The Alabama RBA

May, 1998

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page :  Alabama RBA for April, 1998

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for June, 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 * May 25, 1998 * ALST985.25

- Birds mentioned

WILSON'S STORM-PETREL
BAND-RUMPED STORM-PETREL
Plegadis ibis
Black-necked Stilt
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
POMARINE JAEGER
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Swainson's Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
Lark Sparrow

Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee Review List.

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

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: May 25, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Make reports to: same or <greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net>
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Monday, May 25, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Wilson's and Band-rumped storm-petrels, Black-necked Stilt, Red-necked Phalarope, Pomarine Jaeger, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Connecticut Warbler, and Lark Sparrow.

A deepwater pelagic trip 5/23 off Baldwin County produced four WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS, 8-9 BAND-RUMPED STORM-PETRELS, three unidentified storm-petrels, four RED-NECKED (and six probable Red-necked) PHALAROPES, and a POMARINE JAEGER.

A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was seen in the Blakely Island pond complex 5/22 in the n.w. corner of Lake # 1.  Three unidentified Plegadis ibis were seen in flight here that day, with another at the Battleship.  Please remember that you cannot enter the main Blakely pond area without permits, TWO days advance notice, and an additional call the day of your visit on weekends.  Please DO NOT LEAVE THE DIKES FOR ANY REASON. For information on visitation, call Greg Jackson at 205/987-2855 or John Porter at 334/861-2120.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS is in Perry County.  Go south on AL 61 from Greensboro.   Before reaching Newberg, turn east on Co. 48. Travel 3.2 miles and turn south on an unmarked road a short distance past Reynold's Chapel Church. The birds are in the area with a fallow field on one side and a pasture on the other, 1.1 miles from the turn from Co. 48.

Two singing SWAINSON'S WARBLERS are on a dirt county road in Bibb County that runs between AL 25 and Bibb Co. 80.  This unmarked dirt road intersects AL 25 on the left about one mile before reaching Pondville traveling south on AL 25. The birds are about 0.2 miles before the intersection with Bibb Co. 80. Another location is on Hale Co. 4, about 0.1 miles from the intersection with AL 25.

A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER and a singing male CONNECTICUT WARBLER were seen just south of Birmingham this morning in a private area.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has returned to Trussville in the woods behind the old First Presbyterian Church on US 11.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER also can be found in Blount County.  On AL 79 a few miles north of the junction with US 231 is a Tyson plant.  Just north of the plant is a road to the right leading to a creek; the woods in this area are reliable for Swainson's.

The Marthaler Lane ponds in eastern Colbert County continue in good condition, with many shorebirds seen 5/24.  These include a nesting (!) pair of BLACK-NECKED STILTS. Go west on Co. 22 from Leighton and turn north on Marthaler Lane. Drive about a mile to the large ponds on both sides of the road.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has been heard frequently this month behind the headquarters buildings of Wheeler NWR.  This area is on the right as you travel away from I-65 on AL 67.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS is at Belle Mina east of Decatur.  From the Mooresville exit on I-565 go north on Mooresville Road for about four miles and turn left onto Boseck Road.    Drive west to a T-intersection with the gravel Fenell Road in about one mile. Turn right and go north for 0.3 miles, looking for the birds in the cotton fields near the road.  A nest was found in the grass along the roadside, but unfortunately the grass was cut recently and the eggs destroyed.  Please DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD HERE, as the birds may attempt to renest; visitation should be brief.

LARK SPARROWS have returned to the Red Bank area of n.w. Lawrence County.  From Town Creek go north on AL 101 and turn east on Co. 270.  Turn left 0.3 miles past the junction with Co. 407 onto an unmarked paved road adjacent to a house with a wooden fence.   Go 0.7 miles and look for the birds near the brushpile on the right.

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RBA

* Alabama * Statewide * May 22, 1998 * ALST985.22

- Birds mentioned

Mississippi Kite
Peregrine Falcon
Black-necked Stilt
Baird's Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
RUFF
Wilson's Phalarope
Laughing Gull
TROPICAL/COUCH'S KINGBIRD
Swainson's Warbler
Lark Sparrow

Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee
Review List.

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

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: May 22, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Make reports to: same or < greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net >
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Friday, May 22, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Black-necked Stilt, Baird's Sandpiper, Ruff, Laughing Gull, Tropical/Couch's Kingbird, and Lark Sparrow.

Though I'd like to hear of all unusual species, specific information is requested this month on occurrences of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and CONNECTICUT WARBLER. Thank you.

A silent TROPICAL/COUCH'S KINGBIRD was seen early this morning on the Mobile Causeway. It was near the entrance road to the Battleship, and was last seen flying northwest. Immediate feedback on sightings of this bird would be appreciated.

