The Alabama RBA

September, 1998

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page :  Alabama RBA for August, 1998

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for October, 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
* September 26, 1998  (REPORT # 2)
* ALST989.26

- Birds mentioned

ROSEATE SPOONBILL
Wood Stork
Long-billed Curlew
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
ALDER FLYCATCHER
WILLOW FLYCATCHER
"Traill's" Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Clay-colored 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: September 26, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the second Alabama Rare Bird Report for Saturday, September 26, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Yellow-bellied, Alder, and Willow flycatchers, Nashville and Mourning warblers, and Clay-colored Sparrow.

REQUESTS:  Information on sightings of GRAY KINGBIRD would be appreciated.

A ROSEATE SPOONBILL was seen 9/25 on the mudflats east of the Battleship on the Mobile Causeway.  The LONG-BILLED CURLEW continues on the Battleship lawn.

Four ROSEATE SPOONBILLS continued 9/26 near Montgomery in a pond on Rudder Road.   From the Hope Hull exit on I-65, go south on  US 31 to Rudder Road on the right a little less than a mile from I-65.  The spoonbills usually are in the pond to the right after turning on Rudder Road.  Many WOOD STORKS are often seen here.

An odd large, pink-legged, dark-backed gull, similar to the unidentified bird in Fall 1996, was seen at the jetties near Ft. Gaines on Dauphin Island 9/25.

Many Empidonax flycatcher were at Ft. Morgan 9/23, including calling WILLOW and ALDER, two YELLOW-BELLIED, two "TRAILL'S," and several LEASTS.  A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was in the weedy area just east of the museum that day.

Good numbers of migrants were present last weekend at Muscle Shoals.  A MOURNING WARBLER was seen 9/20 at the IFDC trail area on the TVA reservation.  Go north in Muscle Shoals on US 43 past the light at Second Street (Texaco station on the west side here) and take the next right.  Drive past the TVA garage and turn right at the sign for the greenhouse.  Park near the old gated road on the east side of the greenhouse complex and walk the old roads in this area for migrants.  The Mourning Warbler was in the brushy area on the south side of a large open area, reached by the first right turn past the gate.  Single NASHVILLE WARBLERS were seen at different sites in this area 9/19-21.  A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was on the jogging road in the nature trail section of the TVA reservation 9/19.

Two to three NASHVILLE WARBLERS were seen 9/20-21 along the west side of Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur, at and south of the gate past the boat ramp.  A WARBLING VIREO was here 9/20.

At Swan Creek WMA 9/20, a WARBLING VIREO was seen near the east side of Beulah Bay.

Many migrants were seen at a residence in Clay in east Jefferson County 9/23, including a calling ALDER FLYCATCHER, two WARBLING VIREOS, and two MOURNING WARBLERS.

A calling ALDER FLYCATCHER was at the Birmingham Zoo 9/22.  It was on the north road, at the curve near the Director's House.  An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen by another observer the same morning.  Please do not enter the residence grounds. 

A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was seen 9/22 on the road south of AL 119 just east of the Cox's Creek Bridge at Lake Purdy.  Another was calling at a residence in Mountain Brook that day.

Several shorebirds, including BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, continue at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of  Montgomery.  Take Co. 29 through Lowndesboro from US 80.  At 4.8 miles from US 80 turn right at the sign for the farm.  In 3.0 miles the paved road becomes dirt.  In another 1.5 miles you reach the farm entrance on the left at a 90-degree right turn.

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 334/382-2680; about the Birmingham Audubon Society, Ann Miller at 205/879-7709; about the Shoals Audubon Society in n.w. Alabama, Bill Rogers at 256/766-5738.

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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* September 26, 1998
* ALST989.26

- Birds mentioned

ROSEATE SPOONBILL
Wood Stork
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
ALDER FLYCATCHER
WILLOW FLYCATCHER
"Traill's" Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Clay-colored 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: September 26, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Saturday, September 26, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Yellow-bellied, Alder, and Willow flycatchers, Nashville and Mourning warblers, and Clay-colored Sparrow.

REQUESTS:  Information on sightings of GRAY KINGBIRD would be appreciated.

Three to four ROSEATE SPOONBILLS continued 9/23 near Montgomery in a pond on Rudder Road.   From the Hope Hull exit on I-65, go south on  US 31 to Rudder Road on the right a little less than a mile from I-65.  The spoonbills usually are in the pond to the right after turning on Rudder Road.  Many WOOD STORKS continue here as well.

