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The Alabama RBA
March, 1998
Previous RBA Page : Alabama RBA for February,
1998
Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for April, 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 * March 29, 1998 * ALST983.25
- Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: March 29,
1998 Number: 205/987-2730
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Sunday, March 29, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated and Pacific loons, Oldsquaw, Black and Surf scoters, Pomarine
Jaeger, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Short-eared Owl, Buff-bellied and Black-chinned
hummingbirds, Bewick's Wren, and Evening Grosbeak.
The sub-adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continued through at least 3/26 at the Harbor House
Restaurant in Guntersville at the south end of the US 431 bridge. There may be two birds
in the area. Two fem. OLDSQUAWS were seen 3/25-26 at Guntersville near the east shore of
Brown's Creek south of the AL 69 causeway, viewed from the parking lot south of the
recreation center. An adult RED-THROATED LOON was observed 3/25-26 from this general area
farther out in the lake. Earlier in the month a PACIFIC LOON was seen here.
A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen at dusk 3/15 at the "hawk farm" near the north side
of Guntersville Dam. This is private property, but the manager allows birders to visit
with advance notice. From the dam, drive north and take the third left onto the gated
gravel road. Go about a half-mile and park at the curve near the small corral. DO NOT go
down the road much beyond the curve, and DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD. Look for the owl in the
fields to
the southwest. This is an excellent site for other raptors. For access, call Mr. Bearden
(205/582-6780) during reasonable hours and politely ask permission to look for birds from
his road; this is required before EACH visit. Please do not endanger our fragile access to
this excellent site by behaving improperly!
A MERLIN was spotted again 3/22 at Lake Land Farms southwest of Marion.
EVENING GROSBEAKS have been present all winter at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga.
Call Mary Wilson at 205/839-5155 for information. Grosbeaks are also just south of
Birmingham near Westover at the home of John Adrian (205/678-7332).
A BEWICK'S WREN was discovered 3/27 in the Kennedy Unit of Eufaula NWR. Go about a
half-mile down the road into the unit to where a moderate body of water is present on the
right. Continue to the second blind track on the right after this water area, and look for
the bird in the brush pile to the left at this point. Feedback would be appreciated.
A BLACK SCOTER and nine SURF SCOTERS were spotted 3/27 in Miss. Sound at the west end of
Dauphin Island from St. Stephens Street.
Pelagic birding 3/28 discovered a POMARINE JAEGER about three miles south of the west end
of Dauphin Island.
An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was at Ft. Morgan, near the fort, 3/27-28.
Nine AM. GOLDEN-PLOVERS and an UPLAND SANDPIPER were near Foley 3/29. Go east on Co. 20
just south of the outlet malls, and look at the sod farm on the south side of the road
opposite a white fence. Please do not walk or drive on the grass at this or any sod farm.
A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD has been present this winter at a feeder in Montrose on Mobile
Bay. Call Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information. Another Buff-bellied was
present erratically nearby in Fairhope; call Bob Sargent at 205/681-2888 for details.
Two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS have been seen through the winter at the feeders of Edith
McClinton in Mobile. Call 334/432-4898 for information.
- End Transcript
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* Alabama * Statewide * March 25, 1998 * ALST983.25
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: March 25, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Wednesday, March 25, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated and Pacific loons, Oldsquaw, Lesser Black-backed Gull,
Short-eared Owl, Buff-bellied and Black-chinned hummingbirds, and Evening Grosbeak.
The sub-adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen again today at the Harbor House Restaurant
in Guntersville at the south end of the US 431 bridge. There may be two birds in the
area. Two fem. OLDSQUAWS were found today at Guntersville near the east shore of
Brown's Creek south of the AL 69 causeway, viewed from the parking lot south of the
recreation center. An adult RED-THROATED LOON was spotted today from this general
area farther out in the lake. Earlier in the month a PACIFIC LOON was seen here.
A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen at dusk 3/15 at the "hawk farm" near the north side
of Guntersville Dam. This is private property, but the manager allows birders to
visit with advance notice. From the dam, drive north and take the third left onto
the gated gravel road. Go about a half-mile and park at the curve near the small
corral. DO NOT go down the road much beyond the curve, and DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD.
