Tennessee Valley Audubon Society

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.

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:

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.

A WESTERN GREBE continued to please many observers through 1/30 at the mouth of Spring Creek northeast of Courtland. The location is reached by following Lawrence County 150 north from Courtland toward the paper mill. In about 2.0 miles you will approach a large pine stand on the right. Turn right (east) onto County 400 just before these trees, cross the RR track, and travel about 0.8 mile to a T-intersection. Turn left here and continue on County 400 northeast for about 2.0 miles to the boat ramp and bridge at Spring Creek. The grebe seems to prefer the inlet on the left (north) side near the Tennessee River . [DeAL 18-D1]

A 1^st winter ICELAND GULL was discovered just before noon 1/30 in a field with many gulls across US Alt 72 / AL 20 from the Decatur landfill. The dump is just west of Decatur near the Morgan-Lawrence county line. After being studied and photographed the bird flew south into the dump apparently to feed. At around 2:00 pm it was seen cruising north toward the nearby Tennessee River . It is likely this is the same bird seen on 1/15 at nearby Wheeler Dam. [DeAL 18-F3][BGtA p. 237]

A male BRONZED COWBIRD was seen with Brown-headeds near the Estuarium at the east end of Dauphin Island 1/29. A search today did not relocate this bird but it certainly could still be present. [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 6]

At least four “ Richardson ’s” CACKLING GEESE were seen and photographed 1/30 in a large Canada flock feeding near the Wheeler NWR observation building. The best time to try for these birds may be first thing in the morning when the refuge opens. The ducks and geese tend to move away from this location by late morning. Current visitor center hours are 9-5 daily. [DeAL 18-G4][BGtA p. 240]

An immature GLAUCOUS GULL was seen 1/26 at Wilson Dam in Lauderdale County . [DeAL 17-C7][BGtA p. 213]

Two PACIFIC LOONS and a cooperative RED-THROATED LOON were seen several times over the weekend from the AL 69 causeway in Guntersville. [DeAL 25-A10][BGtA p. 261]

An apparent NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen and photographed in downtown Birmingham the morning of 1/24 feasting on pigeon. At the time it was perched on a parking deck adjacent to the Alabama Power Building annex. So far searches for this bird have been unsuccessful but with an abundant food source nearby this ultra-rare hawk could certainly still be hanging around. Furth er information on this bird, especially sighting details, are highly desired! [DeAL 30-E5]

A 1^st winter LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continued 1/29 at the Magnolia Springs landfill in Baldwin County . Please remember the new visitation procedure: park at the main office on the left and walk over to the scale office for guidance to the new white-fenced viewing area and visit instructions. Do not drive over the scale or otherwise block traffic! [DeAL 63-G7][BGtA p. 37]

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:

RBA

* Alabama

*Statewide

*January 19, 2005

*ALST0501.19

=====================================

--- Species added since last report ---

=====================================

Black Scoter

WESTERN GREBE

Sandhill Crane

CALIFORNIA GULL

ICELAND GULL

=====================================

--- Species previously reported ---

=====================================

Ross’s Goose (new location)

Pacific Loon

Glaucous Gull (+ new location)

THAYER’S GULL (+ new location)

Lesser Black-backed Gull (+ new location)

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

Please note: Species CAPITALIZED above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee review list.

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: January 19, 2005

Number: 256/751-4788

Compiler: Steve W. McConnell

Email: swmavocet@aol.com

Alabama Rare Bird Report – Wednesday, January 19, 2005.

A WESTERN GREBE was discovered the morning of 1/19 at the mouth of Spring Creek northeast of Courtland. An afternoon search did not relocate this rarity but it could easily still be in the area. The location is reached by following Lawrence County 150 north from Courtland toward the paper mill. In about 2.0 miles you will approach a large pine stand on the right. Turn right (east) onto County 400 just before these trees, cross the RR track, and travel a short distance to a T-intersection. Turn left here and continue on County 400 north and then east for about another 2.0 miles to the boat ramp and bridge at Spring Creek. The grebe was on the left (north) side near the Tennessee River . [DeAL 18-D1][

A 1^st winter ICELAND GULL was discovered and photographed 1/15 below Wheeler Dam in Lawrence County . After a few minutes of observation the bird moved downriver but was coaxed back later with bread offerings. Subsequent searches for this bird have so far been unsuccessful. On 1/16 an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED and a probable THAYER’S GULL were near the discharge ring at the dam’s north end. That same day a different observer was able to use bread and attract in a 1^st winter THAYER’S from the fishing bank just southwest of the dam. [DeAL 17-C10][BGtA p. 207]

An immature GLAUCOUS GULL was found 1/16 and seen again 1/18 at Wilson Dam in Lauderdale County . An adult CALIFORNIA GULL was also discovered there 1/18. [DeAL 17-C7][BGtA p. 213]

Three ROSS’S GEESE were found 1/8 in the Snow Goose flock on Limestone Bay just south of Mooresville. At least 500 SANDHILL CRANES have been frequenting both Limestone Bay and the fields around the Wheeler NWR visitor center observation building. To reach the latter location follow AL 67 west from exit 334 off I-65 in Priceville and look for the signs. [DeAL 18-F5][BGtA p. 244]

