birdsong by the Seasons, A Year of Listening to Birds, by Donald Kroodsma, c. 2009, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 366 pages, 2 CDs, hardcover, $28.00. Birdsongs on CD add extra dimension to book (WTE headline was "Figure out those chirps with Birdong CD, book"-not accurate.) Reviewed by Barb Gorges Four years ago, Donald Kroodsma wrote the book that documented his life's work and won him wide acclaim, The Singing Life of Birds. It was a big book, describing his passion for recording and studying birdsong plus how to record and read sonograms yourself and what it all means. So what can Kroodsma do for an encore? Tell birdsong stories by the season. Although there's still an index, two appendices, notes, a bibliography, and two CDs this time, this writing is more like a series of 24 short stories. For instance, at the beginning of January, Kroodsma, like a detective, goes under cover with recording devices, in the center of a winter roost of hundreds of robins in western Massachusetts. He listens to every "piik" and "tut," weaving together meanings, drawing conclusions, trying to stay awake and warm on his stakeout. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a recording is worth at least as many. After you read the robin thriller, immerse yourself in the robin tracks, imagining a dark night, hearing mysterious footsteps, hoot of a predatory great horned owl, rustle of wings of departing robins at dawn and follow along, if you want to, with the recording notes. Or, listen to the CDs first, checking on the subheadings in Appendix 1 when you can't figure out what you are hearing. I've never heard alligators growl, have you? Kroodsma doesn't always wait in one place for the seasons to pass. He often runs out to meet them, parabolic microphone in hand: the Everglades, the Platte River, Corkscrew Swamp, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Virginia, Pawnee National Grasslands (just over the state line southeast of Cheyenne), and various locations back home in Massachusetts. This book is definitely not your typical linear reading experience. You, your kids--and your pets--will find many ways to enjoy it. xxx - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Cheyenne Back Yard From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 09:39:51 -0400 Yesterday, a female Black-headed Grosbeak and a "first-of-the-back-yard" Blackpoll Warbler. Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Broad-winged Hawk From: Luke Tiller <streatham2003 AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 01:51:20 -0400 Hi All, My first post here?so I hope it comes out OK - I ?just on tour over from Connecticut and managed to find a perched Broad-winged Hawk on Moose/Wilson Rd today. I am assuming that this is a fairly rare migrant in these parts. Decent views of perched bird and brief flight views of a bird I know very well from back east. ps Anyone got any ideas about spots to try for Lewis's Woodpecker around Yellowstone? No luck on Moose/Wilson today. Luke Tiller Wilton, CT - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: FW: Fontenelle Dam From: Rick Steenberg <RICK.STEENBERG AT FMC.COM> Date: Sat, 23 May 2009 21:39:53 -0400 ________________________________ From: RICHARD STEENBERG [rickjanis AT msn.com] Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 9:38 PM To: Rick Steenberg Subject: Fw: Fontenelle Dam ----- Original Message ----- From: RICHARD STEENBERG To: WYOBIRDS AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 7:29 PM Subject: Fontenelle Dam Hi; A breeding plumaged male Hooded Warbler was observed at the Fontenelle dam trap on Friday, May 22nd and again on Saturday afternoon, the 23rd The bird was seen in the northern most cottonwoods of Tailrace Campground. This is the organized campground below Fontenelle Dam on the east side of the river. On Friday the bird foraged in the lower understory. (willows) On Saturday he spent quite a bit of time higher up in the cottonwoods. The best strategy is to search for the bird from the top of the hill, looking down into the campground. Migrants were relatively few on the above dates. I think it is a few days early for the main influx. Yellow-rumped Warbler---25 low count Yellow Warbler----------- 6 " Common Yellowthroat-----1 Swainson's Thrush--------2 low count Gray Catbird--------------5 Bullock's Oriole------------6 Noticably absent were empids with the exception of 1 Dusky. Lots of other stuff around but standard suspects. Rick - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Cheyenne Big Day Count May 16, 2009 From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 23 May 2009 03:32:53 -0400 Posting for Barb Gorges and the Cheyenne High Plains Audubon Chapter. Here are the results of the Cheyenne Big Day count, held last weekend. Observations are primarily from our Important Bird Areas (Lions Park and the Wyoming Hereford Ranch), the High Plains Grasslands Research Station, and F.E. Warren AFB). Other locations within the city are also included. For full detail as to what was seen where, please see the Big Count Day link on our chapter's web page at http://org.lonetree.com/audubon . Canada Goose Wood Duck Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Redhead Ring-necked Duck Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Common Merganser Ruddy Duck Pied-billed Grebe Eared Grebe Western Grebe Clark's Grebe American White Pelican Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Cattle Egret Black-crowned Night Heron White-faced Ibis Turkey