Look for the owl in the fields to the southwest. This is an excellent site
for other raptors. For access, call Mr. Bearden (205/582-6780) during reasonable
hours and politely ask permission to look for birds from his road; this is required before
EACH visit. Please do not endanger our fragile access to this excellent site by
behaving improperly!
A MERLIN was spotted again 3/22 at Lake Land Farms southwest of Marion.
EVENING GROSBEAKS have been present all winter at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga.
Call Mary Wilson at 205/839-5155 for information. Grosbeaks are also just south of
Birmingham near Westover at the home of John Adrian (205/678-7332).
A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD has been present this winter at a feeder in Montrose on Mobile
Bay. Call Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information. Another
Buff-bellied was present erratically nearby in Fairhope; call Bob Sargent at 205/681-2888
for details.
Two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS have been seen through the winter at the feeders of Edith
McClinton in Mobile. Call 334/432-4898 for information.
- End Transcript
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* Alabama * Statewide * March 17, 1998 * ALST983.17
- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: March 17, 1998 Number:
205/987-2730
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Tuesday, March 17, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Pacific Loon, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Short-eared Owl, Buff-bellied
and Black-chinned hummingbirds, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Henslow's and Le Conte's
sparrows, and Evening Grosbeak.
A PACIFIC LOON was seen 3/7-8 at Brown's Creek just west of Guntersville. It was
on the east side of the creek just south of the AL 69 Causeway, viewed from the parking
lot south of the recreation center. An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL found at the
Harbor House Restaurant at the south end of the US 431 bridge 3/8 was spotted again 3/13.
A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen at dusk 3/15 at the "hawk farm" near the north
side of Guntersville Dam. This is private property, but the manager allows birders
to visit with advance notice. From the dam, drive north and take the third left onto
the gated gravel road. Go about a half-mile and park at the curve near the small
corral. DO NOT go down the road much beyond the curve, and DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD.
Look for the owl in the fields to the southwest. This is an excellent site
for other raptors. For access, call Mr. Bearden (205/582-6780) during reasonable
hours and politely ask permission to look for birds from his road; this is required before
EACH visit. Please do not endanger our fragile access to this excellent site by
behaving improperly!
An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER continued through 3/8 at Lake Land Farms near Marion.
Go south from Marion on AL 5 and turn right in about a mile on Prier Drive at the sign for
the Marion Institute (where the road angles back sharply). Take the next left on Co.
20 at the sign for Lake Land Farms and drive about two miles to the western Lake Land
Farms road; this dirt road is about a half-mile west of the large house and barn complex
on the left. The bird has been along the dirt road in the area between the two small
ponds and barn on the left and the "Stump Lake" on the right; it often feeds in
the small trees along the road. It may spend time in the woods at and south of the
"Stump Lake" dike west of the road, so patience may be required. Many
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS have been seen in this area recently. A MERLIN was spotted
2/25 in the central part of the farms to the south.
Two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, and adult and a second-year bird, have been in a large
concentration of gulls in the Baldwin County landfill just north of Magnolia Springs.
The immature was seen 2/13, and the adult 2/21 and 2/28. Go north from Magnolia
Springs on Co. 49, and turn sharply left at the southern edge of the landfill. The
entrance road is on the right in about a half mile. Most of the gulls are in the
fenced pit at the south end of the complex, though some are in a field just to the north
on the way to the public dump area. The best way to work the site is to enter the
first of two gates, wind east of the southernmost buildings, and park well out of the way
near west side of the fenced pit. Cross a small ditch and view the pit from OUTSIDE
the fence. It is important not to block or otherwise interfere with the trucks and
other heavy equipment moving about this area; be cautious in your approach so access
privileges are not endangered. Also, DO NOT USE A CAMERA HERE. Light is best
from mid-morning; the landfill is closed Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.
A LE CONTE'S SPARROW was seen 2/7 at Key Cave NWR west of Florence and may still be
present. Drive west on Lauderdale Co. 2 from AL 20 and turn left on the unpaved Co. 15.
Drive 1.5 miles to an intersection marked with refuge signs; the bird was in a
field in the NW corner of the refuge here.
