The Alabama RBA
Fall, 1997
Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for Winter, 1997
-RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *October 23, 1997 *ALST9710.23
-Birds mentioned
probable Boat-tailed Grackle (NOT Great-tailed)
-Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: October 23, 1997
Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: same as above Compiler: Greg Jackson Transcriber:
Steve McConnell (swmavocet@aol.com)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Thursday, October 23rd.
The unusual male grackle in Alexander City continued to be seen this morning. For the
first time it was heard calling extensively and the call appears to be that of a
BOAT-TAILED not Great-tailed as suspected. The tail is now grown or nearly grown and
unless further growth occurs the length and shape are now reported to match Boat-tailed as
well. The bird usually is found near the Wendy's on US 280 adjacent to Wal-mart. The best
times appear to be between 8 and 9 am and after 5 pm.
Moderate numbers of shorebirds were seen on the 11th at Blakely Island at the north pond
near the curve: last month birding was good in the old Alcoa complex and may still be. The
rules for visitation, WHICH SHOULD BE FOLLOWED CLOSELY, have been changed recently. At
least two days notification is required for all visits at 334-441-7085. And weekend
birding requires an additional call to the security office the day of the visit at
334-441-7777. Permits must still be singed annually and all visitors MUST REMAIN ON THE
DIKE ROADS. For more information call John Porter at 334-861-2120 or Greg Jackson
[205-987-2855].
-End transcript
-top-
RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *October 18, 1997 *ALST9710.18
-Birds mentioned
VERMILION FLYCATCHER
Broad-winged Hawk (dark morph)
probable GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (1st state record, p.a.)
Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee review list.
Please send sightings with appropriate details to: Greg Jackson, 2220 Baneberry Drive,
Birmingham, AL 35244.
-Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: October
18, 1997 Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: same Compiler: Greg Jackson Transcriber:
Steve McConnell (swmavocet@aol.com)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Saturday, October 18th.
The cold front on the 14th resulted in many migrants at Ft. Morgan and Dauphin Island.
But, prior to that birding had been slow with almost no reports of unusual species. After
the front I had a report of two mature VERMILION FLYCATCHERS at Dauphin Island but I do no
know the location or if the birds have been sighted subsequently. A rare dark morph
BROAD-WINGED HAWK was studied at Ft. Morgan on the 17th.
The unusual male grackle, present for several weeks in Alexander City, continued to be
seen on the 12th. It usually has been found near the Wendy's on US 280 adjacent to
Wal-mart. Best times appear to be between 8 and 9 in the morning and after 5 pm. The bird
is probably a GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE based on head shape and proportions and color of body
iridescence. The tail is still in molt though it is reportedly closer to full size now.
Feedback would be appreciated.
Moderate numbers of shorebirds were seen last weekend at Blakely Island in the north pond
near the curve: last month birding was good in the old Alcoa complex and likely still is.
The rules for visitation, WHICH SHOULD BE FOLLOWED CLOSELY, have been changed recently. At
least two days notification is required for all visits at 334-441-7085. And weekend
birding requires an additional call to the security office [at] 334-441-7777 the day of
the visit. Permits still must be signed annually and all visitors MUST REMAIN ON THE DIKE
ROADS. For more information call John Porter at 334-861-2120 or Greg Jackson
[205-987-2855].
The Sargents and company [Hummer/Bird Study Group] are banding through this weekend at Ft.
Morgan - visitors are welcome.
-End transcript
-top-
-RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *October 6, 1997 *ALST9710.06
-Birds mentioned
probable GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (1st state record, p.a.)
Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee review list.
Please send sightings with appropriate details to: Greg Jackson, 2220 Baneberry Drive,
Birmingham, AL 35244.
-Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: October 6,
1997 Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: same Compiler: Greg Jackson Transcriber: Steve
McConnell (swmavocet@aol.com)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Monday, October 6th.
The unusual male grackle, present for two weeks in Alexander City, continued to be seen
yesterday morning. It usually is found near the Wendy's on US 280 adjacent to Wal-mart.
