Tennessee Valley Audubon Society

The Alabama RBA

February 2002

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page : Alabama RBA for January, 2002

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for March, 2002

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 *February 25, 2002 *ALST0202.25

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

WESTERN/CLARK'S GREBE Glossy Ibis Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Laughing Gull Prairie Warbler

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

Pacific Loon BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER Black-headed Grosbeak Red Crossbill

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

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/ Alabama RBA archives: rba.htm

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Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: February 25, 2002 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

NOTE: Where possible, DeLorme Alabama Atlas coordinates [DeAL xx-xx]are provided following each site description. Page references to the 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 bird finding guide.

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Monday, February 25, 2002.

A WESTERN/CLARK'S-type GREBE was seen 2/24 in Guntersville north of the AL69 causeway and northwest of the Kiwanis Pier on Lurleen Wallace Drive. The bird was far out in the main river channel and viewing conditions were poor so the exact species could not be determined. A brief search in the area 2/25 did not relocate the bird but viewing conditions were again poor and the bird could very well still be present. A PACIFIC LOON was present again 2/24 south of the AL 69 causeway in Browns Creek. A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen 2/23 also south of the causeway - presumably the same bird present in this area earlier in the year. [DeAL 25-A10 & 26-A1][BGtA p. 259]

A SURF SCOTER was found 2/23 below Wheeler Dam in the river out from the southwest shore boat ramp and fishing area. The scoter was associating with a large raft of scaup. [DeAL 17-C10][BGtA p. 207]

A molting adult LAUGHING GULL was found 2/23 at Wilson Dam southeast of Florence. [DeAL 17-C7][BGtA p. 213]

Field trips at Eufaula NWR 2/23-24 produced several sightings of a GLOSSY IBIS in the Kennedy Unit. In addition a male PRAIRIE WARBLER was discovered 2/22 in the Houston Unit about 100 yards past a closed gate. [DeAL 54-B4&5][BGtA p. 80]

Alabama's first BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD continued through at least 2/20 in Mobile. This male bird is being seen at the Coker residence located at 259 West Mount Island Drive. The directions are: from I-65 take exit #3 and follow Airport Road east. In around 1.5 miles, turn left (north) at a traffic signal onto West Mount Island Drive. The house is the 2nd on the right with the landscaped yard and small hummingbird feeders. As a matter of courtesy you may call prior to your visit (251/473-5697) but this is not necessary to try for the bird. You may park in the small circular driveway out front - do not block the main driveway. Feedback on this bird would be much appreciated. [DeAL 62-D3]

Both CALLIOPE and BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDS continue near the coast. A Calliope has been at the Thompson home (9526 Mosley Road, Fairhope; phone 251/928-6913). [DeAL 63-F6] The Broad-tailed and another Calliope have been in the yard of Jim Dickerson (10537 County Road 99 South, Lillian; phone 251/961-3000). Multiple Rufous Hummingbirds have also been present here. [DeAL 63-H10] Please call prior to visiting these locations.

The female BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, present this winter in Montrose, was seen again 2/24. The BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD at the same location was also seen 2/24. Please call Venetia Friend at 251/928-4437 for directions and further information. [DeAL 62-E5]

A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK continues to winter in west Mobile. The bird is a regular visitor to feeders at the Culberson home. The address is 115 Hilltop Court located just north of Old Shell Road and east of University Boulevard. Call 251/344-7250 to arrange a visit. [DeAL 62-D3]

Three RED CROSSBILLS were located 2/24 at Talladega NF northeast of Anniston where the species has been regular over the last few years. To reach the site take the Heflin exit (AL 9) from I-20 and travel north 1.5 miles to US 78. Turn right and follow US 78 east for 8.5 miles to Co. 61. Turn left and follow Co. 61 for 7.5 miles to FS500 (the road becomes FS553 at the forest boundary). Turn right and follow FS500 and signs to the entrance for Lake Coleman. The crossbills were seen just north of FS500 across from the entrance to the lake and campground. Observations of breeding activity for this species are highly desired for Alabama's BBA project. [DeAL 33-A8][BGtA p. 184]

The following may be called for information: Birding in Alabama: Greg Jackson (205/987-2855) Alabama Ornithological Society: Allen Tubbs (251/345-1012) Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center hotline: (205/320-6189)

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 *February 22, 2002 *ALST0202.22

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

Parasitic Jaeger (probable) Western Kingbird Red Crossbill

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

BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER Black-headed Grosbeak

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

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/ Alabama RBA archives: rba.htm

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Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: February 22, 2002 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Friday, February 22, 2002.