A REEVE was seen 5/17-18 at Blakely Island near Mobile at a location accessible WITHOUT permits or prior notice. It was not seen early this morning, but possibly could be in the area. The bird has been in the roadside ponds, not in the large spoil ponds. Go north on the Blakely Island road and turn left at the foot of the large bridge. Drive to where you can leave the road and go directly under the bridge. Just to the east is a long pool of water where the bird has been feeding with other shorebirds. Please remember that you cannot enter the main Blakely pond area without permits and TWO days advance notice.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS is in Perry County. Go south on AL 61 from Greensboro. Before reaching Newberg, turn east on Co. 48. Travel 3.2 miles and turn south on an unmarked road a short distance past Reynold's Chapel Church. The birds are in the area with a fallow field on one side and a pasture on the other, 1.1 miles from the turn from Co. 48.

Two singing SWAINSON'S WARBLERS are on a dirt county road in Bibb County that runs between AL 25 and Bibb Co. 80. This unmarked dirt road intersects AL 25 on the left about one mile before reaching Pondville traveling south on AL 25. The birds are about 0.2 miles before the intersection with Bibb Co. 80. Another location is on Hale Co. 4, about 0.1 miles from the intersection with AL 25.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has returned to Trussville in the woods behind the old First Presbyterian Church on US 11.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER also can be found in Blount County. On AL 79 a few miles north of the junction with US 231 is a Tyson plant. Just north of the plant is a road to the right leading to a creek; the woods in this area are reliable for Swainson's.

The Marthaler Lane ponds in eastern Colbert County continue in good condition, with many shorebirds seen 5/21. These include a nesting (!) pair of BLACK-NECKED STILTS. Shorebirds at this site in the last week have included a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and two WILSON'S PHALAROPES. Other sightings are of a MISSISSIPPI KITE and a PEREGRINE FALCON last weekend. Go west on Co. 22 from Leighton and turn north on Marthaler Lane. Drive about a mile to the large ponds on both sides of the road.

A LAUGHING GULL was seen 5/15 at Wilson Dam near Florence.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has been heard frequently this month behind the headquarters buildings of Wheeler NWR. This area is on the right as you travel away from I-65 on AL 67.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS is at Belle Mina east of Decatur. From the Mooresville exit on I-565 go north on Mooresville Road for about four miles and turn left onto Boseck Road. Drive west to a T-intersection with the gravel Fenell Road in about one mile. Turn right and go north for 0.3 miles, looking for the birds in the cotton fields near the road. A nest was found in the grass along the roadside, but unfortunately the grass was cut last weekend and the eggs destroyed. Please DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD HERE, as the birds may attempt to renest; visitation should be brief.

LARK SPARROWS have returned to the Red Bank area of n.w. Lawrence County. From Town Creek go north on AL 101 and turn east on Co. 270. Turn left 0.3 miles past the junction with Co. 407 onto an unmarked paved road adjacent to a house with a wooden fence. Go 0.7 miles and look for the birds near the brushpile on the right.

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RBA

* Alabama * Statewide * May 18, 1998 * ALST985.18

- Birds mentioned

Mississippi Kite
Peregrine Falcon
Black-necked Stilt
Baird's Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
RUFF
Wilson's Phalarope
Laughing Gull
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Swainson's Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Lark Sparrow

Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee
Review List.

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: May 18, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Make reports to: same or <greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net>
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Monday, May 18, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Black-necked Stilt, Baird's Sandpiper, Ruff, Laughing Gull, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Connecticut and Mourning warblers, and Lark Sparrow.

Though I'd like to hear of all unusual species, specific information is requested this month on occurrences of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and CONNECTICUT WARBLER.  Thank you.

The REEVE continued through this morning at Blakely Island near Mobile at a location accessible WITHOUT permits or prior notice.  The bird has been in the roadside ponds, not in the large spoil ponds.  Go north on the Blakely Island road and turn left at the foot of the large bridge.  Drive to where you can leave the road and go directly under the bridge.  Just to the east is a long pool of water where the bird feeds with other shorebirds. Please remember that you cannot enter the main Blakely pond area without permits and TWO days advance notice.