Best times appear to be between 8 and 9 am and after 5 pm. This bird is probably a
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE based on head shape and proportions and color of body iridescence.
Unfortunately the entire tail is still in molt and vocalizations have been minimal so
definitive identification has been difficult. It has a light yellow iris but this can be
found in both Boat-tailed and Great-tailed. Feedback would be appreciated.
Moderate numbers of shorebirds were seen in mid-September at the old Alcoa complex on
Blakely Island. The rules for visitation, WHICH SHOULD BE FOLLOWED CLOSELY, have been
changed recently. At least two days notification
is required for all visits at 334-441-7085. And weekend birding requires an additional
call to the security office at 334-441-7777 the day of the visit. Permits still must be
signed annually and all visitors MUST REMAIN ON THE
DIKE ROADS. For more information call John Porter at 334-861-2120 or Greg Jackson
[205-987-2855].
The next AOS meeting will be at Dauphin Island this weekend.
The Sargents and company [Hummer/Bird Study Group] are banding now at Fort
Morgan - visitors are welcome.
-End transcript
-top-
-RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *September 27, 1997 *ALST9709.27
-Birds mentioned
probable GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (1st state record, p.a.)
RED CROSSBILL
CORY'S SHEARWATER (pelagic)
MASKED BOOBY (pelagic)
RED-NECKED/RED PHALAROPE (pelagic)
BRIDLED TERN (pelagic)
Baird's Sandpiper
Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee review list.
Please send sighting descriptions with appropriate details to: Greg Jackson, 2220
Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244.
-Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: September
27, 1997 Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: same Compiler: Greg Jackson Transcriber:
Steve McConnell (swmavocet@aol.com)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Saturday, September 27th.
The unusual male grackle, present for over a week in Alexander City, continued to be seen
yesterday evening. It is usually found near the Wendy's on US 280 adjacent to Wal-mart.
Best times appear to be between 8 and 9 am and after 5 pm. This bird is likely a
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE based on head shape and proportions and color of body iridescence.
Unfortunately the entire tail is in molt and vocalizations have been minimal so definitive
identification has been difficult. It has a light yellow iris but this can be found in
both species [i.e. also Boat-tailed]. Feedback would be apprciated.
Three immature RED CROSSBILLS were seen last weekend in Florence at McFarland Park near
shelter #1.
A pelagic trip on the 20th, to about 60 nautical miles south of Baldwin County, yielded a
CORY'S SHEARWATER, a MASKED BOOBY, an unidentified [RED-NECKED/RED] PHALAROPE, and five
BRIDLED TERNS.
A Baird's Sandpiper was seen on the 20th through the 22nd but not on the 23rd near the AL
119 bridge at Lake Purdy southeast of Birmingham.
Moderate numbers of shorebirds were seen recently at the old Alcoa complex on Blakely
Island. The rules for visitation, WHICH SHOULD BE FOLLOWED CLOSELY, have been changed
recently. At least two days notification is now required
for all visits, [call] 334-441-7085. Weekend birding requires an additional call to the
security office [at] 334-441-7777 the day of the visit. Permits must still be signed
annually and all visitors MUST REMAIN ON THE DIKE ROADS. For more information call John
Porter at 334-861-2120 or Greg Jackson [205-987-2855].
The next AOS meeting will be at Dauphin Island, October 10-12.
-End transcript
-top-
-RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *September 23, 1997 *ALST9709.23
-Birds mentioned
GREAT-TAILED or Boat-tailed Grackle
RED CROSSBILL
CORY'S SHEARWATER (pelagic)
MASKED BOOBY (pelagic)
RED-NECKED/RED PHALAROPE (pelagic)
BRIDLED TERN (pelagic)
Baird's Sandpiper
Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee review list.
Please send sighting descriptions with appropriate details to: Greg Jackson, 2220
Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244.
-Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: September 23,
1997 Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: same Compiler: Greg Jackson Transcriber: Steve
McConnell (swmavocet@aol.com)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Tuesday, September 23rd.
