The Alabama RBA

December, 1998

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

 Previous RBA Page :  Alabama RBA for November, 1998

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for January, 1999

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
* December 28, 1998
* ALST9812.28

- Birds mentioned

Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Common Merganser
Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)
Merlin
Sandhill Crane
Sanderling
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Glaucous Gull
Short-eared Owl
Buff-bellied Hummingbird
Lincoln's Sparrow
Lapland Longspur

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: December 28, 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, December 28, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Common Merganser, Lesser Black-backed and Glaucous gulls, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Short-eared Owl, and Lapland Longspur.

INFORMATION REQUEST:  Reports of Tundra Swan, White-winged Scoter, and Rough-legged Hawk would be appreciated.

Nine GR. WHITE-FRONTED and six ROSS'S GEESE continued 12/27 at Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur.  Many SANDHILL CRANES were seen here 12/20 but not 12/27.   Take I-565 east from I-65 and soon exit at Mooresville. Turn right twice and drive west on the old highway to the left turn at the boat ramp sign.  Drive about a mile to a gate on the left.  Walk to the shore and look for the geese.

Three SANDERLINGS and nearly 400 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were discovered 12/27 at Beulah Bay in Swan Creek WMA near Decatur.  About 100 Lapland Longspurs were seen that day at Calhoun College.  Go north on US 31 from US Alt 72 east of Decatur, and turn right at the first light near the Hardee's. Go about a half mile to the college golf practice field on the left.  To reach Beulah Bay, return to US 31 and turn north.  Just past the GM plant turn left at the WMA sign.  The road will make sharp right and left turns, then take the dirt road left just before a small bridge.  Go one mile and turn right, parking near the gate at the road end.  Walk beyond the gate and take the first trail right to the bay.

An adult HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK continued yesterday at Paint Rock Valley east of Huntsville.  The bird has been in the large fields east of AL 65 about a mile north of US 72.

The Waterloo CBC produced several interesting birds 12/19, including a ROSS'S GOOSE in the Bear Creek area, three COMMON MERGANSERS, a MERLIN, two first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and an immature GLAUCOUS GULL on the gravel bars in the river just east of Waterloo, a SHORT-EARED OWL, and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW.

SHORT-EARED OWLS continued 12/12 at Key Cave NWR west of Florence. Go west from Florence on AL 20 toward Savannah and turn left on Co.  2 (Gunwaleford Rd.).  In 4.0 miles turn left on Co. 223 (just past Bubba's Grocery) and go 1.5 miles south to Co. 204.   Turn right and go 0.6 miles to a small parking lot on the left overlooking a pond.

A first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Wilson Dam 12/18.   No rarities were seen at Wilson or Wheeler Dams today.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD continued through 12/19 in Prattville at the Sheffield residence.  Call the Sheffields, at reasonable hours, at 334/361-0978 for information on seeing the bird.

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.

Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be transmitted by e-mail to greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net.   Thank you.

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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* December 21, 1998
* ALST9812.21

- Birds mentioned

Red-throated Loon (GA)
Pacific Loon
Ross's Goose
Black Scoter
Common Merganser
Merlin
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Glaucous Gull
Short-eared Owl
Buff-bellied Hummingbird
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Scarlet Tanager
Lincoln's Sparrow
Indigo Bunting

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: December 21, 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, December 21, 1998.  MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!

HIGHLIGHTS:  Pacific Loon, Ross's Goose, Black Scoter, Common Merganser, Lesser Black-backed and Glaucous gulls, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Short-eared Owl, and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.

INFORMATION REQUEST:  Reports of Tundra Swan, White-winged Scoter, and Rough-legged Hawk would be appreciated.

The Waterloo CBC produced several interesting birds 12/19, including a ROSS'S GOOSE in the Bear Creek area, three COMMON MERGANSERS, a MERLIN, two first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and an immature GLAUCOUS GULL on the gravel bars in the river just east of Waterloo, a SHORT-EARED OWL, and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW.

SHORT-EARED OWLS continued 12/12 at Key Cave NWR west of Florence. Go west from Florence on AL 20 toward Savannah and turn left on Co. 2 (Gunwaleford Rd.).  In 4.0 miles turn left on Co. 223 (just past Bubba's Grocery) and go 1.5 miles south to Co. 204.  Turn right and go 0.6 miles to a small parking lot on the left overlooking a pond.