Many Empidonax flycatcher were at Ft. Morgan 9/23, including calling WILLOW and ALDER, two YELLOW-BELLIED, two "TRAILL'S," and several LEASTS.  A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was in the weedy area just east of the museum that day.

Good numbers of migrants were present last weekend at Muscle Shoals.  A MOURNING WARBLER was seen 9/20 at the IFDC trail area on the TVA reservation.  Go north in Muscle Shoals on US 43 past the light at Second Street (Texaco station on the west side here) and take the next right.  Drive past the TVA garage and turn right at the sign for the greenhouse.  Park near the old gated road on the east side of the greenhouse complex and walk the old roads in this area for migrants.  The Mourning Warbler was in the brushy area on the south side of a large open area, reached by the first right turn past the gate.  Single NASHVILLE WARBLERS were seen at different sites in this area 9/19-21.  A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was on the jogging road in the nature trail section of the TVA reservation 9/19.

Two to three NASHVILLE WARBLERS were seen 9/20-21 along the west side of Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur, at and south of the gate past the boat ramp.  A WARBLING VIREO was here 9/20.

At Swan Creek WMA 9/20, a WARBLING VIREO was seen near the east side of Beulah Bay.

Many migrants were seen at a residence in Clay in east Jefferson County 9/23, including a calling ALDER FLYCATCHER, two WARBLING VIREOS, and two MOURNING WARBLERS.

A calling ALDER FLYCATCHER was at the Birmingham Zoo 9/22.  It was on the north road, at the curve near the Director's House.  An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen by another observer the same morning.  Please do not enter the residence grounds. 

A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was seen 9/22 on the road south of AL 119 just east of the Cox's Creek Bridge.  Another was calling at a residence in Mountain Brook that day.

Several shorebirds, including BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, continue at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of  Montgomery.  Take Co. 29 through Lowndesboro from US 80.  At 4.8 miles from US 80 turn right at the sign for the farm.  In 3.0 miles the paved road becomes dirt.  In another 1.5 miles you reach the farm entrance on the left at a 90-degree right turn.

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 334/382-2680; about the Birmingham Audubon Society, Ann Miller at 205/879-7709; about the Shoals Audubon Society in n.w. Alabama, Bill Rogers at 256/766-5738.

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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* September 22, 1998
* ALST989.22

INTERNET UPDATE ONLY -- NOT ON RBA TAPE

- Birds mentioned

ROSEATE SPOONBILL
Wood Stork
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
ALDER FLYCATCHER
Warbling Vireo
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler

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: September 22, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Tuesday, September 22, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Buff-breasted Sandpipers, Yellow-bellied and Alder flycatchers, and Nashville and Mourning warblers.

REQUESTS: Information on sightings of GRAY KINGBIRD would be appreciated.

Four ROSEATE SPOONBILLS continued today near Montgomery in a pond on Rudder Road. From the Hope Hull exit on I-65, go south on  US 31 to Rudder Road on the right a little less than a mile from I-65. The spoonbills usually are in the pond to the right after turning on Rudder Road. Many WOOD STORKS continue here as well.

Good numbers of migrants have been present in the last few days at Muscle Shoals. A MOURNING WARBLER was seen 9/20 at the IFDC trail area on the TVA reservation. Go north in Muscle Shoals on US 43 past the light at Second Street (Texaco station on the west side here) and take the next right.  Drive past the TVA garage and turn right at the sign for the greenhouse.  Park near the old gated road on the east side of the greenhouse complex and walk the old roads in this area for migrants. The Mourning Warbler was in the brushy area on the south side of a large open area, reached by the first right turn past the gate. Single NASHVILLE WARBLERS were seen at different sites in this area 9/19-21. A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was on the jogging road in the nature trail section of the TVA reservation 9/19.

Two to three NASHVILLE WARBLERS were seen 9/20-21 along the west side of Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur, at and south of the gate past the boat ramp. A WARBLING VIREO was here 9/20.

At Swan Creek WMA 9/20, a WARBLING VIREO was seen near the east side of Beulah Bay.

A calling ALDER FLYCATCHER was at the Birmingham Zoo this morning. It was on the north road, at the curve near the Director's House. Please do not enter the residence grounds.

A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was seen today on the road south of AL 119 just east of the Cox's Creek Bridge.

