The Alabama RBA

March 2006

Brought to you courtesy of Greg Jackson and Steve McConnell:

Previous RBA Page :  Alabama RBA for February, 2006

Next RBA Page: Alabama RBA for April, 2006

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 inAlabama, 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

*March 17, 2006

*ALST0603.17

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--- Species added since last report ---

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Eared Grebe

Great Black-backed Gull

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Bachman’s Sparrow

Western Meadowlark (gone?)

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Red Crossbill

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--- Species previously reported ---

TRUMPETER SWAN (gone)

HARRIS’S HAWK

COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD (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 ABRC section) for forms and suggestions on how to submit your sightings of these species to the state database.

Written details, photos, recordings, etc. are highly desired for ABRC Review List species and should be sent to:

Greg D. Jackson

2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244

g_d_jackson@bellsouth.net

Fax: 205/987-5167

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Alabama Ornithological Society website:

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

Alabama RBA archives:

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

NABT = North Alabama Birding Trail (http://www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com/)

ACBT = Alabama Coastal Birding Trail (http://www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com/)

- Transcript

Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert

Date: March 17, 2006

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.

Alabama Rare Bird Report – Friday, March 17, 2006.

A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was heard, seen, and photographed, in late February at the Dauphin Island airport. The location was generally north of the parking lot in the bushes left of the runway. The last positive report I have was from 2/28. Nearby, a HARRIS’S HAWK, origin unknown, continued to be seen through at least 3/11. This wary bird appears to favor the area bordered by Octavia and Narvaez although it has also been found at times a couple blocks away.

An immature GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was found 3/11 on a sandbar near the fishing pier. Also on the island recently, a female-type YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was found ¾ associating with a cowbird flock on the east end near the campground entrance. [DeAL 64-B3&4][BGtA p. 6-12]

An alternate-plumage EARED GREBE was found 3/13 on the Tennessee River at the mouth of Town Creek. The location is north of the boat ramp and former Point Restaurant. [DeAL 17-C9][BGtA p. 209]

At least four RED CROSSBILLS (including one juvenile) were observed 3/15 at Talladega NF northeast of Anniston where the species has been a regular treat for several years now. 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. Check the trees in the parking area and the nearby Pinhoti Trail. BACHMAN’S SPARROWS were also singing along the trail that day and a RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER was found farther east toward Lake Coleman. [DeAL 33-A8][BGtA p. 184]

The two immature TRUMPETER SWANS, present for at least a month on a pond south of Opelika, apparently departed around 3/8. Also, Montgomery’s wintering COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD was last reported around 2/19 and is likely gone.

The world-famous Hummer/Bird Study Group will be banding at Ft. Morgan April 1-15. Visitors are welcome! Please note: this banding operation takes place on fort property so expect to pay the standard fort entrance fee. In the interest of maintaining a positive birder image with those administrating the fort, PLEASE be sure you pay your way!!!

The next meeting of the Alabama Ornithological Society will be held on Dauphin Island April 21-23.

The following may be called for information:

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

Alabama Ornithological Society: Stan Hamilton (205/951-5630)

Alabama Breeding Bird Atlas project: Rick West (800/707-4382 or 334/324-6477)

Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center hotline: (205/621-3333)

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

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