The Alabama RBA

January, 1999

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page :  Alabama RBA for December, 1998

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for February, 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
* January 26, 1999
* ALST991.26

- Birds mentioned

Pacific Loon
Cattle Egret
Greater White-fronted Goose
Snow Goose
Ross's Goose
Surf Scoter
Common Merganser
Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)
Merlin
Sandhill Crane
Sanderling
Long-billed Dowitcher
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Glaucous Gull (Georgia)
Great Black-backed Gull
White-winged Dove
ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
Cape May Warbler
Lapland Longspur
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.

Alabama Ornithological Society website: http://www.bham.net/aos/

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: January 26, 1999
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Email: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Tuesday, January 26, 1999.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Pacific Loon, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Surf Scoter, Common Merganser, Lesser Black-backed and Great Black- backed gulls, Allen's Hummingbird, Lapland Longspur, and Red Crossbill.

A number of good birds were seen this weekend at the AOS meeting east of Florence.  A PACIFIC LOON was spotted below Wheeler Dam 1/23 but not 1/24.  One or two CATTLE EGRETS were seen 1/24 from both the north and south sides of Wilson Dam.  The adult LESSER BLACK- BACKED GULL appeared again the morning of 1/23 above Wilson Dam but not subsequently.

Three COMMON MERGANSERS were found 1/23 in the Tennessee River near Waterloo.    A CAPE MAY WARBLER, present since 1/10, continued through the weekend at a home in Killen.

In the Decatur area, AOS members saw three GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE 1/23 at the Wheeler NWR visitors center observation building off AL 67.  A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen 1/20 at the feeder here.

One SANDHILL CRANE was noted in flight at the I-65 bridge over the Tennessee River, but no cranes were seen at other areas of the refuge after the heavy rains.

Up to 28 LAPLAND LONGSPURS continued at the golf practice field of Calhoun College.   From US Alt 72 northeast of Decatur, go north on US 31.  Turn right at the light near the Hardee's and drive about a half mile to the golf practice field on the left between two ball fields.

A MERLIN was at the Decatur Boat Harbor 1/22.  Two SANDERLINGS and three LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were at Beulah Bay in Swan Creek WMA 1/22, though the subsequent high water may have covered the mudflats.

A ROSS'S GOOSE was seen 1/20 at a small farm pond near Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant.

An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was discovered 1/24 at the Harbor House marina at the south end of the US 431 bridge in Guntersville.  The PACIFIC LOON was seen again 1/15 at Guntersville near the AL 69 causeway.  A female COMMON MERGANSER was seen 1/16 along AL 227 near Guntersville.  It was in a pool near the 45 km marker.

The adult HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK was seen again 1/16 at Paint Rock River valley east of Huntsville.  Go east from Huntsville on US 72, turn north on AL 65, and look in the fields to the east in about a mile.

RED CROSSBILLS continue in Talladega NF near Coleman Lake.  For information, call Bill Summerour at 256/435-4730.

A ROSS'S GOOSE was seen with 30 SNOW GEESE 1/16 south of Montgomery at Snowdoun; they were on Hobbie Road, 1/2-mile east of the blinking light on US 331.

An adult male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD continued through at least 1/17 at Dothan.  For information, call Fred Bassett at 334/244-0227.

A first-year GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen 1/17 at the Magnolia Springs landfill in Baldwin County.  Go north from Magnolia Springs on Co. 49 to reach the landfill.   Please ask permission at the office to bird.  It is very important that you park (and stay) well out of the way of the heavy machinery, and DO NOT enter the fenced pit where the garbage is dumped.  The landfill is closed all day Sunday, and closes at 3PM other days.  Light is best in the afternoon.

Two SURF SCOTERS were seen flying by the pavilion at Gulf State Park 1/17.

An adult GLAUCOUS GULL was discovered 1/16 at West Point Dam just across the line in Georgia.  The LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was still present that day as well.  I have no subsequent reports.

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 1-17-99 and
update 1-17-99

* Alabama
* Statewide
* January 19, 1999
* ALST991.19

- Birds mentioned

Surf Scoter
Common Merganser
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Georgia)
Glaucous Gull (Georgia)
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.

Alabama Ornithological Society website: http://www.bham.net/aos/

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Supplement
Date: January 19, 1999
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

A first-year GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen 1/17 at the Magnolia Springs landfill in Baldwin County.  Go north from Magnolia Springs on Co. 49 to reach the landfill.   Please ask permission at the office to bird.  It is very important that you park (and stay) well out of the way of the heavy machinery, and DO NOT enter the fenced pit where the garbage is dumped.  The landfill is closed all day Sunday, and closes at 3PM other days.  Light is best in the afternoon.

Two SURF SCOTERS were seen flying by the pavilion at Gulf State Park 1/17.

A female COMMON MERGANSER was seen 1/16along AL 227 near Guntersville.  It was in a pool near the 45 km marker

An adult GLAUCOUS GULL was discovered 1/16 at West Point Dam just across the line in Georgia.  The LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was still present that day as well.

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RBA Supplemental Update (Internet Only) -- see full report today

* Alabama
* Statewide
* January 17, 1999
* ALST991.17b

- Birds mentioned

Black-crowned Night-Heron
Snow Goose
Ross's Goose
American Avocet (not seen)
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
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.

Alabama Ornithological Society website: http://www.bham.net/aos/

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Supplement
Date: January 17, 1999
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was above Wilson Dam this afternoon.

Approximately 95 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen today at the Calhoun College golf practice field near Decatur.

At the Wheeler NWR observation building off AL 67, 33 SANDHILL CRANES were seen today.

Four BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were near the Decatur Boat Harbor today.  The AMERICAN AVOCET was not seen.

The adult male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD is still present in Dothan.

Correction: The ROSS'S GOOSE and 30 SNOW GEESE at Snowdoun were on Hobbie Road, 1/2-mile east of the blinking light.

- End Transcript
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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* January 17, 1999
* ALST991.17

- Birds mentioned

Pacific Loon
Greater White-fronted Goose
Snow Goose
Ross's Goose
Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)
Sandhill Crane
American Avocet
jaeger sp.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
Lapland Longspur
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.

Alabama Ornithological Society website: http://www.bham.net/aos/

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: January 17, 1999
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Sunday, January 17, 1999.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Pacific Loon, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, jaeger sp., Black-chinned and Allen's hummingbirds, Lapland Longspur, and Red Crossbill.

An unidentified jaeger was seen harassing gulls at Wilson Dam 1/11-12, but has not been seen subsequently.

An AMERICAN AVOCET was observed 1/16 on the north side of the Decatur Boat Harbor, just east of town on the causeway. 

Six LAPLAND LONGSPURS were found again 1/10 at Calhoun College near Decatur.  From US Alt 72 northeast of Decatur, go north on US 31.  Turn right at the light near the Hardee's and drive about a half mile to the golf practice field on the left between two ball fields.

Ten SANDHILL CRANES were seen 1/16 at Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur.   North of the Tennessee River, 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 cranes.  At the Wheeler visitors center off AL 67 south of the river, 40 SANDHILL CRANES and two GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen 1/16.

The PACIFIC LOON was seen again 1/15 at Guntersville near the AL 69 causeway.

The adult HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK was seen again 1/16 at Paint Rock River valley east of Huntsville.  Go east from Huntsville on US 72, turn north on AL 65, and look in the fields to the east in about a mile.

RED CROSSBILLS continued through 1/15 in Talladega NF near Coleman Lake.  For information, call Bill Summerour at 256/435-4730.

A ROSS'S GOOSE was seen with 30 SNOW GEESE 1/16 south of Montgomery at Snowdoun; they were 1/4-mile east of the blinking light on US 331.

An adult male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was banded the afternoon of 12/30 in Dothan, and a female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was banded 12/31 in Montgomery.  For information, call Fred Bassett at 334/244-0227.

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

* Alabama
* Statewide
* January 11, 1999
* ALST991.11

- Birds mentioned

Red-throated Loon
Pacific Loon
Eared Grebe
SOOTY SHEARWATER
Audubon's-type shearwater
Masked Booby
Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Sandhill Crane
Sanderling
PURPLE SANDPIPER (NOT PRESENT)
Long-billed Dowitcher
jaeger sp.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (GA)
White-winged Dove
Short-eared Owl
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
Western Kingbird
Henslow's Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
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: January 11, 1999
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Monday, January 11, 1999.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Red-throated and Pacific loons, Eared Grebe, Sooty Shearwater, Audubon's-type shearwater, Masked Booby, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, jaeger sp., Black-chinned and Allen's hummingbirds, Lapland Longspur, and Red Crossbill.

An unidentified jaeger was seen harassing gulls at Wilson Dam this afternoon.

Alabama's first PURPLE SANDPIPER, present 1/1-3 on the rocks around Perdido Pass east of Gulf Shores, has not been relocated during several attempts this week and evidently is gone.

Other interesting birds on the Gulf Shores CBC 1/2 included at least one PACIFIC LOON at Perdido Pass (which was seen again 1/3), a SOOTY SHEARWATER, an unidentified AUDUBON'S-TYPE SHEARWATER, and a MASKED BOOBY flying just off the beach, three ROSS'S GEESE in a large goose flock in the area of Co. 12 W, Co. 16, and Co. 49, a flock of 35 SANDHILL CRANES early in the morning at the usual site at the east end of Co. 4, a LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at the sod farms on Co. 12 E, a flock of 85 WHITE-WINGED DOVES and a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD in Foley, and a HENSLOW'S SPARROW in the Gulf Shores Bog west of AL 59.

A SOOTY SHEARWATER was reported off the west end of Dauphin Island 12/31, and a WESTERN KINGBIRD was at the east end at Ft. Gaines 1/1.

An adult male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was banded the afternoon of 12/30 in Dothan, and a female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was banded 12/31 in Montgomery.  For information, call Fred Bassett at 334/244-0227.

Thirty-one GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE continued 12/29 at Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur; six ROSS'S GEESE were here 12/27. North of the Tennessee River, 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.  By 12/30, longspur numbers had dropped to 150 at Swan Creek and 25 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.

The Guntersville CBC 12/26 produced a RED-THROATED LOON at Town Creek, a PACIFIC LOON in Brown's Creek, an EARED GREBE, and a SHORT-EARED OWL.

RED CROSSBILLS continued through 1/1 in Talladega NF near Coleman Lake.  For information, call Bill Summerour at 256/435-4730.

At Eufaula NWR 12/30, 13 GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 13 SANDHILL CRANES were seen on the Alabama side, and a ROSS'S GOOSE was spotted in the river just across the line in Georgia.

A first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen 12/30 at West Point Dam in Georgia.

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

* Alabama
* Statewide
* January 10, 1999
* ALST991.10

- Birds mentioned

Red-throated Loon
Pacific Loon
Eared Grebe
SOOTY SHEARWATER
Audubon's-type shearwater
Masked Booby
Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)
Sandhill Crane
Sanderling
PURPLE SANDPIPER (NOT PRESENT)
Long-billed Dowitcher
Lesser Black-backed Gull (GA)
White-winged Dove
Short-eared Owl
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
Western Kingbird
Henslow's Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
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: January 10, 1999
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Sunday, January 10, 1999.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Red-throated and Pacific loons, Eared Grebe, Sooty Shearwater, Audubon's-type shearwater, Masked Booby, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Black-chinned and Allen's hummingbirds, Lapland Longspur, and Red Crossbill.

Alabama's first PURPLE SANDPIPER, present 1/1-3 on the rocks around Perdido Pass east of Gulf Shores, has not been relocated during several attempts this week and evidently is gone.

Other interesting birds on the Gulf Shores CBC 1/2 included at least one PACIFIC LOON at Perdido Pass (which was seen again 1/3), a SOOTY SHEARWATER, an unidentified AUDUBON'S-TYPE SHEARWATER, and a MASKED BOOBY flying just off the beach, three ROSS'S GEESE in a large goose flock in the area of Co. 12 W, Co. 16, and Co. 49, a flock of 35 SANDHILL CRANES early in the morning at the usual site at the east end of Co. 4, a LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at the sod farms on Co. 12 E, a flock of 85 WHITE-WINGED DOVES and a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD in Foley, and a HENSLOW'S SPARROW in the Gulf Shores Bog west of AL 59.

A SOOTY SHEARWATER was reported off the west end of Dauphin Island 12/31, and a WESTERN KINGBIRD was at the east end at Ft. Gaines 1/1.

An adult male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was banded the afternoon of 12/30 in Dothan, and a female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was banded 12/31 in Montgomery.  For information, call Fred Bassett at 334/244-0227.

Thirty-one GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE continued 12/29 at Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur; six ROSS'S GEESE were here 12/27. North of the Tennessee River, 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.  By 12/30, longspur numbers had dropped to 150 at Swan Creek and 25 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.

The Guntersville CBC 12/26 produced a RED-THROATED LOON at Town Creek, a PACIFIC LOON in Brown's Creek, an EARED GREBE, and a SHORT-EARED OWL.

An adult HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK continued 12/27 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.

RED CROSSBILLS continued through 1/1 in Talladega NF near Coleman Lake.  For information, call Bill Summerour at 256/435-4730.

At Eufaula NWR 12/30, 13 GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 13 SANDHILL CRANES were seen on the Alabama side, and a ROSS'S GOOSE was spotted in the river just across the line in Georgia.

A first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen 12/30 at West Point Dam in Georgia.

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

* Alabama
* Statewide
* January 3, 1999
* ALST991.3

- Birds mentioned

Red-throated Loon
Pacific Loon
Eared Grebe
SOOTY SHEARWATER
Audubon's-type shearwater
Masked Booby
Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Common Merganser
Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)
Merlin
Sandhill Crane
Sanderling
PURPLE SANDPIPER
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Glaucous Gull
White-winged Dove
Short-eared Owl
BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
Henslow's Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
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: January 3, 1999
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Sunday, January 3, 1999.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Red-throated and Pacific loons, Eared Grebe, Sooty Shearwater, Audubon's-type shearwater, Masked Booby, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Common Merganser, Purple Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed and Glaucous gulls, Buff-bellied, Black-chinned, and Allen's hummingbirds, Short-eared Owl, Lapland Longspur, and Red Crossbill.

Alabama's first PURPLE SANDPIPER was found New Year's Day on the east side of Perdido Pass east of Gulf Shores; it was on the rocks at the point.  Yesterday it was at this spot early, but since then it has been seen on the long jetty on the west side of the pass.   To try for this bird, it's probably best to look at the point on the east side first as this is so easy to check; make sure you scan the isolated rocks just off the eastern point by telescope as well.  If not found, park at the lot on the west side of the bridge and walk west on the seawall to the base of the long jetty.  You can walk along the side of the jetty for the first 2/3 of the way, but then have to hop the jagged rocks to the tip.  If you walk on the rocks, please take your time and be very careful.  The bird could be on any of the rocks in this area.

Other interesting birds on the Gulf Shores CBC yesterday included at least one PACIFIC LOON at Perdido Pass (which was seen again this morning), a SOOTY SHEARWATER, an unidentified AUDUBON'S-TYPE SHEARWATER, and a MASKED BOOBY flying just off the beach, three ROSS'S GEESE in a large goose flock in the area of Co. 12 W, Co. 16, and Co. 49, a flock of 35 SANDHILL CRANES early in the morning at the usual site at the east end of Co. 4, a LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at the sod farms on Co. 12 E, a flock of 85 WHITE-WINGED DOVES and a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD in Foley, and a HENSLOW'S SPARROW in the Gulf Shores Bog west of AL 59.

An adult male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was banded the afternoon of 12/30 in Dothan, and a female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was banded 12/31 in Montgomery.  For information, call Fred Bassett at 334/244-0227.

Thirty-one GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE continued 12/29 at Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur; six ROSS'S GEESE were here 12/27. North of the Tennessee River, 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.  By 12/30, longspur numbers had dropped to 150 at Swan Creek and 25 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.

The Guntersville CBC 12/26 produced a RED-THROATED LOON at Town Creek, a PACIFIC LOON in Brown's Creek, an EARED GREBE, and a SHORT-EARED OWL.

An adult HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK continued 12/27 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 12/28.

RED CROSSBILLS continued through 1/1 in Talladega NF near Coleman Lake.  For information, call Bill Summerour at 256/435-4730.

At Eufaula NWR 12/30, 13 GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 13 SANDHILL CRANES were seen on the Alabama side, and a ROSS'S GOOSE was spotted in the river just across the line in Georgia.

A first-year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen 12/30 at West Point Dam in Georgia.

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
* January 1, 1999
* ALST991.1

- Birds mentioned

Red-throated Loon
Pacific Loon
Eared Grebe
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
Black-chinned Hummingbird
ALLEN'S 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: January 1, 1999
Number: 205/987-2730
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Internet: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Hello, this is the Alabama Rare Bird Report for Friday, January 1, 1999.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

HIGHLIGHTS:  Red-throated and Pacific loons, Eared Grebe, Greater White-fronted and Ross's geese, Common Merganser,
Lesser Black-backed and Glaucous gulls, Buff-bellied, Black-chinned, and Allen's hummingbirds, Short-eared Owl, and Lapland Longspur.

An adult male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was banded the afternoon of 12/30 in Dothan, and a female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was banded 12/31 in Montgomery.  For information, call Fred Bassett at 334/244-0227.

Thirty-one GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE continued 12/29 at Limestone Bay in Wheeler NWR near Decatur; six ROSS'S GEESE were here 12/27.  Many SANDHILL CRANES were seen12/20 but not subsequently.  North of the Tennessee River, 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.  By 12/30, longspur numbers had dropped to 150 at Swan Creek and 25 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.

The Guntersville CBC 12/26 produced a RED-THROATED LOON at Town Creek, a PACIFIC LOON in Brown's Creek, an EARED GREBE, and a SHORT-EARED OWL.

An adult HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK continued 12/27 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 12/28.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD continued through at least 12/19 in Prattville, though I've had no recent reports.  Call the Sheffields, at reasonable hours, at 334/361-0978 for information on seeing the bird.

At Eufaula NWR 12/30, 13 GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 13 SANDHILL CRANES were seen on the Alabama side, and a ROSS'S GOOSE was spotted in the river just across the line in Georgia.

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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