Several shorebirds, including BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, continue at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of  Montgomery. Take Co. 29 through Lowndesboro from US 80. At 4.8 miles from US 80 turn right at the sign for the farm. In 3.0 miles the paved road becomes dirt. In another 1.5 miles you reach the farm entrance on the left at a 90-degree right turn.

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 334/382-2680; about the Birmingham Audubon Society, Ann Miller at (205) 879-7709; about the Shoals Audubon Society in n.w. Alabama, Bill Rogers at 256/766-5738.

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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* September 16, 1998
* ALST989.16

- Birds mentioned

Glossy Ibis
ROSEATE SPOONBILL
Wood Stork
American Golden-Plover
Upland Sandpiper
Long-billed Curlew
Marbled Godwit
Baird's Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Wilson's Phalarope
POMARINE JAEGER
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
"Traill's" Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
"Brewster's" Warbler
Mourning Warbler

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: September 16, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Wednesday, September 16, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Glossy Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Am. Golden-Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Upland, Baird's, and Buff-breasted sandpipers, Wilson's Phalarope, Pomarine Jaeger, Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied, "Traill's," and Scissor-tailed flycatchers, and "Brewster's" and Mourning warblers.

REQUESTS: Information on sightings of GRAY KINGBIRD would be appreciated.

Four ROSEATE SPOONBILLS were discovered today near Montgomery in a pond on Rudder Road. From the Hope Hull exit on I-65, go south on  US 31 to Rudder Road on the right a little less than a mile from I-65.  Over 100 WOOD STORKS were seen here 9/2. A MOURNING WARBLER was spotted near here 9/7.

A MOURNING WARBLER was seen this morning in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It was in the north portion of the gardens at the wildflower garden entrance. A LEAST FLYCATCHER was on the north road today. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen in the gardens 9/12 but was not relocated.

An adult POMARINE JAEGER was on the beach at Mobile Point at Ft. Morgan 9/12. Many migrants have been at Ft. Morgan recently. Last week, banders just east of the park captured three YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS, many "TRAILL'S" FLYCATCHERS, and two MOURNING WARBLERS. On 9/12, three YELLOW-BELLIED, and single "TRAILL's" and LEAST FLYCATCHERS, were observed in the park. Mosquito protection is useful in the Stables Woods now.

The sod farms southeast of Foley along Baldwin Co. 12 continued to have many shorebirds 9/7, including an AM. GOLDEN-PLOVER and four UPLAND and over 100 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS. Please do not walk or drive on the grass at this or any sod farm.

At the Dauphin Island Shell Mounds, two LEAST FLYCATCHERS and a "BREWSTER'S" WARBLER were seen 9/13.

The LONG-BILLED CURLEW and three MARBLED GODWITS were on the Battleship lawn 9/12.

GLOSSY IBIS and four WILSON'S PHALAROPES were spotted 9/7 in the State Docks property on Blakeley Island. Good numbers of birds continued there 9/13, with two WILSON'S PHALAROPES seen; a LEAST FLYCATCHER also was seen. The ponds to check are #'s 1 and 5, accessed from gate # 1 near the foot of the bridge. Birding Blakeley Island requires a permit and liability release, but the previous two-day notification has just been changed to allow visitation the same day you call. Prepare for heat and biting insects, and DO NOT leave the dikes for any reason. For information on permits and visitation, contact Greg Jackson (205/987-2855) or John Porter (334/861-2120).

Twenty-five WOOD STORKS and a "BREWSTER'S" WARBLER were seen 9/9 in the Tsnia Unit of Tuskegee NF near the viewing platform.

Two AM. GOLDEN-PLOVERS and 21 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen 9/11 at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of Montgomery. Take Co. 29 through Lowndesboro from US 80. At 4.8 miles from US 80 turn right at the sign for the farm. In 3.0 miles the paved road becomes dirt. In another 1.5 miles you reach the farm entrance on the left at a 90-degree right turn.

Huge numbers of WOOD STORKS have been seen in the Black Belt in the last month. A total of 504 were counted by one party 8/23 in Hale, Perry, and Greene counties. The largest concentration, of 454 birds, was in a single
pond on the east side of AL 25 about 1/2-mile north of Hale Co. 10 W. Over 200 continued at this pond a couple of weeks ago, but I've had no recent reports.