A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was heard 5/16 south of Birmingham, though subsequent searches have been unsuccessful.  However, a singing MOURNING WARBLER was heard here 5/17.   SWAINSON'S WARBLERS also are present.  Go east on I-459 from I-65 and take the first exit at Acton Road. Drive east a short distance to the day care center and park.   Walk the gravel road as it goes down to the river and then along the north shore.   The Connecticut was singing in the thicket at the road end (about a mile from the parking lot), where a side road heads to the right up the mountain.  The Mourning Warbler was about halfway to the end, in the area near two obvious large dead trees.   Feedback on the Connecticut and Mourning warblers would be appreciated.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has returned to Trussville in the woods behind the old First Presbyterian Church on US 11.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER also can be found in Blount County.  On AL 79 a few miles north of the junction with US 231 is a Tyson plant.  Just north of the plant is a road to the right leading to a creek; the woods in this area are reliable for Swainson's, with one or two heard singing here earlier in the month.

An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen 5/12 south of Guin on AL 107, feeding from the top of a snag.  If this bird is seen again, please leave a message.

The Marthaler Lane ponds in eastern Colbert County are in good condition now, with many shorebirds seen this weekend.  These included two BLACK-NECKED STILTS, a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, and two WILSON'S PHALAROPES.  Other birds at this site in the last few days have included MISSISSIPPI KITE and PEREGRINE FALCON.  Go west on Co. 22 from Leighton and turn north on Marthaler Lane.  Drive about a mile to the large ponds on both sides of the road.

A LAUGHING GULL was seen 5/15 at Wilson Dam near Florence.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has been heard frequently in the last three weeks behind the headquarters buildings of Wheeler NWR.  This area is on the right as you travel away from I-65 on AL 67.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS is at Belle Mina east of Decatur.  From the Mooresville exit on I-565 go north on Mooresville Road for about four miles and turn left onto Boseck Road.    Drive west to a T-intersection with the gravel Fenell Road in about one mile. Turn right and go north for 0.3 miles, looking for the birds in the cotton fields near the road.  A nest was found in the grass along the roadside, but unfortunately the grass was cut this weekend and the eggs destroyed.  Please DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD HERE, as the birds may attempt to renest; visitation should be brief.

LARK SPARROWS have returned to the Red Bank area of n.w. Lawrence County, with a pair seen 5/3.  From Town Creek go north on AL 101 and turn east on Co. 270.  Turn left 0.3 miles past the junction with Co. 407 onto an unmarked paved road adjacent to a house with a wooden fence.  Go 0.7 miles and look for the birds near the brushpile on the right.

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RBA

* Alabama * Statewide * May 17, 1998 -- Second Version * ALST985.17A

- Birds mentioned

RUFF
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Swainson's Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Lark Sparrow

Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee
Review List.

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: May 17, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the SECOND Alabama Rare Bird Report for Sunday, May 17,
1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Ruff, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Connecticut and Mourning warblers, and Lark Sparrow.

Though I'd like to hear of all unusual species, specific information is requested this month on occurrences of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and CONNECTICUT WARBLER.  Thank you.

A REEVE was seen at close range at rest and in flight today at 1PM on Blakely Island near Mobile; it was seen again about 7PM.  The bird was in the roadside ponds, not in the large spoil ponds.  Go north on the Blakely Island road and turn left at the foot of the large bridge.  Drive to where you can leave the road and go directly under the bridge.  Just to the east is a long pool of water where the bird was seen with other shorebirds. Please remember that you cannot enter the main Blakely pond area without TWO days advance notice, eliminating a search for the bird in that area tomorrow.  Please respect this rule, as our future ability to bird Blakely is more important than seeing one rarity.

A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was heard early yesterday morning south of Birmingham, though subsequent searches yesterday and this morning have been unsuccessful.  However, a singing MOURNING WARBLER was here early this morning.  SWAINSON'S WARBLERS also are present here.  Go east on I-459 from I-65 and take the first exit at Acton Road.   Drive east a short distance to the day care center and park.  Walk the gravel road as it goes down to the river and then along the north shore.  The Connecticut was singing in the thicket at the road end (about a mile from the parking lot), where a side road heads to the right up the mountain.  The Mourning Warbler was about halfway to the end, in the area near two obvious large dead trees.  Feedback on the Connecticut and Mourning warblers would be appreciated.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has returned to Trussville in the woods behind the old First Presbyterian Church on US 11.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER also can be found in Blount County.  On AL 79 a few miles north of the junction with US 231 is a Tyson plant.  Just north of the plant is a road to the right leading to a creek; the woods in this area are reliable for Swainson's, with one or two heard singing here earlier in the month.

An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen 5/12 south of Guin on AL 107, feeding from the top of a snag.  If this bird is seen again, please leave a message.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has been heard frequently in the last three weeks behind the headquarters buildings of Wheeler NWR.  This area is on the right as you travel away from I-65 on AL 67.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS is breeding in a new Tennessee Valley location at Belle Mina east of Decatur.  From the Mooresville exit on I-565 go north on Mooresville Road for about four miles and turn left onto Boseck Road.   Drive west to a T-intersection with the gravel Fenell Road in about one mile. Turn right and go north for 0.3 miles, looking for the birds in the cotton fields near the road.  Please DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD HERE, as the birds have a nest near the roadside; visitation should be brief to avoid harassing these birds.