A first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Wilson Dam 12/18.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD continued through 12/19 in Prattville at the Sheffield residence.  Call the Sheffields, at reasonable hours, at 334/361-0978 for information on seeing the bird.

A PACIFIC LOON was seen 12/10 at Guntersville just south of the AL 69 causeway, but has not been reported subsequently.

The adult SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen again 12/17 at Ft. Morgan, as was a lingering SCARLET TANAGER.  A late INDIGO BUNTING was present 12/14.

Single BLACK SCOTERS were seen 12/14 in flight along the beach at Gulf SP and in the water just to the east of Perdido Pass.

A RED-THROATED LOON was seen at West Point Reservoir just across the line in Georgia 12/14.

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.

Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be transmitted by e-mail to < greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net >.  Thank you.

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RBA Supplemental Update (Internet Only) -- see full report 12-11-98

* Alabama
* Statewide
* December 19, 1998
* ALST9812.19

- Birds mentioned

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Scarlet Tanager

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 Supplement
Date: December 19, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

A first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen 12/18 at Wilson Dam.  This may be the bird seen farther east on the lake 11/28.  Many gulls are present at both Wheeler and Wilson Dams 12/18, but no other rarities were detected.

The adult SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen again 12/17 at Ft. Morgan, as was a lingering SCARLET TANAGER.

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RBA Supplemental Update (Internet Only) -- see full report 12-11-98

* Alabama
* Statewide
* December 15, 1998

- Birds mentioned

Red-throated Loon (GA)
Black Scoter
BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Indigo Bunting

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 Supplement
Date: December 15, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Single BLACK SCOTERS were seen 12/14 in flight along the beach at Gulf SP and in the water just to the east of Perdido Pass.

A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER and a lingering INDIGO BUNTING were at Ft. Morgan 12/14.

The BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD continued through 12/14 in Prattville at the Sheffield residence.  Call the Sheffields, at reasonable hours, at 334/361-0978 for information on seeing the bird.

SHORT-EARED OWLS continued 12/12 at Key Cave NWR west of Decatur.

A RED-THROATED LOON was seen at West Point Reservoir just across the line
in Georgia 12/14.

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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* December 11, 1998
* ALST9812.11

- Birds mentioned

Pacific Loon
Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Surf Scoter
Sandhill Crane
Whimbrel
Red Knot
Laughing Gull
Franklin's Gull
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Great Black-backed Gull
Short-eared Owl
Western Kingbird
Bewick's Wren
Le Conte's Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Red Crossbill

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: December 11, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Friday, December 11, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Pacific Loon, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Surf Scoter, Franklin's, Lesser Black-backed, and Great Black-backed gulls, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Short-eared Owl, Western Kingbird, Bewick's Wren, Le Conte's Sparrow, and Red Crossbill.

INFORMATION REQUEST:  Reports of Tundra Swan, White-winged Scoter, and Rough-legged Hawk would be appreciated.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD was banded 12/9 in Prattville at the Sheffield residence.  Call the Sheffields, at reasonable hours, at 334/361-0978 for information on seeing the bird.

A PACIFIC LOON was seen yesterday at Guntersville just south of the AL 69 causeway.

An adult GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen 12/3 on the Mississippi Sound shore of Dauphin Island, at the West End near St. Stephen's Street.  This is NOT the dark-backed "mystery gull" present this fall on the island. A WHIMBREL was on the jetties south of Ft. Gaines on the East End of the island.

A first-year GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was discovered 12/2 at Mobile Point at Ft. Morgan.  Three RED KNOTS were also noted.

Four FRANKLIN'S GULLS were seen 12/2 on the sandflats just north of Perdido Pass, east of Gulf Shores.

Another FRANKLIN'S GULL was noted 12/2 at the Gulf Shores sewage lagoons off E. 10th Street along the Intracoastal Waterway.  Birders are again allowed on the property, but only when no construction is underway; you must ask permission at the office.

A boat trip on Wilson Lake 11/28 produced two SURF SCOTERS and an adult LAUGHING GULL below Wheeler Dam, and a first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL in the river east of Florence.

