The Alabama RBA

November 2004

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page :  Alabama RBA for October, 2004

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for December, 2004

RBA

* Alabama

*Statewide

*November 25, 2004

*ALST0411.25

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--- Species added since last report ---

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none

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--- Species previously reported ---

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Swainson’s Hawk

THAYER’S GULL

Western Kingbird

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

SAGE THRASHER (gone?)

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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

g_d_jackson@bellsouth.net

Fax: 205/987-5167

Alabama Ornithological Society website:

http://www.bham.net/aos/

Alabama RBA archives:

http://www.tvas.org/rba.htm

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert

Date: November 25, 2004

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 – Thursday, November 25, 2004.

The last successful sighting of the Ft. Morgan SAGE THRASHER I’ve seen was from 11/17.  On that day the bird was located in the thick brush and brier area off the sea wall south of the fort.  The thrasher acted very shy and frequently chased by mockingbirds.  Results of searches for this bird would be much appreciated.   Three SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS and a WESTERN KINGBIRD continued at the fort 11/24.  [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 23]

SWAINSON’S HAWKS continued 11/20 in southern Baldwin County .  From AL 59 south of Foley turn west on County 12 and go several miles to about 0.25 mile before County 49. Turn left here onto Sherman Road and go south about a mile towards the T-intersection with County 16.  The hawks have been on both sides of Sherman about 100 yards before County 16.  [DeAL 63-H7]

The West Point Dam THAYER’S GULL was relocated, well photographed, and has continued to be found through at least 11/23.  Since the Alabama line stretches very near the lake’s western edge, the chances of seeing this rarity in Alabama are slim but not impossible.  The bird is apparently frequenting the rocks below the dam - this area is totally in Georgia .  Any observations of this bird in Alabama are highly desired as the species has not yet been completely documented here.  Check  http://birdingonthe.net/birdmail.html  (click on Georgia ) for a transcript of the latest information on this bird or call the Georgia RBA at  770/493-8862.   [DeAL 40-E4][BGtA p. 113]

The following may be called for information:

Birding in Alabama : Greg Jackson (205/987-2855)

Alabama Ornithological Society: Bob Reed  (334/283-5886)

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.

-End Transcript

RBA

*Alabama
*Statewide
*November 15, 2004
*ALST0411.15

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--- Species added since last report ---
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THAYER’S GULL
BLACK-LEGGED KITTWAKE
Western Kingbird
SAGE THRASHER
Lapland Longspur
 

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--- Species previously reported ---
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Swainson’s Hawk
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
SPRAGUE’S PIPIT
 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
g_d_jackson@bellsouth.net 
Fax: 205/987-5167
 

Alabama Ornithological Society website:
http://www.bham.net/aos/ 
Alabama RBA archives:
http://www.tvas.org/rba.htm 
 

- Transcript
 

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: November 15, 2004
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, November 15, 2004.
 

A SAGE THRASHER was discovered 11/14 on the west side of Ft. Morgan.  Later 
in day other observers refound the bird south of the west wall between a house 
and a brick pile.  Results of searches for this bird would be much 
appreciated.   Also seen that day at the fort were three SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS and a 
WESTERN KINGBIRD.  [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 23]
 

Four SPRAGUE’S PIPITS were seen again 11/14 southwest of Foley in Baldwin 
County.  These birds are located on Woerner Turf Farm property but birders have 
permission to walk in and search the short grass field the pipits are being 
seen at.  To reach the location follow County 12 west from AL 59 past its 
intersection with County 65.  In another mile or so turn right onto the dirt road 
just past the Woerner office and equipment sheds.  Turn right again at the first 
opportunity and travel east past a group of six oaks on the left.  Turn at the 
next left and go north a short distance to a pumping station.  Park off the 
road here.  The grass field to check is on the west side of the road.  Also 
seen 11/14 were several LAPLAND LONGSPURS.  [DeAL 63-H7]
 

4-5 SWAINSON’S HAWKS continued 11/14 near the “pipit patch”.  To try for 
these hawks return to County 12 and continue west to about 0.25 mile before 
County 49. Turn left here onto Sherman Road and go south about a mile towards the 
T-intersection with County 16.  The hawks have been on both sides of Sherman 
about 100 yards before County 16.  [DeAL 63-H7]
 

A first winter BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was discovered 11/13 feeding below 
Wilson Dam near Florence.  After resting on the rocks the bird apparently soared 
out-of-view.  A thorough search of the area later in the day failed to refind 
this rarity.   [DeAL 17-C7][BGtA p. 213]
 

A juvenile THAYER’S GULL was reported 11/12 at West Point Dam on the 
Alabama-Georgia line northeast of Opelika.  The gull was seen above the dam near the 
boom and at one point flew west out-of-sight into Alabama. [DeAL 40-E4][BGtA p. 
113]
 

 
The following may be called for information:
Birding in Alabama: Greg Jackson (205/987-2855)
Alabama Ornithological Society: Bob Reed  (334/283-5886)
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.
-End Transcript

RBA

* Alabama

*Statewide

*November 8, 2004

*ALST0411.08

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--- Species added since last report ---

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CALIFORNIA GULL

THAYER’S GULL

Lesser Black-backed Gull

White-winged Dove

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Bachman’s Sparrow

Red Crossbill

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--- Species previously reported ---

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Franklin ’s Gull (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

g_d_jackson@bellsouth.net

Fax: 205/987-5167

Alabama Ornithological Society website:

http://www.bham.net/aos/

Alabama RBA archives:

http://www.tvas.org/rba.htm

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert

Date: November 8, 2004

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, November 8, 2004.

Five RED CROSSBILLS, a RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER, and a singing BACHMAN’S SPARROW were nice finds 11/7 at Talladega NF northeast of Anniston .  Some of the crossbills were singing and may be breeding again.  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.  The crossbills were foraging in the pines over this parking area.   [DeAL 33-A8][BGtA p. 184]

1-2 FRANKLIN ’S GULLS were seen 11/6 at the Magnolia Springs landfill in Baldwin County .  [DeAL 63-G7]

10 WHITE-WINGED DOVES and two SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS were found 11/5 at Ft. Morgan .  The fort reopened last week to public entry following the Ivan cleanup.  [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 23]

First winter CALIFORNIA and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were noted the afternoon of 11/4 above Wilson Dam near Florence .  The parking lot just southeast of the dam provides a good vantage point to check this area.  When traveling north on AL 133 turn right just before reaching the dam.  A search 11/5 did not relocate these birds.   [DeAL 17-C7][BGtA p. 213]

A first winter THAYER’S GULL was reported the afternoon of 10/31 on the pilings at the foot of the US 431 bridge just north of Guntersville.  This bird was not seen during a search on 11/7.  [DeAL 26-A1][BGtA p. 258]

The following may be called for information:

Birding in Alabama : Greg Jackson (205/987-2855)

Alabama Ornithological Society: Bob Reed  (334/283-5886)

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.

-End Transcript

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.

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