For the rest of the season, please refrain from visiting the large catfish pond complex southwest of the junction of Hale Co. 10 W and AL 25. The owner indicated too many visitors have been present recently at this working farm. Please respect his wishes, so access may be enjoyed in future years.

Several BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen at the Harpersville Sod Farms 8/30-31, but none were present 9/7. However, a probable BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was seen across from the church 9/7.

A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was seen 9/6 in Hoover at the B,E,&K trail. Take the Acton Road exit of I-459 and go east a short distance to the day care center on the south side of the road. Park out of the way and take the gated gravel road south. The flycatcher was about 200 yards west of the junction of the creek and the Cahaba River.

An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen in Guin 9/11 perching in dead trees in a cutover just off Marion Co. 69, about 3/4 mile east of US 278. It was not seen on a return visit 9/12.

A BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and many other shorebirds were seen 9/6 at the Gadsden Wildlife Refuge, and several AM. GOLDEN-PLOVERS were present 9/13. To get to the refuge take I-59 to I-759 east in Gadsden. Continue on I-759 until you reach exit 4B on US 411 North. Turn left into the mall parking lot at the second light. Go to the back of the mall parking area and you will see a wooden foot bridge leading into the refuge. The boardwalks are in the back of the refuge about a half mile down a gravel path from the foot bridge. You can also get to the refuge by taking exit 2 onto the Black Creek Parkway from I-759 and turning north (left). Go 1/2 mile and turn right on South 11th Street. At about  0.8 miles you will see a chain link fence and gate to the right. The boardwalk begins very close to this area. Walk toward the expanse of water and you will see the boardwalks. This may be the best approach when carrying a telescope.

Good numbers of migrants were seen 9/11-12 at the TVA Reservation nature trails south of Wilson Dam at Muscle Shoals, including YELLOW-BELLIED and LEAST FLYCATCHERS.

A single SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER continues near Decatur. Go west from Decatur on AL 20 and turn north at the light on Finley Island Road. Look along the road beyond the railroad tracks where the road becomes two lane. Be careful of heavy traffic, especially at shift changes.

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 334/382-2680; about the Birmingham Audubon Society, Ann Miller at (205) 879-7709; about the Shoals Audubon Society in n.w. Alabama, Bill Rogers at 256/766-5738.

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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* September 14, 1998
* ALST989.14

- Birds mentioned

Glossy Ibis
Wood Stork
American Golden-Plover
Upland Sandpiper
Long-billed Curlew
Marbled Godwit
Baird's Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Wilson's Phalarope
POMARINE JAEGER
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
"Traill's" Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
"Brewster's" Warbler
Mourning Warbler

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: September 14, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Monday, September 14, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Glossy Ibis, Wood Stork, Am. Golden-Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Upland, Baird's, and Buff-breasted sandpipers, Wilson's Phalarope, Pomarine Jaeger, Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied, "Traill's," and Scissor-tailed flycatchers, and "Brewster's" and Mourning warblers.

REQUESTS:  Information on sightings of GRAY KINGBIRD would be appreciated.

An adult POMARINE JAEGER was on the beach at Mobile Point at Ft. Morgan 9/12.  Many migrants have been at Ft. Morgan recently.  Last week, banders just east of the park captured three YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS, many "TRAILL'S" FLYCATCHERS, and two MOURNING WARBLERS.  On 9/12, three YELLOW-BELLIED, and single "TRAILL's" and LEAST FLYCATCHERS, were observed in the park.  Mosquito protection is useful in the Stables Woods now.

The sod farms southeast of Foley along Baldwin Co. 12 continued to have many shorebirds 9/7, including an AM. GOLDEN-PLOVER and four UPLAND and over 100 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS.   Please do not walk or drive on the grass at this or any sod farm.

At the Dauphin Island Shell Mounds, two LEAST FLYCATCHERS and a "BREWSTER'S" WARBLER were seen 9/13.

The LONG-BILLED CURLEW and three MARBLED GODWITS were on the Battleship lawn 9/12.

GLOSSY IBIS and four WILSON'S PHALAROPES were spotted 9/7 in the State Docks property on Blakeley Island.  Good numbers of birds continued there 9/13, with two WILSON'S PHALAROPES seen.  The ponds to check are #'s 1 and 5, accessed from gate # 1 near the foot of the bridge.  Birding Blakeley Island requires a permit and liability release, but the previous two-day notification has just been changed to allow visitation the same day you call.  Prepare for heat and biting insects, and DO NOT leave the dikes for any reason.  For information on permits and visitation, contact Greg Jackson (205/987-2855) or John Porter (334/861-2120).