LARK SPARROWS have returned to the Red Bank area of n.w. Lawrence County, with a pair seen 5/3.  From Town Creek go north on AL 101 and turn east on Co. 270.  Turn left 0.3 miles past the junction with Co. 407 onto an unmarked paved road adjacent to a house with a wooden fence.  Go 0.7 miles and look for the birds near the brushpile on the right.

- End Transcript
Greg
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RBA

* Alabama * Statewide * May 17, 1998 * ALST985.17

- Birds mentioned

Olive-sided Flycatcher
Swainson's Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Lark Sparrow

Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee Review List.

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: May 17, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Sunday, May 17, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Olive-sided Flycatcher, Connecticut and Mourning warblers, and Lark Sparrow.

Though I'd like to hear of all unusual species, specific information is requested this month on occurrences of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and CONNECTICUT WARBLER.  Thank you.

A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was heard early yesterday morning south of Birmingham, though subsequent searches yesterday and this morning have been unsuccessful.  However, a singing MOURNING WARBLER was here early this morning.  SWAINSON'S WARBLERS also are present here.  Go east on I-459 from I-65 and take the first exit at Acton Road.   Drive east a short distance to the day care center and park.  Walk the gravel road as it goes down to the river and then along the north shore.  The Connecticut was singing in the thicket at the road end (about a mile from the parking lot), where a side road heads to the right up the mountain.  The Mourning Warbler was about halfway to the end, in the area near two obvious large dead trees.  Feedback on the Connecticut and Mourning warblers would be appreciated.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has returned to Trussville in the woods behind the old First Presbyterian Church on US 11.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER also can be found in Blount County.  On AL 79 a few miles north of the junction with US 231 is a Tyson plant.  Just north of the plant is a road to the right leading to a creek; the woods in this area are reliable for Swainson's, with one or two heard singing here earlier in the month.

An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen 5/12 south of Guin on AL 107, feeding from the top of a snag.  If this bird is seen again, please leave a message.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has been heard frequently in the last three weeks behind the headquarters buildings of Wheeler NWR.  This area is on the right as you travel away from I-65 on AL 67.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS is breeding in a new Tennessee Valley location at Belle Mina east of Decatur.  From the Mooresville exit on I-565 go north on Mooresville Road for about four miles and turn left onto Boseck Road.   Drive west to a T-intersection with the gravel Fenell Road in about one mile. Turn right and go north for 0.3 miles, looking for the birds in the cotton fields near the road.  Please DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD HERE, as the birds have a nest near the roadside; visitation should be brief to avoid harassing these birds.

LARK SPARROWS have returned to the Red Bank area of n.w. Lawrence County, with a pair seen 5/3.  From Town Creek go north on AL 101 and turn east on Co. 270.  Turn left 0.3 miles past the junction with Co. 407 onto an unmarked paved road adjacent to a house with a wooden fence.  Go 0.7 miles and look for the birds near the brushpile on the right.

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RBA

* Alabama * Statewide * May 16, 1998 * ALST985.16

- Birds mentioned

Olive-sided Flycatcher
Swainson's Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
Lark Sparrow

Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee
Review List.

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: May 16, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Saturday, May 16, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Olive-sided Flycatcher, Connecticut Warbler, and Lark Sparrow.

Though I'd like to hear of all unusual species, specific information is requested this month on occurrences of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and CONNECTICUT and MOURNING WARBLERS.   Thank you.

A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was heard early this morning south of Birmingham, though a search at midday was unsuccessful.  Go east on I-459 and take the first exit at Acton Road.   Drive east a short distance to the day care center and park.  Walk the gravel road as it goes down to the river and then along the north shore.  The bird was singing in the thicket at the road end (about a mile from the parking lot), where a side road heads to the right up the mountain.  Feedback on this bird would be appreciated.

An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen 5/12 south of Guin on AL 107, feeding from the top of a snag.  If this bird is seen again, please leave a message.

SWAINSON'S WARBLER has been heard frequently in the last three weeks behind the headquarters buildings of Wheeler NWR.  This area is on the right as you travel away from I-65 on AL 67.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS is breeding in a new Tennessee Valley location at Belle Mina east of Decatur.  From the Mooresville exit on I-565 go north on Mooresville Road for about four miles and turn left onto Boseck Road.   Drive west to a T-intersection with the gravel Fenell Road in about one mile. Turn right and go north for 0.3 miles, looking for the birds in the cotton fields near the road.  Please DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD HERE, as the birds have a nest near the roadside; visitation should be brief to avoid harassing these birds.

