The Alabama RBA

January, 1998

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page :  Alabama RBA for Winter, 1997

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for February, 1998

Please send records with appropriate details to: Greg D. Jackson, 2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244.

The following may be called for information: on birding in Alabama, Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855; about the Alabama Ornithological Society, Charles Kennedy at 334/382-5737; about the Birmingham Audubon Society, Ann Miller at 205/879-7709; about the Shoals Audubon Society in n.w. Alabama, Bill Rogers at 205/766-5738.

- RBA  * Alabama * Statewide * January 29, 1998 * ALST981.29

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert  Date: January 29, 1998   Number: 205/987-2730 

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Thursday, January 29, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated and Pacific loons, Eared Grebe, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Black and Surf scoters, Common Merganser, Sandhill Crane, Buff-bellied, Black-chinned, and Calliope hummingbirds, Western Kingbird, Painted Bunting, Henslow's and Le Conte's sparrows, and Evening Grosbeak.

A ROSS'S GOOSE was in a small flock of SNOW GEESE 1/23-24 at Walker Pond west of Florence. From the Tennessee River bridge at Florence, go west on AL 20 toward Savannah. Turn left on Co. # 2 in a few miles, and drive about three miles to a large pond area on the right. The geese were on the far side of the pond, requiring a telescope for reasonable views. This is private property, so look from the roadside.

Just west of Walker Pond, single GRASSHOPPER and LE CONTE'S SPARROWS were located 1/23. They were in a field on the south side of CR 2 just east of the intersection with CR 220, near the Evergreen Baptist Church. The field starts on the east side of a small pond and continues up a small hill.

A female COMMON MERGANSER was spotted 1/23-24 in a flock of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS in the Tennessee River a few miles east of Waterloo.

An EARED GREBE was seen 1/10 in the Tennessee River near The Point Restaurant at the mouth of Town Creek.

RED-THROATED and PACIFIC LOONS were observed 1/19 on the south side of the AL 69 Causeway just west of Guntersville. The Red-throated has been present all winter, but the Pacific is a new report; the birds were seen together on 1/19.

SANDHILL CRANES have been reliable near Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR, with about 50 observed 1/17 and 14 on 1/25. The ROSS'S GOOSE was spotted again in the large goose flock 1/18, as were 21 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE 1/25. From I-65 north of the Tennessee River, go east toward Huntsville on I-565. Take the first exit to Mooresville, turn right at the next road, and go about a mile to a dirt road on the left with a boat landing sign. Go another mile to a track on the left with a gate with an orange band.  This is the cemetery area, which gives good views of the north part of the bay. A telescope is very helpful here.

Five LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen 1/25 on the mudflats of Beulah Bay in Swan Creek WMA near Decatur. Go north on US 31 from US Alt 72 east of the Tennessee River, and turn left just past the large plant at the WMA sign. The road will make a sharp right and then a sharp left in the first few miles, and then you should turn left on the dirt road just before a small bridge. In one mile take another dirt road to the right and park at the gate at the road end. Walk beyond the gate and in about 100 feet take a right on a small track that leads to the bay. A telescope is recommended.

A male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD has been in Gadsden at the Burgess residence, though it probably has left. Call 205/547-6223 for information.

EVENING GROSBEAKS continue at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga. Call Mary Wilson at 205/839-5155 for information. Grosbeaks were also seen recently near Cheaha SP.

The AOS meeting 1/23-25 at Eufaula produced several interesting species on the Alabama side of the river. Two ROSS'S GEESE were at the south end of the Houston Unit of Eufaula NWR in a small flock of SNOW GEESE. Also in the refuge, 11 SANDHILL CRANES were seen near dusk at the Upland Unit tower. A WILLET was a surprise on the grass at the marina.

A female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD is at the Callahan residence in south Mobile. Call 334/471-3033 for information.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD is at a feeder in Montrose on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Call Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information.

Two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS, and two lingering RUBY-THROATEDS, are at the feeders of Edith McClinton in Mobile. Call 334/432-4898 for information.

The PACIFIC LOON was seen again in Perdido Pass east of Gulf Shores 1/17; early morning is usually best, though on 1/17 it was present in early afternoon. Single BLACK and SURF SCOTERS were seen from the picnic pavilion of Gulf SP just east of Gulf Shores 1/16&17; another Black was noted 1/17 from the Gulf SP fishing pier in town; seven Surfs were just east of the pier 1/23. HENSLOW'S and LE CONTE'S SPARROWS were seen again near Gulf Shores 1/16 at the locations where they were present on the CBC 1/3; for more information, call Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855.