Vulture Norrthern Harrier Sharp-shinned Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Swainson's Hawk Red-tailed Hawk American Kestrel Sora American Coot Killdeer American Avocet Lesser Yellowlegs Solitary Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Wilson's Snipe Wilson's Phalarope Red-necked Phalarope Franklin's Gull Bonaparte"s Gull Ring-billed Gull Black Tern Rock Pigeon Eurasian Collared-Dove Mourning Dove Great Horned Owl Chimney Swift Belted Kingfisher Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Western Wood Pewee Least Flycatcher Gray Flycatcher Dusky Flycatcher Western Kingbird Eastern Kingbird Loggerhead Shrike Plumbeous Vireo Warbling Vireo Blue Jay Black-billed Magpie American Crow Horned Lark Tree Swallow N. Rough-winged Swallow Bank Swallow Cliff Swallow Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Mountain Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Townsend's Solitaire Veery Swainson's Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher European Starling Tennessee Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Northern Parula Yellow Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-and-white Warbler Cerulean Warbler Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush MacGillivray's Warbler Common Yellowthroat Wilson's Warbler Western Tanager Green-tailed Towhee Spotted Towhee Chipping Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Lark Sparrow Lark Bunting Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Lazuli Bunting Black-headed Grosbeak Red-winged Blackbird Western Meadowlark Yellow-headed Blackbird Brewer's Blackbird Common Grackle Great-tailed Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Bullock's Oriole House Finch Red Crossbill Pine Siskin American Goldfinch House Sparrow Good birding to all. Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: F E Warren AFB From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 23 May 2009 02:59:40 -0400 The highlight of this late afternoon (and another life list bird), at the Air Force base, was a Black Tern in breeding plumage, flying over North Lake Pearson. Yellow Warbler (many) Yellow-rumped Warbler Great Blue Heron Black-crowned Night Heron Swainson's Hawk Western Meadowlark Common Grackle Cliff Swallow Killdeer Green-winged Teal Gadwall Mallard Ring-necked Duck Ruddy Duck Canada Goose Western Grebe Pied-billed Grebe White Pelican Black Tern Mourning Dove House Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow European Starling Prairie Horned Lark Coot Western Kingbird Robin Green-tailed Towhee Brown-headed Cowbird Eurasian Collared Dove Red-winged Blackbird Yellow-headed Blackbird Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Cheyenne Back Yard From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 23 May 2009 02:44:29 -0400 First of the year for the back yard were Bullock's Oriole and Yellow Warbler. For the second day in a row, the White-breasted Nuthatch. Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: FW: Unusual Tanager - Possbile Scarlet Tanager - in Lion's Park, Cheyenne From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 20:45:22 -0600 Dear Wyobirders, Craig called me this evening about this bird. I'm posting his email so that you can go look for it tomorrow, or come up with some other i.d. ideas. The area of the park he described was the end of the lake between the New Community House and the band shell. Dorn and Dorn list Scarlet Tanagers as rare migrants in our latilong. Barb Gorges Cheyenne From: Craig Nunn [mailto:c2nunn AT verizon.net] Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 8:36 PM To: bgorges4 AT msn.com Subject: Unusual Tanager - Possbile Scarlet Tanager - in Lion's Park, Cheyenne This afternoon we observed an unusual tanager in Lion's Park, Cheyenne. It had solid black wings with no hint of wing bars. Its overall color was reddish and at first glance it looked very much like a Scarlet Tanager. On closer observation there were inconsistencies, at least with the bulk of Scarlet Tanagers we have seen in the Eastern US. The actual color of the bird was actually red with a hint of orange, with the color on the head and back very strongly reddish, but grading towards the vent area on the underside to a more yellowish orange. It was not the distinctively very red color possessed by most adult male Scarlet Tanagers. And the bill color was black. It was in the presence of many Western Tanagers, both male and female, and the light was good enough that the Western Tanager bill color was readily discernable - hence the yellow-green bill color normally seen on Scarlet Tanagers should have been discernable. The bird seemed slightly larger than the Western Tanagers around it. Given that Scarlet Tanagers are known to sometimes be orange-red in color and that molting males show a gradation of color from yellowish to red (but normally a very different pattern than seen on this bird), my first impression would be to just call it a Scarlet Tanager. But given the bill color and the peculiar pattern of reddish orange to yellowish orange gradation which is unlike the hundreds of Scarlet Tanagers we have seen in the past, we are not absolutely certain. Scarlet Tanager is still our best guess. Bill shape and all other characteristics clearly identify the bird as a tanager. And not a Western Tanager and hence it seems to be unusual for the location in which it was seen. Unfortunately I was unable to get a photo with my cheap digital camera. I studied it in good light for around a half hour, sometimes