A heavily molting male grackle, either GREAT-TAILED or BOAT-TAILED, has been present for
about a week in Alexander City in the Wal-mart parking lot on US 280. Best times appear to
be between 8 and 9 am and after 5 pm. Unfortunately the entire tail is in molt and
vocalizations have been minimal so definitive identification has been difficult. It has a
light iris but
this can be found in both species. Feedback would be appreciated.
Three immature RED CROSSBILLS were seen last weekend in Florence at McFarland Park near
shelter #1.
A pelagic trip on the 20th, to about 60 nautical miles south of Baldwin County, yielded a
CORY'S SHEARWATER, a MASKED BOOBY, an unidentified [RED-NECKED/RED] PHALAROPE, and five
BRIDLED TERNS.
A BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was seen on the 20th near the AL 119 bridge at Lake Purdy
southeast of Birmingham.
Moderate numbers of shorebirds were seen a week ago at the old Alcoa complex on Blakely
Island. The rules for visitation, WHICH SHOULD BE FOLLOWED CLOSELY, have been changed
recently. At least two days notification is required for all visits at 334-441-7085 and
weekend birding requires an additional call to the security office at 334-441-7777 the day
of the visit. Permits must still be signed annually and all visitors MUST REMAIN ON THE
DIKE ROADS. For more information call John Porter at 334-861-2120 or Greg Jackson
[205-987-2855]
-End transcript
-top-
-RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *September 5, 1997 *ALST9709.05
-Birds mentioned
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Upland Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Long-billed Curlew
White-rumped Sandpiper
Baird's Sandpiper
Swallow-tailed Kite
Anhinga
-Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: September 5,
1997 Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: see below Compiler: Greg Jackson Transcriber:
Steve McConnell
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Friday, September 5th.
******************************************************************************
[Until further notice], reports of rare birds should be left with Bob Sargent
(205-681-2888) or with Ann Miller (205-879-7709).
******************************************************************************
An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and several other migrants were at Ft. Morgan on the
27th.
Three UPLAND and one BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen on the sod farms on Baldwin
County 12 east of AL 59 that day. PLEASE STAY OFF THE GRASS AT THIS OR ANY SOD FARM!
The traditional LONG-BILLED CURLEW was seen again on the 27th on the battleship
lawn on the Mobile causeway.
Many shorebirds were seen on the 27th at the old Alcoa complex on Blakely Island
including 12 WHITE-RUMPED and two BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS. The rules for visitation at Blakely
Island, WHICH SHOULD BE FOLLOWED CLOSELY, have been changed recently. Two days
notification is required now for all visits and weekend birding requires an additional
call to the security office the day of the visit. Permits still must be signed annually
and all visitors MUST REMAIN ON THE DIKE ROADS! For more information call John Porter at
334-861-2120.
Many SWALLOW-TAILED KITES were seen on the 22nd and the 23rd near Dothan at the
Robert Trent Jones golf course.
Two ANHINGAS were noted on the 22nd on US 331 ten miles north of Frank Jackson State
Park where water is on both sides of the road and another Anhinga was on US 31 north of
Castleberry just south of I65 that day [actually on the 24th].
The Harpersville Sod Farm in Shelby County has been reported as "poor"
for shorebirds recently.
Shorebirding also was generally poor in the Tennessee Valley on the 1st. The
Monsanto Pond in Decatur had a few birds as did the Colbert County 69 ponds east of
Leighton, and the Chicken Pond on County 22 just west of Leighton.
Gnat, Hog, and the Marthaler Lane pond west of Leighton are in poor condition as is
Walker Pond west of Florence.
-End transcript
-top-
-RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *August 24, 1997 *ALST9708.24
-Birds mentioned
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (3rd state record, p.a.)
Wood Stork
Swallow-tailed Kite
Canada Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler
Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee
review list. Please send sighting descriptions with appropriate
details
to: Greg Jackson, 2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244.
-Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: August 24, 1997
Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: same Compiler: Greg Jackson Transcriber: Steve
McConnell (swmavocet@aol.com)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Sunday, August 24th.
At the Marion Fish Hatchery, just northeast of Marion, a BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
continued through at least the 13th. I have no recent reports, however. Late in the day is
probably the best time to try for the bird. There is still some question as to the bird's
origin as it is banded with a numbered yellow plastic band. The hatchery is reached by AL
175 from AL 5. PLEASE OBSERVE POSTED RULES CONCERNING DRIVING ON THE ROADS. A few
shorebirds were seen on one of the ponds on the 13th.
Three SWALLOW-TAILED KITES were noted along AL 183 north of Uniontown on the 13th. On the
same day, 75 WOOD STORKS were at a catfish farm along AL 25 north of Faunsdale not far
from Hale County 12.
GOLDEN-WINGED and CANADA WARBLERS were at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on the 23rd.
The north end of the gardens is usually best.
The Harpersville Sod Farm has been reported as "poor" for shorebirds recently.
Many shorebirds were seen a few days ago at the old Alcoa complex on Blakely Island. The
rules for visitation, WHICH SHOULD BE FOLLOWED CLOSELY, have been changed recently. Two
days notification is required for all visits now
and weekend birding requires an additional call to the security office the day of the
visit. Permits still must be singed annually. For more information call John Porter at
334-861-2120 or Greg Jackson [205-987-2855].
-End transcript
-top-
RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *August 10, 1997
-Birds mentioned
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (3rd state record, p.a.)
Wood Stork
Least Bittern
Swallow-tailed Kite
Anhinga
American Avocet
-Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date:
August 10, 1997 Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: same Compiler:
Greg Jackson Transcriber: Steve McConnell
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Sunday, August 10th.
At the Marion Fish hatchery, just northeast of Marion, a BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK,
Alabama's 3rd report, continued through the 9th. Interestingly, I received word that the
bird was banded with a yellow plastic band with large numbers. This may affect the
question of the bird's origin but I lack enough information now to know the
significance. The hatchery is reached by AL 175 from AL 5. PLEASE OBSERVE
POSTED RULES CONCERNING DRIVING ON THE ROADS.
Nearby at Lakeland Farms south of Marion, an ANHINGA continued on the 9th at the lake with
stumps on the northwest corner of the farms near the northwest entrance road.
The pond to the east, across the road from the lake with stumps, has consistently yielded
LEAST BITTERNS with young in the last week. To reach this area, go just south from Marion
on AL 5 and turn right at the sign for Lakeland Farms. Turn left in a short distance
at another sign and go approximately two miles to a large white house on the left.
Take the next left about a half mile beyond the house on a dirt road. This will lead
shortly to the stump filled lake on the right.
Approximately 200 WOOD STORKS were counted on the 30th in a variety of locations in Hale
and Perry Counties with a group of 82 WOOD STORKS on AL 61 at kilometer 5 north of
Uniontown.
At least 60 SWALLOW-TAILED KITES were seen between Jackson and Choctaw NWR on the
2nd. Most were over fields along AL 69 between Jackson and Coffeeville.
Several WOOD STORKS were just northwest of the Tombigbee River bridge of US 84 that day.
Another good spot for swallow-tails this time of year is near the intersection of AL 10
and AL 69 in southwest Marengo County.
An AMERICAN AVOCET was seen recently near Leighton in northeast Colbert County. Go
west on County 22 from Leighton about two miles and turn north on County 63 - signed as
Marthaler Lane. Drive about a mile to the large wet areas on both sides of the road.
-End transcript
-top-
RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *August 4, 1997 *ALST9708.04
-Birds mentioned
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (3rd state record, p.a.)
Wood Stork
Anhinga
Swallow-tailed Kite
Eastern Kingbird
-Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date:
August 4, 1997 Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: same Compiler: Greg
Jackson Transcriber: Steve McConnell (swmavocet@aol.com)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Monday, August 4th.
