Tennessee Valley Audubon Society

The Alabama RBA

April 2001

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page : Alabama RBA for March, 2001

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for May, 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 *April 27, 2001 *ALST0104.27

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

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Clay-colored Sparrow SHINY COWBIRD

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

Glossy Ibis Fulvous Whistling-Duck (origin unknown) Marbled Godwit Great Black-backed Gull Gray Kingbird Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (+ new location) CAVE SWALLOW SPOTTED TOWHEE Lark Sparrow

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/

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Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: April 27, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Friday, April 27, 2001.

NOTE: Where possible, DeLorme Alabama Atlas coordinates [DeAL xx-xx]are provided following each site description. It would be helpful if reports were accompanied by these coordinates. Page references to the new AOS Birder's Guide to Alabama [BGtA- p. xx] will also be included for birding locations sites described therein. See the AOS website for information on how to obtain this new guide.

ACCESS NOTE for the Sun Belt Turf Farm near Harpersville. A suggestion is offered here that birders refrain from driving on the turf farm dirt roads after heavy rains. Some of these roads are in poor condition for passenger cars - several have deep ruts with loose soil that becomes very slick when wet. Becoming stuck and requesting help from the farm personnel is not a way to engender favorable views of visiting birders. Please use your better judgement and only drive on dry roads at this birding site.

And now today's report…

Birders at the spring AOS meeting on Dauphin Island (D.I.) 4/20-22 reported observations of 202 species during the weekend. Interesting sightings included:

GLOSSY IBIS (Battleship Park, Mobile - [DeAL 62-D4][BGtA p. 41] ); FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (origin unknown???)(D.I. airport marsh - [DeAL 64-A3][BGtA p. 11] ); MARBLED GODWIT (Ft. Gaines jetties, D.I. - [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 6] ); LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (pier off Coden Belt Road - [DeAL 62-H2][BGtA p. 19] ); GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (D.I. west end - [DeAL 64-B3][BGtA p. 13] ); CAVE SWALLOW (D.I. east end near Sea Lab - [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 6] ); SHINY COWBIRD (D.I. at private feeder). Also seen were 26 warbler species including Orange-crowned, Cape May, Black-throated Blue, and Wilson's, plus 26 shorebird species including Whimbrel, Red Knot, and White-rumped Sandpiper.

The probable SPOTTED TOWHEE, found on 4/18 at the Birmingham Botanical Garden, was briefly seen again the evening of 4/23. However, it has not been seen since despite intensive searching by many birders. The last location was north of the brick circle fountain which is itself north of the vegetable garden. Follow the paved cart path north from the circle, crossing the wider paved road, up a hill around 100 feet to a blooming mountain laurel bush. Turn right on a narrow gravel path at the bush and water meter and go about 100 feet to some magnolia trees. The bird was seen briefly near these trees and then flew into nearby thick brush. Feedback, either positive or negative, from searches for this potential first state record, is highly desired. [DeAL 31-E6] [BGtA p. 170]

A SHINY COWBIRD was located 4/22 on Dauphin Island near the Alabama Marine Resources Building just east of Shell Mound park. [DeAL 64-B3][BGtA p. 10]

Also on Dauphin Island, a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was discovered on 4/25 near Fort Gaines. [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 6]

A GRAY KINGBIRD was seen 4/14-16 on Dauphin Island just east of Shell Mound park on the power wires near a mulberry tree and pond. [DeAL 64-B3][BGtA p. 10]

SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS have returned again to likely nest at Alabama A&M University near Huntsville. On 4/18 a single bird was noted near the experimental farm. For directions and information on an early May field trip to this area, call Tom Brindley at 256/883-9288.

Another SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen this morning in Perry County northeast of Sprott. The bird was on a fence along AL183 near mile marker 29 (between Co. 2 and 29). [DeAL 36-G4&G5]

A LARK SPARROW continued behind Fort Morgan near the seawall and private residences through 4/20. A GRAY KINGBIRD was also observed again in the area on 4/24 near the small lagoon. [DeAL 64-B4] [BGtA p. 22]

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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A search at the Birmingham Botanical Garden was successful late this evening in relocating the probable SPOTTED TOWHEE. The bird was seen a good distance away from the spot of the original sighting last week. A different search earlier in the day did not find the bird which may indicate the bird wanders the garden quite a bit.