Twenty-five WOOD STORKS and a  "BREWSTER'S" WARBLER were seen 9/9 in the Tsnia Unit of Tuskegee NF near the viewing platform.

Over 100 WOOD STORKS  were seen 9/2 in south Montgomery County  in a pond on Rudder Road.  From the Hope Hull exit on I-65, go south on  US 31 to Rudder Road on the right a little less than a mile from I-65.  A MOURNING WARBLER was spotted in Montgomery 9/7.

UPLAND and BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen 8/30 at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of Montgomery.  Take Co. 29 through Lowndesboro from US 80.  At 4.8 miles from US 80 turn right at the sign for the farm.  In 3.0 miles the paved road becomes dirt.  In another 1.5 miles you reach the farm entrance on the left at a 90-degree right turn.

Huge numbers of WOOD STORKS have been seen in the Black Belt in the last month.  A total of 504 were counted by one party 8/23 in Hale, Perry, and Greene counties.  The largest concentration, of 454 birds, was in a single pond on the east side of AL 25 about 1/2-mile north of Hale Co. 10 W.  Over 200 continued at this pond a couple of weeks ago, but I've had no recent reports.

For the rest of the season, please refrain from visiting the large catfish pond complex southwest of the junction of Hale Co. 10 W and AL 25.  The owner indicated too many visitors have been present recently at this working farm.  Please respect his wishes, so access may be enjoyed in future years.

Several BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen at the Harpersville Sod Farms 8/30-31, but none were present 9/7.  However, a probable BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was seen across from the church 9/7.

An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen 9/12-13 along the road to the director's house at the Birmingham zoo.  Take the right fork when entering the zoo property; do not enter the gated residence area.

A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was seen 9/6 in Hoover at the B,E,&K trail.  Take the Acton Road exit of I-459 and go east a short distance to the day care center on the south side of the road.  Park out of the way and take the gated gravel road south.   The flycatcher was about 200 yards west of the junction of the creek and the Cahaba River.

An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen in Guin 9/11 perching in dead trees in a cutover just off Marion Co.  69, about 3/4 mile east of US 278.  It was not seen on a return visit 9/12.

A BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and many other shorebirds were seen 9/6 at the Gadsden Wildlife Refuge, and several AM. GOLDEN-PLOVERS were present 9/13.  To get to the refuge take I-59 to I-759 east in Gadsden. Continue on I-759 until you reach exit 4B on US 411 North. Turn left into the mall parking lot at the second light.  Go to the back of the mall parking area and you will see a wooden foot bridge leading into the refuge.  The boardwalks are in the back of the refuge about a half mile down a gravel path from the foot bridge. You can also get to the refuge by taking exit 2 onto the Black Creek Parkway from I-759 and turning north (left).  Go 1/2 mile and turn right on South 11th Street.  At about  0.8 miles you will see a chain link fence and gate to the right.  The boardwalk begins very close to this area. Walk toward  the expanse of water and you will see the boardwalks.  This may be the best approach when carrying a telescope.

Good numbers of migrants were seen 9/11-12 at the TVA Reservation nature trails south of Wilson Dam at Muscle Shoals, including YELLOW-BELLIED and LEAST FLYCATCHERS.

A single SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER continues near Decatur.  Go west from Decatur on AL 20 and turn north at the light on Finley Island Road.  Look along the road beyond the railroad tracks where the road becomes two lane.  Be careful of heavy traffic, especially at shift changes.

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 334/382-2680; about the Birmingham Audubon Society, Ann Miller at (205) 879-7709; about the Shoals Audubon Society in n.w. Alabama, Bill Rogers at 256/766-5738.

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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* September 8, 1998
* ALST989.8

- Birds mentioned

Glossy Ibis
Wood Stork
Upland Sandpiper
Long-billed Curlew
Marbled Godwit
Baird's Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Wilson's Phalarope
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
WILLOW FLYCATCHER
Least Flycatcher
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
"Brewster's" Warbler
Mourning 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: September 8, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Tuesday, September 8, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Glossy Ibis, Wood Stork, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Upland, Baird's, and Buff-breasted sandpipers, Wilson's Phalarope, Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied, Willow, and Scissor-tailed flycatchers, "Brewster's" and Mourning warblers, and Lark Sparrow.