At the Marion Fish Hatchery, just northeast of Marion, a BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK,
Alabama's 3rd, was spotted on the 2nd and continued through this morning. The
hatchery is reached by AL 175 from AL 5. PLEASE OBSERVE POSTED RULES CONCERNING
DRIVING ON THE ROADS.
Nearby at Lakeland Farms south of Marion, 22 WOOD STORKS and an ANHINGA were seen on
the 2nd. Two ANHINGAS, 13 WOOD STORKS, and a large flight of EASTERN KINGBIRDS were
there on the 30th.
Approximately 200 WOOD STORKS were counted on the 30th in a variety of locations in Hale
and Perry Counties with a group of 82 at AL 61 at kilometer marker 5 north of Uniontown.
At least 60 SWALLOW-TAILED KITES were seen between Jackson and Choctaw NWR on the 2nd with
most over fields along AL 69 between Jackson and Coffeeville. Several WOOD STORKS were
seen just northwest of the Tombigbee River bridge of US 84 that day.
Another good spot for swallow-tails this time of year is near the intersection of AL 10
and AL 69 in southwest Marengo County.
-End transcript
-top-
-RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *July 26, 1997 *ALST9707.26
-Birds mentioned
Wood Stork
Swallow-tailed Kite
-Transcript otline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: July 26, 1997
Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: same Compiler: Greg Jackson Transcriber: Steve
McConnell (swmavocet@aol.com)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Saturday, July 26th. [Until further
notice], please leave rare bird reports with Bob Sargent at 205-681-2888 or with Ann
Miller at 205-879-7709.
At Lakeland Farms south of Marion, five WOOD STORKS were seen a few days ago in a pond
in the northeast corner of the farm near the main house.
Eight SWALLOW-TAILED KITES were seen recently in Choctaw NWR in southeast Choctaw
County. Another good spot for swallow-tails at this time of year is near the intersection
of AL 10 and AL 69 in southwest Marengo County.
-End transcript
-top-
RBA
*Alabama *Statewide *July 6, 1997 *ALST9707.06
-Birds mentioned
WILSON'S STORM-PETREL (pelagic)
LEACH'S STORM-PETREL (pelagic)
BAND-RUMPED STORM-PETREL (pelagic)
BRIDLED TERN (pelagic)
SOOTY TERN (pelagic)
Wood Stork
Warbling Vireo
Lark Sparrow
Bachman's Sparrow
-Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: July 6,
1997 Number: 205-987-2730 Make reports to: same Compiler: Greg Jackson Transcriber: Steve
McConnell (swmavocet@aol.com)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello, this is the Alabama rare bird report for Sunday, July 6th.
A deepwater pelagic trip south of Baldwin County on the 28th of June produced
WILSON'S, LEACH'S, and BAND-RUMPED STORM-PETREL and BRIDLED and SOOTY TERNS.
Over 60 WOOD STORKS were spotted on the 1st near catfish ponds just east of
AL 69 at mile marker 85 south of US 80. Parking may be difficult here so
please use caution about stopping.
At Lakeland Farms south of Marion 17 WOOD STORKS were seen in the lake with
many tree stumps in the northwest part of the farms.
WARBLING VIREOS continued to be seen through the end of June at Waterloo in
western Lauderdale County. Just after the County 14 bridge over the mouth of
Second Creek, turn left into the large paved lot near the river. A nest is
in a tree with five trunks on the west side of the lot entrance road.
LARK SPARROWS continue to be seen in the Red Bank area of northwest Lawrence
County though the site is different than last year's. Go north on AL 101
from the town of Town Creek and turn east on County 314. Turn right on
County 407, left at the T-intersection with County 270, then take the road
[left] to the Mt. Zion church past the church and look for the birds before
thie road loops back to County 270. Also look along 270 before the turn.
BACHMAN'S SPARROWS are in a few areas of Colbert and Franklin Counties. Call
Steve McConnell at 205-353-2009 for details.
-End transcript
-top-
|