LARK SPARROWS have returned to the Red Bank area of n.w. Lawrence County, with a pair seen 5/3.  From Town Creek go north on AL 101 and turn east on Co. 270.  Turn left 0.3 miles past the junction with Co. 407 onto an unmarked paved road adjacent to a house with a wooden fence.  Go 0.7 miles and look for the birds near the brushpile on the right.

- End Transcript
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RBA

* Alabama * Statewide * May 13, 1998 * ALST985.13

- Birds mentioned

King Rail
Virginia Rail
American Avocet
HUDSONIAN GODWIT
Upland Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Wilson's Phalarope
Franklin's Gull
Black-billed Cuckoo
Least Flycatcher
Western Kingbird
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Swainson's Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Painted Bunting
Grasshopper Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow

Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee
Review List.

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: May 13, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Wednesday, May 13, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Hudsonian Godwit, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Franklin's Gull, Black-billed Cuckoo, Least Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Connecticut and Mourning warblers, and Lark and Lincoln's sparrows.

Though I'd like to hear of all unusual species, specific information is requested this month on occurrences of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and CONNECTICUT and MOURNING WARBLERS. Thank you.

A HUDSONIAN GODWIT continued 5/11 at the Marthaler Lane ponds in eastern Colbert County. Go west from Leighton on Co. 22 and turn north on Marthaler Lane. Drive about a mile to the large ponds on both sides of the road; the godwit has been to the west. In general, high water has made the usually productive eastern Colbert ponds poor in the last two weeks.

Near the Wheeler NWR headquarters, a singing male MOURNING WARBLER was discovered early in the morning 5/11, but could not be relocated that afternoon. SWAINSON'S WARBLER has been heard frequently in the last three weeks behind the headquarters buildings. This area is on the right as you travel away from I-65 on AL 67.

A FRANKLIN'S GULL was spotted at Wilson Dam near Florence 5/7, but was not found 5/10; feedback would be appreciated if it is seen again.

A singing WARBLING VIREO continued in Colbert County 5/7 at Dunnigan Slough. A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was located that day west of Florence near Key Cave NWR. Call Steve McConnell at 256/353-2009 for directions for both. Many Grasshoppers Sparrows are present west of Florence on Co. 2 near Walker Pond.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS is breeding in a new Tennessee Valley location at Belle Mina east of Decatur. From the Mooresville exit on I-565 go north on Mooresville Road for about four miles and turn left onto Boeseck Road. Drive west to a T-intersection with the gravel Fenell Road in about one mile. Turn right and go north for 0.3 miles, looking for the birds in the cotton fields near the road. Please DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD HERE, as the birds are have a nest near the roadside; visitation should be brief to avoid harassing these birds. An UPLAND SANDPIPER was seen here 5/9 but not 5/10.

LARK SPARROWS have returned to the Red Bank area of n.w. Lawrence County, with a pair seen 5/3. From Town Creek go north on AL 101 and turn east on Co. 270. Turn left 0.3 miles past the junction with Co. 407 onto an unmarked paved road adjacent to a house with a wooden fence. Go 0.7 miles and look for the birds near the brushpile on the right.

A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was seen 5/5 on the Dancy Bottoms road in Wheeler NWR near Decatur. It was in a field and hedgerow about 2.2 miles from AL 67, just beyond a right hand curve with a pumping station. A singing WARBLING VIREO seen 5/2 was relocated 5/9 in the same area, 2.6 miles from AL 67. The Dancy Bottoms road is the gravel track leading west from AL 67 just before the bridges as you drive north from I-65.

A LEAST FLYCATCHER was in the Bankhead NF 5/7 on FS 208 west of AL 33 just past the checking station.

KING and VIRGINIA RAILS were found 5/7 at Oakland Marsh in Lauderdale County. Call Steve McConnell at 256/353-2009 for information.

A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was heard in the northern part the Talladega unit of Talladega NF 5/9, but could not be relocated 5/11.

A LEAST FLYCATCHER was singing at the Birmingham zoo 5/11 on the north road (to the director's house), but was not seen the next morning. A SWAINSON'S WARBLER was singing here 5/10 but not on subsequent days.

Six BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, a WESTERN KINGBIRD, and two SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS were near the fort at Ft. Morgan 5/8.

Moderate numbers of shorebirds continued 5/7 at the Bayou La Batre ponds, west of town off Little River Road. These included eight AM. AVOCETS, 12 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, and 11 WILSON'S PHALAROPES. All but the White-rumpeds were seen the following day. PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ON THE DIKES HERE.