EVENING GROSBEAKS continue at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga. Call Mary Wilson
at 205/839-5155 for information. Grosbeaks are also just south of Birmingham near
Westover at the home of John Adrian (205/678-7332).
The PACIFIC LOON reported earlier in the season was seen again 2/21 at Perdido Pass
east of Gulf Shores.
HENSLOW'S SPARROW (at two sites) and LE CONTE'S SPARROW (up to eight birds) have been
seen this winter near Gulf Shores; for more information, call Greg Jackson at
205/987-2855.
The LONG-BILLED CURLEW was seen again 2/28 on the Battleship lawn on the Mobile
Causeway.
Many ducks and shorebirds, including good numbers of AM. AVOCETS, were at Blakely
Island 2/28. Call John Porter at 334/861-2120 for information. Permits and advance
notification are REQUIRED to visit this site.
A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD has been at a feeder in Montrose on Mobile Bay. Call
Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information. Another Buff-bellied is present
erratically nearby in Fairhope; call Bob Sargent at 205/681-2888 for details.
Two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS have been at the feeders of Edith McClinton in Mobile.
Call 334/432-4898 for information.
- End Transcript
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* Alabama * Statewide * March 14, 1998 * ALST983.14
- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: March 7, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Saturday, March 14,
1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Pacific Loon, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Buff-bellied and Black-chinned
hummingbirds, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Henslow's and Le Conte's sparrows, and Evening
Grosbeak.
A PACIFIC LOON was seen 3/7-8 at Brown's Creek just west of Guntersville. It was on
the east side of the creek just south of the AL 69 Causeway, viewed from the parking lot
south of the recreation center. An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at the Harbor
House Restaurant at the south end of the US 431 bridge 3/8. Neither bird was seen
3/11, but both may still be present.
An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER continued through 3/8 at Lake Land Farms near Marion. Go
south from Marion on AL 5 and turn right in about a mile on Prier Drive at the sign for
the Marion Institute (where the road angles back sharply). Take the next left on Co.
20 at the sign for Lake Land Farms and drive about two miles to the western Lake Land
Farms road; this dirt road is about a half-mile west of the large house and barn complex
on the left. The bird has been along the dirt road in the area between the two small
ponds and barn on the left and the "Stump Lake" on the right; it often feeds in
the small trees along the road. It may spend time in the woods at and south of the
"Stump Lake" dike west of the road, so patience may be required. Many
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS have been seen in this area recently. A MERLIN was spotted
2/25 in the central part of the farms to the south.
Two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, and adult and a second-year bird, have been in a large
concentration of gulls in the Baldwin County landfill just north of Magnolia Springs.
The immature was seen 2/13, and the adult 2/21 and 2/28. Go north from Magnolia
Springs on Co. 49, and turn sharply left at the southern edge of the landfill. The
entrance road is on the right in about a half mile. Most of the gulls are in the
fenced pit at the south end of the complex, though some are in a field just to the north
on the way to the public dump area. The best way to work the site is to enter the
first of two gates, wind east of the southernmost buildings, and park well out of the way
near west side of the fenced pit. Cross a small ditch and view the pit from OUTSIDE
the fence. It is important not to block or otherwise interfere with the trucks and
other heavy equipment moving about this area; be cautious in your approach so access
privileges are not endangered. Also, DO NOT USE A CAMERA HERE. Light is best
from mid-morning; the landfill is closed Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.
A LE CONTE'S SPARROW was seen 2/7 at Key Cave NWR west of Florence. Drive west on
Lauderdale Co. 2 from AL 20 and turn left on the unpaved Co. 15. Drive 1.5 miles to
an intersection marked with refuge signs; the bird was in a field in the NW corner of the
refuge here.
EVENING GROSBEAKS continue at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga. Call Mary Wilson at
205/839-5155 for information.
The PACIFIC LOON reported earlier in the season was seen again 2/21 at Perdido Pass east
of Gulf Shores.
HENSLOW'S SPARROW (at two sites) and LE CONTE'S SPARROW (up to eight birds) have been seen
this winter near Gulf Shores; for more information, call Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855.