Today's sighting was in the northwest portion of the gardens. From the brick circle fountain follow a paved cart path north up a hill for around 100 feet. This path intersects with a gravel track at a blooming Mountain Laurel. Turn right (east) on the gravel path and go around 150 feet to a 20 foot tall magnolia tree on the right. The bird was first seen near this tree but then disappeared into thick brush nearby.

This bird appears to possess many plumage characteristics of a Spotted Towhee and may very well be of that species. Photos, recordings, and written descriptions are much desired to confirm the identity. Visitors are encouraged to bring and spread offerings of bird seed to encourage it to remain in the area.

Again, please report the results of any searches you make. Thank you.

Steve McConnell
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RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *April 22, 2001 *ALST0104.22

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

Glossy Ibis Fulvous Whistling-Duck (origin unknown) Marbled Godwit Gray Kingbird Scissor-tailed Flycatcher CAVE SWALLOW SPOTTED TOWHEE

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

Great Black-backed Gull Black-legged Kittiwake (near stateline in Georgia) Lark Sparrow

---------

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/

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Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: April 22, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Sunday, April 22, 2001.

And now today's report…

Birders at the spring AOS meeting on Dauphin Island (D.I.) 4/20-22 reported observations of 199 species. Interesting sightings included: GLOSSY IBIS (Battleship Park, Mobile - [DeAL 62-D4][BGtA p. 41] ); FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (origin unknown???)(D.I. airport marsh - [DeAL 64-A3][BGtA p. 11] ); MARBLED GODWIT (Ft. Gaines jetties, D.I. - [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 6] ); GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (D.I. west end - [DeAL 64-B3][BGtA p. 13] ); CAVE SWALLOW (D.I. east end near Sea Lab - [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 6] ). Also seen were 26 warbler species including Orange-crowned, Cape May, Black-throated Blue, and Wilson's, plus 26 shorebird species including Whimbrel, Red Knot, and White-rumped Sandpiper.

A bird described as a SPOTTED TOWHEE was seen just after dawn on 4/18 at the Birmingham Botanical Garden. This female-type bird was associating with a male Eastern Towhee near the bog garden north of the camelia greenhouse. A search later that morning did not relocate the bird but it may still be present. Feedback, either positive or negative, from searches for this potential first state record, is highly desired. [DeAL 31-E6] [BGtA p. 170]

A GRAY KINGBIRD was seen 4/14-16 on Dauphin Island just east of Shell Mound park on the power wires near a mulberry tree and pond. [DeAL 64-B3][BGtA p. 10]

A LARK SPARROW continued behind Fort Morgan near the seawall and private residences through 4/20. A GRAY KINGBIRD was also observed in the area on 4/22. [DeAL 64-B4] [BGtA p. 22]

An immature BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE has been present since 4/11 near Lanett at West Point Dam just across the stateline in Georgia. It was seen again 4/18 flying near the dam. [DeAL 40-E4]

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 *April 15, 2001 *ALST0104.15

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

Red-throated Loon American White Pelican Black Rail Great Black-backed Gull Black-legged Kittiwake (near stateline in Georgia) Black-whiskered Vireo Swainson's Warbler

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

Eared Grebe Long-tailed Duck Lark Sparrow

----------

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: April 15, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Sunday, April 15, 2001.