The State Docks property on Blakely Island produced moderate numbers of shorebirds 5/8, including 31 AM. AVOCETS, 15 WHITE-RUMPED and 11 STILT SANDPIPERS, and three WILSON'S PHALAROPES. The ponds with the shorebirds are the adjacent Lakes #1 and #5, easily accessed from the third entrance near the foot of the bridge. Several passerine transients were seen in the trees along the east dike, including a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. Many singing PAINTED BUNTINGS were located in the complex. Birding at Blakely Island REQUIRES a signed liability release/permit, two days prior notification, and, on weekends, an additional call the day of the visit. DO NOT LEAVE THE DIKE ROADS FOR ANY REASON. Contact Greg Jackson (205/987-2855) or John
Porter (334/861-2120) for information.

- End Transcript
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RBA

* Alabama * Statewide * May 10, 1998 * ALST985.10
- Birds mentioned

King Rail
Virginia Rail
American Avocet
HUDSONIAN GODWIT
White-rumped Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Wilson's Phalarope
Franklin's Gull
Common Tern
Black-billed Cuckoo
Least Flycatcher
Western Kingbird
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Swainson's Warbler
Painted Bunting
Lark Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow

Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee Review List.

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: May 10, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Sunday, May 10, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Hudsonian Godwit, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Franklin's Gull, Black-billed Cuckoo, Least Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, and Lark and Lincoln's sparrows.

Though I'd like to hear of all unusual species, specific information is requested this month on occurrences of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and CONNECTICUT and MOURNING WARBLERS. Thank you.

A HUDSONIAN GODWIT was at the Marthaler Lane ponds in eastern Colbert County this afternoon. Go west from Leighton on Co. 22 and turn north on Marthaler Lane. Drive about a mile to the large ponds on both sides of the road; the godwit was to the west. In general, high water has made the usually productive eastern Colbert ponds poor in the last two weeks.

A FRANKLIN'S GULL was spotted at Wilson Dam near Florence 5/7, and a COMMON TERN was at Wheeler Dam to the east that day. Neither were found today; feedback on the Franklin's would be appreciated if it is seen again.

A singing WARBLING VIREO continued in Colbert County 5/7 at Dunnigan Slough. A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was located that day west of Florence near Key Cave NWR. Call Steve McConnell at 256/353-2009 for directions for both. Many Grasshoppers Sparrows are present west of Florence on Co. 2 near Walker Pond.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS was discovered in a new Tennessee Valley location 5/3 at Belle Mina east of Decatur, but could not be located 5/9. From the Mooresville exit on I-565 go north on Mooresville Road for about four miles and turn left onto Boeseck Road. Drive west to a T-intersection with the gravel Fenell Road in about one mile. Turn right and go north for 0.3 miles, looking for the birds in the cotton fields near the road.

LARK SPARROWS have returned to the Red Bank area of n.w. Lawrence County, with a pair seen 5/3. From Town Creek go north on AL 101 and turn east on Co. 270. Turn left 0.3 miles past the junction with Co. 407 onto an unmarked paved road adjacent to a house with a wooden fence. Go 0.7 miles and look for the birds near the brushpile on the right.

A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was seen 5/5 on the Dancy Bottoms road in Wheeler NWR near Decatur. It was in a field and hedgerow about 2.2 miles from AL 67, just beyond a right hand curve with a pumping station. Birding 5/8 on this road produced 18 species of warblers, though was poor today.  The Dancy Bottoms road is the gravel track leading west from AL 67 just before the bridges as you drive north from I-65.

A LEAST FLYCATCHER was in the Bankhead NF 5/7 on FS 208 west of AL 33 just past the checking station.

KING and VIRGINIA RAILS were found 5/7 at Oakland Marsh in Lauderdale County. Call Steve McConnell at 256/353-2009 for information.

A SWAINSON'S WARBLER was singing at the Birmingham zoo this morning on the north road (to the director's house).

Six BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, a WESTERN KINGBIRD, and two SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS were near the fort at Ft. Morgan 5/8.

Moderate numbers of shorebirds continued 5/7 at the Bayou La Batre ponds, west of town off Little River Road. These included eight AM. AVOCETS, 12 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, and 11 WILSON'S PHALAROPES. PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ON THE DIKES HERE.