RED CROSSBILLS continued through 12/10 not far from Coleman Lake in Talladega NF east of Anniston. For information, call Bill Summerour at 256/435-4730.

A WESTERN KINGBIRD was spotted in Barbour County 11/29 perched on a fence line on the west side of Barbour Co. 53, approximately 2.2 miles north of AL 10.

Twenty-eight GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, three ROSS'S GEESE,and three SANDHILL CRANES continued  12/2 at Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur. Take I-565 east from I-65 and soon exit at Mooresville. Turn right twice and drive west on the old highway to the left turn at the boat ramp sign.  Drive about a mile to a gate on the left.  Walk to the shore and look for the geese.

A BEWICK'S WREN continued 11/28 at Lake Land Farms near Marion, as did several WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS. Go south on AL 5 from the overpass in Marion 1.6 miles to a right turn with a triangle and a sign for Marion Academy. Take the next left at the sign for the farms and drive about two miles to a large white house on the left.  Continue about a half mile to a dirt road leading left, just before a very small bridge.  Drive 1/4 mile and park on the left at a corral with a red gate.  Just past the corral entrance on the dirt road is a telephone cable marker on the right; the Bewick's has been in this area.  Many White-crowned Sparrows also can be seen along this road.

Two SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen again at dusk 12/1 at Key Cave NWR west of Florence.  Go west from town on AL 20 towards Savannah and turn left on Co.  2 (Gunwaleford Rd.).  In 4.0 miles turn left on Co. 223 (just past Bubba's Grocery) and go 1.5 miles south to Co. 204.  Turn right and go 0.6 miles to a small parking lot on the left overlooking a pond. On 11/29, a LE CONTE'S SPARROW was found at the northwest corner of the pond.

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.

Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be transmitted by e-mail to greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net .  Thank you.

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RBA Supplemental Update (Internet Only) -- see full report 12-5-98

* Alabama
* Statewide
* December 9, 1998
* ALST9812.9

- Birds mentioned

BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD
RED CROSSBILL

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 Supplement
Date: December 9, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD was banded this morning in Prattville at the Sheffield residence. Call the Sheffields, at reasonable hours, at 334/361-0978 for information on seeing the bird.

RED CROSSBILLS were seen again 12/5 on the Pinhoti Trail near Coleman Lake in Talladega NF.

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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* December 5, 1998
* ALST9812.5

- Birds mentioned

Red-throated Loon (probable)
Eared Grebe
ROSEATE SPOONBILL
Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Surf Scoter
Sandhill Crane
Whimbrel
Red Knot
Laughing Gull
Franklin's Gull
CALIFORNIA GULL (not seen)
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Great Black-backed Gull
Short-eared Owl
Western Kingbird
Bewick's Wren
Le Conte's Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Red Crossbill

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: December 5, 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, December 5, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Eared Grebe, Roseate Spoonbill, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Surf Scoter, Franklin's, Lesser Black-backed, and Great Black-backed gulls, Short-eared Owl, Western Kingbird, Bewick's Wren, Le Conte's Sparrow, and Red Crossbill.

INFORMATION REQUEST:  Reports of Tundra Swan, White-winged Scoter, and Rough-legged Hawk would be appreciated.

An adult GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen 12/3 on the Mississippi Sound shore of Dauphin Island, at the West End near St. Stephen's Street.  This is NOT the dark-backed "mystery gull" present this fall on the island. A WHIMBREL was on the jetties south of Ft. Gaines on the East End of the island.

A first-year GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was discovered 12/2 at Mobile Point at Ft. Morgan.   Three RED KNOTS were also noted.

Four FRANKLIN'S GULLS were seen 12/2 on the sandflats just north of Perdido Pass, east of Gulf Shores.

Another FRANKLIN'S GULL was noted 12/2 at the Gulf Shores sewage lagoons off E. 10th Street along the Intracoastal Waterway.  Birders are again allowed on the property, but only when no construction is underway; you must ask permission at the office.

The first-year CALIFORNIA GULL found 11/30 at the Harbor House marina in   Guntersville has not been relocated despite many searches.  An EARED GREBE was seen on the north side of the west end of the AL 69 causeway 12/2, and a probable RED-THROATED LOON was reported that day at the east end of the causeway.

