Tennessee Valley Audubon Society

The Alabama RBA

March 2001

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page : Alabama RBA for February, 2001

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for April, 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 *March 29, 2001 *ALST0103.29

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

Lark Sparrow Red Crossbill

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

Greater White-fronted Goose Long-tailed Duck (new location) American Golden-Plover (new location) Laughing Gull Yellow-headed Blackbird

------

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 of these species 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: March 29, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Thursday, March 29, 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.

IMPORTANT ACCESS NOTES:

Woerner Turf Farm (Lowndes County) ------I have received word that birders visiting the farm in March and April MUST NOT leave the turf growing area roads to bird adjacent private property. This especially includes the fields and fences north of the farm toward the river where many sparrows were enjoyed during this past winter. MUCH OF THE LAND SURROUNDING THE FARM IS LEASED OUT FOR HUNTING AND HUNTING WILL BE TAKING PLACE THROUGH THE END OF APRIL. Future birding access on this private property may be in doubt so please do nothing to spoil it for everyone else. Also, the turf farm management has recently changed hands. The new manager's views toward birders are unknown at this point. PLEASE do nothing to dim his opinion of us. Do not drive or walk on the growing grass and do not block any roads. Be aware of farm and irrigation equipment movements. In fact, avoid active work areas, if possible. =====

Blakely Island property (Mobile) ------Please remember to sign a new Mudlakes permit for 2001 and return it to the state docks office BEFORE birding there this year. A copy of the permit and instructions may be found on the AOS website http://www.bham.net/aos/ or you may call one of the AOS contacts listed at the end of this report. Signing a new permit each year is VERY IMPORTANT for birders to retain access privileges to this site. When you call prior to your visit, you will be asked if you sent in a permit and it will likely be retrieved during the call. Although birding at Blakely Island has been rather slow the last few years, conditions change frequently and the area may one day return to its former glory. DO NOT BE THE ONE WHO RUINS IT FOR EVERYONE ELSE!

Now to today's report…

A raft of seven LONG-TAILED DUCKS was found on 3/27 in Guntersville south of AL69. The birds were in Browns Creek near the Jaycee sand beach northwest of Sunset Drive. [25-A10]

On 3/23 a single LARK SPARROW was seen behind Fort Morgan near the seawall. [64-B4]

Last week an active RED CROSSBILL nest was discovered in Talladega NF northeast of Anniston. The location is near Lake Coleman and the Pinhoti Trail crossing over FS500 where several crossbills were seen several times earlier this year. For directions call Bill Summerour at 334/945-3188. [33-A8]

A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was discovered on 3/18 near Eufaula. Take US431 north from Eufaula to the Lakepoint State Park entrance. Turn right (east) and travel past a large parking lot on the right. Shortly you will reach a second intersection where a golf course is on the left. Look for the blackbird in this general area. When found, the bird was associating with Red-winged Blackbirds, cowbirds, and robins. [54-B4]

Many AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS have been noted on the move during the last two weeks. The most recent report came from the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County on 3/25 when eight birds were seen. 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 just past the RR track. 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]

A single LAUGHING GULL was seen on 3/18 in Guntersville near AL227 just east of US431. [26-B1]

At least three GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE continued through 3/26 on the 3M Pond west of Decatur. Follow USAlt72/AL20 west from the AL67 intersection to the second traffic signal (Finley Island Road; entrance to BP-Amoco). Turn right and go 1.2 miles north to the pond on the right. The birds were associating with Canada Geese. This is a very busy road with many large trucks so be sure to pull completely off to look for these birds. [18-E3]

The spring meeting of the Alabama Ornithological Society will be held April 20-22 on Dauphin Island.

The world famous Hummer/Bird Study Group will be banding at Fort Morgan from April 7-21. Visitors are welcome!

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) Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center hotline: (205/320-6189)

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 *March 23, 2001 *ALST0103.23

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

American Golden-Plover Laughing Gull Yellow-headed Blackbird

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

Greater White-fronted Goose Long-tailed Duck

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

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: March 23, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Friday, March 23, 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.

In a sure sign of spring, many AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were noted last weekend on the move with other shorebird species. Reports were received from Eufaula NWR (1 bird on 3/18)[54-B5] , Lakeland Farms and the state fish hatchery near Marion (groups of several dozen birds each on 3/17)[43-A/B7 & 36-H3], and the Sunbelt Turf Farm near Harpersville (99 birds on 3/18)[31-H9].

