Tennessee Valley Audubon Society

The Alabama RBA

January 2003

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

1/5	1/13	1/21	1/28

Previous RBA Page : Alabama RBA for December, 2002

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for February, 2003

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 28, 2003 *ALST0301.28

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

Ross's Goose Common Merganser (2 locations) Sandhill Crane Lesser Black-backed Gull (2 birds) CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD Le Conte's Sparrow

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

Long-tailed Duck (new location) BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD

----------------------- 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: January 28, 2003 Number: 256/751-4788 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 - Tuesday, January 28, 2003.

Both CALLIOPE and BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDS continued through last week at locations they were banded at in early December. The Calliope is in Cullman at the home of Rose Morgan (1737 Park Circle; phone 256/734-4024)[DeAL 24-D5]. Please call prior to visiting this location. The adult female Broad-tailed is in Morris at home of Andy Anderson home (7977 Country Creek Drive; 205/647-5554)[DeAL 30-B5]. A pre-visit call to this home is not required but would be appreciated.

An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen several times over the weekend at Wilson Dam near Florence. Another LESSER BLACK-BACKED in apparent 2nd winter plumage was present 1/27 at Wilson Dam and has been seen since late December either here or at nearby Wheeler Dam. [DeAL 17-C7&10][BGtA p. 213 & 207]

Two male COMMON MERGANSERS were found 1/24 at the Mallard Creek Recreation Area in northeast Lawrence County. From AL 20 in Hillsboro, go north on County 400 for around 4.0 miles to the signed right turn for the park. In 0.2 mile veer right towards the campground and boat ramp. [DeAL 18-E2][BGtA p. 237]

Another male COMMON MERGANSER was seen 1/25 with Red-breasted Mergansers in the Tennessee River just east of Waterloo. [DeAL 16-B3][BGtA p. 227]

Around 300 SANDHILL CRANES and a ROSS'S GOOSE were seen over the weekend at Limestone Bay on Wheeler NWR. [DeAL 18-F5][BGtA p. 244] Although this is the most consistent spot on the refuge to find cranes, several dozen have been showing up at times on the fields surrounding the Wheeler visitor center observation building. [DeAL 18-G4][BGtA p. 240]

Two LONG-TAILED DUCKS were discovered 1/25 offshore from the Guntersville State Park campground. Searches later in the day were not successful in relocating the ducks. [DeAL 26-A1][BGtA p. 264]

Alabama's second BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD continues at a home in Ozark. This adult female beauty is at the home of Gifford and Ann Garner and they welcome visitors. Their phone is 334/774-5267 and the address is 223 Eufaula Street. To reach Eufaula Street, go one block south from the intersection of AL 27 (Broad Street) with AL 123 (Union Avenue) in the center of town. Please try to call ahead, but you may still go see the bird if they do not answer. The single feeder is located on the right side of the house behind the carport. [DeAL 60-A4]

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 *January 21, 2003 *ALST0301.21

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

Marbled Godwit VAUX'S SWIFT (probable) Western Kingbird CAVE SWALLOW (2 locations)

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

Pacific Loon (new location) Long-tailed Duck BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

---------- 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: January 21, 2003 Number: 256/751-4788 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report - Tuesday, January 21, 2003.

Four probable VAUX'S SWIFTS were seen 1/18 near pond #6 on Blakeley Island in Mobile. This is a potential 1st state record! The swifts were flying with Tree Swallows and were obviously smaller in size. Searches on subsequent days have so far been unsuccessful. The pond #6 area is reached when traveling north on AL90 by parking at the last gated entrance on the right before starting to cross Cochrane Bridge. Walk up the hill past a white CO2 tank and continue straight east along the south edge of pond #5. At the southeast corner of pond #5 turn north and walk down the slope to pond #6 on the right. On 1/20 a CAVE SWALLOW was discovered over the northwest corner of pond #6. Also seen on the property 1/20 were four WESTERN KINGBIRDS and a SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER in addition to the previously reported LONG-TAILED DUCK southeast of the North Disposal Area. Remember all trips onto the State Docks property at this and other locations must be preceeded by a signed release form and notification phone call. REMEMBER: this is a new year and previously submitted permits must be renewed for 2003. Walk only on diked roads and display your permit in your vehicle. Failure to follow these requirements may endanger future access for everyone. For details on these requirements call Steve McConnell (256/340-5378) or visit the AOS website at: http://www.bham.net/aos/ [DeAL 62-C4][BGtA p. 43]

Another CAVE SWALLOW was observed 1/19 with Tree Swallows north of AL90/98 around 1.5 miles west of exit #35 for Daphne off I-10. [DeAL 62-D5]

A PACIFIC LOON was found 1/19 offshore from Perdido Pass in Orange Beach. [DeAL 64-E4][BGtA p. 31]

A MARBLED GODWIT was seen 1/18 near Ft. Gaines on the east end of Dauphin Island. [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p.6]

The winter meeting of the Alabama Ornithological Society will be January 24-26 at Joe Wheeler State Park near Rogersville.

Thank you.

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RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *January 13, 2003 *ALST0301.13

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

RED-NECKED GREBE Tundra/TRUMPETER SWAN Long-tailed Duck Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

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

Pacific Loon (new location) Ross's Goose (2 locations) Surf Scoter (new location) BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD

------------------------------ 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: January 13, 2003 Number: 256/751-4788 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report - Monday, January 13, 2003.