A boat trip on Wilson Lake 11/28 produced two SURF SCOTERS and an adult LAUGHING GULL below Wheeler Dam, and a first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL in the river east of Florence.

Eight to ten SURF SCOTERS were seen 11/28 at Walter F. George Dam.

Eight SURF SCOTERS were seen 11/24 at South Sauty Creek on the Tennessee River.

A WESTERN KINGBIRD was spotted in Barbour County 11/29 perched on a fence line on the west side of Barbour Co. 53, approximately 2.2 miles north of AL 10.

A single ROSEATE SPOONBILL continued in Polecat Bay east of Blakelely Island 11/24.   This spot is viewed from the exit ramp area of I-10 W at the last exit before the tunnel.

Twenty-eight GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, three ROSS'S GEESE, and three SANDHILL CRANES continued 12/2 at Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur. Take I-565 east from I-65 and soon exit at Mooresville. Turn right twice and drive west on the old highway to the left turn at the boat ramp sign.  Drive about a mile to a gate on the left.  Walk to the shore and look for the geese.

A BEWICK'S WREN continued 11/28 at Lake Land Farms near Marion, as did several WHITE- CROWNED SPARROWS. Go south on AL 5 from the overpass in Marion 1.6 miles to a right turn with a triangle and a sign for Marion Academy. Take the next left at the sign for the farms and drive about two miles to a large white house on the left.  Continue about a half mile to a dirt road leading left, just before a very small bridge.  Drive 1/4 mile and park on the left at a corral with a red gate.  Just past the corral entrance on the dirt road is a telephone cable marker on the right; the Bewick's has been in this area.  Many White-crowned Sparrows also can be seen along this road.

Two SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen again at dusk 12/1 at Key Cave NWR west of Florence.   Go west from town on AL 20 towards Savannah and turn left on Co.  2 (Gunwaleford Rd.).  In 4.0 miles turn left on Co. 223 (just past Bubba's Grocery) and go 1.5 miles south to Co. 204.  Turn right and go 0.6 miles to a small parking lot on the left overlooking a pond. On 11/29, a LE CONTE'S SPARROW was found at the northwest corner of the pond.

Two EARED GREBES continued 11/14 at the Bayou La Batre ponds. Just north of the drawbridge in Bayou La Batre, go west on Little River Road.  At the second sharp left turn, where Powell goes to the left, continue straight on a dirt road.  The ponds are on the right.  Please do NOT drive on the dikes.

RED CROSSBILLS continued through 11/21 not far from Coleman Lake in Talladega NF east of Anniston, but were not found in several visits the weekend of 11/28. For updates, call Bill Summerour at 256/435-4730.

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.

Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be transmitted by e-mail to greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net.   Thank you.

- End Transcript
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RBA Supplemental Update (Internet Only) -- see full report 12-1-98

* Alabama
* Statewide
* December 3, 1998
* ALST9812.3

- Birds mentioned

Whimbrel
Great Black-backed Gull
Short-eared Owl

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 Supplement
Date: December 3, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

An adult GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen this morning on the Mississippi Sound shore of Dauphin Island, at the West End near St. Stephen's Street.  This is NOT the dark-backed "mystery gull" present this fall on the island. A WHIMBREL was on the jetties south of Ft. Gaines on the East End of the island.

Two SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen again 12/1 at dusk at Key Cave NWR west of Florence.

- End Transcript
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RBA Supplemental Update (Internet Only) -- see full report 12-1-98

* Alabama
* Statewide
* December 2, 1998
* ALST9812.2

- Birds mentioned

Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Franklin's Gull
CALIFORNIA GULL
Great Black-backed Gull

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 Supplement
Date: December 2, 1998
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

The first-year CALIFORNIA GULL seen 11/30 at the Harbor House Marina in Guntersville was not seen by multiple parties 12/1 or 12/2.

A first-year GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen late this afternoon at Mobile Point at Ft. Morgan.

Four FRANKLIN'S GULLS were seen this morning on the sandflats just north of Perdido Pass, east of Gulf Shores.

Another FRANKLIN'S GULL was noted this morning at the Gulf Shores sewage lagoons off E. 10th Street along the Intracoastal Waterway. Birders are again allowed on the property, but only when no construction is underway; you must ask permission at the office.

At Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR, 26 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and two ROSS'S GEESE were seen again this morning.

- End Transcript
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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* December 1, 1998
* ALST9812.1

- Birds mentioned

Eared Grebe

ROSEATE SPOONBILL
Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Sandhill Crane
Laughing Gull
CALIFORNIA GULL
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Short-eared Owl
Western Kingbird
Bewick's Wren
Le Conte's Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Red Crossbill

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: December 1, 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, December 1, 1998.

HIGHLIGHTS: Eared Grebe, Roseate Spoonbill, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Surf and White-winged scoters, California and Lesser Black-backed gulls, Short-eared Owl, Western Kingbird, Bewick's Wren, Le Conte's Sparrow, and Red Crossbill.

INFORMATION REQUEST: Reports of Tundra Swan, White-winged Scoter, and Rough-legged Hawk would be appreciated.

A first-year CALIFORNIA GULL was studied yesterday afternoon at Guntersville. It was on the pilings of the Harbor House marina, at the south end of the Tennessee River bridge. Beware of Herring Gulls in this area with pinkish, dark-tipped bills; the California is easiest to notice by its obviously small size relative to the Herrings, and has a different shape and wing pattern.

A boat trip on Wilson Lake 11/28 produced two SURF SCOTERS and an adult LAUGHING GULL below Wheeler DAM, and a first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL in the river east of Florence.

Eight to ten SURF SCOTERS were seen 11/28 at Walter F. George Dam.

Eight SURF SCOTERS were seen 11/24 at South Sauty Creek on the Tennessee River.

A WESTERN KINGBIRD was spotted in Barbour County 11/29 perched on a fence line on the west side of Barbour Co. 53, approximately 2.2 miles north of AL 10.

Two flocks of WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS totaling 23 birds were seen flying by Mobile Point at Ft. Morgan 11/26. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was at the fort that day as well.

A single ROSEATE SPOONBILL continued in Polecat Bay east of Blakelely Island 11/24. This spot is viewed from the exit ramp area of I-10 W at the last exit before the tunnel.

At least 20 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, eight ROSS'S GEESE, and 20 SANDHILL CRANES were seen 11/21 at Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur. These birds were not noted 11/28, but one crane was seen 11/30. Take I-565 east from I-65 and soon exit at Mooresville. Turn right twice and drive west on the old highway to the left turn at the boat ramp sign. Drive about a mile to a gate on the left.  Walk to the shore and look for the geese. White Springs Dike had few birds 11/21, with little water in the impoundments.

A BEWICK'S WREN continued 11/28 at Lake Land Farms near Marion, as did several WHITE- CROWNED SPARROWS. Go south on AL 5 from the overpass in Marion 1.6 miles to a right turn with a triangle and a sign for Marion Academy. Take the next left at the sign for the farms and drive about two miles to a large white house on the left.  Continue about a half mile to a dirt road leading left, just before a very small bridge. Drive 1/4 mile and park on the left at a corral with a red gate. Just past the corral entrance on the dirt road is a telephone cable marker on the right; the Bewick's has been in this area. Many White-crowned Sparrows also can be seen along this road.

Two SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen again at dusk 11/29 at Key Cave NWR west of Florence. Go west from town on AL 20 towards Savannah and turn left on Co. 2 (Gunwaleford Rd.). In 4.0 miles turn left on Co. 223 (just past Bubba's Grocery) and go 1.5 miles south to Co. 204.   Turn right and go 0.6 miles to a small parking lot on the left overlooking a pond. On 11/29, a LE CONTE'S SPARROW was found at the northwest corner of the pond.

Two EARED GREBES continued 11/14 at the Bayou La Batre ponds. Just north of the drawbridge in Bayou La Batre, go west on Little River Road. At the second sharp left turn, where Powell goes to the left, continue straight on a dirt road. The ponds are on the right. Please do NOT drive on the dikes.

RED CROSSBILLS continued through 11/21 not far from Coleman Lake in Talladega NF east of Anniston, but were not found in several visits the weekend of 11/28. For updates, call Bill Summerour at 256/435-4730.

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.

Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be transmitted by e-mail to greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net >. Thank you.

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