The State Docks property on Blakely Island produced moderate numbers of shorebirds 5/8, including 31 AM. AVOCETS, 15 WHITE-RUMPED and 11 STILT SANDPIPERS, and three WILSON'S PHALAROPES. The ponds with the shorebirds are the adjacent Lakes #1 and #5, easily accessed from the third entrance near the foot of the bridge. Several passerine transients were seen in the trees along the east dike, including a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. Many singing PAINTED BUNTINGS were located in the complex. Birding at Blakely Island REQUIRES a signed liability release/permit, two days prior notification, and, on weekends, an additional call the day of the visit. DO NOT LEAVE THE DIKE ROADS FOR ANY REASON. Contact Greg Jackson (205/987-2855) or John Porter (334/861-2120) for information.

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RBA

* Alabama * Statewide * May 9, 1998 * ALST985.9

- Birds mentioned

King Rail
Virginia Rail
American Avocet
Willet
White-rumped Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
Wilson's Phalarope
Franklin's Gull
Common Tern
Black-billed Cuckoo
Least Flycatcher
Western Kingbird
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Painted Bunting
Lark Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow

Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee
Review List.

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

- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: May 9, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Saturday, May 9, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Franklin's Gull, Black-billed Cuckoo, Least Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, and Lark and Lincoln's sparrows.

Though I'd like to hear of all unusual species, specific information is requested this month on occurrences of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and CONNECTICUT and MOURNING WARBLERS.   Thank you.

A FRANKLIN'S GULL was spotted at Wilson Dam near Florence 5/7, and a COMMON TERN was at Wheeler Dam to the east that day.

A singing WARBLING VIREO continued in Colbert County 5/7 at Dunnigan Slough.  A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was located that day west of Florence near Key Cave NWR.  Call Steve McConnell at 256/353-2009 for directions for both.  Many Grasshoppers Sparrows are present west of Florence on Co. 2 near Walker Pond.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS was discovered in a new Tennessee Valley location 5/3 at Belle Mina east of Decatur.  From the Mooresville exit on I-565 go north on Mooresville Road for about four miles and turn left onto Boseck Road.   Drive west to a T-intersection with the gravel Fenell Road in about one mile. Turn right and go north for 0.3 miles, looking for the birds in the cotton fields near the road.

LARK SPARROWS have returned to the Red Bank area of n.w. Lawrence County, with a pair seen 5/3.  From Town Creek go north on AL 101 and turn east on Co. 270.  Turn left 0.3 miles past the junction with Co. 407 onto an unmarked paved road adjacent to a house with a wooden fence.  Go 0.7 miles and look for the birds near the brushpile on the right.

A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was seen 5/5 on the Dancy Bottoms road in Wheeler NWR near Decatur.   It was in a field and hedgerow about 2.2 miles from AL 67, just beyond a right hand curve with a pumping station.  Birding 5/8 on this road produced 18 species of warblers.  The Dancy Bottoms road is the gravel track leading west from AL 67 just before the bridges as you drive north from I-65. 

Shorebirding was poor in eastern Colbert County 5/3, with high water and few birds.   A STILT SANDPIPER was at Town Creek Marsh that day.  On 5/7, a WILLET was found near the mouth of Town Creek.

A LEAST FLYCATCHER was in the Bankhead NF 5/7 on FS 208 west of AL 33 just past the checking station.

KING and VIRGINIA RAILS were found 5/7 at Oakland Marsh in Lauderdale County.  Call Steve McConnell at 256/353-2009 for information.

Six BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, a WESTERN KINGBIRD, and two SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS were near the fort at Ft. Morgan 5/8.

Moderate numbers of shorebirds continued 5/7 at the Bayou La Batre ponds, west of town off Little River Road.  These included eight AM. AVOCETS, 12 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, and 11 WILSON'S PHALAROPES. PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ON THE DIKES HERE.

The State Docks property on Blakely Island produced moderate numbers of shorebirds 5/8, including 31 AM. AVOCETS, 15 WHITE-RUMPED and 11 STILT SANDPIPERS, and three WILSON'S PHALAROPES.  The ponds with the shorebirds are the adjacent Lakes #1 and #5, easily accessed from the third entrance near the foot of the bridge.  Several passerine transients were seen in the trees along the east dike, including a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.   Many singing PAINTED BUNTINGS were located in the complex.  Birding at Blakely Island REQUIRES a signed liability release/permit, two days prior notification, and, on weekends, an additional call the day of the visit. DO NOT LEAVE THE DIKE ROADS FOR ANY REASON.  Contact Greg Jackson (205/987-2855) or John Porter (334/861-2120) for information.

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RBA * Alabama  * Statewide * May 4, 1998 * ALST985.4

- Birds mentioned

Pacific Loon
American Avocet
Upland Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
Glaucous Gull
White-winged Dove
Black-billed Cuckoo
Warbling Vireo
Nashville Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Lark Sparrow
SHINY COWBIRD

Note: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records CommitteeReview List.