A first winter RED-NECKED GREBE was discovered 1/12 at Mallard Creek Recreation Area in northeast Lawrence County. From AL 20 in Hillsboro, go north on County 400 for around 4.0 miles to the signed right turn for the park. In 0.2 mile veer right towards the campground and boat ramp. The grebe was out in the cove near the white buoys. Searches today for this bird were unsuccessful. [DeAL 18-E2][BGtA p. 237]

A PACIFIC LOON was seen 1/11 at Guntersville in the main river channel north of Lurleen Wallace Drive out from the cliff and Kiwanis Pier area. [DeAL 25-A10][BGtA p. 259]

Birders on a trip to Blakeley Island near Mobile 1/10 found a LONG-TAILED DUCK, SURF SCOTER, and SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER, southeast of the North Blakely Disposal Area. To reach this location follow US 90 north from I-10 and turn left just before reaching Cochrane Bridge. Follow the paved road under the bridge to the last right turn at a dirt road. I believe there is a coastal birding trail sign here. This road ends at a gate that is usually locked. Park and walk past the gate to the top of dike. The birds were in and near a large wet, marshy area seen in the distance to the southeast. Remember all trips onto the State Docks property at this and other locations must be preceeded by a signed release form and notification phone call. Walk only on diked roads and display your permit in your vehicle. Failure to follow these requirements may endanger future access for everyone. For details on these requirements call Steve McConnell (256/340-5378) or visit the AOS website at: http://www.bham.net/aos/ [DeAL 62-C4][BGtA p. 43]

A TUNDRA/TRUMPETER SWAN continued 1/11 on private property near Wheeler NWR north of Priceville. A distant view of the pond the swan frequents may be obtained from Bethel Road. To reach the best viewpoint, go north from the intersection of Bethel Road and AL 67 in Priceville (this is just east of exit #334 off I-65) for several miles to where Bethel crosses Upper River Road (stop sign). Cross Upper River and in 0.5 mile pull off to view the pond on the right (east) side of the road. Be careful of the narrow shoulders. Look for a large grove of pines and other trees just left of the pond. [DeAL 18-G5]

Alabama's second BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD was banded 1/1 at a home in Ozark. This adult female beauty is at the home of Gifford and Ann Garner and they welcome visitors. Their phone is 334/774-5267 and the address is 223 Eufaula Street. To reach Eufaula Street, go one block south from the intersection of AL 27 (Broad Street) with AL 123 (Union Avenue) in the center of town. Please try to call ahead, but you may still go see the bird if they do not answer. The single feeder is located on the right side of the house behind the carport. [DeAL 60-A4]

ROSS'S GEESE continue to be seen south of Montgomery. Three have been in a field behind ponds east of US 331 and 4.4 miles south of US 80/82 (South Boulevard). The location is 0.9 miles past the intersection of US 331 and Teague Road. [DeAL 45-F7] Another has been in a field off Trotman Road about 0.5 mile east of Woodley Road. To reach this location continue south on US 331 for around 2.0 miles to County 18 in Snowdoun. Turn left on Co. 18 and follow it east for around 6.0 miles to Woodley Road (Co. 39). Turn right and then left onto Trotman in another mile or so. [DeAL 45-F9]

Thank you.

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RBA

*Alabama *Statewide *January 5, 2003 *ALST0301.05

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

Pacific Loon Ross's Goose (3 locations) Surf Scoter THAYER'S GULL BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD Bell's Vireo CAVE SWALLOW

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

Western Kingbird (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

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Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert Date: January 5, 2003 Number: 256/751-4788 Compiler: Steve W. McConnell Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report - Sunday, January 5, 2003.

The Gulf Shores CBC 1/4 produced excellent results with 162 species reported at compilation. This is the 2nd highest total ever! Noteworthy finds were: a 1st winter THAYER'S GULL on the beach just west of the west Perdido Pass jetty and 1-2 PACIFIC LOONS in the vicinity of the pass [DeAL 64-E4][BGtA p. 31]; a CAVE SWALLOW with many Tree Swallows over the large lake at Glenlakes subdivision north of Baldwin County 12 and east of the Foley Expressway (this is AL Coastal Birding Trail stop #18)[DeAL 63-H8]; a SURF SCOTER just offshore from the Lighthouse Motel and west of the pier [DeAL 64-F3]; and a BELL'S VIREO in the woods edge across the street from the first house on the left (south) side of County 8 west of AL 59 [DeAL 64-E3]. The Cave Swallow had been first found 1/3 and was seen again this morning, however, searches for the gull and vireo were not successful. Other new or very rare count species included Western Kingbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Lapland Longspur, Bank Swallow, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and Blue Grosbeak.

Six WESTERN KINGBIRDS were seen at Ft. Morgan 12/30. [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 24]

Three ROSS'S GEESE were seen 1/5 just south of Montgomery. The birds were in a field behind ponds east of US 331 and 4.4 miles south of US 80/82 (South Boulevard). The location is 0.9 miles past the intersection of US 331 and Teague Road. [DeAL 45-F7] Another ROSS'S GOOSE was seen today in a field off Trotman Road about 0.5 mile east of Woodley Road. To reach this location continue south on US 331 for around 2.0 miles to County 18 in Snowdoun. Turn left on Co. 18 and follow it east for around 6.0 miles to Woodley Road (Co. 39). Turn right and then left onto Trotman in another mile or so. [DeAL 45-F9]

Another ROSS'S GOOSE was reported 1/1 from a pond near the Rock Primitive Baptist Church adjacent to Gunwaleford Road (Lauderdale County 2) west of Florence [DeAL 16-C6].

Thank you.

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