A single LAUGHING GULL was seen on 3/18 in Guntersville near AL227 just east of US431. [26-B1]

Six GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen 3/13 on the 3M Pond west of Decatur. Follow USAlt72/AL20 west from the AL67 intersection to the second traffic signal (Finley Island Road; entrance to BP-Amoco). Turn right and go 1.2 miles north to the pond on the right. The birds were associating with many Canada Geese. This is a very busy road with many large trucks so be sure to pull completely off to look for these birds. [18-E3]

A male LONG-TAILED DUCK was briefly seen 3/14 at the Guin sewage lagoons. A search the following morning did not relocate the bird and it may be gone. If you want to try, follow AL142 west from Guin 0.5 mile to Co. 16. Turn right and the ponds are on the left in another 0.5 mile. [22-G4]

The spring meeting of the Alabama Ornithological Society will be held April 20-22 on Dauphin Island.

The world famous Hummer/Bird Study Group will be banding at Fort Morgan from April 7-21. Visitors are welcome!

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 *March 16, 2001 *ALST0103.16

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

Greater White-fronted Goose Long-tailed Duck

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

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Clay-colored Sparrow Lapland Longspur Red Crossbill

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

Smew (near St. Louis, Missouri): Last seen 3/5 and probably gone. The Common Mergansers he stayed with have also apparently migrated.

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

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: March 16, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Friday, March 16, 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.

A follow-up visit to Talladega NF northeast of Anniston on 3/5 failed to relocate any RED CROSSBILLS, however, they are likely still in the area. This is the same location where regular sightings have been made over the last two years and breeding documented. The site to check is near Lake Coleman and is reached from the Heflin exit at I-20 by traveling 1.5 miles north on AL9 to US78. Turn right and follow US78 east for 8.5 miles to Co. 61. Turn left and follow Co. 61 (which becomes FS553 at the forest boundary) for 7.5 miles to FS500. Turn right and follow FS500 and signs for Lake Coleman for 1.5 miles to a fenced parking area on the right. If you reach the entrance to Lake Coleman you went too far. Park and hike across the road to the Pinhoti Trail crossing. Follow the trail north into a large expanse of open pine understory. Look for the crossbills anywhere in the area from the parking lot to around a mile from the paved road. Just after sunrise may be the best time to try for these birds. Several RED-COCKADED WOODPECKERS are active in this area. [33-A8]

A visit to the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County on 3/2 once again produced sightings of many sparrows including a CLAY-COLORED. A few LAPLAND LONGSPURS also remained. 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 just past the RR track. 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. Most of the sparrows were present near a corral and fences reached by traveling straight (north) from the main entrance toward the high-voltage power line crossing and an old homesite with a concrete silo. The Clay-colored consistently perch on the long barbed-wire fence that ends at a small rock pile near a large dirt mound. Remember: do not drive or walk on the grass at this or any sod farm. Now that growing season has started, be especially aware of heavy machinery and irrigation equipment movements during your visit and obviously yield the right-of-way. [44-E4]

The spring meeting of the Alabama Ornithological Society will be held April 20-22 on Dauphin Island.

The world famous Hummer/Bird Study Group will be banding at Ft. Morgan from April 7-21. Visitors are welcome!

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 swmavocet@aol.com .

Thank you.

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RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *March 7, 2001 *ALST0103.07

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

Crested Caracara (Florida panhandle)

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

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Clay-colored Sparrow Lapland Longspur Red Crossbill

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

Smew (near St. Louis, Missouri): 1/13-2/23, call RBA @ 573/445-9115 or visit website at: http://www.stlouisaudubon.org

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

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: March 7, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Wednesday, March 7, 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.

A CRESTED CARACARA was discovered on 3/1 at Destin pass in northwest Florida. Despite several searches, the caracara seen near Magnolia Springs, AL, on 2/19 has not be relocated.

A visit to the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County on 3/2 once again produced sightings of many sparrows including a CLAY-COLORED. Many LAPLAND LONGSPURS also remained. 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 just past the RR track. 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. Most of the sparrows were present near a corral and fences reached by traveling straight (north) from the main entrance toward the high-voltage power line crossing and an old homesite with a concrete silo. The Clay-colored consistently perch on the long barbed-wire fence that ends at a small rock pile near a large dirt mound. Remember: do not drive or walk on the grass at this or any sod farm. Now that growing season is beginning, be especially aware of heavy machinery and irrigation equipment movements during your visit and obviously yield the right-of-way. [44-E4]

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

Thank you.

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