Tennessee Valley Audubon Society

The Alabama RBA

August 2002

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

8/5

8/12

8/18

Previous RBA Page : Alabama RBA for July, 2002

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for September, 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 *August 18, 2002 *ALST0208.18

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

Wilson's Storm-Petrel (pelagic) BAND-RUMPED STORM-PETREL (pelagic) Bridled Tern (pelagic) Glossy Ibis ROSEATE SPOONBILL Ruffed Grouse (possible) White-rumped Sandpiper Baird's Sandpiper

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

Swallow-tailed Kite Mississippi Kite Upland Sandpiper (+ new locations) Buff-breasted Sandpiper (new locations)

--------------------------- 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: August 18, 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 - Sunday, August 18, 2002.

A group pelagic trip 8/17 cruised to around 62 statute miles (s.m.) offshore from Orange Beach into gulf waters approximately 700 feet deep. Interesting finds were several BRIDLED TERNS (15, 29, & 60 s.m.) and two WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS and one BAND-RUMPED STORM-PETREL. (61 s.m.).

Participants on a Coastal Birding Association field trip 8/17 found a ROSEATE SPOONBILL and four GLOSSY IBIS in the southeast corner of the diked North Pinto Disposal Area in Mobile. This location is near the USS Alabama battleship park just west of the Best Western Hotel and south of US 90/98. A visitor permit and release form must be submitted prior to visiting this state property. For more information visit the AOS website at: http://www.bham.net/aos/ or call Steve McConnell at 256/340-5378. [DeAL 62-D4][BGtA p. 41]

A WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was seen 8/11 at the Bayou La Batre ponds in Mobile County. Shorebirding conditions were improved that day with significant mud exposed. To reach the ponds from downtown Bayou La Batre, follow AL 188 north over the large drawbridge to the first traffic signal at Little River Road. Turn left (west) and travel 1.1 miles to the second sharp left turn. Go straight ahead onto a dirt road and in about 0.2 miles you will reach the diked ponds on the right. DO NOT attempt to drive on the dikes and don't forget the insect repellent! [DeAL 62-H2][BGtA p.18]

Over 20 UPLAND and six BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were noted 8/16-18 at turf farms south of Foley along Baldwin County 12, east and west of AL 59. [DeAL 63-H7&8]

An interesting report of a possible RUFFED GROUSE just west of Waterloo in Lauderdale County was recently received. The bird apparently ran out into the road in front of the experienced observer before flushing and flying away. The location was along Smith Road south of Pea Ridge Road and west of town. Further information on this or other sightings of this rarely detected species is highly desired. [DeAL 16-B3]

Several SWALLOW-TAILED and MISSISSIPPI KITES continued on 8/14 northeast of Springville in western St. Clair County. The soaring apparently peaks in mid-to-late afternoon along the ridgeline just north of Washington Valley Road. From I-59 east of Springville, exit at County 23 (#156) and turn left (north) traveling back over the interstate and RR tracks to US 11. Turn left onto US 11 and then quickly right onto Washington Valley Road in about 100 yards. Follow this road for several miles to a white house with green roof (#3681) on the left and a small red barn out back. The owner (Gary Schults, 205/467-7351) welcomes birders to come and view the aerial show from his property. Please call before visiting. [DeAL 31-A9]

Shorebirds of note continue at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of Montgomery. On 8/14 an UPLAND and a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER were present. To reach the farm from US 80, follow Co. 29 north through Lowndesboro. At 4.8 miles from US 80 turn right onto County 40 at the sign for the farm just past a 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. Remember not to drive or walk on the grass at this or any sod farm and yield right-of-way to farm and irrigation equipment. Also avoid slick, muddy roads at this site. PLEASE do not travel around ROAD CLOSED signs and endanger access to this important birding area for everyone else!!! [DeAL 44-E4]

A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was found with many Pectorals 8/15 at a sod farm near Colbert County 22 west of Leighton. The location is about 1.0 mile west of Gnat Pond Road (Co. 61). [DeAL 17-D8]

The following may be called for information: Birding in Alabama: Greg Jackson (205/987-2855) Alabama Ornithological Society: Allen Tubbs (251/345-1012) Alabama Breeding Bird Atlas project: Rick West (800/707-4382 or 334/324-6477) 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 *August 12, 2002 *ALST0208.12

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

Leach's Storm-Petrel (Florida panhandle) Swallow-tailed Kite (two locations) Mississippi Kite Baird's Sandpiper Rufous Hummingbird

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

Wood Stork Upland Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper

---------------------- 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: August 12, 2002 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report - Monday, August 12, 2002.