at a distance of 20-30 feet. The exact location of the bird in Lions Park was . - w/regards, Craig Nunn & Carol Resch / Rutherford, NJ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Busy day in the backyard From: RDS <wyobirds AT RAYSROCK.COM> Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 18:36:42 -0600 Hanging around my yard today in Cheyenne Avenues neighborhood were: american robin (2) swainson's thrush american goldfinch (6) pine siskin (3) spotted towhee house finch (4) one is leucistic house sparrow (8) mourning dove (3) eurasion collared dove (2) black-headed grosbeak (4) lazuli bunting (2) bullock's oriole (pair) orange-crowned warbler western tanager (3) I'm getting some nice photos :) Ray Silvey - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Wyoming Hereford Ranch sightings From: Greg Johnson <gjohnson AT WEST-INC.COM> Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 17:13:00 -0600 WYOBIRDERS, I spent the noon hour at the Hereford Ranch the last couple of days and there are still quite a few migrants coming through, including a beautiful male black-throated blue warbler and female redstart yesterday, and a yellow-breasted chat today. There are also a fair number of Swainson's thrushes moving through as well as western tanagers, black-headed grosbeaks, and flycatchers. Good birding this long weekend. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Torrington- Hummer From: Claylene Fitz <jeanna AT NETCOMMANDER.COM> Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 14:41:23 -0600 Hello Birders, Today I saw a male broadtailed hummingbird in my front yard. I did not have any feeders up yet because I was in SE Arizona on a bird trip. Hopefully he will return soon. Happy Birding, Claylene Fitz Torrington Goshen County - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Cheyenne Back Yard From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 22:59:29 -0400 A very nice addition to my back yard list today (i.e., first time I have had one in the back yard, ever -- that's nearly 20 years): A White-Breasted Nuthatch. A Plumbeous Vireo visited briefly, and American Goldfinches continued to grace us with their presence. Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Birding Movie From: Harry Martin <harry AT HARRYMARTINCARTOONS.COM> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 10:46:46 -0600 I'm not sure if WYO birders have seen this movie, but I thought some might be interested. Last night we watched a birding movie titled "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill", from Netflix, 1 hr. 23 min. 2005. This is a true documentary on wild parrots who escaped from their owners and have established wild flocks in California, and other parts of the U.S. The flocks consist of various Conjures and Parakeets. A homeless man took interest in these birds and became an expert in caring for them as they became sick or injured from Red-Tailed Hawk attacks. There is spectacular footage of the birds as they fly around, dodging hawks and interact with the homeless man, Mark Bittner. Mark makes interesting observations about these birds and compares them to the local non-invasive birds. Well worth watching. -- Harry Martin Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: Tree Swallows From: Harry Martin <harry AT HARRYMARTINCARTOONS.COM> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 10:26:55 -0600 Greetings Birders, We have been diligently planting trees around our property for the last three years and are beginning to see a big payoff in terms of birding. We have also installed many bird houses on fence posts in hopes of attracting more birds. This spring, we have discovered a pair of Tree Swallows who have started building a nest just outside our bedroom window. They have built up a nest of straw and are now adding feathers. To keep a close eye on their progress, we also installed a miniature camera in the roof of the bird house, looking down into the nest. We bought this camera last year, but received it too late to install. This time, we got it mounted before the nest is completed. The birds appear to not have noticed the additional hardware. What a joy to watch as the female tends her nest. Our two sons love to watch the activity and are making this into a project for school. Things that I have noted are that the birds are most active with the nest during the early morning and disappear later in the day. We think that they are busy feeding in the afternoon and evenings and are probably roosting in a tree somewhere until the female is ready to lay eggs. This may well be the same pair that nested in another box we setup at the far end of our property last year. Cheers! -- Harry Martin Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net Subject: a few FOY From: Pat Deibert <pat_deibert AT FWS.GOV> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 08:58:43 -0600 a few FOY for me - lesser goldfinches at my feeders on 5/19 (north of Buford WY, between Laramie and Cheyenne). They are now regulars, but in fewer numbers than years past. It may be the result of moving feeders and reducing number of feeders as I am having my normal "feeder" trees sprayed for pine bark beetles. This morning near Crystal Resevoir (Curt Gowdy State Park) I saw a lark bunting! Can summer be far behind? Pat Pat Deibert Fish and Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wyoming Field Office 5353 Yellowstone Road, Suite 308A Cheyenne, WY 82009 307-772-2374, ext. 226 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net