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The Alabama RBA
April, 1998
Previous RBA Page : Alabama RBA for March,
1998
Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for May, 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 * April 25, 1998 * ALST984.25
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Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: April 25, 1998 Number:
205/987-2730
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Saturday, April 25, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated and Pacific loons, Eared Grebe, Yellow and Black rails,
Baird's Sandpiper, Glaucous Gull, White-winged Dove, Black-billed Cuckoo, Black-whiskered
Vireo, "Lawrence's" Warbler, and Painted Bunting.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen yesterday morning at the point at Ft. Morgan. This bird had
been reported the prior weekend from the ferry. Also at Ft. Morgan yesterday were
single UPLAND and BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS on the runway, and a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO in the
oleanders near the fort. A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was also seen.
Though no rarities have been seen here in the last couple of weeks, please note that the
VISITATION RULES FOR THE MAGNOLIA SPRINGS LANDFILL HAVE BEEN CHANGED. Birders are
welcome, but should FIRST CHECK AT THE OFFICE near the scales (second entrance) so they
will know who is present. As before, please stay outside the fenced pit, and do not
park in a way to block the heavy equipment. Thank you for your cooperation.
The AOS meeting at Dauphin Island produced several interesting birds last weekend. A
PACIFIC LOON was reported in the canals just west of the airport. An EARED GREBE in
full alternate plumage was in the bay just north of the Shell Mounds. The airport
marsh produced sightings of YELLOW and BLACK RAILS for a luck few. Two WHITE-WINGED
DOVES were behind the Harbor Lights Inn. A male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was in
the Shell Mounds. A BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO continued through 4/20 in the Bird
Sanctuary on the main trail near the campground. A "LAWRENCE'S" WARBLER
was banded 4/18 at Ft. Morgan.
A male PAINTED BUNTING was seen 4/24 southwest of Marion at Lake Land
Farms.
The RED-THROATED LOON was spotted again 4/12 near the AL 69 Causeway at Guntersville.
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RBA
* Alabama * Statewide * April 22, 1998 * ALST984.22
- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: April 22, 1998 Number:
205/987-2730
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Wednesday, April 22, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated Loon, Eared Grebe, Yellow and Black rails, Black-whiskered
Vireo, and "Lawrence's" Warbler.
The AOS meeting at Dauphin Island produced several interesting birds this weekend. A
PACIFIC LOON was reported in the canals just west of the airport. An EARED GREBE in
full alternate plumage was in the bay just north of the Shell Mounds. The airport
marsh produced sightings of YELLOW and BLACK RAILS for a luck few. A male
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was in the Shell Mounds. A BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO
continued through 4/20 in the Bird Sanctuary on the main trail near the campground.
A "LAWRENCE'S" WARBLER was banded 4/18 at Ft. Morgan.
The RED-THROATED LOON was spotted again 4/12 near the AL 69 Causeway at Guntersville.
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RBA
* Alabama * Statewide * April 17, 1998 * ALST984.17
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Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: April 17, 1998
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Friday, April 17, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Tundra Swan, Brown-crested Flycatcher, and Black-whiskered Vireo.
An adult TUNDRA SWAN appeared yesterday afternoon at a small lake south of Birmingham, and
was still present this morning. Exit I-459 at Acton Road and go east. Take the first right
turn into a business park, and look for the swan on the small lake. A trail on the north
side of the lake provides access and begins at the bridge.
Twelve UPLAND SANDPIPERS were seen 4/9 at the Harpersville sod farm. Please do not
walk or drive on the grass at this or any sod farm.
A BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO was seen at Ft. Morgan 4/12; another continued through that day on
Dauphin Island in the Bird Sanctuary on the main trail near the campground. A
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER was banded, but not subsequently seen, 4/12 at Ft. Morgan.
The AOS meeting is at Dauphin Island this weekend.
The Sargents and crew are banding at Ft. Morgan through Sunday and welcome visitors.
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RBA
* Alabama * Statewide * April 12, 1998 * ALST984.12
- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: April 12, 1998 Number:
205/987-2730
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Sunday, April 12, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Baird's Sandpiper, Cave Swallow, Black-whiskered Vireo, and Lincoln's Sparrow.