The female BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, present for several weeks in Montrose, was last seen 2/10 but may still be present. The BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD at the same location is now a regular feeder visitor. If you would like to try for these rarities, call Venetia Friend at 251/928-4437 for information and directions. [DeAL 62-E5]

A WESTERN KINGBIRD was noted 2/16 just east of Fort Morgan at stop #13 on the Coastal Birding Trail (St. Andrews Bay). On 2/14 a probable PARASITIC JAEGER was seen off Mobile Point just west of the fort. [DeAL 64-B4&B5] [BGtA p. 22]

Seven RED CROSSBILLS were located last week at Talladega NF northeast of Anniston where the species has been regular over the last few years. To reach the site take the Heflin exit (AL 9) from I-20 and travel north 1.5 miles to US 78. Turn right and follow US 78 east for 8.5 miles to Co. 61. Turn left and follow Co. 61 for 7.5 miles to FS500 (the road becomes FS553 at the forest boundary). Turn right and follow FS500 and signs for Lake Coleman to a fenced parking area on the right in 1.5 miles. On 2/16 the crossbills were seen from the Pinhoti Trail which crosses FS500 just east of the parking lot. Two birds were just south of FS500 and five were around 0.75 mile north of the road. On 2/14 a single crossbill was found on the trail about 2.0 miles north of FS500. Observations of breeding activity for this species is highly desired for Alabama's BBA project. [DeAL 33-A8][BGtA p. 184]

Thank you.

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RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *February 12, 2002 *ALST0202.12

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

Surf Scoter Black-legged Kittiwake (AL-GA stateline) BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD SPRAGUE'S PIPIT BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER

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

Red-throated Loon Pacific Loon EURASIAN WIGEON BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD Black-headed Grosbeak

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

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/ Alabama RBA archives: rba.htm

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Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: February 12, 2002 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Tuesday, February 12, 2002.

Alabama's first BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD continued through at least 2/9 in Mobile. This male bird is being seen at the Coker residence located at 259 West Mount Island Drive. The directions are: from I-65 take exit #3 and follow Airport Road east. In around 1.5 miles, turn left (north) at a traffic signal onto West Mount Island Drive. The house is the 2nd on the right with the landscaped yard and small hummingbird feeders. As a matter of courtesy you may call prior to your visit (251/473-5697) but this is not necessary to try for the bird. You may park in the small circular driveway out front - do not block the main driveway. Feedback on this bird would be much appreciated. [DeAL 62-D3]

A SPRAGUE'S PIPITS was seen again 2/9 at the Woerner Turf farm in Baldwin County where the species has been present since November. To reach this site, from AL 59 south of Foley, follow County 12 west to around 1.5 miles past its intersection with County 65 (4-way stop). Turn right onto a dirt road (opposite Roy Waters Road) and go a few hundred yards to a yellow wooden post. Park off the road here. Check the patch of longer grass on the left about a 100 yards away. PLEASE NOTE: THE SOD FARM MANAGER HAS GIVEN PERMISSION FOR BIRDERS TO VISIT AND WALK ON THIS AREA. IF YOU INTEND TO WIDEN YOUR SEARCH TO OTHER PROMISING HABITAT ON THIS PRIVATE PROPERTY, BE SURE TO CHECK-IN AT THE WOERNER SOD FARM OFFICE AND GAIN PERMISSION BEFORE DOING SO. THE OFFICE IS LOCATED JUST PAST THE TURNOFF FROM COUNTY 12. [DeAL 63-H7]

The female BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, present for several weeks in Montrose, was seen again 2/10. A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD has also been visiting this location sporadically in recent days and was seen again 2/10. If you would like to try for these rarities, call Venetia Friend at 251/928-4437 for directions and further information. [DeAL 62-E5]

Three SURF SCOTERS were seen offshore near Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island 2/9. [DeAL 64-B3][BGtA p. 11]

A male EURASIAN WIGEON was seen the morning of 2/1 on the observation building display pool at the Wheeler NWR visitor center. A possible female Eurasian wigeon was also described near the male that day. To reach the center take exit #334 from I-65 and follow the signs west on AL67. In about 2.5 miles you will reach the entrance on the left. [DeAL 18-G4][BGtA p. 240]

A PACIFIC LOON was seen again 2/12 at Guntersville this time south of the AL 69 causeway in Browns Creek. A few minutes later, a RED-THROATED LOON was found north of the causeway near boat houses along the west shoreline. [DeAL 25-A10 & 26-A1][BGtA p. 259]

At least one BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE continued through 2/10 at West Point dam west of LaGrange, GA, near the Alabama stateline. [DeAL 40-E4][BGtA p. 113]

Thank you.

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RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *February 10, 2002 *ALST0202.10

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

Red-throated Loon Pacific Loon EURASIAN WIGEON

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

BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD Black-headed Grosbeak

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

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/ Alabama RBA archives: rba.htm

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: February 10, 2002 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report -- Sunday, February 10, 2002.

Two PACIFIC LOONS were seen again 2/2 at Guntersville out from the cliff and Kiwanis Pier area adjacent to Lurleen Wallace Drive. I also received a second-hand report of a RED-THROATED LOON in this same area on that day. [DeAL 25-A10 & 26-A1][BGtA p. 259]

Thank you.

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