The LONG-BILLED CURLEW was seen again 2/28 on the Battleship lawn on the Mobile Causeway.
Many ducks and shorebirds, including good numbers of AM. AVOCETS, were at Blakely Island
2/28. Call John Porter at 334/861-2120 for information. Permits and advance
notification are REQUIRED to visit this site.
A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD has been at a feeder in Montrose on Mobile Bay. Call
Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information. Another Buff-bellied is present
erratically nearby in Fairhope; call Bob Sargent at 205/681-2888 for details.
Two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS have been at the feeders of Edith McClinton in Mobile.
Call 334/432-4898 for information.
- End Transcript
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* Alabama * Statewide * March 7, 1998 * ALST983.7
- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: March 7, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Saturday, March 7, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Pacific Loon, Rough-legged Hawk, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Buff-bellied
and Black-chinned hummingbirds, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Henslow's and Le Conte's
sparrows, and Evening Grosbeak.
A PACIFIC LOON was seen this morning at Brown's Creek just west of Guntersville. It
was on the east side of the creek just south of the AL 69 Causeway, viewed from the
parking lot south of the recreation center.
An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER continued through 3/5 at Lake Land Farms near Marion. Go
south from Marion on AL 5 and turn right in about a mile on Prier Drive at the sign for
the Marion Institute ( where the road angles back sharply). Take the next left on
Co. 20 at the sign for Lake Land Farms and drive about two miles to the western Lake Land
Farms road; this dirt road is about a half-mile west of the large house and barn complex
on the left. The bird has been along the dirt road in the area between the two small
ponds and barn on the left and the "Stump Lake" on the right; it often feeds in
the small trees along the road. It may spend time in the woods at and south of the
"Stump Lake" dike west of the road, so patience may be required. Many
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS have been in this area recently. A MERLIN was spotted 2/25 in
the central part of the farms to the south.
Two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, and adult and a second-year bird, have been in a large
concentration of gulls in the Baldwin County landfill just north of Magnolia Springs.
The immature was seen 2/13, and the adult 2/21 and 2/28. Go north from
Magnolia Springs on Co. 49, and turn sharply left at the southern edge of the landfill.
The entrance road is on the right in about a half mile. Most of the gulls are
in the fenced pit at the south end of the complex, though some are in a field just to the
north on the way to the public dump area. The best way to work the site is to enter
the first of two gates, wind east of the southernmost buildings, and park well out of the
way near west side of the fenced pit. Cross a small ditch and view the pit from
OUTSIDE the fence. It is important not to block or otherwise interfere with the
trucks and other heavy equipment moving about this area; be cautious in your approach so
access privileges are not endangered. Also, DO NOT USE A CAMERA HERE. Light is
best from mid-morning; the landfill is closed Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.
A LE CONTE'S SPARROW was seen 2/7 at Key Cave NWR west of Florence. Drive west on
Lauderdale Co. 2 from AL 20 and turn left on the unpaved Co. 15. Drive 1.5 miles to
an intersection marked with refuge signs; the bird was in a field in the NW corner of the
refuge here.
EVENING GROSBEAKS continue at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga. Call Mary Wilson at
205/839-5155 for information. Grosbeaks also have been seen this winter near Cheaha
SP and on Pine Mountain near Remlap.
The PACIFIC LOON reported earlier in the season was seen again 2/21 at Perdido Pass east
of Gulf Shores.
HENSLOW'S SPARROW (at two sites) and LE CONTE'S SPARROW (up to eight birds) have been seen
this winter near Gulf Shores; for more information, call Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855.
The LONG-BILLED CURLEW was seen again 2/28 on the Battleship lawn on the Mobile Causeway.
Many ducks and shorebirds, including good numbers of AM. AVOCETS, were at Blakely Island
2/28. Call John Porter at 334/861-2120 for information. Permits and advance
notification are REQUIRED to visit this site.
A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD has been at a feeder in Montrose on Mobile Bay. Call
Nancy Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information. Another Buff-bellied is present
erratically nearby in Fairhope; call Bob Sargent at 205/681-2888 for details.