Two EARED GREBES were seen 1/9 in the Bayou La Batre ponds in south Mobile County; HORNED GREBES also were present here for comparison. Many ducks and shorebirds were noted, including four AMERICAN AVOCETS and a BLACK-NECKED STILT. The ponds are reached by turning west off AL 188 onto Little River Road at the light in Bayou La Batre just north of the bridge.  Go about a mile and where the paved road turns left, take the dirt road straight to the diked ponds visible from that turn. Please stay on the dikes.

A male PAINTED BUNTING has returned for a fourth winter to the feeders of Judy Thompson in Fairhope. Call 334/928-6913 to visit. Another adult male Painted was spotted 1/19 behind the Hampton Inn in Daphne.

A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen again 1/23 near the fort at Ft. Morgan.

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- RBA * Alabama * Statewide * January 23, 1998 * ALST981.23

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: January 23, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Friday, January 23, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated and Pacific loons, Eared Grebe, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Black and Surf scoters, Common Merganser, Sandhill Crane, Buff-bellied, Black-chinned, and Calliope hummingbirds, Sage Thrasher, Painted Bunting, Henslow's and Le Conte's sparrows, and Evening Grosbeak.

A ROSS'S GOOSE was in a small flock of SNOW GEESE today at Walker Pond west of Florence. From the Tennessee River bridge at Florence, go west on AL 20 toward Savannah. Turn left on Co. # 2 in a few miles, and drive about three miles to a large pond area on the right. The geese were on the far side of the pond, requiring a telescope for reasonable views. This is private property, so look from the roadside.

Just west of Walker Pond, single GRASSHOPPER and LE CONTE'S SPARROWS were located today. They were in a field on the south side of CR 2 just east of the intersection with CR 220, near the Evergreen Baptist Church. The field starts on the east side of a small pond and continues up a small hill.

A female COMMON MERGANSER was spotted today in a flock of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS in the Tennessee River a few miles east of Waterloo.

An EARED GREBE was seen 1/10 in the Tennessee River near The Point Restaurant at the mouth of Town Creek.

RED-THROATED and PACIFIC LOONS were observed 1/19 on the south side of the AL 69 Causeway just west of Guntersville. The Red-throated has been present all winter, but the Pacific is a new report; the birds were seen together on 1/19.

SANDHILL CRANES have been reliable near Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR, with about 50 observed 1/17. The ROSS'S GOOSE was spotted again in the large goose flock 1/18, as were at least 12 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. From I-65 north of the Tennessee River, go east toward Huntsville on I-565.  Take the first exit to Mooresville, turn right at the next road, and go about a mile to a dirt road on the left with a boat landing sign. Go another mile to a track on the left with a yellow gate. This is the cemetery area, which gives good views of the north part of the bay. A telescope is very helpful here.

A male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD is in Gadsden at the Burgess residence. Call 205/547-6223 for information.

EVENING GROSBEAKS continue at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga. Call Mary Wilson at 205/839-5155 for information. Grosbeaks were also seen recently near Cheaha SP.

There have been approximately 30 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 40 SANDHILL CRANES at Eufaula NWR, with 16 cranes seen 1/1 at the new waterfowl viewing platform early in the morning.

A female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD is at the Callahan residence in south Mobile. Call 334/471-3033 for information.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD is at a feeder in Montrose on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Call Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information.

Two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS, and two lingering RUBY-THROATEDS, are at the feeders of Edith McClinton in Mobile. Call 334/432-4898 for information.

The PACIFIC LOON was seen again in Perdido Pass east of Gulf Shores 1/17; early morning is usually best, though on 1/17 it was present in early afternoon. Single BLACK and SURF SCOTERS were seen from the picnic pavilion of Gulf SP just east of Gulf Shores 1/16&17; another Black was noted 1/17 from the Gulf SP fishing pier in town. HENSLOW'S and LE CONTE'S SPARROWS were seen again near Gulf Shores 1/16 at the locations where they were present on the CBC 1/3; for more information, call Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855.