Up to four SWALLOW-TAILED and several MISSISSIPPI KITES have been seen regularly since late July northeast of Springville in western St. Clair County. The soaring apparently peaks in mid-to-late afternoon along the ridgeline just north of Washington Valley Road. From I-59 east of Springville, exit at County 23 (#156) and turn left (north) traveling back over the interstate and RR tracks to US 11. Turn left onto US 11 and then quickly right onto Washington Valley Road in about 100 yards. Follow this road for several miles to a white house with green roof (#3681) on the left and a small red barn out back. The owner (Gary Schults, 205/467-7351) welcomes birders to come and view the aerial show from his property. Please call beforehand. [DeAL 31-A9]

Shorebird numbers continue to build at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of Montgomery. On 8/11 around ten UPLAND and at least three BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were present. To reach the farm from US 80, follow Co. 29 north through Lowndesboro. At 4.8 miles from US 80 turn right onto County 40 at the sign for the farm just past a 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. Remember not to drive or walk on the grass at this or any sod farm and yield right-of-way to farm and irrigation equipment. Also avoid slick, muddy roads at this site. PLEASE do not travel around ROAD CLOSED signs and endanger access to this important birding area for everyone else!!! [DeAL 44-E4]

Just west of the Woerner Farm, a couple dozen WOOD STORKS were seen again 8/10. The spoonbills seen last week have not been relocated. To reach the site, from the farm return to County 40 and travel west through White Hall continuing on Jones Bluff Road toward Henry Lock & Dam. The birds were just south of this road about 0.5 miles before (east) of the intersection with Prairie Creek Road. DeLorme labels Prairie Creek Road as leading to the "Woodruff Lake" project. [DeAL 44-E3]

A BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was noted 8/8 at Church Pond just south of Walker Pond in Lauderdale County. From Florence travel northwest on AL 20 to County 2 (a.k.a. Gunwaleford Road). Turn left and go 2.3 miles to Walker Pond on the right. At the 3-way intersection turn left and go a short distance to a small church on the left. Church Pond is just across the street here. [DeAL 17-C6][BGtA p. 228]

An adult male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was banded recently southeast of Montgomery. Call the Turnipseed residence (334/272-2599) for the latest information and directions. [DeAL 45-F9]

An impressive kettle of 44 SWALLOW-TAILED KITES was seen 8/7 soaring over Gulf Breeze, FL. A beached LEACH'S STORM-PETREL was turned into a Ft. Walton Beach rehabilitation center in late July. The bird unfortunately did not recover.

Thank you.

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RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *August 5, 2002 *ALST0208.05

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

Anhinga Buff-breasted Sandpiper Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

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

ROSEATE SPOONBILL (new location) Wood Stork (new locations) Upland Sandpiper (new location)

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

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: August 5, 2002 Number: 205/661-2220 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report - Monday, August 5, 2002.

Good spots to check for WOOD STORKS this time of year are the fish farms adjacent to AL 25 in Hale County between Greensboro and Faunsdale. 105 storks were noted 2.5 miles south of the AL 25/69 intersection on 7/27 although only one was seen in the area on 8/3. [DeAL 42-A/B/C5]

On 8/3 over 100 WOOD STORKS were found in a small backwater area in Greene County east of Epes. The location was about 0.5 mile east of the Tombigbee River and north of US 11. [DeAL 34-H4]

Shorebirds are moving south once again and significant numbers were seen during the last few days at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of Montgomery. Among the hundreds of Pectorals seen 8/3 were seven UPLAND and one BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER. To reach the farm from US 80, follow Co. 29 north through Lowndesboro. At 4.8 miles from US 80 turn right onto County 40 at the sign for the farm just past a 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. Remember not to drive or walk on the grass at this or any sod farm and yield right-of-way to farm and irrigation equipment Also do not drive on slick, muddy roads at this site. [DeAL 44-E4]

On 8/4, just west of the Woerner Farm, two ROSEATE SPOONBILLS were discovered in a flock of 35 WOOD STORKS. From the farm return to County 40 and travel west through White Hall to a left turn at Jones Bluff Road. Continue west on Jones Bluff Road toward Henry Lock & Dam. The birds were just south of this road before (east) of the Prairie Creek Road turn to the right (north). DeLorme labels this road as leading to the "Woodruff Lake" project. [DeAL 44-E3]

A stop at the Marion Fish Hatchery in Perry County south of Heiberger on 8/3 produced views of a WOOD STORK and two ANHINGA. To reach the site from AL 5, follow AL 175 and the hatchery signs south for around 2.0 miles. [DeAL 36-H3][BGtA p. 145]

Farther south in Perry County on 8/3 an adult SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was discovered adjacent to AL 183 between Marion and Uniontown. [DeAL 43-B/C6]

Thank you.

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