Two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS, and two lingering RUBY-THROATEDS, have been at the feeders
of Edith McClinton in Mobile. Call 334/432-4898 for information.
In Swan Creek WMA near Decatur, a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was spotted 3/1 but could not be
relocated 3/4. Go north on US 31 from US Alt 72 east of Decatur, and turn left just
past the large plant at the WMA sign. Where the road turns sharply right, continue
straight. The bird was in a field opposite a maintenance building. Feedback
would be appreciated if the bird is relocated.
- End Transcript
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* Alabama
* Statewide
* March 1, 1998
- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: March 1, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Sunday, March 1, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Pacific Loon, Rough-legged Hawk, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Buff-bellied and
Black-chinned hummingbirds, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Henslow's and Le Conte's sparrows,
and Evening Grosbeak.
In Swan Creek WMA near Decatur, a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was spotted this afternoon. Go north
on US 31 from US Alt 72 east of Decatur, and turn left just past the large plant at the
WMA sign. Where the road turns sharply right, continue straight. The bird was in a field
opposite a maintenance building. Feedback would be appreciated.
A LE CONTE'S SPARROW was seen 2/7 at Key Cave NWR west of Florence. Drive west on
Lauderdale Co. 2 from AL 20 and turn left on the unpaved Co. 15. Drive 1.5 miles to an
intersection marked with refuge signs; the bird was in a field in the NW corner of the
refuge here.
EVENING GROSBEAKS continue at feeders in Hollins south of Sylacauga. Call Mary Wilson at
205/839-5155 for information. Grosbeaks also have been seen near Cheaha SP and on Pine
Mountain near Remlap.
An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER continued through this afternoon at Lake Land Farms near
Marion. Go south from Marion on AL 5 and turn right in about a mile on Prier Drive at the
sign for the Marion Institute (road angles back sharply). Take the next left on Co. 20 at
the sign for Lake Land Farms and drive about two miles to the western Lake Land Farms
road; this dirt road is about a half-mile west of the large house and barn complex on the
left. The bird has been along the dirt road in the area between the two small ponds and
barn on the left and the "stump" lake on the right; it feeds in the small trees
along the road. Many WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS have been in this area recently, though none
were seen today. A MERLIN was spotted 2/25 in the central part of the farms to the south.
Two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, and adult and a second-year bird, have been in a large
concentration of gulls in the Baldwin County landfill just north of Magnolia Springs. The
immature was seen 2/13, and the adult 2/21 and 2/28. Go north from Magnolia Springs on Co.
49, and turn sharply left at the southern edge of the landfill. The entrance road is on
the right in about a half mile. Most of the gulls are in the fenced pit at the south end
of the complex, though some are in a field just to the north on the way to the public dump
area. The best way to work the site is to enter the first of two gates, wind east of the
southernmost buildings, and park well out of the way near west side of the fenced pit.
Cross a small ditch and view the pit from OUTSIDE the fence. It is important not to block
or otherwise interfere with the trucks and other heavy equipment moving about this area;
be cautious in your approach so access privileges are not endangered. Also, DO NOT USE A
CAMERA HERE. Light is best from mid-morning; the landfill is closed Saturday afternoon and
all day Sunday.
The PACIFIC LOON reported earlier in the season was seen again 2/21 at Perdido Pass east
of Gulf Shores.
HENSLOW'S SPARROW (at two sites) and LE CONTE'S SPARROW (up to eight birds) continue near
Gulf Shores; for more information, call Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855.
The LONG-BILLED CURLEW was seen again 2/28 on the Battleship lawn on the Mobile Causeway.
Many ducks and shorebirds, including good numbers of AM. AVOCETS, were seen 2/28 at
Blakely Island. Call John Porter at 334/861-2120 for information. Permits and advance
notification are REQUIRED to visit this site.
A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD has been at a feeder in Montrose on Mobile Bay. Call Nancy
Moore at 334/928-9950 for viewing information. Another Buff-bellied is present erratically
nearby in Fairhope; call Bob Sargent at 205/681-2888 for details.
Two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS, and two lingering RUBY-THROATEDS, have been at the feeders
of Edith McClinton in Mobile. Call 334/432-4898 for information.
- End Transcript
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