Two EARED GREBES were seen 1/9 in the Bayou La Batre ponds in south Mobile County; HORNED GREBES also were present here for comparison. Many ducks and shorebirds were noted, including four AMERICAN AVOCETS and a BLACK-NECKED STILT. The ponds are reached by turning west off AL 188 onto Little River Road at the light in Bayou La Batre just north of the bridge.  Go about a mile and where the paved road turns left, take the dirt road straight to the diked ponds visible from that turn. Please stay on the dikes.

A male PAINTED BUNTING has returned for a fourth winter to the feeders of Judy Thompson in Fairhope. Call 334/928-6913 to visit. Another adult male Painted was spotted 1/19 behind the Hampton Inn in Daphne.

Two ROSS'S GEESE were with four SNOW GEESE 1/12 west of Mobile, but could not be relocated 1/16. They were in a plowed field near an FAA radar dome on the north side of Tanner Williams Road about 1.25-1.5 miles west of Big Creek Lake, east of the junction with Wilmer Road.

A SAGE THRASHER was at Ft. Morgan through 1/10, but appears to be gone as it could not be relocated 1/17 and 1/19 despite extensive waits. It was found in the brushy area just below the wall south of the fort near the easternmost house. Birding is allowed in this area, but please do not disturb the residents in the adjacent houses. A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was on the lawn near the fort 1/19.

AOS is meeting this weekend at Lakepoint SP Resort at Eufaula.

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RBA: AL January 20, 1998 * Alabama * Statewide * January 20, 1998

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: January 20, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Monday, January 20, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated and Pacific loons, Eared Grebe, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Black and Surf scoters, Sandhill Crane, Buff-bellied, Black-chinned, and Calliope hummingbirds, Western Kingbird, Sage Thrasher, Painted Bunting, Henslow's and LeConte's sparrows, and Evening Grosbeak.

A male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD is in Gadsden. Call Bob Sargent at 205/681-2888 for information.

Two ROSS'S GEESE were with four SNOW GEESE 1/12 west of Mobile, but could not be relocated 1/16. They were in a plowed field near an FAA radar dome on the north side of Tanner Williams Road about 1.25-1.5 miles west of Big Creek Lake, east of the junction with Wilmer Road.

A female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD is at the Callahan residence in south Mobile. Call 334/471-3033 for viewing information.

A SAGE THRASHER was at Ft. Morgan through 1/10, but could not be relocated 1/17; it is possibly still present, though. It has been in the brushy area just below the wall south of the fort near the easternmost house. Birding is allowed in this area, but please do not disturb the residents in the adjacent houses. The best method for finding the bird has been to wait quietly on the wall for it to appear; mid-day has been best. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen near the museum 1/10 but not 1/17.

The PACIFIC LOON was seen again in Perdido Pass east of Gulf Shores 1/17; early morning is usually best, though on 1/17 it was present in early afternoon. Single BLACK and SURF SCOTERS were seen from the picnic pavilion of Gulf SP just east of Gulf Shores 1/16&17; another Black was noted 1/17 from the Gulf SP fishing pier in town. HENSLOW'S and LECONTE'S SPARROWS were seen again near Gulf Shores 1/16 at the locations where they were present on the CBC 1/3; for more information, call Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855.

Two EARED GREBES were seen 1/9 in the Bayou La Batre ponds in south Mobile County; HORNED GREBES also were present here for comparison. Many ducks and shorebirds were noted, including four AMERICAN AVOCETS and a BLACK-NECKED STILT. The ponds are reached by turning west off AL 188 onto Little River Road at the light in Bayou La Batre just north of the bridge. Go about a mile and where the paved road turns left, take the dirt road straight to the diked ponds visible from that turn. Please stay on the dikes.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD is at a feeder in Montrose on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Call Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information.

Two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS, and two lingering RUBY-THROATEDS, are at the feeders of Edith McClinton in Mobile. Call 334/432-4898 for information.

A male PAINTED BUNTING has returned for a fourth winter to the feeders of Judy Thompson in Fairhope. Call 334/928-6913 to visit. Another adult male Painted was spotted 1/19 behind the Hampton Inn in Daphne.

There have been approximately 30 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 40 SANDHILL CRANES at Eufaula NWR, with 16 cranes seen 1/1 at the new waterfowl viewing platform early in the morning. Many gulls were Walter F. George Dam south of Eufaula 1/1, though no rarities were spotted; BALD EAGLES are reliable here.

EVENING GROSBEAKS continue at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga. Call Mary Wilson at 205/839-5155 for information. Grosbeaks were also seen recently near Cheaha SP.

The RED-THROATED LOON was seen again through 1/19 near the AL 69 Causeway just west of Guntersville. It has been observed most often just south of the AL 69 causeway on the east side of Brown's Creek. I also received a new report of a PACIFIC LOON south of the causeway 1/19.

An EARED GREBE was spotted 1/10 in the Tennessee River from near The Point restaurant at the mouth of Town Creek.

SANDHILL CRANES are reliably found near Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR, with about 50 observed 1/17. The ROSS'S GOOSE was spotted again in the large goose flock 1/18, as were at least 12 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. From I-65 north of the Tennessee River, go east toward Huntsville on I-565. Take the first exit to Mooresville, turn right at the next road, and go about a mile to a dirt road on the left with a boat landing sign. Go another mile to a track on the left with a yellow gate. This is the cemetery area, which gives good views of the north part of the bay. A telescope is very helpful here.

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- RBA  * Alabama * Statewide * January 12, 1998 * ALST981.12

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: January 6, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Monday, January 12, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated and Pacific loons, Eared Grebe, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Black and Surf scoters, Sandhill Crane, Parasitic Jaeger, Buff-bellied, Black-chinned, and Calliope hummingbirds, Western Kingbird, Sage Thrasher, Clay-colored, Lark, Henslow's, and LeConte's sparrows, Lapland Longspur, and Evening Grosbeak.

Two ROSS'S GEESE were with four SNOW GEESE today west of Mobile. They were in a plowed field on the north side of Tanner Williams Road about 1.25-1.5 miles west of Big Creek Lake, east of the junction with Wilmer Road. The birds were near an FAA radar dome.

A female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD is at the Callahan residence in south Mobile.Call 334/471-3033 for viewing information.

A SAGE THRASHER continued at Ft. Morgan through 1/10. It is in the brushy area just below the wall south of the fort near the easternmost house. Birding is allowed in this area, but please do not disturb the residents in the adjacent houses. The best method for finding the bird is to wait quietly on the wall for it to appear; this may take patience, but should be rewarded by excellent views. Early morning visits are not required, and mid-day appears best. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen near the museum 1/10.

The Gulf Shores CBC 1/3 produced several interesting species, including PACIFIC LOON, EARED GREBE, BLACK SCOTER, SANDHILL CRANE, PARASITIC JAEGER, and CLAY-COLORED, LARK, HENSLOW'S, and LECONTE'S SPARROWS. The PACIFIC LOON was in Perdido Pass east of Gulf Shores on the count and also 1/5; early morning is best. The PARASITIC JAEGER was observed 1/3 & 1/4 chasing gulls along the beach in central Gulf Shores. Six BLACK SCOTERS were in the central beach area 1/2 & 1/3, and eight BLACKS and a SURF were spotted here 1/4 at the end of AL 59; a lone scoter, identified by various parties as a SURF and BLACK, was at the end of AL 59 1/10. A lingering PRAIRIE WARBLER was seen 1/2 just west of Gulf Shores. For more information, call Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855.

Two EARED GREBES were seen 1/9 in the Bayou La Batre ponds in south Mobile County; HORNED GREBES also were present here for comparison. Many ducks and shorebirds were noted, including four AMERICAN AVOCETS and a BLACK-NECKED STILT. The ponds are reached by turning west off AL 188 onto Little River Road at the light in Bayou La Batre just north of the bridge. Go about a mile and where the paved road turns left, take the dirt road straight to the diked ponds visible from the turn. Please stay on the dikes.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD is at a feeder in Montrose on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Call Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information.

Two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS, and two lingering RUBY-THROATEDS, are at the feeders of Edith McClinton in Mobile. Call 334/432-4898 for information.

There are approximately 30 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 40 SANDHILL CRANES at Eufaula NWR, with 16 cranes seen 1/1 at the new waterfowl viewing platform early in the morning. Many gulls were Walter F. George Dam south of Eufaula 1/1, though no rarities were spotted; BALD EAGLES are reliable here.

EVENING GROSBEAKS continue at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga. Call Mary Wilson at 205/839-5155 for information.

The RED-THROATED LOON was seen again 1/11 near the AL 69 Causeway just west of Guntersville. It was observed from the beach area on the east side of Brown's Creek south of the causeway.

An EARED GREBE was spotted 1/10 in the Tennessee River from near The Point restaurant at the mouth of Town Creek.

SANDHILL CRANES are reliably found in Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR, with 26 observed 1/4. The ROSS'S GOOSE was spotted again in the large goose flock 12/31, and 28 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen here 1/4. From I-65 north of the Tennessee River, go east toward Huntsville on I-565. Take the first exit to Mooresville, turn right at the next road, and go about a mile to a dirt road on the left with a boat landing sign. Go another mile to a track on the left with a yellow gate. This is the cemetery area, which gives good views of the north part of the bay. A telescope is very helpful here.

LAPLAND LONGSPURS continue at Beulah Bay in Swan Creek WMA near Decatur, with five seen 1/4. Go north on US 31 from US Alt 72 east of the Tennessee River, and turn left just past the GM plant at the WMA sign. The road will make a sharp right and then a sharp left in the first few miles, and then you should turn left on the dirt road just before a small bridge. In one mile take another dirt road to the right and park at the gate at the road end. Walk beyond the gate and in about 100 feet take a right on a small track that leads to the water. A telescope is recommended.

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* Alabama * Statewide * January 8, 1998 * ALST981.8

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: January 6, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Thursday, January 8, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated and Pacific loons, Red-necked and Eared grebes, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Black Scoter, Sandhill Crane, Parasitic Jaeger, Buff-bellied, Black-chinned, and Calliope hummingbirds, Sage Thrasher, Clay-colored, Lark, Henslow's, and LeConte's sparrows, Lapland Longspur, and Evening Grosbeak.

A female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD is at the Callahan residence in south Mobile. Call 334/471-3033 for viewing information.

A SAGE THRASHER continued at Ft. Morgan through 1/4. It is in the brushy area just below the wall south of the fort near the easternmost house.  Birding is allowed in this area, but please do not disturb the residents in the adjacent houses. The best method for finding the bird is to wait quietly on the wall for it to appear; this may take patience, but should be rewarded by excellent views. Early morning visits are not required, and mid-day may actually be best based on recent patterns.

The Gulf Shores CBC 1/3 produced several interesting species, including PACIFIC LOON, EARED GREBE, BLACK SCOTER, SANDHILL CRANE, PARASITIC JAEGER, and CLAY-COLORED, LARK, HENSLOW'S, and LECONTE'S SPARROWS. The Pacific Loon was in Perdido Pass east of Gulf Shores on the count and also 1/5;
early morning is best. The Parasitic Jaeger was observed 1/3 & 1/4 chasing gulls along the beach in central Gulf Shores; six Black Scoters were in this area 1/2 & 1/3, but not subsequently. A lingering PRAIRIE WARBLER was seen 1/2 just west of Gulf Shores. For information, call Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855.

The Dauphin Island CBC last week produced RED-NECKED GREBE, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, and BLACK SCOTER. The goose was at the west end of the island; the grebe and scoters were seen from a boat in Mississippi Sound, and thus would be very difficult to relocate.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD is at a feeder in Montrose on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Call Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information.

Two Black-chinned Hummingbirds, and two lingering Ruby-throateds, are at the feeders of Edith McClinton in Mobile. Call 334/432-4898 for information.

There are approximately 30 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 40 SANDHILL CRANES at Eufaula NWR, with 16 cranes seen 1/1 at the new waterfowl viewing platform early in the morning. Many gulls were Walter F. George Dam south of Eufaula 1/1, though no rarities were spotted; BALD EAGLES are reliable here.

EVENING GROSBEAKS continue at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga. Call Mary Wilson at 205/839-5155 for information.

The RED-THROATED LOON was seen again 1/2 on the AL 69 Causeway just west of Guntersville. It was observed in the morning from the beach area on the east side of Brown's Creek south of the causeway.

