The Alabama RBA

August 2003

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page :  Alabama RBA for July, 2003

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for September, 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 *August 18, 2003 *ALST0308.18

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

Glossy Ibis (two locations) American Golden-Plover White-rumped Sandpiper Western Kingbird

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

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 18, 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 - Monday, August 18, 2003.

Visitors to Blakeley Island in Mobile 8/17 found two GLOSSY IBIS and 1-2 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS in the area of ponds #1 and 4. This location is reached by traveling north on AL90 and 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. Ponds #1 and 4 are to the right for the next 0.5 mile or so, opposite the road from pond #5. 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 trip 8/17 to the DOE Charley Pond west of Coden found a GLOSSY IBIS with several other waders. From Shell Belt Road turn north (right) onto Kennedy and follow to its end. [DeAL 62-H2]

Near Florence, a molting adult AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was seen 8/17 at the "Sinks" pond adjacent to the intersection of Colbert County 69 (Fennell Road) and County 24 (6th Street). Later, probably the same bird appeared briefly five miles to the west at Gnat Pond before taking flight toward the west. [DeAL 17-D8&9][BGtA p. 210]

Migrating shorebirds continue to show at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of Montgomery. On 8/10 three UPLAND 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. [DeAL 44-E4]

Six UPLAND SANDPIPERS were seen on sod farm property 8/10 adjacent to the Foley Beach Express between Baldwin County 12 and 20. [DeAL 63-H8]

A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen 8/10 at the Dauphin Island airport. [DeAL 64-B3][BGtA p. 11]

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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