A female BLACK SCOTER was seen 1/8 at the west end of White Springs Dike on Wheeler NWR about 0.75 mile from US Alt 72/AL 20. The scoter was with scaup on the first large pond inside the dike. [DeAL 18-F4][BGtA p. 244]

1-2 PACIFIC LOONS continued through at least 1/8 adjacent to the AL 69 causeway in Guntersville. [DeAL 25-A10][BGtA p. 261]

Gull watching continues to be good at Magnolia Springs landfill in Baldwin County . A 1^st winter THAYER’S GULL continued to be seen through at least 1/14. A 1^st winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again 1/19 and up to three LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS have also been present. Please remember the new visitation procedure: park at the main office on the left and walk over to the scale office for guidance to the new white-fenced viewing area and visit instructions. Do not drive over the scale or otherwise block traffic! [DeAL 63-G7][BGtA p. 37]

The winter meeting of the Alabama Ornithological Society will be at Guntersville January 28-30. For details call Bob Reed at the number below or check the AOS website.

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.

Thayer gull

Ross s goose

-End Transcript

Please note: Species CAPITALIZED above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee review list.

SPECIAL ACCESS NOTE: With the start of the new year it is once again time to renew your Blakeley Island entry permit if you intend to bird there during 2005. Visit the AOS website (address above) or call Steve McConnell (256/773-8560) to obtain permit forms or if you have questions on how to properly visit this important birding site. This is also an opportunity to remind anyone planning a visit that ONLY FOOT ACCESS has been granted behind the gates!!! It is NEVER acceptable to drive any vehicle onto the property and onto the dikes even if the gates happen to be open or workers who may be present don’t protest. ALWAYS PARK OUTSIDE THE GATES AND WALK IN!!! If you cannot comply with these requirements, please bird elsewhere! We were banned from this property once and it took significant sweat and tears to persuade state authorities we could be responsible and adhere to their limited visitation requirements. If birders are once again banned from the Blakeley Island properties, we will likely not get another chance!

Gull watching over the weekend at Magnolia Springs landfill in Baldwin County was very productive! A 1^st winter THAYER’S GULL was discovered there 12/30. On 1/3 this bird was relocated, extensively studied, and photographed, and may provide the first well-documented Alabama record. Other recent sightings at the landfill include a 1^st winter GLAUCOUS GULL on 12/30 and at least three LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS (one adult) on 1/3. Please remember the new visitation procedure: park at the main office on the left and walk over to the scale office for guidance to the new white-fenced viewing area and visit instructions. Do not drive over the scale or otherwise block traffic! [DeAL 63-G7][BGtA p. 37]

The female ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD continued through at least 1/2 at a home in Lillian in Baldwin County . A BLACK-CHINNED has also been present. The Anna’s has several rose-red gorget feathers and is marked with a yellow crown stripe. The Dickerson home is located at 10537 County Road 99 on the west side of the road about 2.7 miles south of US 98. The phone number is 251/961-3000, however, it is not necessary to call before visiting. [DeAL 63-H10]

Two probable CACKLING GEESE were discovered with a Snow Goose just southwest of Lillian 12/30. The birds were also seen 12/31, however, searchers over the weekend were unable to relocate these birds. If you want to try, follow US 98 towards Lillian and turn south on Baldwin County 91. The pasture pond is on the right (west) side of the road in 1.1 miles. [DeAL 63-H10]

The Gulf Shores CBC was successfully conducted 1/2 with 141 species reported at compilation. Unusual finds included an adult MASKED BOOBY seen feeding with gannets in the gulf southeast of the Alabama Point beach. [DeAL 64-F4] Also, a probable LESSER NIGHTHAWK was seen flying over AL 180 (aka Canal Road ) adjacent to the intercoastal waterway about 2.0 miles east of AL 59 near the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach city limit signs. [DeAL 64-E3] A male VERMILION FLYCATCHER was refound at Glenlakes subdivision where one has been present since October. From AL 59 south of Foley, travel east on County Road 20 around 3.0 miles to the Glenlakes entrance at Clubhouse Road . Turn right and follow the road to Bunker Lane . Turn left on Bunker and follow it to the intersection of Lakeview Drive . The lake is visible straight ahead. Turn left on Lakeview and park in the small pull off area on left. The bird was actively feeding again in the yards left of the small green pumphouse. Walk along the concrete drainage ditch out to the lake for the best view. [DeAL 63-H8][BGtA p. 36] In the western portion of the count circle, an ANI (species unknown) was seen flying into a thick hedge at the 90 degree turn in Carver Road about 0.5 mile north of County 49 west of Bon Secour. [DeAL 64-E2] A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was also seen that day on powerlines along County 49 between County 12 and 16. [DeAL 63-H7]

A ROSS’S GOOSE was found 1/1 at the Hope Hull industrial park southwest of Montgomery . [DeAL 45-F7]

On 1/2 a dozen LAPLAND LONGSPURS were found at the Woerner Turf Farm in Lowndes County west of Montgomery . To reach the sod 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&5]

A PACIFIC LOON was seen again 12/30 south of the AL 69 causeway in Guntersville. [DeAL 25-A10][BGtA p. 261]

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:

The Alabama RBA

January 2005

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell: