Tennessee Valley Audubon Society

The Alabama RBA

January 2001

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page : Alabama RBA for December, 2000

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for February, 2001

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 334/382-2680; 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; about the Tennessee Valley Audubon Society in Huntsville, Ruby Norman at 256/773-4369; about the Coastal Birding Association, Venetia Friend at 334/928-4437.

RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *January 30, 2001 (Internet only - new phone # active soon) *ALST0101.30

==================== --- Species added since last report --- ====================

Common Merganser Glaucous Gull

====================== --- Species reported previously --- ====================

Pacific Loon Greater White-fronted Goose Ross's Goose Greater Scaup White-winged Scoter Long-tailed Duck (Georgia near state line) Golden Eagle PRAIRIE FALCON Sandhill Crane Laughing Gull LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Short-eared Owl CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD LeConte's Sparrow

================= --- Farther afield --- ==================

Smew (near St. Louis, Missouri): 1/13-1/29, call RBA @ 573/445-9115 or visit website at: http://www.stlouisaudubon.org

Yellow-faced Grassquit (Everglades NP, Florida): 1/20-1/30, call RBA @ 941/242- 9338. To see pictures of this beauty visit: http://homestead.juno.com/anipa/anipa.html

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please note: Species CAPITALIZED above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee review list. Check the AOS website (address below - look in Alabama Bird Record Committee section) for forms and suggestions on how to submit your sightings to the state database.

Please send observations with appropriate details to:

Greg D. Jackson 2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244 greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net Fax: 205/987-5167

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

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: January 30, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 (THIS NEW NUMBER WILL BE ACTIVE SOON - UNTIL THEN PLEASE CALL 256/340-5378 TO LEAVE MESSAGES) Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Tuesday, January 30, 2001.

NOTE: Where possible, DeLorme Alabama Atlas coordinates are provided following each site description. It would be helpful if reports were accompanied by these coordinates.

Birders at the winter AOS meeting in Guntersville 1/26-28 compiled a total of 113 species. Among the highlights were continued sightings of the adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL with many gulls on the marina pilings at the south end of the US 431 bridge behind the Harbor House Restaurant. Also present at this location were an immature GLAUCOUS GULL and up to three LAUGHING GULLS. The Glaucous is presumably the same bird found during the Guntersville CBC in late December and mid-day may to be a good time to check the pilings for an appearance. A female COMMON MERGANSER continued, with many Red-breasted Mergansers, in Browns Creek south of AL 69. Search between the recreation center and the sand beach. A PACIFIC LOON was seen again during the weekend several times from the AL 69 causeway. [25-A10; 26-A1]

Group birding trips over AOS weekend to the Jones Farm Road (a.k.a. "Hawk Farm") just northwest of Guntersville Dam resulted in several sightings of GOLDEN EAGLES and one brief view of the PRAIRIE FALCON. At least one SHORT-EARED OWL was also seen at dusk two days. Access to this gated and posted private property is restricted. Call Linda Reynolds (256/582-2970 at home or 256/582-0412 at work) for details. [19-H9&10]

A LeCONTE'S SPARROW was found 1/21 in grass northeast of the pond near Co. 204 at Key Cave NWR. At dusk, a SHORT-EARED OWL was seen hunting with harriers also in this area. To reach this spot go west from Florence on AL 20 towards Savannah and turn left on Lauderdale Co. 2. In 4.0 miles turn left on Co. 223 and go 1.5 miles south to Co. 204. Turn right (west) on Co. 204 and travel to the small gravel parking area on the left marked with refuge signs. The pond and fields are in front of this area opposite the road. [17-D6]

Up to 200 SANDHILL CRANES were noted in the Beaverdam Peninsula fields east of Limestone Bay, Wheeler NWR, on 1/27. Both GREATER WHITE-FRONTED and ROSS'S GEESE were reported from this traditional location earlier in the season and usually remain through late January associating with the large Snow Goose flock. [18-F5]

Several GREATER SCAUP were present 1/27 at the Decatur Boat Harbor. [18-F4]

I have no recent reports of the immature male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD near Clay northeast of Birmingham, however, the bird may still be present. Call Sue Adams at 205/681-4141, for information and directions.

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were relocated on 1/22 near Eufaula NWR. This time the birds were with several other geese on the beach between Lakepoint lodge and the marina. [54-B4]

A LeCONTE'S SPARROW was relocated on 1/15 at Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County. Be aware there is property near the turf farm on which hunting is allowed this time of year. To reach the farm, 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. [44-E4]

Two more LeCONTE'S SPARROWS were seen on 1/15 near Speigner north of Montgomery [45-B7]. Call Larry Gardella (334-613-0690) for details.

A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen 1/16 just north of the Marine Resources Center adjacent to Shell Mound Park, Dauphin Island. [64-B3]

The LONG-TAILED DUCK continued through 1/30 at West Point Dam just across the state line in Georgia (north of Lanett, AL). [40-E4]

The following may be called for information: Birding in Alabama: Greg Jackson (205/987-2855) Alabama Ornithological Society: Larry Gardella (334/613-0690) Birmingham Audubon Society: Ann Miller (205/879-7709) Shoals Audubon Society (n.w. Alabama): Bill Rogers (256/766-5738) Tennessee Valley Audubon Society (Huntsville): Ruby Norman (256/773-4369) Coastal Birding Association: Venetia Friend (334/928-4437) Raptors: Joe Shelnutt (334/844-6025)

Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be submitted by email to swmavocet@aol.com.

Thank you.

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RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *January 24, 2001 (Internet only - new phone # active soon) *ALST0101.24

=================== --- Species added since last report --- ====================

Short-eared Owl

================== --- Species reported previously --- ===================

Pacific Loon Eared Grebe Greater White-fronted Goose Ross's Goose Greater Scaup White-winged Scoter Long-tailed Duck (Georgia near state line) Golden Eagle PRAIRIE FALCON Sandhill Crane Long-billed Curlew Laughing Gull LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD LeConte's Sparrow

================= --- Farther afield --- =================

Smew (near St. Louis, Missouri): 1/13-1/24, call RBA @ 573/445-9115 or visit website at: http://www.stlouisaudubon.org

Yellow-faced Grassquit (Everglades NP, Florida): 1/20-1/23, call RBA @ 941/242-9338

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-- Please note: Species CAPITALIZED above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee review list. Check the AOS website (address below - look in Alabama Bird Record Committee section) for forms and suggestions on how to submit your sightings to the state database.

Please send observations with appropriate details to:

Greg D. Jackson 2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244 greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net Fax: 205/987-5167

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

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: January 24, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 (THIS NEW NUMBER WILL BE ACTIVE SOON - UNTIL THEN PLEASE CALL 256/340-5378 TO LEAVE MESSAGES) Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Wednesday, January 24, 2001.

NOTE: Where possible, DeLorme Alabama Atlas coordinates are provided following each site description. It would be helpful if reports were accompanied by these coordinates.

Up to 160 SANDHILL CRANES have returned to Limestone Bay at Wheeler NWR, as have several GR. WHITE-FRONTED and two ROSS'S GEESE. [18-F5]

The adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continued through 1/20 with many gulls on the marina pilings located at the south end of the US 431 bridge north of downtown Guntersville. At least one LAUGHING GULL remained through the weekend from the 3-4 recently seen. Several GREATER SCAUP were near the Kiwanas club pier on Sunset Drive. A PACIFIC LOON was noted again south of the AL 69 causeway on 1/21. [25-A10; 26-A1]

Another group birding trip on 1/20 to the Jones Farm Road (a.k.a. "Hawk Farm") just northwest of Guntersville Dam refound one GOLDEN EAGLE and the PRAIRIE FALCON. Birding access to this road remains restricted. During January access will only be granted as part of an already scheduled group birding trip. Trips are planned for AOS weekend. Call Linda Reynolds (256/582-2970 at home or 256/582-0412 at work) for details. [19-H9&10]

An immature male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD is near Clay northeast of Birmingham. The homeowner welcomes visitors with advance notice. Parking is very limited in the driveway of the residence, so please park on the road in front of the home. To visit call Sue Adams at 205/681-4141, who will also give directions to the home.

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were relocated on 1/22 near Eufaula NWR. This time the birds were with several other geese on the beach between Lakepoint lodge and the marina. [54-B4]

Two more LeCONTE'S SPARROWS were seen on 1/15 near Speigner north of Montgomery [45-B7]. Call Larry Gardella (334-613-0690) for details.

A check of several coastal birding locations on 1/13 produced 15 EARED GREBES on Mobile Bay at Mullet Point Park [62-G5]. Also seen that day were a wintering LONG-BILLED CURLEW at Battleship Park [62-D4] and a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER on Lake Shelby north of the Gulf State Park lodge. The scoter was near the boat ramp area off AL 135. [64-F3]

A second WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen 1/16 just north of the Marine Resources Center adjacent to Shell Mound Park, Dauphin Island. [64-B3]

A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen again 1/24 near West Point Dam just across the state line in Georgia (north of Lanett, AL). [40-E4]

The next meeting of the Alabama Ornithological Society will be 1/26-28 in Guntersville. For information call 334-613-0690 or visit the AOS website at: http://www.bham.net/aos/

Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be submitted by email to swmavocet@aol.com.

Thank you.

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RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *January 19, 2001 (Internet only - new phone # active soon) *ALST0101.19

=================== --- Species added since last report --- =================

Eared Grebe White-winged Scoter Common Merganser Long-billed Curlew

============== --- Species reported previously --- ================

Pacific Loon Greater White-fronted Goose Ross's Goose Tundra Swan Greater Scaup Surf Scoter (gone?) Long-tailed Duck Golden Eagle Merlin PRAIRIE FALCON Sandhill Crane Laughing Gull LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD Clay-colored Sparrow AMERICAN TREE SPARROW LeConte's Sparrow Lapland Longspur

============== --- Farther afield --- ==============

Smew (St. Louis, MO) Purple Martin (Ft. Walton Beach, FL)

Please send observations with appropriate details to:

Greg D. Jackson 2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244 greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net Fax: 205/987-5167

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

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: January 19, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 (THIS NEW NUMBER WILL BE ACTIVE SOON - UNTIL THEN PLEASE CALL 256/340-5378 TO LEAVE MESSAGES) Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Saturday, January 19, 2001.

NOTE: Where possible, DeLorme Alabama Atlas coordinates are provided following each site description. It would be helpful if reports were accompanied by these coordinates.

No recent reports of the AMERICAN TREE SPARROW at McFarland Park in Florence have been received. The bird was last reported 1/7 but may still be present. To reach the site take AL 20 just west from Florence to the park and golf course on the left near the Tennessee River. Enter the park, passing the marina on the left, and stop and park at the second restroom on the right. Walk to a large green pipe structure in the ground, turn left, and follow the gravel road out to the golf course. Note: give golfers right-of-way! Stop at the course edge (pond on left) and look to the left. A red flag is on a distant green (not the closer one behind the trees); this flag is two fairways across the course and is in front of the power line tower. The sparrow was around the golf green at this red flag and near a slough bordering the field. It was close to the first stand of small river birches along the slough, and was feeding both in the field and in short vegetation along the slough edge with other sparrows. A MERLIN was also seen here recently. [DeLorme 17-C7]

Two LeCONTE'S SPARROWS were discovered 1/3 near the entrance to Seven Mile Island WMA, southwest of Florence. From the north end of the Tennessee River Bridge, proceed west on AL 20 past McFarland Park across Cypress Creek to the entrance of Seven Mile Island on the left. Pass the water treatment area to a woods on the right. As the road turns back right, there is a grassy area where the sparrows were seen. [17-C6&7]

An immature TUNDRA SWAN was seen 1/4-5 at Wheeler NWR in Crabtree Slough. >From the Refuge Visitor Center go west (left) on AL 67 for about 0.5 miles to the first road on left past the Refuge Headquarters Entrance. The bird was seen feeding with several thousand ducks from the slough dike. Six SANDHILL CRANES were seen 1/7 in the fields near the refuge visitor's center. [18-G4]

Up to 160 SANDHILL CRANES have returned to Limestone Bay at Wheeler NWR, as have several GR. WHITE-FRONTED and two ROSS'S GEESE. A MERLIN was seen 1/7 near the end of the boat ramp road along the west side of the bay. [18-F5]

An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continued through 1/14 with many gulls on the marina pilings located at the south end of the US 431 bridge north of downtown Guntersville. At least three LAUGHING GULLS were also present that day. A small raft of GREATER SCAUP was also seen just west of the bridge. On 1/15 a female LONG-TAILED DUCK was near the Kiwanas club pier on Sunset Drive and a female COMMON MERGANSER was spotted close to the recreation center. A PACIFIC LOON was noted south of the AL 69 causeway on both 1/14 and 1/16. [25-A10; 26-A1]

Another group birding trip on 1/13 to the Jones Farm Road (a.k.a. "Hawk Farm") just northwest of Guntersville Dam relocated at least two GOLDEN EAGLES. Distant views of a falcon were likely the PRAIRIE FALCON seen the previous week. Birding access to this road remains restricted. During January access will only be granted as part of an already scheduled group birding trip. Trips are planned for 1/20 and AOS weekend. Call Linda Reynolds (256/582-2970 at home or 256/582-0412 at work) for details. [19-H9&10]

A LONG-TAILED DUCK was spotted 1/1 at Weiss Lake. From Centre take AL 9 northeast to Cherokee Co. 63 and then turn right on Co. 105. Go about a half mile to a church on a point and scan for the duck. A flock of 50-75 LAPLAND LONGSPURS was seen recently at the Coosa Valley Turf Farm near Weiss Lake. Please do not walk or drive on the grass at this or any sod farm. [27-D7]

The immature SURF SCOTER in Fayette at Guthrie Smith park was not seen on 1/16 and may be gone. The most recent sighting was four days earlier. The park is located about two miles north of town behind the municipal airport. [28-B5]

A trip to Eufaula NWR on 1/15 produced 22 GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE with many Snow Geese near the J. Dusi observation hut. [54-B5]

Two LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen again 1/4 at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County, and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen there 1/1. In addition a LeCONTE'S SPARROW was relocated there 1/15. Be aware there is property near the turf farm on which hunting is allowed this time of year. To reach the farm, 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. [44-E4]

Two LeCONTE'S SPARROWS were seen on 1/15 near Speigner north of Montgomery [45-B7]. Call Larry Gardella (334-613-0690) for details.

BUFF-BELLIED and CALLIOPE HUMMINGIRDS have been banded recently in Mobile. For information, call Fred Bassett at 334/244-0227.

A second WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen 1/16 just north of the Marine Resources Center adjacent to Shell Mound Park, Dauphin Island. [64-B3]

In the farther afield department, a male SMEW (origin unknown) has been present since 1/13 at the Riverlands Demonstration Area, West Alton, MO (near St. Louis). For pictures and information visit the St. Louis Audubon website at: http://www.stlouisaudubon.org or call their RBA at 573/445-9115. A Barrow's Goldeneye, Snowy Owl, and several unusual gulls have also been at this site recently.

And finally, a sign of things to come: two male PURPLE MARTINS were seen 1/18 over the Ft. Walton Beach, FL, sewage treatment plant.

The next meeting of the Alabama Ornithological Society will be 1/26-28 in Guntersville. For information call 334-613-0690 or visit the AOS website at: http://www.bham.net/aos/

Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be submitted by email to swmavocet@aol.com.

Thank you.

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RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *January 13, 2001 (Internet only - new phone # active 1/17) *ALST0101.13

- Birds mentioned

Pacific Loon Masked Booby (possible) BROWN BOOBY GREAT CORMORANT (possible) Greater White-fronted Goose Ross's Goose Tundra Swan Greater Scaup Long-tailed Duck Golden Eagle Merlin PRAIRIE FALCON Surf Scoter Sandhill Crane jaeger sp. Laughing Gull LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Great Black-backed Gull (Georgia) BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD Black-chinned Hummingbird Black-throated Green Warbler Prairie Warbler Wilson's Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat Clay-colored Sparrow AMERICAN TREE SPARROW Henslow's Sparrow LeConte's Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow Lapland Longspur Painted Bunting Brewer's Blackbird

NOTE: Species capitalized above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee Review List. Please send observations with appropriate details to:

Greg D. Jackson 2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244 greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net Fax: 205/987-5167

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

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: January 13, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 (NOT ACTIVE UNTIL 1/17 - CALL 256/340-5378 TO LEAVE MESSAGES UNTIL THEN) Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Saturday, January 13, 2001.

NOTE: Where possible, DeLorme Alabama Atlas coordinates are provided following each site description. It would be helpful if reports were accompanied by these coordinates.

An AMERICAN TREE SPARROW continued through at least 1/7 at McFarland Park in Florence. Park at the second restroom on the right side of the road at McFarland Park. Walk to a large green pipe in the ground and walk along the gravel road until you reach the golf course. Note: give golfers right-of-way! Stop at the course edge (pond on left) and look to the left. A red flag is on a distant green (not the closer one behind the trees); this flag is two fairways across the course. The sparrow was along the edge of a weedy field in front of the red flag, near a slough bordering the field. It was close to the first stand of small river birches along the slough, and was feeding both in the field and in short vegetation along the slough edge with other sparrows. A MERLIN was also seen here recently. [DeLorme 17-C7]

An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen 1/12 south of the AL 69 causeway near Guntersville. Later, presumably the same bird was with many gulls on the marina pilings located at the south end of the US 431 bridge north of town. Four LAUGHING GULLS were also present. Five GREATER SCAUP were also seen just west of the bridge. [25-A10; 26-A1]

A group birding trip on 1/6 to the Jones Farm Road (a.k.a. "Hawk Farm") just northwest of Guntersville Dam produced sightings of PRAIRIE FALCON, GOLDEN EAGLE, and BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS. Birding access to this road remains restricted. During January access will only be granted as part of an already scheduled group birding trip. During January call Linda Reynolds (256/582-2970 at home or 256/582-0412 at work) for details. After this month access may be arranged by calling Billy Bearden at 256/582-6780. Call at least 24 hours prior to your visit and tell Billy that you wish to bird from the gated road, how many will be in your party, time of visit, etc. [19-H9&10]

The immature SURF SCOTER continued through 1/12 in Fayette at Guthrie Smith park about two miles north of town center behind the municipal airport. [28-B5]

At West Point Dam just across the state line in Georgia, a LONG-TAILED DUCK has been present for several days, and an immature GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen 1/5. The duck is best observed early in the morning. [40-E4]

Two LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen again 1/4 at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County, and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen there 1/1. 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. [44-E4]

BUFF-BELLIED and CALLIOPE HUMMINGIRDS have been banded recently in Mobile. For information, call Fred Bassett at 334/244-0227.

The Gulf Shores CBC on 12/30 produced several interesting species on and around the count day, including PACIFIC LOON (Perdido Pass), possible MASKED BOOBY (Perdido Pass), three BROWN BOOBIES (Perdido Pass), possible GREAT CORMORANTS (Perdido Pass and near sewage lagoons), GR. WHITE-FRONTED and ROSS'S GEESE (south of Magnolia Springs), two jaegers (along Gulf), BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, four PRAIRIE, and one WILSON'S WARBLERS, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, CLAY-COLORED, HENSLOW'S, and three LINCOLN'S SPARROWS, and PAINTED BUNTING.

Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be submitted by email to swmavocet@aol.com.

Thank you.

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RBA

* Alabama
* Statewide
* January 6, 2001
* ALST0101.06

- Birds mentioned

Pacific Loon
Masked Booby (possible)
BROWN BOOBY
GREAT CORMORANT (possible)
Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Tundra Swan
Long-tailed Duck
Merlin
Surf Scoter
Sandhill Crane
jaeger sp.
Great Black-backed Gull (Georgia)
BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD
CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-throated Green Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Clay-colored Sparrow
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW
Henslow's Sparrow
Le Conte's Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
Painted 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
greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net
Fax: 205/987-5167

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

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: January 6, 2001
Number 205/987-2855
Compiler: Greg D. Jackson
Email: greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Saturday, January 6, 2001.

HIGHLIGHTS: Pacific Loon, Brown Booby, Ross's Goose, Tundra Swan, Surf Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, jaeger sp., Buff-bellied and Calliope hummingbirds, Clay-colored and American Tree sparrows, and Lapland Longspur.

NOTE: When possible, blocks from the DeLorme Alabama Atlas will be given after the site description, with the page number followed by the block. It would be helpful if reports are accompanied by these coordinates.

An AMERICAN TREE SPARROW continues at McFarland Park in Florence. Park at the second restroom on the right side of the road at McFarland Park. Walk to a large green pipe in the ground and walk along the gravel road until you reach the golf course. Stop at the course edge (pond on left) and look to the left. A red flag is on a distant green (not the closer one behind the trees); this flag is two fairways across the course. The sparrow was along the edge of a weedy field in front of the red flag, near a slough bordering the field. It was close to the first stand of small river birches along the slough, and was feeding both in the field and in short vegetation along the slough edge with other sparrows. A MERLIN was also seen here recently. [Delorme 17-C7]

Two LE CONTE'S SPARROWS were discovered 1/3 near the entrance to Seven Mile Island WMA, southwest of Florence. >From the north end of the Tennessee River Bridge, proceed west on AL 20 past McFarland Park across Shoals Creek to the entrance of Seven Mile Island on the left. Pass the water treatment area to a woods on the right. As the road turns back right, there is a grassy area where the sparrows were seen. [DeLorme 17-C7]

An immature TUNDRA SWAN was seen 1/4-5 at Wheeler NWR in Crabtree Slough. From the Refuge Visitor Center go west (left) on AL 67 for about 0.5 miles to the first road on left past the Refuge Headquarters Entrance. The bird was seen feeding with several thousand ducks from the slough dike. [DeLorme 18-G4]

Up to 160 SANDHILL CRANES have returned to Limestone Bay at Wheeler NWR, as have several GR. WHITE-FRONTED and two ROSS'S GEESE. [DeLorme 18-F5]

A PACIFIC LOON was spotted at Guntersville 12/24 northwest of the fishing pier along the east side of Brown's Creek north of the AL 69 causeway. A possible phalarope was seen that day north of the middle of the causeway. [DeLorme 25-A10]

A SURF SCOTER continued through 12/31 in Fayette at Guthrie Smith park about two miles north of town center behind the municipal airport. [DeLorme 28-B5]

Two LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen again 1/4 at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County, and a CLAY-COLORED
SPARROW was seen there 1/1. 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. [DeLorme 44-E4]

BUFF-BELLIED and CALLIOPE HUMMINGIRDS have been banded recently in Mobile. For information, call Fred Bassett at 334/244-0227.

The Gulf Shores CBC last weekend produced several interesting species on and around the count day, including PACIFIC LOON (Perdido Pass), possible MASKED BOOBY (Perdido Pass), three BROWN BOOBIES (Perdido Pass), possible GREAT CORMORANTS (Perdido Pass and near sewage lagoons), GR. WHITE-FRONTED and ROSS'S GEESE (south of Magnolia Springs), two jaegers (along Gulf), BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, four PRAIRIE, and one WILSON'S WARBLERS, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, CLAY-COLORED, HENSLOW'S, and three LINCOLN'S SPARROWS, and PAINTED BUNTING.

The following may be called for information:

Birding in Alabama: Greg Jackson (205/987-2855)
Alabama Ornithological Society: Larry Gardella (334/613-0690)
Birmingham Audubon Society: Ann Miller (205/879-7709)
Shoals Audubon Society (n.w. Alabama): Bill Rogers (256/766-5738)
Tennessee Valley Audubon Society (Huntsville): Ruby Norman (256/773-4369)
Coastal Birding Association: Venetia Friend (334/928-4437)
Raptors: Joe Shelnutt (334/844-6025)

Please leave messages about new birds and feedback on reported species
after the tone. Sighting information, and requests for regular email
transcripts, can be submitted by email to greg-debi.jackson@prodigy.net.
Thank you.

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