REQUESTS: Information on sightings of GRAY KINGBIRD would be appreciated.

An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen 8/28 near the east entrance of Ft. Morgan park. Also at Ft. Morgan that day, a LEAST FLYCATCHER was in the Middle Ground near the ferry landing, and in the oleanders on the east side of the fort were calling LEAST and WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, and a LARK SPARROW.

The sod farms southeast of Foley, between Baldwin Co. 12 and Co. 20, had many shorebirds 8/28, including 85 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS.

At the Dauphin Island Shell Mounds, a calling LEAST FLYCATCHER and a Mourning Warbler were seen 8/30, and a LARK SPARROW was noted 8/28 and 8/30. A "BREWSTER'S" WARBLER was spotted 9/5.

A MARBLED GODWIT was seen 8/28-29 at low tide on the flats east of the Battleship. The LONG-BILLED CURLEW continues on the Battleship lawn.

Five GLOSSY IBIS and three WILSON'S PHALAROPES were spotted 8/28 in the State Docks property on Blakeley Island. The ponds to check are #'s 1 and 5, accessed from gate # 1 near the foot of the bridge. Birding Blakeley Island requires a permit and liability release, but the previous two-day notification has just been changed to allow visitation the same day you call. Prepare for heat and biting insects, and DO NOT leave the dikes for any reason. For information on permits and visitation, contact Greg Jackson (205/987-2855) or John Porter (334/861-2120).

Huge numbers of WOOD STORKS continue to be seen in the Black Belt. A totalof 504 were counted by one party 8/23 in Hale, Perry, and Greene counties.  The largest concentration, of 454 birds, was in a single pond on the east side of AL 25 about 1/2-mile north of Hale Co. 10 W. Over 200 continued at this pond recently.

For the next month or so, please refrain from visiting the large catfish pond complex southwest of the junction of Hale Co. 10 W and AL 25. The owner indicated too many visitors have been present recently at this working farm. Please respect his wishes, so access may be enjoyed in future seasons.

Over 100 WOOD STORKS were seen 9/2 in south Montgomery County  in a pond on Rudder Road. From the Hope Hull exit on I-65, go south on  US 31 to Rudder Road on the right a little less than a mile from I-65.

UPLAND and BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen 8/30 at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of Montgomery. Take Co. 29 through Lowndesboro from US 80. At 4.8 miles from US 80 turn right at the sign for the farm. In 3.0 miles the paved road becomes dirt.   In another 1.5 miles you reach the farm entrance on the left at a 90 degree
right turn. Please do not walk or drive on the grass at this or any sod farm.

Several BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen at the Harpersville Sod Farms 8/30-31, but none were present 9/7. However, a probable BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was seen across from the church 9/7.

A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was seen 9/6 in Hoover at the B,E,&K trail. Take the Acton Road exit of I-459 and go east a short distance to the day care center on the south side of the road. Park out of the way and take the gated gravel road south. The flycatcher was about 200 yards west of the junction of the creek and the Cahaba River.

A BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and many other shorebirds were seen 9/6 at the Gadsden Wildlife Refuge. To get to the refuge take I-59 to I-759 east in Gadsden. Continue on I-759 until you reach exit 4B on US 411 North. Turn left into the mall parking lot at the second light. Go to the back of the mall parking area and you will see a wooden foot bridge leading into the refuge. The boardwalks are in the back of the refuge about a half mile down a gravel path from the foot bridge. You can also get to the refuge by taking exit 2 onto the Black Creek Parkway from I-759 and turning north (left). Go 1/2 mile and turn right on South 11th Street. At about 0.8 miles you will see a chain link fence and gate to the right. The boardwalk begins very close to this area. Walk toward the expanse of water and you will see the boardwalks. This may be the best approach when carrying a telescope.

A single SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER continues near Decatur. Go west from Decatur on AL 20 and turn north at the light on Finley Island Road. Look along the road beyond the railroad tracks where the road becomes two lane. Be careful of heavy traffic, especially at shift changes.

The ponds near Leighton in eastern Colbert County were in poor condition this weekend with few birds seen.

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 334/382-2680; about the Birmingham Audubon Society, Ann Miller at (205) 879-7709; about the Shoals Audubon Society in n.w. Alabama, Bill Rogers at 256/766-5738.

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