A CAVE SWALLOW was at the airstrip at Ft. Morgan 4/11. Also at Ft. Morgan that day were
three BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS (at Mobile Point), Nashville and Black-throated Blue warblers (in
the Middle Ground), and a Lincoln's Sparrow (on the south side of the fort).
Two BLACK-WHISKERED VIREOS have been present for several days at Dauphin Island. One has
been at Cadillac Square at least through 4/11, and another was seen through this morning
in the bird sanctuary (near the campground on the main trail).
Six UPLAND SANDPIPERS were seen 4/8 at the Harpersville sod farm.
The next AOS meeting will be at Dauphin Island 4/17-19.
The Sargents and crew are banding now at Ft. Morgan and welcome visitors.
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RBA
* Alabama * Statewide * April 9, 1998 * ALST984.9
- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: April 9, 1998 Number:
205/987-2730
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Saturday, April 9, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated Loon, Black and Surf scoters, Pomarine Jaeger, Thayer's Gull
(probable), Lesser Black-backed Gull, and Black-whiskered Vireo.
A probable first-year THAYER'S GULL was spotted 4/3 at the Magnolia Springs landfill in
south Baldwin County. I have had no further reports from this site. If you see this bird,
please make special note of the exact pattern of the primary feathers, especially below,
and the internal pattern of the tertial feathers. 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 without permission. Light is best from mid-morning; the landfill is
CLOSED SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND ALL DAY SUNDAY. It is possible to see a few of the birds
from the county road if the landfill is closed, but viewing is limited. Feedback on
attempts to see the Thayer's Gull would be appreciated.
Two BLACK-WHISKERED VIREOS were banded this week at Ft. Morgan, and one has remained in
the area of the Stables through at least 4/7.
A BLACK SCOTER and nine SURF SCOTERS were spotted 3/27 & 29 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.
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.
Six UPLAND SANDPIPERS were seen 4/8 at the Harpersville sod farm.
Two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, an adult and a third-year bird, have been seen
intermittently at the Harbor House Restaurant in Guntersville at the south end of the US
431 bridge. They were not found 4/1-2, however. Five RED-THROATED LOONS were observed 4/1
in Brown's Creek south of the AL 69 causeway, with one remaining 4/2.
The next AOS meeting will be at Dauphin Island 4/17-19.
The Sargents and crew are banding now at Ft. Morgan and welcome visitors.
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RBA * Alabama * Statewide * April 4, 1998 * ALST984.4
- Transcript Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: April 4, 1998
Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Saturday, April 4, 1998.
HIGHLIGHTS: Red-throated Loon, Black and Surf scoters, Pomarine Jaeger, Thayer's
Gull (probable), Lesser Black-backed Gull, Short-eared Owl, Buff-bellied and Black-chinned
hummingbirds, Bewick's Wren, and Evening Grosbeak.
A probable first-year THAYER'S GULL was spotted 4/3 at the Magnolia Springs landfill in
south Baldwin County. If you see this bird, please make special note of the exact
pattern of the primary feathers, especially below, and the internal pattern of the tertial
feathers. 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 without permission. Light is best from mid-morning;
the landfill is CLOSED SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND ALL DAY SUNDAY. It is possible to see
a few of the birds from the county road if the landfill is closed, but viewing is limited.
Feedback on attempts to see the Thayer's Gull would be appreciated.
A BLACK SCOTER and nine SURF SCOTERS were spotted 3/27 & 29 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.
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.
A BEWICK'S WREN was discovered 3/27 in the Kennedy Unit of Eufaula NWR, but could not be
relocated 4/3. 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 if this bird is relocated.
A MERLIN was spotted again 3/22 at Lake Land Farms southwest of Marion.
Two UPLAND SANDPIPERS were seen 4/1 at the Harpersville sod farm, across the road from the
church. Please stay on the roads here.
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).
Two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, an adult and a third-year bird, have been seen
intermittently at the Harbor House Restaurant in Guntersville at the south end of the US
431 bridge. They were not found 4/1-2, however. Five RED-THROATED LOONS were
observed 4/1 in Brown's Creek south of the AL 69 causeway, with one remaining 4/2.
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!
The next AOS meeting will be at Dauphin Island 4/17-19.
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