SANDHILL CRANES are reliably found in Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR, with 26 observed 1/4. The ROSS'S GOOSE was spotted again in the large goose flock 12/31, and 28 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen here 1/4. From I-65 north of the Tennessee River, go east toward Huntsville on I-565. Take the first exit to Mooresville, turn right at the next road, and go about a mile to a dirt road on the left with a boat landing sign. Go another mile to a track on the left with a yellow gate. This is the cemetery area, which gives good views of the north part of the bay. A telescope is very helpful here

LAPLAND LONGSPURS continue at Beulah Bay in Swan Creek WMA near Decatur, with five seen 1/4. Go north on US 31 from US Alt 72 east of the Tennessee River, and turn left just past the GM plant at the WMA sign. The road will make a sharp right and then a sharp left in the first few miles, and then you should turn left on the dirt road just before a small bridge. In one mile take another dirt road to the right and park at the gate at the road end. Walk beyond the gate and in about 100 feet take a right on a small track that leads to the water. A telescope is recommended.

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* Alabama * Statewide * January 6, 1998

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: January 6, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Tuesday, January 6, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated and Pacific loons, Red-necked and Eared grebes, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Black Scoter, Sandhill Crane, Parasitic Jaeger, Buff-bellied and Black-chinned hummingbirds, Sage Thrasher, Clay-colored, Lark, Henslow's, and LeConte's sparrows, Lapland Longspur, and Evening Grosbeak.

A SAGE THRASHER continued at Ft. Morgan through 1/4. It is in the brushy area just below the wall south of the fort. Birding is allowed in this area, but please do not disturb the residents in the adjacent houses. The best method for finding the bird is to wait quietly on the wall for it to appear; this may take patience, but should be rewarded by excellent views. Early morning visits are not required, and mid-day may actually be best based on recent patterns.

The Gulf Shores CBC 1/3 produced several interesting species, including PACIFIC LOON, EARED GREBE, BLACK SCOTER, SANDHILL CRANE, PARASITIC JAEGER, and CLAY-COLORED, LARK, HENSLOW'S, and LECONTE'S SPARROWS. The Pacific Loon was in Perdido Pass east of Gulf Shores on the count and also 1/5; early morning is best. The Parasitic Jaeger was observed 1/3 & 1/4 chasing gulls along the beach in central Gulf Shores; six Black Scoters were in this area 1/2 & 1/3, but not subsequently. A lingering PRAIRIE WARBLER was seen 1/2 just west of Gulf Shores. For information, call Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855.

The Dauphin Island CBC last week produced RED-NECKED GREBE, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, and BLACK SCOTER. The goose was at the west end of the island; the grebe and scoters were seen from a boat in Mississippi Sound, and thus would be very difficult to relocate.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD is at a feeder in Montrose on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Call Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information.

Two Black-chinned Hummingbirds, and two lingering Ruby-throateds, are at the feeders of Edith McClinton in Mobile. Call 334/432-4898 for information.

There are approximately 30 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 40 SANDHILL CRANES at Eufaula NWR, with 16 cranes seen 1/1at the new waterfowl viewing platform early in the morning. Many gulls were Walter F. George Dam south of Eufaula 1/1, though no rarities were spotted; BALD EAGLES are reliable here.

EVENING GROSBEAKS continue at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga. Call Mary Wilson at 205/839-5155 for information.

The RED-THROATED LOON was seen again 1/2 on the AL 69 Causeway just west of Guntersville. It was observed in the morning from the beach area on the east side of Brown's Creek south of the causeway.

SANDHILL CRANES are reliably found in Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR, with 26 observed 1/4. I don't have recent reports of the ROSS'S GOOSE in the large Limestone Bay goose flock, but it likely is still present; 22 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were see here 1/1. From I-65 north of the Tennessee River, go east toward Huntsville on I-565. Take the first exit to Mooresville, turn right at the next road, and go about a mile to a dirt road on the left with a boat landing sign. Go another mile to a track on the left with a yellow gate. This is the cemetery area, which gives good views of the north part of the bay. A telescope is very helpful here

LAPLAND LONGSPURS continue at Beulah Bay in Swan Creek WMA near Decatur, with five seen 1/4. Go north on US 31 from US Alt 72 east of the Tennessee River, and turn left just past the GM plant at the WMA sign. The road will make a sharp right and then a sharp left in the first few miles, and then you should turn left on the dirt road just before the sign for a bridge. In one mile take another dirt road to the right and park at the gate at the road end. Walk beyond the gate and in about 100 feet take a right on a small track that leads to the water. A telescope is recommended.

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