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

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: May 4, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Make reports to: same or <greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net>
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Monday, May 4, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Pacific Loon, Glaucous Gull, White-winged Dove, Black-billed Cuckoo, Warbling Vireo, Nashville and Wilson's warblers, Lark Sparrow, and Shiny Cowbird.

Though I'd like to hear of all unusual species, specific information is requested this month on occurrences of Olive-sided Flycatcher and Connecticut and Mourning warblers. Thank you.

A pair of LARK SPARROWS was discovered in a new Tennessee Valley location 5/3 at Belle Mina east of Decatur. From the Mooresville exit on I-565 go north on Mooresville Road for about four miles and turn left onto Boseck Road. Drive west to a T-intersection with the gravel Fenell Road in about one mile. Turn right and go north for 0.3 miles, looking for the birds in the cotton fields near the road.

LARK SPARROWS have returned to the Red Bank area of n.w. Lawrence County, with a pair seen 5/3. From Town Creek go north on AL 101 and turn east on Co. 270. Turn left 0.3 miles past the junction with Co. 407 onto an unmarked paved road adjacent to a house with a wooden fence. Go 0.7 miles and look for the birds near the brushpile on the right.

A WARBLING VIREO was seen throughout the morning 5/2 on the Dancy Bottoms road about 2.4 miles from AL 67. That day about a mile from the highway a male WILSON'S WARBLER was seen. Neither bird was seen again 5/3. One or two NASHVILLE WARBLERS were found on this road the afternoon of 5/1. The Dancy Bottoms road is the gravel track leading west from AL 67 just before the bridges as you drive north from I-65.

Many warblers, including a NASHVILLE, were seen 5/2 at Monte Sano SP at Huntsville.

Shorebirding was poor in eastern Colbert County 5/3, with high water and few birds. A STILT SANDPIPER was at Town Creek Marsh.

Single male SHINY COWBIRDS were seen 4/27-29 at Ft. Morgan across from the ferry landing, and 4/28 at Dauphin Island on Bienville Boulevard at the junction with Albright.

The immature GLAUCOUS GULL seen 4/18-19 from the Dauphin Island - Ft. Morgan ferry was relocated 4/24 at Mobile Point (Ft. Morgan), and again 4/26 east of Ft. Morgan at The Pines landing on Bon Secour Bay. It has not been seen subsequently at these sites, however.

Two UPLAND and three WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS were on the wet lawns at Ft. Morgan 4/29. Two BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were seen 4/26 southeast of the fort below the seawall; a WHITE-WINGED DOVE has been seen several times recently south of the fort near the seawall.

The PACIFIC LOON continues to be reported erratically through 4/29 in the canals and bay west of the Dauphin Island airport. A male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was on Dauphin Island 4/30 on the south side of the main Shell Mounds.

Fair numbers of shorebirds continue at the Bayou La Batre ponds, west of town off Little River Road. On 4/30 these included 21 AM. AVOCETS and three WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS. PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ON THE DIKES HERE.

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.

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RBA

* Alabama * Statewide * May 1, 1998 * ALST985.1

- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: May 1, 1998 Number: 205/987-2730 Make reports to: same or greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net Compiler: Greg D. Jackson Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Friday, May 1, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Pacific Loon, Glaucous Gull, White-winged Dove, Black-billed Cuckoo, Connecticut Warbler, and Shiny Cowbird.

Single male SHINY COWBIRDS were seen 4/27-29 at Ft. Morgan across from the ferry landing, and 4/28 at Dauphin Island on Bienville Boulevard at the junction with Albright.

The immature GLAUCOUS GULL seen 4/18-19 from the Dauphin Island - Ft. Morgan ferry was relocated 4/24 at Mobile Point (Ft. Morgan), and again 4/26 east of Ft. Morgan at The Pines landing on Bon Secour Bay. It has not been seen subsequently at these sites, however.

Two UPLAND and three WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS were on the wet lawns at Ft. Morgan 4/29. Two BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were seen 4/26 southeast of the fort below the seawall.

The PACIFIC LOON continues to be reported erratically through 4/29 in the canals and bay west of the Dauphin Island airport. A male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was on Dauphin Island 4/30 on the south side of the
main Shell Mounds.

Fair numbers of shorebirds continue at the Bayou La Batre ponds, west of town off Little River Road. On 4/30 these included 21 AM. AVOCETS and three WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS. PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ON THE DIKES HERE.

A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was heard 4/25-26 at the Birmingham Zoo on the north road (to the director's house), but has not been seen subsequently. Information would be appreciated on further encounters with this species.

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.

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