Five LONG-TAILED DUCKS continued through 4/9 in Guntersville south of AL69. The birds were in Browns Creek and frequently near the Jaycee sand beach northwest of Sunset Drive. The EARED GREBE was seen again on 4/6 north of the AL69 causeway. Two RED-THROATED LOONS were also noted that day mingling with groups of Common Loons. [DeAL 25-A10] [BGtA p. 259]

Another LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen through 4/5 at the sewage treatment ponds near Guin. The directions are to follow AL142 west from the only traffic signal in Guin. After a 0.5 mile turn right onto Co. 16 and look for the ponds on the left after another 0.5 mile. [DeAL 22-G4]

Several AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS have been present for the last few weeks at Pickensville near the Mississippi state line. [DeAL 34-A3]

A single GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was discovered near the west end of Dauphin Island on 4/9 and was seen again on 4/10. Drive west on Bienville from the water tower to Sehoy and turn right. Turn left on Bridgeview and look for the gull lounging with other gulls, terns and cormorants on a private dock. [DeAL 64-B3] [BGtA p. 13]

One LARK SPARROW continued behind Fort Morgan near the seawall and private residences through 4/11. Recent reports from the Hummer/Bird Study Group banding efforts include several SWAINSON'S WARBLERS last week in the stable area and a BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO banded yesterday and today. A BLACK RAIL was seen at dawn the morning of 4/9 on Fort Morgan Road (AL180). The spot of visitation was directly across the road from mile marker 3 at the edge of the pavement and a small pond. [DeAL 64-B4] [BGtA p. 22]

An immature BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE has been present since 4/11 near Lanett at West Point Dam just across the stateline in Georgia. It was seen again this afternoon flying near the dam. [DeAL 40-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 Fort Morgan through Saturday, April 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 *April 5, 2001 *ALST0104.05

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

Eared Grebe Black Scoter Upland Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper

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

Greater White-fronted Goose Long-tailed Duck (+ new location) American Golden-Plover Lark Sparrow (+ new location) Red Crossbill

--------

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: April 5, 2001 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Thursday, April 5, 2001.

NOTE: Where possible, DeLorme Alabama Atlas coordinates [DeAL xx-xx]are provided following each site description. It would be helpful if reports were accompanied by these coordinates. Page references to the new (2001) AOS Birder's Guide to Alabama [BGtA- p. xx] will also be included for birding locations sites described therein. See the AOS website for ordering information on this new guide.

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…

At least five LONG-TAILED DUCKS remained on 3/31 in Guntersville south of AL69. The birds were in Browns Creek near the Jaycee sand beach northwest of Sunset Drive. Also seen that day were a molting EARED GREBE and a female BLACK SCOTER both north of the AL69 causeway. [DeAL 25-A10] [BGtA p. 259]

Another LONG-TAILED DUCK, first seen 4/2, continued this morning at the sewage treatment ponds near Guin. The directions are to follow AL142 west from the only traffic signal in Guin. After a 0.5 mile turn right onto Co. 16 and look for the ponds on the left after another 0.5 mile. [DeAL 22-G4]

On 3/23 a single LARK SPARROW was seen behind Fort Morgan near the seawall. A single BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen 4/1 near the old runway. [DeAL 64-B4] [BGtA p. 22]

Another LARK SPARROW was noted on 3/30 near Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. [DeAL 64-B4] [BGtA p. 6]

Two UPLAND SANDPIPERS were discovered 4/1 in a flooded field near the Old Selma Road (Co. 54) west of Montgomery. The field is part of Hall Farm and is near a sign for Angus cattle. The birds were on the far side of the field and scoping the area may be required to see them well. [DeAL 45-E6]

During March 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 specific directions call Bill Summerour at 334/945-3188. [DeAL 33-A8] [BGtA p. 184]

Many AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were noted during their March passage through our area. The most recent report came from the Sun Belt Farm near Harpersville on 4/1 when a single bird was seen with many Pectoral Sandpipers. To reach the farm follow US280 south from Birmingham to AL25 at Harpersville. Turn right (south) and follow AL25 to its intersection with AL76 on the left. The turf farm will be just ahead on the left. Please remember: DO NOT drive or walk on the grass at this or any sod farm. Also, if possible, avoid active work areas. The dirt roads at this location can be very slick when wet and carelessness might lead to becoming stuck. [DeAL 31-H9] [BGtA p. 164]

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. [DeAL 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!

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

Thank you.

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